PM and Rosmah among scores at Pak Lah’s Raya do

Sunday September 27, 2009 - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Scores of people thronged the Hari Raya open house hosted by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah.

Looking resplendent in green, the former prime minister and Jeanne were at hand to greet a steady stream of visitors — Cabinet ministers, former ministers, foreign diplomats and the public — some of whom arrived as early as 11am.

By midday, Dewan Seri Endon at the Puspanitapuri complex were filled with people tucking into traditional delicacies and other mouth-watering dishes and sweets.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrived at 1.15pm.

Also present were Information, Com­munications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Noh Omar, former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam and former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs minister Datuk Shahrir Samad.

Abdullah told reporters that he was pleased to host the open house as it was an opportunity to “catch up with old friends”.

“I am happy that some (ministers) came but I understand that some could not make it as they have other commitments. This is a time for merriment, for seeking forgiveness and to be together with people you know,” he said.

Also at hand to welcome guests were Abdullah’s son Datuk Kamal­uddin, daughter Nori and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.

Aquaculture farm at Como Lake to come on stream next year

Wednesday September 23, 2009

By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: The world will be able to savour succulent freshwater fish reared at an aquaculture farm in Kenyir Lake, Terengganu, by next year.

The farm at Como Lake in the fringe of Kenyir is poised to produce 9,000 tonnes of patin (silver catfish), siakap (Asian seabass) and tilapia for the international market.

It is among the high impact projects launched by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2007 under the purview of Terengganu Agrotech Deve­­lop­ment Corporation (TADC).

TADC chief operations officer Rosli Harun said there were parties from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, UAE, India, Singapore and Hong Kong interested in buying the fish when production reached full capacity in the next few months.

“We have doubled the production by adding 2,000 underwater cages. Each cage can generate one tonne of fish every harvest,” he said here recently.

Harvesting was only twice a year as the fish took six to eight months to mature, depending on the species, he said.

“For each harvest, we can turn in a profit of RM10mil based on the current tilapia and patin price of RM5 per kg, and RM12 per kg for siakap,” he said.

Rosli estimated that revenue of RM20mil per annum was possible with the inclusion of the export market.

He said that buyers from UAE were keen to order three containers, equivalent to 60 tonnes, on a weekly basis.

He added that TADC was working out ways to boost production in view of the high overseas demand.

The farm released four million fries into the cages early this year to increase output, he said.

Tilapia was the favourite among foreigners, followed by siakap, Rosli added.

For the local market, he said the Como Lake farm would supply 10 tonnes to the Selayang wholesale market in Selangor from early next year.

The project also helped villagers earn supplementary incomes, said Rosli.

First Raya at home joy for ex-PM Abdullah

Tuesday September 22, 2009



KEPALA BATAS: Being able to spend the first day of Syawal in his hometown was a welcome experience for former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Abdullah spent most of the past decade away from his hometown.

When he was in the Cabinet - the last five years as PM - he only got to return on the sixth day of Hari Raya.

“I’m happy to meet my constituents and old friends on the first day of Syawal,” he told reporters at his open house celebration at Pusat Budi Penyayang here on Sunday.

Abdullah noted however that the number of well-wishers who turned up for the event was not as huge as previously.

“Previously, many people used to travel from other states to Kepala Batas,” he said, noting that the crowds this year were mainly from Kepala Batas and neighbouring areas in Penang.

On the tradition of holding open house, Abdullah, who is Kepala Batas MP, said many foreign ambassadors were surprised to find no protocol or security barrier was put in place to prevent people from mingling with the VIPs.

“The host also does not have to extend an invitation to visitors.

“When people know of an open house, they are welcome to attend without a formal invite,” he said, adding that such events could help bring the various races closer.

“The forging of stronger ties among Malaysians from different ethnic groups will hopefully reduce any feeling of prejudice,” Abdullah said, adding that the open house culture embodies the 1Malaysia concept.







Varsity’s generous act

Sunday September 20, 2009

IN the spirit of sharing, Open University Malaysia (OUM) hosted a breaking of fast with orphans and the physically disabled to commemorate Ramadan.

More than 50 orphans from Asrama Baitul Ummah, Setapak, and 11 physically disabled learners from rehabilitation and industrial training centre, Bangi, joined the 400 over invitees comprising guests and staff of the university for the breaking of fast. 

  

The event was graced by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife, OUM Chancellor Tun Jeanne Abdullah. Guests were entertained to Nasyid performances by the orphans as well as the university’s staff.

The children also received goodies including Raya clothes, cookies, chocolates and stationery from the university’s President and vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali.

Apart from that, OUM staff also donated cash and other valuables to Asrama Baitul Ummah. The orphanage was established in 2004 and it now houses more than 400 orphans.

Its founder, Abdul Rahman Ramani Abdullah, who was orphaned at the age of 12, said setting up the orphanage was his way of helping the underprivileged.

He said, “My only wish is to see them succeed in life.”

The event also saw the presentation of the university’s tithe contributions totalling RM950,000 to the Federal Territory’s Pusat Pungutan Zakat (tithe collection centre or PPZ).

On behalf of the university, Jeanne presented the cheque for the amount to PPZ’s general manager Mohd Rais Alias.

The event was part of the university’s many activities to foster links with the local community.

Similar breaking of fast events were held in other states, hosted by the respective learning centres.

Also present were the university’s pro chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Senator Tan Sri Dr Jins Shamsudin and Yemeni Higher Education deputy minister, Dr Ali Kassim.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2009/9/20/education/4682482&sec=education

Open House Strengthens Friendship - Abdullah

September 20, 2009 16:30 PM

KEPALA BATAS, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the people to continue with the open house tradition to strengthen friendship among them.

Citing the Aidilfitri open house, he said, the tradition was capable of breaking down any prejudice among Malaysians.

"Suspicions and prejudice will result in people harbouring ill-feelings towards one another but by coming together to an open house and mixing with people of various races, the negative feelings will taper off," he said.

He was speaking to reporters at an open house hosted by him and wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah at the Kompleks Budi Penyayang here on Sunday.

He said that he hoped to see Malaysians continued to celebrate the joyous occasion in the true spirit of harmony.

"Aidilfitri is not just celebrated by Muslims but also by Malaysians," he said.

Among those who attended Abdullah's open house were Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff as well as local leaders.

-- BERNAMA

Pak Lah: Government should consider abolishing ISA

SINTOK, July 17 — The government should consider abolishing the Internal Security Act (ISA) which carries a negative perception, and replacing it with a new law which allows for preventive detention while protecting the fundamental rights of the people.  

  

Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the ISA had given too much power and perhaps too wide a scope to the authorities to determine the threats to security.   

  

"As the home minister then, I had signed many orders for detention without trial under the ISA, but with the present government wanting to review the effectiveness and impact of the ISA, I feel obliged to give my sincere views on the Act.    

  

"But it should be stressed that Malaysia still needs a preventive detention mechanism in the interest of national security and the challenges we face today, such as terrorism across borders, which require a law which enables the government to undertake preventive measures."    

   

Abdullah said this in his speech at a special convocation ceremony where he was conferred an hononary Ph.D in Democracy at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) here today. The Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah presented the scroll to Abdullah.   

  

"Whether we like it or not, the ISA has been stigmatised as a negative element to the agenda of strengthening democracy and renewal in the country. So, this calls for the government to be brave to discard the old and open a new chapter," he said.   

  

Abdullah believed that the government must be courageous to bring about such change (abolishing the ISA) as its commitment to the agenda of democratic renewal in the country.   

 

"I believe this is the transformation that the people are expecting, as a preventive measure should not sacrifice fundamental human rights or to be misused for a political objective.    

   

"Perhaps one solution is to limit the scope of preventive detention to certain threats only or to draw up a new Act specifically to prevent terrorist activities, hence reducing the chances of abuse of power for a political interest," he said.    

   

On the honorary Ph.D, Abdullah said he viewed it as recognition from the academia for the vision, approaches and methods as well as the democratic philosophy of his administration. — Bernama

Abdullah Supports Abolishment Of Quota System In Umno

KEPALA BATAS, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Former Umno president Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi supports the decision by the Umno Supreme Council to abolish the quota system in the party elections.    

  

He believed the decision would be lauded not only by Umno members, but also supporters and fans of the party.

   

"It is a good decision. I support it. I believe the response from Umno members is overwhelming, as well as from party supporters and fans," he told reporters after handing over Hari Raya aid to 216 people in the Pinang Tunggal state constituency here on Saturday.

      

He said this in response to a statement by Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday that the supreme council had agreed to abolish the quota system in the party elections and also to increase the number of delegates to the party's general assembly.  

   

Abdullah also said he was confident that the decision would be welcomed by many people and hoped that it would curb money politics in the party.   

  

In another development, he said the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) should step up efforts to develop the economy of the Muslim community so that they would not be plagued by hardship and poverty. 

 

With the OIC celebrating its 40th anniversary on Sept 25, he said, it was time that it and also other Islamic non-governmental organisations to work together for the purpose.  

  

"When I headed the organisation before, I said that it had been my aim for attention be given to developing the economy. This being that poverty and backwardness form the biggest problem to the Muslim community," he added.    

   

Abdullah, who is former OIC chairman, said that with the current world economic situation, it was apt for OIC member countries to help one another.   

  

The former prime minister also said that there were many challenges facing the OIC, including issues in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.   

   

At the function, Abdullah also received RM89,750 in business tithe from two banks and a company to be distributed to the needy.  

  

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=439964

Mindset Change Crucial In Achieving Success - Abdullah

NIBONG TEBAL, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said mindset change is crucial in achieving a world-class success particularly in the field of education. 

 

He said that during his tenure at the helm of the country's administration, he had given top priority to education."A revolution in education is needed to take the country's human capital to greater heights," he said at the Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) commemorative convocation here on Wednesday.     

  

At the ceremony, USM Chancellor Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Education to Abdullah. Abdullah also spelled out challenges facing institutions of higher learning in carrying out a revolution in education, namely the need to inculcate noble values, and to function as a centre for human capital development.     

   

"The younger generations should also continue to nurture tolerance so that they can live in harmony with other communities," he said.     

  

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=439109

Shah Alam Temple Issue Should Have Been Resolved Much Earlier - Abdullah

KEPALA BATAS, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government should have resolved the Shah Alam temple relocation issue much earlier to avoid racial tension, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

He said the state government should realise that delay in resolving the relocation of Sri Maha Mariamman temple from Section 19 ke Section 23 would lead to trouble.

"I read in newspapers that the Menteri Besar said the Selangor government will find a new location for the temple. This should have been done much earlier," he said after presenting scholarships and hampers in conjunction with Aidilfitri here on Sunday.

Abdullah said media reports on the demonstration by Section 23 residents in Shah Alam showed that racial ties were not good and that there were religious problems. Religious issues should be resolved amicably otherwise it would lead to strong reaction and cause tension among the people, he added. 

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=438449

Compromise To Settle Crisis In MCA - Abdullah

KEPALA BATAS, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Feuding groups in MCA have been urged to show responsibility by striking a compromise to settle the crisis in the party, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.        

      

He said the crisis should be settled fast to prevent it from worsening as this would not only destroy MCA but also Barisan Nasional (BN).  

  

"It is a difficult and big problem. If they feel responsible, then they need to settle it fast," he said after presenting scholarships and gifts to mark Aidilfitri organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang here on Sunday.     

     

MCA plunged into a crisis when deputy president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek was sacked by the disciplinary board last week over a sex DVD which had smeared the party's image.   

  

Some 127 students who received offers to study at institutions of higher learning received their scholarships while 350 senior citizens and the disabled (OKU) received hampers in conjunction with Aidilfitri.   

  

\(http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=438430)

Tun Abdullah Takes Over Duties As New Ikim Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday officially took over duties as the chairman of the Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) taking over from Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, the former Chief Secretary to the Government.  

  

The handing-over-of-duties ceremony was done at the Ikim chairman's office here Wednesday.   

   

Speaking to Bernama later, Abdullah said he was all ready to do important duties to elevate understanding of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims.      

    

He said he will study the successes and steps of Ikim under the leadership of Ahmad Sarji.  

  

"Further to that there may be several new moves, which God willing, I will introduce for IKIM to implement," he said.      

   

Abdullah, who has a bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies from Universiti Malaya, said he will stick firm to discharging all his duties at the institute.   

   

"All the successes achieved must be improved upon and I stick to what I had espoused before about 'cemerlang, gemilang dan terbilang' (excellence, glory and distinction)," he said.   

 

Abdullah is the second chairman of Ikim after Ahmad Sarji, who held the position since the establishment of the institute 17 years ago.   

   

His appointment was effective Sept 1.   

 

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=437462