Contradicting Statement and Action by Malaysian Minister

Najib tells BN: Win over support of non-Malays
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional must do more to attract the support of non-Malays, said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
"Umno recognises the importance of securing the support of other races like the Chinese and Indians.

"We will conduct at least one meeting every month with the BN components to come up with appropriate strategies (to get the non-Malays' support)."
Najib, who is also deputy prime minister, said this after attending a two-hour closed-door meeting with Selangor Umno.

Najib said Selangor Umno leaders pointed out the need to choose the right candidates to be fielded in a general election.
"The candidates must have the winning factors and be liked by members at grassroots level as well as the people."

Asked on his views whether it was necessary to fix a time frame for him to take over the party presidency, Najib said it was not up to him to decide.
"I believe that (the party president) has the wisdom to do what is right for the party," he added.

"The important thing is to remain united and work as a team for the revival of Umno.
"We cannot afford to disintegrate from within, which is why I have stressed a lot on the importance of working as a team."

Najib was also asked to comment on the possibility that the Pakatan Rakyat would form the government soon based on claims that some BN elected representatives would switch sides.
He denied there was any evidence to support such a claim.

"Still, we will monitor the situation and not take things for granted. So far, there is no indication of BN elected representatives wanting to cross over.
"I don't believe we are in a crisis to be toppled at any time."

Makkal Osai loses licence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has rejected an application for renewal of the publishing licence of Tamil daily, Makkal Osai.

Yesterday, a letter signed by a ministry official by the name of Abdul Razak Abdul Latiff, on behalf of the ministry’s secretary general, said: “We regret to inform you that the licence will not be renewed.”

Following the rejection, Makkal Osai will soon file an appeal against the decision by the Home Ministry.
In poor spirits: Part of the editorial staff of Makkal Osaiin a dejected mood Wednesday after learning of the closure of the paper.

The newspaper’s general manager S.M. Periasamy said that they were informed of the decision by a telephone call from the Home Ministry yesterday.
“When I went to the ministry in the afternoon to check if the phone call was true, they handed me the letter rejecting renewal of our licence.” The letter did not state any reasons for the rejection.

“I pleaded with the Home Ministry officials, including Abdul Razak, and they told me to submit an appeal against the decision,” he said.
“It was a sad day for the newspaper because more than 100 people will become unemployed at the stroke of a pen.”