The Star Online: Nation
The Star Online: Nation |
- Najib: Moderation must prevail to build progressive nation
- Three Genneva directors, ex-director ordered to defend money-laundering charges
- All set for grand Thaipusam celebration
| Najib: Moderation must prevail to build progressive nation Posted: 23 Jan 2013 07:14 AM PST KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of "wasatiyyah" or moderation as taught by Prophet Muhammad should prevail to ensure that the mission of building a progressive and competitive nation is achieved, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. In his message in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration Thursday, Najib said the Prophet was a role model who practised moderation in his life and the concept had brought about unity and solidarity of Muslims throughout the world. "Moderation as practised by the Prophet has resulted in creating the momentum to drive the development of each race and country in the world. "Therefore, this momentum needs to continue to ensure our mission to build a progressive and competitive country is achieved," he said in his personal blog Wednesday. Najib said Malaysia's ability to strengthen relations between the West and Islamic world was highlighted by former Asean secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan as a successful model of the moderate approach, as practised by the Malaysian government in handling various issues and conflicts in the region. He said the practice of moderation in Malaysia had become the best example to Islamic countries in resolving regional issues, including Malaysia's success as mediator in the southern Philippine conflict, which proved that it was not only respected among Islamic countries but also among western countries. "I have just made a humanitarian visit to Palestine to show our full support for the struggle of the Palestinians in facing the Zionist regime in Gaza and offered to help as a middle person to bring peace between Hamas and Fatah. "The fact is that the world recognises Malaysia as an important voice for peace. Therefore, we need to maintain ourselves as a credible and respectd government at the international level," he said. In ending his message, Najib called on Muslims in Malaysia to spread peace and blessings to the Prophet as a sign of love and affection for him. "The Prophet was indeed the greatest man, thus we should also strive to become great Muslims. "I pray the celebration this time will move us in our struggle to attain goodness in this world and hereafter as enjoined by the Prophet," he said. - Bernama |
| Three Genneva directors, ex-director ordered to defend money-laundering charges Posted: 23 Jan 2013 06:22 AM PST KUALA LUMPUR: Three directors and a former director of gold investment company Genneva Sdn Bhd were ordered by a Sessions Court here Wednesday to enter their defence on 224 charges of money-laundering and five charges of illegal deposit-taking involving more than RM100mil. Judge Datuk Rozana Ali Yusuff made the decision after finding the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against Ng Poh Weng, 63, Marcus Yee Yuen Seng, 61, Chin Wai Leong, 37, and Liew Chee Wah, 59, respectively. The court fixed March 15 for the defence trial. All four had opted to testify under oath. For the money laundering charges, Ng is facing 93 counts, Yee, 40 counts, Chin, 61, and Liew, 30 counts. They allegedly committed the offences at Public Bank Berhad, Kuala Lumpur branch, City Main Office, Menara Public Bank, 146 Jalan Ampang here between July 2008 and June 2009. For the illegal deposit-taking charges, they allegedly committed the offences at Jalan Kuchai Maju 6, off Jalan Kuchai Lama between November 2008 and July 2009. Mardziatun Nisa is deputy public prosecutor while Datuk Hanif Hashim represented the four accused. - Bernama |
| All set for grand Thaipusam celebration Posted: 23 Jan 2013 05:47 AM PST KUALA LUMPUR: Some 1,300 police personnel and more than 500 members of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) will be deployed for security control during the Thaipusam celebration on Sunday. Gombak police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Abdullah said Wednesday that police would also make available five mobile police stations for the people to lodge reports on crime. He said many devotees were expected to gather at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in the wee hours of Saturday and follow the silver chariot on its journey through several streets of Kuala Lumpur to the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves. "We expect the procession to arrive at Batu Caves at about 2.30pm the same day. Several roads along the way will be closed in stages to facilitate the procession. "Besides Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, the other roads to be closed are Jalan Sultan, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Ipoh," he told a news conference held together with Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevasthanam temple chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah. Nadarajah said the temple management had secured the cooperation of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, several other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Selayang Municipal Council to facilitate the Thaipusam celebration. He also said the number of stalls in the Batu Caves temple compound had been reduced to 400 this year to facilitate movement of the anticipated 1.6 million devotees and visitors. He advised the devotees and visitors not to wear too much jewellery and ensure that their belongings were well secured so as not to attract the attention of snatch thieves and robbers. An information and complaints counter would be opened at the administration office near the entrance of the temple, he added. Meanwhile, the MIC said in a statement that it would be distributing 30,000 refreshment and food packets to devotees in the vicinity of its headquarters in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration. Its secretary-general Datuk S. Murugessan said the party would be setting up a "Thaneer Panthal" (refreshment stall) on Friday from 11pm for the benefit of devotees taking part in the chariot procession. "It is expected that there will be more than 100,000 devotees in the procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee to the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniam temple," he said. Murugessan said MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and other MIC leaders would be present during the chariot procession. Reminding Hindus that Thaipusam, despite attracting many tourists over the years, was still a religious festival, he urged those participating in the procession to be mindful of the fact and to be traditionally dressed. The festival commemorates the birthday of Lord Muruga, who was given a "vel" (spear) by the Goddess Parvathi to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. - Bernama |
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