THE controversial claims that Penang hosted a secret meeting to make Christian the official religion of the nation has caught the attention of the entire nation, including the Home Ministry.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that an investigation will be held to determine exactly what happened at the meeting. “That must be done with transparency and sternly. The investigation will also focus on whether there was any truth in what was reported and whether the newspaper concerned had a role in playing up the sensitive issue."

The Utusan Malaysia quoted two UMNO-friendly blogs as saying that there is a Christian conspiracy to overthrow Islam as the nation's official religion. Read here.

Many parties have lashed at Utusan for printing the story. Penang Gerakan has called for an investigation into the national daily, saying that the paper should have been more responsible, as it is widely perceived to be a mouthpiece for UMNO. “The newspaper will be seen to be helping to spread a rumour without prior verification and this is incorrect and dangerous... Such rumour can have detrimental effects on the peace and harmony of our nation", said state Gerakan chief Dr Teng Hock Nan. Read here.

The controversy doesn't appear to be ending any time soon; the 10th police report on the incident was lodged just a few days ago. The police declined to comment further. Read here.

Dramatic car chase

It was a scene straight out of a movie: a high speed car chase from Batu Feringghi all the way to the Penang Bridge, with bullets flying.

The drama began when a car, driven by a 26-year-old male with four female passengers, attempted to avoid a police roadblock in Batu Feringghi. The police took chase, pursuing the car through Tanjung Tokong. The car managed to evade attempts to drive it off the road. The chase finally ended at Penang Bridge, when the police shot at the car's tyres, bringing the suspects to a stop. Read here.

Syabu (methamphetamine) was recovered in the car, along with 10 MyKads. “The car's registration number and road tax were fakes, leading us to believe that it could have been stolen," said George Town OCPD Asst Comm Gan Kong Meng. Read here.

The five suspects were remanded to facilitate investigations. Police say that the amount of syabu was only two grammes, worth RM800 on the black market. Read here.

Other news

• Refugees on a hiding to nothing: Alam Shamsul Alam ran for his life. Read here.
• Malaysian among Forbes’ top ten powerful women in UN: Judy Cheng-Hopkins, the assistant secretary-general of the United Nations for Peace-building Support, has become the first Malaysian to be listed in Forbes magazine's illustrious list of “The 10 Most Powerful Women at the UN”. Read here.
• Floods cause traffic jams in Penang: A downpour, which began at about 11am, caused flash floods in several low-lying areas here and traffic snarls along major roads. Read here.
• Guan Eng crosses the line in exposing water bill: 'What's next, phone bills? Credit card statements? Such details, unless obtained via a court order, should be private.' Read here.
• CAP: Pre-clamping warning whistle a mockery, scrap it: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Penang Municipal Council to scrap the one minute whistle warning before the clamping of a vehicle. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz May 9 to 15, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.       

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