Islamist daring raid on army camp

Raiders seize arms cache

Assault leaves 4 dead, 13 troops wounded

• Published: 21/01/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Heavily armed troops and helicopters are combing a mountainous area in Narathiwat's Rangae district in pursuit of insurgents who attacked an army outpost and made off with a large number of weapons.

A soldier stands guard at the entrance of a military camp in Rangae district of Narathiwat yesterday following a raid on the camp by armed rebels the previous night. Four Thai soldiers were killed and 13 others injured when about 50 militants attacked the base.

Four soldiers were killed and 13 were wounded in the deadly assault on Ror15121 unit army outpost in Ban Marue Botok on Wednesday night.
The massive manhunt yesterday involved 300 troops, local authorities and sniffer dogs who searched Tawe mountain where the militants were believed to be hiding.
Trails of blood found 500 metres from the outpost suggested several of the attackers had been wounded in the 30-minute gunbattle and were taking shelter on the mountain.
Fourth Army commander Udomchai Thammasarorat supervised the search operation.
Security forces also searched nearby villages for clues and it was reported that five villagers were taken in for questioning. Authorities are expected to seek arrest warrants in coming days.
Army commander-in-chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday Tawe mountain was the focus of the massive manhunt.
"Intelligence reports indicate the suspected hideout of the militants is in the area," Gen Prayuth said. "But so far security forces haven't located it."
The raid is being described as one of the best planned attacks on a military base since the Jan 4, 2004, assault on a military camp in Cho Airong district of Narathiwat in which the attackers made off with a huge amount of firearms.
Some of those involved in that early attack are believed to have taken part in this latest raid as the firearms used on Wednesday night were among those stolen in previous militant actions.
The attackers on Wednesday made off with about 60 guns including M16 rifles and handguns and 4,000 rounds of ammunition. Among the four soldiers killed in the assault were the unit commander, Capt Krit Khampirayan. Two of the 13 wounded are in critical condition.
The power to the base was cut off before the assault, which opened on the rear of the camp. The troops called for back-up but reinforcements were hindered by felled trees and spikes spread across the access roads by the mililtants. A helicopter had to be called in to fly in the reinforcements.
More than 700 spent shells were collected from the scene yesterday. The weapons used included M16s, M60s, AK automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns.
The spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4, Col Parinya Chaidilok, said the attack appeared to be well-timed. He said troops at the outpost were not on full alert as they were at dinner.
Isoc Region 4 believes the raid had three objectives, a source said.
It was intended to counter the government's effective campaign to win the hearts and minds of the southern people, to demoralise the authorities following the lifting of the state of emergency in Pattani's Mae Lan district and to provoke the use of force in the handling of the insurgency.
The director of the non-governmental South Watch Centre, academic Srisompop Jitpiromsri, said there might be a reduction in militant attacks in the South but each could be expected to be more violent.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the assault might have been aimed at the Organisation of Islamic Committee. He said statistics suggested an increase in insurgent activities when an OIC meeting was drawing near.
Mr Abhisit insisted the incident would not affect the government's plan to lift the state of emergency in more districts.
He also said the authorities were investigating the possibility that the insurgents had the help of soldiers.
Gen Prayuth played down speculation the situation in the South would grow more violent in the wake of the attack.
He also insisted the military would observe the law in handling the insurgent violence but noted that extra-tight measures would be needed in some areas.
Lt Gen Udomchai yesterday represented the premier and the army chief in extending condolences and presenting medals to the families of the deceased.
About 1,000 local people and government officials from the area joined the bathing rites at Wat Bang Nara in Muang district. The bodies of the victims will be returned to their home towns today.
Bangkok Post

Pekasa striikes against

Perkasa claims Singapore Malays too cowed to speak

By Boo Su-Lyn

January 21, 2011

Ibrahim backed Dr Mahathir’s remarks on the oppression of Singaporean Malays. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali claimed today Singaporeans Malay were afraid of speaking up against their marginalisation, despite recent reports suggesting the community was irked with Malaysian leaders’ repeated citations of their purported oppression. Ibrahim was responding to Singapore Berita Harian readers who were reportedly unhappy with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for claiming that the minority group was marginalised.
“No Malays in Singapore dare to talk the truth about the treatment they received,” Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insider in a text message today.
Yesterday, national news agency Bernama reported several Singapore Berita Harian readers as saying that Malays on the island-republic enjoyed progress without subsidies and on equal treatment with other communities.
One reader, Sallim Ahmad, reportedly said it had become Mahathir’s theme that “the Singapore Malays are being marginalised until the end of world.”
He also said the position of Islam was protected although it was not the official religion in the republic.
Another reader called Kamariah Lim Li Hwa was quoted as saying: “We the Malays of Singapore feel at ease and are grateful that the Singapore rulers execute our trust with transparency.”
Ibrahim claimed today, however, that these remarks did not represent the Malay community in Singapore in its entirety.
“That is a planted statement. The statement does not represent the voice of the majority of Malays in Singapore,” said the Pasir Mas MP.
“So, don’t manipulate the issues. We know what is happening,” he added.
Dr Mahathir recently warned against dispersing Kampung Baru’s Malay residents in the same way Singapore had scattered the Malay community and diluted its voice.
He wrote in his blog that while Malaysia is being governed by a Malay majority government that cares for the fate of Malays, “let us not be so sure that there will never be a government where the voice of Malay representatives is removed.”
In June, Dr Mahathir told a rally of Malay NGOs that Malays in Malaysia risked becoming marginalised like their Singapore counterparts because of political divisions.
The former prime minister had said: “If we do not think deeply about the future of our community then there is a possibility that we can become [like] the Singaporean Malays and have no power.”
Today, Selangor Anti-Fraud Coalition (GAPS) chairman Hamidzun Khairuddin said Dr Mahathir had a right to make such remarks as an elder statesman.
“What is wrong with his statements?” asked Hamidzun.
“I am sure Tun Dr Mahathir made his statements sincerely. He was looking at it as a statesman who has wide knowledge and experience in the Malay and Muslim community in the Asian region,” added the group’s leader.
Hamidzun also said the local airing of the comments by Singapore Berita Harian’s readers showed that Malaysia practised freedom of speech.
“It shows that this country respects the opinion of Singaporean Malays who can rebut what Tun Dr Mahathir said,” said Hamidzun.
He then pointed out that Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had similarly criticised Malaysia.
In September, Lee reportedly claimed that if Malaysia’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman had decided to keep both nations together 45 years ago, much of what Singapore had achieved today in terms of equality among the races would be likewise be achieved in Malaysia.
“Now we have a very polarised Malaysia — Malays, Chinese and Indians in separate schools, living separate lives and not really getting on with one another,” Lee was quoted as saying in an interview with the New York Times.
TMI

Meeting with MPs part of the incoming GE 13

Najib says BN MPs meet part of move towards polls

By Clara Chooi

January 07, 2011

Najib: First of all, we have to serve the people and then let the people decide.

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak shed some light today on his impending meeting with Barisan Nasional MPs tomorrow, admitting that the move was “geared” towards the general election. The prime minister however remained coy on details of the meet and would not expressly say if discussions would specifically centre on preparations for the polls, widely expected this year.
“Everything is geared towards the GE (general election) because we want to be re-elected... and we want to serve the people.
“First of all, we have to serve the people and then let the people decide,” he told a press conference at his office here today.
He was responding to a question if his session with the MPs was specifically to prepare for the general election.
Najib also denied that the meeting tomorrow confirmed talk of a possible Cabinet reshuffle.
“Reshuffle? Who said there is a reshuffle?” he said, smiling.
The prime minister revealed that he would be briefed by the MPs on the present situations in their constituencies, adding that this was a part of his political transformation effort.
“The purpose is normal, they want to meet me and I too want to meet with them to know the situations in their respective areas.
“It is both ways — I need to tell them what to do and I need to know their positions in each of their constituencies,” he said.
The Malaysian Insider reported last Saturday that Najib will meet all 136 BN lawmakers this weekend to gather feedback on holding early elections as coalition leaders appear to be divided on dates.
The 13th general election was at first expected to be in the first quarter of 2011 —  over the March school holidays — but the BN is seen to be reconsidering that until a slew of economic projects initiated start to boost local economy.
Najib’s advisors are pressing an early June date due to fears that a predicted slowdown of the global economy could affect the local economy in the third quarter.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Najib had earlier last month discussed with BN component leaders the possibility of holding the next general election in either May or June.
TMI

Najib asked why only now

PM questions rape claims against minister

By Clara Chooi

January 07, 2011

Rais has denied allegations that he raped his Indonesian maid in 2007. — File pic

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak cast doubts today on allegations that senior Cabinet Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim had raped his maid in 2007. In calling for an end to speculation on the case, the prime minister questioned why the matter was suddenly raised recently although the incident had allegedly taken place over three years ago.
“We cannot prejudge and pronounce anything against someone unless proper investigation is done.
“In any case, what happened was in 2007. The question is why now?” he told a press conference at his office today.
Najid urged all parties against speculating on the matter, pointing out that Rais had already responded to the allegations.
“He has made a statement. He stands by his statement and he is willing to be investigated so let the process take its course,” he said.
Rais, the Information, Communications and Culture Minister, issued a public statement yesterday to deny reports that he had raped his Indonesian maid in 2007.
“I deny every allegation made, whether it involves raping any individual four years ago or other accusations published by wild writers on the Internet or any political party,” said Rais in a statement published through state news agency Bernama.
He also urged the public to stop speculating on the case while the investigation is ongoing.
“For the sake of justice and humanity, those who practise dirty politics whether through Internet or other media should stop speculating, defaming or to engage in unethical acts,” he said.
Rais’ denial came just hours after PKR-linked group Malaysian Youth Solidarity (SAMM) led by Badrul Hisham Shaharin lodged a police report over the allegations.
Rais however said the allegations were made with bad intention and had no legal basis.
“All writings, reports, commentaries, speculations including pictures published by blogs, websites regarding any wrongdoing or allegation of sexual misconduct against any individual were made with bad intention, fabricated lies, were fictional and with no legal basis whatsoever,” said Rais.
He also stressed that the accusation did not originate from a leaked US Embassy cable as alleged by a pro-Umno blogger.
The allegations, which first surfaced late last month, claim a minister raped his Indonesian maid while he was part of the Abdullah administration in 2007.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who stepped down in April 2009, was also accused by several pro-Umno blogs of attempting to cover up the case.
The case was said to have been uncovered the same year it took place by Migrant Care, an NGO with close ties to senior PAS leaders.
A report by Migrant Care containing, among others, an interview with the alleged rape victim has also been circulated.
The NGO had reportedly confirmed the accusation based on its own investigation but it said the maid, who has since returned to Indonesia, did not want to be disturbed.
TMI

150 years jail for arch fraudster

Bernard Madoff receives maximum 150 year sentence

In a sign of the anger that the fraud has stirred, US marshals were positioned behind Madoff, who was dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, in court as a protective measure

• David Teather
• The Guardian, Tuesday 30 June 2009 17.03 BST
• Article history



Bernard Madoff faces Judge Denny Chin, in front of some of his victims, during his sentencing. Photograph: Christine Cornell/AFP/Getty Images The disgraced financier Bernie Madoff has been sentenced to the maximum 150 years in prison for masterminding a $65bn (£38bn) fraud that wrecked the lives of thousands of investors. The US district judge Denny Chin described the fraud as "staggering" and said the "breach of trust was massive" and that a message was being sent by the sentence. There had been no letters submitted in support of Madoff's character, he said. Victims in the courtroom clapped as the term was read out. The sentence, which means the 71-year old fraudster will end his days in prison, was handed down at an emotional hearing in a lower Manhattan courtroom, where victims were given the chance to tell how the fraud had destroyed their livelihoods. Dominic Ambrosino, an ex-prison officer, said he and his wife Ronnie Sue had their "entire life savings wiped out" by Madoff. Another said Madoff had "cheated so he could lead a life of luxury"; another still said Madoff had "discarded her like roadkill" and that she was now living on food stamps. In passing down the sentence, judge Chin referred to one instance where he had comforted a widow and then taken her money. He will serve his sentence in the US north-east. In a sign of the anger that the fraud has stirred, US marshals were positioned behind Madoff, who was dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, in court as a protective measure. According to reporters in the courtroom, Madoff sat looking down in front of him as his victims gave vent to their fury. Standing in front of the judge, Madoff appeared remorseful. "I have left a legacy of shame, as some of my victims have pointed out." He said he had made a terrible mistake and was tormented by what had happened. "I cannot make an excuse for my behaviour". He said had deceived his family and that his wife Ruth cried herself to sleep every night. He described reports that he and his wife were unsympathetic to victims as untrue". Madoff pleaded guilty in March to 11 counts of fraud, theft and money laundering. The sentencing, in what has been one of the biggest frauds ever seen on Wall Street, was eagerly anticipated. Described by victims in written testimony as a "thief and a monster", Madoff has become an emblem for the greed that pitched the world into recession. Nearly 9,000 victims have filed claims for losses in Madoff's corrupt financial empire. Assistant US attorney, Marc Litt, had been pressing for 150 years, due to the "scope, duration and nature" of the fraud. Madoff's lawyer, Ira Lee Sorkin, had called for leniency and was hoping to keep the sentence as low as 12 years, asking the judge to "set aside the emotion and hysteria attendant to this case." He described Madoff in court as a "deeply flawed human being" and said the maximum sentence was "absurd". He also noted that he had given himself up and was co-operating with authorities, although judge Chin said he had not told everything that he knew about the fraud. Madoff's famous victims included the film directors Steven Speilberg and Pedro Almodóvar, actors Kevin Bacon and Zsa Zsa Gabor and the author Elie Wiesel.

Ruined lives

But there were many more anonymous and less wealthy people who had their lives ruined by Madoff, including teachers, famers and mechanics. Many invested in so called "feeder funds", which often did little to advertise their connection to Madoff, and they had little or no idea that their money had been lost until they received letters from their financial advisors. The scandal has been linked to at at least two suicides, including a British former soldier, he said he could not face the prospect of bankruptcy after losing his savings in the Madoff fraud. In written statements ahead of the sentencing, more than 100 victims detailed how Madoff had wrecked their lives and in many cases squandered their pensions. Jack Cutter, an 80-year-old from Colorado and former engineer, said he had been forced back to work and taken a job as a meat clerk in a local grocery store. Korean war veteran Allan Goldstein said he and his wife had been forced to sell their home and were living in their daughter's spare room. Another, Julie Behar, wrote that Madoff deserved a "sentence befitting a thief and murderer" while a Connecticut doctor said the entire retirement plan of his practice had been wiped out, leaving 140 employees with nothing. Professional investors were also fooled. A fund managed by Nicola Horlick, described as the City's "superwoman", had 9% of its cash invested with Madoff. The demand for access to the sentencing were so high that two additional rooms were provided for defrauded investors, media and spectators to watch on closed-circuit television. The focus of the investigation is now expected to shift to Madoff's wife Ruth and the couple's two sons, Andrew and Mark, who both worked for the business. They claim they had no knowledge of the fraud and have not faced any charges but many victims are sceptical that Madoff could have managed the scheme on his own. His sons have not visited him in prison. The only other person to face charges has been an accountant accused of helping to mismanage Madoff's books.

Fixture on the New York scene

The disgraced financier built his career and his one-time glowing reputation from nothing. He raised money to set up his first investment company by taking summer jobs as a lifeguard on Rockaway Beach, a down at heal neighbourhood in Queens, and later installing sprinkler systems. During the 1990s, he served as chairman of Nasdaq, the electronic share trading marketplace that competes with the New York Stock Exchange. He also became well known for being something of a philanthropist, making multi-million dollar donation to hospitals, cancer charities and Jewish groups. He became a fixture on the New York social scene and met many of his investors at upmarket parties. He lived with his wife Ruth in a $7m home on New York's swanky Upper East Side and the couple also owned homes in the Hamptons on Long Island and in Palm Beach, Florida. His wife still lives in their Upper East Side home and recently snapped at tabloid photographers as they pursued her on the New York subway. Last weeek, a judge issued a preliminary $171bn fofeiture striping Madoff of all his personal property and $80m in assets his wife Ruth claimed was hers. His wife has been allowed to keep $2.5m in cash, according to an agreement with prosecutors. But six months after his arrest, prosecutors still do not know exactly how much money Madoff took or what his victims might hope to recover. It could months or even years to resolve all of the claims. When he admitted to the fraud, Madoff said it had begun in the 1990s, as he tried to navigate the recession. He said he had hoped he would be able to extricate himself from the scheme when the markets recovered but instead just got deeper in. As the years went by he realised that the day when his fraud was discovered "would inevitably come". He told the court at the time that he was "deeply sorry and ashamed".

Angry with the SEC

He had confessed to his sons late last year that the investment business was a "big lie". Madoff masterminded a huge "Ponzi" scheme. Instead of investing client's money in secrities, it was held with a bank and new deposits used to pay bogus returns to give the impression that the business was successful. At the time of his arrest in December, he claimed to manage $65bn of investors money, but in reality there was just $1bn left. The business employed 25 people in London's Mayfair. Madoff had claimed that his investments produced gains of roughly 1% a month for two decades, which many experts now say should have raised a red flag. Some have directed their fury at the securities and exchange commission, the US financial watchdog, which failed to spot the fraud. An internal investigation at the SEC is expected by the end of September. At the same time, Madoff, whose name, pronounced "made-off", might have been coined by Dickens for a financial crook, lived a lavish lifestyle and prosecutors have set about seizing assets including property and boats. Madoff ran his business like a club and would throw out investors who asked too many questions. Many invested through personal recommendation. Joyce Greenberg, a retired financial adviser in Texas said her family had begun investing money with Madoff in the 1970s after being introduced by her stepbrother. "I hate computers and I never tried to figure out what he was doing because the bookkeeping all added up," she said. Corporate America has suffered a series of massive frauds during the past decade, including scandals at Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and more recently the financial empire run by Texas billionaire Allen Stanford. Former WorldCom chief Benrard Ebbers is serving 25 years for accounting fraud. Former Enron chief executive Jeffrey Skilling was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison although the sentence was overturned. He remains in prison awaiting resentencing.