Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tuan Aziz: Saya dipilih sebulat suara...

Malaysiakini.com
Muda Mohd Noor
Jun 29, 09
2:26pm

Calon BN dalam pilihanraya kecil Manek Urai, Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat berkata, beliau dipilih secara sebulat suara untuk bertanding di kerusi tersebut.

"Saya difahamkan saya disokong penuh oleh semua ahli jawatankuasa (AJK) Umno bahagian Kuala Krai.

"Saya tanya pihak tertentu dalam bahagian, saya dapat sokongan penuh oleh AJK bahagian," katanya ketika diminta mengulas dakwaan ada pemimpin bahagian yang akan melakukan sabotaj terhadapnya.

Tuan Aziz yang juga ketua Pemuda Umno bahagian berkata, cerita 'kerat mengerat' di kalangan AJK Umno bahagian tidak berlaku di Manek Urai.

Katanya, hanya pihak tertentu yang menyebarkan spekulasi dan ia merupakan perkara biasa menjelang pilihanraya.

"Tidak sepatutnya berlaku kerat mengerat kerana saya dipilih oleh parti dan mereka juga orang parti yang sama," tambahnya.

Tuan Aziz berkata, jika seseorang calon yang tidak menunjukkan prestasi yang baik, rakyat akan menolak dan ini tidak bermakna berlaku kerat mengerat.

Peluang seimbang

Seorang AJK bahagian yang enggan namanya disiarkan memberitahu Malaysiakini, ada ahli Umno bahagian bimbang ada kumpulan AJK yang tidak puas hati, akan mensabotaj Tuan Aziz.

Katanya, ini kerana ia pernah berlaku dalam pilihanraya umum 2004 dan 2008.

"Kita juga meminta Tuan Aziz yang baru berumur 39 tahun itu tidak meminggirkan orang tua dalam kempennya nanti.

"Maklumlah beliau orang baru, rakan-rakannya orang muda dan keadaan ini boleh menyebabkan beliau lupa kepada pengundi golongan tua," katanya.

Mengenai peluang Tuan Aziz, beliau berkata, calon BN dan PAS itu mempunyai peluang yang seimbang.

Katanya, ini kerana pengaruh calon PAS, Fauzi Abdullah, tidak sama dengan bekas Adun Manek Urai, Ismail Yaacob yang meninggal Mei lalu.

Suruhanjaya pilihanraya (SPR) menetapkan 6 Julai sebagai hari penamaan calon dan pengundian pada 14 Julai..

Komen: Lebih baik tidak memberi komen jika demikian rupa komennya. Tidak kah komen seperti ini membayangkan sesuatu? Ia begitu defensif dan kelihatan seperti calon ini tidak mendapat sokongan sepenuhnya dari parti ini. Terdapat nama lain yang beliau geruni, yang mungkin punyai pengaruh yang kuat. Siapa..? Kita tidak tahu... tetapi dari komen di atas ia memberi tahu kita bahawa beliau tidak dipilih dengan sebulat suara.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Perak BN gov't scorches Pakatan policies

Humayun Kabir Jun 28, 09 8:16am Malaysiakini.com

It looks like the Perak BN government is bent on destroying all people-friendly policies implemented by the previous Pakatan Rakyat administration.

When Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir took his office in February, he was reported as saying that BN would continue the people-friendly policies implemented during Pakatan’s 10-month rule.

However, this turned out to be a broken promise as about nine people-friendly policies have either been scrapped or put on the back-burner.

DAP state secretary Nga Kor Ming is disappointed with BN’s about-turn on the following Pakatan-implemented measures:
  • 3,000 applications from residents of new and planned villages to convert their land titles from leasehold to freehold cancelled.

  • 817 elected village headmen had their term of office terminated. The village chiefs have since filed a suit in the Ipoh High Court to be reinstated.

  • The proposal to change the octagon Yak Tack Seng market along Jalan Osbone into a tourist centre scrapped.

  • The uniform one-coupon parking system for vehicles, and at a discounted rate from April, for the whole state did not see daylight.

  • The proposed RM38 million new bus terminal at Meru Raya in Jelapang grounded.

  • The open-tender policy for approving government contracts, land and logging concessions reverted to the old system of closed tenders.

  • The giving state land to religious schools and Chinese independent schools also scrapped.

  • The policy of giving RM1,000 to the dependents of senior citizens who die too has been buried.

  • The process of legalising the 134 new villages put on hold.

“Just because Barisan is jealous of our people-friendly polices, it does not mean that they have to penalise the innocent people and make them suffer just to show their anger at us,” said Nga.

Nga also took to task Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for his “makan angin” trip during his one-day visit to Ipoh on Thursday while the country was facing the worst economic crisis in history.

“He just comes to eat, drink and takes a walk to meet the people in Little India. He can utilise this precious time to plan how to overcome the economic crisis and bring the nation back to a sound economic footing,” he added.

Comment: This is merely adding insult to injury to the people of Perak. How is BN going to win support if reverse decision like this is taken. Don't they realize that 2012 or 2013 is not that far.. after all they are the ones who is working hard on Unity Government.., yet they are the ones who is hurting the people or the ordinary folks.. Wonder... when are they going to wake up...


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Hadi and Nasha have mud on their faces

Saad Hashim - Malaysiakini.com 25 June 2009

I refer to the Malaysiakini report PM: 'A religious duty to have unity talks'.

The so-called unity government talks between PAS and Umno or between PAS and BN and later changed to between Pakatan and BN have ended in a fiasco because of either bad 'nawaitu' (intention) or political immaturity on the part of PAS President Haji Hadi Awang and his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa.

First, why did Hadi make statements on the matter without the consent of his party and his party elders like Spiritual Leader Haji Nik Aziz. Because unlike Umno, PAS truly practises the concept that the president is merely someone who is only 'first among equals', meaning he cannot ignore the opinions of other leaders.

In Umno, the president is deemed to be the ‘high and mighty’ who can make policies willy-nilly and no one dares to chide or challenge him for making policy announcements without the consent of the Umno supreme council.

Thus we have had controversial policies made by the most powerful Umno president since Abdul Razak, - Dr Mahathir Mohamad like for example on the teaching of science and mathematics in English. I am sure Mahathir can testify to this and he could perhaps enlighten us further by telling us all those disastrous and wasteful policies he had made during his administration. On hindsight, he might want to say that he very much regretted them.


Secondly, did Hadi make this ‘unity talk’ suggestion, later seconded by his sidekick Nasharuddin only following some secret talks with Umno people who had promised Hadi the deputy premiership and senior ministership for Nasharuddin?

Hadi thought he could bulldoze his way with his party and quite naturally, there would be some in the PAS leadership as well as PAS grassroots who would support the idea especially those who perhaps still feel uncomfortable with PAS having to join DAP to form governments in Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Perak.

As they say in politics, you can fool all the people some of the time or the people can always be sweet-talked into making foolish decisions all the time.Thirdly, Hadi and Nasharuddin later insisted that PAS would talk to any party to discuss the country's problems ie, economy, the police, the judiciary, crime, etc.


If that is so, why can't they use the word 'dialogue' and not 'unity government'?And even this harmless overture Hadi and his deputy would have to inform their party leadership as well as their Pakatan partners.


And since when did Umno respect and spend time listening to Hadi and Nasharuddin on how to solve the country's economic problems? Now that the whole farce has come to an end, who has ended up with more mud on their face? Surely it is Hadi and Nasharuddin because whatever you may say, the duo cannot deny that the idea came from them and not from Umno (unless there is clear evidence that Hadi was asked to do it by Umno agents).


At the end of the day, Hadi and Nasharuddin have clearly tarnished the image of their party and strangely this is happening at a time when PAS is enjoying new-found strength and respectability following the last general elections.


Hadi and Nasharuddin have clearly become a little cancer in PAS and worse of all, from now on their partners in Pakatan can't be blamed if they start looking at PAS suspiciously.
Thus PAS would have to act fast by telling them that they are mere mortals and for the sake of the party, they should be brave enough to ‘die’ on their own swords, or else the party would arrange a ‘guillotine’ for them. Also it shouldn't be difficult for them because several PAS leaders have done this before including former past president Asri, Othman Abdullah, Mohamad Nasir, Nakhaie, etc.

Comment: There must be something behind their move as written here. There could have been secret talk between them and 'offer' from Umno men. This is the problem with political immaturity of our leaders. For the sake of personal gain they can easily be bought and sold. Poor PAS and Malays as a whole.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Poison of “Unity” Government

M. Bakri Musa http://www.bakrimusa.com/ 21 June 2009

The two Malay political parties – UMNO and PAS – are battling each other to convince us that each is better than the other in advancing the “Malay agenda.” The two are like ageing fighters stuck with their same old tired moves. They are oblivious of the fact that we are fed up with their act; their lack of vigor and imaginative new strategies.

In a clumsy if not desperate attempt for new moves they concocted a ‘vision’ for a ‘unity’ government based on the two parties! Left unstated is the question: Unity for what and against whom?

I wish that they would expend their efforts on making our people competitive, and thus lifting us out of poverty. That is the most important Malay agenda today. Better yet, I would prefer that they just exit the ring and let others run the show for a change.

I fail to see how this ‘unity’ government would make Malays more competitive. The track record for UMNO is for all to see. Corruption is now rampant, as well as the erosion of the integrity of our institutions and the deepening polarization of Malaysians. The Melayu Baru (New Malay) of UMNO has now morphed into Melayu Barua (Malay scoundrels).

As for PAS, after decades of ruling Kelantan, the young still has to leave the state to seek a better life. The state is regularly plagued with such diseases as cholera. Tok Guru Nik Aziz may be pious and religious, with honesty and humility thrown in massive doses, but he is completely inept in running a modern state. Apparently his humility does not extend to his intellect for he has not seen fit to seek competent help in such ‘secular’ matters.

New Political Reality

UMNO and PAS are so used to fighting each other that they have forgotten what it is they are fighting for. While they are busy fighting each other, the world has passed them by. Today with the increasing plurality of the Malaysian electorate, securing the majority Malay votes would not necessary translate into political power, at least at the national level.

In a rare display of political wisdom, PAS recognized the need to reach beyond by, for example, fielding non-Malay candidates in the last election and establishing a new wing within the party for non-Muslims. However, whatever inroads the party may have made with non-Malays have since evaporated with its ill-conceived pursuit of a “unity government” with UMNO.

UMNO, a slow learner, has yet to recognize this new political reality. Thus it treats its non-Malay coalition partners in Barisan with undisguised contempt. UMNO leaders are quick to brandish their kerises, preferably dripped with ketchup for dramatic effect, at the slightest provocation.

Chauvinistic appeals of Ketuanan Melayu to win Malay votes might still work, but only regionally in Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Trengganu. Unfortunately those are not exactly the economic or power centers of the nation. In terms of population, landmass, and most importantly economic activities, the contributions of those states to the national total are at best miniscule.

The elements overrepresented in those states are poverty and the underdevelopment of the people, and the overwhelming majority of whom are, sadly, Malays. Oh, yes, combined those four states have nearly half (four out of nine) of the sultans. For some, that is a source of endless pride.

As for the much-vaunted Malay agenda or even Ketuanan Melayu, I am at a loss as to what exactly these Malay politicians are fighting for. If it is for retaining the Malay language, sultans and other key elements of Malay culture, including and especially Islam, those are already enshrined in our constitution. Even if non-Malays were to oppose that, there is not much that they could do about it. By themselves they could never secure the necessary two-third majority needed to amend the constitution.

The only way for non-Malays, or anyone else for that matter, to do away with those constitutional provisions would be to bribe Members of Parliament (Malays and non-Malays) to amend the constitution. Then just to be sure, also bribe the Senators and also the King and sultans so they too would agree with the changes.

The price tag would be cheap. The late Tun Ghaffar once suggested that for a few hundred million ringgit you could buy the entire UMNO Supreme Council. With a billion or two you could get the whole parliament and the Council of Rulers.

The colonial British secured the entire country for considerably much less, even after factoring in for inflation and devaluation (of both the sterling and ringgit). Flattery made up for what they could not afford in gold. The British offered fancy titles like the Knighthood of some Medieval Order to our leaders and sultans to win them over.

The corollary to my observation is that if we Malays truly wish to preserve our cherished special privileges, we better start electing honest and incorrupt leaders. Corrupt leaders would not only sell off those special privileges, they will also sell away our country.

Unity for What and Against Whom? Following the Barisan election rout of March 8, 2008, the fear that the coalition, specifically UMNO, would lose power at the national level was palpable. This desperation led misguided souls in UMNO to seek those in PAS who had been longing for power. This quest for a ‘unity government’ was nothing more than UMNO securing an insurance policy for its continuing hold on power; for PAS, it was a seductive teasing on the taste of power.

It is ironic that the pursuit of a “unity government” resulted only in sowing distrust within the existing coalitions. In pursuing PAS, UMNO succeeded only in straining relations with its long-time Barisan partners. PAS meanwhile managed only to poison its still frail Pakatan Rakyat coalition with PKR and DAP. Worse, as we are now seeing, it also threatens the unity of PAS.

The proponents for this “unity government” have obviously not done their due diligence or any downstream analysis. Those UMNO warlords would not take kindly to sharing their bounty with their new kopiah-clad upstart colleagues. Far from ‘purifying’ UMNO, PAS would end up being just as corrupt as UMNO.

It is remarkable that both Tun Mahathir and Tok Guru Nik Aziz are against the idea. I do not know their individual motives, but the fact they are both in rare agreement should serve as a cautionary note.

If the disintegration of UMNO and PAS were the consequence of this “unity” movement, I could not care less. However, the initiative would poison race relations in the country on a scale comparable to the May 1969 tragedy. Indeed the venom has already seeped out. That should concern everyone.

This “unity government” scheme is nothing more than a crude and greedy power-grab by the UMNO and PAS pair. It is not to be confused with Tun Razak’s version following the May 1969 tragedy. Then it was truly a unity initiative, with the wise Tun opening up the old Alliance coalition to all willing participants.

This latest scheme is the ugliest manifestation of Malay ultra chauvinism. It would lead not to unity but greater polarizations among Malays as well as between Malays and non-Malays, and at a time when we can least afford it.

Even if UMNO were to merge with PAS, the new coalition would still never command a two-third majority in Parliament. At last count, even if every Member of Parliament with a Malay-sounding name were to vote in “unity,” that would still fall far short of a supra majority needed to amend the constitution. The political calculus has changed irreversibly.

The central reality is that Malays will have to advance with and not at the expense of non-Malay Malaysians. Likewise, non-Malays would advance along with and not at the expense of Malays. The unity that we should all strive for must not only be among Malays but also among Malaysians. We can begin that process not by pursuing a “unity government” but decreasing the rhetoric that polarizes our society. Demanding that our political leaders be civil and courteous to each other would be an excellent beginning. Oh yes, please also keep those kerises sheathed!

It amuses me that the most vigorous proponents of this “unity government” in UMNO and PAS are also the shrillest and most divisive voices before they discovered this ‘unity’ religion.

A New Direction For Malays

Instead of wasting time and effort in chasing the mirage of Malay ‘unity’ and in the process unnecessarily alienating others, Malay leaders should focus on the more difficult and critical problem of enhancing Malay competitiveness. This problem cannot be solved simply by shouting slogans of Malay unity or Ketuanan Melayu. Instead we need leaders who are smart, competent, diligent, and above all, not corrupt.

Look at the schools Malay children attend. How can we expect them to learn English or science when we do not provide them with competent teachers? Examine the institutions run predominantly by Malays, the civil service for example. As Malays we should be ashamed of this. We need these institutions to be effective as they are a key to making Malays competitive.

The list is endless. What is limited, and severely so, is the willingness to acknowledge, let alone solve them. I have yet to hear something sensible from either PAS or UMNO leaders. So far PAS wants Malays not to learn English and to ban Sisters in Islam. Well, that is an advancement of sorts; at least they are not harping on hudud. As for UMNO leaders, they cannot even decide whether to continue teaching science and mathematics in English.

Malay leaders should not be deluding the masses with half-baked ideas of “Malay unity.” These leaders succeed only in deluding themselves.

Comment: It is interesting to note the important point in this article, Unity for what and against whom? Are we (Malaysian society as a whole) at the brink of disaster.. or only a party or group of people are in that position at the moment. 'False consciousness' can easily be constructed and those who are not aware of it will think that it is the truth or the right thing to do... and once again they become their prey... it is thus a dangerous poison indeed.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Pilihan raya ke-13 penamat buat UMNO...apa kata Ku Nan

June 23, 2009 : 08.49am oleh: HANAFIAH MAN Agenda Daily

Peralihan kuasa kepimpinan negara yang berlaku 3 April 2009 lalu atau tepatnya 82 hari lalu dikatakan masih tidak memberikan impak yang besar kepada keyakinan rakyat terhadap UMNO dan Barisan Nasional (BN). Ramai yang masih beranggapan tidak banyak perubahan berlaku. Malah tempoh kepimpinan Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak yang belum pun sampai 100 hari sudah dinilai dengan pelbagai andaian. Ini termasuklah pandangan yang terlalu ekstrim menyatakan pilihan raya ke-13 adalah penamat kepada riwayat politik UMNO daripada persada kuasa.

Agendadaily menemu bual Setiausaha Agung UMNO, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (DSTA) bertanyakan perkara-perkara yang kini menjadi perbualan banyak pihak.

Soalan: Datuk Seri ramai yang beranggapan bahawa pilihan raya ke-13 akan datang merupakan penamat buat UMNO dan BN, apa pandangan Datuk Seri

DSTA: Itu semua persepsi. Orang punya persepsi menyatakan macam-macam. Saya berkeyakinan rakyat tahu bahawa BN yang bertulang belakangkan UMNO adalah sebuah parti yang memiliki kewibawaan untuk membangun negara, memberi apa yang dikehendaki oleh rakyat dan memastikan bahawa negara ini stabil dan untuk mempastikan bahawa aqidah umat Islam tidak dipesongkan kerana UMNO adalah parti Islam yang terbesar di negara ini.

Soalan: Tapi persepsi yang menyatakan pilihan raya ke-13 ini penamat buat UMNO dan BN timbul kerana ramai yang merasakan UMNO masih tidak berubah lagi.

DSTA: Apa yang UMNO tidak berubah. Macam-macam perubahan kita lakukan. Takkan kita nak ceritakan apa yang kita buat, itu kita punya strategi.

Soalan: Persepsi UMNO tidak berubah ini timbul kerana perubahan yang dibuat tidak dirasai atau dapat dilihat.

DSTA: Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib telah memperkenalkan konsep 1 Malaysia, Rakyat Diutamakan Pencapaian Didahulukan. Ini bukan sekadar cogankata. Ini adalah realiti dan Datuk Seri Najib telah pun membuat pelbagai perubahan. Contohnya liberalisasi ekonomi. Tidak lama lagi beberapa perubahan yang dibuat oleh Datuk Seri Najib.

Soalan: Jadi Datuk Seri yakin rakyat akan merasai semua perubahan ini.

DSTA: Pasti. Masalahnya pembangkang cuba untuk membentuk pemikiran rakyat bahawa Barisan Nasional ini lemah, UMNO lemah. Padahal Barisan Nasional dan UMNO tidak lemah. Kita masih lagi ada kekuatan, kita masih lagi mempunyai kewibawaan untuk mentadbir negara ini. Soalan: Serangan terhadap UMNO dan BN kini bukan sahaja terhadap pemimpin parti dan negara tetapi sudah sampai kepada serangan peribadi terhadap isteri pemimpin dan keluarga mereka. DSTA: Itu buktinya mereka sudah tidak ada isu. Bagi saya mereka ini adalah cheap entertainer…pelawak murahan.

Soalan: Namun kritikan serta persepsi buruk terhadap UMNO dan BN bukan sahaja datang daripada pembangkang tetapi juga daripada kalangan ahli UMNO sendiri.

DSTA: Kalau ahli UMNO, ramai yang jadi ahli UMNO tidak tahu perjuangan. Kita sedang buat sesuatu untuk memaklumkan kepada ahli-ahli baru tentang sejarah, perjuanagn dan matlamat BN dan UMNO. Malaysia hanya akan jadi sebuah negara yang berjaya jika BN kukuh.

Soalan: Pilihan raya kecil DUN Manek Urai akan berlangsung tidak lama lagi. Soalan ini bersifat spekulatif. Jika UMNO kalah, ai akan menjadi siri kekalahan UMNO dan BN pada pilihan raya kecil. Bagaimana UMNO hendak berdepan dengan keadaan ini.

DSTA: Saya rasa semua pihak perlu maklum bahawa empat pilihan raya kecil yang lalu adalah di tempat-tempat yang kerusinya bukan kepunyaan Barisan Nasional kecuali di Kuala Terengganu. Di Kuala Terengganu pula ada beberapa kesilapan yang telah kita lakukan dan kita akan perbaiki kesilapan-kesilapan ini. Pembangkang pula di Kuala Terengganu telah menggunakan satu perkataan iaitu sombong. Calon sombong dan perkataan ini telah termakan oleh para pengundi di Kuala Terengganu.
Tapi hakikatnya, daripada empat pilihan raya kecil yang telah diadakan, UMNO cuma kalah di satu kerusi miliknya sebelum ini iaitu Kuala Terengganu. Manakala yang lain kita bertanding di kerusi yang bukan milik UMNO selepas pilihan raya umum Mac 2008. Di Manek Urai barangkali kita akan menang. Daripada segi keyakinan, InsyaAllah kalau tidak menang kita boleh pastikan undi yang diperolehi pembangkang akan merosot. 23/6/2009

Komen:Jawapan ini sudah boleh membayangkan keadaan sebenar. Begitu defensif dan tidak memberangsangkan. Masih feudal dan patronizing.. banyak perkara yang masih terhijap di kalangan kepimpinan parti ini.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Unity governmentt: A United 'NO' from Pakatan

S Pathmawathy Jun 22, 09 3:18pm Malaysiakini.com

Pakatan Rakyat's top leadership today unanimously rejected the formation of a unity government with Umno or Barisan Nasional. The PKR, DAP and PAS leaders reiterated their commitment to the opposition coalition with the aim of forming the federal government someday.

This was revealed in a joint statement inked by Opposition Leader and PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim, DAP's Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. "The Pakatan council of leaders has reaffirmed its rejection of the idea of forming a unity government with Umno/BN which is clearly a malicious and desperate attempt to compromise the integrity of the increasingly popular Pakatan Rakyat," read the statement.

The statement was issued after its leaders held a one-hour 40 minute meeting to discuss the matter in one of the meeting rooms in the Parliament building. This was followed by a six-minutes press conference to announce the decision. Besides the three main leaders, others present at the meeting were PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, her deputy Syed Husin Ali, vice-presidents Azmin Ali and R Sivarasa. Others include DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, DAP Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, vice-president Mahfuz Omar and central committee member and Bukit Gantang MP Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

Discuss issues of national interestMeanwhile, The Pakatan leaders said they were willing to discuss with BN on matters of national interests and had identified several areas. These include economic recovery, improving the quality of education, restoring the integrity of the judiciary, abolishing the Internal Security Act and the handling of the RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ).
Other areas include the blatant abuse of power by the police, increasing crime rate, eradication of corruption, establishment of good governance and the holding of an immediate free and fair election to resolve the Perak crisis.

PAS president Abdul Hadi also assured that differences between party spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa "will be resolved tonight."PAS will hold its central committee meeting tonight where this matter, including the unity talks with Umno, are expected to be the main agenda.

Previously, Nik Aziz told Nasharuddin to quit PAS and join Umno in relation to the latter’s support for holding unity talks with Umno. Commenting on Pakatan's decision, Lim said the opposition coalition has come together to resolve its first crisis. "This statement shows that we are committed to move forward. It shows that we are different from BN," he added.

Comment: Several leaders esp. those in PAS have been toying with the idea. It was uncertain whether there were secret negotiations prior to their statement. It was only after Mursyidul Am or Tuan Guru Nik Aziz nailed the deputy Nasharuddin Isa that the matter became loose and settled (if it is securely upheld, knowing politics...). The desperate UMNO (and as a whole BN, though denied by the boss) has to find new ideas and ways to ensure position in the next coming 13th Gen. Election... or else the seeds of political transformation in Malaysia is starting and gearing fast... The year of 2012 or 2013 is not far. A Gentleman's way rule of the game should also be upheld for the sake of national image and integrity...The BN defensive reaction are as followed.. and cynically blamed PR..

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Umno info chief tells BN partners: Don’t worry

Malaysian Insider, PONTIAN Sunday June 21, 2009

Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should not be worried over the proposed PAS-Umno unity government talks as it is not intended to sideline any party in the coalition, Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

“They should not be unduly worried as we won’t be sidelining anyone. We need them in the discussion,” he told reporters after opening a seminar on mosque and surau here today.

The proposed unity government was mooted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang but is opposed by PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Ahmad, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said the proposed talks would not only benefit the Malays but also the people as a whole. He also expressed confidence that the majority of people in the country would agree to the proposed talks.

“Those who disagree with it, like Nik Aziz, are a minority group in the country,” he said, adding that the proposed unity government would help strengthen the country’s political and economic stability.

Ahmad also said that there was no need for PAS to seek permission from DAP or Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to talk to Umno as the party had its own strength. — Bernama


Comment: How can you bridge alliance with other parties without informing your partners? How in the world is this going to work when you only say, .. not to worry... to your partners while they are still component of your coalition party. Unity government is a nil oppositon government. Bridging link with only PAS without the rest of PR members would only form another kind of coalition, not Unity Government. Moreover, why does this issue emerge as very important now and not before when BN had superb control of the government and masses? Something went bankrupt somewhere..? or Advance preparation prior to 'bankruptcy declaration" in the next election..?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sultan tolak idea Jambatan Ketiga PM

Jun 18, 09 12:10pm Malaysiakini.com

Sultan Johor hari ini menolak cadangan pembinaan jambatan ketiga menghubungi Johor dengan Singapura seperti saranan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak bulan lalu.

Titah Sultan Iskandar Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail itu disampaikan oleh Tengku Mahkota Johor ketika merasmikan persidangan penggal kedua DUN Johor pagi ini, lapor Bernama.

"Saya dititahkan oleh Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku bahawa Tuanku tidak setuju dengan cadangan untuk membina jambatan ketiga," kata Tunku Ibrahim Ismail.Terdahulu, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail dan Raja Muda Johor Tunku Ismail Ibrahim mengiringi Sultan Iskandar memeriksa perbarisan sempena perasmian pembukaan persidangan berkenaan.

Perdana menteri mengumumkan mengenai minat Singapura membina jambatan ketiga di timur Johor bersama Malaysia apabila hasratitu dilahirkan oleh Menteri Mentor Singapura, Lee Kuan Yew pada pertemuan mereka di Putrajaya. (kedudukan kawasan jambatan ketiga, garis titik merah peta di atas)

Dalam titah yang disampaikan menerusi Tunku Mahkota itu juga, Sultan Iskandar menasihatkan rakyat supaya menyambut langkah kerajaan untuk membina ekonomi yang maju. Menurut agensi berita itu lagi, baginda turut meminta rakyat berpegang teguh kepada Perlembagaan supaya keadaan terus aman dan damai. "Perpaduan antara rakyat mesti dijaga supaya semua rakyat dapat hidup bahagia. Kita hendaklah muafakat kerana muafakat itu berkat," titah baginda.

Komen: Kawasan ini didakwa sesuai dibangunkan bagi projek pelancongan dengan terdapatnya pelbagai kawasan rekreasi dan alam sekitar yang menarik seperti Desaru, Mersing dan pinggiran pantai yang lain. Namun pelbagai persolan yang boleh dibangkitkan di sini hingga Sultan Johor sendiri menyuara pandangan. Mestikah dibuat jambatan tersebut untuk membangunkan kawasan itu. Apakah tanpa jambatan itu pelancong Singapura tidak datang. Sebagai bandingan Genting Highland, Langkawi, Sarawak yang jauh pun tetap menjadi tumpuan rakyat Singapura jika ia mempunyai nilai tarikan yang tinggi. Tidakkah ini menjadi satu projek yang tinggi harganya memandangkan jaraknya yang amat jauh, sedangkan terdapat jarak yang lebih dekat di bahagian lain. Semua ini membangkitkan persoalan... atau apakah ia merupakan satu projek yang memberi banyak 'inject'...?

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Najib yakin MCA tak keluar BN

Oleh Saufi Hamzah dan Azli Ayob
bhnews@bharian.com.my Jumaat, 12 Jun 2009

Pungutan suara hanya kaji selidik

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak yakin MCA tidak akan keluar daripada Barisan Nasional (BN) walaupun hasil pungutan suara dalam laman blog presiden parti itu, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, menunjukkan sebaliknya.

Perdana Menteri yang juga Pengerusi BN berkata, pungutan suara itu hanya kaji selidik untuk tujuan akademik parti berkenaan.

"Setahu saya, MCA tak ada niat untuk keluar daripada BN. Mungkin pungutan suara itu bersifat akademik tapi kedudukan MCA memang sentiasa sebagai rakan kanan dalam BN," katanya pada sidang media selepas mempengerusikan majlis Konsultasi Bajet 2010 di Kementerian Kewangan di sini, semalam.

Najib berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas pungutan suara dalam laman blog Ong, www.ongteekeat.net yang bertajuk 'Patutkah MCA meninggalkan BN'.

Dalam pungutan suara itu yang menerima maklum balas 2,592 orang (sehingga jam 3 petang semalam), sebanyak 75.8 peratus mahu MCA keluar BN manakala 24.3 peratus tidak bersetuju dengannya. (kini 12 Jun, sudah 78%) . . . .(disambung dgn berita lain).

Komen: Survey dibuat melalui laman Presiden MCA, Ong Tee Keat. Responden dipercayai lebih ramai pengundi Cina dan ahli MCA. Anehnya kenyataan MCA tidak akan keluar dari BN dilahirkan oleh Presiden UMNO. Presiden MCA atau Exco lain belum membuat kenyataan. Bermacam tafsiran boleh dibuat di sini... Satu amaran?, satu ingatan? kenyataan sebagai mewakili, atau percikan hati kecil dari gemuruh gundah gulana...? Kedudukan BN dlm politik Malaysia kini dilihat amat genting. Dlm keadaan politik gabungan seperti ini satu sahaja parti utama seperti MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PBB, PBS atau SUPP bertindak keluar maka teori domino terus berjalan. Zaman sudah berubah, lain hulu lain parang, lain dahulu lain sekarang.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

One by-election too many?

By Elections In Malaysia
The Electric New Paper, Singapore
MON 01 JUNE 2009 - Tan May Ping

THERE have been seven by-elections in Malaysia since the March 2008 general election in which the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) won a close battle against Mr Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition, comprising PKR, PAS and DAP.

Some Malaysians are already calling 2009 'a year of by-elections', especially since the last parliamentary term from 2004 to 2008 saw only six by-elections - or an average of 1.5 a year.

The New Paper on Sunday spoke to three analysts about the 'by-election effect'.

They are Dr Ooi Kee Beng, fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore; Professor James Chin, political science professor at Monash University in Malaysia, and Dr Ahmad Nidzammudin Sulaiman, University Kebangsaan Malaysia's political science head.

How do the by-elections affect the Malaysian psyche?

Dr Ooi: They add to the feeling that changes will not come easily and that they are in for a long period of political battles.

Prof Chin: Voters are unhappy that so much money is wasted on by-elections.

Dr Ahmad: Overall, Malaysians have no problem and look forward to them.

How do they affect the Malaysian economy?

Dr Ooi: Minimally. What does affect the economy are federal policies and federal postures vis-a-vis the opposition states, which happen to be the most industrialised states that the national economy is dependent on.

Prof Chin: Nothing direct, but overall it creates an atmosphere of political instability.

Dr Ahmad: Not much. There are many other factors like the current global economic slump. Elections in Malaysia are safely run and I don't think foreign investors are overly worried.

How do they affect the political situation in Malaysia?

Dr Ooi: Malaysian politics will be kept in a 'campaigning mode' for too long. This affects how changes will take place, and defensiveness and offensiveness will become the mode of thought more than 'nation-building'.

Prof Chin: Political parties come alive during elections so it's good for them.

Dr Ahmad: Since March 2008, Malaysia has been in a transition period into more open, competitive new politics. These elections heighten politicking among parties. They, however, do not disrupt the overall political system.

Do they strengthen the opposition hand as opposed to the BN?

Dr Ooi: Yes, they favour the opposition for now. But they do tell the BN that they cannot win if they do not change fast enough.

The pressure is on the opposition to get its act together, to deliver on reforms where they can and to improve the quality of their rank-and-file.

Prof Chin: Yes and no. For Perak, it strengthens the PR.

Dr Ahmad: The current position of the opposition does strengthen since the common interest of the members to knock down BN is still intact. Conflicting ideologies are put aside for the sake of this common interest.

On the other hand, BN cohesion looks a little shaken as a few component parties have threatened to pull out.

Going forward, what is the best strategy for BN?

Dr Ooi: Turning the economy around, and improving international trade relations. BN component parties have to respond to the demands of the times. This is where they are at a loss. I suspect BN will have to lose power in order to become a healthy organisation again.

Prof Chin: As the incumbent in power since Independence, they must fight for every seat, even in hopeless cases. They cannot allow the PR and Anwar momentum.

Dr Ahmad: There is no short-cut remedy for 50 years of blunders they have made. People are demanding good governance, transparency, accountability and open society. They have to sacrifice a lot to regain public confidence.