Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- DAP: Ismail Sabri’s racism claims over Kedai Rakyat exposes baseless
- Petisyen Rakyat Tuntut Pilihanraya Bersih
- Passive May Be Better Than Active
- Police Take Anwar's Statement Over Allegation of Making False Report on Sex Video
- MCA believes in right of every Malaysian to vote in GE
- Free-for-all for the corrupt in M’sia
- ‘Aunty Bersih’ and Baharuddin’s widow takes on Bersih 2.0’s cause
- NFC donated cattle to NS Umno leaders, paid Shahrizat’s expenses, says PKR
- Let’s get this straight
- Have they been bought?
- Ambiga still waiting TV3's reply over Seksualiti Merdeka
- Gani: Automatic voter sign-up needs constitutional change
- Ex-member backs Gerakan as third force
- A-G gives nod to indelible ink
- Nazri: Let eligible Malaysians vote
- National Feedlot Centre should explain operations, says Muhyiddin
- "Nazri must provide explanation on his court testimony in PKFZ case"
- Khairy: "I'm ready to debate with Rafizi"
- Khir Toyo: Fail kes di mahkamah
- MB dedah penyelewengan pemimpin BN S’gor
- Popularity poll: Najib soars, Anwar plummets
- Twisting the Constitution is not political reform
- Most illegitimate babies in Sabah
- NFC illuminates Najib’s transformations
- Najib's popularity up, Mahathir still revered
- No you know why Muslims can't seem to resolve the many issues
| DAP: Ismail Sabri’s racism claims over Kedai Rakyat exposes baseless Posted: 16 Nov 2011 01:29 PM PST By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider The DAP today denied Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's accusation of racism in the opposition's repeated attacks on Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M). The Bera MP added that it was "unfortunate there are Bumiputeras like (PKR vice-president) Nurul Izzah (Anwar) and (PAS research chief) Dzulkifli (Ahmad) who 'bark' on behalf of DAP (malangnya ada bumiputra spt nurul izah & zulkifli 'menyalak' bagi pihak DAP).
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| Petisyen Rakyat Tuntut Pilihanraya Bersih Posted: 16 Nov 2011 01:23 PM PST The power given to His Majesty under the Constitution to refuse to consent to the dissolution of parliament, if so requested, is a power to be exercised for the well-being of the rakyat. Now, more than ever before, His Majesty must act in the best interest of the rakyat and the nation. By Anne Ooi [Aunty Bersih] The Rakyat are not happy. We know things are not right with our country. We want all the wrongs set right. We want a change. We want to see change. And the only way is through a fair and a clean election. We want a fair contest. Every Malaysian above the age of 21 must have the right and the opportunity to vote. This must include our rakyat who are overseas. In fact, they are the ones who truly understand the pain we are suffering. We must have the indelible ink. In fact, we must have all of our 8 demands met before we, as a nation go to the the 13th General Election. These are very simple demands from the rakyat. The Agong must know by now all the 8 demands for reforms to our electoral process that the rakyat presented to the government on 9th July, 2011. The power given to His Majesty under the Constitution to refuse to consent to the dissolution of parliament, if so requested, is a power to be exercised for the well-being of the rakyat. Now, more than ever before, His Majesty must act in the best interest of the rakyat and the nation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. We, all Malaysians, fully committed to the principle of governance of our nation for and by the Rakyat, wish to draw the attention of His Majesty, the Yang DiPertuan Agong, to the following: 3. Despite the setting up of the PSC, the Prime Minister had, through statements made publicly, intimated that the 13th General Elections could be held any time soon 4. Reacting to those statements, a group of Malaysians had, on 3rd November, 2011, warned that if a snap election was called without a prior and thorough reform to our electoral processes, a huge rally throughout the country would be mobilised to prevent such an election proceeding and that the toppling of the present government could not be ruled out 5. Pursuant to Article 40 (2) (b) of the Federal Constitution, His Majesty has the absolute discretion to withhold consent to a request to dissolve Parliament. Now we, all Malaysians, call upon His Majesty, if presented with a request for consent to dissolve Parliament:- ► before the PSC has completed its work; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Kami, rakyat Malaysia yang komited dengam prinsip di mana tadbir urus negara kita adalah oleh rakyat dan demi rakyat, ingin membawa kepada perhatian Yang DiPertuan Agong perkara yang berikut: ● bersihkan senarai undi 3. Walaupun JPK tersebut telah ditubuhkan, Perdana Menteri menerusi kenyataan-kenyataan yang telah dibuat secara umum, telah memberi bayangan bahawa Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13 mungkin akan diadakan dalam masa yang terdekat. 4. Sebagai tindak balas atau reaksi terhadap kenyataan-kenyataan tersebut, pada 3 November 2011, sekumpulan rakyat Malaysia telah memberi amaran bahawa demonstrasi besar-besaran di seluruh negara akan dijalankan bagi menghalang pelaksanaan pilihan raya sedemikian rupa sekiranya parlimen dibubarkan tanpa pembaharuan dan reformasi yang menyeluruh terhadap proses pilihan raya. Tambahan, kata mereka, penggulingan kerajaan berkemungkinan berlaku. 5. Mengikut Artikel 40 (2) (b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Yang DiPertuan Agong boleh menggunakan budi bicara baginda secara mutlak untuk tidak memperkenankan permintaan bagi membubarkan Parlimen. Kini, kami sekalian rakyat Malaysia, memohon Tuanku, jika pembubaran Parlimen diminta: |
| Passive May Be Better Than Active Posted: 15 Nov 2011 10:46 PM PST By Masterwordsmith Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island. After he was released from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy in 1994. As president, he frequently gave priority to reconciliation, while introducing policies aimed at combating poverty and inequality in South Africa. Since then, Mandela has received more than 250 awards over four decades, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. If there had been no hartal and if Mandela and his fellow countrymen had not persevered for the cause, would South Africa have been liberated? For sure, we need brave Malaysians to blaze the trail for change in our beloved country!In his article Cure the Cause, Not the Symptoms yesterday, Raja Petra said: If the political parties prove they are incapable of bringing about change then maybe we should forget about political parties (and therefore about seeing change through the electoral process -- which without reforms is not going to see a change of government anyway). Maybe it requires a different form of action to bring about change. Now, I wonder what he meant by that. Could he probably have meant taking a passive rather than active stance? Passive resistance may be a better option than active action seeing that many Malaysians can be perceived as gutless and scared of civil action such as taking to the streets because they fear the police, arrest, water cannons, etc. Well, how about you DON'T take to the streets? Instead, you stay home and do nothing. Imagine a scenario where 28 million Malaysians stay home and don't go to work or school. Public transport such as buses, train and taxis don't run. How long do you think a government can last. Is this what RPK meant? Was he referring to 'hartal' - the power of silent protests? Hartal is a word derived from Gujurati that literally translates to "closing down shops" or "locking doors"refers to the act of closing shops or suspending work, esp in political protest. To be fair, while hartal by virtue is the political and constitutional right of citizens to protest the failure of their government at keeping promises and/or making decisions or taking actions contrary to people's interest, hartal can negatively impact the economy and daily activities of people. Historically, it has been more than a century since the first hartal was staged in South Africa. Led by Ghandi who conceived the idea of civil disobedience because of his methodology of satyagraha (devotion to the truth) against colonialism , it was organized to protest The Black Act in 1906 in 1906. It is inspiring to see how the amendment of the 'Black Act' mobilized more Indian people in the Transvaal into joining Gandhi's Satyagraha campaign. South African History Online says: |
| Police Take Anwar's Statement Over Allegation of Making False Report on Sex Video Posted: 15 Nov 2011 10:41 PM PST (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was called in today to give his statement on the allegation that he had made a false report on the sex video issue last March. Anwar arrived at the Kepong police station at 3.15pm and gave an hour long statement. He was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat president.
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| MCA believes in right of every Malaysian to vote in GE Posted: 15 Nov 2011 10:33 PM PST (Bernama) - Every Malaysian citizen has the right to vote, regardless of whether they lived in the country or overseas, as long as they are registered voters, said MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said voting in the elections was the duty of every citizen and was a fundamental right of all Malaysians, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
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| Free-for-all for the corrupt in M’sia Posted: 15 Nov 2011 09:54 PM PST Badawi and Muhyiddin are saying anyone who wants to be corrupt just has to siphon out everything using the family or friend's names and they are not involved and cannot be blamed or prosecuted. By Jackson Ng, Retired journalist INVESTORS and the world, be forewarned. A new and deadly strain of "mad cow" disease has mutated in Malaysia. The outbreak of the "virus" (aka as corrupton) is cancerous and will demolish nations. Yes. That is what is happening to Malaysia now over the RM250 million National Feedlot Centre (NFC) financial debacle. The Barisan Nasional (BN) government – led by both the prime minister and his deputy - has endorsed and legalised corruption by defending corrupt practices and the blatant abuse of public funds. The alleged siphoning-out of RM83 million from the NFC coffers into firms controlled by the family of Wanita Umno chief and minister Shahrizat Jalil is so corruptly clear but because she is the ruling elite, action against her is being avoided. The funds were allocated to NFC for a project to produce affordable beef to Malaysians. Instead, the NFC funds were siphoned off to pay for a super-plush RM10 million condo in Bangsar and an RM800,000 overseas trip for the Umno Senator's family. Is it that difficult for the government and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to differentiate cows, trips and condominiums? A host of Umno men leaders have since rushed to defend Shahrizat including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, Agriculture Minister Noh Omar and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamalauddin. Khairy even went so far as to justify the purchase of the condo as a short-term investment so as to enable NFC to reap higher yields. Not only is his attempt to justify the multi-million-ringgit condo buy insensible, it is outrageously irresponsible and nothing short of abuse of public funds. Public funds are allocated for specific projects. In NFC's case, the money is for breeding cows for beef to boost supply for Malaysians. To use the money for any other purpose is clearly unacceptable and untrustworthy by those given specific projects. If Khairy's justification for buying a condo is accepted by the BN government, then Malaysia's corrupt practices have taken a new low. It signals a free-for-all for the corrupt as any minister, politician or Malaysian, with access to public funds, can use the nation's wealth for anything they wish. Sharizat's family would have set the precedent and the MACC will not be able to act on any corrupt practice, irrespective of the political divide. Malaysians. Don't take my or anyone's word for it. Judge for yourself, with conscience, the following bullshit: * Khairy's father in law and ex-premier Abdullah Badawi - and Muhyiddin Yassin have publicly insisted there was no reason for Shahrizat to step down; and * "Ask the individual concerned. What's it got to do with Shahrizat? It's her husband … Shahrizat's not involved, so don't ask her. If Shahrizat were the CEO then sure [you can ask her] but right now she's not involved and it is very unfair to label her as involved," Badawi had told reporters. Both Badawi and Muhyiddin seem to be trying to separate Shahrizat from the business dealings of her husband and children, reasoning that the scandal was not Shahrizat's doing since the one directly involved are her husband and children. * Badawi and Muhyiddin are saying anyone who wants to be corrupt just has to siphon out everything using the family or friend's names and they are not involved and cannot be blamed or prosecuted; and * Is corruption through proxies okay? and * Is it above board for Shahrizat, being a minister, and her family members to secure a multi-million-ringgit government contract? Malaysia, under the BN rule, is on course to economic destruction, faster than initially anticipated. No sane investor will want to invest in a country with a government that does not respect the law, or has separate laws – one for the ruling elite and another for those out of the corridors of power. That is why the likes of Robert Quok gave up on Malaysia and took his money to China. Today, he is investing US$10 billion into oil palm and palm oil activities in Indonesia. |
| ‘Aunty Bersih’ and Baharuddin’s widow takes on Bersih 2.0’s cause Posted: 15 Nov 2011 08:02 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Annie Ooi or better known as "Aunty Bersih" and Rosni Malan, the wife of the sole Bersih 2.0 protestor who had died, have teamed up to take the election watchdog's cause to the fore and are determined to ensure all its eight electoral reform demands are met before the polls, "or else". The duo, claiming to be completely independent, held a press conference today to launch a petition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, pleading that the Ruler invoke his constitutional powers and block any attempt by Datuk Seri Najib Razak to call for snap polls before the reforms are in place. "I am here for the rakyat," Ooi declared to reporters when asked who she was representing. In the petition, Ooi and the widowed Rosni said although Najib had mooted the parliamentary select committee (PSC) to look into electoral reforms, the prime minister had, through statements made publicly, hinted that polls could be called before the panel completes its work. They pointed to the latest pledge by "a group of Malaysians" who, on November 3, said they would mount another street gathering to prevent any election from taking place. The "toppling of the present ruling government could not be ruled out", the petition warned. As such, the petition urged the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to invoke his powers under Article 40(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution which states he has the absolute discretion to withhold consent to a request by the prime minister to dissolve Parliament. The petition said consent should be withheld if Najib attempts to call for polls: before the PSC completes its work; before all recommendations by PSC are passed in Parliament and fully implemented and; before Malaysians are convinced that the election system is free and fair. "Now, more than ever before, His Majesty must act in the best interests of the rakyat and the nation," Ooi wrote in a separate press statement. "We believe the demand is reasonable... and the petition will further strengthen the respectability and position of His Majesty," Rosni wrote in hers. Ooi and Rosni's husband, Baharuddin Ahmad, emerged as icons after the tumultuous rally on July 9 which saw tens of thousands take to the streets of the capital in a march for free and fair elections.
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| NFC donated cattle to NS Umno leaders, paid Shahrizat’s expenses, says PKR Posted: 15 Nov 2011 07:56 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The National Feedlot Centre (NFC) donated cattle to Datuk Shaziman Mansor and a "YB Yunus" in 2009, as well as spent RM26,400 on expenses for Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil, PKR said today, suggesting more financial irregularities in the company owned by the women, family and community development minister's family. Its secretary-general, Saifuddin Nasution, told reporters that the national cattle farming project's financial records show that RM5,281.87 of cattle was donated to Works Minister Shaziman on September 1, 2009. The Machang MP also said the records showed that RM2,640.93 of cattle was donated on November 30, 2009 to "YB Yunus", adding that "there is only one YB Yunus in Negri Sembilan." Datuk Yunus Rahmat is currently Klawang assemblyman and a state executive councillor. "These transactions should not happen if the government is really monitoring NFC," he said of the project. He also told reporters NFC paid RM26,400 in expenses to Shahrizat, who is women, family and community development minister in 2008. "If the NFC really has nothing to do with her, then she should not be involved in its operations let alone using it to pay for her expenses. "The records do not say what it was for but I hope it was not for handbags or makeup," he said. Saifuddin also said RM70,000 worth of cattle was sold on credit to former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique in 2008 who only paid off the debt in 2009. He also revealed that NFC paid RM398,400 in 2009 to Shahrizat's husband Datuk Mohamad Salleh Ismail and son Wan Shahinur Izran, both directors in NFC, to cover the rent for the company's office in Mont Kiara. PKR has repeatedly attacked the project and called for Shahrizat to resign over various allegations including over RM84 million in "loans" given by NFC to two other companies owned by her family. This includes an upfront payment for a RM10 million luxury condominium in December 2009.
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| Posted: 15 Nov 2011 06:34 PM PST Well, there you have it. So don't give me that crap that Islam is not compatible to human rights and then quote the apostasy issue as the example. These are all figments of your imagination and of those Muslims foaming at the mouth because they want to prevent Muslims from leaving Islam. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin
As much as I hate talking about religion, unfortunately, I just can't avoid doing so seeing that the future of the opposition coalition rides on Pakatan Rakyat coming to an agreement on matters related to Islam. And one such matter is the Pakatan Rakyat policy on apostasy (whether it is allowed for Muslims and what laws will Pakatan Rakyat formulate in response to this). In two earlier articles (Can I know your stand? and Cure the cause, not the symptoms) I talked about civil society action and human rights issues (such as The Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Some responded by saying that this cannot happen in Malaysia. And the reason it cannot happen, they argue, is because Islam is a hindrance to human rights. Of course, these people are looking at things from only one perspective -- the perspective of apostasy and the belief (not fact) that Islam forbids it and punishes apostates. Not only non-Muslims but also Muslims themselves consider this to be true. Actually, that is a matter of opinion and your opinion does not make it correct. And as much as you may think that your opinion is right, I will profusely disagree with you. First, let us talk about the issue of apostasy. In Islam, apostasy is defined as the rejection of Islam in either words or deeds. According to Islam, you would become an apostate if you convert to another religion, deny the existence of God (become an atheist), reject Muhammad as the prophet, mock God or any of the prophets (meaning: Prophets of the Jews and Christians), idol worship, reject the Shariah (some scholars would disagree with this on grounds that the Shariah is man-made and not from God), or permit behaviour that is forbidden by the Shariah (such as adultery, gambling, drinking, bribery, etc.). The Qur'an itself does not prescribe any punishment for apostasy and scholars differ on its punishment. Punishment ranges from execution (based on the interpretation of certain Hadith -- and note that not all Muslims accept Hadith) to no punishment at all. In medieval times, several Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence ruled that apostasy is punishable by death. Other scholars, however, had different views. People such as Ibrahim al-Nakha'i and Sufyan al-Thawri rejected the death penalty and prescribed indefinite imprisonment until repentance. The Hanafi jurist Sarakhsi also called for different punishments between the non-seditious religious apostasy and that of a seditious and political nature (meaning: high treason). According to Wael Hallaq, apostasy laws are not derived from the Qur'an. In modern times, some Islamic scholars such as Gamal Al-Banna, Taha Jabir Alalwani, and Shabir Ally, opposed the death penalty for apostasy. 'Qur'an-alone' Muslims (what Malays would call the 'Anti-Hadith' group) do not support any punishment whatsoever on grounds that verses from Qur'an advocate free will and no compulsion. So there you have it. To argue that The Universal Declaration of Human Rights cannot be applied to Malaysia because Islam does not allow apostasy and puts to death apostates is not true. That is a mere opinion, not a fact, and different scholars have different opinions. The fact that different scholars have different opinions means it is not carved in stone. If it were then there would be no room whatsoever for differences of opinion. For example, 'thou shalt not commit adultery' is carved in stone. So there would be no difference of opinion here. All scholars would be unanimous in their view regarding this issue. Okay, let's move on. Assuming you cannot accept the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights because, as you say, it is a Western or un-Islamic document, and if you insist on an Islamic Declaration of Human Rights, we have that too. (Read the full text of the 5 August 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam here). The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam of 1990 has 25 Articles as opposed to 30 Articles in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. Nevertheless, there are some very interesting Articles that do not hinder the implementation of human rights in Malaysia Of course, the critics can always argue that there are some grey areas or ambiguities in the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. These would probably be the parts that say: ethical values and the principles of the Shari'ah, in accordance with the tenets of the Shari'ah, provided it is not contrary to the principles of the Shari'ah, etc. Nevertheless, look at it in its entirety and not just look at half a sentence. You will see that if the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam is implemented, then many things currently being practiced in Malaysia would now have to come to an end. For example, you cannot prevent someone from marrying because of his/her religion, you cannot detain someone without trial, you have a right to express your opinion (so no sedition or criminal defamation laws), the Prime Minister or Menteri Besar need not be Malay, there must be no Malay-only institutions of higher learning and no one can be denied an education because of his/her race or due to quota restrictions, you can oppose the government if it does something wrong, you cannot spy on what someone is doing in the privacy of his/her home (so no sex spies), there must be no Bumiputra-only shares and property, and much, much more. Some interesting points to note would be: 19 (a). All individuals are equal before the law, without distinction between the ruler and the ruled. (So you can criticise the Sultans). 19 (e). A defendant is innocent until his guilt is proven in a fast trial in which he shall be given all the guarantees of defence. (So Anwar Ibrahim would walk a free man). 18 (b). Everyone shall have the right to privacy in the conduct of his private affairs, in his home, among his family, with regard to his property and his relationships. It is not permitted to spy on him, to place him under surveillance or to besmirch his good name. The State shall protect him from arbitrary interference. (So what I do in my bedroom is my business and you can't force your way into my home to spy on me). 10. Islam is the religion of true unspoiled nature. It is prohibited to exercise any form of pressure on man or to exploit his poverty or ignorance in order to force him to change his religion to another religion or to atheism. (It does not say you cannot leave Islam on your own freewill or that you will be put to death if you do). 9 (b). The seeking of knowledge is an obligation and provision of education is the duty of the society and the State. (So UiTM cannot be a Malay-only institution). 5 (b). The society and the State shall remove all obstacles to marriage and facilitate it, and shall protect the family and safeguard its welfare. (So you can't prevent inter-religious marriages). 3 (b). It is prohibited to cut down trees, to destroy crops or livestock, to destroy the enemy's civilian buildings and installations by shelling, blasting or any other means. (So there goes the indiscriminate logging in East Malaysia). Well, there you have it. So don't give me that crap that Islam is not compatible to human rights and then quote the apostasy issue as the example. These are all figments of your imagination and of those Muslims foaming at the mouth because they want to prevent Muslims from leaving Islam.
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| Posted: 15 Nov 2011 04:48 PM PST In short, it is okay to be a loose cannon if you are from Barisan Nasional. In fact, many people like Barisan Nasional loose cannons. They think that Barisan Nasional loose cannons are cute creatures. But they do not like the Pakatan Rakyat loose cannons. Pakatan Rakyat loose cannons are not cute creatures. They are traitors, turncoats, Trojan horses, etc. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin
Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin is raising hell regarding the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) quarter billion Ringgit scandal. He, plus some other Barisan Nasional leaders, have asked for the resignation of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, in turn, has said that overseas Malaysians should be allowed to exercise their right to vote. This is in contradiction to what other Barisan Nasional Ministers have said about the same matter. Well, Bung Mokhtar and Nazri Aziz are not called loose cannons for nothing. They are amongst the most vocal of the Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament who have in the past triggered uproars in Parliament (go see the videos on Youtube). They would not hesitate to scream at their opponents, in a most un-parliamentary manner may I add, and show a clenched fist in a gesture of challenging their opponents to a fistfight. To put in mildly, these are two of the more outrageous personalities from Barisan Nasional and are probably disliked by both sides of the political divide. I know for a fact that ex-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would like to put Nazri Aziz against a wall and shoot him. And the feeling is mutual. Nevertheless, they are both loose cannons in the true sense of the word. And loose cannons are called loose cannons because they tend to shoot their own side as much as the other side. And that is why loose cannons are called loose cannons. They roll all over the ship's deck in a storm and shoot anything that moves, never mind what uniform they are wearing. I, too, am called a loose cannon. Of course, it is the Pakatan Rakyat leaders who call me a loose cannon (the Barisan Nasional leaders call me a liar). That is because I, too, tend to shoot both sides of the political divide. But when I do that they will scream that I have been bought, have sold out, am now in Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's pocket, and so on. In short, it is okay to be a loose cannon if you are from Barisan Nasional. In fact, many people like Barisan Nasional loose cannons. They think that Barisan Nasional loose cannons are cute creatures. But they do not like the Pakatan Rakyat loose cannons. Pakatan Rakyat loose cannons are not cute creatures. They are traitors, turncoats, Trojan horses, etc. Anyway, just to digress a bit, have a look at this, which I picked up from WikiSabah: Sabah Population Breakdown by Race 2010 (http://wikisabah.blogspot.com/2011/11/sabah-population-breakdown-by-race-2010.html) Now, as I have said many times, the key to Putrajaya is in the hands of Sabah and Sarawak. And, going by the above, plus by the results of the recent Sarawak state elections, do you think Pakatan Rakyat has any chance of forming the next federal government? Barisan Nasional does not call Sabah and Sarawak their 'fixed deposit' for nothing. Let's face it, unless Pakatan Rakyat hammers out a formula on how to cooperate, as opposed to compete, with the parties from Sabah and Sarawak, then they can kiss Putrajaya goodbye. I have said this before and I will say it again. PKR, DAP and PAS have a better chance of forming the next federal government if they work with the parties from Sabah and Sarawak rather than compete with them. Okay, I know, they are now going to argue that Pakatan Rakyat (meaning PKR, DAP and PAS) need to contest the seats in Sabah and Sarawak because the politicians from Sabah and Sarawak can't be trusted. If they were allowed to contest the seats and if they win they might sell out and jump over to Barisan Nasional. I take it the people from West Malaysia are saying that everyone from East Malaysia are prostitutes who will sell their own mothers, wives and daughters for the right price. That is why Pakatan Rakyat cannot work with East Malaysian politicians and will instead have to contest the seats themselves. Well, in that case I have nothing more to argue. If that is true then we might as well agree now that Pakatan Rakyat is never going to form the next federal government and that Barisan Nasional is going to rule forever. Maybe this is just what Malaysians deserve. And I have no sympathy for a society that will sell the future of the country for monetary gains. Yes, maybe we need to see Barisan Nasional in power for a while longer. Then, once Malaysia joins the long list of countries that are facing bankruptcy, maybe Malaysians will wake up and do the right thing. Of course, by then it will be too late because, once a country is bankrupt, changing the government can no longer save the country. But at least I will have the pleasure of screaming, "I told you so", assuming I am still around by then.
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| Ambiga still waiting TV3's reply over Seksualiti Merdeka Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:54 PM PST (The Malay Mail) - TV3 has yet to reply to the letter sent by Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk S. Ambiga's lawyers regarding the channel's labelling of the annual Seksualiti Merdeka festival as a free sex festival (pesta sex bebas). Responding to The Malay Mail's queries whether she will continue to sue TV3 on defamatory grounds, Ambiga said: "My lawyers sent a letter to them last week on their defamatory statement of calling it a 'program seks bebas' but my lawyers have not heard from them yet. "I note, however, they have stopped using those words to describe the programme. Nevertheless, I await their response before consulting my lawyers further." Ambiga had threatened TV3 with the lawsuit last week and said the media was unfair in misleading the public on the true nature of the event, and demanded they correct their description of the event. Seksualiti Medeka is an annual sexual rights festival organised by a loose coalition of non-governmental organisations. This year, the festival's theme was titled 'Queer Without Fear' and Ambiga was invited to launch the event by its organisers. Police record Marina's 'sexuality' statement Police have taken a statement from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir related to her support of the Seksualiti Merdeka 2011. Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah said Marina was called to the Jalan Traver police headquarters last Friday. "She was accompanied by members of Sisters in Islam." Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, when contacted, said police have wrapped up investigations into the matter and submitted the papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action. Seksualiti Merdeka 2011 was organised by a coalition of NGOs, artistes, activists and individuals to "celebrate the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientation". It had been held annually since 2008 and was supposed to host a series of activities until Nov 13 at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. Last week, it was reported Marina, who launched the event in 2009, said she was upset with unfair reporting by certain quarters, portraying the event as a "free sex fest".
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| Gani: Automatic voter sign-up needs constitutional change Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:47 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The Attorney-General told the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms today that implementing automatic voter registration would require an amendment to the Federal Constitution. The country's top lawyer earlier today cleared the way for the use of indelible ink, a key demand by polls reform movement Bersih 2.0, to be implemented after clarifying that only a minor regulation change is needed. He was previously reported as saying the introduction of indelible ink similarly required a constitutional amendment. Today, panel chief Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili told reporters that Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said Article 119(4)(b) of the Constitution would need to be altered. "The A-G said automatic registration will need a constitutional amendment and also changes to regulations," he said. The clause in the Constitution states that the "qualifying date" for a voter "means the date on which a person applies for registration as an elector in a constituency, or the date on which he applies for the change of his registration as an elector in a different constituency." Bersih 2.0, which led tens of thousands into the capital to demand free and fair elections on July 9, has said automatic voter registration must be implemented in the longer term as a measure to reduce irregularities in the electoral roll. The coalition of 62 NGOs has demanded the electoral roll be cleaned up before an election expected soon.
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| Ex-member backs Gerakan as third force Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:42 PM PST Umno must learn to stop meddling, says Dr Hsu, who used to serve in the Gerakan central committee. (Free Malaysia Today) - A former Gerakan official today added his voice to a warning that the party may quit Barisan Nasional if other components of the ruling coalition meddle too much in its business. Dr Hsu Dar Ren, the central committee member who quit the party early this year, said he agreed with the anonymous Penang BN leader who issued the warning in an interview with FMT on Monday. "I think that should be the ultimatum given to Umno," Hsu said. "Gerakan cannot realise its own ideology with so much dominance by Umno's hegemony." The senior BN leader said yesterday that Gerakan could turn out to be a formidable third force in Malaysian politics if it quit BN, as it might if there was unwarranted intrusion into its affairs, especially in its choice of someone to succeed Koh Tsu Koon as Penang BN chairman. Hsu said Umno must learn to stop dictating how other component parties should carry themselves. "Umno and other BN component parties must give some space for component parties like Gerakan to move about and settle their own internal problems," he said. "If you want Gerakan to lead the election battle in Penang, then leave them be. I support the view that Gerakan should pull out of BN if there is too much meddling from others." "The Gerakan leadership, being quite mild, could never rock the boat. And so Umno takes advantage of this. The Penang people have rejected Gerakan not because of Gerakan itself, but because Gerakan could never stand up to Umno." Hsu, a physician, quit the party last March 8, exactly three years after the 12th general election, which was disastrous for Gerakan. He cited Umno's racial politics and its domineering attitude in BN as well as lack of will within BN to reform itself. He acknowledged that other parties in BN should have a say in the appointment of the coalition's leader in Penang or anywhere else, but he said they present their opinions only in the BN council, and after Gerakan had submitted its candidate's name. Emotional statement Reacting to the warning of a Gerakan pullout, Penang MCA secretary Lau Chiek Tuan accused the party's leaders of blaming others for their own mess. "You cannot use something like this as ransom," he said.
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| A-G gives nod to indelible ink Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:27 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The Attorney-General cleared the way for the use of indelible ink in elections when he told a parliamentary panel today that only a minor change in electoral regulations was required to implement the key demand by polls reform movement Bersih 2.0. Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail informed the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms that "either a constitutional amendment or a regulation change" was required so the Election Commission (EC) can mark voters to avoid multiple voting. According to panel member Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, the change to Rule 19 of the Election (Conduct of Election) Regulations 1981 can "be done anytime" and only requires the approval of the Yang diPertuan Agong before Parliament is notified. "It does not need Parliament's approval. There is nothing to stop the use of indelible ink now. The road is clear," said Rasah MP Anthony Loke. But Maximus told reporters "the committee will weigh the matter before making any resolution." The Malaysian Insider previously reported that while the nine-man committee unanimously agreed that indelible ink can be used, Abdul Gani had said the Federal Constitution does not allow the authorities to force a voter to be marked with permanent ink. But after Abdul Gani clarified his stand today, a source said the A-G sent a note to the panel earlier this month saying "indelible ink cannot be used without changes to the constitution or laws related to it." "The A-G has basically squirmed out and flip-flopped using legal terms," he said. Mohd Radzi had also admitted that "even I, as a lawyer, found the letter very confusing." The EC had initially planned to use indelible ink, bought at a cost of RM2.4 million, for Election 2008 but backed out at the last minute, citing public order and security issues. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said yesterday that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would support a constitutional amendment if such was required to implement the use of indelible ink.
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| Nazri: Let eligible Malaysians vote Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:21 PM PST (The Star) - All eligible Malaysians should be allowed to vote whether they are in the country or overseas, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said. "As long as they (Malaysians) comply with the Federal Constitution's requirements, are at least 21 years old and have registered as voters, they should be allowed to exercise their right to vote," Nazri said. He added that organising such a vote during an election should not be too difficult. "The voting process can be conducted at Malaysian embassies." He was commenting on the case of six Malaysians in Britain who were granted leave for a judicial review by the High Court on Monday to compel the Election Commission (EC) to register them as absent voters in the next general election. The six are Dr Teo Hoon Seong, electrical engineer V. Vinesh, entrepreneur Paramjeet Singh, Dr Yolanda Sydney Augustin, translator Sim Tze Wei and software architect Leong See See. They are seeking a declaration that, as Malaysians staying abroad, they are entitled to be registered as absent voters and directed the EC, named as the sole respondent, to register them. On Monday, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms (PSC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said it would be following the developments closely. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Malaysians should come back to vote if they truly wanted to participate as citizens instead of asking to be registered as absent voters. "They have to have first-hand knowledge and information on the candidate and his background instead of merely depending on the media for information," he added.
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| National Feedlot Centre should explain operations, says Muhyiddin Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:17 PM PST (The Star) - The National Feedlot Centre (NFC) should give an explanation on the criticism it has faced following the Auditor-General's Report over its operations, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said a detailed explanation was needed since questions had been raised on its cattle-farming project. He added that the issue had been explained in detail by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar in Parliament. Muhyiddin was asked to comment on Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin's call on Monday for those involved in the NFC issue to resign from their posts. The A-G's Report, which was released last month, pointed out that production in 2010 was only 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1% of the target set. The NFC was set up three years ago to transform the cattle and beef industry, aided by satellite farms, to meet 40% of local beef demand by the end of last year. Muhyiddin said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was not involved in the project as the business operations were handled by her family members. "Whether it is right for Bung Mokhtar to call for her resignation, I think he can think for himself. "But I think the call was unnecessary, especially among our own people, as it did not say directly that Shahrizat was involved," he added.
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| "Nazri must provide explanation on his court testimony in PKFZ case" Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:09 PM PST (Malaysian Digest) - Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar today said the Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz must provide an explanation to the public regarding to his court testimony in the case of Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal. Speaking to reporters in Parliament today, Mahfuz said the statement made by Nazri in court gave an impression that cabinet members in this country are afraid of the power possessed by the prime minister.
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| Khairy: "I'm ready to debate with Rafizi" Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:02 PM PST (Malaysian Digest) - Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today said that he is ready to accept PKR's Strategic Officer Mohd Rafizi Ramli's challenge for a debate on the controversial National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue. However, Khairy said he has yet to recieve any official letter or invitation for the debate.
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| Khir Toyo: Fail kes di mahkamah Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:46 PM PST Khir berkata jika dakwaan Tulang Besi adalah benar, mahkamah boleh mengisytiharkan pilihan raya sebagai tidak sah. (Free Malaysia Today) - Bekas Menteri Besar Selangor Dr Mohd Khir Toyo menasihatkan blogger Tulang Besi (Abdul Rahman 'Celcom') agar memfailkan kes di mahkamah sekiranya Tulang Besi mempunyai bukti. "Failkan kes di mahkamah kalau betul ada bukti. Jika benar terbukti mahkamah boleh mengisytiharkan bahawa pilihan raya tidak sah." "Jangan tuduh sembarangan," kata Khir yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Sungai Panjang. Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas tindakan blogger pro-PAS, Tulang Besi yang berdoa agar Allah menghukum sesiapa saja dan agensi kerajaan mana sekalipun yang terlibat dalam usaha memanipulasi pilihan raya umum ke-13. Antara lain Tulang Besi menamakan Umno, Barisan Nasional (BN), Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara, Kementerian Pertahanan, Kementerian Dalam Negeri, Imigresen dan Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR). Tulang Besi menulis di dalam blog Malaysia Waves sedemikian kerana mendakwa menerima maklumat daripada sumber dalaman Umno bahawa Umno-BN pasti memanipulasi pilihan raya kerana Umno telah pun mendaftarkan seramai 200,000 rakyat Indonesia sebagai pengundi di Selangor. Khir turut berkata bahawa meskipun berdoa adalah hak blogger tersebut, ia adalah tindakan kurang bijak kerana membawa masuk aspek agama ke dalam politik.
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| MB dedah penyelewengan pemimpin BN S’gor Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:43 PM PST Beliau menamakan tiga pemimpin sebagai contoh - Satim Diman, Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo dan isteri Noh Omar - terlibat dengan pelbagai bentuk salah guna kuasa. (Free Malaysia Today) - Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim mendedahkan mengenai pelbagai salah guna kuasa oleh pimpinan Barisan Nasional (BN) yang didakwa membabitkan kehilangan jutaan ringgit. Ketika sesi penggulungan Belanjawan 2012 di Dewan Undangan Negeri (Dun) di sini semalam, beliau berkata Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Mohammad Satim Diman telah membuat beberapa transaksi berhubung penjualan tanah di Science Park 2 semasa Selangor ditadbir BN. Selain itu terdapat usaha pengambilan tanah oleh bekas Menteri Besar, Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo; isteri Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani, Datuk Seri Noh Omar serta pemimpin politik setempat bagi mendapat beberapa lot tanah di kawasan elit. "Saya mengingatkan Ketua Pembangkang tentang transaksi jualan tanah di Science Park 2 di mana tanah kerajaan negeri telah diberikan kepada Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Selangor (PKPNS) dan dijual dengan harga murah kepada Nikmat Inai Sdn Bhd di mana Satim adalah salah seorang pemegang saham dan Ahli Lembaga Pengarah syarikat itu. "Belum selesai syarikat Satim membuat bayaran belian kepada PKPNS, atas kuasa politik yang beliau pegang, tanah itu dijual kepada Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) dengan harga berlipat kali ganda. "Inilah kejayaan Satim sebagai orang tengah untuk mengaut untung atas angin atas nama Bumiputera," sindir Khalid. Menyentuh mengenai tanah Revolusi Hijau di Alam Perdana, tanah itu telah dijual kepada Barisan Elit Sdn Bhd untuk taman perindustrian walaupun tanah masih berstatus pertanian. Menurut Khalid, tanah itu merupakan milik kerajaan negeri yang diberikan kepada PKPNS untuk tujuan pembangunan pendidikan sains. "Meskipun Barisan Elit belum dibenarkan mengusahakan projek perindustrian, namun yang berkuasa adalah orang berkepentingan maka projek tersebut dijalankan sedangkan rakyat Selangor kerugian puluhan juta ringgit dalam bentuk bayaran premium," katanya.
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| Popularity poll: Najib soars, Anwar plummets Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:39 PM PST According to a poll conducted by IIUM, the premier's popularity is rising while the glitter of the stars in the opposition camp is fading. (Free Malaysia Today) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's popularity rating has been rising steadily since 2009 while those in the opposition camp are losing their charm, according to a poll conducted by the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). The study on the popularity of five Malaysian leaders, conducted by IIUM's Media and Election Studies Unit, also found that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has maintained his popularity since leaving office in 2003. Three other personalities in leadership roles – PKR's Anwar Ibrahim, Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng – saw their popularity decline considerably, according to the study. Prof Syed Arabi Idid of IIUM's Communications Studies Department led the study, from March 2008 to July 2011, with his research coordinator Azrul Hisyam Wakichan. An average sample of 1,500 respondents – Malay, Chinese and Indian registered voters – were asked how satisfied they were with the leadership qualities of the five leaders. Syed Arabi attributed Najib's improved rating to his relentless effort to touch base with the people and steer the country to a promising future. The study clearly indicated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians now find Najib favourable, he said. In October 2008, 35% of the Malay, 33% of the Chinese and 41% of the Indian respondents noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied with Najib but by July 2011, their approval increased to 59%, 45% and 62%, respectively, he said. "In a nutshell, people are finding Najib more acceptable now as their leader," said Syed Arabi, who has been conducting studies on the popularity of political personalities since 1989. On the flagging popularity of Anwar, Nik Aziz and Guan Eng, he said it was probably contributed by current issues and their failure to achieve a common ground in many of the issues.
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| Twisting the Constitution is not political reform Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:31 PM PST UPPERCAISE After 50 years of seeing the law twisted by Barisan Nasional politicians, you might think that those preaching political reform would try to avoid doing the same. But commentator "Hakim Joe" in a letter to Malaysia Today lambasting Pakatan Rakyat for inaction on reform, does just that in discussing who can be prime minister (or deputy prime minister, in his argument). Hakim Joe says Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh "do not qualify because the Constitution forbids it on racial grounds". That is just wrong. It is false. There is no such thing. Perhaps Hakim Joe prefers to see race-based quotas at the highest levels. But his own preferences do not make the law.After 54 years of constitutional government, you would think some things would by now have been well understood, such as:
If the Constitution says anyone can be prime minister, it is ludicrous to say the Constitution then bars Lim Kit Siang or Karpal Singh from being chosen as deputy prime minister "on racial grounds". That is a plain lie. It is one thing to argue for reforms. It is another thing to push a lie in the name of reform. Article 43 of the Federal Constitution only says that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong chooses a Cabinet of Minister, after first choosing a prime minister. He has the power to choose, and he must choose an MP who, in his view, commands the support of the Dewan Rakyat. That is all.
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| Most illegitimate babies in Sabah Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:24 PM PST WikiSabah SABAH ranked as the top state with the most babies born out of wedlock with 41,490 infants, followed by Selangor with 18,983....Is it also due to the booming illegal immigrants in Sabah? These figures were part of 152,182 illegitimate babies recorded nationwide from 2008 to last year, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Heng Sai Kie said.
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| NFC illuminates Najib’s transformations Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:09 PM PST Strangely, no one seems to have called for the two minister concerned to be brought to book – the previous agriculture minister (now DPM) Muhyiddin Yassin for having dubiously awarded the project to an incompetent recipient and the current minister Noh Omar for failing to properly oversee the execution of the project. Kim Quek By Barisan Nasional standard, the National Feedlot Center Project scandal is no big deal, as it involves no more than RM300 million of public fund, but the intensive debate over it has allowed us to gauge the country's current state of governance, and more importantly, whether there has been a paradigm shift among BN leadership under the various transformation programs brought in by Prime Minister Najib Razak. The current scandal is typical of the BN misadventure with public funds. A large sum of public fund is given to an incompetent crony who squanders the money without bringing the project to fruition. And the response by BN leaders, from the prime minister down, has been nothing but a series of cover-ups and excuses. There has been no attempt to face the problem squarely and come up with effective remedial measures. The culture of transparency and accountability seems to be alien to these people, despite hundreds of millions of taxpayers' money being dumped to trumpet Najib's many 'transformaions' for the country. National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFC) was given the task to "transform the Malaysian cattle and beef industry into a world-class halal beef producer", according to Bernama, reporting on the signing ceremony of the RM250 million soft loan on 6 Dec 2007. Target production was 60,000 heads of cattle for Phase 1 from the feedlot in Gemas. Operation was scheduled to start in February 2008. NFC in a mess Four years on, the Auditor General in his 2010 report stated that the NFC project was in a mess. The total number of cows slaughtered was only 5,742 up to November last year. Even by the scaled-down target of 8,000 cows per year, the project is a flop. Compounding this unpalatable report is the discovery of money being misused, such as RM10 million to buy a luxurious condominium and over RM800,000 for oversea travelling and entertainment in 2009, despite the company running at a loss of RM7 million in 2008 and RM11 million in 2009. It looks like NFC will meet the same fate as so many other BN forerunners such as the PKFZ, Perwaja, etc. – besides losing hefty public funds, dream of transforming this or that is gone. And who owns NFC? The family of Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister of Women, Welfare and Community Development, and head of Wanita Umno. Her husband, Mohamad Salleh Ismail, is the chairman, and her three children are CEO and executive directors of the company. Expertise and experience in the business of cattle production and beef supply of the Shahrizat family is nil. There are more than 300 feedlot farms in this country, and many established businesses in the beef supply industry. With our people's accumulation of expertise in this area, shouldn't we have entrusted the important mission of boosting domestic beef production to entrepreneurs who are better qualified than the Shahrizat family? Added to the comedy is the scrambling to defend NFC and Shahrizat by personages no less than PM, DPM, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister, Umno Youth leader, and now the latest, former PM Abdullah. Top guns to the defence PM said in Parliament on Nov 11 that there was no wrong-doing, and that production will soon increase to "12,000 cattle from 6,000 previously". DPM, who started the project when he was then the minister involved, said in a press conference on Oct 29 that he saw nothing "unsual or anything wrong" with the project and passd the buck to current Minister Noh Omar to answer further questions. Agriculture Minister Noh denied any impropriety in the award of this project and called the project a "success", giving various reasons for the meager production. Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin, who holds no government post, has strangely emerged as the most vocal defender. However, his lengthy discourse seems to excel more in offensive language than in helpful facts. And even former premier Abdullah Badawi came to Shahrizat's rescue. He said on Nov 15 that there is no need for her to resign as she is not the CEO and hence not involved. This was in answer to repeated calls for Shahrizat to resign. Strangely, no one seems to have called for the two minister concerned to be brought to book – the previous agriculture minister (now DPM) Muhyiddin Yassin for having dubiously awarded the project to an incompetent recipient and the current minister Noh Omar for failing to properly oversee the execution of the project. As for our corruption watchdog MACC, it had remained eerily silent since the scandal broke out almost 3 weeks ago until the scandal got overheated and it passed the buck to the police 2 days ago, saying that this is a police case, not a MACC case. Will police do anything? Your guess is as good as mine. There you are, Najib's transformations for you.
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| Najib's popularity up, Mahathir still revered Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:06 PM PST (Bernama) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's popularity rating has been rising steadily since 2009, according to a poll conducted by the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). The study on the popularity of five Malaysian leaders, conducted by IIUM's Media and Election Studies Unit, also found that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has very much maintained his popularity since leaving office in 2003. Three other personalities in leadership roles -- PKR de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng -- saw their popularity decline considerably, according to the study. Datuk Prof Syed Arabi Idid of IIUM's Communications Studies Department led the study, from March 2008 to July 2011, with his research coordinator Azrul Hisyam Wakichan. An average sample of 1,500 respondents -- Malay, Chinese and Indian registered voters -- were asked how satisfied they were with the leadership qualities of the five leaders. Syed Arabi attributed Najib's improved rating to his relentless effort to touch base with the people and steer the country to a promising future. The study clearly indicated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians now find Najib favourable. In October 2008, 35 per cent of the Malay, 33 per cent of the Chinese and 41 per cent of the Indian respondents noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied with Najib but by July 2011, their approval increased to 59 per cent, 45 per cent and 62 per cent, respectively, he said. "In a nutshell, people are finding Najib more acceptable now as their leader," said Syed Arabi, who has been conducting studies on the popularity of political personalities since 1989. On the flagging popularity of Anwar, Nik Aziz and Guan Eng, he said it was probably very much contributed by current issues and their failure to achieve a common ground in many of the issues. Azrul Hisyam said Malaysians hold high esteem for Mahathir and his legacy. An average of 74 per cent of the respondents polled were in favour of Mahathir throughout the four-year period. He noted that Malaysians see Mahathir as a proven leader and a man who speaks his mind without fear or favour. "They see him as an exemplary leader," he said.
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| No you know why Muslims can't seem to resolve the many issues Posted: 15 Nov 2011 12:00 AM PST
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