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• 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
• 'Lembah Pantai will be ours', says Muhyiddin
• Retired generals raring to do battle
• Dr M: DAP risking it with Chinese vote in BN’s Johor fort
• GE13: PAS-led govt cheques don’t check out
• Sabah opposition falling apart or cyber campaign?
• Najib: Choose me or Anwar
• 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
• Mahathir draws thousands in Selangor rally
• 2,000 throng Perkasa final rally
• Downfall is expected within six months if Pakatan Rakyat rules: Ko Youn
• 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
• April 27 or April 28 or some say Polling Day is in May
• KL election fever sparks volatility
• GE13: Palanivel rules out Samy as polls candidate
• Samy Vellu mad with Palanivel and deputy for misconstruing his statement
• GE13: UM student, 23, to challenge Najib for Pekan seat
• After Hindu insult, Zulkifli Noordin says ‘keling’
• Malaysia GE13: Anwar to contest from his old Penang seat after all
• Blogger Papa Gomo says will fight Anwar in GE13
• Three-corner fight in Bukit Gasing with Edward Lee’s son as independent
• DAP blames EC for low overseas postal voter registrations
• ‘Flood of money leaving Malaysia to reverse after BN wins polls’
• Squabbles in PR camp over seat allocation
• Anwar to announce tonight which seat he will contest in
• Wan Azizah: Contesting or not?
• ABU: Don’t be scared of BN’s fear tactics
• ABU disappointed, says Hindraf 'courting' BN
• Mutiny in Sabah Pakatan Rakyat
• Leaked papers show offshore interests of Mirzan, Raja Nong Chik
• DAP criticised over its ‘extremist’ candidate
• Azmin rejects Sabah PKR’s ‘suggestions’
• Only 6,298 overseas Malaysians have registered as postal voters
• GE13: No parliamentary seat for Jui Meng
• IC row: Will native parties quit BN?
• Is it time for change in Malaysia?
• GE13: Ghani taking on Kit Siang
• GE13: Sabah PKR grabs 7 MP seats; ignores DAP, PAS
• Najib hands out citizenship papers to Indians ahead of polls

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.

'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."

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

GE13: Palanivel rules out Samy as polls candidate Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:47 AM PDT   (The Star) - Former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu has been ruled out as one of the candidates for the nine parliamentary and 19 state seats allotted to the party. Party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said although the party had yet to finalise its candidates, Samy Vellu was not one of them. However, he said Samy Vellu had been working hard in the Sungai Siput constituency, which he lost to Dr Michael Jeyakumar in the 2008 election. "He will not be a candidate. It is not right of the media to speculate that Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu will be a candidate," he said yesterday. Samy Vellu, who is Special Envoy for Infrastructure for India and South Asia, had earlier been quoted by online portals as declaring himself to be a "winnable candidate" for the Sungai Siput seat should he be picked to contest there. Palanivel said discussions were ongoing over candidates for several state seats. During the party's central working committee meeting on Thursday evening, Palanivel said MIC was happy that it was allowed to re-contest all the parliamentary and state seats it had contested in the 2008 general election. Palanivel, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, is expected to contest in Cameron Highlands, while Datuk S.K. Devamany, who is MIC vice-president, is tipped to contest the Sungai Siput seat. MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam is set to defend the Segamat seat while another party vice-president, Datuk M. Saravanan, currently Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister, will defend his Tapah seat.

Samy Vellu mad with Palanivel and deputy for misconstruing his statement Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:45 AM PDT   (The Malaysian Insider) - Former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu is incensed with party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam over the "winnable candidate" issue. He believed they misconstrued his declaration on Wednesday — the day Parliament was dissolved — when he stated he was a "winnable candidate" for the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency, in reply to a reporter's question. In response to Palanivel's earlier statement that Samy Vellu (picture)would not be contesting in the coming general election, the latter said he had not made a request to Palanivel to be nominated for the seat. "Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam have misunderstood my statement at a media conference during the handing over of donations to the families of the slain warriors of Lahad Datu, Sabah in Bukit Aman. "It is true that I told the reporters that I had no doubt I was a winnable candidate, but that doesn't mean that I had requested Palanivel that I wanted to re-contest in Sungai Siput," he said in a statement yesterday. Samy Vellu said he was saddened over their statements as the statements did not reflect his true intentions. "They (Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam) should have called me first to find out what transpired at the media conference (in Bukit Aman) before shooting off their mouth," he said, adding that the duo had shown immaturity in politics by "jumping the gun".  Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/samy-vellu-mad-with-palanivel-and-deputy-for-misconstruing-his-statement/

GE13: UM student, 23, to challenge Najib for Pekan seat Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:43 AM PDT   (The Star) - A 23-year-old Universiti Malaya student will challenge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for the Pekan parliamentary seat in the 13th general election. Gerakan Mahasiswa PRU13 (GM13), a coalition of student groups, will field political science student Mohamed Bukhairy Sofian as an independent candidate. He said the group was fielding a candidate as a call to reform Malaysia's higher education system. "We want to highlight our manifesto and bring these policies to Parliament. "We will not sideline the issues affecting the local residents (in Pekan) as well," he said during a press conference here on Friday. Mohamed Bukhairy is a member of the UM student representative council, as well as the chairman of the Nasional Students Representative Council. Solidariti Mahasiwa Malaysia (SMM) chairman Muhammad Safwan Anang said the manifesto had been forwarded to both the ruling and opposition parties last month, but has yet to receive a response from either side. The student manifesto outlines eight main points, including full autonomy for local universities, academic freedom, free education at the tertiary level, and that students are allowed to manage their own affairs. When asked whether he was confident about winning, Mohamed Bukhairy said, "I will do my best... the point is to try."

After Hindu insult, Zulkifli Noordin says ‘keling’ Posted: 05 Apr 2013 10:41 AM PDT   (The Malaysian Insider) - Independent lawmaker Datuk Zulkifli Noordin has been captured on Youtube uttering the word "keling", which Indian Malaysians find racially offensive, just days after an earlier video deemed religiously-insensitive went viral. The latest video clip was posted yesterday and showed the controversial Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP at a public event in the Ampang suburb on March 6, purportedly weighing in on the conspiracy theories surrounding the 2006 murder of Mongolian interpreter Altantuya Shaariibuu and the private detective hired to tail her, P. Balasubramaniam who died of heart attack last month. "Ada badigol Baghdad ni percaya, entah keling mana bawa kitab Hindu dia, 'saya ada tengok, saya ada bukti'. Keling ni bawa kitab Hindu sumpah, dia percaya (There are these Baghdad fools who believe this keling from nowhere who brings his Hindu holy book, saying, 'I have seen, I have proof'. This keling brings and swears on his Hindu holy book, he believes)," he said, using a derogatory word in the Malay language to refer to Malaysians of Indian ancestry. The two-and-a-half minute clip uploaded by a Youtube user identified as "Chandra Lawan Tetap Lawan" appears to be an extract of a slightly longer video first posted by Malay news portal KLPos.com, which was also uploaded to Youtube, under the title "PAS Gadai Kalimah Allah [PAS pawning Allah]". Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-hindu-insult-zulkifli-nordin-says-keling/

Malaysia GE13: Anwar to contest from his old Penang seat after all Posted: 05 Apr 2013 12:35 AM PDT Carolyn Hong, Straits Times Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will defend his long-time Permatang Pauh seat in Penang, putting an end to his earlier hints that he may move to a seat in Perak. He announced at a rally in Penang Friday that he wanted to be with his loyal voters and supporters in this seat. "My wife had earlier disagreed with me when I told her that I was considering contesting the Tambun parliamentary seat in Perak,' he was quoted as saying by the Star in Penang. "She said the people of Permatang Pauh were loyalists and diehard supporters who had stood by her and PKR through thick and thin all these years." Datuk Seri Anwar had earlier hinted that he might leave the seat that he has held since 1982 to move to contest in Perak which the opposition Pakatan Rakyat is keen to wrest back from the ruling Barisan Nasional. The PR had won Perak in the 2008 general election but lost it to the BN a year later when three of its assemblymen defected. A PR heavyweight - the Democratic Action Party veteran MP Lim Kit Siang - will be leaving his Perak seat to lead the PR charge in Johor. Mr Anwar was speculated to be filling the vacuum in Perak. Permatang Pauh is a safe seat for Datuk Seri Anwar who had held it from 1982 until 1999 when he was sacked from government on charges of corrupt practices and sodomy. He has maintained that these charges are trumped up. The seat was held by his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail until he regained it in 2008 upon his return to active politics after he was released from prison. He won the seat in a by-election in 2008 by a landslide, taking two-thirds of the 47,000 votes.

Blogger Papa Gomo says will fight Anwar in GE13 Posted: 04 Apr 2013 10:27 PM PDT Mohd Farhan Darwis, TMI Pro-Umno blogger Papa Gomo declared today he will run against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 13th general elections (GE13), raising the stakes in his personal fight against the oppostion leader. The blogger, whom PKR has identified as Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, had tweeted this afternoon that he had decided to fight head-on against the 65-year-old who dreams of becoming Malaysia's seventh prime minister in national polls due soon. "I have made the decision to stand in this GE13 against Anwar Ibrahim," he said in Malay on his Twitter account, @PapaGomo, before quipping "Lawan tetap lawan" in an apparent dig at the PKR founder's famous slogan. "Certain to lose but let Anwar get indigestion," he added. However, it is unknown where the election battle will take place as Anwar announced recently he may not defend his Permatang Pauh, Penang federal seat in the coming polls. He is reported to be eyeing a seat in Perak. Papa Gomo has also been accused of being ex-policeman-turned-former convict and a "phantom" voter in the run-up to Election 2013, touted to be the tightest-race for both the ruling Barisan Nasional and the three-party Pakatan Rakyat opposition anchored by PKR. Last month, Anwar filed a RM100 million defamation suit against Papa Gomo for allegedly posting on his blog false still photographs of the PKR leader from a fake sex video.

Three-corner fight in Bukit Gasing with Edward Lee’s son as independent Posted: 04 Apr 2013 10:22 PM PDT Ida Lim and Md Izwan, TMI The Bukit Gasing state seat in Selangor will see a three-corner fight in Election 2013, with the son of its former representative Edward Lee Poh Lin (picture) to run as an independent candidate against DAP and the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. "I'll be running as an independent," Simon Lee Chung Hsin told The Malaysian Insider when contacted today. Lee, who had previously aided his late father in his duties as the Bukit Gasing state assemblyman, is expected to officially announce his candidacy in a press conference next Thursday. DAP publicity chief Tony Pua confirmed that Simon Lee would not be contesting under the party's ticket as his late father did in Election 2008, where he defeated BN's Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng in a massive win with a 8,812 majority. "He will not contest on DAP's ticket, he is an independent candidate," Pua said. Following Edward Lee's death in 2011, no by-election was held, leading to DAP's Subang Jaya state assemblyman Hannah Yeoh's adoption of the Bukit Gasing seat. Recently, The Malaysian Insider reported that DAP would likely field first-timer outsider Kasthuri Rani Patto, the daughter of late DAP hero P. Patto, in the Chinese-majority seat in Petaling Jaya. She had said that Edward Lee's impact continues to be felt, highlighting the "Save Bukit Gasing" campaign which he had started together with local residents in an effort to protect the Klang Valley green lung from development. BN is seeking to regain Selangor, one of the five states that the federal opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took over in Election 2008. PR currently holds 36 seats out of the 56 state seats and 17 out of the 22 parliamentary seats in the country's richest state.

DAP blames EC for low overseas postal voter registrations Posted: 04 Apr 2013 09:43 PM PDT Ong pointed out that he received many questions from overseas Malaysians last Wednesday - the day Parliament was dissolved - about how to register as postal voters. Boo Su-Lyn, TMI The DAP blamed the Election Commission (EC) today for the registration of only 6,298 Malaysian voters abroad, or 0.6 per cent, out of about a million Malaysians living overseas. The Star Online reported EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof as saying yesterday that the low figures were "quite disappointing", despite the polls regulator providing a "convenient registration process". "The announcement for overseas postal voting was only done on January 21st, 2013, after the gazetting of the Quarter 4, 2012 electoral roll," DAP election strategist Dr Ong Kian Ming said in a statement today. "This meant that those Malaysians overseas who had not yet registered as a voter, which is probably the majority of them, were not eligible to apply to be an overseas postal voter after the announcement of the EC guidelines on overseas voting," he added. Ong also accused the EC of not "aggressively" reaching out to overseas Malaysians before January to register as regular voters first, before registering as postal voters. "As far as I know, the EC did not allocate any budgetary resources, nor did it work with Wisma Putra, to conduct an aggressive voter registration exercise for Malaysians overseas," said Ong. He also noted that advocacy group MyOverseasVote found out last July that several Malaysian embassies and consulates had received inconsistent information on who could register as regular voters through them. "This shows the serious failure on the part of the EC to communicate and implement a standard registration procedure among the Malaysian embassies and consulates," he said. Ong pointed out that he received many questions from overseas Malaysians last Wednesday - the day Parliament was dissolved - about how to register as postal voters. "This clearly shows that the EC failed in its outreach to Malaysian voters which resulted in the low number of registrations," he said. READ MORE HERE

‘Flood of money leaving Malaysia to reverse after BN wins polls’ Posted: 04 Apr 2013 06:08 PM PDT (TMI) - Money flowing out of Malaysia should reverse course after an expected Barisan Nasional (BN) win in Election 2013, according to fund managers and market analysts in the region. This comes as foreign funds pulled RM10.7 billion out of Malaysia in February due to election jitters, while at the same time pushing RM29.4 billion into neighbouring Thailand. "Elections are probably going to be held before the end of April and we expect to see funds coming back," Wee-Khoon Chong, a rates strategist in Hong Kong at Societe Generale, told financial wire Bloomberg in a report published today. "The risk-reward is still favoring the incumbent to continue another term." Investors have stayed cautious in the past few months, over the uncertain date of the next polls, and worry that a loss by long-ruling coalition BN might postpone economic reforms. Bloomberg reported that Citigroup Inc analysts Kit Wei Zheng and Brian Tan noted that a narrower win for BN compared to 2008 would raise the risk of delaying some fiscal reforms that will affect inflation, although the policy direction would stay unchanged. "If there's status quo and Barisan Nasional stays in power, there'll be a lot of pent-up demand for Malaysian ringgit assets and funds will probably find their way back onshore," said Lum Choong Kuan, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd's head of regional fixed-income research told Bloomberg. Foreign funds have preferred Thailand because of Malaysia's political uncertainties and Indonesia's current-account deficit, but they are expected to return to Malaysia where there has not been any major civil conflicts like the 2008 and 2010 Bangkok protests. "On a historical basis, the political situation in Thailand has been more volatile compared to Malaysia. In terms of stability, investors still prefer Malaysia rather than Thailand," said Lam Chee Mun, a fund manager at TA Investment Management Bhd. Maybank Investment Bank (IB) Research came up with three possible outcomes for Election 2013 in its daily report yesterday, and a win by opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was in none of them. Maybank IB put a BN win with a smaller majority as its baseline scenario, while keeping the status quo would be the best-case scenario. The third scenario would be a hung parliament. READ MORE HERE

Squabbles in PR camp over seat allocation Posted: 04 Apr 2013 05:40 PM PDT These squabbles are not surprising, said political analyst Khoo Kay Peng, who runs his own consultancy. Since 2008, when PR did spectacularly well in the polls, its membership has grown exponentially, and it now has a slate of better-qualified people. Carolyn Hong & Yong Yen Nie, Straits Times THE pressure is on the parties to finalise their candidates as nomination day may be just days away. The lobbying for seats has been intense, with open squabbles already marring the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) camp, while the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) holds its cards tightly. PR said it hopes to finish the seat negotiations by today, while BN is expected to begin announcing some names from next week. PR has trickled out the names of some candidates over the last few weeks. But even the cautious rate of announcements has not managed to quell the squabbles. There were protests from the ground after the Democratic Action Party (DAP) announced its candidate - former Umno assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri - for the Raub seat in Pahang. He is a relatively new recruit. The Kedah DAP also complained publicly after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim picked Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidates for the Alor Star and Padang Serai seats, which the DAP had wanted. The worst squabble was in Johor, where PKR chief Chua Jui Meng went incommunicado after DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang was announced as the candidate for the Gelang Patah seat, which Mr Chua was eyeing. Mr Anwar's announcement of former army chief Hashim Hussein for the Johor Baru seat also reportedly caused ripples, as he was new to the party. These squabbles are not surprising, said political analyst Khoo Kay Peng, who runs his own consultancy. Since 2008, when PR did spectacularly well in the polls, its membership has grown exponentially, and it now has a slate of better-qualified people. "Things have become much more competitive now. Public office always holds a great lure for people as it comes with influence and the network," he said. He noted that PKR - the youngest party - seems to have the most problems. Its partners, the DAP and Parti Islam SeMalaysia, have a lot more experience dealing with this. The coalition, he said, will have to resolve its differences quickly, or look fractious. Umno MP in Johor Nur Jazlan Mohamed said it appeared that PR is not immune to the BN disease of fighting for seats, as its members grow to believe there is a chance for the opposition coalition to win power. On the other hand, BN has kept quiet. It is understood that Prime Minister Najib Razak has told his party leaders to give him a free hand to decide on the candidate list. He has met BN leaders over the last few days to finalise it. Sources say some states may see changes, including Johor, where the current Menteri Besar Ghani Othman has already served four terms. Mr Ghani has been speculated to be moving to a parliamentary seat, with several names tipped to replace him. Kedah is another state where there is intense lobbying for the Menteri Besar-designate post. Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir is said to be a front runner. The PM yesterday urged his party leaders at a closed-door meeting to avoid the infighting that had hurt the party in 2008. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it had completed vetting all candidates.

Anwar to announce tonight which seat he will contest in Posted: 04 Apr 2013 05:28 PM PDT (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said he will announce on Friday night the seat he will be contesting in. But he remained coy about confirming widespread speculation that he was going to contest in Perak. He said he will make the announcement at a rally in Seberang Jaya on mainland Penang. He said he needed to meet his supporters in his current seat Permatang Pauh to explain why he was not contesting here as they have been with him through good and difficult times. He also said he was "heavy hearted" to move from Permatang Pauh as he has been here since 1982. Asked if he was going to contest a seat in Perak, he said "tengok dulu" (let's see). "Rationally, the strategy is to boost the support there (Perak). It's a mixed area there. "We have (Pas spiritual leader) Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in Kelantan, (DAP secretary general) Lim Guan Eng in Penang and (DAP adviser) Lim Kit Siang in Johor," he told reporters at a mosque here. He was scheduled to attend a meeting with PKR, DAP and Pas leaders to discuss candidacy issues at 3.30pm but declined to reveal where the meeting would be held. When asked about his wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's role in the coming election, Datuk Seri Anwar said she was keen to serve the people and assist in campaigning but not keen to be a candidate. He also urged police to look into cases where protesters caused disturbances at Pakatan's rallies and to take action against those responsible.

Wan Azizah: Contesting or not? Posted: 04 Apr 2013 04:47 PM PDT PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar denies reports that party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will not contest. K Pragalath, FMT The possibility of PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim contesting a state seat in the 13th general election "remains" open until nomination day, said her daughter Nurul Izzah. "The possibility remains until the announcement date," Nurul told FMT in a text message. Nurul's comment contradicts her father, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on Wednesday that Wan Azizah would not contest. Anwar had told Al Jazeera during a live interview that Wan Azizah "leads the party but decided not to contest in the election". Earlier today, Nurul dismissed Anwar's statement describing it as mere "political talk" even though the announcement was reported by the PKR media organ KeadilanDaily.com. In the Bernama report, Nurul said KeadilanDaily.com had merely quoted a statement released by the central PKR election department. "An official announcement would be made by Anwar next Wednesday. He definitely knows about the candidates' preparations," she said. Speculations about Wan Azizah contesting in this general election arose last week. Malay daily Sinar Harian reported Azizah's intention to contest for a state seat in Selangor which was unnamed since Azizah had not finalised on where to contest. "Yes, I will contest for a seat in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly but we need to discuss on a suitable seat. That would make it easier for me to conduct an election campaign and focus on the area," she told Sinar Harian. Subsequently, Selangor PKR information chief Shuhaimi Shafiei, who is also Seri Muda state assemblyman, offered Azizah four state seats to choose from the 17 that PKR currently controls. The four state seats are Seri Muda, Kota Anggerik, Seri Setia and Sementa in Kapar. Her intention to contest also created speculations that current Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who is also vying for the menteri besar seat, would have to give way for Azizah to be the next menteri besar, if she won. Media speculations Meanwhile, the PKR grassroots leaders in Selangor have welcomed Azizah's decision to contest in Selangor. Wan Azizah was the Permatang Pauh MP from 1999 to July 2008. She contested in Permatang Pauh after Anwar was disqualified from holding on to his MP position when he was imprisoned. In July 2008, she stepped down to allow Anwar's comeback into active politics. Her decision to step down resulted in her being disqualified to contest for a parliamentary seat until July this year. Responding to another question, Nurul also brushed off talks of Anwar moving to Perak to contest a parliamentary seat as mere "media speculations". "I think he did not mention that he is ready to contest in Perak. It is merely media speculations and I have myself received memorandum from Permatang Pauh residents requesting him to remain there," she said. She added that there was a sentimental factor for Anwar in Permatang Pauh. READ MORE HERE

ABU: Don’t be scared of BN’s fear tactics Posted: 04 Apr 2013 04:41 PM PDT The EC may set May 11 as the polling date to remind the rakyat about the May 13 incident, say ABU spokesman Haris Ibrahim.  Alyaa Azhar, FMT Polls watchdog ABU (Anything But Umno) spokesman Haris Ibrahim today urged Malaysians not to be influenced by fear tactics employed by Barisan Nasional for the coming general election. "From what we have heard, the Election Commission [EC] may set May 11 as the polling date to remind the people about the May 13 incident. "This move is to scare the rakyat and to remind them to vote for stability. We urge the rakyat not to be frightened by BN's tactics. "If the EC sets the date on May 11, please do not let the BN's fear tactics influence our decision to vote. Remember that we are voting for change," he said at a press conference held at ABU's headquarters here today. Haris also urged the rakyat to reject race-based politics and expressed disappointment with Hindraf. "We are disappointed with Hindraf's new stand as it is seen to have courted BN. Why are they [Hindraf leaders] going back to BN, the same BN which has marginalised Indians for so long? "Also, we have traced an SMS which was issued by Hindraf members to boycott the general election. "We urge the Indians not to do this because it does not make sense to boycott the general election," he said. Haris also said that ABU has launched an initiative by distributing "Amaran" (warning) flyers throughout the country to foreign nationals who have been provided with MyKads for the purpose of voting in the upcoming election. Tahan squads "These flyers serve to stop foreign nationals from casting a vote in the general election, or risk facing the ire of the rakyat. "Tahan [Team Abu Halang Asing Ngundi] squads are being assembled throughout the country to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process. "These squads will consist of ordinary Malaysians who will ensure that these foreign nationals do not vote on polling day," said ABU's Jason Sanjeev Ganeson . READ MORE HERE

ABU disappointed, says Hindraf 'courting' BN Posted: 04 Apr 2013 04:05 PM PDT Nurul Iman Dimyati, fz.com Anything But Umno (ABU), a friendly opposition movement, today expressed their disappointment in Hindraf over its actions that seem to be "courting" the ruling coalition. "Repent and return to the right path (taubat dan kembali ke pangkal jalan)," ABU spokesperson Haris Ibrahim urged Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy.   Haris said Hindraf's meeting and discussion of its blueprint plan with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was seen as leaning towards Barisan Nasional.   "We are dissappointed with recent developments of Hindraf. Their recent actions, to us, seems like they are trying to court Barisan Nasional," said Haris.   ABU said it is standing up for the 40% marginalised Malaysians and the the main cause of that marginalisation was the ruling coalition's policies.   "These (Hindraf's actions) cannot be accepted by ABU," said ABU member Jonathan Jeevan.   However, he said the ABU will still leave the door open for Hindraf to work with ABU.    "If Hindraf chooses not to, then ABU's message to Hindraf is very simple – you do not represent all the Indians so do not play Umno/BN race card."   It was rumoured that Hindraf were sending out SMSes telling Malaysians to boycott the 13th general election.

Mutiny in Sabah Pakatan Rakyat Posted: 04 Apr 2013 03:47 PM PDT Disclosure by 'Gang of Seven' rankles; Allies fume over what they claim is an unauthorised statement Alexander Chen, Borneo Insider The Pakatan Rakyat-Plus coalition in Sabah seems to be cracking at the seams ahead of the 13th general election. This is all due to a pre-emptive strike by a group of Parti Keadilan Rakyat Sabah veterans led by the wily Ansari Abdullah to announce a shortlist of seven candidates on Thursday. The revelation caught everyone by surprise, including Ansari's PKR colleagues as an official announcement was only expected today (Friday) at the earliest. But knowing that he was most likely not going to be in the list of candidates, Ansari and the 'Gang of Seven' jumped the gun to stake their claim. This produced a curt response from a PKR official in Kuala Lumpur: "Ansari must be out of his mind," he said when informed of the statement. An aide of DAP Kota Kinabalu MP, Hiew King Cheu went ballistic at the news he read in Borneo Insider and called to say, "that's not true. That list must be a figment of imagination by him; no that's not what has been discussed." The Angkatan Perpaduan Sabah (APS) was not amused either, with a Wilfred Bumburing assistant saying that Ansari and gang were only saying things to spite the opposition. Anthony polled a credible 7.830 votes in 2008 when he stood as a PKR candidate against eventual winner, Maximus Ongkili of the BN. "Ansari knows that Tuaran has been allocated to APS and that Wilfred is the candidate while Marudu will be contested by Maijol Mahap," he said. He added: "Ansari has never won an election so he is hallucinating. His list is one that he and his cohorts must have made up themselves. Definitely it is not an official one but disclosed early so as to embarrass the PR leadership, especially Anwar Ibrahim and Wilfred." On Thursday, Ansari told a press conference that he would be the PR choice for Tuaran and Anthony Mandiau would be re-fielded in Kota Marudu. The others he named were Dr Chong Eng Leong (Sepangar), Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Jonathan Yassin, the division chief for PKR Ranau, who is also his brother-in-law, though better known for having a hand in the Anwar-Huguan Siou fiasco. Tongue in cheek, he said: "In line with the promise for autonomy (by Pakatan Rakyat leadership), we have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions. Eng Leong: Another luckless politician whose favourite topic is the illegal immigrants when not indulging in his favourite past-time. "We are very confident that Datuk Seri Anwar and the party leaderships of PAS and DAP will honour their commitment that matters involving Sabah will be decided by Sabahans. "This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test," he said. READ MORE HERE

Leaked papers show offshore interests of Mirzan, Raja Nong Chik Posted: 04 Apr 2013 03:07 PM PDT (TMI) - Mirzan Mahathir (picture) and Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin are among 1,500 Malaysians with offshore companies in Singapore and the British Virgin Islands, two locations popular as tax havens for the rich. The names of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son and the federal territories minister came up in leaked documents obtained by Washington-based International Confederation of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), according to a report in news portal Malaysiakini today. Another name that cropped up in the report was Michael Chia, the man linked with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman over money laundering allegations. According to the report, the list of people owning these offshore firms include tycoons, parliamentarians, retired politicians and civil servants. They also include members of royal families, as well as criminal kingpins. The report stated that the leaked ICIJ files provide secret records of offshore holdings of people and companies in more than 170 countries and territories. "The hoard of documents represents the biggest stockpile of inside information about the offshore system ever obtained by a media organisation. The total size of the files, measured in gigabytes, is more than 160 times larger than the leak of US State Department documents by WikiLeaks in 2010," ICIJ was quoted as saying. According to the leaked documents, Raja Nong Chik is a prominent shareholder and director of RZA International Corporation, a British Virgin Islands entity incorporated on August 21, 2007 via Singapore. The company is a mirror of Malaysian entity Kumpulan RZA Sdn Bhd, a firm established in 1997 dealing in real estate and equities investment, the news portal reported. READ MORE HERE

DAP criticised over its ‘extremist’ candidate Posted: 04 Apr 2013 02:41 PM PDT While Raub DAP division has vetoed Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz's candidacy, MCA has claimed that the latter is a threat to Chinese education. (FMT) - DAP has come under heavy criticism from all quarters for fielding former Umno Pantai Manis assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz as the candidate for the Raub parliamentary constituency in Pahang. Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had announced on Monday that Mohd Ariff, who blogs as sakmongkolak47, would be DAP's candidate in Raub in place of Tengku Zulpuri Raja Puji Shah, a popular figure among the grassroots members in Raub. Tengku Zulpuri was slotted for the Mentakab seat. Following the announcement, some 50 DAP leaders from the Raub division held an emergency meeting earlier this week and vetoed Mohd Ariff's candidacy and appealed to the party's central leadership to reconsider its decision. They claimed Tengku Zulpuri was a better candidate for Raub because he had been active on the ground for several years. Mohd Ariff, a frequent critic of Umno and its policy, only joined DAP last January. He was roped in by Umno in the 12th general election although he was a state assemblyman from 2004-2008. When contacted by FMT, Tengku Zulpuri said he understood the feelings of the grassroots members because they have been spending time and money with him to make voters understand about the Pakatan policies. "I hope the new candidate can continue with the mission," he said. However, he dodged the question on whether he still harboured hope of contesting in Raub, saying that the people in Mentakab had expressed support for him. Mohd Ariff an 'extremist' Meanwhile, MCA has also lambasted DAP for fielding Mohd Ariff whom it described as a detractor to Chinese vernacular schools. In a statement issued yesterday, MCA national youth education bureau chief Chong Sin Woon claimed that Mohd Ariff had demanded that the federal government cease providing funds to the Chinese schools. READ MORE HERE

Azmin rejects Sabah PKR’s ‘suggestions’ Posted: 04 Apr 2013 02:36 PM PDT Azmin's dismissal of a candidates' list revealed by Sabah PKR leaders only highlights the growing discontent between the party's national leadership and the Sabah leaders. G Vinod, FMT PKR deputy president Azmin Ali today dismissed a Sabah PKR leader's decision to announce the party's candidates for the state's west coast region, stating that the names were "mere suggestions". "They are merely suggestions. All decisions will be made by our political bureau meetings," he said today at a press conference at party headquarters here. FMT earlier today reported that Tuaran PKR chief Ansari Abdullah had pre-empted the party's top leadership by announcing seven candidates for the state's west coast region. He said that the announcement was made in line with PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim's decision to give autonomy to the East Malaysian state. Ansari announced that he would stand for the Tuaran constituency and Dr Chong Eng Leong for Sepanggar. Others were Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Johanathan Yassin (Ranau). When unveiling the list late yesterday in Sabah PKR headquarters in Penampang, Ansari had said: "We have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions. "This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test," he had added. Azmin's dismissal of the list today highlighted the growing discontent between the party's neational leadership and the Sabah leaders. Pakatan's council meeting Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, said that the Pakatan Rakyat presidential council would be having a meeting later today to discuss on its candidates list. "We will discuss issues concerning overlapping seats. Hopefully, we can sort out the matter by the end of the week," he said. When asked if Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng would be contesting in the general election, Azmin said: "We appreciate what he had done for the party. We have made several offers to him and I'm confident we can resolve the mattter." Azmin's reply seemed to contradict Chua's earlier statement when he said that he has yet to be offered any seats to date. Azmin also dismissed a tweet by Yusmadi Yusoff who claimed that the latter was not shortlisted to contest for the Balik Pulau parliamentary seat. "That's his view. The party will decide on him and all PKR members contesting in Penang by this evening. "Anwar will announce on which seat he will contest at the same time," said Azmin. READ MORE HERE

Only 6,298 overseas Malaysians have registered as postal voters Posted: 04 Apr 2013 02:29 PM PDT (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Only 6,298 Malaysians out of over 700,000 Malaysians living abroad have registered as postal voters. "It is quite disappointing after all that we did to provide a convenient registration process for the voters' overseas," Election Commissionchairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said. "The process is simple. Malaysians abroad can e-mail or fax over their particulars. "I would have thought there would be 100,000 or even 200,000 overseas people (Malaysians) registering to vote," he told The Star on Thursday. He said ample time had been given from Jan 21 till the dissolution of Parliament on April 3 to register. Tan Sri Abdul Aziz also said only 2,900 absentee voters would cast postal ballots. Asked whether the EC's website being down on Wednesday contributed to the low registration, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz said it was not a factor. He also dismissed suggestions that EC regulations for overseas voters were too stringent. "One must register as a voter and Malaysians staying abroad can be postal voters so long as they are registered as voters and had been in Malaysia for not less than 30 days in the last five years before dissolution of Parliament," he said. Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said certain groups, especially electoral reforms group Bersih, had called for EC to allow overseas voting, arguing that tens of thousands of Malaysians overseas wanted to vote in the coming general election. "The low rate of voter registration is a little bit disappointing especially when Bersih made a big issue out of it," he said on Thursday. Bersih steering committee member Wong Chin Huat said the poor rate was due to the late announcement of the registration of overseas voters. Meanwhile, following the crash of its website, the EC posted on its GE13 website (http://www.pru13.gov.my/) on Thursday that Malaysians can check their voter status by calling its call centre at 03-8885 6565 or SMS SPRSEMAK IC NO and send to 15888.

GE13: No parliamentary seat for Jui Meng Posted: 04 Apr 2013 02:25 PM PDT Meena Lakshana, fz.com PKR vice president Datuk Chua Jui Meng said today that he has yet to be offered a parliamentary seat to contest in the 13th general election. However, the veteran politician said he was still willing to contest if Pakatan Rakyat offered him a seat.   After going "missing" for weeks, the Johor PKR chief today held a press conference to clear the air over the squabble with DAP for the Gelang Patah seat.   Clarifying he was on leave for two weeks, Chua said though he would prefer not to stand in the upcoming elections, he had been persuaded to contest by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.   After PKR had "lost" the Gelang Patah seat (which it contested in the 2008 general election) to DAP this time around, Chua had been hopeful of getting the Bakri seat in return. However, DAP has reportedly refused to yield the seat to PKR.   "I'm just saying I really do not have a house to go to. I was told to leave my house. Of course, the party offered various constituencies belonging to DAP but unfortunately up till now no doors have been open to me," Chua told a packed room at the PKR headquarters here.   "I wish I did not have to stand but if I was given a chance to change the country, how can I turn it down?"   "If I am offered a seat, I will contest," he added.   He also said he supported DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang's move to contest in Gelang Patah, a seat Chua had reportedly been eyeing earlier.   "I am honoured the person who is going to take over from me in Gelang Patah is Lim Kit Siang.   "He (Lim) is an honourable man who is persistent in the struggle for change in this country and I am proud to be contributing towards his struggle," he said, adding that Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman decision to go up against Lim is Umno and BN's strategy to get rid of the senior politician.   "It is obvious they don't want Ghani," Chua added.   He said PKR had been eyeing 12 Johor parliamentary seats but was finally allocated 11 with Lim's moving in to contest in Gelang Patah.   "We have very good people who will be candidates and I am not in the business to usurp anyone's seats and I will not ask anyone to step down for me to contest," Chua said, adding that after two weeks of introspection and reflection, he was of the view that he has an 'enviable' position and needed no seat to contest for power.   "If I do contest, I win. If I don't contest, I win as well," Chua said.

IC row: Will native parties quit BN? Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:19 AM PDT   (FMT) - It is pointless for native parties in the Sabah BN coalition to continue with their blind allegiance when it is now obvious that the federal government 'does not take them seriously'. Two serious developments have cropped up in Sabah which got the Barisan Nasional native partners all riled up. One is the federal government's rejection of the "united" demand of the BN partners to re-issue fresh MyKads to bona fide Sabahans. The other is the incriminating revelations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the issuing of MyKads to the illegal immigrants. Will these two events be reason enough to compel the BN partners to leave the coalition? Sabah State Reform Party (STAR) hopes these disturbing developments will be enough to lead the parties to collaborate with genuine stakeholders committed to protecting the rights of Sabahans. With general election weeks away, STAR desperately needs to consolidate with other local parties and wrest the state administration from BN control. Straddled between giants – BN and Pakatan Rakyat – STAR and Sabah Progressive Peoples Party (SAPP) are the "bigger boys" among the locals. Both are championing local agendas: STAR has its Borneo Agenda and SAPP has Sabah for Sabahans. STAR and SAPP are backing PBS, Upko and PBRS in their collective call for the federal government to revoke and re-issue MyKads to genuine Sabahans. STAR said de facto law minister Nazri Aziz's dismissal of a "sound proposal" was telling. Nazri claimed that there were "legal implications" and that the process to re-issue fresh MyKads was "difficult". But Sabahans who have been closely following the testimonies of witnesses at the RCI in January into the issuance of MyKads to illegal immigrants in the 1990s in a citizenship-for-votes scam are not buying the tall tale. Nazri's dismissive response to Upko president Bernard Dompok's willingness to surrender his own MyKad merely confirmed suspicions about the direction the RCI was taking and the federal government's intentions. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/04/05/ic-row-will-native-parties-quit-bn/

Is it time for change in Malaysia? Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:17 AM PDT   (Al Jazeera) - As the nation prepares for polls, we ask if the opposition leader can shake off years of allegations and controversy. The parliament in Malaysia has been dissolved and the gloves are off as political leaders gear up for a fight over corruption, discrimination and the cost of living. "This is a crucial election for the prime minister and the ruling coalition but ... I think there is a certain degree of ... quiet confidence that the Barisan Nasional will retain power for three reasons. Number one ... the series of by-elections that were held before 2010 ... Barisan did fairly well in those by-elections .... Number two, the prime minister has introduced a series of reforms among them economic reforms .... And number three, the demands from a certain segment of our society for a greater democratic space, he's been able to respond to those demands to some extent ... " - Chandra Muzaffar, a Malaysian political scientist Parliamentary polls will pit the National Front Coalition, which is in power since 1957, against a resurgent opposition. The ruling group has already been knocked back, suffering its worst ever results in 2008 elections. And it will not be plain sailing this time either. Malaysia is geographically split in two parts - there is a narrow peninsula in the western region and that is where the capital Kuala Lumpur is. And across the South China Sea is the eastern part, forming part of Borneo island.  Malaysia is also an ethnically diverse country. Ethnic Malays make up 60 percent of the population and they are the most dominant group in politics. Ethnic Chinese form around one-quarter of the population and they hold a lot of the economic power. Ethnic Indians and indigenous peoples are among the poorest in Malaysia. In the forthcoming elections, three million first time voters - nearly one-quarter of those eligible - will have to decide who to give their support to. But who are the key political players? Najib Razak is the current prime minister, and his National Front Coalition has been in power for more than 50 years. Najib himself took over in 2009, following a disastrous election for the coalition, which lost its two-thirds majority in parliament. Najib will be highlighting Malaysia's strong economic growth under his stewardship as a reason for re-election. "I think the very fact that this prime minister has allowed the parliament to almost automatically dissolve shows that there is actually not much confidence in the many transformation programmes that he has put in place .... Despite the relatively decent economic performance of the country, many people on the street do not feel any ... significant increase in their incomes, the perception is that inequality is actually rising ... the cost of living in the urban areas continues to increase .... I think the majority of the voters feel that this is an opportune time for there to be a transition in government after 56 years of Barisan Nasional rule." - Kian Ming Ong, an election strategist for the opposition Democratic Action Party "In the last four years, all Malaysians have experienced and witnessed a huge change in the economy, the politics and socially within our nation under the government's transformation programme, which has brought tremendous change to peoples' lives and prosperity to the country," he said. "I urge all Malaysians and the parties to take note that if there is a change of power at federal or state level after the next election, [it] must be transferred peacefully and smoothly." Read more at: http://m.aljazeera.com/story/2013446582318256

GE13: Ghani taking on Kit Siang Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:14 AM PDT   (The Star) - Titanic fights are looming on the horizon, barely a day after the dissolution of Parliament with challenges being thrown to some of the biggest names in Malaysian politics. In Johor, speculation is mounting that DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang may not have the easy passage he is expecting in Gelang Patah. Several state Umno leaders have taken the radical step of asking Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman to square off with Lim. In Perak, Barisan Nasional leaders say they will make sure that PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim loses if he contests in the state. The main attention, however, is on the DAP bid for Gelang Patah, which is key to the Pakatan Rakyat campaign strategy in Johor, which it regards as a frontline state. Johor Barisan MPs believe that Ghani is the ideal and most credible candidate to fight the DAP heavyweight in what has been deemed "the hottest seat in Johor". Datuk Puad Zarkashi of Batu Pahat said Ghani would be the game-changer needed in Barisan's defence of Gelang Patah and Johor in the 13th general election. He said the contest would allow Ghani to defend his legacy in Johor. Puad, who is Deputy Education Minister, noted that Gelang Patah is the site of Iskandar Malaysia, the country's most prestigious development project which was launched under Ghani's watch. The new state capital in Nusajaya is also within Gelang Patah. "We hope he will consider it (contesting in Gelang Patah) because he pioneered all these projects. He is the most suitable person to defend what we have in Johor," Puad said. The 66-year-old Ghani has been Mentri Besar since 1995. It is understood that he had informed the Prime Minister that he did not mind offering himself as the Gelang Patah candidate. Gelang Patah is an MCA seat but a party insider said the proposal could be discussed even though MCA division chief Datuk Jason Teoh has been forwarded as the candidate. The insider agreed that the Mentri Besar was popular among the Chinese and had a good chance of winning the seat, which has 53% Chinese voters, 34% Malays and 13% Indians. Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad said Ghani's style of politics reflected the "Johor way" of doing things. "DAP's racial politics and divisiveness are not going to be good for Johor. Voters should be given the choice whether they want the Johor way or DAP's racial way. "It is important for Johor to maintain and protect what has been Johor's trademark in race relations. We have been able to depoliticise issues like Chinese education. "Our Chingay festival goes back 150 years and soon the Foon Yew High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. We are proud of these traditions," said Shahrir. The idea also had the support of Nusajaya assemblyman Datuk Aziz Sapian who said that Ghani had always enjoyed a warm relationship with the Chinese in Johor. He said Ghani also had good working ties with the Johor Chinese groups and associations which looked up to his leadership. However, Deputy Defence Minister and Mersing MP Datuk Dr Latif Ahmad said there was no need to make Lim look so important. Meanwhile, reports that Anwar was likely to contest in Perak met with swift response from Barisan, with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declaring that the coalition would "bury" the PKR leader in the state. Ahmad Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, said Anwar's intention to contest in Perak would not scare anyone in Umno and that it would be lawan tetap lawan (fight to the end), regardless of whether it is Anwar or anyone else who takes on Umno in Perak. Anwar's plan to quit Permatang Pauh for another seat in Perak has sparked speculation that he was not confident of holding on to his old constituency, which has more than 71% Malay voters, and that he was looking for a Perak seat with Chinese voters to carry him through. Officially though, his reason for moving south is to lend his weight to Pakatan Rakyat in Perak now that Lim is moving to Johor. Ahmad Zahid said Anwar would not dare to contest in any of the Umno seats in Perak because "we will make sure he is defeated".

GE13: Sabah PKR grabs 7 MP seats; ignores DAP, PAS Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:12 AM PDT (Borneo Insider) - Our stand is that, since PAS did not contest any of these seven constituencies they have no right to contest. DAP obtained lesser votes in Sepangar and Putatan; they even lost to PKR candidates.  Parti Keadialan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Thursday unveiled a list of seven proposed candidates for the West Coast North Zone. They are senior lawyer Hj Ansari Abdullah (Tuaran), anti-illegal immigrant activist Dr Chong Eng Leong (Sepangar), Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Jonathan Yassin, the division chief for PKR Ranau, who is also brother-in-law to Ansari. Unveiling this was Ansari who is also currently PKR Tuaran Chief in the presence of five of the seven proposed candidates and the various PKR divisional chiefs, in a press conference held at its Headquarters here. "In line with the promise for autonomy (by Pakatan Rakyat leadership), we have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions. All the seven divisional heads of the seven divisions are also here. "We are very confident that Datuk Seri Anwar and the party leaderships of PAS and DAP will honour their commitment that matters involving Sabah will be decided by Sabahans. "This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test," he said. He claimed that all the candidates have been long identified, as far back as two years ago, and their backgrounds too have been thoroughly vetted. Ansari also declared that all the seven divisions had during their meeting held earlier reach a consensus to make clear their stands that the other PR components and allies should not contest for any of the said seven constituencies. "Our stand is that, since PAS did not contest any of these seven constituencies they have no right to contest. DAP obtained lesser votes in Sepangar and Putatan; they even lost to PKR candidates. "Neither did they contest in any of the other five constituencies, so DAP should not also lodge any claim on these seven constituencies in the West Coast North Zone. "Therefore, all the seats should go to PKR," he proclaimed. As for the APS led by Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, Ansari noted that Bumburing had during the launch of APS declared that APS's purpose is not to fight for candidacy but to help the PR, and secondly, they will not take PKR members but those who left BN without any party. "Datuk Wilfred is my friend, he is an honourable man and I am sure he is a man of his words," added Ansari. Besides this, he also emphatically rebutted the notion by a certain local opposition parties that PKR/PR is just a clone of UMNO/BN. "That's not right, because in our Buku Jingga, one of the undertakings given by PR is to treat Sabah as an "equal partner" rather than just another state and whatever that has been agreed under the Malaysia Agreement will be honoured by the coalition," he contended. He was convinced that the Pakatan leadership is sincere and committed to their promise of honouring political autonomy to Sabah should it comes into power. He said this was adequately reflected in the open pledge made by the Pakatan leaderships like Anwar, Datuk Hadi Awang of PAS and Lim Kit Siang of DAP in various occasions, both in Sabah and Sarawak. He cited for example, in 15 September 2010 during the launching of PR Secretariat in Bukit Padang here, Anwar, Kit Siang and Ustaz Nasharuddin Mat Isa of PAS had pledged that all important decisions affecting Sabah will be decided by Sabahans. "And in Last September, in the Kuching Declaration signed by Anwar, Ustaz Hadi Awang and Kit Siang, once again they reiterated that Sabah and Sarawak should be treated as partners within the Federation," he said.

Najib hands out citizenship papers to Indians ahead of polls Posted: 04 Apr 2013 01:36 AM PDT Sted Jaymal Zahiid, TMI Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today handed out documents to help solve the citizenship status of some "stateless" Indians, a key issue for the community, just ahead of Election 2013 expected to be held soon. The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said today's event, which saw him giving out birth certificates, entry permits and citizenship papers to 120 recipients of which a majority of them are Indians, showed he had kept the promise he made immediately after taking office in April 2009. "After 100 days of me leading this administration, I had promised to solve the registration problem as soon as possible. I made it one of the 12 key promises," he told about 1,000 people who attended the documents distribution event in Sentul here. "From then on, the government had worked hard to achieve that target," added the Pekan lawmaker, who will be seeking his own mandate as prime minister in the upcoming polls. He claimed Putrajaya had to date solved 219,000 cases involving citizenship documents while half of the 7,600 applications for identity documents from the Indian community from 2012 to this year had been solved. The success in achieving the "tough task", was credited to his flagship Government Transformation Plan (GTP) which changed the mindset of the relevant ministry to adopt a radical solution to the problem, added Najib. The GTP was trumpeted as one of the many achievements of the Najib administration on live television just days before the BN chairman announced the dissolution of Parliament yesterday. In its push for the country's third biggest electorate, the opposition claimed the Najib administration had failed to address the "stateless" Indian problem, alleging there are 300,000 Malaysia-born Indians still without papers as a result of racial discrimination. The federal opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR) said it would gather the 300,000 in a protest in front of the National Registration Department in Putrajaya but only 300 had turned up. PR had also included in its elections manifesto the pledge to solve all 300,000 cases within 100 days should it be voted into power but Najib today dismissed the idea as "impossible". "I asked the officers of the home ministry, if it was possible to do this. They told me 'no'. Why? Because first, there are no 300,000. And even if there are, this means they have to solve 3000 cases a day. That is impossible," he said. "This is just another one of their false promises, their lies," Najib said, an argument often repeated by members of the ruling coalition to counter PR's elections pledges. READ MORE HERE

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