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• Who To Vote For in The Next Election
• Taib distorting the message on Change
• Defeating the people’s will
• Taib set to sacrifice Baram, retain unpopular dam project
• PR & HINDRAF: The Missed Opportunity
• The Armageddon of Najib
• A free press – or a two-party press system?
• Mahathir returns as chief BN campaigner
• BN manifesto to have little impact: Analysts
• Bakri, Kulai Parliamentary seats belong to DAP - Kit Siang
• Malaysia’s independent radios jammed, sites hit by cyberattacks
• Pakatan delaying candidate list due to coalition clashes, admits Nurul
• Malaysia’s PM promises more cash, tougher steps to combat corruption in election sweeteners
• Sabah Local opposition parties pact will upset BN - Jeffrey
• Aktivis Tolak berdepan samseng di Johor (VIDEO INSIDE)
• The great political debate (UPDATED with Chinese Translation)
• Not all is fine in PKR dynasty
• Terengganu support for Pas eroding
• 'Lembah Pantai will be ours', says Muhyiddin
• The seeds of Malaysia's 'social media election'
• Retired generals raring to do battle
• In uncharted waters
• Dr M: DAP risking it with Chinese vote in BN’s Johor fort
• GE13: PAS-led govt cheques don’t check out
• GE13: Wherever you are, exercise your right to vote
• What a letdown
• Sabah opposition falling apart or cyber campaign?
• Najib: Choose me or Anwar
• Cyber Mania And Radio Jamming – BN Falls Back On Cheating!
• Sabah, Sarawak to enjoy further devt under BN
• GE13: A Chinese will never be PM, says PAS veep Salahuddin
• GE13: BN manifesto a Pakatan ‘copy’
• Let's Talk With Sarawak Chief Minister
• More goodies from BN manifesto
• What me worry? (UPDATED with Chinese Translation)
• Mahathir draws thousands in Selangor rally
• 2,000 throng Perkasa final rally
• Sabahans’ (new) dilemma
• Ghani's Gelang Patah move changes everything in Johor?
• Downfall is expected within six months if Pakatan Rakyat rules: Ko Youn
• Time to elect servant leaders
• GE13: Hindraf only focuses on Indians, says PKR man
• GE13: Dissent within PKR over Teluk Kemang seats
• GE13: Jui Meng accepts there is no seat for him in polls
• NY jeweller clears Rosmah on ring purchase
• US jeweller backs Rosmah’s denial of RM24m ring buy
• Who will the Suluks support?
• April 27 or April 28 or some say Polling Day is in May
• KL election fever sparks volatility
• PRU 13 dan Masa Depan Negara Malaysia

Who To Vote For in The Next Election Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:54 PM PDT   The most effective check on those in power is the knowledge that they could be replaced in an election. The more this is a reality and not just in theory, the more effective is this critical role.   M. Bakri Musa www.bakrimusa.com Elections A System for Checks and Balances [First of Four Parts] When he dissolved Parliament on April 3, 2013, to make way for a general election, Prime Minister Najib advised us to "think and ponder appropriately" before casting our votes. We can practice two mental exercises to help us "think and ponder appropriately." One, imagine the best and worse possible consequences of our vote, that is, perform a "downstream analysis" of our decision. Two, reflect on the greater role of election as an effective bulwark against abuse of power by those in authority. I will discuss the broader role of elections first. Subsequent essays will be a downstream analysis of the only three possible outcomes to this election:  Barisan Nasional returning to power; Pakatan Rakyat to prevail; and a "hung" parliament. The most effective check on those in power is the knowledge that they could be replaced in an election. The more this is a reality and not just in theory, the more effective is this critical role. Elections serve as periodic useful reminders. Even where elections are fair and free, but if the same leaders and party were to be re-elected over and over, they would sooner or later succumb to sclerosis and abuse of power, regardless how competent and well meaning they were initially. It is the rare leader who could escape this all-too-human tendency. We must have actual periodic change in government through elections, and not just the promise. With rigged and fraudulent elections, or where the process is merely illusory, as with having only one candidate per slot (Russian elections of yore and the election of UMNO President), the less effective they would be in keeping those in power accountable. Saddam Hussein bragged that those who did not like him could always vote him out, but Iraqi elections under him were a sham. Had he kept those elections honest, he would have discovered his people's true sentiment much earlier, and the price to both him and his country would have been considerably less. The British decided through elections that their popular and effective wartime leader Churchill would not be the best person to lead them during peacetime. They wisely concluded that he would quickly turn the Cold War into a "hot" one, as reflected by his hawkish and haughty Iron Curtain speech. Yes, the British were grateful to him for leading and inspiring them during the war, but that gratitude could be expressed in many other ways. Elections are for selecting the best future leaders, not for expressing gratitude for or rewarding past performance, no matter how exemplary. Foremost and at the practical level, election is a way to pass judgment on the incumbent. It is not, as some have suggested, a contest between the incumbent and challenger. It is for the incumbent to prove that he deserves another term independent of the merit or capability of the challenger. The incumbent's performance is a matter of record, and can be readily scrutinized. If the incumbent has proven to be less than capable, then he should be voted out even if the challenger is thought of as potentially not up to the task of taking over. The argument would be that the incumbent has proven himself incapable while the challenger is only regarded (meaning, only potentially) as such. There is the possibility that our initial assessment could be wrong and that the challenger would prove otherwise. There are many ready examples of previously underrated candidates later shining in office; Harry Truman being one. The first and only question voters must ask before casting their votes in this next election is whether the current Barisan government is deserving of another term. All other matters, as whether other parties are capable of taking over, are irrelevant and besides, conjectural. Consider three critical areas:  economy, education, and level of corruption. Barisan's economic leadership is passable. It is exemplary only when compared to that of Zimbabwe. Granted, by the figures Malaysia outperforms America and Western Europe (and even Singapore), but remember those countries are already cruising at high altitude. We are still ascending. We need faster growth. We should compare ourselves to China and Panama. Even Ghana and Laos surpassed us last year. More pertinent especially to those under the sway of Perkasa and Ketuanan Melayu, is the aggregate economic performance of Malays. After nearly six decades of UMNO rule, we still could not achieve our modest 30 percent goal. Then there is education. No one, not even the Minister of Education himself, is satisfied with our schools. Those who can afford it have long ago abandoned the national stream. Again looking from the Perkasa and Ketuanan Melayu angle, only poor Malays are stuck with that rapidly declining system. Consequently, while a generation ago I could still find many Malays at the leading universities of the world; today Malays there are as rare as honesty among UMNO politicians. The much-heralded growth of the private sector in education is not a sign of health rather the contrary. It reflects a deteriorating public system. Alberta and Singapore do not have robust private-sector education because their public systems are so much superior. Talking about corruption, well, there is no point dwelling on it anymore. We are past the tipping point; we are now where Nigeria was in the 1980s. The only way to stop corruption is to deprive UMNO of power. The recent Court of Appeal decision granting one Eskay Abdullah, an UMNO strongman and a member of the slimy "Datuk T's" trio, his RM20 million "commission" on the aborted crooked bridge in Johor reflects the rot in UMNO. We cannot blame non-Malays for seeing that as the characteristic of contemporary Malay politics and ethics. Elections are like multiple choice tests, to pick the best candidate from the list offered. The incumbent always argue that his past performance had been superior or at any rate better than what his opponents could ever hope to achieve; the challenger offers the promise of a brighter future. Voters have to balance the risk of changing horse midstream versus being stuck with a lame one to face an incoming flood. Read more at: http://www.bakrimusa.com/archives/who-to-vote-for-in-the-next-election

Taib distorting the message on Change Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:51 PM PDT   It's important to make an example of some politicians from time to time so that they will take not take the people for granted and forget who put them in power.   Joe Fernandez   Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud used his interview with MobTv.my to distort the message of change coming from the younger generation. Watch at: http://www.mobtv.my/talkshow-3094.html    He focused on his theme that Sarawak has undergone a lot of change since becoming a member of the Federation of Malaysia and the process continues. He talked about the number of roads built, provision of water and electricity supplies, sponsorship of six universities etc etc   The dumb interviewer appeared to be assisting Taib with his propaganda and even stating that the younger generation doesn't seem to understand what change means.   The issue that Taib avoided is that by change what the young people in particular means is that they want him, his family, relatives, friends and cronies and the fat cats and sycophants hanging around him to go. They want this lot out of politics and government.   Instead, Taib was going on and on about how much change he has brought and is bringing and will continue to bring.   Is he suggesting that the Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) must continue to ruleSarawak forever? Where's the change of government that all civilised and democratic societies seek?   Is he suggesting that Sarawak remains his family's ancestral property and that no one should rule the country except him and his family?   Power corrupts and absolutely power corrupts absolutely.   A change of government will allow the people to audit the PBB Government and bring wrongdoers to book for abuse of power, abuse of trust, conflict of interest, lack of integrity, corruption and treason.   It's important to make an example of some politicians from time to time so that they will take not take the people for granted and forget who put them in power.   Sabah and Sarawak are the poorest nations in Malaysia because of the proxy and stooge politics of the traitors and which sees all revenues flowing into the Federal coffers to keep the people perpetually down and unable to leave Malaysia.   A change of Government in Sarawak will enable the people to regain control of the resources and revenues of their country which will be brought back to Kuching from Putrajaya; contribute only towards defence, foreign affairs, and national economic planning; review all development plans of the PBB, retain what can be retained either fully, in part or to various degrees; amend what should be amended; and scrap what should be scrapped; what remains of the PBB development plan can be an addendum to the plans of the new government.

Defeating the people’s will Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:47 PM PDT   In the GE12 held in 2008, the people of Perak voted for a Pakatan Rakyat state government. The Umno-dominated BN decided to use dirty politics to subvert the people's choice. Tota  Tota urges the people of Perak to teach the BN a lesson at the polls for subverting the will of the people expressed in the last general election. In the GE12 held in 2008, the people of Perak voted for a Pakatan Rakyat state government. The Umno-dominated BN decided to use dirty politics to subvert the people's choice. Many evil forces – BN, led by Najib, the state secretary, the police, parasites with power, and immoral and unscrupulous political frogs – conspired, connived and colluded to steal the rightfully elected government allegedly through bribery and corruption. GE13 will be held soon. As a patriotic Malaysian, I see the people of Perak placed in a unique position to ensure once and for all no politician or party would again dare to defeat the people's will through crooked means. Such an opportunity does not come often to a state to make history. Vote every BN candidate out. Better still ensure everyone of them loses his/her deposit! This will send the strongest message to political scoundrels that if they ever break the people's will, they will be punished mercilessly. Let Perak lead the way. It will be Perak's greatest contribution to ensuring that Malaysia is a genuine democracy where elections are free and fair. Come on, people of Perak, show that People Power (Makkal Sakti) is supreme and that people are the boss and politicians are their servants. Let Perak be the heart of true nationalism and patriotism. I quote below M Bakri Musa, noted surgeon and writer: The lack of political sophistication and wisdom gets worse as we examine Mahathir's successors.  More recently there were the political crises in Perak and Selangor, both the consequence of the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections. Again, both demonstrated the failure of Malay leadership. In Perak, the Sultan proved unable to escape his feudal mentality. He treated his 'People's Representatives' in the state assembly as his henchman, ready to do his bidding, – legality and political ramifications aside. The political crisis quickly degenerated. Instead of being part of the solution, he was quickly reduced to being part of the problem, and a very significant one at that. The Perak crisis demonstrated another significant point. It is often assumed that if only we have qualified and experienced people in charge, then no matter how battered or inadequate our institutions are, these individuals will rise to the challenge. In Perak, we have a sultan who by any measure is the most qualified and experienced, having served as the nation's top judge and later, King. Yet his critical decision following the 2008 election, which demanded the most judicious of judgment, proved unwise and premature. And that is putting it mildly and politely. The principal political protagonists there were Barisan Nasional's Zambry Kadir, a Temple University PhD, and Pakatan's Nizar Jamaluddin, a professional engineer fluent in multiple languages. The election saw the defeat of the incumbent Barisan government with Pakatan's Nizar taking over as Menteri Besar. The state of affairs was short-lived. Through shady machinations, Barisan successfully persuaded a few Pakatan representatives to switch sides. That triggered a political tussle that quickly degenerated into a major constitutional crisis. It did not have to end that way; the wise course would have been to call for a formal vote of 'no confidence' in the assembly and then have fresh elections called. The Barisan folks, however, were unsure of their standing with voters. There were real concerns that voters would not approve of the 'representative buying' and Barisan risked even greater losses. So, in cahoots with the Sultan, Barisan concocted a novel scheme where he, the sultan, would decide which party had the citizens' confidence dispensing with a formal Assembly vote. From there it was a short but steep slide to seeing the Pakatan speaker of the Assembly being manhandled and dragged out, with chairs thrown all round.  The sultan (actually his representative, the crown prince), was reduced to cooling his heels in an adjoining room, unable to address the Assembly because of the mayhem. The pathetic part to the whole ugly spectacle was the despicable behaviour of members of the permanent establishment, form the sultan's counsellors and State Secretary to the Legal Advisor and Chief of Police. They should have played an impartial and mediating role, to act as an effective buffer mechanism. Instead they too became thickly embroiled, getting hopelessly ensnared in the mess through their highly partisan performances. As for the judiciary, it failed to appreciate the urgency or gravity of the crisis. The case did not merit an expedited hearing and was left to meander through the usual slow judicial process. By contrast, the lawsuit triggered by the 2000 American presidential elections over the Florida ballots ended at the Supreme Court for a definitive decision in a matter of days, not months. When you examine the credentials of the principal players in the Perak mess, they were all impressive. In performance, however, they were no different from the thugs in an ugly street brawl. Their impressive diplomas meant nothing; they only looked impressive when framed and hung on office walls. Excerpt from 'Liberating the Malay Mind' by M Bakri Musa. P.S. Every Malaysian must read this excellent book to understand the serious ailments plaguing our beloved country. Tota is the pseudonym of an occasional contributor to Thinking Allowed Online.

Taib set to sacrifice Baram, retain unpopular dam project Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:36 PM PDT   Joe Fernandez I am surprised to receive a text message from an Orang Ulu friend in Sarawak confiding that he would be voting for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) in Baram although all indications are that the Opposition would sweep the seat. The message goes: "Boss - in OU Oiltown here wen ask abt Baram they flatly say KALAH!! And Miri again they say KALAH oso. Y v pessimestic? Hw like dat Boss? No choice now must hv to pour $$$... And lots n lots of it.. Unlike b4 BN went to war wit 110% of winning but nw it's 50:50 chance wic s no gud news. Hw boss?" "DLW -vs- Sahabat Alam Harrison Ngau logging n land issues. Now d bloody damned Dam issue. My vote is for BN but I'm betting wit d CKPs for pkr at rmxxxK... Hw boss?" The main issue is the proposed Baram Dam project which has run into stiff opposition from the Orang Ulu people. Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud is unlikely to back down on the dam project. He would prefer to sacrifice the seat. However, if the Opposition takes Baram as expected, the Taib Dynasty has no business going ahead with the dam project in that seat. He will be asking for real trouble if the dam project proceeds. It's surprising that the text message sender, an MBA and former banker, wants to vote BN. BN has been in power for 56 years in Malaya and 50 years in Borneo. So, we need to throw it out and get the new Government to conduct due diligence and an audit of the 56 years and 50 years to know what monkey tricks the BN has been up to over the years behind the people's back. The due diligence and audit will facilitate the new government bringing wrongdoers from the BN to book to make an example of them. There's no doubt that the BN politicians have been stealing the people's money over the last half century. In desperation, for self-preservation, unelected caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak keeps throwing goodies including cash at the people, bribing them with their own money. The people, who are being insulted in this manner, know better. Henceforth, no party or coalition should be allowed to rule in Putrajaya or any state for more than two or three terms or 12 years at the very maximum. This will help reduce the number of politicians that the people will have to lock up every time there's a change of Government. We cannot allow a situation where the more things appear to change, the more they remain the same. That's self-preservation. We need to mature as a democracy. That will not happen as long as BN is in power. However, there's nothing to prevent BN returning to power in Putrajaya after a spell warming the Opposition benches for a change. They eat to eat humble pie for two to three terms. Taib himself has been Chief Minister of Sarawak, the second poorest state in Malaysia according to the World Bank in Dec 2010, since 1981 and shows no signs of stepping down despite a bout with colon cancer and the loss of his wife to lung cancer. Even as his wife laying dying, suffering for many years before succumbing to the disease, Taib was busy shacking up with a Lebanese lady, forty five years his junior. His predecessor was his maternal uncle Abdul Rahman Yakub who was Chief Minister for ten years until a Sarawak United People's Party (Supp) rebellion against him, during Hussein Onn's premiership, forced him to step down. Hussein was firm that Rahman Yakub should go despite the latter hosting a massive 50,000 strong rally of Malays at the old airport to demonstrate his strength. Taib, a Melanau Muslim grandson of a Christian, never forgot how his uncle was humiliated and forced out of office by the Chinese. So, he made it his mission to destroy Supp and the kingmaker role of the Chinese in Sarawak politics. In that he has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. So, the Sarawak Chinese see little point in backing a BN Government where they will have no influence whatsoever. Taib has become Public Enemy Number One to not only the Chinese but a substantial number of the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and the Melanau, all better-educated Dayaks, unlike the Iban who still lag behind in literacy rates, and many Malays in the urban areas. The Sarawak Malays are mainly coastal-dwelling Bidayuh and Iban who became Muslim several hundred years ago. Sarawak Malay is an Iban dialect. There are no local opposition parties to challenge Taib. So, the field has been left wide open for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to take on the BN in a one-to-one fight. The people of Sarawak have put the Borneo Agenda, mooted by Sabah strongman Jeffrey Kitingan, on the backburner as they wrestle with the immediate task of ending Taib's rule. The Borneo Agenda stands against everything that the parti parti Malaya in Borneo and Putrajaya stands for. Taib has historically never done well in a straight fight. In 1987, he was almost defeated by an alliance made up of the Malay-based Permas and the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS). Polls over, Taib was quick to invite PBDS to rejoin the state BN in order to break its alliance with the Malays. He then put his machinery into motion and had PBDS deregistered several years later using rogue elements and his massive financial resources.

PR & HINDRAF: The Missed Opportunity Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:31 PM PDT   And because the blueprint is couched in terms of "Indian demands" as MIC has traditionally done so, it is easy for BN to accede to their blueprint. In fact, it is back to the quintessential "Alliance formula" of 1957 except that BN will then have a new associate tagged onto the MIC.   Dr Kua Kia Soong, SUARAM Adviser   I attended one of HINDRAF's dinners a few weeks ago at which they explained their blueprint for the 13GE. After the presentation, I posed the hypothetical question which seemed like quite a likely scenario: "What if the BN embraces your blueprint? What then?"   Waythayamoorthy's reply was clear: "We would rather PR accepts our blueprint after all we have gone through under BN since Independence…" or words to that effect.   Well, now the election has been called and what is the scenario? BN is at the point of embracing HINDRAF's blueprint, whether in toto or in part.   What is politically bewildering is that PR has rebuffed HINDRAF and has not included any proposals from the blueprint in their manifesto or that challenges the institutional racism (in particular, the NEP) that has been part of BN policy since 1971. The rationale was that HINDRAF's blueprint was based on race while their manifesto was based on need of all classes.   After HINDRAF's criticism of the PR manifesto, the Indian leaders in PR gave the lame excuse that they were not in the drafting committee of the PR manifesto. This was hardly convincing, while giving the public a poor image of the way in which policies are made within the PR coalition.   Soon after that, the DAP has seen fit to include several "pro-Indian" proposals in their post facto "Gelang Patah Declaration" and after they had done that, HINDRAF accused the DAP of plagiarising from their blueprint.   The bizarre and total inconsistency of this Gelang Patah Declaration is the fact that it was promulgated as a DAP rather than a PR policy statement! Why wasn't it a PR declaration? Is the declaration only acceptable by the DAP but not PKR and PAS? Why was this not "racist" when the PR had said that the HINDRAF blueprint was racist? Politically, it looked ridiculous while providing more grist for BN fire against the PR coalition.   Whatever happens to this blossoming BN-HINDRAF romance, we will have to see if the union is eventually solemnised. It should not if the HINDRAF leaders have any political nous and honesty regarding UMNO's cynical use of institutional racism through their 56 year reign, which is the root cause of national oppression of the ethnic minorities.   If BN can accept HINDRAF's blueprint, something's wrong with the blueprint   I have pointed out in an earlier article that the main failure in HINDRAF's blueprint is its failure to demand the eradication of Institutional Racism. I have shared several fora with HINDRAF leaders at which we have condemned institutional racism in Malaysia. And despite their efforts in recent years highlighting the entrenchment of racial discrimination in the Constitution, I am surprised that the Hindraf Blueprint does not call for the abolition of the "New Economic Policy".   PR cannot claim to be holier than thou because neither does PR condemn this institutional racism and announce their readiness to abolish the NEP in their manifesto.   Any corrective action in all economic and education policies must be based on need or sector or class and not on race with priority given to indigenous people, marginalised and poor communities. Since their blueprint extols human rights, Hindraf should put forward their demands for all minorities and not just the Indian community. Thus we find a gaping "disconnect" between Hindraf's noble challenge to racial discrimination entrenched in the Constitution and their "Indians Only" proposals in the blueprint.   And because the blueprint is couched in terms of "Indian demands" as MIC has traditionally done so, it is easy for BN to accede to their blueprint. In fact, it is back to the quintessential "Alliance formula" of 1957 except that BN will then have a new associate tagged onto the MIC.   I have also earlier pointed out that to be consistent in their human rights stand, Hindraf should also call for: •             the repeal of Amendment (8A) of Article 153 that was passed during the state of emergency in 1971 and was not in the original 1957 federal constitution; •             institutionalizing means testing for any access to scholarships or other entitlements; •             implementing merit-based recruitment in civil & armed services; •             enacting an Equality Act to promote equality and non-discrimination irrespective of race, creed, religion, gender or disability with provision for an Equality & Human Rights Commission; •             institutionalising equality and human rights education at all decision-making levels, including state and non-state actors/ institutions; •             ratifying the Convention on the Eradication of Racial Discrimination (CERD).   If the HINDRAF blueprint was couched in these human rights terms, do you think BN would accept it? Certainly not because BN has always been a "racial formula", the coalition is the sum of its racialist parts – "UMNO, MCA, MIC and associates".   Is PR suffering from a mental block on the National Question?   But why is PR averse to coopting HINDRAF's blueprint and now losing the opportunity of a historic alliance with HINDRAF? Is it because PR is more purist than BN on the national question? I don't think so because if the PR manifesto can take into account "FELDA settlers", there is no reason why it cannot make considerations for "displaced plantation communities" or "the stateless", etc. that is in the post facto Gelang Patah declaration. The DAP, as usual, are "wise after the event", a euphemism for opportunism!   Or could it be that incorporating HINDRAF would pose a threat to the jostling for seats among the Indian leaders in PR? If this "realpolitik" is indeed one of the reasons for the PR-HINDRAF fallout, it is a let-down of serious proportions for all Malaysians who hope for change in the 13GE.   And having been spurned by the PR manifesto, we could only expect the fury of the HINDRAF backlash against the plagiarism by DAP…   No, in the end it boils down to PR's failure to come to terms with the national question, and that involves taking a stand on the NEP. Isn't it time for change? Isn't it time for real change that will set our nation on a new footing of reconciliation and reconstruction, when we are no longer divided into "races" and progressive policies can be put in place to help the truly needy? Alas, I am afraid the "Ubah" in PR does not go far enough. (And I would ask all the homespun political philosophers to spare me their pearls of wisdom about the "pragmatic" reasons for "not frightening the Malays" in this 13GE!)   Ultimately, a nation that is unequal can never be free or be at peace. HINDRAF has already announced that they will be putting up candidates in several seats. Likewise, PR's ambivalence toward the left, namely PSM, will likely see 3-corner contests in those constituencies that PSM will be contesting. I am afraid this historic non-compromise between PR and HINDRAF in the 13GE will probably go down in Malaysian history as one of the most unfortunate missed opportunities in the overthrow of BN rule…

The Armageddon of Najib Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:24 PM PDT   The meeting of anti-Najib heavyweights earlier this week, which openly declared war against Najib, could not have happened without some covert support from Dr Mahathir . This is an indicator that the party has clear-cut division of camps, if not a split – those for and those against getting  Najib out of Putrajaya. Selvaraja Somiah  All through childhood my mother would tell me: "You have to work hard to get whatever is in your destiny. But, remember, you can never get more than you are destined to get and never before the time that you are destined to get it.'' I am reminded of that again as I watch Najib Tun Razak fight against his destiny to continue as Prime Minister after GE13. Perhaps it is in his destiny, perhaps not. Perhaps it could even be RAHMAN's prophecy signifying the end of the line of Umno. But he is, at least, putting up a great fight for it and it is good to see that the man who wanted us to believe that the UMNO was a party with a difference, is himself now at the head of those differences with so many others. However, it is satisfying to know that what we have been saying all along about Barisan National – that it is actually doing much worse than the Pakatan Rakyat despite seeming so scatter-brained and incapable of holding their act together – is now being reiterated by the grand old man Dr Mahathir. And though it might be due to the threat of losing his power as Prime Minister that might have brought forth the realisation of impending doom, it could actually be time for others within the Barisan National coalition to heed Dr Mahathir's warning. The party is usually better at hiding its bickering than the Pakatan Rakyat is under similar circumstances. Dr Mahathir's latest diatribe seemed to be aimed at Najib as usual, but it is not just Dr Mahathir who is attempting to bring him down a peg or two. Muhyiddin Yassin is also sending feelers that he wants to contest for the Number One position in UMNO after this coming polls. Now Najib himself is unable to espy the mischief afoot against him in his home town by his own men — those who claim proximity to him have already begun to work the wires to ensure that he does not win in Pekan, in the 1999 general election, dominated by Anwar's dismissal and marked by mass defections from UMNO, Najib's 10,793 majority in Pekan fell to just 241 votes, thanks to the postal votes he won. And the Pakatan Rakyat has, of course, opened out its arms to such backstabbers and is wholeheartedly aiding their game plan. Whether, then, Najib overcomes the image of being a coward, as Anwar has suggested, due to a refusal of a debate, remains to be seen. This is exactly what I have been saying all along about Najib — and being called all sorts of names for that observation. Clearly, Mahathir has more friends in the UMNO than Najib does and so the orchestration has begun in preparation for polling day GE13 2013 — though, I believe, the national party leaders were waiting with bated breath for the announcement of the dissolution of parliament on April 3rd 2013 before really outing themselves. There is a whole group of anti-Najib people who despair that he might win with a small majority but the opposite is felt over at UMNO, as loud whispers points to figures and statistics, proving that neither Malaysia nor its current PM are doing as well as they pretend.  Read more at: http://selvarajasomiah.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/the-armageddon-of-najib/

A free press – or a two-party press system? Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:20 PM PDT     Gobind Rudra Everyone loves the idea of a free press, that's practically a given. The point really is: what kind of a free press will the politicians allow us to have? We know the Barisan Nasional's idea of a free press: it's the system already in place, a system mostly owned or controlled by the Barisan Nasional, free to report the thoughts of Barisan Nasional leaders; a free press kept in check by press control laws and licensing rules that allow the Barisan Nasional to decide who can be a publisher or broadcaster. Who will buy my papers? [NST photo]   What is Pakatan Rakyat's answer to that? Anwar Ibrahim made an emphatic declaration on this at the March 8 ceramah in Penang: Ada orang kata Ban TV3! NO! Kita FREE media. . .YES! Kita bagi FULL FREEDOM – siapa nak bawa television, radio, surat khabar. . . FIRST DAY of the new Pakatan Rakyat government. . .(cheers, applause). Dan kita ada confidence. . .kita boleh compete dengan these racist media organs. . . Kerana. Orang. Nak. Media. Yang. Bebas. Dan bukan: media yang memperlembukan rakyat (cheers, applause). » What did Anwar really say? » Video: Anwar on free media Stirring stuff, the kind people have been longing to hear. But two questions remain: is he truly promising full freedom, or will Pakatan Rakyat, in practice, deliver something a little short? Based on what he said, we can infer: No punitive action — that means no action to close down TV3 (and by extension, Media Prima and Utusan groups, and all the rest), and they stay in business. Full freedom to publish — possibly means no licences needed to publish a newspaper or open a broadcasting station. But he also asserted a freedom to compete — and that's the crux of it. Kita boleh compete dengan these racist media organs he said. Kita boleh compete. . .meaning who, exactly?   The existing press houses are already a Barisan Nasional bloc. With freedom to publish, new people will rush in to open newspapers and broadcasting stations. Obviously, Anwar expects that these new people will be his kind of people — he did say Kita boleh compete. Read more at: http://uppercaise.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/free-press-or-two-party-press/

Mahathir returns as chief BN campaigner Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:11 PM PDT   (Straits Times) - Political analysts said Dr Mahathir's increasingly pro-Malay positions may have alienated some urbanites and non-Malays but could galvanise Malay voters who feel insecure with the push towards liberalism. Former premier could help shore up Malay votes, win back PR-held states  MRS Julia Talib needs a walking stick but even the thunderstorm on Saturday did not deter her from wading through the water puddles that soaked the hem of her baju kurung. The 59-year-old Shah Alam resident had a date with her idol - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "Ever since he was prime minister, I have tried to watch him speak live," Mrs Talib told The Straits Times of the man who led Malaysia for 22 years, from 1981 to 2003. "He is a charismatic leader and that's why he is my idol." People such as Mrs Talib are the reason why, even a decade after stepping down, Dr Mahathir continues to be a key figure in Malaysian politics. Now free of the encumbrances of power, the 87-year-old seems to be enjoying himself on the stump, directing his trademark barbs at opposition figures and taking pro-Malay positions that resonate with the older generation of Malays. "It was the lack of unity among Malays that made Barisan Nasional lose more seats in the 2008 general election," Professor Shamsul Adabi Mamat, a political analyst at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, told The Straits Times. "That's why Dr Mahathir is such an asset to Umno currently - he is able to unite its members as well as the Malays." At Saturday's rally, Dr Mahathir was at his oratorical best, taking digs at his former deputy- turned-nemesis Anwar Ibrahim, and praising current Prime Minister Najib Razak as a man who kept his word to the people. "We were all cheated, including me, by this certain person that had claimed to be fighting for BN and Umno," he said, referring to Mr Anwar. "He is a liberal and promotes homosexuality." His star power undimmed, Dr Mahathir had the people jostling for a better look when he and his wife made their way into a canopy tent before he spoke at the rally in Shah Alam, the state capital of opposition-held Selangor. The BN had its worst electoral outing in 2008, while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took four states and increased its share of state and parliamentary seats. "I am here to help save Selangor," Dr Mahathir declared as the crowd of several thousand applauded loudly. "Selangor cannot continue to fall into irresponsible hands." Read more at: http://www.stasiareport.com/the-big-story/asia-report/malaysia-elections/news/story/mahathir-returns-chief-bn-campaigner-2013040

BN manifesto to have little impact: Analysts Posted: 07 Apr 2013 12:08 PM PDT   (Straits Times) - "The corporate personnel I spoke to expected something new and groundbreaking from Najib but it did not come," Mr Ibrahim Suffian, who heads the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, told The Straits Times. "The election impact will be minimal." THE Barisan Nasional (BN) election manifesto is seen as an extension of Prime Minister Najib Razak's reform programme, showcasing his government's consistency and commitment while extending more goodies to the people. As its contents are similar to earlier reforms, analysts say its impact may be reduced because there is no real game-changer. "The corporate personnel I spoke to expected something new and groundbreaking from Najib but it did not come," Mr Ibrahim Suffian, who heads the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, told The Straits Times. "The election impact will be minimal." Datuk Seri Najib called the 17-point manifesto he launched on Saturday night a pledge, in a dig at the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance, which has said manifestos are not promises. "What is the use of a new manifesto if it is not a promise? To the BN, a manifesto is a serious matter," he told tens of thousands of party faithful at a rally that night. Reactions to the BN's new "pledge" were largely split. "BN's election manifesto provides the country with a long-term plan for development," Mr Liow Tiong Lai, deputy president of the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component party of the BN, said in a statement yesterday. Some analysts called the manifesto "realistic" and "achievable" and said it had a clear and unifying "People First" theme. This harks back to Mr Najib's 1Malaysia rallying cry from his first weeks after becoming prime minister on April 3, 2009. "The BN manifesto uses this theme because as a pledge, it can and must be fulfilled," said Professor Shamsul Ababi Mamat, a political analyst at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. But critics said the manifesto could encourage a culture of reliance on government handouts rather than real change. "Everyone wants free stuff. That's Malaysian," wrote one Gordon Lim on Facebook. Politicians offer things "at whose expense", he asked, adding "taxpayers". Read more at: http://www.stasiareport.com/the-big-story/asia-report/malaysia-elections/opinion-blogs/story/bn-manifesto-have-little-impact-ana

Bakri, Kulai Parliamentary seats belong to DAP - Kit Siang Posted: 06 Apr 2013 10:15 PM PDT (Bernama) - DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said the Bakri and Kulai Parliamentary seats belonged to the party to be contested in the coming general election. When met after launching the party's election machinery here, Lim declined to elaborate. "You will know when we announced the names. Feel free to speculate but Bakri and Kulai seats belong to us. That's all," he said. There were rumours that these seats were eyed by Johor PKR chairman Datuk Dr Chua Jui Meng after his hopes of contesting in Gelang Patah Parliamentary seat was dashed. Lim was scheduled to announce the candidacy for Bakri during his campaign in Muar yesterday.

Malaysia’s independent radios jammed, sites hit by cyberattacks Posted: 06 Apr 2013 10:06 PM PDT (TMI) - Two independent radios, Radio Free Sarawak and Radio Free Malaysia, have been jammed in Malaysia and their web sites inaccessible due to cyberattacks, says its founder. The two stations broadcast from London on short-wave frequencies and are available online through their websites and online database Soundcloud. "There have been attempts at broadcast interference on both radio stations by jamming from different parts of the world over the past few days. These have had limited success so far and we have been working on tracing the perpetrators," founder Clare Rewcastle-Brown was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini. Coordinated cyberattacks on their respective web sites were recorded all yesterday; they "came from all over, it appears, but mainly from the US and Malaysia, and our servers had to close down", she added. The Sarawak Report web site, the first launched by Rewcastle-Brown, similarly came under attack but was holding out. "I think that all such attacks only show the weaknesses of the people behind them, who are evidently so dishonest and fearful that they resort to these underhand tactics against even the slightest attempt at a free broadcast media. "The BN is throwing in very large sums of money to suppress our voice, but all the BN is doing is demonstrating to the world that its pretence of holding a democratic, free and fair election is a sham," Rewcastle-Brown said. "If these two radio stations are doing nothing else, they are showing Malaysia's BN coalition for what it really is to the rest of the world." Podcasts of Radio Free Sarawak and Radio Free Malaysia programmes are, however, still available at Soundcloud, the online audio database, the Malaysiakini report said.

Pakatan delaying candidate list due to coalition clashes, admits Nurul Posted: 06 Apr 2013 09:56 PM PDT (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) delay in announcing its candidate line up despite launching its manifesto two months ago is due to clashes between certain quarters within the coalition, admitted Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar. "That is true. It is a challenge for us and we are doing our best in this difficult situation," she said at the PKR Klinik Rakyat medical camp programme at Kampung Kerinchi on Sunday. She said the staggered announcement of candidates by PR as opposed to the releasing a complete candidate list was due to key factors the leadership had to consider. "The most important is the winnability factor and we have to take that into account. "We must also ensure that in the end, the people are able to choose a party that they can trust. If we make a mistake, it will cost us dearly in the upcoming polls," she added. Ms Nurul, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, described the issue as "teething problems" that will be addressed by PR. She was asked to comment on PR's staggered candidate announcement despite launching its election manifesto on Feb 25, resulting in clashes within certain opposition camps. Last Wednesday, PR failed to resolve seat negotiations despite assurances that the matter was finalised by its leadership council. It was learned from an opposition party official that PKR will unveil its candidate list at a function in Bandar Tun Razak on April 10. Several quarters within the coalition, including its Sabah allies Pertubuhan Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPPS) and Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS), have been at odds following the staggered announcement of candidates. The unhappiness was seen following the public tussle for the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat in Johor between Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng and his Democratic Action Party (DAP) counterpart Dr Boo Cheng Hau, which was finally resolved when DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang annouced he would contest there. Rumblings were also heard following Parti Islam SeMalaysia's (PAS) recent announcement that it would be fielding candidates in the Kangar and Temerloh parliamentary constituencies with PKR announcing later that it would be taking over the Bera, Labuan and Setiawangsa seats. Sabah PKR also pre-empted any hijacking of seats when it hastily announced its seven candidates for the state's west coast region last Wednesday.

Malaysia’s PM promises more cash, tougher steps to combat corruption in election sweeteners Posted: 06 Apr 2013 09:51 PM PDT (AP) - Malaysia's leader has promised more cash handouts for the poor along with cheaper cars and homes, and vowed to take tougher steps to combat corruption as his long-ruling coalition seeks to fend off a resurgent alliance in upcoming national elections. In a nationally televised address late Saturday, Prime Minister Najib Razak also offered improved transportation, education and health care in an election manifesto as he urged 13 million voters to stick to the National Front coalition, which has ruled since independence from Britain in 1957. He promised his coalition would do better and warned that voting for opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's three-party alliance would be akin to gambling away Malaysia's future. "This mandate that I seek is about continuity and sustainability against disruption and stagnation, about moving forward versus regressing," Najib said. "We have to safeguard what we have already achieved. We cannot put at risk what we have, we cannot gamble away our future." The National Front manifesto was unveiled three days after Najib dissolved Parliament, paving the way for a vote widely expected in the next few weeks. The Election Commission will meet Wednesday to set a polling date. Anwar's People's Alliance currently holds slightly more than one-third of Parliament's seats after the National Front endured its worst electoral results ever in 2008 polls amid public complaints about corruption and racial discrimination. Although the opposition has a strong chance at the polls, most analysts believe Najib's coalition will have the upper hand because of its support in predominantly rural constituencies that hold the key to a large number of Parliament's seats. The opposition alliance, in a bid to break the National Front's hold on power, has also made generous promises to lower the cost of living, through cheaper cars and fuel and free university education. It also has vowed to create new jobs, raise incomes and curb long-entrenched problems, including corruption and racial discrimination, if it wins power. "This election is a race to be more populist. It is about which coalition can promise to give more to Malaysians. It's setting a very unhealthy trend in Malaysian politics," said Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who heads the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, a Malaysian think tank. In the manifesto, Najib pledged to gradually raise an annual handout for millions of poor households from 500 ringgit ($164) to 1,200 ringgit ($392), build 1 million low-cost homes and lower car prices by up to 30 percent over the next five years. He laid out the country's strong economic growth and said the government aims to woo 1.3 trillion ringgit ($425 billion) in investment by 2020 to create 3.3 million jobs. He promised to bolster the police force to fight crime, set up more specialist graft courts and improve transparency with public disclosure of government contracts. Najib's government has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars on financial handouts for students, low-income families and government employees in the last two years. The prime minister has also intensified efforts to win back support by abolishing security laws that were widely considered repressive. "The National Front is trying to play catch up with us, but what the people want is not just more money. They want a real systemic reform in the economy. They want a cleaner and a fairer society," said opposition lawmaker Liew Chin Tong.

Sabah Local opposition parties pact will upset BN - Jeffrey Posted: 06 Apr 2013 09:46 PM PDT WikiSabah KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan is confident of STAR-SAPP-Usno pact's chances in upsetting Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming general election. The State Reform Party (STAR) president said his confidence was based on the encouraging response received from the people on the ground who wanted to see drastic changes in Sabah's role and position in the Federation of Malaysia. He said this fit well with the state opposition's core agenda of restoring Sabah's economic and political autonomy. "We have not seen negative response, (in fact) we have seen only enthusiastic response everywhere we went. If this is a reflection of the voting behaviour, we can expect to be given the mandate to take over the government," he said. Met at the STAR's office in Damai here yesterday, he said the party's election machinery was all fully prepared to tap the changing sentiment among Sabahans. He said seat distribution between the three state-based opposition partners was also more or less sorted out, adding that there would be certain areas where they have agreed to have "friendly contests". He stressed STAR would stick to its initial plan of focusing on mostly Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) areas in the west and interior parts of the State, while SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) would go for urban areas. The other partner, Usno (United Sabah National Organization), will be entrusted to tackle the mostly Muslim-majority constituencies in the east coast, he added. "Right now our committee is going around to check and further strengthen the readiness of our machinery in every area. Of course, we have been campaigning all this while. The focus now is to get more support, by ensuring that the people understand our agendas. "We may not agree 100 per cent on everything but we are trying to negotiate these minor differences. The important thing (for us) now is to get the people to understand and support our objectives. "Our strategy is that one to one (contest) means Malaya Agenda versus Borneo Agenda, meaning voting for Pakatan Rakyat or BN is voting for Malaya Agenda and voting for us is voting for Borneo Agenda. This is what we are trying to do, together with SAPP," he said. He admitted that there were still a few seats still being discussed among the three partners but STAR at the moment is set to field candidates in at least 41 seats. READ MORE HERE

Aktivis Tolak berdepan samseng di Johor (VIDEO INSIDE) Posted: 06 Apr 2013 07:11 PM PDT (Harakah Daily) - JOHOR BHARU: Aktivis Gelombang Anak Muda Tolak Umno BN (Tolak) yang menjelajah ke Johor hari ini berdepan sekumpulan samseng yang menghalang kemasukan mereka untuk bertemu masyarakat di sini. Dalam kejadian pagi tadi, samseng-samseng tersebut cuba menahan kumpulan mereka yang berkumpul di sekitar kawasan Masjid Tan Sri Ainudin Wahid di sini bagi memulakan programnya. Salah seorang dari mereka (gambar atas), meninggikan suara dengan memberi amaran agar aktivis Tolak keluar dari kawasan tersebut atau kereta mereka akan dirosakkan. "Kau masuk sini minta kebenaran tak. Sekarang kau belah, aku terajang kereta ni nanti kan pecah, ko belah sekarang," katanya. Sekumpulan anggota polis yang berada di tempat kejadian bagaimanapun segera meleraikan samseng-samseng ini. Tidak mahu insiden yang tidak diingini berlaku, kumpulan aktivis Tolak tersebut kemudiannya bersurai. Johor merupakan destinasi kedua jelajah mereka selepas Melaka semalam. Bagi meneruskan acara jelajah mereka, kumpulan itu kini ke KIP MART untuk mengumpul tandatangan rakyat sebagai tanda sokongan rakyat menolak Umno BN pada Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13 (PRU13). 29ex421URI0  SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ex421URI0

The great political debate (UPDATED with Chinese Translation) Posted: 06 Apr 2013 06:35 PM PDT The estimated one million (or 700,000, according to the official statistics) Malaysians living and working outside Malaysia should be allowed to vote by postal voting. The estimated one million (or 700,000, according to the official statistics) Malaysians living and working outside Malaysia should not register to vote in case the EC uses these names to stuff the ballot boxes with 'phantom' votes. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin I have detected some interesting arguments being posted in the Blogs that you can probably use to convince people why they should vote opposition. These arguments come from Malaysia Today's readers and I present them here not necessarily in order of priority. We should vote for Pakatan Rakyat even if they field monkeys and donkeys as candidates as long as Umno and its stooges are kicked out. (This gem came from Li Xiang Lan). Barisan Nasional's Election Manifesto will bankrupt the country if implemented. Barisan Nasional's Election Manifesto is not original -- it is a copycat Election Manifesto that was stolen from Pakatan Rakyat. Hindraf will not support Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional unless both agree to Hindraf's demands. Pakatan Rakyat's Election Manifesto is stolen from Hindraf, which Barisan Nasional then stole from Pakatan Rakyat. Senile old men like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is in his 80s and ruled Malaysia for 22 years, should just retire and no longer talk about politics. Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who is also in his 80s and has ruled Kelantan for 23 years, should serve at least another term. Dr Chandra Muzaffar is being punished by God for opposing the opposition and that is why he is condemned to a wheelchair. Karpal Singh who supports the opposition and is also confined to a wheelchair is not being punished by God. Those who used to be in the opposition and have now left the opposition are traitors who should shut up and not criticise the opposition. Those who used to be in the government and have now joined the opposition are patriots who should go all over the country and whack the government. Non-Muslims must be allowed their democratic right to criticise Islam, as this is considered freedom of speech. Non-Christians must not be allowed to pass comments regarding Christianity, as this is considered mocking Christianity. If Pakatan Rakyat takes over there will not be any witch-hunt. However, jobs and contracts given out under the Barisan Nasional government will be terminated wherever possible. If Pakatan Rakyat takes over, all those who have committed misdeeds will be hounded and punished for their crimes. However, those who have committed misdeeds but cross over and join the opposition will not be hounded and punished for their crimes. If Barisan Nasional wins the general election, Pakatan Rakyat will not accept the result because of the rampant and blatant election fraud and gerrymandering. If Pakatan Rakyat wins the general election then Barisan Nasional must respect the wishes of the voters although the general election is rife with election fraud and gerrymandering. Bersih is non-partisan and just wants to see a clean and fair election, never mind which party may end up winning the election. Bersih wants the voters to vote for Pakatan Rakyat and kick out Barisan Nasional. Pakatan Rakyat guarantees the people of Sabah and Sarawak full autonomy. Pakatan Rakyat will determine who gets to contest in Sabah and Sarawak. The local Sabahans and Sarawakians have no say in the matter. The estimated one million (or 700,000, according to the official statistics) Malaysians living and working outside Malaysia should be allowed to vote by postal voting. The estimated one million (or 700,000, according to the official statistics) Malaysians living and working outside Malaysia should not register to vote in case the EC uses these names to stuff the ballot boxes with 'phantom' votes. Why is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak delaying the general election? Why is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak rushing the general election by allowing a short campaign period? Why is Barisan Nasional putting up flags and banners before Nomination Day, in breach of the election rules? Why is the government removing the flags and banners that the opposition has put up? This general election is about whom you want as Prime Minister -- Anwar Ibrahim or Najib Tun Razak. This general election is not about personalities but about change. This general election is not about mere promises but about track record, and Barisan Nasional's track record is dismal. This general election is about what Pakatan Rakyat promises to do for you if you allow the opposition to form the federal government. Lim Kit Siang is scared of losing his seat in Perak. That is why he is cowardly leaving Perak to contest in a safe seat in Johor. Lim Kit Siang is brave. That is why he is leaving his safe seat in Perak to contest in an unsafe seat in Johor. Anwar Ibrahim is a coward. He does not dare contest in a seat in Perak. Anwar Ibrahim is loyal to his supporters. That is why he is staying in his seat in Penang. I think those are enough arguments that you can use to campaign in the coming general election. Happy campaigning! ************************************************ 重大的政治辯論 "大約有1百萬（官方數字為70萬）在國外生活與工作的大馬人應該被允許以郵寄方式投票。 大約有1百萬（官方數字為70萬）在國外生活與工作的大馬人不應該被允許以郵寄方式投票，以防選舉委員會利用他們的郵寄選票來為幽靈選民投票。" 原文：Raja Petra Kamarudin 譯文：方宙 我在博客上踫到一些很有意思的論點，我覺得你們可以拿來説服選民們以投給反對黨。以下這些爭論是從MT讀者口中說出的，在此我不分先後的把它們寫出來。 "爲了能夠把囯陣踢出局，我們應該投給民聯，即使他們把一些猴子驢子委任為他們的候選人。"（此為讀者Li Xiang Lan的經典留言)。 "囯陣的選舉宣言會讓國家破產。囯陣的選舉宣言是抄襲民聯的。" "Hindraf 是不會支持囯陣或民聯的，除非他們答應Hindraf的條件。民聯的選舉宣言是抄襲Hindraf的，而囯陣則是抄襲民聯的。" "馬哈迪這個80多嵗和掌權了22年的老糊塗應該退休且別再談論政治。現年也是80多嵗的聶阿玆（Nik Aziz Nik Mat），在吉蘭丹掌權了23年后，應該再留任多一屆。 " "Chandra Muzaffar醫生因針對反對黨而遭天譴，所以他殘廢了，必須坐在輪椅上。但，同樣是坐在輪椅上的Karpal Singh 不是被上帝懲罰，因爲他支持反對黨。" "那些曾經呆在反對黨而現在跳出來的都是叛徒，他們應該閉嘴且不應該批評反對黨。那些曾經呆在執政黨而現在跳出來的都是愛國者，他們應該巡迴全國來大爆執政黨醜事。" "非穆斯林應該有自由地批評伊斯蘭教，因爲這是言論自由。非基督徒不應該對基督教發言，因爲這是在諷刺基督教。" "如果民聯執政的話他們不會去騷擾那些持不同政见者。無論如何，巫統執政期間所給出的工作崗位和合同等都會被取消。" "如果民聯執政的話那些之前犯錯的將會一一被揪出和懲罰。那些之前犯錯但已跳槽到民聯的則不會。" "如果囯陣在大選中勝出的話，那民聯可以不接受，因爲選舉的不公與結果被篡改是顯而易見的。如果民聯贏的話，囯陣應該尊重選民的意見，即使選舉是不公的。" "Bersih是不含政治議程的。他們要的是公正的選舉，不論誰是贏輸家。Bersih要選民投給民聯以踢囯陣出局。" "民聯會確保沙巴與砂磱越的自主權。民聯會決定沙巴與砂磱越的上陣人選，這兩州的人民就這件事上是沒有話事權的。" "大約有1百萬（官方數字為70萬）在國外生活與工作的大馬人應該被允許以郵寄方式投票。 大約有1百萬（官方數字為70萬）在國外生活與工作的大馬人不應該被允許以郵寄方式投票，以防選舉委員會利用他們的郵寄選票來為幽靈選民投票。" "爲什麽首相納吉要借故延遲大選呢？爲什麽首相納吉要用特段的競選期來使大選儘快結束呢？" "爲什麽囯陣能犯規，在提名日前挂上黨旗呢？政府凴什麽拆掉反對黨在提名日前挂上的黨旗呢？" "此次大選視乎你要誰儅首相----安華或納吉。大選並不是選人品，而是要改變。" "此次大選並不著重于諾言，而是以往的表現，囯陣正好有很差的過往表現。此次大選著重于民聯給你的諾言。" "林吉祥因爲怕在霹靂輸掉他的議席而懦弱的到柔佛打一場必勝的大選。林吉祥很勇敢，因爲他肯離開霹靂這個堡壘去柔佛這個戰區。" "安華是個懦夫，他不敢到霹靂上陣。安華對他的支持者很忠誠，所以他繼續留在檳城。" 我想以上應該有足夠的言論來讓你用作大選的說詞了。 預祝你大選愉快！！

Not all is fine in PKR dynasty Posted: 06 Apr 2013 05:03 PM PDT TURBULENCE: President's non-candidacy points to looming trouble Nurul Izzah must have been slighted on the notion that her mother was being sidelined completely this time around. It is as if Dr Wan Azizah had outlived her usefulness and her party post is just lip service to show a semblance of respect. Syed Umar Ariff, NST  THERE was a time when opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim celebrated the formation of a family dynasty in Parti Keadilan Rakyat, as his wife was made president and daughter, vice-president. He was always smiling and proud before a battery of camera flashes during "joint family" press conferences alongside Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Nurul Izzah Anwar. PKR had become such a personal party to one man. In this writer's opinion, such familial ties in the party's top echelon have provided a shield for Anwar against any sort of impending coup by his lieutenants. Political greenhorns and relatives are not likely to cross that line. He was quite comfortable being a ketua umum and used "merit" as the reason why his family members had made it as top leaders. For years, allegations of nepotism, which have also been hounding DAP for a similar reason, did not leave Anwar perturbed -- until recently. In trying to assuage mounting criticisms, Anwar has decided to announce Dr Wan Azizah's non-candidacy, despite strong rumours that she would be contesting in Selangor and which some claim should contribute to an easy win for PKR. His decision was confirmed by PKR election director and deputy president Azmin Ali during an interview with Al-Jazeera. But Nurul Izzah has since refuted her father's statement and reduced it to mere "political talk". For quite sometime, observers among members of the media from print and online to pro-government and otherwise, have noted a subtle undercurrent of antagonism between Anwar and Nurul Izzah. Many have commented that both have not been exhibiting the usual familial closeness. Some claimed that during a political dialogue, Nurul Izzah walked off the stage as soon as Anwar entered the venue to give his speech. She did not even stop for a chat. Casual observations aside, Nurul Izzah's comment on Anwar's announcement which watered down his credibility as a decision-maker, may lend some weight to talk of friction between father and daughter. If nothing else, a communication breakdown is obvious. How does a party vice-president move to assert her function when such an important announcement was not made known to her? Her mother, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah, who vacated her parliamentary seat to make way for Anwar as opposition leader in 2008, has already been made redundant in the party. She is now a presidential puppet and, at best, PKR's de facto women's wing chief. While Anwar may have removed her from candidacy due to pressure to stop the practice of nepotism, it is also known that Dr Wan Azizah had, from time to time, served only as a means to ensure his political survival. She had helmed the party when her husband was imprisoned and later became the opposition leader, only to save the post until Anwar's return to mainstream politics. The soft-spoken 60-year-old even held out her hands to help Anwar stand up, in a public display of affection -- or perhaps sympathy -- before the media during PKR's annual convention down south two years ago. Azizah has yet to speak on this controversy. But in the end, she is widely expected to accept the decision to prevent further strain in family ties that would ultimately affect PKR's journey into the election. Nurul Izzah must have been slighted on the notion that her mother was being sidelined completely this time around. It is as if Dr Wan Azizah had outlived her usefulness and her party post is just lip service to show a semblance of respect. The 32-year-old must have also thought that her mother, befitting her stature as party president, should at least be regarded as important enough to contest in the toughest election yet. The situation now, judging from the current circumstances, can be quite telling; not all is fine and dandy within the PKR family dynasty.

Terengganu support for Pas eroding Posted: 06 Apr 2013 04:57 PM PDT Actions speak louder than words and going by that adage, the action that the Barisan Nasional government has taken since wresting Terengganu from Pas in the 2004 general election could stave off the opposition's challenge in GE13, writes Satiman Jamin Satiman Jamin, NST  THOSE who think of Terengganu as an idyllic holiday destination without much to show in terms of development will be in for a surprise if they visit the state today. From the state capital to the industrial hub in Kemaman, Terengganu has seen rapid transformation from various programmes and initiatives taken by the state government since taking over from Pas in 2004. The RM5 billion Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC) project aimed at transforming the state capital into a modern city while maintaining its traditional charm is already under way. Covering a 7km radius from the Terengganu river estuary, KTCC will be a magnet for domestic and foreign investments and was projected to create more than 80,000 jobs by 2020. Further south, the Kertih Biopolymer Park had attracted world giants from France and Korea to build a RM2 billion integrated bio-methionine and thiochemical plant, while the Teluk Kalong Industrial area in Kemaman will soon have its fourth steel mill. Of projects that affect the rakyat directly, the drive to build 10,000 affordable homes initiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said are among the most important. Despite the constraints of finding suitable sites and the rising cost of building materials, the state had managed to build 8,000 homes. Ahmad has pledged to build 10,000 more homes in the next five years if BN is returned to power in the 13th General Election. Based on the stellar performance of the state government over the last five years, BN has a good chance of not only retaining the 28 of the 32 state seats and six of the eight parliamentary seats but they could also retake some of the seats currently held by Pas. In the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary constituency, which state Pas commissioner Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut won in the 2009 by-election following the death of Datuk Razali Ismail who defeated Pas deputy president Muhammad Sabu by 628 votes in 2008, Pas may face an uphill battle. This is because the support for Pas has eroded after the completion of the Ladang Gemilang apartments, which provided proper housing for squatters around the Kampung Ladang area. Pas had banked on its supporters of the three state seats (Ladang, Batu Burok and Wakaf Mempelam) in Kuala Terengganu to win the Parliamentary seat in the by-election, so the dwindling support in key areas like Ladang could hurt its chances this time around. The personality of candidates may also be a factor as Wahid is expected to recontest the Wakaf Mempelam state seat to pave the way for another candidate to contest the parliamentary seat. Pas will be hard-pressed to find a candidate that can rally the voters like the five-term veteran Wahid and this factor could turn the tide against them. With Pas having announced that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) will be given a parliamentary seat in Terengganu and state PKR chairman Azan Ismail making way for the Pahang PKR chief in Indera Mahkota, Kuala Terengganu could be given to Azan to contest. BN is likely to field a new face in Kuala Terengganu and if the party can find a candidate who is popular, it would be an uphill battle for Pas to retain the seat. Even Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang may not be safe in his Marang stronghold as the Marang BN's strategy is to wrest the seat by combining the strength of its four candidates in the Rhu Rendang, Alur Limbat, Pengkalan Berangan and Bukit Payung state seats. Hadi is expected to stand in Marang and let a younger candidate contest in Rhu Rendang. As party president, Hadi has not had the time to get close to his constituents over the past five years and this, combined with national issues such as the kalimah Allah controversy, has led to some Pas supporters in Marang to join Umno. Although the handful of people in Kampung Jerong Seberang who joined Umno in February may not cause much of a dent to Pas' influence in Marang, the fact that Umno managed to woo support from areas that were known to be Pas strongholds speaks volumes about the growing dissent among Pas supporters. Hadi's influence in Marang is not as strong as often projected in the media, as evident in the BN wins in Pengkalan Berangan and Alur Limbat in 2008. Bukit Payung can hardly be called a Pas stronghold as the Terengganu Pas Youth chief Mohd Nor Hamzah won the seat with only a 115 vote majority. Another state seat likely to go BN's way is Manir, which Pas Dewan Ulamak chief Datuk Harun Taib won by 406 votes. BN is likely to field popular local leader Yusof Awang Hitam, who put in a sterling performance, especially in providing services to the constituents. His initiative to provide a free health clinic on alternate Saturdays is a hit with the people of Manir and the approachable Yusof could give veteran Harun a tough fight if they were to face off at the polls. However, Pas has also managed to make inroads in some areas, especially Dungun. State Pas deputy commissioner Satiful Bahri Mamat has increased his efforts to wrest the Paka state seat from BN after losing by just 344 votes in 2008 and could be a threat if he contests there again in GE13. Kuala Nerus, Tepuh and Teluk Pasu have also seen increased Pas presence and BN must work extra hard to improve on the 430- and 462-vote majority in the two state seats. Unity within BN is also an important factor that will decide how the party fares in Terengganu this time. As highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the launch of Gelombang Biru here recently, any rift among BN leaders and supporters must be eradicated if they want to win the state. Factions within Umno had surfaced after Ahmad replaced Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh as the menteri besar in 2008 and it is crucial that everyone puts that episode behind them and work together. Ahmad's announcement of his candidacy for the Kijal state seat on the day Parliament and the state assembly were dissolved on April 3 quelled rumours that he would not be contesting in GE13. It also showed that Ahmad, who prefers to act rather than just talk about issues, is in charge and will lead Terengganu BN in its quest to trounce Pas. And such clear signs of leadership is what BN needs to stave off the threat posed by Pas and Pakatan Rakyat during GE13.

'Lembah Pantai will be ours', says Muhyiddin Posted: 06 Apr 2013 04:46 PM PDT (NST) - BARISAN Nasional is confident of regaining the Lembah Pantai parliamentary seat in the 13th General Election, said BN deputy chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said there was no doubt the seat would return to BN after Parti Keadilan Rakyat failed to carry out their promise to serve the people of Lembah Pantai well. "Based on the response we received from the people here, we are confident of wresting Lembah Pantai this time," he said after a breakfast session with residents of Kondo Rakyat Desa Pantai here yesterday. Muhyiddin, who is also BN Federal Territory chairman, said the response to the government's transformation programmes proved that people were more confident and appreciated the efforts to reduce costs, especially through the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme. However, he said BN leaders must not be complacent and should continue their commitment to ensuring the goal was achieved. Reminding BN representatives not to be "overconfident", he said: "I do not want us to be too optimistic that we underestimate the opponent's ability, because anything could happen at the last minute". He said the development and progress enjoyed by the Lembah Pantai people were initiated by BN leaders who represented the area for years before 2008. "On the whole, the local community say they will vote for BN and are just waiting for polling day. I have asked them what PKR's Nurul Izzah (Anwar) has done for them so far. Mostly nothing was the reply," he said. He added this was unlike BN's Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin, who is Umno Lembah Pantai division head and Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister. He said even though Raja Nong Chik was not the elected representative for the area, he still went all out to ensure that the grouses of the people were addressed. "I'm sure the grassroots and voters see his hard work and understand BN's struggle for them." Raja Nong Chik is expected to be nominated the BN candidate for the constituency. In the 2008 general election, Nurul Izzah won the Lembah Pantai seat, beating BN's Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil by a majority of 2,895 votes. Muhyiddin urged the people to be wary of possibly false allegations made by the opposition in the campaigning in the election. "Do not fall prey or be fooled by the opposition's tricks." He also expressed his disappointment over a misleading fatwa made by Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat recently. "Pas is promoting deviant teachings and its leader, who claims to be a religious scholar, tends to act like God," he said in commenting on the remark by Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Menteri Besar, that Umno members' prayers would not be rewarded and had no meaning as that party rejected Islamic principles. "This is not the first time he has done this. Nik Aziz has issued fatwa to penalise and belittle Umno many times. "We have even been called infidels in the Amanat Haji Hadi (Haji Hadi message)." Muhyiddin said the recent fatwa by Pas only showed that the party stood for Parti Ajaran Sesat and not Parti Islam SeMalaysia. On the other hand, he said Umno's effort to champion Islam was clearly proven in the drafting of the Federal Constitution in which Islam was designated the official religion of the Federation. "Umno has championed Islam from the very start, even before independence."

The seeds of Malaysia's 'social media election' Posted: 06 Apr 2013 04:39 PM PDT They culminated in 2008 in startling elections – which became known as the "political tsunami" - that saw the poorest showing for the ruling coalition since 1969. And yes, it was computers and mobile phones in urban areas and in the kampungs that helped bring about the change. With the next election imminent, in a country with one of the longest-ruling governments in the world, the noise online is rising to a crescendo. When everybody piles in, it's harder than ever to say who's telling the truth. Chen May Yee, Straits Times In 1996, as Kuala Lumpur correspondent for the Asian Wall Street Journal, I was sent to cover an event at a five-star hotel downtown. The guest of honour was Malaysia's then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. The event was the launch of something called the Multimedia Super Corridor. Not sure what it's about, my boss said. See what you make of it. Like almost every official Malaysian event, it started late. But unlike most events, this time, even the prime minister was kept waiting. After the emcee kicked things off, the giant screen overhead stayed stubbornly blank, even as the voice-over began. Organisers panicked. The prime minister, his face dark, drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. In front of some of Malaysia's biggest foreign investors – including officials from Microsoft and Intel – a technician found the problem: Somebody had tripped over a cable, yanking it out of its socket. It was not an auspicious start to Malaysia's big information technology push. At the time, I was probably not alone in underestimating Tun Mahathir's dream. An unfettered Internet? E-commerce? E-government? Computers in the kampungs? It all seemed far-fetched. I went back to my office and wrote something. My paper ran it inside the main section. But even Tun Mahathir could not have foreseen the extent to which the people would seize on his vision of a networked Malaysia. Or how they would use its new powers. Today, what Tun Mahathir articulated has come to pass. Malaysians now buy and sell products and services online. Most government departments have basic information and official forms on their Web sites. And an e-mailing, texting, Facebooking, Tweeting, Whatsapping populace can hardly imagine a time when they didn't. The biggest effect of this information revolution has been to open new avenues of public discussion. Lively exchanges on once taboo subjects such as official corruption and race relations are now all over the Web. The combination of multiplying Internet connections and the longtime hunger for alternative sources of news has been combustive. They culminated in 2008 in startling elections – which became known as the "political tsunami" - that saw the poorest showing for the ruling coalition since 1969. And yes, it was computers and mobile phones in urban areas and in the kampungs that helped bring about the change. With the next election imminent, in a country with one of the longest-ruling governments in the world, the noise online is rising to a crescendo. When everybody piles in, it's harder than ever to say who's telling the truth.  But this is one cable that can't simply be yanked out of its socket again. This isn't being called the "social media election" for nothing.

Retired generals raring to do battle Posted: 06 Apr 2013 04:20 PM PDT The five generals who have joined Pakatan Rakyat want to bring about political change in the country. Humayun Kabir, FMT Five retired generals who have joined Pakatan Rakyat are all ready to bring out their "firepower" to battle the Barisan Nasional government in the coming 13th general election. The five are former deputy army chief Lt-Gen (R) Abdul Ghafir Abdul Hamid, former chief of logistics at headquarters air logistics Brig-Gen (Rtd) Abdul Hadi AlKhatab, former chief of staff logistics Navy fleet headquarters Rear-Admiral (Rtd) Imran Abdul Hamid, former director of the Army Corps of religion Brig-Gen (Rtd) Najmi Ahmad and chief of staff of army, Gen (Rtd) Md Hashim Hussein. These retired generals, who feel the BN government has neglected the armed forces personnel, are hoping to bring about political change through the ballot box. They will be contesting in parliamentary seats and are keen to debunk the public perception that the armed forces has always been supporting the BN in past general elections. Both Ghafir and Hashim are slated to contest in the Johor constituencies of Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru respectively. Imran and Hadi are likely to fight it out in the parliamentary seats of Lumut and Tanjung Malim, Perak, respectively while Najmi in Baling, Kedah. Last week, FMT spoke to three of them: Hamid, Hadi and Imran, who had attended a PAS ceremah at Bukit Gantang here. Hadi said that there was a public misconception that the armed forces was always supportive of the ruling BN government in previous polls. He blamed this on the alleged postal rigging of the armed forces votes for prevailing wrong notion. Democratic rights Soldiers should be given the democratic right to cast their votes for whichever political party they chose, said Hadi who is also the former director-general of operation and training of the Royal Malaysians Air Force. "There should be more transparency now for soldiers to vote according to their conscience," he added. "Now the armed forces wants to go for the change. We do not know what had happened to all the postal votes [in the previous elections]," he said. "Now the military votes will be going to Pakatan as the soldiers want changes in their lifestyle and improvement in their standard of living after decades of BN rule." "The votes of the soldiers will go to [PKR de facto leader] Anwar [Ibrahim] as they have expressed their view that it's time for change for a better life in the [armed forces]," he said. However, Hadi was quick to point out that the five generals were not against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the sultans. Rather, he said the armed forces is against the alleged rampant corruption of the Umno-BN and its cronies. He cited the many closed tender projects that were given to Umno cronies who had wasted public funds. He also took a swipe at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for allegedly enriching his son and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for allegedly enriching his brother Nasir Abdul Razak through various projects. "We want to have a system that is answerable to the public and Najib is now frightened of the rising people's power," he said. READ MORE HERE

In uncharted waters Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:57 PM PDT Clearly, the current prime minister's strategists do not fear inviting another tsunami of anti-government sentiment by extending even further the campaign period. On the contrary, they must calculate, or hope, that extra time will be to the prime minister's and his party's advantage. Clive Kessler, TMI We are in uncharted political waters. Parliament has been dissolved, already days ago, but the election has yet to be called. The dates for nomination of candidates and for "going to the polls" to vote have yet to be declared. The nation now finds itself stalled. It can do nothing but wait. We are caught in a strange interlude, a moment of suspended political animation. And we are already in new political territory. Where exactly we are, and what the political "lie of the land" is, remain unclear. But we know that we are on new ground. Just one indicator. In his April 3 dissolution address, the prime minister most commendably declared that, win or lose at federal or state level, people including those on his own side should accept the result, honour the decision of the democratic electoral process. Implied in his words was a remarkable concession by the prime minister that, however unlikely he may believe it to be, Umno/BN could conceivably lose not just control of some state governments but even the federal election. There it was, in broad daylight: The almost shocking admission that his long-ruling party could conceivably lose control of the federal government, and could be ousted from power by popular rejection. No Malaysian prime minister or Umno leader has ever, in living memory, made any such admission. None before PM Najib Razak has ever been in the situation where he needed to do so, where there was any such possibility of popular political rejection and loss. But the prime minister made that statement, that admission of personal and party vulnerability. Clearly, and to his great credit, he felt that he had to do so. But it was not an admission that could have "gone down easily" with many in Umno. Many of the old-timers and "hard men" in the organization must surely have considered it an error. Or even much worse: a sign of weakness, a terrible mistake, a culpable admission of failure on the eve of battle, even before the fight itself had begun. "Is that bold and courageous leadership?" one can easily imagine them saying, in rage and despair. "Is that the Malay way of exercising power?" But, remarkably, the prime minister said so, he said exactly that. Why? Because things, this time, are different. And different battlefield conditions require a different approach, a different strategy and the deployment of different forces than those customarily employed. We are beyond the familiar old game of Malaysian elections. And a different approach ― as many have recognized and remarked ― is now being adopted. For the first time in this country since 1957, the prime minister and his government are fighting for political survival, for their political lives. They are in a tough fight, and they know it. In such  circumstances, you have to look at the situation, consider closely the resources available both to your own side and your adversaries, and choose a strategy that maximizes your own situational advantages and an approach that minimizes those of the opposition, one that places them in the greatest uncertainty and under the greatest stress. That, as we wait for the Election Commission to meet this Wednesday, is what is now happening in Malaysia. On this new ground, many of us have already been proven wrong. We are moving from "blitzkrieg" to a war of attrition and positional manoeuvre. This election will be no "12-day wonder", no sudden mad rush that will be over in the proverbial blink of an eye. Instead, one week after Parliament was dissolved, on April 3, the Election Commission will meet. Then, on April 10, it will presumably announce the date of the nomination of candidates and of the poll itself. The likeliest possibility at the moment seems to be that April 13 will be nomination day and April 27 will be "D-Day", Decision Day. If so, the total election period from nomination to decision will be 17 days, or two and a half weeks ― and from dissolution to decision 24 days, or three and a half weeks. Nothing less, or shorter, than that seems conceivable. Something longer than that is possible, but at this stage seems unlikely. Unless a string of further great surprises is in store… An election period of between two and three weeks is, in international comparative terms, not very long. Most countries have more protracted and gradual arrangements for conducting a national election. But for Malaysia this is remarkable. Remarkable, and in modern times unprecedented. In 1969 the campaign period went on for five weeks. The Tunku wanted to give the country a full opportunity to consider the issues and to debate its future. And then came May 1969. Five weeks? "Never again!" was the response. When elections resumed in 1974, the polling schedule was very tight, greatly abbreviated. And with only minor relaxation, the election "countdown" timing in Malaysia since then has always been very constrained and limited. In 2008 the then prime minister consented to a 13-day campaign period, two days more than the previous pattern of 11 days. To this minor relaxation some recent commentators have attributed — quite illogically — the political "tsunami" of that year and the dramatic setbacks which Umno/BN experienced at the GE12 polls. This year, things will certainly take longer than that. Clearly, the current prime minister's strategists do not fear inviting another tsunami of anti-government sentiment by extending even further the campaign period. On the contrary, they must calculate, or hope, that extra time will be to the prime minister's and his party's advantage. And they are accordingly proceeding to the battlefield with all "deliberate", meaning unrushed, haste ― "steady as she goes," "half-speed ahead", and also sideways. That's often the way in Malay politics. READ MORE HERE

Dr M: DAP risking it with Chinese vote in BN’s Johor fort Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:47 PM PDT Ida Lim, TMI DAP is taking a risk by counting on Chinese votes in Johor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said, dowsing the opposition party's southern campaign in doubt by insisting that the state is still a Barisan Nasional (BN) fortress. The former prime minister shrugged off DAP's strategy of fielding heavyweights like veteran politician Lim Kit Siang to take on Gelang Patah, an urban MCA-held stronghold in Johor, saying he wondered why the party believes it could be victorious. "That's a risk taken by them. Johor is a BN stronghold. Don't know how they think (they) can win there," Dr Mahathir said in an interview published in Utusan Malaysia's weekend edition today. "Don't know. Maybe, they received information that we don't know. But as far as I know, Johor is not a safe area for opposition parties although we find that the attitude of the Chinese is not as before. But, we find now they return to support BN," the former BN chairman and Umno president said when asked about the federal opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR)'s bid to take over Johor in Election 2013. He suggested that DAP was setting its sights on Johor because the party believes it has the support of the Chinese community there. He commented on the opposition's strategy of aiming at Chinese votes in Johor seats, accusing DAP for allegedly being racist, claiming it is a "Chinese party" despite the party saying it has a multiracial membership and leadership. READ MORE HERE

GE13: PAS-led govt cheques don’t check out Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:43 PM PDT (The Star) - ALOR SETAR: The PAS-led government made a major blunder when it handed out RM229,000 in allocations to 58 Tamil schools in the state four days ago. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Bakar gave out the cheques to the Parent-Teacher Association representatives of the schools. However, the cheques could not be cashed. The cheques, dated Dec 31, 2012, had a three-month validity period until March 31, but were only distributed on April 2. Many of the PTA representatives were shocked by the timing of the handover and left wondering if it was an attempt to ensure Indians' support for Pakatan Rakyat. Kedah DAP committee member S. Neelamekan described it as an "an unwanted embarrassment" to the government. "The state government should have been more careful and avoid being ridiculed by Barisan (Nasional)," he said. "The cheques must be replaced as soon as possible." State executive councillor S. Manikumar has since apologised to the schools for the mistake. "The cheques were prepared last December and were rendered invalid because they did not bear the signature of the State Financial Officer," he said. "We apologise for the technical error. "However, we have already asked the school PTAs to exchange the cheques with new ones from the state finance office," he added. Manikumar said the contribution was for school activities and programmes, adding that the schools received between RM3,000 and RM10,000 each, depending on the size of the enrolment. MIC Baling division Youth chief M.A. Ramasamy said this bungle clearly showed weaknesses in the Kedah state administration. He said each of the schools was given RM10,000 during the previous rule under Barisan.

GE13: Wherever you are, exercise your right to vote Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:40 PM PDT The Star THE poor response from Malaysians abroad to sign up as postal voters for the upcoming 13th general election speaks volumes as to how every citizen, at home or abroad, truly wants to make every vote count. Only 6,298 of about 700,000 Malaysians living abroad (some say almost a million) took the trouble to meet the deadline set by the Elections Commission, which gives them the right, for the first time, to vote from where they currently are. In fact, the actual number of votes may even be less because the reality of the situation is that only limited polling stations will be available for them to cast their votes. Someone in Australia, for example, may not, at the end of the day, take the trouble to travel all the way to Sydney to vote. Overseas voting, from the Malaysian context, is very much a work in progress. But the EC must be commended for allowing it to happen. And it should also be open to suggestions to iron out the kinks in the process so that in the elections to come, more people who happen to be overseas at the time of elections will be able to take part. There are, of course, many abroad who retain their Malaysian citizenship but do not really have an interest in the affairs of the nation, having comfortably settled down as permanent citizens elsewhere. Then there are also those who continually criticise events going on in the country but are not willing to be involved in the democratic channels that remain open to them back home. For these groups, they may not even be on the electoral roll, and can probably fall within the same category of people within the country who remain indifferent to their civic responsibility to vote. But we must reach out to those overseas for study or work, whose heart is still with the nation. This is the modern-day reality whereby the young and the brave are challenged to venture abroad. Sometimes, it happens simply because the companies they work for have sent them to distant lands because of their talents. The EC should consider ways of making these people have their say in the elections by putting in place systems that allow them to constantly update their whereabouts so that even at short notice, they can be quickly informed and be allowed to vote. Malaysians, by nature, tend to leave things to the last minute and while ample time had been given to our overseas Malaysians to sign up as postal voters, many did not. Then, they blame everyone but themselves. Let us all, at home or abroad, consider our right to vote as a sacred duty of our citizenship. We need to do our part to ensure we fulfil our duty come every election.

What a letdown Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:33 PM PDT After all the brouhaha to get Malaysians living abroad the right to vote, only a dismal 6,268 out of over 700,000 have registered as postal voters. Wong Chun Wai, The Star IT'S disappointing, especially after all the brouhaha over giving all Malaysians living abroad the right to vote. It has now been reported that only a dismal 6,268 Malaysians out of over 700,000 living abroad have registered as postal voters. There are some who think there could be as many as a million Malaysians abroad. The Elections Commission (EC) had estimated that there would be at least 100,000 or even 200,000 overseas Malaysians who would register. The criteria are fairly simple they have to be registered as voters first and have been in Malaysia not less than 30 days in the last five years before the dissolution of Parliament. Objectively, no one can say that not enough time has been given. The worst excuse I have heard is that the Elections Commission website broke down last week and this made many who are overseas unable to register as postal voters. This was reported in the pro-opposition Malaysiakini news portal. Surely, if you are seriously concerned with the developments in this country, you would have taken the trouble to register yourself much earlier. It does not matter if you are overseas or in Malaysia. If one feels so strongly about what is taking place in Malaysia and wants to change the government, the obvious thing would be to ensure the change takes place via the ballot box. Since the 2008 general election, it has been a long drawn campaign by both sides. Never has political awareness been so high. That probably explains why there are 2.9 million new voters all first-timers and mostly below 40 years old out of the country's 13 million electorate. That's one out of five voters taking part in this general election. It does not matter whether these new voters want to throw out this government or keep the status quo. The most important point is that they believe they can make a difference. They believe passionately that talk is cheap and that they will let their votes do the walking. The call to allow overseas Malaysians to vote was on the agenda of Bersih, and two platforms MyOverseasVote and Bersih Global were set up to facilitate overseas Malaysians to register as postal voters. Early this year, the EC announced that Malaysians residing overseas, except in Singapore, southern Thailand, Kalimantan and Brunei, would be allowed to apply to vote by post provided that they have been in Malaysia for at least 30 days in total during the last five years. We have heard the arguments before there are those who claim that those who have been abroad too long do not understand what is taking place in Malaysia while many overseas Malaysians have ridiculed such arguments, saying that they follow events back home closely via the Internet. Others suggest that the large number of overseas Malaysians are mostly non-Malays who are critical of Barisan Nasional and are likely to vote for the opposition. They include many who have migrated because of their unhappiness over the affirmative action programmes that favour the bumiputras. This argument does not hold water because the reality is that even if Pakatan Rakyat wins, the same affirmative actions will continue. Not even the DAP has dared to ask for these special rights to be removed. While we do not know if the low number of overseas Malaysians registered to vote as postal voters is due to their indifference or because they still find the procedure cumbersome, the EC must continue to improve its mechanism to ensure a bigger turnout. The reality is that more and more Malaysians, especially the young, will work overseas because travelling has now become cheaper, faster and easier. Many Malaysians work in Jakarta, Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou or Bangkok while they keep their Malaysian permanent address. Many companies have also become more global in their set-up and send talented Malaysians to work in their regional hubs. Unlike the older Malaysians who packed off with their families for a new life abroad, most young Malaysians are often single and live jet-setting lives. They are not necessarily the grumbling and whining types who run down Malaysia. They may enjoy life overseas but deep in their hearts, they miss the many good things in this country. These younger and more mobile Malaysians keep their minds open and while they are critical, they also make better evaluation of the issues. This will be the new overseas Malaysians in the coming years. Make it easier for them to cast their votes in the coming general elections.

Sabah opposition falling apart or cyber campaign? Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:14 PM PDT Caution is being thrown to the wind and a free-for-all is emerging with potential candidates and incumbents panicking and lashing out over the possibility of being overlooked by their parties. (FMT) - KOTA KINABALU: The scramble to be selected as candidates for the various parties in restive Sabah is swiftly exposing the sham of unity and solidarity within each. Caution is being thrown to the wind and a free-for-all is emerging with potential candidates and incumbents panicking and lashing out over the possibility of being overlooked by their parties. So far the fallout has been felt mainly in the opposition while the ruling coalition maintains a semblance of order. At least that's how some are portraying it. Sabah PKR which was first to come under "unity scrutiny" barely a day after its Northern West Coast Zone chairman Ansari Abdullah in pre-emptive move to forestall "interference" by its leaders in Kuala Lumpur announced a proposed candidate list for seven parliamentary seats. Ansari, who is Tuaran PKR chief said he would be contesting in Tuaran constituency, his comrade Dr Chong Eng Leong would stand in Sepanggar. The others on his list were Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Johanathan Yassin (Ranau). But national PKR deputy president Azmin Ali dismissed Ansari's candidate list. Sabah PKR chief Ahmad Thamrin has also denied Ansari's list. Barely a day later, Borneo Insider, a newly established website, reported disunity within Sabah DAP and unhappiness by certain leaders within the party. The website reported a leadership crisis in Sabah DAP with "one winnable candidate" who had contested previously said to have change his mind on his political allegiance and would be joining the BN READ MORE HERE

Najib: Choose me or Anwar Posted: 06 Apr 2013 03:11 PM PDT 'President' Najib has pitted himself directly against Anwar, despite the country practising a parliamentary and not a presidential system of government. Anisah Shukry, FMT BUKIT JALIL: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak tonight stressed that the general election boiled down to choosing between him or Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, confirming rumours that the Barisan Nasional was banking solely on the "Najib factor" to sail to a victory in the coming polls. This is despite the fact that Malaysia practises a parliamentary system, in which the prime minister is elected by party members, and not the rakyat. "Now, in this 13th general election, the crux of the matter is whether the rakyat places any trust in Anwar, Hadi Awang [PAS president], or me as the leader of the government," thundered Najib to a roaring crowd of BN supporters. But the mention of the PAS leader's name was clearly perfunctory, as Najib launched into a diatribe about Anwar without mentioning Hadi again in his speech. "The opposition leader has lost many close friends… out of 34 PKR founding members, only two remain: his wife and the rather strange Tian Chua. "If even the founding members have lost trust in their leader, surely the rakyat will not be duped into lending their support towards a leader with no track record, no credibility." In promoting himself, Najib then compared his political career directly to Anwar's, and pointed to the latter's infamous role as finance minister in the 1997 Asian financial crisis. "Anwar always says that he has spent a long time in government, that he has felt the pain and suffering. But the question is not of how long he spent in government, but what he did. "When the financial crisis happened, what did he do? He wanted to hand over the responsibility to others. If that's the case, even you [the audience] can be finance minister. If any problem happens, leave it up to others," said Najib mockingly. "He said he has been in government for a long time, but so have I: 37 years. From thick, black hair to my hair situation now," he joked, outlining the progression of his political career. Najib said that unlike Anwar, he had not stabbed anyone in the back throughout his years in politics. READ MORE HERE

Cyber Mania And Radio Jamming – BN Falls Back On Cheating! Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:59 PM PDT   Sarawak Report  BN have effectively acknowledged that they have to cheat in this election and cannot afford the opposition view point to be heard by voters. Over the weekend they have spent large sums of public money launching full-scale attacks on Radio Free Malaysia and Radio Free Sarawak. They have both attempted to jam their broadcasts and tried to knock out their online websites, with limited success so far. On Saturday they attacked the Medium Wave RFM (Radio Free Malaysia), which broadcasts on 1359kHz with this noise in the hope of jamming the show, but achieved limited range. Likewise they have been attacking the Short Wave RFS (Radio Free Sarawak) over the past days by arranging for jamming broadcasts to be put out on the same frequency 15430kHz. Again this project has had limited effect and steps have been taken to locate the origin of the disruption. Both sets of jamming are illegal to carry out and form an expensive use of taxpayers' money. Cyber warriors Under attack…. At the same time 'cyber-warriors' have been commissioning coordinated DDOS (Distributed Denial Of Service) attacks on the sites of Radio Free Malaysia and Radio Free Sarawak, in order to prevent people listening to the shows online. This is again expensive and illegal. It is also a clear sign of desperation and weakness on the part of BN, who seem terrified that listeners might hear things that have not been approved by them. Both websites recovered and came back online, only to be attacked again. They will continue to recover, indicating that this exhibition of shameful behaviour has been counterproductive. You can also listen to the radio stations on Sound Cloud Our websites are currently being re-configured to resist further attacks. Meanwhile, we are also pleased to be able to direct online listeners to Sound Cloud, where they can still get the shows during any period of disruption. Radio Free Sarawak can be accessed at https://soundcloud.com/radiofreesarawak Radio Free Malaysia can be accessed at https://soundcloud.com/radiofreemalaysia BN are welcome to spend the rest of their election 'war chest' (largely financed by illegal timber kickbacks, as they have themselves now admitted) by trying to bring down Sound Cloud, which would of course enrage the rest of the world. Read more at: http://www.sarawakreport.org/2013/04/cyber-mania-and-radio-jamming-bns-falls-back-on-cheating/

Sabah, Sarawak to enjoy further devt under BN Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:47 PM PDT   (Bernama) - Sabah and Sarawak are assured of more progress under a Barisan Nasional (BN) government, with numerous projects expected to take off in the next five years if the coalition is returned to power.   According to the BN election manifesto launched by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here last night, one of them is the construction of the 2,300-km Pan-Borneo Highway stretching from Sematan in Sarawak to Serudung in Sabah.   The highway is expected to spearhead new growth areas, better business opportunities and enhanced communications.   Themed 'People First', the manifesto was unveiled in the wake of the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat on April 3, paving the way for the country's 13th general election.   There is also the pledge to build 2,500 kilometres of paved roads in Sabah and 2,800 kilometres in Sarawak, while the rural electrification project will benefit 60,000 households in Sabah and 80,000 in Sarawak.   The BN is also committed to extending clean water supply to another 320,000 homes nationwide in the next five years.   In a bid to provide better access to quality healthcare services, the BN, in its manifesto, pledges to set up a heart centre and cancer centre in every major hospital in both states.   The coalition also promises to improve access to quality education for rural and minorities communities, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak.   Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the 31-page manifesto said the effectiveness of the bumiputera agenda, including for bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak, will be enhanced by providing business opportunities, a stronger eco-system and institutional support.   The BN, meanwhile, pledges to gazette all native customary land in close consultation with state governments should it be returned to power in the upcoming general election.   The coalition is also committed to providing more income-generating opportunities within indigenous communities and increasing the intake of indigenous youth into tertiary and vocational education.   In addition, the BN promises to set up special courts with the same status as the High Court under the present justice system to deal specifically with native customary rights issues.

GE13: A Chinese will never be PM, says PAS veep Salahuddin Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:45 PM PDT   (The Star) - A Chinese will never be Prime Minister or the Johor Mentri Besar if Pakatan Rakyat comes to power, said PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub. He said that it was impossible for DAP to offer a Chinese candidate for these positions as they were only contesting 50 of the 222 Parliament seats. "I do not think that the Chinese and Indians are interested in becoming the Prime Minister or even the Agong," he said. "As for the position in the state, it says in state bylaws that only a Malay and a Muslim can be the Mentri Besar in Johor." He added that the same accusations surfaced when Datuk Chua Jui Meng was appointed the Johor PKR chief and had resurfaced with DAP advisor Lim kit Siang contesting in Gelang Patah. Salahuddin is tipped to contest the Pulai parliamentary and the state seat of Nusajaya.

GE13: BN manifesto a Pakatan ‘copy’ Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:38 PM PDT   (The Star) - "When Barisan criticises us that the Opposition will bankrupt the country with our manifesto, they should be looking at themselves"  The Opposition has called Barisan Nasional's manifesto a carbon copy of Pakatan Rakyat's policies. DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said that the Barisan's promise to gradually increase the BR1M handouts to RM1,200 for each household and RM600 for single people was clearly aimed at giving out goodies to win the general election. He added that increasing the BR1M handouts by more than 100% would increase the financial allocation for BR1M to about RM6bil a year. "In the Pakatan manifesto we only promise cash handouts for senior citizens as a form of appreciation to them. "When Barisan criticises us that the Opposition will bankrupt the country with our manifesto, they should be looking at themselves," he said. PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli, who is head of the party's Lower Car Prices campaign, said that Barisan's promise to revamp the National Automotive Policy and lowering car prices by 20% to 30% would be meaningless unless the excise duties were abolished. "Barisan's revamp on car prices is mostly cosmetic and won't appease the public. Anything short of a complete revamp will backfire on them," he added. PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said that increasing the 1Malaysia People's Aid would not address the issue of rising living costs. He said it was more important to expand the people's disposable incomes by reducing oil tariffs, removing toll charges for the North-South Expressway and abolishing excise duties for vehicles. "Such measures will have more far-reaching effects in reducing the prices of consumer goods," he added. PSM central committee member Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj said the Barisan had allowed commercialism to get out of control, causing the prices of food, housing, healthcare and education to go up. "The Barisan had offered to build homes at RM200,000 each. Such houses will not be affordable to those earning RM3,000 and less," he added. PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin said that no target had been set in the Barisan manifesto on the participation of women in national decision- making policies. "There is no yardstick on how this will be achieved and as it is, we only have one woman minister (Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen)," she said.

Let's Talk With Sarawak Chief Minister Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:29 PM PDT   Let's Talk! catches up with answers by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abd. Taib Mahmud on several issues including accusations made by Global Witness (a London-based non-governmental organisation), about alleged corruption and illegality concerning land deals and deforestation within Sarawak which sparked several parties. He also spoke on the up-coming 13th General Election in Malaysia that would take place in a couple of weeks.  Watch at: http://www.mobtv.my/talkshow-3094.html

More goodies from BN manifesto Posted: 06 Apr 2013 12:11 AM PDT Barisan Nasional chairman Najib Tun Razak promised all these carrots if BN is voted back to power. G Vinod, FMT BUKIT JALIL: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak tonight unveiled the Barisan Nasional manifesto – and more goodies spilled out of his bag. Najib, who is BN chairman, promised a slew of these goodies to the people should BN be voted back to power. Addressing a capacity crowd of 50,000 at the Bukit Jalil Indoor Stadium here, Najib promised that he would increase Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) from the existing RM500 to RM1,200 to each household if voted back to power. Also present were Cabinet ministers, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former MIC president, S Samy Vellu. Najib also promised a cash aid of RM600 to unmarried Malaysians. "And I will ensure BR1M aid is given yearly," Najib said, to thunderous applause. On top of that, he also promised to increase Bantuan Buku 1Malaysia to school students from the existing RM150 to RM300 annually. He also took a leaf from the Pakatan Rakyat's manifesto launched on Feb 25: he announced that the BN government would also embark on a Pan Borneo highway project and reduce car prices in the next five years. While Pakatan said it would build the highway linking Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Kudat, Najib had other ideas in mind. In his Pan Borneo Highway project, Najib plans to link the 2,300km highway from Sematan to Serudung, Sarawak. He also promised to add more exits along the North-South Expressway. "We will also extend the East Coast Highway from Kuala Krai-Kota Baru to Gambang, Segamat," said Najib. On reducing car prices, he promised to reduce car prices by between 20 and 30% in the next five years. Pakatan, however, has promised to abolish the excise duty gradually to allow more people to own cars. Among other promises in the BN manifesto are: Place non-Muslim affairs under the purview of a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. Increase non-Bumiputera participation in the civil service and government-linked companies (GLC). Reduce Internet broadband subsripction fee by 20%. Give tax exemptions to those setting up childcare centres and early childhood progamme centres. Build one million affordable houses, with 500,000 being built under the 1Malaysia People Housing Programme (PR1MA). Ensure houses built under PR1MA are priced at least 20% lower than the market value. Abolishing stamp duties for first-time house buyers who purchase a residence worth less than RM400,000. Expand bus, monorail and integrated taxi services in towns and cities. Increase the number of individual taxi permit holders. Make English a must pass paper for SPM examination. Convert Tamil schools to fully aided facilities if requested by the school administration. Free Internet service at public higher learning institutions. READ MORE HERE

What me worry? (UPDATED with Chinese Translation) Posted: 05 Apr 2013 11:37 PM PDT Alfred E. Neumann then talks about my loyalty. He did not, however, talk about loyalty to whom. In Judas' case it was loyalty to Jesus that came into question. Hence, again, who is the 'Jesus' meant in Alfred E. Neumann's analogy? Loyalty has to be to a person, country, cause, organisation, etc. And if I have been disloyal then Alfred E. Neumann has to make clear to whom or to what I have been disloyal. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin Everyone has a price, eh Pete? — Alfred E. Neumann Thirty pieces of silver was all it took for Judas to betray Jesus Christ. One can only wonder the price for Raja Petra Kamarudin's loyalty. Or is he priceless and can't be bought? The blogger-on-the-run who delighted us with many tales has published links to a video-clip, ostensibly showing how famed jewellers Jacob & Co have denied that they sold a RM24 million ring to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. The First Lady has already denied the allegations in her book. So why the need to reinforce that denial? Pro-Umno bloggers and cybertroopers have been doing the denial for the past two years and now the famous or is it infamous RPK has joined that bandwagon. One can only wonder why it took Jacob & Co almost two years to actually deny this tale. Or that someone took great pains to get their representative on camera to deny the allegations that have been swirling the past couple of years. One has to be careful with Jacob & Co. They were linked to the Detroit Black Mafia in 2006 for suspected money laundering, according to Vanity Fair. Can we take their word then that there wasn't a sale? Why even bother unless it is an issue for the general elections. So much an issue of the haves and have-nots that the Barisan Nasional (BN) thinks are eager for another round of cash handouts. So much an issue that RPK had to show us the links to the Jacob & Co video-clip that was only uploaded yesterday showing a man clearly ill at ease about denying a sale. So much an issue that a lot of energy, effort and money has gone into denying the sale. Fine, there was no sale and a denial was issued two years later. We believe you, Jacob & Co. And thank you, RPK, for reporting the video-clip. The issue has been settled then, no pricy diamond rings bought by VIPs at a time when we were told to tighten our belts. No sirree, no. We'll take your word for it then, while others take their share of pieces of silver. Alfred E. Neumann reads The Malaysian Insider. ********************************************* Alfred E. Neuman is my favourite Mad character -- famous for his saying 'What me worry?' The Mad Alfred E. Neuman, however, has only one 'n' in his name, while the other Alfred E. Neumann -- who wrote the letter above to The Malaysian Insider -- has two 'n's in his name. Alfred E. Neumann of The Malaysian Insider started off by saying that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. I don't know where Alfred E. Neumann got that story from, which some may regard as folklore. In the first place, did Judas and Jesus even exist? Alfred E. Neumann did not offer any evidence of their existence so we have to assume that he is the propagator of folklore and fairy tales. In fact, some even say that Judas did not betray Jesus but that it was a conspiracy between Judas and Jesus. It seems Jesus was meant to die for the sins of mankind. That was part of God's grand design. And it seems, also, Judas, being one of the conspirators, was informed of this. Hence Judas played along with the wayang and 'sold out' Jesus so that Jesus could die, as what God had planned from the very beginning. Hence did Judas really betray Jesus or was Judas one of the actors in the wayang that God had planned? Were Judas and Jesus both fellow conspirators in this little conspiracy hatched by God? We must understand that Christianity was founded on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Without the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Christianity would not exist. Hence Jesus had to die and Judas had to 'betray' Jesus for that plan to succeed. Anyway, if Alfred E. Neumann is using the analogy of Judas to describe me, who is 'Jesus' supposed to be? Is it Anwar Ibrahim? For there to be a Judas, there must also be a Jesus. So I am very curious to know who this 'Jesus' is. I can only assume that Alfred E. Neumann means that Anwar Ibrahim is Jesus, the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and all that nonsense. Alfred E. Neumann then talks about my loyalty. He did not, however, talk about loyalty to whom. In Judas' case it was loyalty to Jesus that came into question. Hence, again, who is the 'Jesus' meant in Alfred E. Neumann's analogy? Loyalty has to be to a person, country, cause, organisation, etc. And if I have been disloyal then Alfred E. Neumann has to make clear to whom or to what I have been disloyal. I used to be a member of PKR. I never became a member of DAP or PAS because you cannot be a member of two political parties. I also used to work for PKR's newspaper until 2004, after which I left to manage Malaysia Today fulltime. I never renewed my membership in PKR since 2001. Hence Alfred E. Neumann cannot mean I am disloyal to PKR, DAP or PAS. I am not a member of any of those parties. I am, however, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party in the UK and I voted for them in the last general election (I became a LibDem member before the general election). And I am still a LibDem member until today. Now, LibDem is a coalition member in the present ruling government. In the most recent by-election in Eastleigh, LibDem competed against its coalition partner, Conservative, and won that by-election. In fact, 14 political parties in total contested in that by-election. Hence LibDem and its coalition partner, Conservative, fought against each other. And LibDem defeated its coalition partner. But that is not seen as a betrayal. It is considered quite normal and acceptable. It is just like PKR and PAS or PKR and DAP competing against each other in the elections. So you see, your interpretation of betrayal is not the same as my interpretation of betrayal. To you, PKR and PAS or PKR and DAP contesting against each other is considered a betrayal. To me, LibDem competing against Conservative is not a betrayal but democracy being practiced. My loyalty would be to the voters, not to Anwar Ibrahim, PKR, DAP or PAS. If I were to lie to the voters, that would be a betrayal. Hence when I received a video that explained what really happened regarding the diamond ring controversy, it is my duty to reveal this to the voters. The thing is, I may not personally like Rosmah Mansor. However, booklets are being distributed alleging that Rosmah bought a diamond ring when actually she did not. In fact, the story of her buying the ring came out after the ring had been sent back to the US. My loyalty is to the truth. And the truth is the ring was sent to Malaysia and was later sent back to the US. Then, after it was sent back, the story emerged. My job is merely to reveal what the people who had sent the ring to Malaysia have to say about the whole episode. And this I have done. Hence I have not betrayed the voters or the truth. Of course, many people are not going to believe this story. That is to be expected -- as many people too do not believe the story of the 30 pieces of silver and of Judas betraying Jesus or even the story of the existence of Judas and Jesus. In the end, you believe what you want to believe if you think that believing so will guarantee you a place in heaven. If I had revealed a video of Jacob and Co. confirming that the ring had been sent to Rosmah because she wanted to buy it would Alfred E. Neumann call me a Judas and question my loyalty? Of course not! Instead he would call me Jesus rather than Judas. That is what this whole thing is really about. ********************************************** 什麽，我在擔心？ Alfred E. Neumann 之後談及的是我的忠誠，但他沒有講到是我對誰的忠誠。我們知道猶大效忠的人是耶穌， Alfred E. Neumann 把我當成猶大的話，那就必須得有個耶穌。忠誠是對個人，國家，理念，社團。。。。等等的，Alfred E. Neumann必需闡明我所效忠的對象。 原文：Raja Petra Kamarudin 译文：方宙 Alfred E. Neuman 是我在 Mad 裏最喜歡角色。他的經典口頭禪是"什麽，我在擔心？" 'What me worry?' 。Mad 的Alfred E. Neuman在他名字裏只有一個'n' 而寫了以上這封信的Alfred E. Neumann 則有兩個'n'。 這個Alfred E. Neumann 在信中提到了猶大因30塊銀片而出賣了耶穌，而很多人都認爲這只是個傳説故事。到底歷史上猶大和耶穌是否存在呢？而既然Alfred E. Neumann沒有提出他們存在的證據我們只能設想他是個相信傳説的'講古人'。 事實上，有人認爲猶大根本沒有背叛耶穌而是耶穌的同謀。耶穌必須為世人的罪而死，這是上帝的指使，而猶大這個同謀他是知道的。所以，猶大他配合演出了這場wayang來背叛耶穌以便耶穌正如上帝所策劃般地死去。 那猶大真的背叛了耶穌嗎還是猶大是上帝計劃中的一員呢？猶大和耶穌是否又有合作執行了上帝的計劃呢？我們必須了解基督教是在耶穌受罪和復活后才建立的。若耶穌沒有被釘在十字架上和復活的話那基督教根本就不會存在。所以說耶穌必須死亡而猶大必須反叛才能讓計劃成功。 話説回來，如果Alfred E. Neumann 把我比喻成猶大的話，那誰是耶穌呢？安華嗎？有猶大就必須要有耶穌，而我真的很好奇他指的耶穌到底是誰。我現在只能猜想Alfred E. Neumann 的耶穌指的正是安華。 Alfred E. Neumann 之後談及的是我的忠誠，但他沒有講到是我對誰的忠誠。我們知道猶大效忠的人是耶穌， Alfred E. Neumann 把我當成猶大的話，那就必須得有個耶穌。忠誠是對個人，國家，理念，社團。。。。等等的，Alfred E. Neumann必需闡明我所效忠的對象。 我曾經是公正黨黨員，但我從來沒參與過行動黨和伊斯蘭黨，因爲沒有人可以成爲兩個黨的黨員。我也曾經為公正黨的黨報工作直到2004年，之後我就辭職為MT全職工作。而自從2001年起我就再沒更新我的公正黨黨籍。 所以 Alfred E. Neumann 不能講我背叛民聯三黨，因爲我根本就不是他們的黨員。無論如何，我是英國自由民主黨員，且在上個大選中有投票（我在大選前就入黨了）。到今天我還是自由民主黨員。 自由民主黨是現今英國執政聯盟政府中的其中一個聯盟黨。在最近Eastleigh的補選中（有14個黨參選），自由民主黨和它的聯盟黨友保守黨相互競爭。而在這次的補選中，自由民主黨打敗了它的盟友保守黨。但沒有人把這看成是背叛，他們都把這看得很正常且被允許的。在馬來西亞的話，我們可以把它看成是公正黨在大選中對壘伊黨或行動黨。 在這我們就能看出你和我就'背叛'上的不同看法。對你來説，民聯三黨自相競爭就是背叛彼此，但對我來講，自由民主黨和保守黨相互競爭並不是背叛彼此而是在展現民主精神。 我效忠的是廣大的選民，而不是安華或民聯。如果我欺騙選民的話，那我就犯了背叛罪。所以儅我把影片公諸於世以解釋'鑽石案'的背後真相時，我其實是正在執行著我對選民的義務。 我自己本身可能很不喜歡儸斯瑪，但那些小冊子指控的是儸斯瑪買了那枚鑽石戒指，而現實裏儸斯瑪根本就沒那麽做。事實上，那個故事是在那鑽戒被送囘美國才散播出來的。 我的忠誠是在於陳述事實的理念。而事實是，那枚鑽戒是在被送來馬來西亞后就被送囘美國，而那個故事是在以後才傳出的。我的義務是把那位送鑽戒到大馬的人要解釋的東西公諸於世，而我所做的正是如此。所以說，我並沒有背叛選民和我對陳述事實的理念。 當然，很多人都不會相信我所揭開的那個故事。這是很正常的----就如會有人不相信猶大和30銀片的故事，或猶大背叛耶穌的故事，甚至是猶大和耶穌存在的事情。 總歸而言，你會相信那些你要相信，那些可以讓你死後上天堂的事情。 如果說我發佈的影片是指認儸斯瑪想買那枚鑽戒的，那Alfred E. Neumann 還會稱我為猶大進而猜疑我的忠誠嗎？當然不會！他有很大可能會把我捧為耶穌呢！ 而 這就是所有事情的根基所在。

Mahathir draws thousands in Selangor rally Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:45 PM PDT Thousands of Malaysians turned up on Saturday, April 6, 2013, for a rally in Selangor to listen to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (above) lobby for support for ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Yong Yen Nie, Straits Times SHAH ALAM, Selangor - Thousands of Malaysians turned up on Saturday for a rally in Selangor to listen to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad lobby for support for ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Tun Dr Mahathir, 87, clearly has not lost his star power as the thousands came to a field in Shah Alam, the capital city of this opposition-held state, in the heavy rain to hear him speak. "I am here to help save Selangor," he said to loud applause. "Selangor is the richest state in the country and we should hold power in such states." Dr Mahathir had also campaigned before a crowd of thousands in Johor Baru recently as the BN sought to consolidate support there after the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) sent its top stars to stand in the southern state. The former premier, who retired in 2003, is seen to be backing current Prime Minister Najib Razak in this election as he attempts to wrest back power in the four states won by PR five years ago. "I am confident that Najib will fulfill the promises," he said. "Give the victory to BN and Insya-allah (God-willing), Selangor will be safe." Asked by reporters later about his active campaign, Dr Mahathir said he was doing his rounds to thank the people who had supported him when he was PM. He is also expected to campaign in Kedah where his youngest son Mukhriz Mahathir is seen as a front-runner to be its menteri besar, should the BN regain the state. Dr Mahathir's support would come as a relief to PM Najib whom he has criticised several times in recent years. His harsh criticism of then-Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi in the run-up to the 2008 general elections was seen as a factor in swaying voter sentiment against the BN. He remains an iconic leader to many, especially among the Malays.

2,000 throng Perkasa final rally Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:25 PM PDT Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was among the crowd who gathered in a show of strength against Pakatan Rakyat. Leven Woon, FMT SHAH ALAM: Some 2,000 people including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Selangor Barisan Nasional leaders today gathered in a Perkasa rally here, which called for the ouster of Pakatan Rakyat state government ahead of a crucial general election. Dubbed by the organiser as its final rally before the polls, the rally drew many BN supporters who donned the coalition signature blue T-shirt or Perkasa red T-shirt. When Mahathir arrived at 3.30pm at a school field, the crowd waved the BN flags enthusiastically and chanted "Hidup Tun". "With this kind of spirit, I am confident that come the 13th general election, Pakatan will be finished off here," declared Perkasa deputy president Zulkilfli Noordin. READ MORE HERE

Sabahans’ (new) dilemma Posted: 05 Apr 2013 07:10 PM PDT In a survey conducted by Merdeka Centre, more than 70 percent of the respondents in Sabah were satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Najib Razak. It is undeniable that Najib's popularity is contributed by his transformational leadership style and his pragmatic policies (despite their many flaws). Unlike Najib, however, Sabah BN leaders lack pragmatism in addressing the Sabah issues. Arnold Puyok, New Mandala In 1994, Herman Luping in his seminal work, "Sabah's dilemma", wrote about the dilemma faced by Sabahans in maintaining state autonomy and independence under the Federation of Malaysia. Sabah leaders wanted to safeguard the state's regional rights but the federal leaders viewed this as an attempt to override the power of the central government. Just as Sabahans are prepared to vote in the upcoming 13th Malaysian General Election, they are facing with a new kind of dilemma – which party to vote to rule Sabah for the next term. Sabahans have shown that they are capable of voting out a party that they dislike. A case in point is USNO (United Sabah National Organisation) in 1975. Despite USNO's leader Mustapha Harun's iron fist rule, Sabahans voted in unison to oust him from power. In 1985, Sabahans bravely voted against the mighty BERJAYA (Sabah People's United Front) in favour of PBS (Sabah United Party). Back then, Sabahans had a clear choice: BERJAYA to replace USNO, and PBS as an alternative to BERJAYA. Now, despite the desire of Sabahans to see change in the political landscape of the country, they have to make a hard choice between the complacent Sabah BN whose leaders lack the tenacity to address the Sabah issues and the fractious opposition coalition led by Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact/Alliance) consisting of PKR (People's Justice Party), DAP (Democratic Action Party), PAS (Pan Malaysian Islamic Party), and UBF (United Borneo Front) comprising STAR (State Reform Party) and SAPP (Sabah People's Progressive Party). In a survey conducted by Merdeka Centre, more than 70 percent of the respondents in Sabah were satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Najib Razak. It is undeniable that Najib's popularity is contributed by his transformational leadership style and his pragmatic policies (despite their many flaws). Unlike Najib, however, Sabah BN leaders lack pragmatism in addressing the Sabah issues. Not many Sabahans in the rural areas understand what Najib is trying to do. Sabah BN leaders seem to lack the fervour to materialise Najib's transformational plan. Many Sabahans are also unhappy with the lackadaisical attitude of Sabah BN leaders in tackling the perennial illegal immigrant issue. Due to the inertia shown by BN, Sabahans have no choice but to look for the alternative. In 1999 and 2004, Sabahans rejected PKR as it was then a newcomer in Sabah politics. In 2008, Jeffrey Kitingan helped increase PKR's popularity. Even though Jeffrey is known for his infamous reputation as "katak" (political frog a term used for elected representatives to switch parties), he managed to "re-package" the Borneo Agenda to rally Kadazandusun support for PKR. Despite PKR's failure to win any seat, its popular votes increased substantially in most of the constituencies. READ MORE HERE

Ghani's Gelang Patah move changes everything in Johor? Posted: 05 Apr 2013 06:59 PM PDT Gelang Patah will be hotly contested seat as it could be fight between Lim Kit Siang and MB Abdul Ghani Othman and what would it mean for MCA? Chua Sue-Ann, fz.com PAKATAN RAKYAT's rapid momentum in Johor appears to have hit its first stumble now that Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman has offered to battle DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang in Gelang Patah.   For starters, the two Johor-born politicians loom large in the political sphere and are well-known names in their own right.   Lim is a household brand who embodies DAP's classic "street fighter" style of opposition politics on a national level.   The mild-mannered Ghani, in contrast, is a familiar face in the state, having been menteri besar since 1995.   Personalities aside, Gelang Patah is tipped to be the hottest seat to watch at the 13th general election due to the new dynamics that this epic battle brings.   It significantly changes the early game for both sides of the political divide not just for Gelang Patah but the larger Johor landscape.   What does this mean for MCA?   Ghani, if he is fielded as BN's candidate for Gelang Patah, will raise many uncomfortable issues for MCA, who is already seen to be on a weaker footing going into the impending general election.   Already, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has disappointed those who were keen to see him take on Lim in a "clash of titans".   Earlier last week, Chua declined to stand in Gelang Patah ostensibly because he had to "respect" the will of the grassroots.    Soi Lek had argued that he couldn't usurp the position from local MCA grassroots leader Jason Teoh who has been working the ground in the constituency.   By with the rapidly changing developments, Chua's argument appears to hold little water.   "Soi Lek and MCA claim to be leaders of the Chinese community. This is all the more reason why Soi Lek should stand in Gelang Patah to take on Kit Siang," said a political observer, noting that Gelang Patah is after all a Chinese-majority urban seat.   He added that Chua should emulate Tan Sri Lee San Choon who took up the challenge of standing against DAP's Dr Chen Man Hin in Seremban, a Chinese-majority DAP stronghold, in the 1982 general elections.   Not only did Lee go on to beat Chen by a mere 845 votes, he led MCA to a huge victory - winning 24 out of 28 parliamentary seats and 55 out of 62 state seats contested. "That cemented MCA's position as the leader of the Chinese community," he said.   Also, questions already abound as to why MCA would hand over its seat for Umno to defend. Does this confirm MCA's lack of confidence in winning Chinese support, the very community that it claims to represent?    Strategically though, MCA could use Gelang Patah as a bargaining chip for a safer Johor seat, one that the Chinese-based party has a more realistic chance of winning.   But it remains to be seen how well grassroot supporters and local warlords will receive MCA's plans to step aside for Umno in Gelang Patah.   Pakatan is also expected to take the opportunity to criticise MCA for giving in to Umno's demands.   What does this mean for DAP?   Lim, going from his Ipoh Timur constituency to Gelang Patah, initially injected a much-needed boost for DAP and Pakatan Rakyat's bid to rattle the MCA and Umno in their stronghold state.    Since Gelang Patah is a Chinese-majority urban seat, it was earlier thought that Lim will have little difficulty beating beat his MCA contender, Teoh. This is because federal opposition was banking on a surge of support from Johor's Chinese voters, and Barisan's earlier choice of candidate, Teoh, is a relative lightweight in comparison.   But now, with Ghani in the fray, DAP will have to go back to the drawing board to alter its strategy somewhat.   For one, DAP will now have to focus on attacking Ghani's credentials as menteri besar.   At its many ceramahs, DAP has been campaigning on broader national issues of good governance and corruption scandals.    But at this stage, it is uncertain if national issues will hold sway with Johor voters who had stood behind BN in the 2008 general election even though urban voters elsewhere swung towards the opposition.   Although DAP is likely to still win high support levels from Chinese voters in Gelang Patah and Johor, Lim will need to shore up his appeal amongst Malay and Indian voters to ensure a win.   To that end, Lim has to rely on PAS and PKR.    Lim has already released what he termed "DAP's Gelang Patah Declaration", a blueprint to help uplift the Indian community's welfare if Pakatan triumphs.   What does this mean for Pakatan's momentum?   Ghani's entry into the right could be the uniting factor for Pakatan's three coalition partners - DAP, PKR and PAS.   PAS and DAP have been working somewhat well together in the early stages of preparing groundwork and machinery for Johor.    But DAP and PKR ties in Johor were strained after a much publicised spat between DAP Johor chairman Dr Boo Cheng Hau and Johor PKR chairman Datuk Chua Jui Meng. Even PKR party workers in Johor would not go as far as to say they were working well with DAP.    But on Friday, Chua emerged from his self-imposed two-week break to address the press after his brief "leave of absence" drew concern of a fracture within Pakatan. All smiles, Chua appeared to offer an olive branch to DAP by wishing Boo well and maintaining that there was no hatchet to bury with his DAP counterpart.   Chua even pledged to help DAP, saying "We are brothers in politics. There is a Chinese saying that the spears must point outwards, not inwards at ourselves".   What does this mean for Ghani and Umno?   In Johor, Umno has been reasonably comfortable that they still command a high level of support from Malay voters. Their only worry is with the Chinese and Indian voters because many Johor constituencies have a sizeable non-Malay electorate.   It is learnt that it was Ghani himself who offered to fight Kit Siang after the latter made known that he would be vying for the Gelang Patah constituency.   Umno sources say Ghani's closest associates sought to dissuade him. But about a week ago, BN decided that Ghani should go up against Kit Siang to help offset potential loss of non-Malay support, they say.   "He himself was worried that they will lose the bastion during his time. Kit Siang's entry increases opposition ratings so all the MCA and MIC seats became danger zones. He felt he has to do something about it," said an Umno source.   It is an open secret that Ghani will no longer be the menteri besar candidate for BN in Johor after 18 years in office. This is apparently due to the Sultan of Johor's preference to see a more dynamic menteri besar. But at the same time, Ghani is not keen to bow out of state politics and head back to a federal platform.    Whatever happens in Gelang Patah and Johor, Ghani will still walk away a winner.   If he defeats Kit Siang, Ghani's star will shine brighter within Umno and BN, thus putting him on a stronger political footing. And if he loses to Kit Siang, he can go out in a blaze of glory. READ MORE HERE

Downfall is expected within six months if Pakatan Rakyat rules: Ko Youn Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:32 PM PDT Ko Youn: In this election, if Pakatan Rakyat wins more parliamentary seats than the BN, once PAS threatens to form a coalition government with Umno, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang would then be the Prime Minister, instead of PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. If that happens, Pakatan Rakyat will split. Soong Phui Jee, Sin Chew Daily The DAP, PKR and PAS do nor have common ideologies and policies. The reason for the three parties to form Pakatan Rakyat is to confront with their common enemy, the BN. Once the BN is defeated, the reason of unity will no longer exist and their conflicts will then surface, eventually leading to secession, said Gerakan Deputy President Chang Ko Youn. Chang believes that even if Pakatan Rakyat is able to seize Putrajaya in the upcoming general election, it would face a downfall within six months due to secession. The political situation would then be reshuffled. During an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Chang said that the real kingmaker among the three component parties of Pakatan Rakyat is PAS. Just like the situation in Perak after the 2008 general election, PAS, with only six state seats, was offered advice to cooperate with Umno. "In this election, if Pakatan Rakyat wins more parliamentary seats than the BN, once PAS threatens to form a coalition government with Umno, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang would then be the Prime Minister, instead of PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. If that happens, Pakatan Rakyat will split," he said. Malay and Indian votes have returned to the BN Chang advised that Chinese voters should think calmly as the BN's policies over the past four years have been greatly different from those in 2008. He pointed out that many Chinese are demanding changes and want to change the government. However, Malay and Indian voters do not have the resonance. "Malay votes have returned to the BN due to a number of religious issues while Indian voters are disappointed with Pakatan Rakyat as the promises made in 2008 were not delivered. As a result, the DAP recently announced a 14-point manifesto in Johor as a supplementary to the Pakatan Rakyat's manifesto being announced a month ago. However, it cannot help in reversing the Indian's voting trend," Chang said. Big challenge for Najib to win Chinese support Chang said that the transformation plans launched by Datuk Seri Najib Razak have benefited many Indians and the greatest challenge for Najib now is how to win Chinese confidence. He hopes that the route taken by Najib over the past four years can convince the Chinese and has made the Chinese feel that only the BN can provide them the sense of security. He also hopes that the Chinese will not decide their future with the 2008 general election's sentiment. Supporting Najib's transformation plans will benefit the Chinese.

Time to elect servant leaders Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:24 PM PDT It is obscene that our poverty income level is set at around RM800 for an average family of 4.5 persons. We would seriously like to see politicians and their families live on RM800 a month. Many of our leaders live on RM800 a day! A meaningful assessment of poverty in our country will place the poverty income level at RM1,500-2,000 for a family of 4-5 persons. From government figures, this would mean that 30 per cent of our population are still living in poverty. Amar-Singh HSS and Lim Swee Im, TMI Most of us are tired of politicians. In a real and honest world a politician is one who represents the people, a very high calling, a noble profession. These are individuals willing to sacrifice much to represent the average person on the street. They are willing to forego their own interests to meet the needs of the many. They are prepared to speak up when injustice is done and to make decisions which benefit the majority of the people. These are the persons we elect, not just the party they represent, but persons of integrity. Unfortunately, the reality is that politicians have become self-serving individuals out to get as much power and material gain as possible. Willing to subvert basic human rights and compromise on vital issues just to meet party or personal needs. The shame of Malaysia is that despite the vast riches of our land and more than 50 years of independence, the average person is still poor. The authorities want to continue to show nice statistics on poverty reduction but those of us who work on the ground know the immense struggles of the people in the bottom 20 per cent of our society.  Our transformation plans are great for the rich and upper-middle class but are not going touch the poor. The poor in Malaysia are neglected and thrown crumbs while the rich and powerful continue to exploit them. The gap between the bottom 20 per cent and the top 20 per cent of our population has widened considerably in the past 50 years. It is obscene that our poverty income level is set at around RM800 for an average family of 4.5 persons. We would seriously like to see politicians and their families live on RM800 a month. Many of our leaders live on RM800 a day!  A meaningful assessment of poverty in our country will place the poverty income level at RM1,500-2,000 for a family of 4-5 persons. From government figures, this would mean that 30 per cent of our population are still living in poverty. It is sad that only a tiny minority of our leaders can be said to inspire us with their lives. The majority live such lavish lifestyles that it is impossible to identify with them or appreciate that they are working for the people. That they are helping their family and friends is without a doubt. It is almost impossible to find a poor politician in power or a poor family member of a politician. That a single son of a leader can have RM1,000 million in assets is mind boggling. In our time there are few leaders who inspire us, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan (and his father before him), Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi stand out as examples.  At his installation as leader, Khesar said these remarkable words: "Destiny has put me here. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing. This is how I shall serve you as King." And, unlike our local leaders, he has lived by these words. A man of humility and one who serves, not lords it over the people; a true "servant leader". We are not pessimistic but realistic about our situation, a situation that is not unique to Malaysia. But we are writing to ask that we move forward. Away from working for the poor in the community only when the elections are around the corner. Away from communal politics and self serving interests. READ MORE HERE

GE13: Hindraf only focuses on Indians, says PKR man Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:19 PM PDT (The Star) - Pakatan Rakyat has a strong chance of retaining the Bukit Melawati state seat despite Hindraf's intention to contest there, said outgoing assemblyman M. Muthiah of PKR. Although Hindraf's candidacy could lead to a split in votes, he said Hindraf would not be able win the hearts of all Malaysians as the movement only focused on the well-being of the Indians. "Pakatan does not use the race card to win votes. We do what is best for the people and that is how things are supposed to be," he said when contacted. Hindraf announced on Thursday that it would contest in three parliamentary (Kota Raja, Kuala Selangor and Kelana Jaya) and five state seats (Sri Andalas, Ijok, Sri Muda, Bukit Melawati and Seri Setia) in Selangor.

GE13: Dissent within PKR over Teluk Kemang seats Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:17 PM PDT (The Star) - PORT DICKSON: PKR leaders here are at loggerheads over candidates for the Teluk Kemang parliamentary and state seats. The party's Teluk Kemang division chief and outgoing Port Dickson assemblyman M. Ravi and state PKR chairman and outgoing Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas (picture) have submitted different candidates for state seats in the Teluk Kemang constituency. It is also learnt that Ravi has recommended Badrul Hisham Shaharin and another member, Datuk M. Nadarajah, to contest the Teluk Kemang parliamentary seat. However, Kamarul's camp has recommended that he be considered to defend the Teluk Kemang seat while state vice-chief V. Aridass contest for the Port Dickson state seat. Kamarul's name was also proposed for the Ampangan state seat, causing unhappiness in the Seremban division, which had nominated its deputy Dr Rafaie Mohamad. The outgoing Ampangan PKR representative, Rashid Latiff, has decided not to seek re-election. "Kamarul is also tipped to contest in Ampangan because if the Opposition takes over Negri Sembilan, he will then be the obvious choice for Mentri Besar," said a source. In KUALA TERENGGANU, PKR is disputing state PAS commissioner Abdul Wahid Endut's announcement that the party will contest seven out of eight parliamentary seats in the state. "This is a decision that has been agreed within Pakatan Rakyat," said Abdul Wahid at a press conference on Thursday. Terengganu PKR chief Azan Ismail, however, said nothing had been finalised.

GE13: Jui Meng accepts there is no seat for him in polls Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:15 PM PDT (The Star) - Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, whose two-week leave created a ripple within the Opposition, finally said he accepted the fact there might not be seat for him to contest in the general election. "I had a house, and that house was Gelang Patah. And now I don't have a house to go to. "The party has sought to look for other houses to fulfil PKR's quota of 12 parliamentary seats but no doors have been opened to me," he said. Chua admitted that his supporters in Gelang Patah were disappointed with the recent announcement that DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang would stand as the Opposition candidate there. However, he said the disappointment would be temporary and added that he would cooperate with PAS and the DAP "whether I stand in the election or not". Speaking at a packed press conference in the PKR headquarters here yesterday, Chua said he had no problems with the DAP and would work with it for the sake of Pakatan's campaign in the GE13. When asked about his relations with his DAP counterpart in Johor Dr Boo Cheng Hau whom he had openly clashed with in the past Chua put on a brave front and said there was no quarrel to begin with. He instead heaped praise on Dr Boo. "Dr Boo is a bright young leader. I wish him all the best and he has a bright future ahead of him," he said. Dr Boo had in February accused Chua of being behind "vicious attacks" against Johor DAP and called for him to be removed as state PKR chief. Chua had retaliated by urging Dr Boo to be "more mature, humble and patient". Both had reportedly been eyeing the Gelang Patah seat and Chua had said then that it was Dr Boo and not himself who had stated any intention to contest there. Chua yesterday also admitted that he went on two-weeks leave but was tight-lipped over the reason. However, there was speculation that it was because he was disappointed with the PKR leadership for conceding the Gelang Patah seat to the DAP.

NY jeweller clears Rosmah on ring purchase Posted: 05 Apr 2013 03:02 PM PDT The US$8 million diamond ring was not purchased by Rosmah Mansor nor Maira Nazarbayev. It was sold to another client in June 2012, says Jacob & Co. K Kabilan, FMT International jewellery maker Jacob & Co from New York has confirmed Rosmah Mansor's denial that she had purchased from them a diamond ring worth millions of ringgit as alleged by a PKR leader in 2011. Philip Nassimi, the director of fine jewellery of Jacob & Co, also backed Rosmah's version of events that a diamond ring was indeed shipped under her name to Kuala Lumpur, but that was for the purpose of showing the ring to Maira Nazarbayev, whose son is engaged to Rosmah and Najib Tun Razak's daughter. Speaking in a video interview posted by popular blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin on his site Malaysia-Today, Philip (photo below) said the 30.11 carat – natural fancy blue, grade cushion diamond – valued at US$8 million, was shipped to Kuala Lumpur for "exhibition and inspection purposes only, and not for sale". "It was sent so that Maira Nazarbayev who was residing as a guest at the prime minister's residence can view the ring," he said in a 3.49-minute video. He added that the ring was shipped under Rosmah's name as US laws only allow for such items to be shipped to a local person with a local address (in Malaysia). He said the ring, after being viewed by Maira, was shipped out of Kuala Lumpur soon after and reached New York in May 2011. "The said ring was not purchased by Rosmah nor Maira… it was sold to another client in June 2012," added Philip. He also said that Maira was a highly valued customer of Jacob & Co for about 10 years. "She is a well respected client of this firm," he said. He, however, did not state if Rosmah was a client of the jeweller, or if she had made any other purchases with them. The video was released by Malaysia Today late yesterday and is believed to be recorded last month. READ MORE HERE

US jeweller backs Rosmah’s denial of RM24m ring buy Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:56 PM PDT Ida Lim, TMI American jeweller Jacob & Co has come out to refute allegations that Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor bought a RM24 million diamond ring from it in 2011, lending credence to the latter's attempt to shake off criticisms over her spending habits. In a YouTube video uploaded by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin yesterday, an employee from the New York-based jewellery firm said the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had only inspected the ring, which was later sold to an unnamed client in June last year. "It was shipped for exhibition and inspection purposes only, not for sale, to the attention of Maira Nazarbayev in care of Madam Rosmah Mansor (picture)," Philip Nassimi, the director of fine jewellery at Jacob & Co said in the video, referring to the mother of Rosmah's future son-in law. Opposition leaders have been using the ring controversy to back their allegations that the wife of the country's chief executive has been abusing her position to reap riches and finery for herself. In the deep interior of Malaysia's Malay-majority constituencies, CDs, pamphlets and glossy photographs showing Rosmah and the RM24 million ring have been distributed since 2011, years ahead of the coming 13th general election. But according to Nassimi's video interview, the 30.11-carat blue-grey diamond ring worth US$8 million (RM24.8 million) was shipped from New York to Malaysia on April 15, 2011, but was returned to Jacob & Co on May 13, 2011, and was never purchased by Rosmah. In the video, shipping documents and a US Customs and Border Protection paper were shown to prove that the ring was indeed shipped out of Malaysia and then back to the American firm. Nassimi said Rosmah's name appeared on the shipping documents only because the jewellery firm was required to address the item to a Malaysian as Nazarbayev is not a citizen of the country. "The reason why on the house airway bill it was mentioned Madam Rosmah Mansor's name was because in order to ship a valuable into Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, it had to be shipped in care of a local Malaysian, not a foreigner." He also said: "Due to the fact that Maira Nazarbayev was residing as a guest in the prime minister's residence, the item had to be shipped in such a manner."  Nassimi said Nazarbayev is a highly-respected VIP client with almost 10 years of dealings with the firm, adding that another VIP client had bought the ring, but declined to name the individual. "This ring was not purchased by Madam Rosmah nor Maira Nazarbayev," he concluded in the video that was over three minutes long. READ MORE HERE

Who will the Suluks support? Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:53 PM PDT Observers believe that 'even a small swing' in Suluk support in some of the eastern-coast seats could be a nightmare for Sabah Umno candidates. Luke Rintod, TMI Sabah Umno leaders do not believe that the Suluk voters in Sabah have deserted them following the Tanduo stand-off in Lahad Datu between Sulu terrorists and Malaysian armed forces. "The majority of the Suluk voters are still with BN (Barisan Nasional)," said Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, the principal political secretary to Sabah strongman, Musa Aman. Many in the BN component parties like PBS, UPKO, LDP, PBRS and MCA share Nizam's observation. But deep within the Suluk community in Sabah, cracks are appearing. If you talk to the ordinary Suluk men, the majority would still say they are "with the government". And their leaders, in NGOs, too are issuing statements supporting the establishment. The question now is can these Suluk supporters of BN be trusted. Remember the Tanduo incident when the armed Sulu terrorists from the Philippines hoisted a white flag signaling a surrender or peace? But while the white flag was hoisted, the Sulu terrorists shot dead two Malaysian armed forces. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said our men were tricked. In which case could it be that the Suluk community is once again sending a decoy to BN, to eventually surprise them by a swing in the Suluk votes? Not so safe now Observers here observed that "even a small swing" in support from the community in some of the eastern coast seats could be a nightmare to some Umno candidates. The Lahad Datu and Tungku state seats and Silam parliamentary constituency (where Tanduo is) have consistently registered a huge dissenting votes against BN in previous elections. In the 2008 general election, the Lahad Datu state seat was won by Umno's Nasrun Mansur in a straight fight with PKR candidate, Zainuddin Zulkarnain. Nasrun chalked up 8,034 votes against Zainuddin's 4,976. Now five years later, observers note that support for the opposition had further increased. And now with the additional likely swing in Suluk votes, it's going to be a close fight especially if it is a one-to-one battle. In adjacent Tungku, also under the Silam parliamentary seat, and where the Tanduo action was, the situation is similar. Here too in 2008 the dissenting voices were strong. Umno's Suhaili Said won the seat for BN with a 4,828 votes but there were a substantial 2,446 votes that went to PKR's Jamal Sulai and another 164 votes for an independent. A slight shift in Suluk support here towards PKR could tilt the balance to a 50-50 or 45-55 situation, with Umno having only the slightest advantage. PAS, Anwar gaining ground Local observers said that if there is a 30% or more shift in the Suluk and Badjao communities, then BN is in for a run of its money in east coast. But Umno has never been more strong in the east coast than now. With financially powerful Badjao leader like Shafie Apdal from nearby Semporna, Lahad Datu and Tungku and Silam parliamentary seats could well be within BN's so-called fixed-deposit areas. With about RM6 billion annual development fund under his control in the federal Rural Development Ministry, Shafie is in pole position to influence the politics in Sabah's east coast. Shafie is an Umno vice-president and cannot afford to fail Umno in Sabah. If he falters in delivering seats to BN, then it would be the end of his political journey for him too. However, much to the dislike of Shafie and Sabah Umno, not all Suluk groups look up to or listen to the party anymore. They now have an alternative in PAS and the charismatic Anwar Ibrahim-led PKR. Both are known sympathisers of the Muslim community. And there is Usco (United Suluk Community Organisation). The youthful NGO has planned to put up election candidates against BN and Pakatan at the coming polls. READ MORE HERE

April 27 or April 28 or some say Polling Day is in May Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:45 PM PDT Carolyn Hong, Straits Times MALAYSIA'S Election Commission (EC) is expected to announce next Wednesday the dates for nomination and polling, now that the last two state assemblies - Penang and Kedah - have been dissolved to pave the way for a general election. The EC will also set the date for advance voting for security personnel who will be on duty on Polling Day, EC secretary Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria said in a statement yesterday. The law gives the EC 60 days to hold a general election following the dissolution of Parliament, which took place on Wednesday, but analysts expect polls to be held on the last weekend of this month, or early next month at the latest. In the last four elections, from 1995 to 2008, Nomination Day was held between nine and 11 days after Parliament was dissolved - and always on a weekend. Going by that, nomination would be around April 13 or 14 this time, but the timeframe might be too tight to allow that now. Observers now suggest that nomination could be around April 16 or 17, with polling still possible on the widely touted April 27 or 28. Some suggest the first weekend of next month as another possibility. Several new electoral measures will be introduced, such as the use of indelible ink, overseas voting and advance voting. The EC has already come under fire because its website crashed, unable to handle the flood of traffic from overseas Malaysians trying to register at the last minute to be postal voters. Even though the candidate lists have not been finalised yet, politicians have already started campaigning around the country. The opposition Pakatan Rakyat met yesterday to try to sort out tussles between component parties over its list. "We hope next week, (the list will be) finalised," said Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) secretary-general Mustafa Ali after the meeting yesterday. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday that he will defend his long-time seat of Permatang Pauh in Penang, putting an end to his earlier hints that he might move to a seat in Perak to lead the opposition charge there. He was quoted by The Star in Penang as saying that he wanted to be with his loyal voters and supporters in the parliamentary constituency. He had hinted earlier that he might move to Perak - much like how Democratic Action Party veteran MP Lim Kit Siang is moving to Johor to galvanise voters there. Barisan Nasional (BN) has also swung into action, with Prime Minister Najib Razak launching several high-profile projects in Cyberjaya, which lies within the constituency of the administrative capital of Putrajaya, held by BN. PAS vice-president Husam Musa is tipped to contest that seat. BN will launch its manifesto today, and is expected to release its candidate list next week.

KL election fever sparks volatility Posted: 05 Apr 2013 02:40 PM PDT Investors move funds to Malaysia in bid to profit from market turbulence Alvin Foo, Straits Times THE regional spotlight has been cast on Malaysia stocks amid rising election fever triggered by the dissolution of Parliament on Wednesday. That attention looks set to surge in the coming weeks as investors try to profit from the likely rise in volatility. Overseas interest has already been gaining pace. Last month, foreigners bought a net RM4.7 billion (S$1.9 billion) worth of Malaysian stocks - the highest since at least October 2009. Analysts attribute this surge to institutional investors upgrading their Malaysia country allocation from "severe underweight" to "slight underweight". These investors believe that election risks are mostly priced in while valuations in other Asean markets seem relatively rich. "We would not be surprised if investors took money out of other Asean markets which have done well, and re-allocate to Malaysia," noted Deutsche Bank. Market experts say the sudden surge in fresh funds may be caused by investors switching from Malaysian fixed income to stocks. The hint of election-sparked market turbulence was evident on Wednesday after Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved Parliament. Malaysian stocks plunged as much as 3.1 per cent during the day before ending flat, with volatility soaring to a one- month high. During the last election, in 2008, trading was suspended for an hour on March 10 - the first session following the dramatic poll results - to impose calm. Panic selling drove the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) down 9.5 per cent that eventful day - its worst one-day showing since a 21 per cent meltdown during the Asian financial crisis on Sept 8, 1998. Analysts expect uncertainty ahead with most tipping the elections to be held near the end of this month. TA Securities noted: "Trading post-dissolution of Parliament is expected to stay choppy, with selling on strength and buying on dips likely to contain the index within a range." It added that any rally attempts towards the 1,699 record high seen in January will likely be met with strong profit-taking and selling interest. The KLCI is trading around the 1,685 mark. It advised investors to cash out from overvalued blue chips and buy these back on weakness after the dissolution, since a win by ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) could spark a rally. CIMB analyst Terence Wong urged investors to stay on the sidelines as election risks could weigh down the market. He noted the selling pressure during the Sarawak state election in 2011 due to widespread concern about the poll outcome. "This time, the stakes are even higher, and therefore, the impact could be magnified," he added. CIMB's pre-election preference is to stay defensive and look at high-yielding, non-cyclical sectors such as brewery, real estate investment trusts and utilities. Mr Wong said: "Post-election, we are likely to turn more bullish." The spotlight is now on politically sensitive stocks. Deutsche analyst Joe Liew predicts a "status quo" election outcome, tipping BN to keep about 60 per cent of parliamentary seats. Deutsche's top five election buys are CIMB Group, Maybank, Tenaga, UEM Land and Gamuda, noting that these stocks are trading at valuations below historical averages.

PRU 13 dan Masa Depan Negara Malaysia Posted: 05 Apr 2013 11:10 AM PDT   Melalui nota ini, saya menyeru kepada semua, terutamanya saudara Islam supaya kita menarik nafas sedalam-dalamnya sejenak dan menempatkan satu ruangan kecil dalam hati anda untuk melakukan perkara berikut tanpa mengira faham politik anda. Mohamed Kamaruddin Alhamdulilah kerana Allah memperkenankan doa kita supaya Parlimen dibubarkan dengan segera untuk membolehkan PRU13 dilaksanakan. Kini, penantian rakyat Malaysia sejak lebih 1 tahun berlalu telah berakhir pada hari Rabu 3 April 2013. Syukur! Kalau diikutkan hati, tak mahu menoleh ke belakang. Senario Negara bergelumang dengan najis politik, umpat mengumpat, dedah mendedah, caci mencaci, dan semua yang sejenis dan sealiran dengannya mengecilkan semua usaha baik, murni, ikhlas, betul, benar – setiap hari. Sikap dan tabiat buruk yang ditunjukkan dan diiklankan oleh pihak dewasa warga politik menjadi satu matapelajaran baru bagi generasi anak-anak yang berusia bawah 17 tahun. Merekalah pemimpin Negara Malaysia pada masa yang akan datang. Sungguh cemerlang warga politik Malaysia melakar generasi politik masadepan Negara. Ya Allah, lindungilah Negara Malaysia kami dari kemurkaanMu. Satu ketika dahulu, tahap silaturahim dan kejiranan amat tinggi. Kita boleh duduk semeja diwarung meneguk teh dan kopi, kita masih boleh berjalan bersama menuju surau dan masjid untuk bersama menyembah dan sujud kepada Allah Yang Maha Esa. Kini ianya hanya dikenang sehinggakan rakan jemaah saf di kiri dan di kanan pun menjadi pilihan. Nafsu politik memperkaumkan ummah dan berjayalah mereka yang merasakan diri mereka adalah Juara Politik! Kini, pembubaran Parlimen telah berlaku sepertimana yang dicita-citakan. Kita kini akan menghadapi tiga situasi genting iaitu: 1. Hari untuk Penamaan Calun 2. Hari untuk Pengundian dan Keputusan Pilihanraya 3. Hari untuk Penubuhan Kerajaan Baru Hari Penamaan Calun adalah sama seperti hari pengenalan musuh politik sementara hari pengundian dan keputusan pilihanraya serta hari penubuhan kerajaan baru akan menentukan halatuju masa depan Negara. Melalui nota ini, saya menyeru kepada semua, terutamanya saudara Islam supaya kita menarik nafas sedalam-dalamnya sejenak dan menempatkan satu ruangan kecil dalam hati anda untuk melakukan perkara berikut tanpa mengira faham politik anda. Ruangan berkecuali ini adalah untuk meletakkan usaha murni dalam keindahan Islam bahawa kita semua adalah bersaudara. Gerakkanlah diri kita sendiri untuk melakukan perkara-perkara berikut, ajak dan pelawalah saudara yang lain untuk bersama melakukannya. Mudahan Allah akan melimpahkan Rahmat dan Kasih Sayang Nya kepada kita. Perkara yang akan kita lakukan adalah seperti berikut: 1. Selepas sesi Penamaan Calun, kita semua ke surau atau masjid untuk membaca Surah Al Yasiin diantara Maghrib dan Isya dan berdoa semoga Allah akan memilih calun politik yang terbaik untuk kita kerana Dialah Yang Maha Pemilih. Kita juga berdoa supaya Allah mengekang nafsu amarah semasa berkempen dan Allah merencanakan perancangan pengundian yang terbaik mengatasi semua perancangan pengundian kotor oleh mana-mana pihak. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Perancang. 2. Sehari sebelum sesi pengundian, kita semua kembali ke surau dan masjid untuk sekali lagi membaca Surah Al Yasiin diantara Maghrib dan Isya dan berdoa semoga proses pengundian akan berjalan lancar dengan baik, berdisiplin, selamat, beretika dan bertertib. Hari yang berikutnya iaitu selepas mengundi, kita beramai-ramai ke surau dan masjid untuk bersama-sama sekali lagi membaca Surah Al Yasiin diantara Maghrib dan Isya dan berdoa semoga Allah mempermudahkan proses pengiraan undi dan seterusnya pengumuman keputusan pilihanraya tanpa sebarang insiden yang tidak baik. 3. Keesokan pagi harinya, kita sudah tentu mendapat berita keputusan pilihanraya. Oleh itu kita sekali lagi menuju ke surau dan masjid untuk membaca surah Al Yasiin selepas solat subuh dan berdoa semoga proses penubuhan kerajaan baru selepas PRU13 akan dipermudahkan serta memohon kepada Allah supaya silaturahim semua rakyat Malaysia dipereratkan semula untuk membolehkan kita hidup aman sentosa. Bagi mereka yang bukan berugama Islam, mereka boleh melaksanakan apa sahaja yang bersesuaian dengan agama pegangan mereka. Keutamaannya ialah walaupun kita semua melalui waktu kekalutan, nilai baik dalam diri kita masih ada dan mengerti bahawa esok tak sama dengan hari ini dan kehidupan perlu diteruskan. Tempoh yang singkat dari sekarang sehinggalah penubuhan kerajaan perlu dihayati oleh semua rakyat. Oleh kerana kita sebagai manusia yang lemah tidak berupaya mengekang azab dan siksaan Allah, marilah kita bersama kembali kepada Allah untuk Allah memberikan apa yang terbaik untuk kita. Pangkahan kita hanyalah suatu usaha kerdil kita, pangkahan Allah lebih PASTI! Allahuakbar.

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