KUALA LUMPUR 2 December - The fall in newspaper circulation clearly proves that people are “disgusted” with the mainstream media, said the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in their call for “true media freedom” for the new year.

“The union is asking all mainstream journalists, especially of Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times, Berita Harian and the Star to return to their true function as deliverers of objective information to the public, and not as tools of propaganda for the government of any political party or individual, for their personal gain,” said NUJ president Hata Wahari (right) in a statement today.

KUALA LUMPUR 25 November - The Kuala Lumpur High Court has dismissed the suit brought by former PKR deputy secretary-general P Jenapala against the party.

High Court (Appeals and Special Powers division) justice Aziah Ali said the court does not have the jurisdiction to intervene in matters affecting political party.

SHAH ALAM 19 October - Singapore vowed last Monday to conserve a historic train station after neighbouring Malaysia cedes ownership of railway land in the city-state.

Foreign Minister George Yeo said the Tanjong Pagar station, built during British colonial rule over the two countries, would be protected.

He said the proceeds, from the RM10,000 fee for each Open AP, would be used to implement the bumiputera development plan in the automotive sector.

"The government is formulating the plan, including for the Open AP holders to move to other business sectors," he told a news conference after opening the RM12 million Wisma Lace Motor Sdn Bhd in Johor Baharu.

ANALYSIS 17 October - The impending Galas and Batu Sapi by-elections have come about unexpectedly, and will again serve as another important test of support by political parties on both sides.




Considered to be another BN bastion, it has a mix of 60 percent Muslim bumiputera voters and 38 percent Chinese voters.

This, he said was based on two factors, the efficiency of the BN election machinery and the increasing support for the coalition by the people in the constituency.

REMBAU 11 October - The Delima express bus involved in a highway pile-up near Pedas here was a three-year-old vehicle and its engine and tyres were in fairly good condition, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha here yesterday.
He said the single-deck bus was sent for Puspakom inspections regularly and that the 52-year-old bus driver, who was killed in the 7pm incident on Sunday, did not have any outstanding traffic summonses issued while the driver's license and bus permit were valid.

"Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the accident but a preliminary report shows that the express bus is fairly new and had been on the road for only three years. Its tyres and the condition of the vehicle is well-maintained," he told reporters after visiting the scene of the accident, here.

Kong also said a joint committee comprising the Road Safety Department, Road Transport Department and the Malaysian Institue of Road Safety Research has been set up to investigate the accident.


"The road along this stretch is very straight and we are looking into all the possible factors which could have contributed to the collision. Among them are the bus steering, brake system, weather and the guardrail and alignment of the road.

"Our priority us clearly to deal with the immediate situation. The committee members are to bring their expertise and knowledge to come up with practical and workable recommendations to prevent future occurences," he said.

He added that the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, which is to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting, will include giving authority to Road Transport Department enforcement officers to act against commercial vehicle drivers, who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

"Currently only the police and the National Anti Drugs Agency are given the power to take action against such drivers. However my ministry will propose that RTD enforcement officers are given the power to do the same.

"This will help the authorities nab and keep irresponsible drivers off the roads and ensure the safety of motorists," said Kong, who later visited the road crash victims at the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the 12 victims, who died in the accident at KM223, Simpang Ampat of the North-South Highway, and wished the 45 injured victims a speedy recovery.

Puteri Umno chief Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said she was saddened by Adnan's statement and would raise the movement's indignation over the senior leader's criticism at the next supreme council meeting.

SHAH ALAM 5 October - Former PKR secretary-general Khalid Ibrahim has announced that he will contest for a "high position" in the upcoming party polls but refused to reveal any specifics.

"As one of the party leaders and the Menteri Besar of a Pakatan Rakyat Government, I see the need to make a decision that is brave, bold and wise, to ensure party unity is intact. I hereby offer myself to contest for a position within the party's top leadership," he said.

Khalid (left) added that he will only reveal the position that he is gunning for on Oct 10, after PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim returns from overseas.