| Govt expected to tighten belt after GE Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:50 AM PDT 
(The Sun Daily) - The government is expected to introduce the goods and services tax (GST), resume its subsidy rationalisation programme and raise electricity tariff after the 13th general election (GE) as it moves to tighten its belt, said Alliance Research Sdn Bhd, adding that such moves will adversely affect consumer disposable income in the near term and dampen consumer sentiment. Its head Bernard Ching said based on a recent survey conducted by Alliance, investors expect the GE to be held in the fourth quarter of this year, with Barisan Nasional (BN) expected to win by a simple majority but with reduced popular votes. According to results of the survey conducted among 72 respondents comprising fund managers and buyside analysts from domestic institutional funds, half expect the GE to be held after Budget 2013 on Sept 28, but before year-end, another 19.4% expect the polls to be called between January and March next year and only 4.2% believe it will take place before the budget. "The survey results also indicated that investors are generally pessimistic that BN would recapture more parliamentary seats in GE13, with only 12.5% expecting an increase. Majority of the respondents (52.8%) expect the results to remain status quo, that is, similar to the 12th GE with a 5% variance," said Ching in a report today. "On the downside, 34.7% expect BN to lose more seats. This implies that majority of the respondent expects the ruling BN to form the next federal government," he added.
Investors also expect Malaysia's stock market to correct once election is called. "A total of 68.1% of the respondents expect the FBM KLCI to contract once the GE is called. In addition, 40.3% of them will avoid sectors perceived to be affected by elections," said Ching. "Our analysis also showed that investors have been risk-averse, resulting in defensive sectors such as consumer, telecommunication and REIT outperforming the FBM KLCI during the first eight months of the year. "On the other hand, cyclical sectors such as construction, property and technology have significantly underperformed the FBM KLCI over the same period," he added. Nevertheless, the research firm believes that market performance over the long term is dictated by fundamentals and macro outlook, and while political "shocks" do impact market performance, they are expected to be short-lived. "Our analysis of the last general election showed that a market selldown due to political 'shock' is temporary and will normalise in three months. As such, investors with longer-term investment horizon should capitalise on cyclical stocks within the construction, utilities and gaming sectors, which are likely to be re-rated post-GE," said Ching. |
| Malaysia risks credit downgrade if reforms not done, says S&P Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:47 AM PDT  File photo of people shopping in Putrajaya. S&P has said the government should look at introducing a goods and services tax and cutting subsidies. — Reuters pic
(The Malaysian Insider) - Malaysia's sovereign credit rating may be cut if the government does not deliver promised reforms to cut spending to reduce its fiscal deficits, Standard and Poor's (S&P) has said in its latest report on the country, joining other global ratings agencies in warnings about the strains on the country's credit profile. S&P said reforms the government should look at include the introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) and subsidy cuts. "We may raise the sovereign credit ratings if stronger growth and the government's effort to reduce spending result in lower-than-expected deficits, as indicated in the 10th Malaysia Plan. With lower deficits, a significant reduction in government debt is possible. "We may lower the ratings if the government can't deliver the reform measures to reduce its fiscal deficits and increase the country's growth prospects. These reforms may include, but are not limited to, the GST and subsidy reforms on the fiscal side, and private investment and economic diversification reforms on the economic growth agenda," said the ratings agency. Last month Fitch Ratings said in a separate report that Malaysia had yet to present a convincing plan to tackle the twin fiscal threats of its federal budget deficit and federal debt. Fitch also said that data clearly showed public sector-linked activity had been a key driver of GDP growth for the last four quarters alongside robust private sector activity. It said that the ratio of federal government debt to GDP reached 51.8 per cent at end-2011 despite strong GDP growth but barring a further deterioration in the global economy, the Malaysian government should be able to meet its 2012 deficit target of 4.7 per cent of GDP. Fitch added that improving the nation's fiscal position would be challenging without significant reform to address the cost of fuel subsidies, broaden the fiscal revenue base, or reduce dependence on energy-linked revenues. S&P's latest Malaysia report appeared to echo some of those views. The country's moderately weak fiscal and government debt profile for the rating category constrains the sovereign rating, it said. Putrajaya had made some moves towards cutting subsidies last year, but political pressure in the run-up to elections have relegated some of these reforms to the back of the line. Plans to introduce GST have also been shelved because of fears that it would cost votes for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government. S&P said it believed Malaysia's slow fiscal consolidation stems from high subsidies and the relatively weak revenue structure. "Malaysia depends largely on petroleum-related revenues. The government has been planning to reform the subsidy system and introduce a goods and services tax. "However, given the political sensitivities, we expect significant implementation, if any, would only be after the general election," it said. The agency added that for more than a decade, Malaysia's economic growth was partially brought about by large public investments — sometimes exceeding that of the private sector — and this had adversely affected the government's fiscal position. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-risks-credit-downgrade-if-reforms-not-done-says-sp/ |
| Empty boasts, failed promises fuel anger in rural Sabah Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:44 AM PDT 
(FMT) - "Where are the projects spelled out in the development plan? Where has the money allocated gone? Thus far nothing has come of the 10th Malaysia Plan for Sabah announced by Prime Minister Najib on June 10, 2010. The Barisan Nasional's dismal failure from inception to provide Sabah with vital infrastructure and development is enough reason for Sabahans to seek a change at the top, said opposition candidate Joseph Lakai. "Look at in the interior like in Sook and Nabawan in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency … there is still has no hospital, police station and fire and rescue department base," he said to illustrate the expectations of those living in those areas. It's these glaring infrastructural limitations that include unpaved roads, lack of piped water supply as well as power supply and telecommunications that has prompted him to take on the powerful BN coalition government. Frustrated with the minuscule amount of development taking place in his state in comparison to what he has seen in the peninsula, the pilot by training has decided enough is enough and its time for him to join others to make a difference. His political vehicle of choice is the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and he is now the opposition party's Liawan division vice-chairman. He said that while the ruling coalition has boasted that Sabah has been granted the second highest allocation under the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK10) unveiled by Prime Minister Najib Razak on June 10, 2010, nothing has come of it. "Where are the projects spelled out in the development plan? Where has the money allocated gone? "There is little sign of the 'mega projects' … there are too many to name that the federal and state government leaders promised the people of Sabah would be implemented during the five years plan," he said. He remembers that during the 1994 election when the BN took over Sabah and when Najib, the then Defence Minister, visited Nabawan and announced that a hospital would be built. "Till today the only structure standing in the proposed site is a signboard about the project," Lakai said pointing out that the country is already into the second year of the Rancangan Malaysa Ke10 (RMK10). 'No future' He added that before Najib read his RMK10 speech, Sabah Tourism Minister Masidi Manjun in an interview had noted that the state needed more funds for basic infrastructure projects like paved roads that would allow farmers to bring out their produce to the market as quickly as possible. "The rural farmers are now making a living by selling rebung and pucuk ubi by the road side…there is no future. "Now when their children get a bit older, they run away to Kota Kinabalu and stay in the squatter areas or those who have a bit of money board AirAsia and sleep in the streets in Kuala Lumpur," he said. "(It is) a very apt name – the RMK10 as Rancangan Malaya Ke10. Najib is not talking about Malaysia he is just talking only about Malaya, specifically Klang Valley and Selangor," he said. Lakai, nicknamed the 'flying politician', added that after the plan was announced Sabah ministers were so happy they were patting each other's back on a job well done. The excuse for the any delay in implementing any plan, he said, would be bureaucracy. To get to the money, they have to prepare reports which go through the bureaucratic process from state level up to the federal level. "That could take the Sabah delivery system at least three years to prepare and send by which time everything has to change because by then the plan is undergoing its mid-term review. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/09/05/empty-boasts-failed-promises-fuel-anger-in-rural-sabah/ |
| Australian miner Lynas Corp gets green light for its controversial rare earth plant in Malaysia Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:41 AM PDT 
(Xinhua) - Malaysian regulators have paved the way for Australian miner Lynas Corporation to fire up its controversial rare earth plant on Wednesday by issuing a temporary operation license, despite fierce opposition from green activists and local residents. Malaysia's Atomic Energy Licensing Board said in a statement on Wednesday that the license was issued since Lynas had met all the requirements. "The Board ... is satisfied that Lynas has fulfilled all technical aspects, including the institution of dust control measures and radioactivity immobilization methodologies in its residue management system, and all regulatory requirements." The temporary operation license would be effective for two years, enabling Lynas to conduct trial processing of lanthanide concentrates in stages and in limited quantities "under close and continuous surveillance by the authorities," the statement said. Lynas confirmed the issuance of the license, saying its refinery in Kuantan, capital city of Malaysia's central Pahang state, is expected to commence the transport of rare earth concentrate into the country and begin operations in October. "Receiving this license from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board is a significant milestone for Lynas," Lynas Executive Chairman Nicholas Curtis said in a statement. The temporary license would be converted into a full operating license over the next two years if the company complies with safety standards, he added. The rare earth plant, first of its kind outside of China, could produce metals worth more than 91 billion U.S. dollars a year that are used in making green technology products like wind turbine, mobile phones and flat screen television. However, the 100-hectare, 235-million-U.S. dollar refinery was met by fierce protests by environmental activists and residents for fear over possible radioactive contamination. Over 10,000 people staged a large-scale protest in Kuantan in February, before joining the electoral reform rally in Kuala Lumpur in April, which saw police firing tear gas and water canon to disperse the crowd. The widespread public anger has forced the ruling coalition, which is facing the crucial general election soon, to hold the temporary operation license that it had agreed to grant. Nevertheless, a parliamentary select committee came to a conclusion in June that "scientific facts" had proven the safety of the plant, clearing maybe the last hurdle for Lynas. Several anti-Lynas groups have condemned the decision of the regulator soon after the issuance of the license. Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) chairman Tan Bun Teet told an online news portal that he was not surprised with the Atomic Energy Licensing Board's decision, which he described as "very unprofessional, unethical, and maybe even illegal." He said his group would seek an injunction to freeze the license. Lynas said regulators would monitor if the plant's operations, as well as its safety standards was in accordance with all Malaysian regulations and international conventions. Meanwhile, the refinery would also process waste into co- products that could be exported from Malaysia to address the concern of public over the disposal of the waste, the company said. |
| Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales attacks government's 'snooper's charter' Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:38 AM PDT  Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales, has described the government's 'snooper's charter' as 'technologically incompetent'. Photograph: Charles Platiau/Reuters (The Guardian) - Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, has sharply criticised the government's "snooper's charter", designed to track internet, text and email use of all British citizens, as "technologically incompetent". He said Wikipedia would move to encrypt all its connections with Britain if UK internet companies, such as Vodafone and Virgin Media, were mandated by the government to keep track of every single page accessed by UK citizens. The entrepreneur said he was confident there would be a general move to encryption across the internet if British-based communication service providers were required to collect and store data for 12 months from overseas companies, such as Google and Facebook, for possible access by the police and security services. He said the British government would have to resort to the "black arts" of hacking to break encryptions: "It is not the sort of thing I'd expect from a western democracy. It is the kind of thing I would expect from the Iranians or the Chinese and it would be detected immediately by the internet industry," he told MPs and peers. His intervention came as leading UK internet companies, including Vodafone and Virgin Media, also raised concerns about the responsibility for retaining and storing sensitive data from overseas third-party companies, which, they said, would damage their commercial relationships and entail a competitive disadvantage. The internet industry, which is giving evidence to a parliamentary special select committee on the draft communications data bill, said the legislation could create new opportunities for hackers and "malicious agents" wanting sensitive private information about individuals. The London Internet Exchange (Linx), told MPs it had serious concerns that the proposals would create a "profiling engine", a filtering system that would produce detailed profiles on all users of electronic communications systems and allow sophisticated data mining. In a written submission Linx said it would be a challenge to safeguard this profiling engine, and that a breach would be "a significant threat to national security". Read more at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/sep/05/wikipedia-jimmy-wales-snoopers-charter?newsfeed=true |
| The Government and its paws must immediately stop the harassment and selective persecution of Suaram Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:31 AM PDT The notices to search and seize were issued under Section 7C and 7D(1) of the Companies Act 1965. The above sections of the law are essentially the powers of CCM to conduct searches and seizures or "fishing expeditions", indicating no particular offence committed by SUARAM. Tony Pua The Companies Commission of Malaysia has shown remarkable diligence in raiding the offices of Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd, the operating entity of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) non-governmental organization (NGO). Yesterday, officers from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) had gone to Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd's company secretary and auditor's office and conducted a search and seized documents related to the company. The notices to search and seize were issued under Section 7C and 7D(1) of the Companies Act 1965. The above sections of the law are essentially the powers of CCM to conduct searches and seizures or "fishing expeditions", indicating no particular offence committed by SUARAM. The raid was conducted despite SUARAM having written to CCM on 20th July 2012 that they will provide full cooperation to the latter and will provide further documents and information upon receiving written requests to do so. Even PERKESO, the agency which manages SOCSO payments had ordered SUARAM to produce a list of documents to the office on 30th August 2012. In compliance to the notice, SUARAM had produced the requested documents to the relevant officer, who in-turn was completely clueless to SUARAM's presence. The actions by the Government agencies, under pressure from UMNO and right-wing racist organisations such as Jaringan Melayu Malaysia and PERKASA, particularly by CCM are of extreme prejudice in nature. Over the past year, I have exposed many companies which have flouted many laws in the Companies Act 1965. They've included the companies owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil's family members who own the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC). For example, NFC has granted personal loans to the directors of the company that breached Section 133 and 133A of the Companies' Act where such loans are clearly prohibited. The family's other companies, National Meat & Livestock Company Sdn Bhd, Real Food Company Sdn Bhd and Meatworks Sdn Bhd have failed to hold the company's Annual General Meetings, file its Annual Returns to the Registrar of Companies together with their Audited Financial Report. These offences are clear breached of Section 169A of the Companies Act, which carries the penalty 5 years in prison and/or RM30,000. Similarly, Yayasan Gerakbakti Kebangsaan (YGK) owned by UMNO Youth with Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan as directors, has never filed their accounts since 2009. Why is it that up to today, despite the above exposes being made at least 6 months ago, the CCM has failed to act against the above companies despite the proven breaches? On the other hand, why is it that despite having done no wrong, the CCM and the other government agencies have been relentless in their pursuit to charge SUARAM. It is clear as day that the current persecution is mediated the exposes on Najib and the multibillion ringgit Scorpene submarine scandal. We call upon the CCM to stay away from politically motivated actions which will only tarnish its image as an impartial entity. If it has to act against SUARAM, then surely action must be taken against the many companies of UMNO leaders, family members and cronies which have clearly breached many aspects of the law SUARAM has done an impeccable job with the Scorpene submarine scandal which implicates the Prime Minister himself. We hope SUARAM will maintain the course and double up its efforts especially to ensure that those corrupt leaders who abuses power will be rejected outright. |
| Najib must undo his father’s mistake Posted: 04 Sep 2012 06:23 PM PDT 
Jeffrey Kitingan claims that former premier Tun Razak Hussein had acted unconstitutionally when he signed away Sabah's oil to Petronas. Luke Rintod, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Maverick politician Jeffrey Kitingan said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak must undo the "greatest injustice" his late father Razak Hussein did in "signing away" Sabah's oil and gas resources to Petronas in 1975. "How can (then) prime minister Razak give away something that does not belong to him as prime minister?" Jeffrey asked during a press conference here today where he also showed reporters copies of documents on the issue. "Najib must undo his late father's greatest injustice against Sabah and reverse the vesting of Sabah's oil and gas resources back to Sabah from Petronas. "The real issue is not whether the then prime minister had the authority to sign away Sabah's oil and gas resources to Petronas, but why should he sign away Sabah's oil and gas without consultation with or approval from Sabah when the oil and gas belonged to Sabah," he said. Jeffrey, who is also Sabah chairman of the Sarawak-based State Reform Party (STAR), said Razak had on March 26, 1975 signed away Sabah's oil and gas to Petronas by executing the "vesting order" under Section 2(2) of the Petroleum Development Act 1974. He said the "vesting order" granted in perpetuity and conveyed to and vested in Petronas the ownership in and the exclusive rights, powers, liberties and privileges of exploring, exploiting, winning and obtaining petroleum whether lying onshore or offshore of Malaysia. "The grant, conveyance and vesting was to be irrevocable and shall endure for the benefit of Petronas and its successor. "But under Section 24(1) of the Land Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 68), oil and gas in Sabah are, and deemed always to have been, reserved to the state government, together with the right to enter lands and to search for, win, carry away and dispose of the same," he said.
Razak's action 'unconstitutional' Jeffrey also argued that "under Section 24(2) of the Land Ordinance, the minister (in charge of such resources) is authorised to grant licences to search for, win, carry away and dispose of the oil and gas and to grant leases of the same. "Under the same section, the state is also entitled to impose payment of royalties on the oil and gas produced. "Furthermore, land and natural resources come directly under the State List under the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) Report and the Federal Constitution. "This action by Razak may well be unconstitutional. "How could Razak give away something that does not belong to him as prime minister? "By signing away Sabah's oil and gas to Petronas, Razak has committed the greatest injustice to Sabah," said the Harvard scholar. He argued that it is only right that Najib, who was here on a two-day visit recently, undo the injustice by getting Petronas to reverse the vesting and restore ownership of Sabah's oil and gas to the state. "It is never a better time for Najib to show his sincerity in resolving Sabah's oil issue by giving back the oil and gas resources to Sabah, which will also by a stroke of the pen wipe out Sabah's poverty problems. "It is also time for the Chief Minister to show that he is truly a Sabahan at heart by not only seeking a review of the 'oil royalties' but also to ask the federal government to give back the oil and gas resources to Sabah, since he has said that the current state-federal relationship is very good," he added. READ MORE HERE |
| Election fever: Khairy jabs Pakatan Posted: 04 Sep 2012 06:11 PM PDT 
If Pakatan Rakyat is so concerned about a fixed election date, the Umno Youth chief says, the opposition coalition should reveal when it will dissolve its state assemblies. RK Anand, FMT Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has come under fire for keeping the nation on its toes with regard to the next general election date. However, Barisan Nasional Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin threw the ball back into the opposition's court. "Why don't we also blame the Pakatan-held states?" he asked. "If they are so concerned about a fixed election date, tell them to announce when they would dissolve their respective state assemblies," he told FMT. Among other concerns, the prime minister was said to be worried that if he called for the polls before the term expired in next April, the four states under Pakatan might opt not to dissolve their assemblies for simultaneous state elections. Pakatan controlled the states of Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan. Since taking over the reins in 2009, Najib had set his sights on re-taking these states, especially the resource-rich Selangor. Commenting on the speculations concerning the election date, Khairy said this was common even in the past. However, the Umno Youth chief pointed out that it was others, and not the prime minister or the government who were speculating about the date. 
"The election date is the prerogative of the PM and he has the freedom to choose when he wants to ask the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament," he said. Following Najib's recent speech in Sandakan where he had repeatedly mentioned his favourite number – 11, speculation had been rife that the polls would be held in November. However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz accused the pundits who read between the lines of the speech of making a "stupid" prediction. According to him, the election could not be held in November as the Budget 2013 would need to be debated and passed first. Earlier this week, Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga also took Najib to task for putting the nation on election mode by dropping hints. READ MORE HERE |
| Do you really think it is about the ballot box? Posted: 04 Sep 2012 05:42 PM PDT 
So what does this mean? Hell, do I need to spell it out for you like talking to a primary school kid? What it means is simply this: is it your votes or is it the Palace, Police and Military that will decide who gets to march into Putrajaya?
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin Article 55(3) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia says that Parliament will be automatically dissolved exactly five years to the day of the start of the first session of Parliament of that term. Thereafter we will no longer have an elected government (the country will be run by the civil service) and the Election Commission (SPR) will take over and call for fresh elections within 60 days. Article number: 55(3) Parliament unless sooner dissolved shall continue for five years from the date of its first meeting and shall then stand dissolved. In other words, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak needs to do nothing. He can just allow the government to continue until Parliament is automatically dissolved and then allow the SPR to call for the 13th General Election, which must be held before the end of June 2013. Of course, this has never been done before. Thus far, for 55 years since Merdeka, the Prime Minister would request an audience with His Majesty the Agong and will request His Majesty to dissolve Parliament. His Majesty, however, can refuse this request according to Article 40a(2)(b) of the Constitution although this, too, has never been done before. Article number 40a(2)(b): The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may act in his discretion in the performance of the following functions, that is to say the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of Parliament. His Majesty can also declare an emergency whereby Parliament will be suspended and elections can be postponed under Article 150(1) of the Constitution and this declaration cannot be challenged in court. Article number 150(1): If the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof is threatened, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency making therein a declaration to that effect. Article number 150(2): A Proclamation of Emergency under Clause (1) may be issued before the actual occurrence of the event which threatens the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that there is imminent danger of the occurrence of such event. In other words, if His Majesty is of the opinion for whatever reason that (1) the security of the country, (2) the economic life of the country, and/or (3) public order of the country is under threat, His Majesty can declare an emergency. His Majesty can also declare an emergency to preempt such as occurrence (before it happens if His Majesty believes it may happen). The question would be: does Malaysia face such a threat? Well, it does not matter what you and I think. It is what His Majesty thinks that matters. Even if you and I do not think so but His Majesty does then that is all that matters. Then a state of emergency can be declared and Parliament is suspended and the general election can be postponed. Is this lawful? Of course it is lawful. It is what the Constitution allows and stipulates. Whether it is morally right to do that is another matter. After all, morality is subjective, as I have tried to explain many times in earlier articles. And we must admit that many 'incidences' of late appear to point to a breakdown of law and order (get it now?). So, to those of you who are whining about Najib 'postponing' the 13th General Elections, please stop whining. You sound pathetic and just show how little you understand your own Constitution. Janganlah tunjuk bodoh. Malu! If we are already in July 2013 and still the 13th General Election has not been called yet then you can whine. Then we can say Najib has postponed the general election. But July 2013 is more than ten months from now. So until we are already in July 2013 we cannot whine and complain that the general election has been postponed. Of course, we can whine that Najib is the longest-serving 'non-elected' Prime Minister in Malaysian history. That would be correct. But that is still not something illegal or unconstitutional. It is merely morally wrong -- or at least on the border of morally wrong because what's so immoral about taking over, as what Najib had done? I mean, let's look at it another way. Let's say Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had won the elections back in March 2008 (which he did) and the very next day (9th March 2008) he dies in a helicopter crash. That same day, 9th March 2008, Najib takes over as the new Prime Minister. Does he need to dissolve Parliament on 10th March 2008 seeing that we just had a general election two days earlier? Was it Barisan Nasional or Abdullah Badawi who won the 12th General Election? Did we vote for the person or did we vote for the party? I read many comments by Malaysia Today readers that say we vote for the party, not the person. Are we against Najib or are we against Umno? If Muhyiddin Yassin replaces Najib as Prime Minister will we now vote for Umno or will we still oppose Umno? Nevertheless, I did write a while ago that Najib is an 'illegitimate' Prime Minister in the sense that he was not voted into office but inherited the job. And I did also write that the 'window' for Najib to call for the 13th General Election was March this year. Unfortunate for Najib, this window is closing fast and the longer he waits the lesser margin for error he is allowed. Najib's only bet is for the opposition to make many more mistakes -- or perceived mistakes. But when he and Umno/Barisan Nasional also make mistakes that would not help much. Both sides are bungling big time. You have probably already seen the video below. Okay, what do you make of that video? I bet you only saw the dog collar and not the dog, as usual. Well, then let me help you see the dog. What was Dr Xavier Jayakumar lamenting about? He was lamenting about the police and the military pulling out of Selangor's Merdeka celebration. In short, because Anwar Ibrahim instead of His Highness the Sultan of Selangor was the guest of honour, the police and the military boycotted the event. So what does this mean? Hell, do I need to spell it out for you like talking to a primary school kid? What it means is simply this: is it your votes or is it the Palace, Police and Military that will decide who gets to march into Putrajaya? Think about this one. And do a bit more thinking and less shooting off at the mouth. Ponder, people, ponder! Pull your head out of the sand for once and see things for what they really are. And you may want to read my earlier articles again, especially the one about the Istana's influence in politics. ZVNT5Oblbwc SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVNT5Oblbwc |
| Tussle over Johor Chinese-majority seats Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:58 PM PDT 
PKR claims its multiracial branding gives it a better chance in 'mixed seats' which are in effect Chinese-majority constituencies which DAP has been serving. Leven Woon, FMT PKR and DAP in Johor are yet to resolve their differences in at least three Chinese-majority seats in Johor. Both parties believe that they each have an upperhand in these constituencies. The Pakatan Rakyat coalition of PKR, DAP and PAS is aiming to break into the Umno bastion state in the upcoming general election. The tussle involves the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat, and the Tangkak and Johor Jaya state constituencies. Both PKR and DAP are still in negotiations, said Johor PKR election bureau chief Michael Chong. It is understood that the Bakri parliamentary seat is also in the list, as the Johor PKR chairman Chua Jui Meng seeks a comeback in his former stronghold, despite the seat being controlled by DAP now. Interestingly, in all the seats mentioned, the Chinese form the majority of voters – 54% – except for Johor Jaya where the community is at 49%. The opposition, it seems, is banking on the anti-establishment sentiments of the Chinese community. Chong admitted that the seats are much sought after because they are "winnable seats". He, however, declined to categorise the seats as "Chinese-majority seats", saying that a Chinese seat should come with at least 70% of Chinese voters. "There is an unwritten rule that PKR would not get [take] a Chinese seat from DAP because they have been contesting there from the start. "But we felt the seats we are demanding now are mixed seats, and our track records show PKR did slightly better in obtaining Malay votes in mixed areas," he told FMT in a phone conversation yesterday. DAP a better bet Chong said it is important to have the support from all races to win in those seats. "It's better for PKR to field a Chinese or Indian leader," he said. Chong also denied requesting the Bakri seat from DAP, saying that there is a consensus in Pakatan not to do so in the winning seats. DAP's Er Teck Hwa won the sole parliamentary seat for Pakatan in the 2008 election, after MCA decided not to field Chua, the then incumbent, as candidate. Meanwhile, Johor DAP chairman Boo Cheng Hau said the party could do better in those seats because it is more popular and has a better service records. "Certain parties are better known in certain areas," he told FMT. Likewise, he also denied pursuing the seats for Chinese votes, saying that Pakatan engaged a non-racial approach in seat distribution. He said the results from the past election are also "favouring the Rocket" (DAP party symbol). "Last time there was a three-cornered fight between PKR, DAP and BN in a constituency, and the PKR candidate ended up losing his deposit. "Over the years, they have never worked in the area," he said, implying the Johor Jaya seat where DAP's candidate garnered 3,726 votes in the 2004 election, to PKR's 1,714 votes. Boo said DAP is using scientific findings and evidence to prove its case. READ MORE HERE |
| Labuan is not for PAS, says DAP Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:18 PM PDT 
(FMT) - LABUAN: Is a tussle brewing within Pakatan Rakyat partners in Labuan? Barely 48 hours after PAS declared that it will field a candidate in Labuan, DAP has gunned down its partner by saying that the seat is "yet to be finalised". Labuan DAP chief Lau Seng Kiat said the coalition is "still in the process of negotiation". "I have been advised by Pakatan leaders that allocation of seats for Sabah and Labuan have yet to be finalised. "We are still in the process of negotiation to determine the contesting parties in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan," he said. Lau was commenting on a PAS statement that the coalition had decided to go with a PAS candidate for Labuan. Federal Territories PAS commissioner Mohamad Noor Mohamad said this was decided during the coalition's meeting on Aug 18. "The agreement was made on Aug 18 and an agreement letter had been issued regarding the seat distribution. "So it is clear that PAS will stand here in Labuan. "PAS will also contest in Putrajaya and in Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur," Mohamad reportedly said on Monday. Lau however countered that the letter Mohamad had referred to was only a proposal. "The letter was not an agreement…it was only a proposal. "But whichever party is selected to represent Pakatan in Labuan, DAP will extend it whole support to that party candidate," he said.
Incumbent a bankrupt Labuan is currently a contentious seat with BN having a less than favourable performance record despite having successfully retained the seat in 2004 and 2008 polls. Labuan incumbent is Umno's Yussof Mahal, who has been declared a bankrupt by the court. Mahal has said that he is in the midst of sorting out his issues. Thus far neither Umno, Barisan Nasional nor the state legislature have stated their stand on Mahal's status despite calls to do so by the opposition and former Labuan Umno assemblyman Suhaili Abdul Rahman. READ MORE HERE |
| 'DAP man pushed me at function' Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:07 PM PDT 
(NST) - A DAP state assemblyman has suffered a concussion after a fracas at a party dinner function here attended by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on Monday night. Gwee Tiong Hiang vomited several times after he fell down at the entrance of a Chinese restaurant in Sungai Abong, here, where the function was held.
The Bentayan assemblyman later alleged that he was pushed by a man, believed to be from a rival faction of the party.
He was admitted to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital the same night and underwent a computed tomography scan at noon yesterday.
Gwee said he had bought a table for himself and several others. The function was organised by the Muar and Bakri DAP parliamentary committees, with Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, as the speaker.
Gwee said he and several members from the Bentayan branch were refused entry by two women and a man before the latter forcibly pushed his left shoulder, causing him to fall.
"I felt dizzy after my head hit a chair. It was only at this point that the organiser allowed me into the restaurant. When I went back after Guan Eng's speech at 9.30pm, I vomited several times before I was admitted to the hospital.
"The incident would not have occurred if I was not manhandled. I need an explanation from the organising committee before planning my next course of action."
Bakri member of parliament Er Teck Hwa said he did not witness the incident and urged Gwee to lodge a police report instead of bringing the matter to the press.
"He claimed he had bought a table and was manhandled.
"It is better to let the police investigate this matter."
Er added that anyone who had bought a table at the function should not have any problem entering and would be welcomed by the organisers.
Gwee is believed to be a member of the "traditional" Johor DAP faction, which opposes the leadership of the party's state chairman, Dr Boo Cheng Hau.
The traditional faction consists of leaders who want DAP to remain primarily a Chinese-based party. |
| Yap, Wee on a collision course Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:52 PM PDT 
Dong Zong's threat to demonstrate outside the Parliament on Sept 26 may have little to do with the Chinese education cause and everything to do with the personal agenda of its president Yap Sin Tian. They admit that Yap is committed to Chinese education but his combative nature, his inability to work with others and his overwhelming ambition has made him too controversial for the good of the Chinese education cause. Joceline Tan, The Star ONE of the most controversial figures to ever lead Dong Zong, Yap Sin Tian, is on a collision course with Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong. Yap, known for his contentious nature, is taking his disagreements with Dr Wee to Parliament, so to speak. He is organising a rally in front of the Parliament on Sept 26 to demand the resignation of Dr Wee on the grounds that the deputy minister has failed to settle Chinese education issues. He is also hoping that the Parliament protest will be a repeat of the huge rally in Kajang earlier this year to protest the shortage of Chinese teachers. Yap had used the occasion to humiliate Dr Wee who attended the event. But Chinese education activists are wary about Yap's motives this time around. It is quite clear by now that Yap's issues with Dr Wee have more to do with his personal ambitions than the cause of Chinese education. Everyone knows that Yap, who is desperate for another term as Dong Zong president, may not be able to do so because of a technical clause and he is blaming Dr Wee for that. Moreover, they think that Yap has gone overboard in demanding Dr Wee's resignation. "Some people agree with Yap but others say that it is unreasonable to ask Dr wee to resign. They think that Dr Wee is sincere about the Chinese education cause and he is trying his level best," said Tang Ah Chai, CEO of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The Chinese educationists are also unhappy that Yap has equated his Dong Zong position with the future of Chinese education. He is said to have portrayed his problems with Dr Wee as a "life and death struggle" for Chinese schools in Malaysia. "That is too much for us to swallow. Chinese schools will go on with or without him," said a retired headmaster. Dong Zong, the national body for the boards of governors of Chinese schools and its sister organisation Jiao Zong, which represents the Chinese school teachers, used to be a very powerful force under the umbrella body of Dong Jiao Zong. But Dong Zong's image has suffered under Yap, whom Chinese NGOs view as a polarising figure and difficult to work with. Yap's reputation languished after his very public and acrimonious feud with the academic staff at the New Era College (NEC), the flagship college run by Dong Zong, which resulted in the ousting of the NEC principal Dr Kua Kia Soong. The dispute caused divisions in the Chinese school movement and has yet to heal. But Yap's biggest humiliation was when a student marched up to him during the NEC graduation ceremony and gave him a bloody nose in front of a packed hall three years ago. Earlier this year, there was a lot of adverse publicity about the string of degrees and PhDs that he claimed to have. He did not respond and the matter died down. However, the Chinese language papers, which give him a lot of coverage, have stopped referring to him as "Dr Yap" and that says a lot. Yap was eyeing a fourth term as Dong Zong president and that was how his problem with the Education Ministry started. Anyone vying for a seat in the Dong Zong leadership must be on the board of a Chinese school. Each school board has to comprise three members each from the five main bodies associated with the school, namely, the parent-teacher body (PIBG), alumni, trustees, sponsors and the government. The list of board members has to be approved by the state education department. Yap used to be the board chairman of SJKC Jinjang Utara but he quarrelled with the PIBG and the school alumni over almost everything from the running of the school canteen to what to do after the school was hit by flash floods. Things grew so dire that the PIBG and alumni refused to have anything to do with him and, earlier this year, they formed their own 15-member board of directors. Yap then came up with a rival list of board members but could not fill the remaining six slots with PIBG and alumni members who had boycotted him. Both lists were submitted to the state education department, which accepted the full list instead of Yap's incomplete list. Yap was furious and placed the blame on Dr Wee. He evidently felt that Dr Wee should have made an exception for him. Unless Yap is able to parachute into another school board elsewhere, he will be out in the cold when his term as Dong Zong president expires next year. Many think that this is basically what the rally on Sept 26 is all about – it is Yap's personal vendetta against Dr Wee. They are concerned that Yap is exploiting the Chinese education cause in such a brazen manner. They think that it is wrong but seem powerless to stop him. "This is a tragedy for the Chinese education cause. He said he is doing this to save Chinese education but it is actually to save himself. "He is using us to bring down Wee Ka Siong and it is not right. I don't think he is fit to be president," said the retired headmaster. Even Jiao Zong has refused to have much to do with him. For instance, although Jiao Zong sent representatives to the March rally in Kajang, they refused to co-organise it with Dong Zong. Yap is not without his support in the movement and the Chinese politicians in DAP and PKR are standing behind him. But some Chinese activists are reluctant about being dragged into what they regard as Yap's personal agenda. They admit that Yap is committed to Chinese education but his combative nature, his inability to work with others and his overwhelming ambition has made him too controversial for the good of the Chinese education cause. |
| Gold miner sues news portals Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:44 PM PDT 
(The Star) - Raub Australian Gold Mining Sdn Bhd (RAGM) has filed defamation suits against MToday News Sdn Bhd and MKini Dotcom Sdn Bhd over certain articles published by them in their news portals. RAGM said its decision to take legal proceedings in the High Court of Kuala Lumpur was based on articles published by MToday and Aneesa Alphonsus of MToday, which runs news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT), as well as MKini (publisher of online news portal Malaysiakini), Lee Weng Keat, Wong Tech Chi and Victor TM Tan of MKini Dotcom Sdn Bhd. "The articles published by the defendants are alleged to be prima facie defamatory of RAGM in its trade and business," it said in a statement. RAGM denied any allegation that the residents of Bukit Koman, Raub, had fallen ill due to the use of sodium cyanide at its plant. "From the start of its business, the company has taken all reasonable steps and precautions as provided by the law to ensure the health and safety of its workers and residents generally," it said. It added that it was concerned that the "unsubstantiated and baseless allegations" had led to much confusion to people in and outside Bukit Koman. "The plant has operated using sodium cynanide in its extractions process for over three years. "There have been no reports adduced by medical experts or specialists to state that the alleged skin disease akin to those referred to by the defendants in their articles are solely due to the use of sodium cynanide by RAGM," it said. RAGM said it complied with all relevant laws and reiterated its commitment to ensure that necessary safeguards are in place. On Sept 2, it was reported that Health Ministry deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said cyanide was not the cause of the skin ailments suffered by residents near Kampung Bukit Koman. He said the first case affecting a resident was reported in March 2009 but follow-up checks showed no sign that it was linked to cyanide. In RAUB, police recorded statements from three people as part of investigations into violations of two conditions imposed on the organiser of the Himpunan Hijau Raub. The three were rally organising chairman Wong Kin Hoong, Tengku Shahadan Tengku Jaafar and M Raju. Raub OCPD Supt Wan Mohd Samsudin Wan Osman confirmed that the three were called in to assist investigations under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. It is learnt that police are looking for two other individuals. |
| Lajim still a good bet for opposition Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:30 PM PDT 
Neither disparaging remarks nor allegations spun by his detractors are likely to affect Lajim Ukin's ability to win in the general election. Luke Rintod, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Irrespective of what blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) writes and Barisan Nasional leaders reveal, Sabah MP Lajim Ukin is still a good investment for Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. Among his constituents and ardent local political observers, the currently much-talked about Beaufort MP may still win big in the coming polls. They opined that the former federal deputy minister of housing and local government, who jumped from ruling Umno to the opposition side recently, would win in least two parliamentary and three state assembly seats. Malik Unar, 74, a Sabah political writer, is one of those who believes so, saying Lajim would win easily in his former state seat of Klias and retain even his Beaufort seat if he decides to go for both. "He will win there easily… He or his men or associates will take Kuala Penyu and Lumadan state seats and the Sipitang parliamentary seat," claimed the veteran writer who hailed from Membakut in Beaufort. Malik has written several political books during his prolific years including while Lajim was still with PBS (1984-1994). "Lajim served his constituents very well… people identify with him easily. He will win no matter what others say about him," he claimed when asked for his opinion at a meeting in Kota Kinabalu recently. Even though Lajim has become a subject of ridicule in RPK's blogsite Malaysia Today, many here still believe it would not harm his reputation, at least among his own "Bisaya folks" in Beaufort vicinity. Lajim served people A local political analyst, who wished to be known only as Taufik, told FMT that "it is all about services that Lajim rendered" that matter to the voters in the area. "Other Yang Berhormats may not be able to pull [off] what Lajim could do. They jump and they lose, but in Lajim's case he would still win because he had been good to the rakyat ever since he was PBS assemblyman in the 1980s…" Taufik said. In the last general election in 2008, Lajim won Beaufort with a thumping majority, gaining 14,780 votes against his sole rival Lajim Mohd Yusof of PKR who obtained 3,866 votes. Lajim was subsequently appointed federal deputy transport minister before moving to his last portfolio in 2009. In July he renounced his position in Umno to align himself with Pakatan Rakyat without quitting Umno membership and his ministerial post. That forced Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to sack him and revoke his federal post. Since then he has been based in Beaufort campaigning almost daily for the looming election that many believe will be a do-or-die battle for Umno-led Barisan Nasional. It is also rumoured here that Lajim is in talks with several Umno senior leaders in Sabah. It is expected at least one or two people's representatives would ditch BN ahead of the polls. |
| Bernama: Picture not ‘doctored’ Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:28 PM PDT 
(Bernama) - Suggestions by some quarters that Bernama had "doctored" a picture taken at the 2012 Aidilfitri open house of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya are utterly absurd, says its editor-in-chief, Yong Soo Heong. "Time is of the essence for a professional and responsible news organisation like Bernama and we do not have the time to indulge in irrational endeavours," he said, adding that the photo unit of the national news agency had just been equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and lenses this year. Yong said the original picture in question, which showed a large and enthusiastic crowd at the prime minister's open house, can be viewed by anyone at Bernama's headquarters here. He said mammoth crowds at the prime minister's Aidilfitri open house had been the norm since Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister three decades ago, starting with the old Seri Perdana in Damansara and the current Seri Perdana in Putrajaya. On Sept 1, an opposition senator had issued a statement claiming that the picture which had appeared in a number of newspapers had been "doctored" by an amateur graphic artist and that open house pictures should have depicted the young, old and the disabled in wheelchairs. Yong said the photographer, Harry Salzman Abu Bakar, who had taken pictures of United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon, British Prime Minister David Cameron and US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in the past without any problems, had used his creativity to depict the large crowd of well-wishers, especially the young, who had come to the open house to meet the prime minister. Other than that picture, which showed the enthusiastic crowd, Harry Salzman had also taken other pictures of the function, including some showing the prime minister waving to those present. "One cannot deny that Najib is a crowd-puller, not just at his own Aidilfitri open house but at other public events as well, because pictures and video footages from other news organisations can also testify to that," Yong said. |
| ‘Rulers were against Islamic state’ Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:22 PM PDT 
Hindraf chief Waythamoorthy says their unanimous stand was discovered when he scrutinised documents on Malaya's pre-independence talks in the London archives. Athi Shankar, FMT Malay rulers were against any move to turn the country into an Islamic state from the very beginning of the then Malaya independence talks, said Hindraf Makkal Sakti. Hindraf supremo P Waythamoorthy said the Malay rulers backed an establishment of a secular state to safeguard rights and interests of all Malaysians. He said documents on pre-independence talks revealed that the Malay rulers wanted Islamic religious matters to be under their jurisdiction. He said Malaysians must know that during pre-independence days, all states in Malaya were identified and recognised as separate countries. He said respective rulers wanted control over Islamic religious affairs and maintain a secular state in their respective "countries." He said the rulers made a collective representation on this to the Reid Commission through their Queen's Counsel, Neil Lawson, who was a member of British Communist Party. The Reid Commission was formed to receive recommendations and draft the Constitution for the imminent independent Federation of Malaya. "The rulers unanimously agreed and accepted only the proposition and implication of parliamentary democracy and civil law to reign supreme over everything else. "They never wanted an Islamic state," Waythamoorthy revealed, pointing out that the system of constitutional monarch was a fundamental foundation of an independent Malaya. Karpal was right to oppose hudud He was responding to the political furore caused by PAS' desire to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state and introduce hudud as the supreme legislation. He said DAP national chairman and senior parliamentarian Karpal Singh was absolutely right to oppose PAS' Islamic agenda as unconstitutional. He said that the Islamisation process of administration started by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was unconstitutional and against the spirit of country's independence. He said Umno had committed so much unconstitutional misconduct, intimidation and bullying via religious extremism and racism under its 55 years of misrule in the country. He chided other Barisan Nasional component parties for having been impotent to stop Umno hegemony for half century. Since pre-independence days, he said the rulers opposed Islamisation of administration and federal government interference or involvement in religious affairs. Hence, he said an Islamic agenda would be unconstitutional and against the very spirit of independence and wishes of rulers to be just and fair to all Malaysians. "This was well documented in Malaya's pre-independence talks," said Waythamoorthy. Malay-Muslims not the only citizens 
He said the rulers' unanimous stand against an Islamic state was discovered when he scrutinised documents on Malaya's pre-independence talks in the London archives. He extracted about 40,000 documents on Malaya's pre-independence talks to facilitate Hindraf's multi-million ringgit class action suit against the UK government. READ MORE HERE |
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