Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Dr M keeps going at age of 88
- Is Malaysia turning into a theocratic state?
- ‘Rosmah dabbles in witchcraft’
- Why it’s hard for BN to win Penang
| Posted: 15 Feb 2013 02:58 PM PST The former prime minister is still very active on the domestic stage despite having retired 10 years ago. Free Malaysia Today Dr Mahathir Mohamad is still active and continues to work although already having retired almost 10 years as prime minister of Malaysia. Although his age is almost reaching 88 (he was born on July 10, 1925), the former prime minister goes to his office each working day while on weekends, delivers talks when invited to do so. He also actively writes, in his Che Det blog besides contributing articles to The News Straits Times and Utusan Malaysia. In an interview with Bernama journalists Abdul Aziz Harun, Massita Ahmad, Zairulliati Mali and Prem Kumar Panjamorthy at his office here recently, Mahathir shared his thoughts and hopes on the importance of unity among the races in Malaysia, the upcoming general election, economic matters and the future of national automobile maker Proton, of which he is the adviser. Below is the full transcript of the interview: Question: You appears to be very healthy. How are you keeping up because after 10 years of retiring, you are still very active? Question:There are some people who, upon retirement, retire completely but you are still active. Do you still have targets yet to be achieved? Before, when I was a practising doctor I used to advise anyone who was retiring to continue to be active because once we retire and don't do anything, we will be susceptible to fall sick. This is what I observed. A lot of people on retiring withdraw from society, this is not healthy. That is why I took my own advice, that on retirement must remain active and my passion is still in the realm of politics, that's why I am still active in politics. Because I want to take care of my health and I'm still interested in political developments in our country. Question:Any other activities besides politics? I read a lot of books, I write this and that, I have a blog, I also write articles for (The New) Straits Times, Utusan Malaysia, and I get many letters from abroad which I try to reply. In addition, many people come to see me from within and outside the country and as far as I can, I try to meet them. These are my activities. I also try to exercise a bit, do the treadmill, sometimes lift dumbbells, go horse riding, walking, these are normal for me. Question: In every (general) election, the situation for the contesting parties is 'do or die'. In the next election, is it the same? The situation is different. Cracks in our society in general have become so much deeper. In my time there was also division especially among the Malays, who belonged to different parties, but support for Umno was very strong and the general populace was more interested in supporting Umno than other parties. Even when there were splits like when Tengku Razaleigh (Hamzah) set up the Semangat 46 party, they were not able to draw many Umno members. Datuk Seri Anwar (Ibrahim) was a bit more successful but still could not defeat Umno. That is why the Barisan Nasional's victory in 1999 was still very big although there were many Malays who thought that Anwar had been persecuted and thus withdrew their support (for Umno) but the Chinese were solidly behind the BN, we still got two-thirds (majority). But later, we got an administration that did not focus on the people's needs, but instead they were more interested in enriching themselves and things like that. The leaders were also the same; leaders at all levels were also looking for opportunities from politics to line their own pockets. Because of this the people began to lose their trust (in the BN). But (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib Tun Razak has taken steps to correct the situation and has somewhat succeeded. Question: Voters under the age of 40 are young voters. How was the scenario before this? Because there are some who say 40% of the voters now are aged under 40. Before this how was the young voters' support for the government? Before, young people went through the early days (of the country) to now. For example, the young people first went through the time when there was not much development in Malaysia, in fact we were considered a backwater country then. Then they saw rapid changes taking place during their time and they appreciated the changes. But the youth now were born after the country had developed. For them, this is the country they know. They did not experience the situation when the country was poor, when they did not have opportunities to work, did not get a chance to get a good education, did not get the chance to become professionals. Before, no. Now this But they were born at a time when our nation was already advanced and for them this was something normal. So they do not appreciate it and instead are exposed to influences from the West such as freedom and much more, and they feel they are not quite free. Still restricted in this and that. They see in the West everyone is free to do what they like, and this causes them to be dissatisfied. They want more freedom and so on, so they want to see change happen. For them change will come only if the opposition wins in the general election. Because the opposition has promised to bring about change. But whatever is said by the BN, for instance, is not effective. Although it is true and real but not effective because they are obsessed with the belief that a change in government will make a difference in their lives. This is the reason why the situation is different from the past. There is some success but not enough because of situation of the party, according to the people's perception, is not so good. Question: Perhaps there is much to be done by (Datuk Seri) Najib? He does not have much time left, very soon there will be the general election, how much more can be done. Anytime (the general election), so we have to go down to the ground, see as many people as possible and so on, (it's) difficult. So, it's a problem. New problems will arise and to address these problems it will take time, and he now is running out of time. But I think he has done his best. He works very hard. Question: How was Tun's own experience? With the election nearing, there appear to be many demands from within the party and outside the BN. They are just taking advantage of the election to make all sorts of demands? During my time the people will not know when the election will be called, so before they make any demands the election will be upon them. But if we wait till the last minute to dissolve Parliament, there is no longer the surprise element. So the closer the election the more the demands. Question: But Datuk Seri Najib needs time? Yes, I believe he needs time. Question: Quite drastic demands from the non-Malays, how do you see him to be able to balance these demands with those within the party and also from outside parties? We are in a quandary. For instance, demands made by opposition parties that touch on the position of the Malays. If the Malays want to answer, if they don't answer well, they will look like racists. They place more importance on race than a Malaysian race, so we find the Malays do not want to answer for fear of being accused (of various things). Thus they only feel angry. They cannot fight back, they get angry but this is not so effective. This is a problem for the Malays and also a problem for other races because we see now there is greater polarisation compared to before. Question: Perhaps this is a touchpoint that needs to be addressed by Datuk Seri Najib, striving for greater unity? Yes, we have 1Malaysia and so on but it's a slogan. We should get acceptance from all races, but I notice that the response is coming more from the Malays only. Question: So much more remains to be done for the non-Malays? When more is done for the non-Malays, demands from within the party (Umno) also peak. I think the demands of non-Malays've have been entertained a lot. But when they think they will be the kingmakers in the (upcoming) election, they will come up with all sorts of demands. Question: What about unity in Umno, because before it seems that the BN fared badly in the last general election due to internal weaknesses rather than the strength of the opposition? I think the situation has eased a bit. Before, of course if not chosen as a candidate, the person replaced would make sure the candidate selected will lose. But I see now this has cooled down a bit. They have made pledges that they will not sabotage, but we have to wait until the election to know whether they will hold to their promises or not. Question: Tun's advice to them? They should remember that if this practice of sabotaging continues, even if they are the candidates they will also lose, they will also be sabotaged as well. The important thing is not their winning, it is important the party wins. For the party to win, the party's candidates must be given victory. Whether we like the candidate or not that is other question, if we don't let him win, the party will lose. If the party loses, our position will obviously come under threat. Question: What is your message to the Chinese voters? Since we became independent in 1957, the cooperation among the Malays, Chinese and Indians through Umno-MCA-MIC-Gerakan had brought a lot of progress to our country. It made our country stable. Because these three races agreed to share power. Because we shared, not Umno took all for Umno or MCA took all for them, but we were willing to share.Because we were willing to share (power) our country did not exhibit chaos and with that the country was able to be developed. If today, every race wants everything that they demand, this will result in other races not feeling satisfied, hence the country's stability will be affected and if it is affected, progress will not be achieved, the economy cannot grow and all of us cannot enjoy the benefits. All races should understand this especially the Chinese who do business. They cannot do business in a situation where racial riots are happening. Question: In Kedah, how do you see BN's chances? We have never lost in Kedah until 2008. Usually we won two-thirds (majority) in Kedah. But disappointment and dissatisfaction cropped up among a majority of the people of Kedah who are Malays. They were disappointed and they made a decision not to support the BN. They voted for opposition parties even though they said they 'felt painful' to do so. But I found out that now they have faith again in the BN and I am confident that there is a big possibility that BN can win in Kedah. Question: So now arises the question of who will become the Kedah Menteri Besar? Who will become the MB, that is not important. What is important is winning. If we do not win no one can become the MB. If we continue to sabotage, the party will lose which means there will be no MB. Can become the opposition leader, now we already have an opposition leader in Kedah. If you want him to remain as opposition leader, then go ahead and sabotage. Question: Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister is said to have met you in Langkawi for finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in southern Thailand. Did the meeting really take place? I met with the governor (of southern Thailand) but I did not discuss specifically regarding this matter. We (my delegation) learnt that their government wants peace in southern Thailand but it will not be easy because the rebels there are split. Even if there are parties who agree to cease the insurgency, others might not agree. So while one party might sign an agreement (for peace), the others might do bombings and the like. This is the problem in southern Thailand. If there is only one body fighting for their cause and the decision is to made by that body, then we can end the insurgency, but so far, what I know is that they are split into factions and sometimes individuals act Question: But did representatives from the Thai government side also come to see Tun recently? Yes.
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| Is Malaysia turning into a theocratic state? Posted: 14 Feb 2013 08:19 PM PST
Anwar is also one of the founding members of the International Institute for Islamic Thought (IIIT) in the US, which is under-investigation by US Federal law enforcement agencies since the late 90s, for the suspected financing of terrorist organizations such as Al Qaida. Suvrokamal Dutta, MeriNews Malaysia a very important country in South-East Asia, and a vital member of ASEAN. It has faced huge turmoil in the last couple of years with the hardcore Islamist fundamentalist hell bent upon in turning the country into a hardcore Islamist state based on the Shariat with Islam being the state religion. Already there are many provinces in Malaysia, which follow the Shariat such as Selangor, Penang and others. It is also an accepted reality that Malaysia turned Islamic way back in the 1960s when Islam became the state religion with 60 percent of the country's population following one or the other form of Islam. However, the constitution of Malaysia guarantees equal freedom and rights to 40 percent minority population, which consists mainly of Chinese, Indian and others, who follow and practice Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. Malaysia does guarantee freedom of religion to all. But all this might not stay rosy for too long. Malaysia does have a brutal history of ethnic riots with the country reeling under huge ethnic riots against the ethnic Chinese minority in 1960s and in '70s, and more recently against the Indians two years back in which many Indian minority people were targeted with hundreds getting injured, and many deaths reported. The dangers loom large for this transformation with Anwar Ibrahim the leader of the main opposition People's Alliance, which is a rainbow collation of many parties including the hardcore Islamist Party, whose soul motto and attempt is to convert Malaysia into a hardcore Islamic state based on the Wahhabi form of Islam, which is practiced in Saudi Arabia. Anwar Ibrahim is an active supporter of this. Anwar though tries to project a liberal democratic western educated face for himself but in reality has a different face altogether. The kind of connection which he keeps and maintains with the hardcore elements of the Arab world portrays a different picture of Anwar. At first glance people who don't know Anwar's brand of politics would have laurels for the kind of political thoughts that he preaches in public with advocacy of Liberalism on many issues with freedom of expression and religion in Malaysian society. At the same time the kind of friendly equation which he maintains with powerful Liberal Americans like Paul Wolfowitz and other powerful democrats as well as the US Vice President like Al Gore would in face value make him the darling of the Western world and the US. With elections looming large in near future in Malaysia and the gap between the ruling party and the opposition narrowing down with every passing day the recent activities of Anwar Ibrahim has raised many eyebrows. The recent travel in early 2012 to the Arab world like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar and meeting leading Muslim figures there like Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi a leading Islamic Theologian and visiting his personal house in Doha, Qatar raises many questions. Qaradawi is the unofficial Muslim leader of the Islamic world and he supports suicide bombings against Israel as well as female circumcisions. At Qaradawi's house Anwar Ibrahim also met Khalid Mashaal as per unofficial reports. Mashaal has taken responsibility for numerous suicide bombings, killing and wounding innocent civilians, including helpless women and children. The trip as many have claimed could be a part of damage control on part of Anwar Ibrahim after his open support to Israel's defense of national security claims a comment which was not appreciated in his own country Malaysia. Not only this many say Anwar Ibrahim has close and personal contact with the Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) sources say Anwar had personal contacts with Youssef Al Nada until at least 2011 reports claim Nada personally visited Anwar when the latter was on a visit to USA in 2011. Nada an Egyptian banker has been designated by the U.S., the UN and Switzerland for having financed terrorism through an extensive financial network and providing support for terrorist-related activities, including those undertaken by Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaida. Nada founded Bank Al Taqwa, the financial institution known to have provided cash transfers and investment advice to Al Qaida in preparation for 9-1-1. Other close friends of Anwar includes Hisham Al-Talib, former director of one of Al Nada's companies and now with Ibrahim's IIIT in the US; as well as Dr. Mohammed Manzoor Alam, co-founder with Al Nada of Al Taqwa Bank. Anwar has also served in the board of Al-Baraka Bank which has a questionable history which the US claims to be one of the main conduits for funding Al Qaida and other terror outfits. Anwar is also one of the founding members of the International Institute for Islamic Thought (IIIT) in the US, which is under-investigation by US Federal law enforcement agencies since the late 90s, for the suspected financing of terrorist organizations such as Al Qaida. Ibrahim's party's coalition partner, PAS has been advocating the passing of Hudud laws based on Islamic penal code if voted to power Anwar has been quite on this with Islamic fundamentalism reeling roost in neighboring Indonesia and the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono taking no steps to prevent it such dangerous changes in Malaysia if it happens would be suicidal for the security of Asia- Pacific region including the US, China and India and it could be extremely dangerous for multi-cultural state like Malaysia as well for its large Indian minority. Government of India should not remain a mute spectator to the internal developments in South East Asia. (About the contributor: Suvrokamal Dutta is a renowned television celebrity, political commentator, and foreign policy and economic expert.) |
| ‘Rosmah dabbles in witchcraft’ Posted: 14 Feb 2013 05:56 PM PST In an exclusive interview with FMT, Deepak Jaikishan reveals the alleged dark side of the prime minister's wife and makes a series of startling allegations. G Vinod, FMT Bizzare black magic rituals and an insatiable appetite for wealth. These were some of the revelations of Deepak Jaiskishan about Rosmah Mansor, a woman he claims has no conscience. According to her one-time confidant, the prime minister's wife has allegedly cast spells on numerous people, including her husband, former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the latter's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin. Deepak claimed that Rosmah would go to the extreme in order to achieve her ambition, which is to be richer than the Sultan of Brunei. "She indulges in bizzare witchcraft rituals that no religion in the world will accept," he told FMT in an exclusive interview here. When Abdullah delayed naming Najib Tun Razak as his successor, Deepak claimed that Rosmah turned to the black arts for help. "Abdullah and his family went through a tough time, no thanks to Rosmah's witchcraft. Almost the entire Cabinet is under her spell," he alleged. However, Deepak said that Rosmah, whom he termed as the country's "prime minister", could not put a spell on former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad because the latter has his own protection. "She tried something but it didn't work. Maybe he is protected in some ways. "You see, it's not like you can simply put a spell on someone. It only works if the person is weak in some ways. For example, it works if the person is not spiritual," he added. Deepak said that Rosmah employed the services of shamans from Kelantan, Terengganu and even India. 'Amassed a wealth of RM30 billion' In another startling allegation, the carpet dealer also claimed that Najib and Rosmah have accumulated a fortune amounting to about RM30 billion since taking over the reins in 2009. He also confirmed the allegations regarding Rosmah's penchant for expensive handbags and jewellery, saying that he personally arranged the purchase of valuables amounting to about RM300 million over the past five to six years. "That's only from me, you should ask the others…," he added with a smirk. The carpet dealer also revealed how Rosmah used him to keep tabs on projects that were being awarded by her husband. "She will inform her people in the ministry to hand me information pertaining to the contracts, which I will then deliver to her," he said. Deepak added that some of the deals brokered by Rosmah would be executed without Najib's knowledge.
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| Why it’s hard for BN to win Penang Posted: 13 Feb 2013 03:42 PM PST MCA is Barisan's Achilles' heel, says a former youth leader of the party. Hawkeye, FMT BUTTERWORTH: It is becoming increasingly difficult for Barisan Nasional to unseat the Penang government because the coalition is suffering from an acute shortage of young candidates, according to a former MCA leader. Eng Hiap Boon, who was Penang MCA Youth chief when he quit the party in late 2011, said today that MCA must take the largest part of the blame for BN's lack of young leaders who could meet the expectations of the Penang electorate. He described Penang voters as "highly demanding" and lamented MCA's inability to institute reforms at a pace quick enough to impress them. It is believed that Umno, Gerakan, PPP and MIC have nearly finalised their lists of candidates for the 13th general election. MCA, however, is still struggling to complete its list, according to insiders. They say the selection committee is reluctant to field young blood, often referring to them as "untested" politicians. MCA is expected to contest in eight state and two parliament seats in Penang. In the 2008 election, it lost all of its Penang battles with DAP. Eng said no new leader with talent had emerged in MCA since 2008 to challenge DAP's young turks. "The veterans are stubbornly clinging on either because they dare not hand over power to the younger set or because there are no youthful talented leaders from within the ranks." Former MCA presidents Ong Ka Ting and Ong Tee Keat both tried to attract young talent into the party but failed, said Eng, who is an ally of Tee Keat.
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