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Posted: 22 Jun 2013 03:08 PM PDT

The era of Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat is over, the next echelon has moved to centrestage in Kelantan politics, and Umno is looking forward to closer ties with PAS leaders.

However, Umno has accepted the election result in Kelantan with an open heart and is hoping for a warmer and more cooperative relationship with PAS under the new Mentri Besar. With Nik Aziz out of the picture, they see greater prospects for cordial ties between the state and federal governments.

Joceline Tan, The Star

IT was hard to read what was going through Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's mind when the PAS side tabled a motion of thanks to him for his role at the helm of the Kelantan government.

The former Mentri Besar looked impassive, his chin resting lightly on his hand, as he listened to Kadok assemblyman Azami Mohd Noor offer "thousands of thanks" for his leadership at the first session of the new Kelantan Legislative Assembly earlier last week.

Nik Aziz's decision not to continue as Mentri Besar took his party, including the top leaders, by surprise because everyone thought he would only go in mid-term.

A party insider confided that a few days after the general election, Nik Aziz had written to party president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang saying that he did not wish to continue as Mentri Besar.

Nik Aziz is from the old world. He is not into the Internet or email and the hand-written letter was delivered by hand to Hadi. The letter contained a single request – that the incumbent deputy Datuk Ahmad Yakob be moved up to the top post.

The 82-year-old leader had delivered the state and it was time to go, something he had been looking forward to.

The political transition has been quite smooth. Ahmad and the new Deputy Mentri Besar, Datuk Nik Amar Nik Abdullah, hail from the ulama class of PAS. Both men are sons of famous Tok Gurus and that is the way the PAS grassroots like it.

Ahmad, or Datuk Mat as he is known, is somewhat of a mystery despite his years in politics. He kept a low profile throughout his time as Nik Aziz's No. 2 and some said it was because Nik Aziz is such a big star that he eclipses everyone else.

Ahmad has a serious demeanour but is not unfriendly. He is also quite good-looking except one can never be sure whether he is looking at you because his right eye always seems to be going sideways.

However, reporters in Kelantan have found him to be a bit of a nightmare when it comes to news gathering. Like many ulama, he is not comfortable with the media. No one is quite sure about his political views or what he thinks about issues like the economy, the environment or even his party's direction.

On Wednesday, a team from Harakah was on the way to Kota Baru to do an extensive interview with Ahmad. Many in his own party are keen to know more about the new man in charge of their flagship state.

Political transition: Umno is looking forward to a more cordial working relationship with the new Mentri Besar in Kelantan, Datuk Ahmad Yakob, who is seen here shaking hands with his deputy Datuk Nik Amar Nik Abdullah (right) after the swearingin at the Palace. — Bernama

He is also said to be a reluctant politician. He once said he did not aspire to be Mentri Besar because he did not wish to "commit sin". The implication was that being in power requires one to make decisions that may hurt people and lead to adverse consequences.

But he has found himself in the seat of power and having to fill the big shoes left behind by Nik Aziz.

As Kok Lanas assemblyman Datuk Alwi Che Ahmad pointed out: "Nik Aziz is a Tok Guru and it was tough to take him on. Datuk Mat is an ustaz and that makes it easier for us."

Ahmad received a warm reception from the Umno side during the Assembly sitting. His stern face dissolved into broad smiles several times during the debate especially when the Umno side congratulated him for making history in Kelantan.

Apparently, he is the first Deputy Mentri Besar in Kelantan's history to succeed in becoming Mentri Besar. There have been a total of six deputies from both sides in the past and all of them, as they say, have only been the bridesmaid but never the bride.

The Umno side joked that the jinx had been lifted. They told Ahmad that if his PAS colleagues tried to bully him, the 12 Umno assemblymen on the opposition bench would rush to his aid.

The whole House erupted into laughter when they playfully warned him that because he had set the precedent for the Deputy Mentri Besar to move up to the top post, he would have to keep a close eye on his current deputy Nik Amar.

But there was also a tense moment when Zaki Ibrahim, the Kelaboran assemblyman from PAS, claimed that Barisan Nasional had distributed "pil kuda" (syabu) and ketum leaf beverages to secure the young votes. It was the type of outrageous nonsense that one hears at political ceramah.

Zaki, despite his baby-face looks, is famous for his "mulut tak ada insurans," meaning that he is prone to making outlandish statements. He is also best remembered for a near fist-fight with Umno's Paloh assemblyman Datuk Nozula Mat Diah inside the House a few years ago.

Old feelings die hard and Nozula, who is now the state Opposition Leader, jumped up to tell off Zaki.

"It looks like your heart is not pure. You say you fight for Islam but when you stand up, you only accuse and condemn others," Nozula said.

Husam: Has grown critical of PAS colleagues.

Popular figure

Nozula is very popular in Paloh because he is one of the few assemblymen who would call up both his own Umno supporters as well as representatives from PAS to ask them what they needed for their kampung and try to find the allocation for them. As a result, his majority of win shot from 2,833 in 2008 to 3,937 in the recent polls.

Umno was deeply disappointed that it failed to get back Kelantan and it does look like state Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has missed another chance to be Mentri Besar. He will be 67 by the time the next election rolls around and that will be rather old even if Nik Aziz broke the national record for oldest Mentri Besar.

"People have asked whether the federal government wants to help Kelantan. I said yes, 100 times yes. We open our arms to them as fellow Muslims. We want to see good water supply in the state. Every year, there are floods, people see water everywhere but they still suffer from water cuts.

"We also want to solve the oil royalty issue in an amicable way, according to the law and what was agreed, without playing politics. We are looking forward to working with a Mentri Besar who does not utter curses against us," said Alwi.

However, many were curious as to what has happened to Nik Aziz's blue-eyed boy Datuk Husam Musa who was once seen as a future Mentri Besar. Husam rose to prominence when Nik Aziz was up there but his stars have dimmed and he is not even in the state exco.

Husam, who is Salor assemblyman, caused a stir when he sent word that he could not attend the swearing-in and asked to be excused from the Assembly proceedings.

But the night before the swearing-in, he was at the Kelantan 505 rally, breathing fire and brimstone alongside Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. They are kindred spirits in the sense that both are frustrated that they have not got what they wanted.

"I don't know what is going on with Husam. Even Tok Guru came with his tongkat to be sworn in," said Alwi.

Nozula: New opposition leader in Kelantan

Husam's Facebook indicated that he was somewhere at the Syrian border, visiting a refugee camp. He posted a picture of himself with a handkerchief tied over his nose and mouth with the posting: "Hot weather, dry wind, dust blowing."

Many in PAS are also disturbed at the way he has lashed out at his colleagues in Kelantan for not supporting the 505 rally in a bigger way. They said he should know that party leaders have accepted the overall election outcome.

A number of PAS leaders have privately indicated that they are suspicious of Anwar's motives in holding street protests in the name of election fraud. They think it is Anwar's way of destabilising the government with a view to toppling it.

Moreover, as the ruling party in Kelantan, PAS is acutely aware that it cannot be part of any move to topple an elected government through street politics. If they do that to others, the same could happen to them when the tide shifts.

PAS leaders are also concerned that Husam is behaving like he is in the opposition. He had made veiled attacks against Nik Abduh who is now Pasir Mas MP.

Nik Abduh, whose political views are quite independent of his father Nik Aziz, had urged PAS members to accept the general election result and said that it was God's will. He said he is not against demonstrations but it should not be used to bring down a government.

Nik Abduh is the man to watch in PAS. He has the steely resolve of his father, he is not a yes-man and he wants to see PAS return to its original roadmap.

The above party insider said Husam was well aware that the Kelantan Palace has issues with him. The party had tried to help him get out of state politics by offering him Kubang Krian, a sure-win parliamentary seat. But he insisted on defending the Salor state seat and also lobbied to contest Putrajaya. He lost in Putrajaya and he is in a sort of political limbo.

Alwi: PAS politicians are his brothers in Islam.

Some leaders had appealed to Nik Aziz to speak to Husam but the elderly man had said: "Let him be."

"He is attacking our own family in PAS and that is not good. He should be a team player," said Nik Amar.

A few days ago, former Umno/PKR politician Datuk Zaid Ibrahim tweeted: "The future of Pakatan depends on where Husam is placed. PAS has to be led by Husam for there to be progress. Without progress in PAS, Pakatan will reach a dead end."

The tweet was widely seen as encouragement for Husam to go for the PAS presidency at the party election in November and it gave Husam a much-needed morale boost.

The Nik Aziz era has finally come to an end and the next echelon has moved up. A new chapter lies ahead although no one can quite tell whether life without Nik Aziz up there will be better, worse or the same old story. But it will be interesting to watch.

Now, we cannot even eat in peace

Posted: 22 Jun 2013 02:51 PM PDT

Crime is an issue that unites the people, but for the wrong reasons. One thing is clear we are sick and tired of living in fear.

Crime is our number one concern, according to a survey by the International Islamic University, and that certainly is not news to us. There is this strong perception that following the repeal of the Emergency Ordinance, the hardcore criminals, including former detainees, have been emboldened to return to the streets. Talk to the police officers and many are angry that they have lost their power to rein in these devious criminals.

Wong Chun Wai, The Star

IF you live in Petaling Jaya, you would probably have heard of it. Three armed men rushed into a famous chilli crab restaurant shortly after closing time and they were not looking for food.

They held up the cashier in this cash-only restaurant and cleaned out the till while the restaurant helpers ran helter-skelter, for fear of being slashed by the parang-wielding robbers. An accomplice was waiting inside a car nearby. Luckily, there were no customers at the usually packed restaurant.

Not too long ago, the restaurant opposite, famous for its fish head curry, had also fallen victim to such criminals.

What is frightening and most unfortunate is that this is one part of Petaling Jaya that is busy and vibrant, even after midnight. It is a hive of activity because the food court and several outlets nearby are open 24 hours.

Word has gone around Petaling Jaya that it is no longer safe for the people to patronise eateries during late hours.

In fact, at least one restaurant operating in Section 17 has taken the unusual step of locking its doors even when it is open for business. Only customers who have made reservations or those who can prove they are bona fide customers are allowed in.

It's the same with many hair salons, which have taken to locking their doors as they are often the target of such hoodlums.

In Cheras, it was reported that people eating on the pavement outside a restaurant were also robbed. For many of us, crime has worsened.

This newspaper reported on June 13 that a group of armed robbers had been terrorising customers of seafood and mamak restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, hitting five eateries in Cheras, Jinjang and Brickfields since January.

The group of at least 10 parang-wielding men would use stolen cars, conceal their faces with crash helmets and target the restaurants to rob customers of their money and valuables.

The police, according to the report, claimed to have made a breakthrough in the case following the arrest of three men, in their 20s, who had attempted to strike at their sixth target, a seafood restaurant in Kampung Subang.

The point is this why must Malaysians continue to live in fear? To be more precise, it seems that Malaysians cannot even eat in peace now!

The promises and assurances made at the many anti-crime campaigns will not be taken seriously until the people feel safe. Forget about the statistics that tell us that snatch theft incidents have actually gone down.

Don't think that our Cabinet members and police chiefs do not know about the actual situation. I know for a fact that the family members of several Cabinet members have been robbed. So have the children and relatives of our top police officers.

I hope the Prime Minister would issue an order for the Cabinet and police top brass to watch the most recent robbery cases captured on CCTV that have been uploaded on YouTube and shared on Facebook.

Many of these robberies, which take place in broad daylight, happen right in front of the homes of Malaysians. The most vulnerable victims are women who, upon alighting from their cars, have their bags snatched by the robbers on motorcycles. In some cases, the victims are dragged along the road when they resist.

Video clips of such incidents are shocking and guaranteed to make our blood boil. The fact that cameras are being installed in so many homes now is testimony to the fact that many of us don't feel safe even in our home surroundings.

Crime is our number one concern, according to a survey by the International Islamic University, and that certainly is not news to us.

The Dewan Rakyat begins its meeting proper on Tuesday after the oath-taking ceremony on Monday. I hope that our Members of Parliament would find time to deliberate on this issue. We are not interested in them scoring points, but to propose concrete solutions, especially with regard to legislation.

There is this strong perception that following the repeal of the Emergency Ordinance, the hardcore criminals, including former detainees, have been emboldened to return to the streets. Talk to the police officers and many are angry that they have lost their power to rein in these devious criminals.

No doubt, there have been allegations of abuse of power by the police in the past, which was one reason why this piece of legislation was repealed. But now we learn of many cases of robberies involving ex-detainees who probably no longer fear being detained or banished.

The harsh reality is that the police do not expect hardcore criminals to volunteer information or confess to their crimes when arrested. It is difficult to build up a case under such circumstances but human rights lawyers expect the police to try harder instead of using the EO to close their files.

But the pressure is piling up on the government, not just the police, because we want our authorities to clean up our streets.

We are sick and tired of living in fear. We have elected our politicians into the highest legislative chamber and now we expect them, as law-makers, to do their job well. So please get on with it.

Can or will Umno learn?

Posted: 22 Jun 2013 02:13 PM PDT

For Umno to blame the lack of progress of the Malays on the non-Malays is engaging in delusion of the highest order.

A turn towards a religious or return to a feudalistic future would be to the detriment of the great majority of Malays, though the leaders of the old order would welcome it.

By Koon Yew Yin, FMT

Zaid Ibrahim's latest effort at redefining the Malay agenda is an interesting exercise coming as it is just ahead of the Umno general assembly meeting.

Although directed at Umno leaders and members, I am sure that he intends to provide food for thought for everyone.

Like him, I hope it also opens the door to an honest, open and transparent appraisal of not just the party's role in leading the Malays but also of where the Malays would like to go from their present situation and what needs to be done to help the Malays succeed in their aspirations.

Let me summarize what Zaid has written.

Firstly, he reminds that Chinese or Indian bashing – whether about the election results or the failure of Malay youth to be gainfully employed or for any Malay problem – is a waste of time and misplaced. I cannot agree more. In fact, I would use stronger words to condemn race hatred and baiting wherever it stems from and whoever it is aimed at.

Secondly, he scolds the nuttier ones within the party (and I assume this refers to the party's leaders too) who seek a strengthening of Islam and the Malay rulers as if more power for the ulama and rulers are the magic bullets that would bring about the salvation for the Malays.

A turn towards a religious or return to a feudalistic future would be to the detriment of the great majority of Malays, though the leaders of the old order would welcome it.

As Zaid succinctly puts it: "If Malay leaders could be honest enough to admit it, they would recognise that giving more power to the Malay Rulers and "strengthening Islam" (whatever that means) will not solve [their] problems."

Thirdly, Zaid is on the same page as many others in recognizing that the Malay bureaucracy is a major source of inefficiency and corruption.

However in calling for Umno to address this problem, he conveniently omits to mention that Umno itself is the starting as well as end point of much of the petty and grand corruption found in the country.

No Malay bureaucrat would dare to engage in selling licences, permits or other favours for personal gain without the support of their political patrons in Umno.

Much of what Zaid has opined is not new or original. Neither are the solutions that he has proposed such as for Umno not to be fixated by the numbers game in education through pushing for even higher quotas for Malays in higher education.

As he correctly points out, churning out hundreds of thousands of poor quality graduates through the public universities is a pointless exercise when they are not able to meet the demands of a competitive market place.

Some home truths

Even worse for Umno, these unemployed or under-employed youth are a ticking time bomb that could bring about the demise of the party.

In his words which are useful for the Education Minister to ponder on: "just to increase the number of graduates so we have more than the Chinese is a silly strategy unless the standards are high and employment is assured. Learn from Singapore where they limit the number of graduates as a proportion of their population. Unemployed graduates and especially the unemployable ones are ripe for street marches."

While there is much that is thoughtful from Zaid's opinion post, my main concern is in his unwillingness or inability to be fully honest with the delegates and party chiefs that he wants to reach out to.

The following are some inescapable home truths that need to be elaborated as reminder to Umno's leaders and apparachik.

1. Malays control and dominate in the political, administrative and social sphere of life in the country. They form the majority in parliament, judiciary, army and police, the MACC and all other important political bodies. In the socio-economic and educational sphere, they control the public universities; civil service; etc. For Umno to blame the lack of progress of the Malays on the non-Malays is engaging in delusion of the highest order.

2. Due to Umno and Malay domination, the Malays have made tremendous strides since the 1970s in the economic sphere too. For example they control Bank Negara and all the major banks (except for Public Bank); all the GLCs; Petronas; as well as comprise the majority in the top professional and best paying occupations in the private sector. It would not be incorrect to say that the Malays also call the shots in the running of the economy.

3. Umno and Malay leadership of a country blessed with natural and human resources during the past 50 years has greatly benefitted the Malay and non-Malay elite such as Zaid and the Umno party leaders. Millions more Malaysians could have also become beneficiaries if not for Dr Mahathir's squandering of thousands of billions of our petro dollars in his projects of superficial grandeur and his support of cronies, many of whom he helped with expensive bailouts.

Umno's delegates went along with Mahathir as he allowed the systematic looting of the country's treasury and tolerated the culture of leakages, wastage and inefficiency.

Zaid has lamented this but fails to point the finger of responsibility towards those who are guilty.

Despite all his wrong doing Mahathir is still considered the king maker. He recently said that Umno's top two posts should not be contested to avoid internal party squabbles and most likely Umno's delegates will accept his opinion.

The measure of the worth of political parties and their leaders is if they can learn from their mistakes and not repeat them.

READ MORE HERE

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Ahad, 23 Jun 2013

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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