Start of Malaysian National Service PLKN
Saturday, 14th February 2004
The first batch of about 25,000 Malaysian teenagers have started the inaugural compulsory three-month national-service stint aimed at promoting patriotism and ethnic unity. The program had targeted some 480,000 Malaysians who were born in 1986. Of these 85,000 were randomly selected by a computer program for service which comprises of conscripts that are 17-year-old youths. It is known as PLKN or Program Latihan Khidmat Negara which can be literally translated as National Service Training Program or just known as NS, is a compulsory 3 months military service program for teenagers. Male trainees are called Wira and female are call Wirawatis. The spent 2 months in physical training camp, followed by a final month in a university setting. The 3 months program end in Early May 2004. The second batches will begin in March 2004 and ended in June 2004.
School Launching of PPSMI
Friday, 3rd January 2003
Implementation of Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) or the Teaching Science and Mathematics in English which was launched this school year. English is used as the medium of instruction for teaching Science and Maths in Primary One, Form One, Lower Six and Matriculation classes.
Teaching of Maths and Science in English
Monday, 29th July 2002
Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) is the outcome of a policy decision made by the Government of Malaysia as the result from the Minister’s Council Meeting held on 19 July 2002. Realizing that poor English skills hurt graduates competing for work against people from other countries, especially neighboring Singapore, ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched a program to resume teaching math and science in English. Most other subjects are taught in Malay. The implementation of PPSMI was carried out in stages beginning with the 2003 schooling session. The pioneers were all Year 1 students for Primary Schools, Form 1 and Lower 6 students for Secondary Schools.
Abu Sayyaf rebels kidnapped 3 men
Sunday, 10th September 2000
Abu Sayyaf rebels kidnapped 3 men from Pandanan Island off Borneo and took them to Jolo island in the Philippines.
Eco-Challenge Sabah
Friday, 25th August 2000
78 persons in the Eco-Challenge Sabah encountered flooded rivers over a 2-week race in Malaysian Borneo. A number later found themselves infected with leptospirosis.
Anwar Ibrahim convicted of sodomy
Tuesday, 8th August 2000
Anwar Ibrahim was given a nine-year jail sentence for sodomy (engage in an unnatural sexual intercourse) with his family driver Azizan A## B###r. According to Azizan, Anwar was behind him for 15 times between between 1992 to 1997. The prison sentence came on top of a six-year jail term which Anwar is currently serving for corruption would keep Malaysia's main opposition figure in political wilderness until at least 2014. During the highly-charged climax of the 14-month trial, High Court Judge Arifin Jaka ruled that Anwar (age 52) and his adopted brother, Sukma Darmawan (age 39), were guilty of sodomy. Brother Sukma was given six years in prison and four strokes of a cane. Anwar who turns 53 was spared canning, as caning is limited to convicts aged 49 years and below in Malaysia. Prisoners, who show good behaviour in Malaysia, generally serve two-thirds of their jail-terms.
Commandos Ended a 4-day Standoff
Thursday, 6th July 2000
The Malaysian commandos ended a 4-day standoff and forced the surrender of 27 militants of Al-Ma’unah (Brotherhood of Inner Power), led by Amin Razali. 2 non-Muslim hostages were slain in the process. 8 August 2000, 29 members of the Al-Ma’unah Islamic sect were charged with treason. 19 cult members were found guilty Dec 27, 2001.
Anwar Sodomy Trial
Sunday, 6th June 1999
High Court Justice Arifin Jaka begins hearing case against Anwar and his adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja for allegedly sodomising (engaging in an unnatural sexual intercourse) Anwar's family driver Azizan Abu Bakar. Azizan testifies in court he was sodomised 10 to 15 times by Anwar between 1992 and 1993.
Anwar Jailed For Corruption
Wednesday, 14th April 1999
After 77 days of trial, Anwar is sentenced to six years’ jail by High Court Justice S. Augustine Paul on four counts of corrupt practice. The trial was started in November 1998 and resulted in Anwar Ibrahim being convicted and given a 6 years prison sentence on four counts of corruption.
Azizah Ismail Formed A New Political Party
Sunday, 4th April 1999
Azizah Ismail, the wife of Anwar Ibrahim, announced the formation of the National Justice Party and called on opposition forces to topple Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.