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Stop excessive
politicking:
Sultan Azlan
KUALA KANGSAR: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan
Azlan Shah, has called on the people to stop ex-
cessive politicking over the status and eminence
of the Malay Rulers, Islam, the Malay language,
the special position of the Malays and legitimate
interests of other communities as enshrined in
the Federal Constitution.
He said the interest of the people who elected
the government should be given priority, and
the country’s peace and harmony should not be
sacrificed in the name of power struggle among
certain leaders and groups.
“If there are mistakes and derailment in the
implementation of certain policies, what needs
rectification is the implementation mechanism.
The core policies, which form the foundation of
this independent country, should not be touched,
tested or challenged at all.
“It is feared that such actions, if not stopped,
will hurt the feelings and emotions of the Malays,”
he said at the handing over of a memorandum
by Gabungan Melayu Perak (GMP) at the Istana
Iskandariah yesterday. Also present were the
Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Raja
di-Hilir Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa.
Sultan Azlan said any amendment to the
constitution pertaining to the Malay Rulers and
their jurisdictions over Islam, the national lan-
guage, the position of the Malays and bumiputra
in Sabah and Sarawak should be consented to
first by the Rulers.
He said the Malay Rulers understood that
the Federal Constitution also recognised and
safeguarded the interests of the various races,
religions, languages and cultures.
About 2,000 representatives of Malay non-
governmental organisations, silat and arts
associations throughout the state, headed by
GMP chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hilmi Ismail,
participated in a peaceful march from the
Ubudiah Mosque to the palace to hand over the
memorandum.
Mohd Hilmi said the memorandum, among
other things, expressed gratitude for the spe-
cial statement issued by the Malay Rulers last
month which touched on issues related to the
Malay Rulers, Islam, Malay language, the special
privileges of the Malays and the interests of other
communities. – Bernama
theSun | THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6 2008
M’sia not singled out in visa application process: British envoy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians travelling to Britain than six months, to work or to study,” he said in solidating 80 current routes for entry to the UK
still get to enjoy six months of visa-free travel
despite changes to the United Kingdom’s visa
arrangements, British High Commisioner to Ma-
a statement here yesterday.
McCleary issued the statement in response to
ongoing media coverage of changes to the UK’s
into just five main tiers.
He said the system allows applicants to self-
assess whether they require a visa, and whether
laysia Boyd McCleary said yesterday.
“I would like to reassure Malaysians that
genuine travellers remain welcome in Britain as
visa arrangements.
He explained that the UK was introduc-
ing a Points-Based System for assessing visa
they are likely to earn enough points under the
system to be eligible for a visa.
He said this is a global change, and Malaysia
they have always been. There is for now at least applications, similar to the system used by is not being singled out.
no general visa requirement for Malaysians. Australia, adding that it will be introduced in He said the first stage was introduced at the
“Malaysian visitors to the UK enjoy six months stages over the coming months, depending on end of June and the next, covering skilled workers
visa free travel. The only people who require visas visa category. with job offers, would go live at the end of this
at present are those who plan to stay for longer The system will simplify procedures by con- month. – Bernama
tools to solve the problems of the world.
PM hopes Obama brings In a statement yesterday to congratulate
Obama on his historic victory, he said the vic-
tory is not only meaningful for the Americans
but for the human race as a whole.
Rais said Obama’s victory showed that
Americans can select their leader without
positive changes to world taking into consideration the colour of one’s
skin or religion.
Opposition Leader Anwar said in a
statement that Obama’s call for unity and
his promise to forge a new direction in the
relationship between US and the rest of the
by Giam Say Khoon, Tim Leonard and “There should be a high optimism all over world is welcomed by Malaysians.
Opalyn Mok the world that Obama will be able to provide “The support that Obama draws from
newsdesk@thesundaily.com solutions to some of the pressing issues that across racial, religious and generational lines
the world is seeing today like the economic parallels the sentiments felt by Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri crisis which originated from the US, political from all walks of life who earlier this year cast
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes Senator issues concerning the Iraq, Palestine and Iran. votes in vehement opposition to the failed
Barack Obama’s election as president of the “These important issues have been there policies of an incumbent regime,” he said.
World United States will bring positive changes to for a long time and we do not seem to see He said Obama’s connection to the region
the world. any solutions coming at all and I am sure the and his empathy for the developing world,
leaders: In congratulating Obama for being the first president of the US will have enormous influ- particularly Asia and Africa, give optimism and
It marks African-American to win the White House ence to ensure these issues will be resolved hope for greater cooperation and compas-
a new era race, Abdullah said: “His victory is expected as soon as possible,” he added. sion, especially during this period of economic
to bring changes in the affairs of the US, I Asked when Malaysia will also have the uncertainty.
pg 13 hope the Obama presidency will also bring chance to see a non-Malay prime minister, “His administration also brings renewed
positive changes to the world.” Abdullah said such situation can happen prospects for engagement between US and
“I hope President-elect Obama will give anywhere as it depends on the people who Muslim countries. Some of the most conten-
immediate attention to address the situation decide the outcome. tious issues of our time, including the conflicts
in Iraq, Afghanistan and in particular Palestine. “What happened in the US today is not and confrontations in the Middle East, require
I hope there will also be positive changes to determined by Washington or any group of a commitment to diplomacy, a willingness
the situation concerning Iran,” he told a press people but the people themselves through a to engage in a meaningful dialogue and a
conference in parliament. democratic election,” he said. departure from the aggressive unilateralism
On ties with the US, Abdullah said he looks On the relationship between Obama and witnessed in recent years. In this we an-
forward to a new era of friendlier relations the Islamic countries, Abdullah said he hoped ticipate that President-elect Obama will show
between Malaysia and US. He said it is also Obama will be fair in dealing with Muslim leadership where previous administrations
the country’s wish that these relations be countries. have failed,” he said.
maintained on the basis of full respect for Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said,
each other as sovereign countries, and that all hoped the new US administration will be “Obama’s win is wonderful news as it showed
aspects of the relations should be enhanced more respectful of the sovereignty of smaller that the president-elect was judged on his
for the purpose of mutual benefit. nations, and not focus on power and force as character and not the colour of his skin.”