Our Prime Minister making a surprise visit April 5, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat:
Less than 24 hours after he was appointed Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak made a surprise visit to three areas in the federal capital to meet the people and know their problems.

Clad in casual khaki attire, Najib spent over two hours visiting Petaling Street, also known as KL’s Chinatown, the predominantly-Malay area of Vista Angkasa near Kampung Kerinchi, and then Brickfields with its Indian-majority community.

Najib was accompanied by KL Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail and Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, who was understood to have briefed Najib earlier on the three areas and the upgrading projects.

The new prime minister arrived in Petaling Street at 3.25pm with the traders and shoppers looking pleasantly surprised by the visit. Najib went around shaking hands and exchanging a few words with the crowd, including a lorry attendant who extended his hand for a handshake while unloading goods.

Some in the crowd clapped or waved their hands at Najib, some took photographs while there were those who wasted no time to inform Najib of their problems.
Najib advised the traders at this popular tourist spot to employ locals.

“It’s good if the leaders meet the people more often,” said trader Lim Teck Heng, 47.

Najib received the same warm reception in Vista Angkasa with its low-cost and medium-cost apartments.

“I was really surprised to see the prime minister coming out of his car here. I am also touched by his presence. I like his approach,” said Mohamad Hassan, a resident.

“I want this to be an unofficial and surprise visit. I told Zulhasnan that I did not want a red-carpet welcome with ‘bunga manggar’,” Najib told the residents.

“My visit is for meeting ordinary people to know about their problems,” he
added.

Najib also said that the government had approved a RM6.1 million allocation to improve the housing area, which has 1,050 units including 196 low-cost ones.

Out of the allocation, RM2.8 million will be for repainting the blocks, RM1.3 for repairing the roofs, RM1 for improving the anti-lightning system, RM600,000 for replacing the lifts and RM400,000 for improving the telecommunication system.

Najib said the strata titles for the housing area would be issued after the completion of the upgrading works which would begin soon.

“The government will implement what is within its means to provide a more comfortable living environment for the people. This is in line with the One Malaysia concept with the people’s needs being given priority and implementation of projects speeded up.”

Besides talking to the residents, Najib also toured the area. He was there for about 20 minutes.

“When a leader comes visiting like this, only then will he know about our needs and problems,” said Othman Ahmad, 58.

When Najib then arrived at the row of shophouses in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields at 4.20pm, the atmosphere was rather joyous as traders, shoppers and passers-by reached forward to shake hands with Najib.

He even stopped at a restaurant there for ‘putu mayam’ and ‘thosai’ with curry placed on a banana leaf, and a glass of ‘teh O ais limau’ (iced tea with a queeze of lime) before leaving “Little India” at 5pm.

“Who would think that yesterday he took his oath of office (as PM) and today he’s here?” said G. Subramaniam, 20, a Brickfields resident.

Foodstall operator R. Puvaneswaran, 37, was delighted to see the prime
minister at close range. “I am also happy that many ISA detainees are freed. I have three relatives (among them).”

Another resident, A. Parameswari, 50, said leaders must always “turun
padang” (go to the ground) to look after the interest of the people.

It is learnt that Najib will be using the same approach in the states he will be visiting.

*all information was taken from News Straits Time.

Fifth Former stabs classmate over spurned love October 22, 2008

By : Fay Angela D’cruz and Mazlinda Mahmood 

SHAH ALAM: There was mayhem at a secondary school in Kampung Baru Cina Subang here on Monday when a Form Five student was stabbed in the abdomen by a spurned lover.

The victim, whose identity is being withheld, was admitted to the University Malaya Medical Centre in serious condition, while her assailant has gone missing.

The suspect, said to be also in Form Five, is believed to be the victim’s classmate. 

Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had been trying to woo the girl for the past six months. He had even visited her home several times, but she was not interested in starting a relationship.

Witnesses told police that the girl was attacked in-between two school blocks just before the morning bell went off. 

She was left in a semi-conscious state on the ground and was bleeding before teachers and students rushed to her aid.

Police said several students of the co-ed school started screaming when they saw the attack, forcing the suspect to immediately flee the scene.

One of the teachers lodged a police report at noon after rushing the victim to the hospital.

“The suspect and victim are from the same school,” a police official said, adding that the suspect was long gone when police arrived at the scene.

“We are looking for the suspect and the weapon used.” 

The official said police were still speaking to witnesses. They were also waiting to speak to the victim, who is in the hospital’s emergency ward.

At the hospital yesterday, a relative said the victim was still in shock and refused to speak to anyone.

“She cries when she begins to relate what had happened. Then she stops talking,” the relative said.

“We believe she was attacked simply because she had rejected the suspect’s advances and had refused to go out with him.

“He had been trying to court her for more than six months.”

The relative said the boy had gone to the house several times but the girl had refused to entertain him,

“I can’t believe something like this can happen as she is a nice and decent girl.” 

The victim’s family is now concerned that she might not be in the right frame of mind to sit the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination next month.

The victim’s parents, who were at the hospital, declined to comment and asked to be left alone.

Source: NST news

UPDATE: PM not contesting, to quit in March October 8, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, WED:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not seek to be re-elected as Umno president.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Barisan Nasional Supreme Council meeting today, Abdullah said he would stay on as Prime Minister until March as he wanted to see several initiatives to be implemented before he leaves.
Among them is to reform the judiciary, his effort to fight corruption and the special complaints commission to revamp the police force.
Abdullah also said he would discuss handing over the prime minister’s post to Najib after the Umno elections.
“I know I’ve not been doing well; it’s time for someone else to take over,” he said adding that he would not pick a deputy for his successor, Najib.
He also said he does not want a divided party or a divided government.
The meeting, which started at 3.40pm, was attended by nearly all component party leaders.
By tradition, the Umno president and deputy president become the prime minister and deputy prime minister respectively. Najib is expected to run for president, and if he wins, would become the nation’s sixth prime minister.
Abdullah had said he would decide by Oct 9 whether he would defend his party presidency.

About 40 of his supporters converged at the prime minister’s official residence, Seri Perdana, today, demanding the prime minister to defend the party president post. Led by deputy chairman of the Umno Overseas Club, Datuk Rais Zainuddin, the group, which also comprised members of non-governmental organisations, also held posters of Abdullah.
Chants of “Hidup Pak Lah’ roared when Abdullah, under heavy escort, left the residence for his office for the weekly cabinet meeting at 9.35am.
Several other groups were also seen outside the Umno headquarters. they claimed to be from Perak and Johor Umno divisions and various NGOs.
roups of supporters gathered outside the Umno headquarters here ahead of Abdullah’s 
meeting with the supreme council.
The supporters claimed to be from Umno divisions in Perak and Johor, as well as various non-governmental organisations.
Abdullah’s political career began in 1978 when he resigned as the deputy secretary-general of the Culture, Youth & Sports Ministry to contest for the Kepala Batas parliamentary seat.
Following the victory he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Territory Ministry.

source : NST news.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! August 31, 2008

51st Merdeka: Seven cheers for Merdeka

By : Joseph Sipalan 

Jubilant Malaysians from all walks of life come together to celebrate the nation’s independence at Dataran Merdeka. — Picture by Effendy

 

KUALA LUMPUR: At the stroke of midnight, the country’s Merdeka celebrations roared to a start as Malaysians came together at Dataran Merdeka to celebrate 51 years of independence.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi leads the crowd in seven shouts of ‘Merdeka’ at Dataran Merdeka. — Picture by Afendi Mohamed

Datuk Seri Najib Razak celebrating with the large crowd at KLCC last night. — Picture by Yusni Ariffin

Led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the crowd of 5,000 as one roared “Merdeka!” seven times, echoing Tunku Abdul Rahman’s action in declaring the country’s independence in 1957.

The prime minister was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Unity, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.

It was an eventful night, with performances that embodied everything Malaysian — our vibrant culture which co-exists with thriving modernity.

Cultural and religious differences took a back seat, as Malaysians from varied walks of life mingled and shared the limited space at the square.
Business was also thriving for the many stalls set up to satisfy parched throats and growling stomachs, as well as enterprising individuals hawking a host of items such as flags and colourful accessories.

As midnight approached, all eyes and ears were trained on Abdullah and the atmosphere became charged with anticipation as the crowd began a spirited countdown to midnight, culminating in a 10-minute fireworks display.

Celebrations were also held at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

It was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ong Ka Chuan attended festivities in Bukit Bintang.

Budget 2009 August 29, 2008

These are the highlights of the 2009 Budget being announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

 

• Some 100,000 tax payers to be out of the tax net as rebate for taxable income of RM35,000 and below will be increased to RM400 from RM350
• Tax exemption for all interest income for individuals
• Reduction of import duties for consumer durables (examples: blender, rice cooker, microwave oven and electric kettle) to between 5 percent and 30 percent from 10 percent and 60 percent
  
• Import duty exemption on several food items including vermicelli, biscuits, fruit juices and canned sweet corn
• Road tax for passenger vehicles with diesel engines to be similar with petrol engines effective Sept 1, 2008
• Tax exemption for employees on staff benefits such as subsidised interest on housing, motor vehicles and education loans
• Bills of mobile and fixed line phones as well as internet paid by employers to be tax-exempted
• Government to provide RM3 billion soft loan facility under public transportation to finance acquisition of buses and rail assets to be administered by bank pembangunan malaysia bhd
• 50 percent reduction in toll charges for all buses, except at border entry points, for two years effective Sept 15, 2008
• Efficiency of public transportation to be improved via rm35 billion expenditure from 2009 to 2014
• Farmers to benefit from proposal to abolish import duty on fertilizers and pesticides
• Home ownership among civil servants to be boosted by extension of housing loans tenure to 30 years from 25 years
• Government housing loan insurance panel to be expanded to all eligible insurance companies from only five insurance companies now
• Excise duties on cigarattes up three sen to 18 sen per stick. Duty for 20-stick pack now up 60 sen
• Highest marginal tax rate for individuals to be cut to 27 percent from 28 percent effective year of assessment 2009
• Middle income group to benefit from cut in marginal tax rate to 12 percent from 13 percent
• Accelerated capital allowance for purchase of ICT equipment can be claimed over one year instead of two years (86).
• Import prohibition on cranes used at ports to be removed. Import duty for the cranes cut to 5 percent from 20 percent (88)
• New investments by operators of four-star & five-star hotels in sabah and Sarawak to enjoy pioneer status with 100 percent income tax exemption or investment tax allowance of 100 percent for five years.
• Venture capital companies to enjoy five-year tax exemption for investing at least 30 percent of their funds in start-up, early stage financing or seed capital
• Local shipping industry to be promoted via a new rm2 billion fund to finance the purchase of ships and upgrading of shipyards.
• Plants and machinery acquired by SMEs in the years of assessment 2009 and 2010 to be accorded accelarated capital allowance to be claimed within one year.
• Local shipping industry to be promoted via a new RM2 billion fund to finance the purchase of ships and upgrading of shipyards
• Plants and machinery acquired by smes in the years of assessment 2009 and 2010 to be accorded accelerated capital allowance to be claimed within one year.
• Removed – import duty and sales tax on solar photovoltaic system equipment
• Removed – import duty and sales tax on intermediate goods such as high efficiency motors and insulation materials
• Removed – sales tax on locally manufactured solar heating system equipment
• Removed – sales tax on locally manufactured energy efficient consumer goods such as refrigerators, air conditioners, lightings, fans and tvs
• Exemption of 100 percent import duty & 50 percent excise duty on new hybrid CBU cars, with engine capacity below two 2,000 cc litre to be given to franchise importers. The exemption is for two years
• One month bonus for civil servants, subject to a minimum of RM1,000. Payment in two instalments – September and December 2008

References, http://www.nst.com.my/

New Revolution in Malaysia August 27, 2008

It’s Anwar, as expected

By : A. Kathirasen, Sharanjit Singh, Lee Keng Fatt, Elizabeth John, Audrey Dermawan, S. Arulldas, Adie Suri Zulkefli, Melissa Darlyne Chow and Sajahan Waheed

 

Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah casting his vote yesterday.

BUTTERWORTH:

As expected, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won the Permatang Pauh by-election yesterday.

Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak talking to BN election workers at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seberang Jaya 2 in Permatang Pauh yesterday.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim waving to supporters outside the Institut Perguruan Tuanku Bainun yesterday. — NST picture Rosli Ahmad

He polled 31,195 votes compared with the 15,524 obtained by Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah.

Anwar’s majority of 15,671 votes was bigger than that obtained by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the March general election.

The third candidate, Hanafi Mamat, who contested on a Parti Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) ticket, only managed to get 92 votes, losing his RM15,000 deposit in the process.

There were 447 spoilt votes.

With the win, Anwar takes back the seat he had held from 1982 to 1999. In 1998, after he was sacked from government and jailed, Dr Wan Azizah won the seat in the general election that followed. She was returned again on March 8 but resigned on July 31, to force a by-election so that Anwar could return to Parliament.

That Anwar was set to make his political comeback after a 10-year absence, of which six were spent behind bars, became apparent by the time polling stations closed at 5pm.

An estimated 40,000 Pakatan Rakyat supporters swarmed the Tuanku Bainun Teacher Training College grounds to celebrate the victory.

The crowd began to gather at the area from 4pm. Conspicuously missing were Barisan Nasional supporters.

When the crowd grew larger, the field set aside for BN supporters was opened to Pakatan Rakyat supporters.

The crowd cheered each time the returning officer announced Anwar had won in a particular polling station.

Shouts of “reformasi” and “Merdeka” filled the air with supporters waving their party flag.

Dubbed the “mother” of all by-elections, BN was the underdog from the start as Permatang Pauh has long been Anwar’s turf.

Nevertheless, the BN fought hard. It was a ferocious 10 days of campaigning as both sides traded insults and accusations. Some have even described it as the dirtiest by-election ever.

Anwar and his supporters had claimed that the government and mainstream media had mounted an “intensely negative campaign” against him

They also claimed that there was electoral fraud.

commuter and LRT August 21, 2008

Abdullah rail-ly unhappy:

KUALA LUMPUR, THURS:

Setting aside protocol, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took rides on the commuter and LRT rail services from Serdang to the city centre today to get a feel of the transportation problems faced by the public and came away less than satisfied.

Throughout the one-hour journey, during which he switched trains, the prime minister noted the congestion, especially during the peak period, and spoke to his fellow passengers to get their feedback.

Speaking to Bernama after disembarking at the Masjid Jamek LRT station, he said he was not satisfied with the rail services and wanted immediate improvements to be made.

He said the existing services were not systematic, there were not enough coaches and coverage was not comprehensive, leaving many areas not serviced.

“I just saw the plight of people using the trains to get to work every morning. They were jostling to get on board every time a train arrived. There appeared to be no system. 
“I’m not happy with this because the people are not getting satisfaction from riding the trains. This we must fix,” he said.

“I found the trains really packed with so many passengers. Some had waited for three trains and yet could not board. 

“There’s no queue. People push their way in, women with children and old people are pushed aside,” he added.

Abdullah, who was not accompanied by any officials from the two rail services, arrived at the Serdang Komuter KTM station at 8.15am but could not get on board the first train that arrived because it was packed.

He got on the next train which arrived 15 minutes later and headed for KL Sentral, the modern transportation hub for the various rail services.

There he also had to wait a while to switch to the Putra LRT service to get to the Masjid Jamek station because again, the first train to arrive was full. 

On both the trains that he took, the prime minister, dressed in a red batik shirt with golden print, had to stand although the passengers offered him their seats. 

Upon arrival at the Masjid Jamek station at 9.15am, he chatted with members of the the public and bought several types of local cakes from the sellers there before leaving.

Abdullah said he would give attention to efforts to improve the quality of both rail services. 

He said trains that were not punctual and people scrambling to get into the trains caused problems to other passengers.

Immediate steps would be taken including improving the train schedules, having a more systematic system and giving attention to senior citizens and women with children.

“There were many more suggestions given me by the passengers for my attention. I will strive for improvements, I will propose changes,” he said.

Berita Harian August 16, 2008

 

Anwar belum pasti jadi PM

PRESIDEN PAS Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang menyampaikan ucapan dasar dan merasmikan Muktamar Tahunan PAS kali ke-54 di Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, semalam. – Foto Muhaizan Yahya

Pakatan tak pilih sesiapa lagi: Hadi 

IPOH: Pakatan Rakyat tidak pernah bersetuju untuk melantik Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sebagai Perdana Menteri jika berjaya menubuhkan Kerajaan Pusat pada 16 September ini seperti diuar-uarkan, kata Presiden Pas, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. 

Beliau berkata, gabungan pembangkang yang dibentuk daripada kerjasama Pas, DAP dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) itu sehingga kini tidak pernah melantik sesiapa pun menjadi ketua kerana setiap keputusan berhubung kepimpinan akan dibuat secara kolektif. 

Katanya, setakat ini Pakatan Rakyat hanya mengesahkan bersetuju untuk melantik Anwar sebagai Ketua Pembangkang di Dewan Rakyat, itu pun jika beliau menang pilihan raya kecil Parlimen Permatang Pauh pada 26 Ogos ini.

“Kita tidak pernah membuat pengumuman (Anwar akan jadi Perdana Menteri). Kita akan bincang dan akan melihat siapa yang boleh diterima oleh masyarakat majmuk. 

“Dia tidak (belum) bertanding lagi. Tunggu dia bertanding, tunggu dia menang. Lepas menang, kita tunggu 16 September. Jadi, nanti dulu, belum tiba masanya (bincang siapa jadi Perdana Menteri), kalau tidak nanti kita akan jadi seperti Mat Jenin. 

“Saya tak mahu jadi ahli politik Mat Jenin. Tulis Mat Jenin (meminta wartawan menulis)… panjat pokok kelapa, belum dapat buah, dah bercita-cita nak jadi raja,” katanya pada sidang media selepas menyampaikan ucapan dasar pada Muktamar Tahunan Pas Ke-54 di Stadium Indera Mulia di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan perwakilan Pemuda Pas dan Dewan Ulama kelmarin yang mahu Abdul Hadi menjadi Perdana Menteri jika Pakatan Rakyat membentuk Kerajaan Pusat berbanding Anwar yang diuar-uarkan penyokongnya sebagai `Perdana Menteri menanti’. 

Malah, beberapa perwakilan pada Muktamar Dewan Pemuda Pas secara terbuka mengingatkan kepimpinan serta ahli parti supaya jangan terlalu kagum dengan Anwar, sebaliknya berhati-hati dengan Penasihat PKR itu. 

Abdul Hadi berkata, luahan tidak puas hati itu adalah pandangan peribadi perwakilan, bukannya keputusan Pas dan sebagai parti yang mengamalkan demokrasi, mereka boleh bercakap apa saja tetapi yang membuat keputusan ialah kepemimpinan tertinggi. 

Katanya, Pas sebagai parti Islam hanya akan menyertai kerajaan yang berteraskan orang Melayu/Islam dan faktor itu sudah diterima semua termasuk komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) yang boleh menerima Umno dan orang Melayu sebagai teras pemerintahan negara.

Ditanya adakah kenyataannya itu bermaksud Pas mahu menjadi teras dalam Pakatan Rakyat seperti Umno dalam BN, beliau berkata: “Tidak semestinya… kita akan melihat kepada penerimaan rakyat nanti.” 

Beliau juga berkata, parti itu akan melihat kepada pandangan dan realiti politik semasa serta perbincangan dalam Pakatan Rakyat sama ada bersedia menerima Timbalan Perdana Menteri bukan Melayu/Islam. 

Bagaimanapun, Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh, ketika dihubungi, tidak bersetuju dengan kenyataan Abdul Hadi dan menegaskan pemimpin daripada parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat yang memiliki bilangan kerusi Parlimen paling banyak harus menjadi Perdana Menteri. 

Beliau berkata, mengikut prinsip dan amalan demokrasi, parti majoriti mempunyai lebih hak dalam menentukan kepemimpinan sesebuah negara. 

“Dalam hal ini, jika sesebuah parti itu mendapat sokongan majoriti rakyat dan seterusnya mendapat perkenan Yang di-Pertuan Agong berhubung jawatan Perdana Menteri, pemimpin daripada parti itulah yang menjadi Perdana Menteri,” katanya. 

Ketua Penerangan PKR, Tian Chua, pula mengakui Pakatan Rakyat masih belum membuat sebarang keputusan siapakah yang akan menjadi Perdana Menteri jika mereka berjaya membentuk kerajaan Pusat pada masa depan. 

“Sehingga ini, belum ada perbincangan siapakah yang akan menjadi Perdana Menteri bagi kerajaan baru yang bakal dibentuk. Apa yang dikatakan Abdul Hadi itu adalah betul,” katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, semalam.

Changes to free young minds July 27, 2008

 

The University and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) may finally be free of its draconian image with a possible amendment soon that may change its flavour for good. There is hope yet for greater freedom of association and expression for university students, writes ANIZA DAMIS.

MENTION the University and University Colleges Act 1971 and most public university students will tell you it’s draconian in nature.

While most would be hard-pressed to detail the contents of the AUKU, it is clear that the act curtails a student’s freedom of association and expression.

Basically, a student cannot have any dealings with any society, political party, trade union or organisation, without advanced written approval from the vice-chancellor.

If the student contravenes these restrictions, it is considered an offence that is punishable, on conviction, by a fine or prison term.
The student is automatically suspended or dismissed from the university without any recourse for continuing his studies.

Although the act is to provide for the establishment, maintenance and administration of universities and university colleges, and has 27 sections to it, it is Section 15 — related to freedom of association and discipline of students — that has been the most contentious.

It has kept calls to abolish or repeal the act alive through the years.

But a recently-tabled amendment by the Higher Education Ministry to the University and University Colleges Act 1971, up for debate at the next parliamentary session, seems fairer, more mature and humane.

Although students will still not be allowed to associate with any political party or unlawful organisation, they will be given the freedom to join any society, organisation (including governmental organisations) or group.

This is regardless of whether or not it is established under any written law, in or outside the university, and in or outside Malaysia.

And, they can do so without permission from the vice-chancellor.

Currently, the vice-chancellor expressly identifies which organisation is allowed. With this amendment, the vice-chancellor has to expressly identify which organisation is not allowed.

Further, a student shall not be prevented from making a statement on an academic matter relating to a subject on which he is engaged in study or research.

Interestingly, the amendment decriminalises offences in the act and removes the criminal penalties provided under Section 15. Therefore, all offences committed by a student under AUKU will be disciplinary offences.

And, in keeping with the principle of “education is the right of all”, the amendment will ensure that there is no reason why a student should be deprived of the opportunity to study, even if he is detained or in prison.

For instance, a student who is charged with a registerable offence (as defined under the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969) would no longer face automatic suspension.

The vice-chancellor has the discretion to suspend or dismiss the student. He can also only be suspended or dismissed if a serious offence has been committed.

A student who has been dismissed from the university may also apply to enter the same university or another university, with permission from the minister.

A student in detention or imprisonment may sit for university examinations with the permission of the senate and home minister. A student who is suspended may enter another university with the written permission of the minister.

And, if a student is discharged or acquitted of a registerable offence, the period in which he was suspended or imprisoned (if detained while awaiting trial or appeal) will not be counted towards the overall maximum period of study.

If a student faces disciplinary charges, he has the right to be heard and represented at the disciplinary hearing. And for a student to be stripped of his degree, only the chancellor can do it with the support of not less than two-thirds of the university board.

Unlike previously, where the definition of “student” referred only to undergraduates, this amendment seeks to extend it to any student who is following a course of study, instruction, training or research at the preparatory, undergraduate, post-graduate or post-doctoral level, including distance-learning, off-campus, exchange and non-graduating students.

This means while only undergraduates are currently allowed to hold positions in university societies or be a member of the student representative council, with this amendment, a mature post-graduate student can also avail himself of the full extent of university life.

And, keeping in mind the right of everyone to education, the amendment has also taken into consideration the rights of politicians who may want to further their studies in public universities.

Although a student is not allowed to be a member of a political party, the vice-chancellor may give exemption to any politician who wishes to become a student in the university, thus enabling any serving politician to enroll for a course at a university without giving up his political career.

Even more liberating, under this proposed amendment, Section 15C, presumptions will be deleted. Currently, under this section, if a person is found in possession, custody or control of any books, accounts, writings, lists of members, seals or banners relating to any organisation, it is presumed, until the contrary is proven, that such a person is a member of such an organisation.

With this amendment, this automatic presumption of guilt is removed.

Sports in the digital edge July 27, 2008

Jason O’ Sullivan considers himself lucky enough to combine his three passions – sports, technology and media – through the majority of his working career. Now, as vice-president, Digital Media, ESPN Star Sports, his task is to reach out to sports fans across the globe, through new media platforms such as online and mobile. O’ Sullivan talks to Tech&U.

Q: How do you see the future of digital media, especially in relation

to sports?

A: The future of sports in the digital realm will be to offer users a total sports experience with a one-stop sports destination, which is what we’re doing with the new version of www.espnstar.com.

We understand sports fans very well and we know that fans need to get in-depth and updated sports news, scores in real-time, analysis from respected figures in the sports world, and because sports is all about action, they expect multimedia content as well.

The ultimate goal for us is to serve sports fans across the region and provide them the ability to obtain information at their fingertips with www.espnstar.com as their preferred destination for sports.

Q: What would you consider the main challenges that you face in the course of your work?

A: There are a number of challenges. The rapid change in technology and methods of consuming content means we need to constantly evolve our content and product strategy to ensure we are reaching sports fans no matter what device they use. We also need to consider how, as a commercial organisation, we are creating products and services that allow us to increase the number of revenue streams to the company.

Q: Do you see growth for your business as you look forward?

A: The digital media industry in Asia-Pacific as a whole is growing at the moment and we want to leverage on that. At the moment, growth plans for the Web site include a target to double our page and by using technology, customise content for users looking for different sports content. There is the possibility of developing other variants in the future for particular markets. Looking forward, we have the flexibility to further develop the Web site to include local language services in the future.

Overall, for the digital media business, we are in a position where we can produce content specifically for the platform that it will be consumed. For our new media initiatives, being engaging, entertaining and interactive are key to connecting with our audience and reinforcing our brand.

Biodata

O’Sullivan joined ESPN Star Sports in 2006. He is responsible for managing ESS’ online business, and oversees the development and deployment of the company’s Internet and broadband strategy, as well as the development of innovative applications and products to grow the online business.

O’Sullivan has been a member of ESPN International’s new media business team for the past six-and-a-half years based in the UK, where he created, developed and had overall responsibility for its football Web site, ESPNsoccernet.