Case reopens doubts about Malaysian justice system
By Razak Baginda's own cautioned statement to the police, he grew tired of Altantuya and broke up with her after a year-long affair in which he gifted her thousands of dollars. However, she flew to Malaysia to demand as much as US$500,000, according a letter found after her death. The two bodyguards, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, were to be paid RM50,000 to RM00,000 to kill Altantuya, according to a confession by Sirul which was never produced in court.
Written by John Berthelsen, Asia Sentinel
The politically-charged appeal of two elite Malaysian police bodyguards who were sentenced to death two years and nine months ago for the 2006 murder-for-hire of Mongolian translator and party girl Altantuya Shaaribuu is due on Feb. 10 in Malaysia’s Court of Appeal.
The High Court trial, in which everything appeared to have been done ignore the question of who hired the two killers, stands in vivid contrast to the appeal filed by prosecutors on Jan. 19 in the case of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, in which everything appeared to have been done to bend the evidence to try to put the 64-year-old Anwar behind bars. As Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah pointed out in his not-guilty verdict, “the court cannot be 100 percent certain that the DNA evidence against Anwar was not contaminated.”
The two bodyguards, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, were to be paid RM50,000 to RM00,000 to kill Altantuya, according to a confession by Sirul which was never produced in court.
Although the three-judge court is expected to hear arguments, it is unsure if the verdict on the appeal by the two will be concluded on that date. Even if it is, according to criminal defense lawyer Manjeet Singh Dhillon, that is unlikely to be the end of the case. If the two are found guilty once more, they have the right of appeal to the Federal Court, Malaysia’s highest tribunal. That could take as long as another 2-1/2 years, Dhillon said in an interview.
Although the Malaysian court system has been working to shorten the length of time appeals take, delays remain. However, the length of time this particular case is taking is extraordinary, Dhillon said. Indeed, however, he said, the appeal in Anwar’s case could take a similar amount of time. As with the Sirul-Azilah case, Anwar’s appeal to the Federal Court could also take another two and a half years after the appellate verdict.
The murder case been linked to the fortunes of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Azilah and Sirul served as bodyguards in an elite police unit supervised by Najib, then the country's deputy prime minister. It has continued to dog him as bloggers and journalists from France and other countries have continued to question his involvement. Also on trial with the two, but acquitted without having to put on a defense, was Altantuya's jilted lover and one of Najib's best friends, political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda.
From the start of the year-long trial, during which prosecutors and the judge were hurriedly switched without warning, to the end, when the verdict was delayed since February 2008 until after the United Malays National Organization convention that named Najib party leader and thus prime minister, the case has appeared more about suppressing evidence than determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Asked about the failure of investigative agencies to attempt to discover why no attempt had been made to ascertain who had hired the two to kill the woman, Dhillon responded: “Frankly, that is ridiculous. It clearly shows the intention of the investigative agency. If you are a hired killer, someone has hired you, and he is a far greater criminal, whoever it is. If I am the head of the investigative agency, I would want to know who the mastermind is. Everybody wants to sweep this under the carpet.”
The murder was one of the most gruesome in recent Malaysian memory. It is a tale worth repeating. By several accounts, the then-28 year-old woman, who was executed with two bullets to the head in a jungle clearing near the suburban city of Shah Alam and whose body was blown up with military explosives, was at the center of a massive scandal over the purchase by Malaysia of two French submarines and the lease of a third.
The sale of the submarines and other vessels by the French government-linked military contactor DCN to Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan. India and other countries have been investigated sporadically by prosecutors who have alleged it involves a string of murders and kickbacks paid to some of France’s top political figures.
Altantuya, then Razak Baginda's lover according to Razak Baginda’s testimony to police, reportedly was a translator in the purchase, which cost Malaysian taxpayers €1 billion (US$329.1 billion in current dollars). The purchase netted a company controlled by Razak Baginda €114 million in "commissions," according to testimony in Malaysia's parliament.
By Razak Baginda's own cautioned statement to the police, he grew tired of Altantuya and broke up with her after a year-long affair in which he gifted her thousands of dollars. However, she flew to Malaysia to demand as much as US$500,000, according a letter found after her death. Other reports alleged the payment was for her part in the purchase of the submarines.
As she stood in front of Razak Baginda's house, demanding that he come out, the two policemen, accompanied by a policewoman, swooped down on her, tossed her into the back of a car, and she was never seen alive again.
In a cautioned statement that was never introduced in court, Sirul testified that in her last moments, Altantuya begged for her life, saying she was pregnant. Sirul said he and Azilah had attached explosives to the woman's legs up to her abdomen and her head, raising questions why they had sought to destroy her abdomen rather, for instance, than her hands, which could identify the body. Presumably the explosives would have destroyed any DNA samples of whose baby was inside her, if any.
P. Balasubramaniam, a private detective hired by Razak Baginda to keep the woman away from him, swore in an intensively detailed statutory declaration that he was told by Razak Baginda that Altantuya had been the lover of Najib as well, that she liked anal sex, and that she had been passed on to the analyst because Najib intended to become prime minister and didn't want a sex scandal hanging over his head.
In the declaration, Balasubramaniam said he had seen text messages from Najib after Altantuya disappeared, telling him to "be cool" and that he would take care of the matter. After delivering his statutory declaration, Balasubramaniam was summoned to a Kuala Lumpur police station, where he was forced into a total recantation of the document. He and his entire family disappeared. There apparently was never an attempt made by the court trying the three men to find him and ask him to testify as to the accuracy of the statement.
Comments (12)..
written by plato, January 27, 2012 12:43:40
Razak`s,Bala`s and RPK affidavits can be used. ...
written by Ben Nordin, January 27, 2012 12:43:02
Do you really think that people believe that Altantuya is Razak Baginda's lover? Hahaha. Razak Baginda just took the fall for some flip flop. And for that he was rewarded handsomely. Who has the power to erase immigration records showing Altantuya came into Malaysia vis KLIA? Who has the power to order the bodyguards to kill? I doubt Razak Baginda has that kind of power. Why did Jibby text Razak Baginda and told him "Matter will be solved. Be cool." at the on set of the Murder trial?
Malaysians, don't be so naive. ...
written by fidlot, January 27, 2012 12:41:31
Whoever holds power in Ammno regime....is equavalent to a Gd of BoelehLand.
This Gd of BolehLand....can even turn the sun into a moon. What is there for a pesky opposition seeking to overthrow this fraternity of evil scourged?
Work hard, keep lot of money and migrate whenver opportunity arises
Leave this shit to them unluky ones thats support such racist regime when the oil runs dry. ...
written by Fart Fart Wah, January 27, 2012 11:59:47
Question is WHO ORDERED THE KILLING? ...
written by PREM, January 27, 2012 11:55:25
THE QUESTION IN EVERY TAXPAYERS MIND WAS ' ARE OUR MALAYSIAN JUDGES LACKING IN SIMPLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW ' ? ? ? ? EVEN THE UNEDUCATED WOULD POINT OUT THAT THE 'HONOURABLE ' JUDGES HAVE MISSED A VERY SIMPLE Q ' WHO HIRED THE KILLERS ' ? ? ? WASTING OUR TAX MONEY ON THE ' WAYANG KULIT ' ...
written by Big Ass Mama, January 27, 2012 11:51:29
Question is who ordered the killing? ...
written by Dr Gum Singh Walia, January 27, 2012 11:46:33
Ini Dolar Akhbar mana mari. Awak Tanjung Rambutan juga ada lari. Ini Malaysia semua ada. Belakang Taruh punya orang ada. Itu Bom C4 punya orang pun ada. Itu Lembu punya susu duduk punya condo juga ada. Itu Islam punya orang lari bini punya orang pun ada. Itu mayat mati punya orang bawa lari itu kubut mari juga ada. Ini Malaysia semua punya boleh. Semua ada.
Itu Malaysia bikin ekonomi punya baik yang tada. Itu Ah War Gor kah, Ah Jib Gor kah, itu Ah Din kah itu semua tolak masuk sungei buloh banyak bagus. ...
written by malgal, January 27, 2012 11:39:33
the spectre does not want to go away.
what's sleep like with the sword of damocles ever dangling? ..
written by monee, January 27, 2012 10:52:39
Same repeated article'(s) nothing new. What happened to the suppose sensational news from FRENCH COURT ???? Are their mouth now stuff with EUROS !!!! ...
written by Jacque, January 27, 2012 10:39:01
Who hired those two murderers? The real killer(s) is on the loose while the henchmen will be hanged. Any benefit for working as henchmen for those that walk in the corridors of power? ...
written by Jibby the Head, your C4 Friendly $upreme 1AiyahDollar Fuhrer, January 27, 2012 10:28:25
Read lah my Oafs 1My Qur'4n $wearing pink pouting lip$
This kafir, apa nama tu, John Berthelsen, Asia Sentinel is obviously biased in his unfair reporting against me (who is proclaimed the Father of Moderation and Fairness, by none other than a bunch of pork eating kafir Cina Kuis, who, incidentally, are cousins of Mongolians, and who knows these things, but I digressed) and our country's superb legal system (the best that ringgits can buy). Now this kafir reporter tries to insinuate that "the High Court trial, in which everything appeared to have been done ignore the question of who hired the two killers, stands in vivid contrast to the appeal filed by prosecutors on Jan. 19 in the case of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim" that somehow our Courts, the best that money can buy, is somehow unfair. As this infidel biased reporter rightly noted that "Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah pointed out in his not-guilty verdict, “the court cannot be 100 percent certain that the DNA evidence against Anwar was not contaminated.” He, tha kafir reporter, conveniently ignored the fact that the Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah did not in fact point out anything in the Razak Baginda's trial nor did Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah point out anything in the trial of the two elite scape goat police body guard who were sentenced to death. Doesn't this biased kafir reporter know that it is improper for anyone to interfere until Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah point out something? Until I hear from the learned judge pointing out something, these two who were fairly found guilty, will bravely die for me and country, if necessary. So what's so wrong about this system? Semua-nya OK!
You should not believe anyone with a cheap name like "Berthelsen". Why believe in "sen" when you have "ringits"? Dollar akbar! ...
written by Jibby the Head, your C4 Friendly $upreme 1AiyahDollar Fuhrer, January 27, 2012 10:18:14
Read lah my Oafs 1My Qur'4n $wearing pink pouting lip$
This kafir, apa nama tu, John Berthelsen, Asia Sentinel is obviously biased in his unfair reporting against me (who is proclaimed the Father of Moderation and Fairness, by none other than a bunch of pork eating kafir Cina Kuis, who, incidentally, are cousins of Mongolians, and who knows these things, but I digressed) and our country's superb legal system (the best that ringgits can buy). Now this kafir reporter tries to insinuate that "the High Court trial, in which everything appeared to have been done ignore the question of who hired the two killers, stands in vivid contrast to the appeal filed by prosecutors on Jan. 19 in the case of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim" that somehow our Courts, the best that money can buy, is somehow unfair. As this infidel biased reporter rightly noted that "Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah pointed out in his not-guilty verdict, “the court cannot be 100 percent certain that the DNA evidence against Anwar was not contaminated.” He, tha kafir reporter, conveniently ignored the fact that the Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah did not in fact point out anything in the Razak Baginda's trial nor did Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah point out anything in the trial of the two elite scape goat police body guard who were sentenced to death. Doesn't this biased kafir reporter know that it is improper for anyone to interfere until Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah point out something? Until I hear from the learned judge pointing out something, these two who were fairly found guilty, will bravely die for me and country, if necessary. So what's so wrong about this system? Semua-nya OK!
Dr Ismail Aby Jamal
Born in Batu 10, Kg Lubok Bandan, Jementah, Segamat, Johor
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Let’s compare Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz........It is like comparing a small puddle and an ocean!! AND, THE RAKYAT WILL NOT FORGIVE PEOPLE WHO ABUSED PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY LUXURIOUS CONDOS!!
PROBE CONTINUES: DPM, Noh tasked with charting corporation’s future direction
(New Straits Times) - THE assets of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC), which is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police, have been temporarily frozen.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak confirmed this yesterday, when asked to comment on calls for the assets to be frozen. “It has been frozen for the time being,” he said. However, the prime minister did not elaborate on who had taken the action and what this entailed. Najib said he had also asked Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar to look into NFC’s future direction. Muhyiddin and Noh would look for the best solution concerning NFC while investigations are being conducted by police and MACC.
On Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s decision to take three-week leave from her ministerial duties pending the outcome of the investigations, Najib said it was “an appropriate
decision”.
He said the decision would allow both agencies to investigate whether she was involved in the issue. "She discussed it with me and told me she was prepared to be investigated. What happens after this will depend on the outcome of the investigations," he said after declaring open the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day here.
Shahrizat had on Thursday issued a statement that she was taking a break from her ministerial duties to facilitate MACC and police investigations into her possible involvement in the NFC case.
Her husband, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Salleh Ismail, is executive chairman of NFC and their children are directors of the company.
The controversy surrounding NFC started after the Auditor-General's 2010 Report described the project as "messy" and having failed to meet government targets.
In December 2007, the government approved a soft loan of RM250 million, with an annual interest of two per cent for a 10-year period, for NFC to start a national feedlot centre in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, to help reduce beef imports.
The initial target was to produce 60,000 head of cattle a year.
MACC has so far confirmed that it was finalising its investigation papers on the case before making recommendations to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Police are carrying out a separate probe on NFC for cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Later, in Kangar, Muhyiddin said the government would soon announce measures to handle the NFC issues. He said he had met with Noh and they would soon chart a solution before briefing Najib.
Speaking on a separate issue, Najib said Barisan Nasional (BN) was not rattled by the so-called roadshows being undertaken by opposition leaders.
He said such sessions were part of the democratic process and different parties had their own strategies to garner support.
On claims by deputy Pas president Mohamad Sabu that BN members were helping the opposition topple the ruling coalition, Najib said: "He can say all sorts of things. This is the same person who claimed he was knocked down by a police car (which was proven untrue), so it is not surprising."
On another matter, Najib said the government's strategy to ensure food security in the country was to help farmers increase productivity as there were no plans to expand agricultural areas here.
He said those involved in the sector needed to transform their mindsets and focus on increasing output besides finding ways to add value to their produce to increase their income.
This, said Najib, meant farmers should not just be producers, but also involve themselves in the supply chain processes.
Earlier, the prime minister and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, visited Taiping, where more than 4,000 people turned up at the Esplanade field to exercise with them at the 1Malaysia exercise event.
The couple were accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli, at the event before leaving for breakfast at Taiping market.
Additional reporting by Lee Keng Fatt, P. Chandra Sagaran, Sharanpal Singh Randhawa and S. Ista Kyra
(New Straits Times) - THE assets of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC), which is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police, have been temporarily frozen.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak confirmed this yesterday, when asked to comment on calls for the assets to be frozen. “It has been frozen for the time being,” he said. However, the prime minister did not elaborate on who had taken the action and what this entailed. Najib said he had also asked Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar to look into NFC’s future direction. Muhyiddin and Noh would look for the best solution concerning NFC while investigations are being conducted by police and MACC.
On Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s decision to take three-week leave from her ministerial duties pending the outcome of the investigations, Najib said it was “an appropriate
decision”.
He said the decision would allow both agencies to investigate whether she was involved in the issue. "She discussed it with me and told me she was prepared to be investigated. What happens after this will depend on the outcome of the investigations," he said after declaring open the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day here.
Shahrizat had on Thursday issued a statement that she was taking a break from her ministerial duties to facilitate MACC and police investigations into her possible involvement in the NFC case.
Her husband, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Salleh Ismail, is executive chairman of NFC and their children are directors of the company.
The controversy surrounding NFC started after the Auditor-General's 2010 Report described the project as "messy" and having failed to meet government targets.
In December 2007, the government approved a soft loan of RM250 million, with an annual interest of two per cent for a 10-year period, for NFC to start a national feedlot centre in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, to help reduce beef imports.
The initial target was to produce 60,000 head of cattle a year.
MACC has so far confirmed that it was finalising its investigation papers on the case before making recommendations to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Police are carrying out a separate probe on NFC for cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Later, in Kangar, Muhyiddin said the government would soon announce measures to handle the NFC issues. He said he had met with Noh and they would soon chart a solution before briefing Najib.
Speaking on a separate issue, Najib said Barisan Nasional (BN) was not rattled by the so-called roadshows being undertaken by opposition leaders.
He said such sessions were part of the democratic process and different parties had their own strategies to garner support.
On claims by deputy Pas president Mohamad Sabu that BN members were helping the opposition topple the ruling coalition, Najib said: "He can say all sorts of things. This is the same person who claimed he was knocked down by a police car (which was proven untrue), so it is not surprising."
On another matter, Najib said the government's strategy to ensure food security in the country was to help farmers increase productivity as there were no plans to expand agricultural areas here.
He said those involved in the sector needed to transform their mindsets and focus on increasing output besides finding ways to add value to their produce to increase their income.
This, said Najib, meant farmers should not just be producers, but also involve themselves in the supply chain processes.
Earlier, the prime minister and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, visited Taiping, where more than 4,000 people turned up at the Esplanade field to exercise with them at the 1Malaysia exercise event.
The couple were accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli, at the event before leaving for breakfast at Taiping market.
Additional reporting by Lee Keng Fatt, P. Chandra Sagaran, Sharanpal Singh Randhawa and S. Ista Kyra
“I could not do it while I was in the party, because party colleagues and ‘parasites’ do not like the issue of alcohol and apostasy in Selangor to be fought against. ....HANG ON, HANG ON, HANG ON, PLEASE......HEY DATUK DR HASAN ALI, WHO ACTUALLY LEGALISE ALCOHOL IN MALAYSIA?
(The Malaysian Insider) - Former Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali has confirmed that he will not appeal his sacking by the party leadership, saying there was no reason for him to remain in the Islamist party.
“I cannot, my soul will not allow me to. I do not see the need to remain in the party,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian today.
The PAS central working committee sacked Hasan, a former vice president and Selangor liaison chief, as a party member last Sunday for breaching party discipline.
The Gombak Setia assemblyman was axed for urging opposition supporters to avoid the January 9 rally in support of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as his sodomy trial verdict was handed down.
Anwar was acquitted and discharged of the sodomy charge.
Hasan (picture) stated that he did not regret making the stand, and charged that PAS’ Islamic struggle had been betrayed by “parasites” within the party.
He said he could not defend Islam and Muslims in Selangor as long as he was still with PAS.
“I could not do it while I was in the party, because party colleagues and ‘parasites’ do not like the issue of alcohol and apostasy in Selangor to be fought against.
“I am willing to be dropped from the (state) exco and forfeit all my benefits. Even though I have become comfortable with being an Exco, I leave it to save myself, children, wife and the Muslims,” he added.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said on Friday that the Sultan of Selangor has consented to removing Hasan from his position as state executive councillor in charge of religious affairs.
Hasan, who is Gombak Setia state assemblyman claimed PAS’ opposition towards his struggle was proven when he was allegedly criticised by the party leadership for supporting the Selangor Islamic department’s (Jais) raid of church recently.
“I am not alone in this, soon there will be a massive movement to fight for the faith of the Muslims in this country,” Hasan said.
“I cannot, my soul will not allow me to. I do not see the need to remain in the party,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian today.
The PAS central working committee sacked Hasan, a former vice president and Selangor liaison chief, as a party member last Sunday for breaching party discipline.
The Gombak Setia assemblyman was axed for urging opposition supporters to avoid the January 9 rally in support of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as his sodomy trial verdict was handed down.
Anwar was acquitted and discharged of the sodomy charge.
Hasan (picture) stated that he did not regret making the stand, and charged that PAS’ Islamic struggle had been betrayed by “parasites” within the party.
He said he could not defend Islam and Muslims in Selangor as long as he was still with PAS.
“I could not do it while I was in the party, because party colleagues and ‘parasites’ do not like the issue of alcohol and apostasy in Selangor to be fought against.
“I am willing to be dropped from the (state) exco and forfeit all my benefits. Even though I have become comfortable with being an Exco, I leave it to save myself, children, wife and the Muslims,” he added.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said on Friday that the Sultan of Selangor has consented to removing Hasan from his position as state executive councillor in charge of religious affairs.
Hasan, who is Gombak Setia state assemblyman claimed PAS’ opposition towards his struggle was proven when he was allegedly criticised by the party leadership for supporting the Selangor Islamic department’s (Jais) raid of church recently.
“I am not alone in this, soon there will be a massive movement to fight for the faith of the Muslims in this country,” Hasan said.
Umno information machinery should go to the ground and explain to the people on policies implemented by the BN government......WHY DON’T YOU COME TO THE GROUND THEN? THE RAKYAT IS WAITING FOR YOU INDEED....AFTER ALL THE CAMPAIGN FUND HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED!! DON’T ABUSE IT, PLEASE.......
(Bernama) -- Umno Information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan is confident of Barisan Nasional (BN) winning back Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor and Penang, which are currently under the opposition, in the coming general election.
This, he said, was because the people were now disheartened with PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders for failing to keep their promises, including those made in their election manifesto.
"The people are now fed up with the antics of the opposition leaders for making promises, including in Kelantan which has been under Pas for more than 20 years, but have not fulfilled their promises, especially to implement the hudud law," he told reporters after a meeting with the Kelantan BN information machinery at the Kelantan Umno office here today.
Ahmad said his confidence was based on the current political scenario with many PKR supporters now supporting the BN.
He said the court decision in acquitting PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from a sodomy charge last week had no effect on the people's support for BN or Umno.
"BN under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who only administers since three years ago, has done a lot for the people.
"This is different from Pas. Although the party has administered Kelantan for more than 20 years, it has not fulfilled its promises, including to implement the hudud law," he added.
As such, he said, the Umno information machinery should go to the ground and explain to the people on policies implemented by the BN government.
This, he said, was because the people were now disheartened with PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders for failing to keep their promises, including those made in their election manifesto.
"The people are now fed up with the antics of the opposition leaders for making promises, including in Kelantan which has been under Pas for more than 20 years, but have not fulfilled their promises, especially to implement the hudud law," he told reporters after a meeting with the Kelantan BN information machinery at the Kelantan Umno office here today.
Ahmad said his confidence was based on the current political scenario with many PKR supporters now supporting the BN.
He said the court decision in acquitting PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from a sodomy charge last week had no effect on the people's support for BN or Umno.
"BN under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who only administers since three years ago, has done a lot for the people.
"This is different from Pas. Although the party has administered Kelantan for more than 20 years, it has not fulfilled its promises, including to implement the hudud law," he added.
As such, he said, the Umno information machinery should go to the ground and explain to the people on policies implemented by the BN government.
Monday, January 2, 2012
ALL MALAY THOUGHT LEADERS SHOULD JOIN DAP.........OR PAKATAN RAKYAT..!! PUTRAJAYA IS FOR THE RAKYAT...NOT UMNO..!! LET’S START THE LONG MARCH FROM TODAY....EVEN IF GE13 IS NOT IN MARCH 2012..!!
DAP scores a coup with Umno veterans and bloggers, including former Pulau Manis Umno rep Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz.
(Free Malaysia Today) - Former Pulau Manis Umno assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz and Negeri Umno veteran Aspan Alias (photo) have joined DAP.
Having Ariff on board is a major coup for DAP because he was Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s information chief in his Pekan Umno division up until 2004.
“If you want to know, yes, that is what we are doing (joining DAP).
“I am impressed by DAP. They are principled, I like their professionalism.
“I was with (Lim) Guan Eng at the bloggers conference last month. There is no fancy words, they are focussed on work … always thinking unlike our Umno people,” he told FMT recently.
Ariff’s admission puts to rest weeks of wildfire speculations in pro-Umno blogs.
He is also rumoured to be contesting under the DAP banner in the next general election.
Ariff is touted to be contesting in Raub where MCA’s Ng Yen Yen is incumbent. Ng is currently the tourism minister, and a MCA vice president.
Warning to Umno’s bloggers
Gunning pro-Umno bloggers who have been maligning them both personally and professionally, an incessant Ariff (photo) said: “Why the paranoia? If we are not good, failed Adun (assemblymen), bankrupt politicians, it will be cinch for any winnable Umno candidates to beat us.
“So, it’s no cause of concern or a sleep depriver.”
“But be warned, you want to play ball, we play ball too, so stop telling lies about us and we can promise not to tell the truth about you (Umno).”
Both Ariff and Aspan are not alone. There are increasing speculations of shifts within and out of Umno.
DAP has been targeting ‘thinking’ Malays post-2008 GE to increase its support within the community.
Onboard is Transparency International Malaysia founder Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim who is now the party’s vice chairman and former Umno education minister Khir Johari’s son Zairil.
Zairil and party strategist Liew Chin Tong along with Youth chairman Anthony Loke have been tasked with wooing selected Malays.
It was reported that the party leaders have been meeting “Malay opinion-makers in small closed-door discussions dealing with issues concerning Islamic state, hudud and Bumiputera affirmative action”.
Comments (13)...
written by flyer168, January 02, 2012 23:37:59
Fully understand your frustrations and respect your decision…
Enough is Enough..
Power of the People vs People in Power...
The reverberations of the aam aadmi’s awakening are being felt all over the world – from the right bank of the Nile to the left cheek of Sharad Pawar.
We must accept finite disappointment, but must never lose infinite hope…
True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice…
We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, It must be demanded by the oppressed – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the purpose of our call for ABU ? To reduce Ketuanan UMNO/BN’s majority!
This should be our focus and objective and not be lured into these Diversions by the Ketuanan UMNO/BN Leaders, Mini Napoleons, Cronies, Machais, etc
Let us all pass on the message of ABU to make it reverberate into the citizen’s and nation’s battlecry for Rule of Law, Justice, Freedom & Human Rights
Shalom & God Bless. ...
written by Singa, January 02, 2012 23:37:48
These 2 Malay gentlemen are true blue Malays and not Bugis or Turks or Indons. High time real Malays rule their own country ! ...
written by Hua Mulan , January 02, 2012 23:11:17
These 2 gentlemen, yes I repeat gentlemen, have been long enough and seen enough of BN in general and UMNO in particular, the ways and means used by the ruling coalition to stay in power and to continue sucking the toil and sweat of the Rakyat to enrich themselves with insatiable greed. They have a heart, and DAP will always welcome such gentlemen, I repeat gentlemen, into the fold to strenghten the party and in the process, increase the Malay membership to reflect the true Malaysian profile of DAP thereby rubbishing UMNO's accusation that it is anti-Malay once and for all; we know DAP never was, and never will be anti-Malay.
As a matter of fact, I was very certain that there are good hearted Allah-fearing Muslim UMNO MPs and ADUNS who in their heart of hearts, must have felt that the means used by present UMNO to remain in power and to cheat the innocent Rakyat, especially those in the rural area, must not be allowed to continue. I wanted to tell those who harbour such kind humane thoughts for the Rakyat to resign enbloc and stage a walk over to the Opposition during one Parliament sitting in a dramatic CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE. You would have saved the poor people the need to hold protest demonstrations and get arrested for being "danger to the security of the nation". Furthermore, we don't have to wait for Najib to call for the dissolution of the present Parliament. We now call the shots. Before I could mention such a move to anybody, Ariff Aziz and Aspan Alias must have read my mind, and jumped the gun.
It is the fervant hope of all Malaysians, irrespective of race, colour or creed, that more from UMNO (in fact, MCA, MIC, PPP, etc., and Sabah and Sarawak) will now bravely follow the conscience-driven examples of these 2 gentlemen, repeat gentlemen, from UMNO to DAP.
-Hua Mulan ...
written by cpchen, January 02, 2012 21:19:42
I have just resigned as a MCA member, will join one of you very soon. The time is ripe to wipe off those Racial based party. DAP should start a task force just to recruit more Malay into the party & Keadilan to drive more Chinese into their party. ...
written by Alice, January 02, 2012 20:42:08
WOW there are men with great integrity in UMNO too. Surprise surprise. There is hope for Malaysia. I thought Malays from UMNO are all corrupted and hopeless. Sorry guys and all the best! ...
written by Motherchell, January 02, 2012 18:46:15
While i welcome the both of you as peoples reps. I suggest you declare your assets to give that feeling of confidence in a land called Bolehland. Its gives a better picture of your humility and interest in serving the people.
I will not ask you this if you were still with UMNO. Since there needs to be a complete understanding of the underlying nature of all that had gone on unabated for 54 long years. I
To all of us UMNO is a four letter expletive! Let us all work for the betterment of society as its time in this border-less world.
All good wishes to your work!! ...
written by truthbespoken, January 02, 2012 18:26:41
Way to go, more thinking and progressive Malaysian Malays should wake up and join DAP! Business and professional approach over cronyism is the way towards a better Malaysia for all! Treason? What rubbish! UMNO is the actual culprit committing national treason by selling out the country to illegal immigrants and turning them into citizens in return for votes! Inept UMNO must go! ABU! ...
written by Raja Kim, January 02, 2012 18:26:23
Dato, You have the divine right to choose with whom you want join forces with.
I am happy to say, veteran Aspan Alias and your choice are with people who will bring out the best from both of you. ..
written by vhari, January 02, 2012 18:13:39
I hope they will able to influence many more malays and make DAP a multiracial party. .
written by Sribayu, January 02, 2012 16:49:01
I'll follow suit joinning Teresa Kok under the Puchong parliamentary constituency.
Hidup DAP.... Hidup ABU ...
written by educationist, January 02, 2012 16:44:13
Yes, welcome on board the ship of change!!
Let's hope you 2 gentlemen will give added impetus to the momentum of change!! ...
written by Awang Kuku, January 02, 2012 16:37:08
This a piece of great news, at least for the year 2012. May they serve the rakyat with vigour and sincerity. ...
written by malchindian, January 02, 2012 16:35:34
Congratulations and welcome on board Gentlemen!
Now if you please Dato', deliver a knockout punch to that MCA *itch Yen2!
(Free Malaysia Today) - Former Pulau Manis Umno assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz and Negeri Umno veteran Aspan Alias (photo) have joined DAP.
Having Ariff on board is a major coup for DAP because he was Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s information chief in his Pekan Umno division up until 2004.
“If you want to know, yes, that is what we are doing (joining DAP).
“I am impressed by DAP. They are principled, I like their professionalism.
“I was with (Lim) Guan Eng at the bloggers conference last month. There is no fancy words, they are focussed on work … always thinking unlike our Umno people,” he told FMT recently.
Ariff’s admission puts to rest weeks of wildfire speculations in pro-Umno blogs.
He is also rumoured to be contesting under the DAP banner in the next general election.
Ariff is touted to be contesting in Raub where MCA’s Ng Yen Yen is incumbent. Ng is currently the tourism minister, and a MCA vice president.
Warning to Umno’s bloggers
Gunning pro-Umno bloggers who have been maligning them both personally and professionally, an incessant Ariff (photo) said: “Why the paranoia? If we are not good, failed Adun (assemblymen), bankrupt politicians, it will be cinch for any winnable Umno candidates to beat us.
“So, it’s no cause of concern or a sleep depriver.”
“But be warned, you want to play ball, we play ball too, so stop telling lies about us and we can promise not to tell the truth about you (Umno).”
Both Ariff and Aspan are not alone. There are increasing speculations of shifts within and out of Umno.
DAP has been targeting ‘thinking’ Malays post-2008 GE to increase its support within the community.
Onboard is Transparency International Malaysia founder Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim who is now the party’s vice chairman and former Umno education minister Khir Johari’s son Zairil.
Zairil and party strategist Liew Chin Tong along with Youth chairman Anthony Loke have been tasked with wooing selected Malays.
It was reported that the party leaders have been meeting “Malay opinion-makers in small closed-door discussions dealing with issues concerning Islamic state, hudud and Bumiputera affirmative action”.
Comments (13)...
written by flyer168, January 02, 2012 23:37:59
Fully understand your frustrations and respect your decision…
Enough is Enough..
Power of the People vs People in Power...
The reverberations of the aam aadmi’s awakening are being felt all over the world – from the right bank of the Nile to the left cheek of Sharad Pawar.
We must accept finite disappointment, but must never lose infinite hope…
True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice…
We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, It must be demanded by the oppressed – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the purpose of our call for ABU ? To reduce Ketuanan UMNO/BN’s majority!
This should be our focus and objective and not be lured into these Diversions by the Ketuanan UMNO/BN Leaders, Mini Napoleons, Cronies, Machais, etc
Let us all pass on the message of ABU to make it reverberate into the citizen’s and nation’s battlecry for Rule of Law, Justice, Freedom & Human Rights
Shalom & God Bless. ...
written by Singa, January 02, 2012 23:37:48
These 2 Malay gentlemen are true blue Malays and not Bugis or Turks or Indons. High time real Malays rule their own country ! ...
written by Hua Mulan , January 02, 2012 23:11:17
These 2 gentlemen, yes I repeat gentlemen, have been long enough and seen enough of BN in general and UMNO in particular, the ways and means used by the ruling coalition to stay in power and to continue sucking the toil and sweat of the Rakyat to enrich themselves with insatiable greed. They have a heart, and DAP will always welcome such gentlemen, I repeat gentlemen, into the fold to strenghten the party and in the process, increase the Malay membership to reflect the true Malaysian profile of DAP thereby rubbishing UMNO's accusation that it is anti-Malay once and for all; we know DAP never was, and never will be anti-Malay.
As a matter of fact, I was very certain that there are good hearted Allah-fearing Muslim UMNO MPs and ADUNS who in their heart of hearts, must have felt that the means used by present UMNO to remain in power and to cheat the innocent Rakyat, especially those in the rural area, must not be allowed to continue. I wanted to tell those who harbour such kind humane thoughts for the Rakyat to resign enbloc and stage a walk over to the Opposition during one Parliament sitting in a dramatic CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE. You would have saved the poor people the need to hold protest demonstrations and get arrested for being "danger to the security of the nation". Furthermore, we don't have to wait for Najib to call for the dissolution of the present Parliament. We now call the shots. Before I could mention such a move to anybody, Ariff Aziz and Aspan Alias must have read my mind, and jumped the gun.
It is the fervant hope of all Malaysians, irrespective of race, colour or creed, that more from UMNO (in fact, MCA, MIC, PPP, etc., and Sabah and Sarawak) will now bravely follow the conscience-driven examples of these 2 gentlemen, repeat gentlemen, from UMNO to DAP.
-Hua Mulan ...
written by cpchen, January 02, 2012 21:19:42
I have just resigned as a MCA member, will join one of you very soon. The time is ripe to wipe off those Racial based party. DAP should start a task force just to recruit more Malay into the party & Keadilan to drive more Chinese into their party. ...
written by Alice, January 02, 2012 20:42:08
WOW there are men with great integrity in UMNO too. Surprise surprise. There is hope for Malaysia. I thought Malays from UMNO are all corrupted and hopeless. Sorry guys and all the best! ...
written by Motherchell, January 02, 2012 18:46:15
While i welcome the both of you as peoples reps. I suggest you declare your assets to give that feeling of confidence in a land called Bolehland. Its gives a better picture of your humility and interest in serving the people.
I will not ask you this if you were still with UMNO. Since there needs to be a complete understanding of the underlying nature of all that had gone on unabated for 54 long years. I
To all of us UMNO is a four letter expletive! Let us all work for the betterment of society as its time in this border-less world.
All good wishes to your work!! ...
written by truthbespoken, January 02, 2012 18:26:41
Way to go, more thinking and progressive Malaysian Malays should wake up and join DAP! Business and professional approach over cronyism is the way towards a better Malaysia for all! Treason? What rubbish! UMNO is the actual culprit committing national treason by selling out the country to illegal immigrants and turning them into citizens in return for votes! Inept UMNO must go! ABU! ...
written by Raja Kim, January 02, 2012 18:26:23
Dato, You have the divine right to choose with whom you want join forces with.
I am happy to say, veteran Aspan Alias and your choice are with people who will bring out the best from both of you. ..
written by vhari, January 02, 2012 18:13:39
I hope they will able to influence many more malays and make DAP a multiracial party. .
written by Sribayu, January 02, 2012 16:49:01
I'll follow suit joinning Teresa Kok under the Puchong parliamentary constituency.
Hidup DAP.... Hidup ABU ...
written by educationist, January 02, 2012 16:44:13
Yes, welcome on board the ship of change!!
Let's hope you 2 gentlemen will give added impetus to the momentum of change!! ...
written by Awang Kuku, January 02, 2012 16:37:08
This a piece of great news, at least for the year 2012. May they serve the rakyat with vigour and sincerity. ...
written by malchindian, January 02, 2012 16:35:34
Congratulations and welcome on board Gentlemen!
Now if you please Dato', deliver a knockout punch to that MCA *itch Yen2!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO THIS BEER-DRINKING MALAY CALLED RPK WHO PROUDLY CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS? HIS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP THOUGHTS MAY BE GREAT BUT HIS SPIRITUAL FUNDAMENTALS ARE VERY MUCH SUSPICIOUS..............IS HE AN OPPORTUNIST OR FACADE ATHEIST?? OR COMMUNIST??
In an interview published in Mingguan Malaysia today, the self-exiled blogger said the PKR-DAP-PAS pact was still stuck with the mindset of taking over Putrajaya by “default” as they were confident in being the only alternative to the ruling BN, and that they were using the same anti-Umno tactics to win over voters.
“I am telling you, in the next election they [voters] will support the government. They say, in the next election they will not support the opposition because they are disappointed, dissatisfied, and not confident with the opposition.
“Why the opposition is so confident of forming a federal government? On the basis of ABU (asalkan bukan Umno), of rejecting Umno?” he was quoted saying in an interview published today by the Umno-owned newspaper.
Raja Petra (picture) pointed out that the same strategy was used back in 1999 by the short-lived opposition pact, Barisan Alternatif (BA) against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed but failed when he retired and passed over the baton to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi- resulting in BN’s massive electoral win in the 2004 elections.
“If you use the same strategy, what happens when people no longer hate Umno? You cannot start a relationship with people based on hate, it will not last,” he added.
He said infighting between different PR factions were evident in Penang, Selangor and Perak, and that will be why voters will “return to BN and forget Pakatan.”
Raja Petra claimed several Chinese businessmen in Selangor had complained to him that they still had to fork out “under-the-table” money in order to conduct businesses in the state, and that corruption was still rampant there.
“I tell them I do not know what to say. They say, come elections, they will not vote for Pakatan.”.
Comments (18)...
written by BAYANGKARA, January 02, 2012 11:52:05
So, the voters are not disappointed and dissatisfied but confident with the UMNO/BN government? What bull! Opposition states not doing well? Have we forgotten the Auditor-General's reports?
The country just cannot afford the continued corruption, cronyism and abuse of power of UMNO/BN.
All said and done, it is still ABU! ..
written by Malaysiaputra, January 02, 2012 11:40:38
Many fence sitter will vote the opposition not so much because they support them but its because of Umno's excessess when they hold the overwheming mandate which started during the time of MM . The rakyat's money was wantonly spent at the whims and fancies of the leaders which ultimately link to their own personal benefit or that of their cronies.
A stronger opposition is a better check then internal selfcheck. Just like comparing external exam to internal exam. ...
written by litingrui, January 02, 2012 11:37:32
Even from my dying bed I will vote PR. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when UMNO will fall. Long and uninterrupted Chinese history of 5 thousand years had shown us that any Emperor that had not captured the hearts of its people would fall. You know that UMNO is a monster why feed the monster that bites the feeding hand. Any righteous being knows that UMNO is devil. Just look at the latest student arrest where the leader is beaten so badly. ..
written by astroace, January 02, 2012 10:20:10
It will be a very sad day when those who are frustrated with the PR government decide to vote for bn. They are the ones who use their emotions and not their brains to decide. They are the ones who will cause more sufferings to our country and the future generations.
I knew of a few friends who voted bn because of the economy and the stock market back in the early 90's. To this I can say, you are the cause of our sufferings now. Are you happy with what you and your children are getting now?
PR government is less than 4 years in operation and these shitheads feel frustrated because things are not going their way. Look at the bigger picture, who is behind the civil service? It is bn or the federal government and they are the ones who sabotage PR's effort to efficiency.
Please think carefully before you make another grave mistake. We are suppose to learn from our mistakes, not repeat them... ..
written by AzizKadir2u, January 02, 2012 09:22:02
Rakyat wake up. kita rakyat susah, we will not be so easy to change the federal govermen, they the BN Upmno will do everything to win, they will cheat big time, and the election is not fair in the first place, the gerrymendaring alone will not work, every PR won 59% of votes they still can not form the govermen, Putrajaya seat only 6000 votes, other seat like bukit bintang, Meru, tanjung all with more than 120,000 votes , so rakyat we must pakat, rakyat pakat, vote overwhelmingly for PR then only we got hope, we must , jom ubah, ABU, we must as we have no choice, kita rakyat susah, susu tepung lah ni sudah RM100 satu tin. semua barang naik harga, lagi kita balik kampung , kita bayar toll, bumiputra atau tidak, kita bayar toll dan stuck dalam traffic jam, kita bayar AP itu jadi kereta mahal, Bumiputra pun, kita Toyota Camry RM!59,000 di malaysia, di UK dan USA, sana US$21,800 atau RM63,000 saje. di malaysia, Rakyat bayar bayar susah, BN Upmno minister dan cronies saje yang kayakaya. rakyat jelata Jom Ubah, ABU, ABU, biar kita ubah. vote and work overwhealmingly to change, vote for change. Yes PR is not perfect, we will work with them for 2 terms, we shall see the change, else we vote for change again. Rakyat boleh. we can see the change in Penang, slowly, they are trying to base on merit, base on follow Singapore goverment, then only we can catch up with the world and global competitive world out there. Under Upmno BN we are totally lost in the world competition, we can not compete, they created a culture that need clutches, and that is weaken us Bumiputra, they build up a culture of malaysia need subsidy, especially we Bumiputra, and they know it is not working, this policy can only help us to certain extent, but now if they subplant the seed that say, Bumiputra is weak, we malay need help, that is excuse to get the vote, fundamentally we have 50 years of results, and we are not better, we are very far behind the 4 dragons, that once we are very close behind them, now we are so far behind, we are not competitive. vote for change, we must. ...
written by AzizKadir2u, January 02, 2012 09:10:21
YM RPK, I respect your personal view. Kita hormati YM RPK, tetapi, ABU movement is there. We knew the PR, is new and they are not perfect, they are not as evil, not as corrupt compared to the BN Upmno, etc. There are still of Old guards or staffs in the local councils, they are from the old administration of Upmno and BN, the Tun Dr M and those corrupt Upmno BN culture were there for past 30 years, they will not get rid off in a short time, yes PR is not perfect, we are frustrated they will take time to get rid of total corruption. The facts remain, we Malaysia were very close to the 4 dragons, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, HongKong, now, we are very far compared to them, especailly our neightbour, we are now comparable to Myanmar, Indonesian, Philipine, and if we continue, we will definitely like Zimbabwe, Myanmar, the cost of teh tarik will be RM100 a cup the incications are there, the inflation is terrible. our living standard is eroding as corruption is taking away our rakyat wealth. As such, we have no choice, but teach the BN Upmno by uprooting them, we must, have to. We will give the PR the chance to rule for 2 terms. we will take them out if they do not perform. We rakyat must be brave to change, vote for change, since it is so corrupt, since the Upmno BN is so arrogant. look at the Upmno AGM they are just anti PR, the way they BN Upmno manage after the 308, they are still in denial, they are not in real change, they blame the PR, they do anything to sabotage the PR. The federal is the power base, see the way they flush the budget rakyat money to the good use ? that is rakyat money, PR, they are using the non corruption money, they save the money and give it back to rakyat, whereas BN they using deficit from rakyat money. More corruption still in Upmno BN federal, like the recent NFC cowgate , the defence contract no body knew but it take lots of our budget and rakyat money to feed the ministers and cronies. Also, the rakyat is very difficult to survive with the Toll, paying toll everywhere we go, balik kampung pay toll, LDP, Cheras, KL, PJ everywhere we pay toll yet stuck in the traffic jam, festive season, we stuck in the toll gate to pay, pay, pay, Our susu tepung, milk powder is RM100 each for our baby, and it is very difficult to feed the BN and Upmno created culture. Only PR now, we hope they will hire RPK as minister in PM department or AG or MACC, so that we can clean the government, it will take time to clean them up. it is fact PR is not perfect and they will take time to clean up the old guard and legacy of cronies corrupt of Tun Dr M, KJ, Paklah, Tun Dr Link Long Sick, Tun Tan Sri Dr Semi Velu, Tun Dr Lin King Yik, Tun Dato Mokzani, Dato Mukrik M, Dato Dr K Toyo, Dato Zakaria with palace, Tengku Adnan, all big house, big car etc, they all no need to work for many generations, but like AP of car that make our car so expensive, we rakyat pay, pay pay, susah, about time ABU to change , then we will observe, we need rakyat to move foraward like singapore, HK, free of corruption. ABU, we must change, jom ubah. ...
written by lynn, January 02, 2012 03:04:41
Extreme corruption & wasteful spending involving hundreds of billions ruined this country, to the point of no return. Someone I know benefited from one wasteful project (billions) - from a run-down shitty proton wira, in a short 2 years, quantum-leaped to luxury cars like BMWs, rolex watches, fine dining, expensive handbags, expensive jewellery, etc. Personally I analysed - a lot of govt projects are terrible wasteful spending, but certain persons had personal vested interests & get a lot of kickbacks. No projects, no kickbacks. In a nutshell, most projects benefit only a small circle of people in a HUGE way. The rest of us suck eggs.
Over Xmas hols, friends of mine went over down to S'pore for their 3-4 days-holiday - all came back with the same remark (they do not know one another) - they commented to me, and I quote here verbatim " Malaysia is like SHIT, compared to Singapore. Singapore is so nice, so well-managed, so clean, so efficient, Singaporeans are more civilsed.... etc.
So back to Sir RPK's comment: people who are frustrated may go back to vote umno/BN... by all means. I see this country is damaged permanently under umno's rule & whoever takes over cannot do an excellent job of turning things around to the way we would prefer. The trouble with some of you people is, your expectations of PR is exceptionally high, very unreasonable - but there is no such pressure on BN the way some of you pressured PR. Frankly, I don't give a flying fcuk abt where this country is headed - it can go to hell & remain there for the next 1000 years.
Will I continue to vote PR? And I know of many many people, Malays, Chinese, Indians, expressing their anger & frustration at BN every day, every hour - people who intend to vote for PR come next GE13. The number is growing by the day! ...
written by choong, January 02, 2012 01:32:29
The only saving grace is RPK giving them a 1 year+ headstart to fix their problems in their states. And I think it makes perfect sense for them to review their performance and act accordingly. I hope the federal election be held separately from the states.
This will be a major bellweather to remind them who is the real boss and they should remember not to take for granted who gave them power to govern in the first place. ..
written by uxzee, January 02, 2012 00:53:22
There is no harm taking RPK's concern seriously and let PR and supporters work harder to address these concerns. We are not going to be demotivated and we are not going to vote for BN.
When RPK talks about infighting in PR parties, is he aware of infighting in UMNO ?
Is he aware that the MCA crumbling process has started?
Is he aware that Gerakan is in self destruction mode ?
is he aware that Najib has postponed his decision on the GE for the umpteenth time because he has no confidence of winning. ...
written by DPG, January 02, 2012 00:05:35
Sorry, I will stick with PR. Nothing will make me vote for UMNO. No even over my dead body. I can't understand why, after all these decades, and open abuse of power and corruption, people still want to vote for UMNO!!!!! ABU! ...
written by seaneugarchen, January 01, 2012 23:56:55
I bet Perak will go back to Pakatan..........................for RM1 Riggit, RPK, I challenge you. ..
written by educationist, January 01, 2012 20:53:09
Of course, frustrated voters who backed the PR to create 308 will back the UMNOputras this time round , if in turn they are frustrated with the PR.
Yes, that is as it should be!!
The PR must not think they have a blank cheque from the rakyat to do as they please[ or not do anything for the rakyat like the UMNOputras of old] and expect to be voted in come GE13!!
We who are hoping for change, change to a more fair, democratic and civil society will like to think they should be more voters frustrated with the UMNOputras rather than the converse!!
If it's a level playing field, which it is not at the moment, it's fine if the UMNOputras get back their 2/3 majority in Parliament to again desecrate the Constitution of our founding fathers!! ...
written by temenggong, January 01, 2012 20:27:42
PKR, DAP and Pas thought they could say and do as they like, and that we had no choice in the matter. Well, we'll fcuke PR harder than we fcuked BN. ...
written by Merdeka, January 01, 2012 19:41:49
Uncle Peter, sorry BN lebih teruk daripada PK! My vote still go to them, not BN! ..
written by vhari, January 01, 2012 18:25:19
Advice.Stop internal bickering.PR must come with a good manifesto.Come out with a good strategi. ...
written by truthbespoken, January 01, 2012 18:10:58
Whatever the intention, to the reader, this seems more like a self-redeeming piece of work towards UMNO's than a wake up call for the opposition to organise themselves to face the upcoming general elections. It's unfortunate. Mestizo got it right when he implied that voters are no longer blind to what's happening, are more discerning and will vote for those who they think are better candidates. But there is no doubt preference will still be given to the opposition cause. Arrogant, corrupt and racist UMNO needs to be nudged out of the government or balanced-up poliltically after moving unchallenged and in the wrong direction for decades. Who was the one who started this call for ABU anyway? That was a good poliltical call for the opposition forces! Many voters, I am sure, will still be stucked with this political battle cry into the next GE notwithstanding some hiccups appearing in some of the opposition-held states! Yes, ABU! ABU! ABU!, it is! ..
written by Liberian, January 01, 2012 17:25:27
Last GE we voted for the Opposition because we wanted to teach BN ! Their leaders after 54 years became corrupted from head to toe, arrogant , racist and with all the decornian laws such as ISA. Now we want PKR to learn that anytime if they fail the Rakyat, the same fate will fall on them! That's why Najib started with 1Malaysia but Muhuyudin and gang such as Perkasa , Utusan and Ketuanan Melayu screwed up, his 1Malaysia policy! ...
written by Mestizo, January 01, 2012 16:52:16
RPK, you were wrong. We do not hate UMNO. We are against those corrupted and instill hates among Malaysians by dividing us through religions and races.
This has gone from bad to worse. No we will not vote for BN. NEVER in the current state. Unless there is a major reform within BN especially UMNO. But we do not see how this will happen without BN loosing the Federal and state governments. Therefore, if Pakatan field a candidate who is racist, corrupted or inefficient, we will opt for independent candidate. If there is no independent candidate and if BN candidate is "clean", we may vote for BN candidate. Otherwise our votes will go to Pakatan. So Pakatan, watch out. You have more to loose if you do not get your act together.
2012 - The End Could Be A Start.......
Monday January 2, 2012
The end could be a start
Sambal On The Side
By Brenda Benedict
The writer has compiled a list of things that she’d like to see end.
HOW many of you watched the movie 2012 and came out shaking your heads in disbelief at its unconvincing finale?
No one? Just me?
You mean you actually bought the plot that a couple of the world’s biggest polluters – including a Kyoto Protocol non-signatory – would build arks to save some chosen 400,000 people? Yeah, right.
If anything, this apocalyptic adventure cast the much-discussed Dec 21, 2012 Mayan prophecy in a bad light.
Let’s face it. Mankind doesn’t need to wait the next 12 months to see what its wanton disregard for nature could unleash. We are no longer just observers of climate change; many of us are experiencing it. Well, maybe with the exception of those who had attended the Durban Conference on Climate Change last year who agreed to “adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, and no later than 2015”.
I mean, shouldn’t we be cutting carbon emissions like, now? But I digress.
I was inspired to write this instalment after Googling the aforementioned Mayan prophecy. Of the many interpretations available online, from magnetic pole reversals to Earth’s imminent collision with a planet named Nibiru, the one that resonated most with me was the least destructive – and what some claim was actually portended by the Mayans.
To quote a Carlos Barrios from the Eagle Clan of the Mam Maya of Guatemala: “The world will not end. It will be transformed. Everything will change. Change is accelerating now, and it will continue to accelerate. If the people of the earth can get to this 2012 date in good shape, without having destroyed too much of the Earth, we will rise to a new, higher level. But to get there we must transform enormously powerful forces that seek to block the way. Humanity will continue, but in a different way. Material structures will change. From this we will have the opportunity to be more human.”
Whether you see a kernel of truth to his words or dismiss them as hogwash, I think Barrios was spot-on about the “accelerating change” bit. The dramatic events of 2011 are testament to that, from the Arab Spring to the global Occupy Movement. Ordinary people came together to foster extraordinary change.
But as he correctly pointed out, the “powerful forces” that block the way to betterment should be transformed. I’d add that some things should simply end. So here’s my brief list of people or practices we could really do without this year – and ever after.
Pseudo-nationalists: Thankfully in 2011, the scales fell off the eyes of communities in parts of the world and they saw some of their leaders for who they actually were; shysters living off the fat of the land, yet purporting to have done it all for the love of the nation. I say let’s stop placing power in the hands of those who crave it merely to enrich themselves and their hangers on, while disregarding the actual concerns of their countrymen or the environment.
Brazen lying: What is worse than a lying leader is one who assumes that people actually buy his incredible yarns. While some populations remain incomprehensibly blinded by those blessed with the gift of rhetoric, it is comforting that others refuse to accept things at face value. Thanks to dedicated and independent media, fibs and cover-ups continue to be unearthed to the benefit of the common man.
Money politics: One need not say much. Yes, even pre-election campaign contributions can be considered bribes. Accepting it means you’re beholden to your backers. That could also mean being forced to close an eye, when your cronies royally mess up to the detriment of others.
Self-appointed spokespersons of God: Enough with “holy people” who tell others how to live or how to call God or who claim that He’s fine with the destruction of places of worship or the killing and maiming of innocents. Unfortunately kindergarten politics comes into play here too – this constant, “They started it first!” As the renowned pacifist Gandhi once said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Perhaps instead of proselytising, we should all start praying for the inner strength to forgive and move on.
This list could go on. Perhaps by changing our skewered values first, we can effectively deal with all the other pressing issues facing us. By taking these baby steps we might finally end the world as we’ve known it.
And hence, truly start anew.
Brenda Benedict is a Malaysian living in Frankfurt. She’s going to end her procrastination and start on her book.
________________________________________
© 1995-2012 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
The end could be a start
Sambal On The Side
By Brenda Benedict
The writer has compiled a list of things that she’d like to see end.
HOW many of you watched the movie 2012 and came out shaking your heads in disbelief at its unconvincing finale?
No one? Just me?
You mean you actually bought the plot that a couple of the world’s biggest polluters – including a Kyoto Protocol non-signatory – would build arks to save some chosen 400,000 people? Yeah, right.
If anything, this apocalyptic adventure cast the much-discussed Dec 21, 2012 Mayan prophecy in a bad light.
Let’s face it. Mankind doesn’t need to wait the next 12 months to see what its wanton disregard for nature could unleash. We are no longer just observers of climate change; many of us are experiencing it. Well, maybe with the exception of those who had attended the Durban Conference on Climate Change last year who agreed to “adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, and no later than 2015”.
I mean, shouldn’t we be cutting carbon emissions like, now? But I digress.
I was inspired to write this instalment after Googling the aforementioned Mayan prophecy. Of the many interpretations available online, from magnetic pole reversals to Earth’s imminent collision with a planet named Nibiru, the one that resonated most with me was the least destructive – and what some claim was actually portended by the Mayans.
To quote a Carlos Barrios from the Eagle Clan of the Mam Maya of Guatemala: “The world will not end. It will be transformed. Everything will change. Change is accelerating now, and it will continue to accelerate. If the people of the earth can get to this 2012 date in good shape, without having destroyed too much of the Earth, we will rise to a new, higher level. But to get there we must transform enormously powerful forces that seek to block the way. Humanity will continue, but in a different way. Material structures will change. From this we will have the opportunity to be more human.”
Whether you see a kernel of truth to his words or dismiss them as hogwash, I think Barrios was spot-on about the “accelerating change” bit. The dramatic events of 2011 are testament to that, from the Arab Spring to the global Occupy Movement. Ordinary people came together to foster extraordinary change.
But as he correctly pointed out, the “powerful forces” that block the way to betterment should be transformed. I’d add that some things should simply end. So here’s my brief list of people or practices we could really do without this year – and ever after.
Pseudo-nationalists: Thankfully in 2011, the scales fell off the eyes of communities in parts of the world and they saw some of their leaders for who they actually were; shysters living off the fat of the land, yet purporting to have done it all for the love of the nation. I say let’s stop placing power in the hands of those who crave it merely to enrich themselves and their hangers on, while disregarding the actual concerns of their countrymen or the environment.
Brazen lying: What is worse than a lying leader is one who assumes that people actually buy his incredible yarns. While some populations remain incomprehensibly blinded by those blessed with the gift of rhetoric, it is comforting that others refuse to accept things at face value. Thanks to dedicated and independent media, fibs and cover-ups continue to be unearthed to the benefit of the common man.
Money politics: One need not say much. Yes, even pre-election campaign contributions can be considered bribes. Accepting it means you’re beholden to your backers. That could also mean being forced to close an eye, when your cronies royally mess up to the detriment of others.
Self-appointed spokespersons of God: Enough with “holy people” who tell others how to live or how to call God or who claim that He’s fine with the destruction of places of worship or the killing and maiming of innocents. Unfortunately kindergarten politics comes into play here too – this constant, “They started it first!” As the renowned pacifist Gandhi once said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Perhaps instead of proselytising, we should all start praying for the inner strength to forgive and move on.
This list could go on. Perhaps by changing our skewered values first, we can effectively deal with all the other pressing issues facing us. By taking these baby steps we might finally end the world as we’ve known it.
And hence, truly start anew.
Brenda Benedict is a Malaysian living in Frankfurt. She’s going to end her procrastination and start on her book.
________________________________________
© 1995-2012 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
What You Can Expect in 2012…….. Anything that is "Rakyat DiDahulukan"??!!!
Sunday January 1, 2012
What you can expect in 2012
By YUEN MEIKENG
1. RM300 fine for those who don't buckle up in the back
- Passengers who fail to buckle up in the back from Jan 1 will be slapped with a RM300 fine
- Owners of vehicles without third rear seat belts will also be issued traffic summonses.
2. Better personal data protection
- The Personal Data Protection Act 2010 is expected to be enforced, making it a crime to sell a customer's personal data or use it for commercial gain for a different purpose other than what it was collected for, without the person's consent.
3. General election?
- Speculation is rife that polls will be called within the year, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hinting that the elections are “just around the corner.”
- The Election Commission said indelible ink will be used in the next polls.
4. Let the games begin: 2012 London Olympics
- The Olympics are scheduled to be held in London from July 27 to Aug 12. It will feature 26 sports and a total of 39 disciplines.
5. Euro 2012 will kick off
- The much anticipated football championship will see 16 teams battle it out in the final tournament, to be hosted by Poland and Ukraine between June 8 and July 1.
6. Anti-competitive practices to be curbed
- The Competition Act 2010, expected to be enforced on Jan 1, will prevent industry players from ganging up and fixing prices.
- This will promote a competitive market in the national economy and safeguard consumer interests.
7. Pay rise for civil servants
- Effective Jan 1, a new civil service remuneration scheme will give Government employees a pay rise of 7% to 13%, depending on their performance, experience, talent and other factors.
- The optional scheme will also include an “exit policy”, whereby those who do not improve will be asked to buck up or leave.
8. Repeal of Internal Security Act (ISA) to begin
- The process of repealing the ISA is expected to begin in March after two replacement laws are drafted.
9. RM500 aid for the people
- The one-off RM500 assistance under the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia scheme will be distributed in January.
- The aid, which aims to help 5.2 million households, is targeted at households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below.
10. Return of the RM20 note
- The ringgit will be sporting a new look, and the RM20 note is making a comeback after last being issued in 1982.
- The new fourth series bank notes, except for the RM50 note, will be in circulation from the second half of 2012.
11. New guidelines on setting up childcare centres and kindergartens
- The guidelines, to be introduced in March, was drafted due to the increasing number of unregistered nurseries in housing areas.
12. Anwar: Guilty or not?
- On Jan 9, the High Court will deliver its verdict on whether Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is guilty of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
- If convicted, Anwar faces up to 20 years' jail and whipping.
13. Prince William and Kate Middleton to visit Malaysia
- Britain's Prince William and his wife, Catherine, are expected to visit the country as part of the royal family's world tour in 2012.
- The tour is to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne.
14. Race Relations Bill to be tabled
- In a bid to promote interaction among the races and foster mutual respect among Malaysians, the Government is expected to table the Bill in the March parliament session.
- The Bill will be used to combat racial extremism and is one of two replacement laws for the Internal Security Act.
15. Automatic transmission driving licence to be introduced
- The automatic transmission driving licence will be implemented nationwide in May after the driving curriculum is revised.
- Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the new driving curriculum will enable beginners to learn to drive and take a test in an automatic transmission car.
16. Higher EPF contribution from employers
- Beginning January, the employers' contribution rate to the Employees Provident Fund for workers earning less than RM5,000 a month will increase from 12% to 13%.
- The move will benefit about 5.3 million working Malaysians.
17. Faster travel for KTM users
- Over 90,000 commuters in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Seremban and Rawang will have experience faster rail service when KTM Bhd introduces new trains with bigger capacities in March.
18. 50% discount on LRT and Monorail services for senior citizens
- Senior citizens who apply for concession cards can enjoy a 50% discount on Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail services from Jan 1.
- The discount is one of the efforts under the Government Transformation Programme's Cost of Living National Key Results Area to address the soaring living expenses.
________________________________________
© 1995-2012 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
What you can expect in 2012
By YUEN MEIKENG
1. RM300 fine for those who don't buckle up in the back
- Passengers who fail to buckle up in the back from Jan 1 will be slapped with a RM300 fine
- Owners of vehicles without third rear seat belts will also be issued traffic summonses.
2. Better personal data protection
- The Personal Data Protection Act 2010 is expected to be enforced, making it a crime to sell a customer's personal data or use it for commercial gain for a different purpose other than what it was collected for, without the person's consent.
3. General election?
- Speculation is rife that polls will be called within the year, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hinting that the elections are “just around the corner.”
- The Election Commission said indelible ink will be used in the next polls.
4. Let the games begin: 2012 London Olympics
- The Olympics are scheduled to be held in London from July 27 to Aug 12. It will feature 26 sports and a total of 39 disciplines.
5. Euro 2012 will kick off
- The much anticipated football championship will see 16 teams battle it out in the final tournament, to be hosted by Poland and Ukraine between June 8 and July 1.
6. Anti-competitive practices to be curbed
- The Competition Act 2010, expected to be enforced on Jan 1, will prevent industry players from ganging up and fixing prices.
- This will promote a competitive market in the national economy and safeguard consumer interests.
7. Pay rise for civil servants
- Effective Jan 1, a new civil service remuneration scheme will give Government employees a pay rise of 7% to 13%, depending on their performance, experience, talent and other factors.
- The optional scheme will also include an “exit policy”, whereby those who do not improve will be asked to buck up or leave.
8. Repeal of Internal Security Act (ISA) to begin
- The process of repealing the ISA is expected to begin in March after two replacement laws are drafted.
9. RM500 aid for the people
- The one-off RM500 assistance under the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia scheme will be distributed in January.
- The aid, which aims to help 5.2 million households, is targeted at households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below.
10. Return of the RM20 note
- The ringgit will be sporting a new look, and the RM20 note is making a comeback after last being issued in 1982.
- The new fourth series bank notes, except for the RM50 note, will be in circulation from the second half of 2012.
11. New guidelines on setting up childcare centres and kindergartens
- The guidelines, to be introduced in March, was drafted due to the increasing number of unregistered nurseries in housing areas.
12. Anwar: Guilty or not?
- On Jan 9, the High Court will deliver its verdict on whether Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is guilty of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
- If convicted, Anwar faces up to 20 years' jail and whipping.
13. Prince William and Kate Middleton to visit Malaysia
- Britain's Prince William and his wife, Catherine, are expected to visit the country as part of the royal family's world tour in 2012.
- The tour is to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne.
14. Race Relations Bill to be tabled
- In a bid to promote interaction among the races and foster mutual respect among Malaysians, the Government is expected to table the Bill in the March parliament session.
- The Bill will be used to combat racial extremism and is one of two replacement laws for the Internal Security Act.
15. Automatic transmission driving licence to be introduced
- The automatic transmission driving licence will be implemented nationwide in May after the driving curriculum is revised.
- Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the new driving curriculum will enable beginners to learn to drive and take a test in an automatic transmission car.
16. Higher EPF contribution from employers
- Beginning January, the employers' contribution rate to the Employees Provident Fund for workers earning less than RM5,000 a month will increase from 12% to 13%.
- The move will benefit about 5.3 million working Malaysians.
17. Faster travel for KTM users
- Over 90,000 commuters in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Seremban and Rawang will have experience faster rail service when KTM Bhd introduces new trains with bigger capacities in March.
18. 50% discount on LRT and Monorail services for senior citizens
- Senior citizens who apply for concession cards can enjoy a 50% discount on Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail services from Jan 1.
- The discount is one of the efforts under the Government Transformation Programme's Cost of Living National Key Results Area to address the soaring living expenses.
________________________________________
© 1995-2012 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Two inevitable events in 2012 will dictate life in Malaysia for some time. A general election and a court verdict.........
All eyes will turn to Borneo. It is a mighty task to expect a lion’s share of the parliamentary seats there, but Pakatan might broach the 20-seat mark, though it might end up being 15. That would reduce BN’s majority from Borneo (31 seats in Sarawak, 25 in Sabah) from 54 in 2008 to a manageable 26.
Praba Ganesan, The Malaysian Insider
An important time is arriving in Malaysia, and it does not matter if you are for it or not; that’s not material anymore. The growing fear is that the nation is about to enter this phase without a seat belt.
History students in the distant future will love 2011. When in doubt in a class history quiz, 2011 is, as they say in basketball, a high percentage shot (or guess in that situation). The world has plenty of discussion points from this year, with the death of Kim Jung-il tipping the year to epic proportion.
However for Malaysians, despite its share of watershed moments this year, 2012 will be the one that is monumental.
Two inevitable events in 2012 will dictate life in Malaysia for some time.
A general election and a court verdict.
He will go to jail
With his declaration from the defendant’s dock of his innocence and that Sodomy II is an elaborate political attack, Anwar Ibrahim has announced his disbelief in the country’s justice system under Barisan Nasional.
Legal minds are divided on the strategy, but still it did more than suggest that the leader of the opposition is readying himself for what seems like a predictable verdict. Few of those legal minds, outside the employ of the Malaysian government, disagree with Anwar.
On January 9 when the verdict comes out, there will be a reaction. Not rage, but a quiet shrug of the shoulder by millions of Malaysians. This disgust may translate to votes in the coming general election.
The column is mindful that there will be many other developments between that January week and the general election, but none will capture the collective imagination of Malaysians as much as this. The spectre of a grandfather going to jail six months after Prime Minister Najib Razak promising to reform the country’s arcane and oppressive laws removes any semblance of reform from the present administration.
The administration’s fear of a free Anwar in an election year may be its undoing.
General election
This column made the prognosis last year that there will be no general election this year. It has been vindicated on that score.
Six months ago it would be outright optimism bordering on blind faith to expect Pakatan Rakyat to exceed its Election 2008 results.
Today, there is talk in saner political corners of a possible election upset.
Najib has a large party, but most are in for what Umno can give them and are led by very few charismatic leaders. It is a party of money, not a party of ideas.
It can only rely on the following: a good economy, the buzz of 1 Malaysia, mainstream media and its election machinery.
The economy is strong, and the planned handouts leading to the election will affect votes. Still, decades of poor wealth distribution are starting to bite all over, the emerging scandals are only confirming allegations of an elitist system run to please one class, not any race, religion or state.
Mainstream media has been less dismissive of Pakatan Rakyat, even if they’d rather have dead air than say salutary things about the coalition. Some of the commentaries have given way to doubt.
The buzz of 1 Malaysia is the random factor. No poll can gauge it. Only a fair election will. It is conceivable that this administration is leaking support.
The BN machine is a money machine. It is less incisive in a general election than in a by-election. It is about pump-priming activities based on money. The question remains, how many Malaysians are keen on appearing to openly support the BN in the coming election, even if the money is good?
There is an air of change in the country, and an Anwar conviction will electrify the country more and convince them that if they let this moment slip, then a reversal will occur.
The electoral maths then…
The dwindled support for BN’s Chinese parties will start to tell. The Indian votes are divided at best, not in Najib’s bag necessarily. It is curious to note that Najib, not the MIC, holds sway with the community.
It is the young vote which will determine the result. Anwar does not poll that well with women, but that does not discount Pakatan’s overall appeal to women.
Penang is destined to stay with Pakatan. The parliamentary seats will be status quo.
Kedah will copy Penang, and Perlis is on a knife edge.
Pundits will not be surprised if the northwest turns into a Pakatan surge.
Kelantan is a safe seat, and the vagaries of Terengganu Umno politics does leave more questions than answers. Umno may keep the state, but only a two-seat majority in the parliamentary count.
Pahang will be Peninsular Malaysia’s battleground. There were urban wins for Pakatan, but it is the reach to Felda areas that will be telling. Umno to keep Pahang, but to lose more ground.
Perak and Selangor will go Pakatan, the first is a bigger call but a call has to be made.
With the expectation of a slim Pakatan win in Negri Sembilan, that leaves Malacca and Johor as solid Umno states.
All eyes will turn to Borneo. It is a mighty ask to expect a lion’s share of the parliamentary seats there, but Pakatan might broach the 20-seat mark, though it might end up being 15. That would reduce BN’s majority from Borneo (31 seats in Sarawak, 25 in Sabah) from 54 in 2008 to a manageable 26.
A national electoral win is possible, even if quite challenging, if the above inroad is achieved in Borneo.
Unlike Pakatan’s leadership conviction that the right candidates will win Putrajaya, this column is ready to call that it will be the national mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of Malaysians wanting a new Malaysia which will secure the change.
Comments (7)...
written by JEFFLIM118, December 31, 2011 10:05:02
The more desperate and evil acts from the ruling parties, the more shits are going to hit back on them.
Umno has to fight like gentleman to win back respect from the people. If they continue to play evil acts and dirty treats, they will be in hell and goes down in history as the most disgrace party in our nation.
Like TDM says, you should know when to step down when the time arrives.
There is no better time than now for the Umno led BN's Government to step aside. ...
written by Democrats, December 29, 2011 16:19:10
Crystal Ball prediction,
After the 2012 election, capital of malaysia will be move to some rural town in Sabah or Sarawak, or Pekan. they will lose the majority in West Malaysia by a bigger margin. Their safe deposit in East Malaysia will be chipped away, and they will be grasping onto their dear life by their fingernails......
Jibby will lose his presidency in UMNO, Moodin will come to power, Hisham will start challenging Moodin on behalf od his cousin, choas will erupt in UMNO, crackdown of citizen will happen as a backlash, FDI will drop, more Malaysia will migrate elsewhere...... ...
written by JJFoo, December 29, 2011 14:26:58 The core problem of Borneo especially Sabah was there is too much instant-citizens (not so long ago illegal immigrants) as valid voters, who have no choice but to vote for UMNO just to keep their "illegally" acquired citizenship valid.
"Project IC" or " Project Mahathir" was a huge success in Sabah after the fall of PBS to cement UMNO's position in Sabah. Anwar Ibrahim was the DPM then, he should be able to shed some light on this matter. ..
written by Sribayu, December 29, 2011 11:51:46 Year 2012 is the year..... The Collapse of the tyrant world.
Ben Ali, Hosni Mubarak, Gadaffi, Kim Jong-il already gone.....
Najib & Mahataik (UMNO) ,Taik Mahmud, Bashar al-Assad (Syria) will follow suit..... ABU - Aku Benci UMNO ...
written by vhari, December 29, 2011 11:09:14
Change will happen because the seeds of momentum of change already imparted in the minds of voters during the 2008 Tsunami. ...
written by NottyMaus, December 29, 2011 10:44:19
Forget the rhetorics ! As long as Sarawak-BN is not brought down, Umno will not go.
EC has done it's work for dUmno well; the native dayaks support Sarawak-BN, which supply dUmno MPs. ...
written by Pegasus, December 29, 2011 10:33:56
It better for them (ameno porn) to lose than to win big, they are already corrupted to core, stage five terminal ill canser...
Praba Ganesan, The Malaysian Insider
An important time is arriving in Malaysia, and it does not matter if you are for it or not; that’s not material anymore. The growing fear is that the nation is about to enter this phase without a seat belt.
History students in the distant future will love 2011. When in doubt in a class history quiz, 2011 is, as they say in basketball, a high percentage shot (or guess in that situation). The world has plenty of discussion points from this year, with the death of Kim Jung-il tipping the year to epic proportion.
However for Malaysians, despite its share of watershed moments this year, 2012 will be the one that is monumental.
Two inevitable events in 2012 will dictate life in Malaysia for some time.
A general election and a court verdict.
He will go to jail
With his declaration from the defendant’s dock of his innocence and that Sodomy II is an elaborate political attack, Anwar Ibrahim has announced his disbelief in the country’s justice system under Barisan Nasional.
Legal minds are divided on the strategy, but still it did more than suggest that the leader of the opposition is readying himself for what seems like a predictable verdict. Few of those legal minds, outside the employ of the Malaysian government, disagree with Anwar.
On January 9 when the verdict comes out, there will be a reaction. Not rage, but a quiet shrug of the shoulder by millions of Malaysians. This disgust may translate to votes in the coming general election.
The column is mindful that there will be many other developments between that January week and the general election, but none will capture the collective imagination of Malaysians as much as this. The spectre of a grandfather going to jail six months after Prime Minister Najib Razak promising to reform the country’s arcane and oppressive laws removes any semblance of reform from the present administration.
The administration’s fear of a free Anwar in an election year may be its undoing.
General election
This column made the prognosis last year that there will be no general election this year. It has been vindicated on that score.
Six months ago it would be outright optimism bordering on blind faith to expect Pakatan Rakyat to exceed its Election 2008 results.
Today, there is talk in saner political corners of a possible election upset.
Najib has a large party, but most are in for what Umno can give them and are led by very few charismatic leaders. It is a party of money, not a party of ideas.
It can only rely on the following: a good economy, the buzz of 1 Malaysia, mainstream media and its election machinery.
The economy is strong, and the planned handouts leading to the election will affect votes. Still, decades of poor wealth distribution are starting to bite all over, the emerging scandals are only confirming allegations of an elitist system run to please one class, not any race, religion or state.
Mainstream media has been less dismissive of Pakatan Rakyat, even if they’d rather have dead air than say salutary things about the coalition. Some of the commentaries have given way to doubt.
The buzz of 1 Malaysia is the random factor. No poll can gauge it. Only a fair election will. It is conceivable that this administration is leaking support.
The BN machine is a money machine. It is less incisive in a general election than in a by-election. It is about pump-priming activities based on money. The question remains, how many Malaysians are keen on appearing to openly support the BN in the coming election, even if the money is good?
There is an air of change in the country, and an Anwar conviction will electrify the country more and convince them that if they let this moment slip, then a reversal will occur.
The electoral maths then…
The dwindled support for BN’s Chinese parties will start to tell. The Indian votes are divided at best, not in Najib’s bag necessarily. It is curious to note that Najib, not the MIC, holds sway with the community.
It is the young vote which will determine the result. Anwar does not poll that well with women, but that does not discount Pakatan’s overall appeal to women.
Penang is destined to stay with Pakatan. The parliamentary seats will be status quo.
Kedah will copy Penang, and Perlis is on a knife edge.
Pundits will not be surprised if the northwest turns into a Pakatan surge.
Kelantan is a safe seat, and the vagaries of Terengganu Umno politics does leave more questions than answers. Umno may keep the state, but only a two-seat majority in the parliamentary count.
Pahang will be Peninsular Malaysia’s battleground. There were urban wins for Pakatan, but it is the reach to Felda areas that will be telling. Umno to keep Pahang, but to lose more ground.
Perak and Selangor will go Pakatan, the first is a bigger call but a call has to be made.
With the expectation of a slim Pakatan win in Negri Sembilan, that leaves Malacca and Johor as solid Umno states.
All eyes will turn to Borneo. It is a mighty ask to expect a lion’s share of the parliamentary seats there, but Pakatan might broach the 20-seat mark, though it might end up being 15. That would reduce BN’s majority from Borneo (31 seats in Sarawak, 25 in Sabah) from 54 in 2008 to a manageable 26.
A national electoral win is possible, even if quite challenging, if the above inroad is achieved in Borneo.
Unlike Pakatan’s leadership conviction that the right candidates will win Putrajaya, this column is ready to call that it will be the national mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of Malaysians wanting a new Malaysia which will secure the change.
Comments (7)...
written by JEFFLIM118, December 31, 2011 10:05:02
The more desperate and evil acts from the ruling parties, the more shits are going to hit back on them.
Umno has to fight like gentleman to win back respect from the people. If they continue to play evil acts and dirty treats, they will be in hell and goes down in history as the most disgrace party in our nation.
Like TDM says, you should know when to step down when the time arrives.
There is no better time than now for the Umno led BN's Government to step aside. ...
written by Democrats, December 29, 2011 16:19:10
Crystal Ball prediction,
After the 2012 election, capital of malaysia will be move to some rural town in Sabah or Sarawak, or Pekan. they will lose the majority in West Malaysia by a bigger margin. Their safe deposit in East Malaysia will be chipped away, and they will be grasping onto their dear life by their fingernails......
Jibby will lose his presidency in UMNO, Moodin will come to power, Hisham will start challenging Moodin on behalf od his cousin, choas will erupt in UMNO, crackdown of citizen will happen as a backlash, FDI will drop, more Malaysia will migrate elsewhere...... ...
written by JJFoo, December 29, 2011 14:26:58 The core problem of Borneo especially Sabah was there is too much instant-citizens (not so long ago illegal immigrants) as valid voters, who have no choice but to vote for UMNO just to keep their "illegally" acquired citizenship valid.
"Project IC" or " Project Mahathir" was a huge success in Sabah after the fall of PBS to cement UMNO's position in Sabah. Anwar Ibrahim was the DPM then, he should be able to shed some light on this matter. ..
written by Sribayu, December 29, 2011 11:51:46 Year 2012 is the year..... The Collapse of the tyrant world.
Ben Ali, Hosni Mubarak, Gadaffi, Kim Jong-il already gone.....
Najib & Mahataik (UMNO) ,Taik Mahmud, Bashar al-Assad (Syria) will follow suit..... ABU - Aku Benci UMNO ...
written by vhari, December 29, 2011 11:09:14
Change will happen because the seeds of momentum of change already imparted in the minds of voters during the 2008 Tsunami. ...
written by NottyMaus, December 29, 2011 10:44:19
Forget the rhetorics ! As long as Sarawak-BN is not brought down, Umno will not go.
EC has done it's work for dUmno well; the native dayaks support Sarawak-BN, which supply dUmno MPs. ...
written by Pegasus, December 29, 2011 10:33:56
It better for them (ameno porn) to lose than to win big, they are already corrupted to core, stage five terminal ill canser...
Many stand in agreement therefore with Reverend Eu, that in the context of the implementation of Article 153 — yes, we do feel bullied. This is not a minority opinion, for many agree with Reverend Eu’s forthright observation. This includes constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari, who opined that Reverend Eu has not uttered anything seditious. Couple that with the support shown by MCA’s Young Professional Bureau Chairman Datuk Chua Tee Yong........... As Aziz Bari reportedly told them, “grow up”!!!!!!
So the latest act by Ibrahim Ali and his band of Perkasa men is to lodge a police report against Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng
(The Malaysian Insider) - So, the latest act by Ibrahim Ali and his band of Perkasa men is to lodge a police report against Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng for raising concerns revolving Article 153 of the Federal Constitution. The way these Perkasa boys reacted makes one wonder, if the mentioning of Article 153 by any non-Malay is like committing a deadly sin.
Then again, could we have expected anything less from the Member of Parliament for Pasir Mas? On that account, and true to his nature, he didn’t disappoint — neither us nor his taskmasters.
Our prime minister has only recently stated his intent to transform Malaysia to be the best democracy in the world; and yet — despite 54 years after Merdeka - we are instead left to rue individuals such as Ibrahim Ali, who take pleasure in being paragons of fear mongering, when pertinent issues surrounding Article 153 are highlighted. If national unity vis a vis nation-building is one of our goals, and the construction of Bangsa Malaysia is part of Vision 2020, then why should we cower from confronting stumbling blocks that stand in our way?
I attended the CFM Christmas hi-tea gathering, and I heard Reverend Eu’s speech, and amongst the things he mentioned in his speech was that, “in order to move forward as a nation, we must be willing to address impediments to our progress”. Surely, that is a wise call for mature and temperate heads to come together and discuss our way forward.
Reverend Eu further explained that the interpretation and more serious debates concerning Article 153 should be attended to by our parliamentarians. He also made it clear that ordinary Malaysians have no problem with the rights of the Malays and the Sultans as stipulated in our Constitution.
Where he did call a spade, a spade, was in pointing out what many people unfortunately experience, at ‘ground level’, and that is in the context of the implementation of Article 153, where unfairness of treatment rears its ugly head. It was on this otherwise valid remark that Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa pounced upon.
I would like to ask Ibrahim, at which point did Reverend Eu question Article 153, as the former purports that he did? Where was the “irresponsible provocation”? Should one deem it as irresponsible provocation, when another rightfully highlights weaknesses that permeate the system?
In fact, wouldn’t silence in the course of inequity, constitute a graver act of irresponsibility? It is within this context that Reverend Eu spoke of the precarious predicament of ‘shifting rights’ — a burdensome shadow under which many Malaysians have lived by and endured, hoping that their space wouldn’t erode any further. Sadly, more often than not, that has not been the case.
I stand in agreement therefore with Reverend Eu, that in the context of the implementation of Article 153 — yes, we do feel bullied. This is not a minority opinion, for many agree with Reverend Eu’s forthright observation. This includes constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari, who opined that Reverend Eu has not uttered anything seditious. Couple that with the support shown by MCA’s Young Professional Bureau Chairman Datuk Chua Tee Yong, as reported by The Star on 31.12.2011, and it appears that Ibrahim and Perkasa are the ones who are isolated in their warped and immature outlook.
As Aziz Bari reportedly told them, “grow up”.
(The Malaysian Insider) - So, the latest act by Ibrahim Ali and his band of Perkasa men is to lodge a police report against Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng for raising concerns revolving Article 153 of the Federal Constitution. The way these Perkasa boys reacted makes one wonder, if the mentioning of Article 153 by any non-Malay is like committing a deadly sin.
Then again, could we have expected anything less from the Member of Parliament for Pasir Mas? On that account, and true to his nature, he didn’t disappoint — neither us nor his taskmasters.
Our prime minister has only recently stated his intent to transform Malaysia to be the best democracy in the world; and yet — despite 54 years after Merdeka - we are instead left to rue individuals such as Ibrahim Ali, who take pleasure in being paragons of fear mongering, when pertinent issues surrounding Article 153 are highlighted. If national unity vis a vis nation-building is one of our goals, and the construction of Bangsa Malaysia is part of Vision 2020, then why should we cower from confronting stumbling blocks that stand in our way?
I attended the CFM Christmas hi-tea gathering, and I heard Reverend Eu’s speech, and amongst the things he mentioned in his speech was that, “in order to move forward as a nation, we must be willing to address impediments to our progress”. Surely, that is a wise call for mature and temperate heads to come together and discuss our way forward.
Reverend Eu further explained that the interpretation and more serious debates concerning Article 153 should be attended to by our parliamentarians. He also made it clear that ordinary Malaysians have no problem with the rights of the Malays and the Sultans as stipulated in our Constitution.
Where he did call a spade, a spade, was in pointing out what many people unfortunately experience, at ‘ground level’, and that is in the context of the implementation of Article 153, where unfairness of treatment rears its ugly head. It was on this otherwise valid remark that Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa pounced upon.
I would like to ask Ibrahim, at which point did Reverend Eu question Article 153, as the former purports that he did? Where was the “irresponsible provocation”? Should one deem it as irresponsible provocation, when another rightfully highlights weaknesses that permeate the system?
In fact, wouldn’t silence in the course of inequity, constitute a graver act of irresponsibility? It is within this context that Reverend Eu spoke of the precarious predicament of ‘shifting rights’ — a burdensome shadow under which many Malaysians have lived by and endured, hoping that their space wouldn’t erode any further. Sadly, more often than not, that has not been the case.
I stand in agreement therefore with Reverend Eu, that in the context of the implementation of Article 153 — yes, we do feel bullied. This is not a minority opinion, for many agree with Reverend Eu’s forthright observation. This includes constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari, who opined that Reverend Eu has not uttered anything seditious. Couple that with the support shown by MCA’s Young Professional Bureau Chairman Datuk Chua Tee Yong, as reported by The Star on 31.12.2011, and it appears that Ibrahim and Perkasa are the ones who are isolated in their warped and immature outlook.
As Aziz Bari reportedly told them, “grow up”.
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning...........
It certainly has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls.
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
Comments (5)...
written by cheekhiaw, December 31, 2011 13:34:34
Thieves' Dilemma
With every government in the world printing money to 'save' the world (but in reality to steal money holders' wealth by stealth) the last few years, super inflation is coming. The signs are already reflected by the price of real stuffs like gold, silver, oil and protests and strikes by people all round the world discovering that their salaries and savings do not have the same purchasing power as before.
The local tuans of thievery are caught between their greed and that coming gale. To buy time, they give handouts to and raise salaries of those that support them, peddle sub-par products in 1Curi Shops (if they are so good K-Mart, Carrefour etc would have long gone out of business and 1Malaysian Thieves would rule the world's retail industry), and subsidise basic commodiities like oil in an attempt to bluff ignorant suckers into thinking that inflation is low.
The longer they remain as tuan the more they get to steal. But the longer it goes the more people would feel the sting of their thievery and the less they can hide that bluff. If thieves can uplift entire populations by sprinkling some of what they steal around town, thievesonomics would have long tuaned economic history. ...
written by ibabonma, December 31, 2011 13:17:40
If BN has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls? The answer is simple: The oppositions actually have the edge, just enough for a simple majority but the longer Najis keep us in waiting, the better it is for opposition. ..
written by hellosunshine, December 31, 2011 10:20:22 GE13 is the watershed in the nation's destiny and path to a developed nation or a 3rd world nation status. Making or breaking the nation now lies in the hands of the Malays and the Bumis in Sabah/Sarawak. The Chinese and Indian Malaysians are all set to say no to corruption, cronyism, power, racial and religious abuses by the lanuns. Are the majority of our Malay and Bumi brethren with us or continue to let these lanuns plunder away our children's future? What have the umnoputras done for you and your family after 54 years in power? They were the ones who could have used the nation's vast and rich resources to develop the nation's infrastructure for all to benefit. Instead, they used crony and proxy companies to set up toll concessions everywhere and at every turn, IPPs, APs, loot the GLCs, get obscenely huge 'commissions' for defence spending, purchase items at hugely inflated prices, build white elephant projects just to siphon off the money, illegally transfer out money from the country in the hundreds of billions etc etc. ABU!!! ...
written by JJFoo, December 31, 2011 10:14:45
Will UMNO/BN win the 13th GE? MOST UNLIKELY but with rampage cheating such as gerrymandering, instant-citizenship-voters, phantom voters and rigged postal votes, UMNO/BN will SURELY win because the playing field was by far too lopsided.
It's like, the oppositions were forced to run an all the way up hill marathon race with obstacle bars thrown in while UMNO/BN run a half-marathon was an all the way down hill route.
Opposition need to work on leveling the playing field, however small can be only added advantage. Make the voters aware that they have been duped by UMNO/BN machinery and mentally prepare the voters to come out and vote while they still can otherwise an uprising may be the only solution to uproot the present corrupt and tyrannic government. ..
written by vhari, December 31, 2011 09:31:47 If Anwar is convicted and jailed immediately or not
UMNO will lose more seats
If acquitted ,Umno will loose least seats
Like in 1994 election.
It certainly has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls.
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
written by cheekhiaw, December 31, 2011 13:34:34
Thieves' Dilemma
With every government in the world printing money to 'save' the world (but in reality to steal money holders' wealth by stealth) the last few years, super inflation is coming. The signs are already reflected by the price of real stuffs like gold, silver, oil and protests and strikes by people all round the world discovering that their salaries and savings do not have the same purchasing power as before.
The local tuans of thievery are caught between their greed and that coming gale. To buy time, they give handouts to and raise salaries of those that support them, peddle sub-par products in 1Curi Shops (if they are so good K-Mart, Carrefour etc would have long gone out of business and 1Malaysian Thieves would rule the world's retail industry), and subsidise basic commodiities like oil in an attempt to bluff ignorant suckers into thinking that inflation is low.
The longer they remain as tuan the more they get to steal. But the longer it goes the more people would feel the sting of their thievery and the less they can hide that bluff. If thieves can uplift entire populations by sprinkling some of what they steal around town, thievesonomics would have long tuaned economic history. ...
written by ibabonma, December 31, 2011 13:17:40
If BN has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls? The answer is simple: The oppositions actually have the edge, just enough for a simple majority but the longer Najis keep us in waiting, the better it is for opposition. ..
written by hellosunshine, December 31, 2011 10:20:22 GE13 is the watershed in the nation's destiny and path to a developed nation or a 3rd world nation status. Making or breaking the nation now lies in the hands of the Malays and the Bumis in Sabah/Sarawak. The Chinese and Indian Malaysians are all set to say no to corruption, cronyism, power, racial and religious abuses by the lanuns. Are the majority of our Malay and Bumi brethren with us or continue to let these lanuns plunder away our children's future? What have the umnoputras done for you and your family after 54 years in power? They were the ones who could have used the nation's vast and rich resources to develop the nation's infrastructure for all to benefit. Instead, they used crony and proxy companies to set up toll concessions everywhere and at every turn, IPPs, APs, loot the GLCs, get obscenely huge 'commissions' for defence spending, purchase items at hugely inflated prices, build white elephant projects just to siphon off the money, illegally transfer out money from the country in the hundreds of billions etc etc. ABU!!! ...
written by JJFoo, December 31, 2011 10:14:45
Will UMNO/BN win the 13th GE? MOST UNLIKELY but with rampage cheating such as gerrymandering, instant-citizenship-voters, phantom voters and rigged postal votes, UMNO/BN will SURELY win because the playing field was by far too lopsided.
It's like, the oppositions were forced to run an all the way up hill marathon race with obstacle bars thrown in while UMNO/BN run a half-marathon was an all the way down hill route.
Opposition need to work on leveling the playing field, however small can be only added advantage. Make the voters aware that they have been duped by UMNO/BN machinery and mentally prepare the voters to come out and vote while they still can otherwise an uprising may be the only solution to uproot the present corrupt and tyrannic government. ..
written by vhari, December 31, 2011 09:31:47 If Anwar is convicted and jailed immediately or not
UMNO will lose more seats
If acquitted ,Umno will loose least seats
Like in 1994 election.
It certainly has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls.
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
Comments (5)...
written by cheekhiaw, December 31, 2011 13:34:34
Thieves' Dilemma
With every government in the world printing money to 'save' the world (but in reality to steal money holders' wealth by stealth) the last few years, super inflation is coming. The signs are already reflected by the price of real stuffs like gold, silver, oil and protests and strikes by people all round the world discovering that their salaries and savings do not have the same purchasing power as before.
The local tuans of thievery are caught between their greed and that coming gale. To buy time, they give handouts to and raise salaries of those that support them, peddle sub-par products in 1Curi Shops (if they are so good K-Mart, Carrefour etc would have long gone out of business and 1Malaysian Thieves would rule the world's retail industry), and subsidise basic commodiities like oil in an attempt to bluff ignorant suckers into thinking that inflation is low.
The longer they remain as tuan the more they get to steal. But the longer it goes the more people would feel the sting of their thievery and the less they can hide that bluff. If thieves can uplift entire populations by sprinkling some of what they steal around town, thievesonomics would have long tuaned economic history. ...
written by ibabonma, December 31, 2011 13:17:40
If BN has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls? The answer is simple: The oppositions actually have the edge, just enough for a simple majority but the longer Najis keep us in waiting, the better it is for opposition. ..
written by hellosunshine, December 31, 2011 10:20:22 GE13 is the watershed in the nation's destiny and path to a developed nation or a 3rd world nation status. Making or breaking the nation now lies in the hands of the Malays and the Bumis in Sabah/Sarawak. The Chinese and Indian Malaysians are all set to say no to corruption, cronyism, power, racial and religious abuses by the lanuns. Are the majority of our Malay and Bumi brethren with us or continue to let these lanuns plunder away our children's future? What have the umnoputras done for you and your family after 54 years in power? They were the ones who could have used the nation's vast and rich resources to develop the nation's infrastructure for all to benefit. Instead, they used crony and proxy companies to set up toll concessions everywhere and at every turn, IPPs, APs, loot the GLCs, get obscenely huge 'commissions' for defence spending, purchase items at hugely inflated prices, build white elephant projects just to siphon off the money, illegally transfer out money from the country in the hundreds of billions etc etc. ABU!!! ...
written by JJFoo, December 31, 2011 10:14:45
Will UMNO/BN win the 13th GE? MOST UNLIKELY but with rampage cheating such as gerrymandering, instant-citizenship-voters, phantom voters and rigged postal votes, UMNO/BN will SURELY win because the playing field was by far too lopsided.
It's like, the oppositions were forced to run an all the way up hill marathon race with obstacle bars thrown in while UMNO/BN run a half-marathon was an all the way down hill route.
Opposition need to work on leveling the playing field, however small can be only added advantage. Make the voters aware that they have been duped by UMNO/BN machinery and mentally prepare the voters to come out and vote while they still can otherwise an uprising may be the only solution to uproot the present corrupt and tyrannic government. ..
written by vhari, December 31, 2011 09:31:47 If Anwar is convicted and jailed immediately or not
UMNO will lose more seats
If acquitted ,Umno will loose least seats
Like in 1994 election.
It certainly has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls.
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
written by cheekhiaw, December 31, 2011 13:34:34
Thieves' Dilemma
With every government in the world printing money to 'save' the world (but in reality to steal money holders' wealth by stealth) the last few years, super inflation is coming. The signs are already reflected by the price of real stuffs like gold, silver, oil and protests and strikes by people all round the world discovering that their salaries and savings do not have the same purchasing power as before.
The local tuans of thievery are caught between their greed and that coming gale. To buy time, they give handouts to and raise salaries of those that support them, peddle sub-par products in 1Curi Shops (if they are so good K-Mart, Carrefour etc would have long gone out of business and 1Malaysian Thieves would rule the world's retail industry), and subsidise basic commodiities like oil in an attempt to bluff ignorant suckers into thinking that inflation is low.
The longer they remain as tuan the more they get to steal. But the longer it goes the more people would feel the sting of their thievery and the less they can hide that bluff. If thieves can uplift entire populations by sprinkling some of what they steal around town, thievesonomics would have long tuaned economic history. ...
written by ibabonma, December 31, 2011 13:17:40
If BN has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls? The answer is simple: The oppositions actually have the edge, just enough for a simple majority but the longer Najis keep us in waiting, the better it is for opposition. ..
written by hellosunshine, December 31, 2011 10:20:22 GE13 is the watershed in the nation's destiny and path to a developed nation or a 3rd world nation status. Making or breaking the nation now lies in the hands of the Malays and the Bumis in Sabah/Sarawak. The Chinese and Indian Malaysians are all set to say no to corruption, cronyism, power, racial and religious abuses by the lanuns. Are the majority of our Malay and Bumi brethren with us or continue to let these lanuns plunder away our children's future? What have the umnoputras done for you and your family after 54 years in power? They were the ones who could have used the nation's vast and rich resources to develop the nation's infrastructure for all to benefit. Instead, they used crony and proxy companies to set up toll concessions everywhere and at every turn, IPPs, APs, loot the GLCs, get obscenely huge 'commissions' for defence spending, purchase items at hugely inflated prices, build white elephant projects just to siphon off the money, illegally transfer out money from the country in the hundreds of billions etc etc. ABU!!! ...
written by JJFoo, December 31, 2011 10:14:45
Will UMNO/BN win the 13th GE? MOST UNLIKELY but with rampage cheating such as gerrymandering, instant-citizenship-voters, phantom voters and rigged postal votes, UMNO/BN will SURELY win because the playing field was by far too lopsided.
It's like, the oppositions were forced to run an all the way up hill marathon race with obstacle bars thrown in while UMNO/BN run a half-marathon was an all the way down hill route.
Opposition need to work on leveling the playing field, however small can be only added advantage. Make the voters aware that they have been duped by UMNO/BN machinery and mentally prepare the voters to come out and vote while they still can otherwise an uprising may be the only solution to uproot the present corrupt and tyrannic government. ..
written by vhari, December 31, 2011 09:31:47 If Anwar is convicted and jailed immediately or not
UMNO will lose more seats
If acquitted ,Umno will loose least seats
Like in 1994 election.
It certainly has the edge but the big question is why is Najib running scared of calling for the polls.
Overall it can be said that it looks likely that BN will win the 13th general election due to three main reasons: Use of racist, fear-mongering tactics to woo the Malay vote; control of mainstream media to bad-mouth the opposition plus no alternative media in rural areas; and lack of impartiality (to put it in a refined manner) by the Election Commission.
Selena Tay, Free Malaysia Today
Yes, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is too afraid of holding the 13th general election. He is afraid that BN will not win, and in reality he has no confidence of winning.
Otherwise, why would he not immediately call for the polls to be held the moment after he had presented the Budget on Oct 7, 2011?
After all, it is blindingly obvious that the civil service, the national institutions, the rural folk and those in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are supporting him. With this so-called overwhelming support, it is indeed amazing that he still lacks the courage to call for the general election.
In addition to that, he has also thrown in the RM500 aid as bait. However, the RM500 is no big deal as it is only a one-off. Even if he were to give this sum every five years, it only amounts to RM100 a year. And that is equivalent to RM8.45 a month – peanuts and pittance! Is Najib trying to make monkeys out of the rakyat?
Be that as it may, here is a brief guide highlighting the unique features on the scenario in all the states in Malaysia:
Perlis: If you think the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is in disarray, think again. In Perlis there are four warlords jostling for power: Azmi Khalid – he of the Public Accounts Committee fame; Radzi Sheikh Ahmad – well known and with much clout; Isa Sabu – present Menteri Besar (MB) and; Shahidan Kassim – previous MB.
The smallest state but giving the biggest problems to Umno. PAS has two state seats here and hope to make further inroads and DAP has also set up a branch in Perlis after being absent for more than three decades.
Penang: The Indian-Muslim NGOs try to annoy Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng but the Malays have never had it better. The support for Lim from the Malays is blanked out by the mainstream media and this could work out to Pakatan’s disadvantage because the Malays in other states will think that the Penang Malays are being marginalised by the DAP-led state government.
Kedah: PAS MB Ustaz Azizan Abu Bakar seems slow and sleepy but that is the style required in Kedah. Things are moving along fine although the mainstream media tries to paint a picture of no-progress. For example, a road in Kubang Rotan was tarred and repaired by the PAS state government but the mainstream media said it was done by the BN federal government.
The PAS government was also accused of not helping the rakyat during the flash floods in 2010 although they had disbursed RM2 million to assist the flood victims.
Kelantan: PAS MB Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat has helmed Kelantan since 1990 and this time the Malay daily which is Umno’s mouthpiece tries to drown him with the water issue by publishing front-page headlines proclaiming that the water in Kelantan is dirty and smelly.
In fact the water is clean and crystal clear and the dirty, smelly water proclaimed in the said daily is the water dug from the ground by some of the locals and this type of water is referred to by the Kelantanese as ‘boring water’. How dull can BN get! The PAS state government has not kept quiet and has issued newsletters to try to counter the BN media.
Terengganu: This state is ever-elusive for PAS although they have won it in 1959 and 2004. There are two warlords in the power struggle of Terengganu: Former MB Idris Jusoh versus current MB Ahmad Said.
The stadium-collapse and the bridge with no river are the main issues here leading the opposition to question who gets a percentage cut from the construction works. In regards to the bridge which is part of the stretch of the Jabor Highway, the cost of the said bridge has ballooned from RM174 million to RM210 million. The construction cost of Jabor Highway itself has increased from RM3.7 billion to RM5 billion.
Pahang: The home state of Najib. The hottest issue here is no doubt the one in regards to Lynas Corporation and the rare earth plant in Gebeng located in the constituency of PKR MP Fuziah Salleh. She is currently heading a people’s movement which involves the rakyat with the intention of booting out this plant.
Battle of all battles
Perak: The state that made headlines in 2009 due to BN’s illegal power-grab. Since then, the Silver State has lost its shine due to Perak MB, Umno’s Zambry Abdul Kadir and his lacklustre line-up of Exco members. Ho-hum, yawn!
But the bright spark here is the PAS Supporters Congress – the non Muslim section of PAS which has one of the most active branches in Malaysia in Perak. The co-ordination among the three Pakatan component parties is also the best in Perak.
Selangor: This is in clear and present danger of going back to BN’s grasp due to extremely aggressive campaigning by Umno using racial issues and scare-mongering tactics to win the Malay vote. Although Umno uses the same racial and scare-mongering tactics in all the states, it is the most prevalent in Selangor.
Negeri Sembilan: One might think that nothing much happens here but lest we forget, Gemas in Negeri Sembilan is the location of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) cattle ranch – ground zero of the Cattle-Condo scandal. Enough said.
Malacca: Welcome to the Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Melaka in Batu Berendam which has only five flights a week. At other times, it is a good place to hone one’s skills in kite-flying.
Malacca is also home to the largest go-cart circuit in Southeast Asia but rest assured it is not so much a go-cart circuit as a ghost-cart circuit. Costing more than RM12 million to construct, there is no one and no activity there!
If Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is morally unfit to become Prime Minister of Malaysia....is the current PM of Malaysia morally fit?
(The Malaysian Insider) - Popular blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin denounced Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as morally unfit to become prime minister, saying that Malaysians are unable to accept a homosexual to lead the country.
Better known as RPK, the self-exiled editor of the Malaysia-Today news portal was quoted in an Umno-owned national daily as crediting Anwar’s huge support to widespread public perception of the opposition leader as an “alternative” to the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).
It did not necessarily mean Anwar was a better leader or PM-designate, said the man who was once seen to sit in the PKR de facto chief’s inner circle.
“I don’t care. If you say is Anwar gay? I say maybe. But you cannot become prime minister. That is the reality,” said Raja Petra in an interview published today the Malay-language Mingguan Malaysia.
Raja Petra did not explicitly call Anwar a homosexual but said there was no room in Malaysia for someone who is gay and wants to become PM.
“In Australia, you can. You can be gay and even become a minister. In Malaysia you have to choose. I personally have no problems but if you want to become PM and be gay, in Malaysia you cannot.
“I am not defending immoral behaviour but that is your choice. If you choose that you cannot have this. In [the] UK, Australia you can have both,” he said.
Anwar, 64, is currently awaiting his verdict on his second sodomy charge, where he is accused of sodomising a former aide.
The High Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on January 9.
The former deputy prime minister has vehemently denied the charge, saying that it was part of a ploy to destroy his political career.
In his harshest remarks against Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat yet, Raja Petra said the opposition pact needed to cut down on its campaign for Anwar, and that the fight for reform was beyond the political future of one man.
Saying that PR had “bigger fish to fry”, he stressed that the “future of this country does not depend on this one man.”
“I do not know if Anwar is guilty or not. For me the issue is not important. The question is, is he the best candidate to run the country? If you are a good person, you are surely ‘clean’. But if you can’t run the country, you can’t, it’s that simple.”
Raja Petra charged that Anwar’s performance as Selangor Economic Advisor has been unimpressive, and that he spent too much time going overseas for functions and lectures at universities.
The controversial blogger claimed he received complaints of rampant corruption in Selangor, saying that nothing had changed since PR took over from BN there.
“We tell him [Anwar] stay in the country and do your job in Pakatan. More than 60 trips abroad is too much...it is as if he is running away not knowing what to do,” Minguan Malaysia reported Raja Petra as saying.
Raja Petra stressed that politics in Malaysia needed to move beyond national leaders like Anwar or even PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak and more on structure and ideas.
“I think we do not need to talk about Anwar anymore. It is not about Anwar. When we talk politics, we talk about Najib-Anwar, Najib-Anwar.
“What if Najib gets a heart attack like his father? What if something happens to Anwar? He is not young, he is older than me...we will get new leaders…we must move on,” the blogger said
Comments (3)...
written by Raja Kim, January 01, 2012 16:03:25
UMNO has the treasure chest to rain money and goodies on people in return for a vote.
You need millions to win elections.The ruling BN has the money. Are we going to be stuck with this corrupt government? Looks like that is what Pete wants. ...
written by temenggong, January 01, 2012 15:56:19
You'll see your readership dwindle because DAP chinaman and christians have nothing more to hold on a melayu now that Anwar is gone! They were just using him and the PKR melayus under the cover of multiracialism. ...
written by earthman, January 01, 2012 15:31:45
Anwar must have a tendency for man's shit hole and his Umno friends before knew this. So they set a trap for him . Whether he did it this time or not , the enemy had something to put him on trial and the rest is history.
There is no point now crying over spilled milk , but be clean ourselves and courageous to fight against corruption and evil. Fighting evil against evil will only makes evil even stronger and bigger . We must come clean. Ask ourselves, example ; 'did we cheat to receive RM500 for those earning below RM3000 ? ' If we had cheated , we had no right to accuse others of corruption.
Better known as RPK, the self-exiled editor of the Malaysia-Today news portal was quoted in an Umno-owned national daily as crediting Anwar’s huge support to widespread public perception of the opposition leader as an “alternative” to the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).
It did not necessarily mean Anwar was a better leader or PM-designate, said the man who was once seen to sit in the PKR de facto chief’s inner circle.
“I don’t care. If you say is Anwar gay? I say maybe. But you cannot become prime minister. That is the reality,” said Raja Petra in an interview published today the Malay-language Mingguan Malaysia.
Raja Petra did not explicitly call Anwar a homosexual but said there was no room in Malaysia for someone who is gay and wants to become PM.
“In Australia, you can. You can be gay and even become a minister. In Malaysia you have to choose. I personally have no problems but if you want to become PM and be gay, in Malaysia you cannot.
“I am not defending immoral behaviour but that is your choice. If you choose that you cannot have this. In [the] UK, Australia you can have both,” he said.
Anwar, 64, is currently awaiting his verdict on his second sodomy charge, where he is accused of sodomising a former aide.
The High Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on January 9.
The former deputy prime minister has vehemently denied the charge, saying that it was part of a ploy to destroy his political career.
In his harshest remarks against Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat yet, Raja Petra said the opposition pact needed to cut down on its campaign for Anwar, and that the fight for reform was beyond the political future of one man.
Saying that PR had “bigger fish to fry”, he stressed that the “future of this country does not depend on this one man.”
“I do not know if Anwar is guilty or not. For me the issue is not important. The question is, is he the best candidate to run the country? If you are a good person, you are surely ‘clean’. But if you can’t run the country, you can’t, it’s that simple.”
Raja Petra charged that Anwar’s performance as Selangor Economic Advisor has been unimpressive, and that he spent too much time going overseas for functions and lectures at universities.
The controversial blogger claimed he received complaints of rampant corruption in Selangor, saying that nothing had changed since PR took over from BN there.
“We tell him [Anwar] stay in the country and do your job in Pakatan. More than 60 trips abroad is too much...it is as if he is running away not knowing what to do,” Minguan Malaysia reported Raja Petra as saying.
Raja Petra stressed that politics in Malaysia needed to move beyond national leaders like Anwar or even PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak and more on structure and ideas.
“I think we do not need to talk about Anwar anymore. It is not about Anwar. When we talk politics, we talk about Najib-Anwar, Najib-Anwar.
“What if Najib gets a heart attack like his father? What if something happens to Anwar? He is not young, he is older than me...we will get new leaders…we must move on,” the blogger said
Comments (3)...
written by Raja Kim, January 01, 2012 16:03:25
UMNO has the treasure chest to rain money and goodies on people in return for a vote.
You need millions to win elections.The ruling BN has the money. Are we going to be stuck with this corrupt government? Looks like that is what Pete wants. ...
written by temenggong, January 01, 2012 15:56:19
You'll see your readership dwindle because DAP chinaman and christians have nothing more to hold on a melayu now that Anwar is gone! They were just using him and the PKR melayus under the cover of multiracialism. ...
written by earthman, January 01, 2012 15:31:45
Anwar must have a tendency for man's shit hole and his Umno friends before knew this. So they set a trap for him . Whether he did it this time or not , the enemy had something to put him on trial and the rest is history.
There is no point now crying over spilled milk , but be clean ourselves and courageous to fight against corruption and evil. Fighting evil against evil will only makes evil even stronger and bigger . We must come clean. Ask ourselves, example ; 'did we cheat to receive RM500 for those earning below RM3000 ? ' If we had cheated , we had no right to accuse others of corruption.
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