Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- “Ajaran Sesat” by the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya
- Squatter-Gate vs. Ming Court 2.0: Don't Shift the Blame, Old Man!
- Thank God Malaysia is not Korea?
- I need MRT Campaign - Waste of Public Funds
- Big Spending PMO
- Candidate dilemma dogs MCA
- Police's deeds will be remembered
- A heartfelt choice
- Sarawak NCR defender’s attacker walks free
- The human dimension
- GE13: Malaysians who choose not to vote
- Anwar no show, ordered to pay RM3,000
- Are Kula and Fong the sacrificial lambs?
- PBS leader tells Mahathir to ‘shut-up’
- 70 years later and still the same
- GE13: ‘Victory’ at any cost?
- CHINESE swing likely
- GE13: Many unhappy over parachute candidates
- Pakatan shaky at the home of oldest civilisation in Malaysia
- Hisham must condemn ‘Kill Tian Chua’ threat, says Ambiga
- Daim denies being alleged ‘chief conspirator’ in ousting Anwar
- BN leaders criticised for joining Perkasa demo
- Malaysian Private Eye's Last Case
- ‘Anwar sought Misuari’s help to win GE’
- ‘Anwar met Misuari several times’
- Malays must avoid being a Broken People -- Re: Chinese Malaysians, Too, Have Died For ...
- Malaysia has an Evil side that bears watching!
- SYA : List of Pakatan Rakyat Flip Flop , Inconsistency , U Turn and Contradictions – Part 1
- My political thoughts during the Hunger Viratham Day Fifteen 25th March 2013
- PR bans cyanide, BCAC Joins Pahang Green Corridors to overthrow BN Government
- GE13: Opposition hits snag in Johor
- GE13: Selangor — the hottest battle of all
- Bukan Islam? Belum Islam?
- Hisham blames opposition provocation for rising political violence
- Radio Free Malaysia to start broadcasting on Monday with the Anwar Ibrahim interview the ...
- The untold story of the Lahad Datu incident
- Unite against Tian Chua, Lahad Datu ‘conspirators’, Hishammuddin tells youth
- If it has failed, just discard it?
- Daim backs Najib, rejects Anwar
- GE13: Tight hold on Umno fortress
- GE13: Put a stop to the mudslinging
- GE13: Unexpected backlash
- There’s much at stake in Sabah
- M'sian Special Branch working with Philippine intelligence on intrusion
- GE13: Barisan making inroads in Kelantan
- GE13: Zin: BN ready to take back Selangor from ‘caretaker govt’
- GE13: Chua confident BN will retain Johor
- GE13: Karpal: Alternative is to contest under PKR or PAS
- GE13: ‘Guan Eng contradicting himself’
- Altantuya chapter closed with Bala’s death?
| “Ajaran Sesat” by the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:18 PM PDT
Tindak Malaysia For the past one month, the EC Chairman and Deputy Chairman have been flogging the meme 'ajaran sesat' . See The Borneo Post 20th Feb 13 and The Star 22nd Mar 13. It has clearly become a pattern that should not be left unchallenged as it appears designed to mislead the public. Having accused unnamed NGOs of confusing the public with "ajaran sesat", the SPR continues its program of confusing the public even more by making public pronouncements that come apart upon careful scrutiny. Let us see how much that clarification is worth. First, they are implicitly admitting that there is double registration! Second, will the indelible inkprevent double-voting as claimed by the EC? The UNDP Procurement Guide For Post-Conflict Electionshas recommended that indelible ink has a reliable lifetime of 3 days! [By the way, indelible ink is used for post-conflict elections. That is how bad our electoral system has become.] We have no idea what kind of indelible ink will be used by the SPR. Independent parties have not been given any demonstration of the durability of the ink nor have they been given any samples of the ink for testing. In the absence of other evidence, we have to take the UNDP recommendation as valid. Regulation 3 (1A) of Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981requires that the "advance polling day shall be fixed not less than seven days after the day of nomination and not less than 3 days from the date or dates of the polling day". There is a window for Advance Voting, 7 days after nomination and 3 days before polling. This is very strange. The indelible ink for Advance Voting cannot meet the minimum recommendation of the UNDP unless they use very high quality ink and have stringent procedures to prevent fraud. Thus the SPR cannot guarantee that indelible ink applied on Advance Voters will remain visible on polling day. There are additional factors that the SPR chooses to ignore although these factors have been publicly discussed during the alleged "ajaran sesat", some of which sessions were attended by persons suspected of being SPR officers and even Special Branch members: 1. What measures are being taken against a voter coating the finger with a transparent substance such as transparent nail polish to prevent the indelible ink from sticking? 2. What solvents has the SPR tested on the indelible ink to ascertain the indelibility of it? How certain are we that a person who knows the chemistry of the ink cannot devise a way to reduce, if not remove, the ink stain? 3. Has the indelible ink been tested on a variety of skin types to ensure that its indelibility applies effectively across all skin types? 4. Polling Agents are currently positioned where it is very difficult for them to inspect the fingers of voters. There is a comedicvideo circulating on You Tube that demonstrates this. Comedy notwithstanding, there is a very real fear that voters who have voted before can be allowed to vote again, especially given that the SPR itself stands accused of colluding with the incumbent leadership. 5. In a training video released by the SPR, the KetuaTempatMengundi (Presiding Officer) is given instructions on how to cope with a long queue at the Polling Station by processing voters two-by-two. If this were to happen, how effectively can the Polling Agents screen fingers for indelible ink? If collusion is suspected, the double processing can be expected to be implemented just when voters with stained fingers come to vote, thereby ensuring that specific persons succeed in voting twice. 6. Even if the identity inspection is conducted one voter by one voter, we must remain aware of the time constraint – in each Polling Station (Saluran),700 voters need to be processed in 9 hours. This means each voter has to be processed in just over 46 seconds. In those 46 seconds, the following need to be done: a. The voter's finger needs to be inspected and verified. b. The voter's identity document needs to be inspected and the photograph matched with the face. c. The voter's record needs to be located in the Electoral Roll d. The voter's name and identity number need to compared between identity document and Electoral Roll e. The voter's name and identity number need to be read out for the Polling Agents to verify. f. Time must be allowed for the Polling Agent to raise any objections g. If there are any objections, the time remaining for the remaining voters will become even less. How effective can the screening by the Polling Agent be? Yet the Deputy EC Chairman dare to publicly claim (TheStar 22nd Mar 13) "It only takes three minutes for a person to vote, unless he or she creates chaos and refuses to follow instructions," he told reporters after chairing a special session with election and police officers in the state here yesterday. To date the SPR has done nothing to assure Civil Society that the implementation of indelible ink is expected to be effective. All we have seen are potentially chaotic situations and no credible answers to the questions that have been raised. There is one other very significant factor that has conveniently been ignored by the SPR – there is a class of voter on whom indelible ink will not be applied! Yes, there is no provision for indelible to be used on Postal Voters. We understand the impracticality of applying indelible ink on persons who could be anywhere when they vote. But most of the local postal voters can vote as Advance Voters! But they are not assigned as such. This is why it is critical that any person eligible to be a Postal Voter must be scrupulously removed from the Electoral Roll of regular voters. Otherwise indelible ink CANNOT guarantee that double registration does not mean double vote. Remember that any member of the Police and Military forces can, at any time, opt for postal voting. This means the infamous Papagomo could have used both his military and civilian identities to vote. So let us not be fooled and lulled into complacency. There is a massive loophole in the system. Postal voting is also available for all EC officials –some 300,000 of them. This potentially creates 300,000 double votes.This is no trivial number considering that sometimes seats are won or lost by a margin of a few hundreds or even tens. It only takes a majority of one to win! Journalists on duty are also eligible to be Postal Voters. We can expect that, if the suspected collusion turns out to be real, those journalists allowed the double vote would be selective and dependent on the political alignment of their parent organisation. We are not suggesting that this will happen. We are simply saying that this loophole in the system has not been plugged effectively. We should not be so naive as to depend on the honesty of the people involved. Systems should be designed to be secure. There is one other element that many people remain blissfully ignorant of – with the use of a Borang717, an SPR officer can cast his Postal Ballot at any Polling Station. This is even provided for in the Conduct of Election Regulations 15(1)! Provided that where an elector for any constituency is employed as a presiding officer or in any other official capacity at a polling station within that constituency and it is inconvenient for him to vote at the polling station to which that part of the electoral roll which contains his name has been assigned, the returning officer may authorize such elector to vote at any other polling station in the constituency. Such authorization shall be given under the hand of the returning officer and shall state the name of the elector and his number in the electoral roll, and the fact that he is so employed as aforesaid and shall specify the polling station at which he is authorized to vote. Since the issuing of such Ballot Papers is not witnessed by any independent agent, any number of such Ballot Papers can be issued to the officers. And these Ballots can be cast in any Saluran so long as they are accompanied by a Borang 717. If there is no validation system in place, SPR officers can vote any number of times. And this is why NGOs teaching about Election Laws and the Electoral Process are accused of "ajaransesat" – too many of the SPR secrets are being exposed. We have said this before and we will say it again – WE HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CURRENT SURUHANJAYA PILIHAN RAYA. Article 114 of the Federal Constitution provides that an Election Commission be appointed "which enjoys public confidence". The public has lost confidence in this Election Commission and calls upon His Majesty the Yang di PertuanAgong to sack this Election Commission. We can only have democratic elections if the body charged with conducting the elections is capable of acting in a fair and impartial manner. The present Election Commission has shown time and again that it is both biased and incompetent. Enough is enough! More here: http://www.tindakmalaysia.com/showthread.php/5508-Indelible-Ink-UNDP-Guide?p=15312#post15312
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| Squatter-Gate vs. Ming Court 2.0: Don't Shift the Blame, Old Man! Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:08 PM PDT
I refer to a classic piece of spin doctoring on the recent Global Witness exposé by a blogger calling himself/herself The Benchmark entitled "Global Witness on Taib: Was it really a sting operation?" Click on http://thebenchmark0.blogspot.com/2013/03/global-witness-on-taib-was-it-really.html to read this rather lame attempt at shifting the blame. Being Vernon The piece by The Benchmark desperately tries to deflect, distract and 'turn the tables' on Global Witness, which is why I call it a classic text-book case of Spin-Doctoring 101. In a nutshell, the writer is saying that the exposé is "a well crafted conspiracy against Taib by his own kin," and supports his/her conspiracy theories by resurrecting the old and tired story of the Tun Rahman Yakub versus Taib Mahmud 'feud' of the 80s. Whether or not the 'feud' was real or simply a 'sandiwara' (shadow play) is beside the point. It was a very public spat, and Taib made a big show of withdrawing licences issued by his uncle to drive home the point that the fight was indeed genuine. Then, after Taib had allegedly identified and neutered his enemies (per kindness of the dramas that unfolded at a certain Ming Court Hotel in Kuala Lumpur many years ago), consolidated his position and solidified his political strength, this happened:  A heart-warming and tearful reunion of uncle and nephew was carefully choreographed and publicised, and the dynasty was intact. Nevertheless, in a very recent video interview by Taib, he retorts, "Are you trying to frame me?" suggesting that hidden hands are now at work to undermine him. Classic Taib! Before we fall into this trap of being distracted by the conspiracy theories being espoused by The Benchmark, let us first examine the facts before us, and deconstruct the arguments advocated by The Benchmark one by one.
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| Thank God Malaysia is not Korea? Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:03 PM PDT
The grass is greener where we water them. Let's water the grass in Malaysia. Anas Zubedy My recent article "Why it is kinda stupid to compare Malaysia with Korea" attracted many interesting reactions. There are many Malaysians who have lost our ability to think straight as a result of extreme partisanship and the politics of hate.
If You're So Rich, How Come You're So Miserable? Korea's per-capita income now rivals New Zealand's, Israel's, and Greece's, and the economy is growing about 3 percent a year even as Europe crashes. South Korean companies are chipping away at Apple Inc.'s global smartphone domination; the nation is a world power in automobiles, shipbuilding and steel; and its soft power is being advanced by "K-pop" bands, movies, and television dramas as the population nears the 50 million mark. Why, then, are South Koreans the second most unhappy people?
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| I need MRT Campaign - Waste of Public Funds Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:56 PM PDT
Even the total cost of the MRT line has not been finalized or revealed. And here in typical fashion, we spend money on some contest advertisements that I am sure no one can even recall now. Teoh The MRT was first introduced to the public at the open day held in February 2011. Since then, it has conducted many community engagement sessions to explain the need for the MRT, rationale for its alignment and adherence to environmental guidelines, all to obtain community support. |
| Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:43 PM PDT
The PMO alone accounts of 7 percent of total gross advertisement expenditure for that month. And that is not all. Supposedly, BN also made it into the top 20 list, spending RM4.9 billion in that month alone. As I See It Can you believe that the Prime Minister's Department (PMO) was the biggest spender in advertisements for the month of February 2013? It's bloody ridiculous! According to Maybank Investment Bank Research note on March 19, the PMO spent RM36.1 million, leaving consumer products giant Unilever Malaysia a distant second at RM13 million. The PMO alone accounts of 7 percent of total gross advertisement expenditure for that month. Not surprisingly, the main beneficiaries were Media Prima and Astro's TV and radio stations. And that is not all. Supposedly, BN also made it into the top 20 list, spending RM4.9 billion in that month alone. "We expect ad spend by both PMO and BN to sustain ahead of the 13th general election, which is now widely expected to be called in April 2013," read the note. Just another example of how the present government treats the public coffers as its own private kitty. Read more at: http://helpvictor.blogspot.com/2013/03/big-spending-pmo.html
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| Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:37 PM PDT
(fz.com) - MCA's candidate conundrum over the Pandan parliamentary seat foreshadows similar headaches awaiting the party in other constituencies, particularly its traditional power base of Johor. The dilemma for MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is responsible for drawing up the party's proposed candidate list, was laid bare for all to see in February. Over Chinese New Year festivities, Chua announced that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, his predecessor as party president, will not be fielded to defend the Pandan parliamentary seat for Barisan Nasional. Instead, Ong will be replaced by 39-year-old lawyer Gary Lim whom Chua said represented the party's young talents without political baggage. Ong however insisted on remaining Barisan's candidate. In selecting MCA's candidates, Chua has to weigh the merits of offering "fresh faces" or incumbent candidates who are either big names in their own right or more familiar to voters. There is no sure-win formula to that given the unique political dynamics and needs of each constituency. Johor Umno leader Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed weighs in on the dilemma MCA faces in fielding candidates in Johor, where the party won half the 15 parliamentary seats it holds. Validating the views of political pundits, Nur Jazlan notes that Chua may be reluctant to field Ong for a parliamentary seat in order to thwart a potential challenge for the party's top job later on. The record shows that Chua and Ong have been bitter rivals during the protracted MCA leadership crisis of 2008 which ended with Chua ousting Ong from the presidency. MCA is due to hold party elections six months after the 13th general election. Aside from Tee Keat, Chua will also have to decide what to do with the "Ong brothers", former MCA president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and the latter's brother Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan. Ka Ting and Ka Chuan are members of parliament for Kulai in Johor and Tanjung Malim in Perak, respectively. Although Ka Ting is not keen to stand as a candidate, factions aligned to the former minister are said to be adamant on nominating their own candidate instead of endorsing Chua's choice. "Soi Lek wants to put his man in Kulai so there is a [disagreement], so for nothing they may lose the seat. Read more at: http://fz.com/content/candidate-dilemma-dogs-mca |
| Police's deeds will be remembered Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:34 PM PDT
(Bernama) - Your good deeds will be remembered for all time. The government will continue to look after the welfare of members of PDRM and the armed forces. AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE: Transcript of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's speech at the 206th Police Day celebration yesterday FIRSTLY, let us together raise our thanks to Allah SWT, for with His blessings, we are able to gather at the guard of honour and parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day celebration this morning. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation and gratitude to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for inviting me and wife to join this glittering and meaningful ceremony. Indeed, our beloved Malaysia will not be in the present state -- a country that is becoming more and more successful, a modern industrialised country with medium-high income -- without peace and stability made possible by the noble sacrifice of patriots from the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian armed forces. Since the eras of Emergency until the confrontation, your good selves and predecessors have been loyal and relentless in answering the clarion call of the beloved motherland. We hold in high regard the 10 fallen national warriors, eight of them members of the PDRM, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Let us make their sacrifice the example of an absolute sacrifice and an inspiration to us. Indeed, your service will not be in vain as mocked by certain quarters. On behalf of the government, the people and the country who are indebted to you, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of you who are still adorning and had adorned the security forces' uniforms. Your good deeds will be remembered for all time. The government will continue to look after the welfare of members of PDRM and the armed forces. The government's commitment to the welfare of PDRM officers and men cannot be denied. The government of the day has always fulfilled its promises. We walk the talk. As announced at the Civil Service Premier Gathering, or MAPPA, recently, effective Jan 1, 2013, the government has agreed to harmonise the ranks in PDRM to match the structure in the civil service in line with the levels of posts or salary grades. This entails changes in the scope of job functions, rank structure and qualification in the PDRM. For example, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) on Grade 48 will have the post harmonised to the civil service Grade 52, while a superintendent on grade 41 will have the post harmonised to Grade 48. As for the harmonisation of other ranks, firstly, a corporal on Grade 17 in PDRM will have the post harmonised with Grade 22 in the civil service. Secondly, a sergeant on Grade 17 will have the post harmonised with Grade 20 in the civil service. The government has also streamlined the rates of PDRM allowances, such as the housing, entertainment and fixed allowances. In the quest to improve the welfare of PDRM officers and men, I would like to announce that the government has agreed to approve the implementation of a group insurance scheme that will benefit 112,145 police officers and men. NKRA to reduce crime The government would also like to congratulate PDRM for its success in reducing the crime rate by 27 per cent in the past three years since the implementation of the National Key Results Areas (NKRAs). Hence, the government will ensure that PDRM's capacity is upgraded and restructured to meet the demands of crime-fighting. Indeed, we cannot be complacent. Instead, we should redouble our efforts and cooperation with various quarters to ensure that the crime rate can be reduced to a minimum level by 2020. Thus, the police will be transformed from a security force to a people-oriented police service. This is because the police service will not succeed without the support of the people. PDRM's era as a paramilitary police has ended. Today, PDRM should change to a community-service policing service endowed with high professionalism and integrity. Thus, I would like to urge the people to work hand in hand with the police and authorities, for the security and stability of the country is a joint responsibility. The government will always give support and encouragement to PDRM in ensuring the rule of law, and that peace and public order are maintained. Declaration of Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) To provide a legal basis for the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and to protect the democratic rights and process for the people of Sabah and to strengthen security, public order and prosperity in eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that I have received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as enshrined under the Preservation of Public Safety Ordinance 1962, to declare the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone, comprising 10 districts -- namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau -- effective today. The 10 districts will be administered by a committee that will be formed under the Public Security Regulations 2013 promulgated by the home minister. The committee, which will also be known as the Eastern Sabah Safe Zone Committee, will be headed by the Sabah chief minister and assisted by a chief executive officer and members who will be named later. The chief executive officer, who will be a member of the public, will be responsible for coordinating and safeguarding the functions and activities of the security forces and government departments and agencies in implementing all initiatives in Esszone. The committee, which will be based in Lahad Datu, will be responsible to a steering committee headed by me as the head of government. I would also like to inform you that, today, three cabins that will be used to serve as the headquarters of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) have arrived in Lahad Datu. This means that Esccom will become functional in several days. Apart from this, seven police posts will be set up in eastern Sabah. All these have been verified by the chief secretary to the government, which I have discussed the matter with, the home minister and the inspector-general of police. The seven posts will be in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Banggi, Pulau Mabul, Tambisan, Tanjung Labian, and Cenderawasih in Felda Sahabat, while the Sandakan police headquarters will also be beefed up. It is anticipated that the areas will get cabins that will be used for the posts in early April. This means the implementation is very fast by capitalising on pragmatic methods. By setting up the Esszone Committee, the government is adopting a holistic approach and not purely a military approach to protect eastern Sabah and find a solution to the intrusion issue. Let me reaffirm that the declaration is not an emergency declaration under Article 150 of the Federal Constitution. Secondly, it will not deter a fair, transparent and democratic general election process at all. Thirdly, the regulations imposed under the ordinance will not give additional powers to the police. The police's existing authority is adequate to deal with the situation. Fourthly, anyone who feels that his rights have been undermined can take the government to court through legal process. And finally, life will go on as usual in the designated areas but with heightened security to ensure the people's wellbeing. Hence, I would like to explain that the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which is applied to conduct investigations and make arrests in all cases involving the terrorists in Sabah right now, is merely procedural. It was not enacted as an act to give power to declare a security area like the Internal Security Act 1960. People arrested under Sosma will be charged under ordinary laws and subjected to trial just like in other criminal cases. The Attorney-General's Chambers will hold a news conference today to answer questions pertaining to the legal aspects. Resettlement Realising that the vulnerability of several settlements to the easy infiltration of illegal immigrants and stateless persons was the primary cause of the Sulu terrorist intrusion into Lahad Datu and other parts of eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that the government will launch an initiative to resettle people living in several locations in eastern Sabah to maintain public safety. The initiative, under Part III of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013, will enable the government to resettle any individual or a group of people, particularly any individual or a group of people who are illegal immigrants or stateless persons, in a safe and suitable area determined by the government. It must be emphasised here that the decision to resettle any individual or a group of people is for the sake of maintaining public security. In undertaking this resettlement, the government will take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of not only the people to be relocated but also the people living in the designated area of resettlement. Apart from this, the government will consider all resettlement aspects, including the sources of income of the people involved, and hold discussions with district, native or village chiefs of the community living in the designated area of resettlement. The need to discuss with district, native or village chiefs is to ensure that the interests of the people already living in the area of resettlement are protected. As I have mentioned earlier, in pursuing the government's goal of ensuring the people's fundamental rights and the rule of law will be preserved and protected, the government will ensure that the resettlement: WILL not prevent any aggrieved citizen in the designated area from challenging the government's decision on the resettlement; and, WILL not prevent any citizen from exercising his right as a voter in any parliamentary or state election. Realising that the resettlement will involve Malaysians, either as those to be resettled or those already living in the area of resettlement, the government will help those citizens whose rights under the Federal Constitution have been undermined by the relocation. Under the resettlement initiative, the government will provide a place to live and ensure the safety of the people relocated. This is because the government is aware that the relocation decision will give a major impact on the future of those involved. Migration to a new place involves adapting to a new environment. On humanitarian grounds and to ensure that the people involved can benefit from the relocation initiative, the government will ensure that public healthcare, medical services and sanitation will be provided to the people living in the area of resettlement, besides opportunities for basic education and employment. The government will provide training and equipment, if necessary, to the people living in the area of resettlement to start life anew. Towards this end, the government will request for cooperation, assistance and contribution from organisations or bodies locally or abroad. I would like to announce that the resettlement initiative is not only to benefit those to be relocated but also those living in the surrounding areas, for the government will carry out programmes for their welfare and wellbeing. Although the initiative is confined to eastern Sabah for the time being, it does not mean that western Sabah is being neglected. For the time being, the need for safety is now more pressing in the east. The initiative will be extended to the whole of Sabah at a suitable time. On the whole, I would like to stress that the government has never doubted the loyalty of Malaysian citizens of Suluk descent. They are citizens who enjoy the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution and the other laws of the country, and the government will continue to protect their legitimate rights and champion their welfare. I would like to praise the people of Kampung Senalang in Semporna for their bravery and sacrifice in overcoming a terrorist on March 3. In their attempt to defend themselves and the country, the terrorist was killed. Their deed and bravery are most appreciated. Conclusion To conclude, I would like to congratulate the Royal Malaysia Police on the 206th anniversary celebration. It culminates a long journey for a towering organisation. Let us join hands to chart a better future for us, and our children and grandchildren. The people of Malaysia and I dream of having a professional, effective and exemplary police service. A service endowed with exemplary police officers and men, equipped with adequate and latest equipment, and a well-trained force having world-class skills to implement the 21st-century policing service. We dream of a high-income developed country where the streets, housing areas and public places are free from crime to ensure that Malaysians and their families throughout the country do not fear that their safety is at stake. Let us come together to make this dream a reality. Thank you.
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| Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:24 PM PDT
The incumbent government continues to be dismissive about these legitimate concerns, characterising them as misperceptions brought about by parties intent on undermining the government. So much so that the incumbents are growingly being described as having lost the plot. Malik Imtiaz Going by the talk about town, this may be my last column before the next General Election. It may therefore be opportune to consider what this General Election means to some, if not all, of us. I thin it is safe to say that many of us are tired of how politicking appears to have become the raison d'etre of government. It appears to me that somewhere along the way, the politicians lost sight of the truth that no matter what the politics of the situation were, the end objective had always intended to be the due governance of the nation, be it in accordance with one set of policies or the other. And once they lost sight of that truth, it seems that it was simply put of their minds; political brinksmanship became the cause in itself. I believe that this was more evident in the period since the last General Election, and that this was partly due to the fact that for the first time in a very long while, there was a credible opposition that, to the extent that they were capable of, presented a different perspective on how things are and where things might be headed. The incumbent parties have had to increasingly address policies, issues and practices that have come to be questioned by voters. This was a radical shift from a political landscape defined exclusively by the incumbents. Simply put, the world is no longer as the Barisan Nasional says it is; as the Prime Minister unfortunately found out during the Barisan Nasional Open House in Penang, a growing number of Malaysians now see a world beyond that construct. Fundamentally, they want to live in a society grounded in social justice and one in which they believe that their interests are being looked out for. An objective consideration of the state of the country would give any reasonable voter basis for a belief that that is not currently the case. The standard of public services is questionable, be it in healthcare or education. The cost of living has increased in a way that is not commensurate with the earning potential of many Malaysians. Corruption appears to be unbridled. Public institutions do not enjoy the confidence of the people in a way they did two decades ago. As scandal after scandal is left without response or reaction by the relevant authorities, the Rule of Law appears to be nothing more than a catchphrase employed to rally a flagging crowd.
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| Sarawak NCR defender’s attacker walks free Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:20 PM PDT
"How could the content of the police report lodged and the testimonies of the victim be blatantly ignored and overlooked by the police officer in charge of the investigation?" Keruah Usit Iban native customary rights (NCR) defender Surik anak Muntai, 66, has expressed his anger and concern that the oil palm "company executive" he identified to police as one of his assailants has been freed on police bail, after three days in remand. Surik, a farmer from Melikin in Serian, suffered horrific injuries on his right forearm and both knees as a result of a ruthless assault by four men on March 15. Serian police have declared that police are unable to identify any of his assailants. District police chief DSP Mohd Jamali Umi told local daily The Borneo Post on March 21 that the four attackers wore masks and Surik could not identify them. "What we have so far is that the four attackers were in a white Proton Perdana and the car did not have a number plate. As they were wearing masks, no one could tell their races," The Borneo Postquotes Jamali as saying. "The victim does not know the attackers. He could not identify them. He however did mention the name of a plantation company. So, we held a staff member of the company to assist us in the investigation." A reliable police source, and Surik himself, said the man identified to the police was a top "executive" and spokesperson for a prominent Sarawak oil palm producer. This company and its partner are battling 16 Iban communities for 7,300 hectares of land awarded to the companies by Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's government under a 'provisional lease'. The villagers hold claim to the land under the NCR. Companies Commission of Malaysia records show that the company is closely linked to members of the ruling state cabinet, according to whistleblower website Sarawak Report. Surik: I definitely saw assailant's face In an interview, Surik insisted that he had clearly identified to the police the company executive who assaulted him. and is withholding the name of this executive. The thugs attacked Surik, an elderly father or apai, as he waited for his seven-year -old son outside Sekolah Sungai Menyan at 11.30 on the morning of March 15. "I definitely saw his face," Surik said, speaking in Malay. "(He) was not wearing a mask when he got out of his car outside the school. There were four of them, they were carrying parang and sticks. "Some of them wore masks, some did not. They tried to cut my throat,but I put up my arm to stop them, so they cut my arm. There were other witnesses there." Surik recalled that earlier the same morning, that very person waved him down and stopped him when he was on his way to a mill to deliver oil palm fruits. "He said his car had broken down and he was standing in front of his car, with his hands on his car battery. I didn't stop because there were other people in his car, and the car had no (number) plates. These people are definitely bad, they have brought evil to the (Melikin) villagers," Surik said. As he drove off, he said, the man got into his white Proton car and followed him. "If I had got down before reaching the mill, I would surely have died there, for there was nobody around to help me." The case investigating officer is Inspector Mohd Azlan Ab Wahab of the Serian police station. The Melikin NCR plaintiffs are wary and uneasy about Azlan after he barged into the homes of five villagers in a late night raid last October and arrested them. The villagers were handcuffed, locked in cells and charged with "criminal intimidation", an accusation levelled at them by Surik's attacker and other employees of the oil palm company. The deputy public prosecutor's office eventually dropped the charges, without explanation. Read more at: http://hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/43845/
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| Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:14 PM PDT
The question of how judges treat litigants, and their counsel, is one that directly relates to their respective litigation experiences. And it has struck me that somewhere along the way the process appears to have veered off course. In the rush to decide cases, it sometimes feels that the expectations of the litigant no longer matter. Malik Imtiaz I have said before that the push for efficiency within the courts is something to be lauded. I have at the same time argued that administrative changes introduced to reduce the backlog of cases in the superior courts should not come at the price of the quality of justice. Numerous comments by lawyers at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar about the litigation experience, none of them complimentary, have prompted me to revisit the subject. Before turning to what I consider to be the possible reasons for what we are facing in the courts, I wish to underscore a fundamental aspect of the subject that seemingly has been lost in the tumult of reform. The Judiciary is there to mete out justice to parties who turn to it in search of the same. Though it seems to be an obvious point, the need to do justice is pivotal to the resolution of disputes. It is not enough for courts to adjudicate if one party goes away feeling that justice has not been served, a state of mind that one cannot brush away as the feelings of a disgruntled client. Litigants go to court expecting that due consideration be given to the facts of the case, the points of argument made by counsel for the parties, the relevant legal principle and the competing interests of the parties. These are fair expectation on their part. Unlike those of us who are directly involved in the legal profession, either as lawyers or judges, and as such are exposed on a daily basis to the process as we move from one case to the next, the litigant is someone who has been forced into the process by circumstance. He is not there by choice, there are those who have not in their lifetimes needed to go to a court for a judicial determination, and his involvement engenders an experience that is altogether different from that experienced by lawyers and judges. The litigant is personally, and is therefore emotionally, invested in his case. Having said that, in my experience a losing litigant does not necessarily walk away feeling resentful if he feels he has been given a fair hearing. It is his experience of the process that defines this outcome. It is for this reason that one of the legal maxims that has come to most characterise the judicial process is "justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done." Judging by the comments at the Bar meeting, a number of judges seem to have forgotten this in their rush to complete their caseloads. The complaints ranged from judicial temperament, with lawyers lamenting the fact that judges were acting injudiciously, to judges not having spent enough time with their files to fully appreciate the nature of the matters before them or the issues in contention, to judges not affording counsel the opportunity to present their cases to the fullest. Underscoring this were comments that pertained to the competency, or lack thereof, of some of the judges.
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| GE13: Malaysians who choose not to vote Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:12 PM PDT
(The Star) - Even with most of the country gripped by election fever, some people still have various reasons – or perhaps excuses – for not voting. PROBABLY all of us have friends or relatives who choose not to exercise their right to vote, for what they think are very good reasons. Voting is often seen as a responsibility, and sometimes lauded as a privilege, for it allows citizens to have a say in the future of their country. All Malaysian citizens above the age of 21 have the right to vote under Article 119 of the Federal Constitution. Yet well over two million people have neglected or refused to register as voters. Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was quoted as saying there are a total of 16 million eligible voters in the country, yet there were only 13.34 million registered voters as of December, as reported recently by Bernama. If voting means having a (small) say in how the country will turn out, does it follow that those who decline to exercise their right, should have little or no right to complain about things? Despite such logic, there are still many who have all kinds of reasons not to vote. A 2008 study on voters' attitudes by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, available on the EC website, found that the main reasons for eligible voters not to register include "not wanting to queue and wait to register", and also, "not having time away from work". However, all the respondents in that study did not believe that they "did not care". Is that a self-contradiction? Not MY concern – yet Musician Izal Azlee, 28, says even though he does care about what's happening in the country, he feels disillusioned by what he has been seeing. He believes that no matter who he votes for, things will never change. "For example, piracy is so blatant, and even though every state has its own state government, you can still get pirated goods everywhere," says Izal.  Law professor Dr Azmi Sharom says the fear that one's vote can be 'traced' and 'punished' is not realistic because an 'astronomical' amount of time, money and effort would be needed to do that."So to me, if they can't even overcome such small matters, then how can they overcome other bigger issues like corruption? Whatever they implement, even though there are laws, people will still do whatever they want to do." Izal is one example that shatters the prevailing stereotype of people who do not vote because they are apathetic or apolitical. He asserts that he does follow current issues and keeps himself updated on the goings-on in the country. But he also says that as long as these issues do not affect him personally in his daily life, he is fine with them. "But of course, I'm married now, and when I have a child, I would fight for free education which I think everyone deserves," says Izal. "As I get older, I'm becoming more aware of these things. I do want change, but to me, it's more about my everyday life." He also cites one more example of why he remains disillusioned. "Whenever elections are near, you will get all kinds of goodies," says Izal. "Suddenly you find that there are no more potholes in the roads. But after the elections, things will go back to the way they were for another four years." 'Politics is bad' Photographer Lai Voon Loong does not care about politics or politicians. But isn't politics important to decide on the future of the nation? "Yes, I am definitely concerned about my future, and even more for my kid's future," he says. "But I haven't seen anything useful coming out of politicians' mouths except empty rhetoric." He believes politicians are "power hungry, money grabbing and untrustworthy megalomaniacs" (plus some other unprintable adjectives) who "don't give two hoots about what's going to happen to my kid." Lai used to work as a press photographer and has attended many political events on the Barisan as well as the Pakatan side. "I have attended enough political events to see for myself the rhetoric that they spew. It's always us versus them, and who gets caught in between? The rakyat!" On the Barisan side, he hears about how leaders always say, "I did this and did that and the rakyat should be thankful". Whereas, on the Paktan side, he hears, "It's always BN's fault, never their fault." Yet, shouldn't responsible citizens try to evaluate what both sides are saying and then decide which is a better choice among imperfect politicians? Or is Lai expecting politicians to be saints? Lai replies, "I wish there were more Mahatma Gandhis in this world. He is someone I will definitely vote for." But at present, he feels that he has no real choice. "I am plain disgusted with both sides." Fear and faith There are other reasons for not voting too. When one of us asked our friends on Facebook why people were not voting, the answers were: > My friend's place only got bulan vs keris (PAS vs Umno) ... so recently she (a Chinese) told us she might draw X on both sides... sigh... > My place (in Petaling Jaya) sure win one ... my vote will not make any difference, just adding another vote... places that will need those votes are Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Malacca and Negri Sembilan. > Find the REAL politicians with integrity, who put their COUNTRY before their own pockets, their own egos and their own race and religion, whatever their political affiliations, and vote for them. There must be some who are not crooks ... > I think I might want to reserve my vote due to my job as a political journalist. >Personally, I don't get the sense that my political party is working for me; perhaps they're more active in the rural areas or their presence is felt more by the poor. As such, the middle to upper classes don't feel the love and therefore don't feel the obligation to love them back. > I don't feel very patriotic. I am tired of the way religious fundamentalism seems to be increasing on both sides. I am dreaming of freedom, of migrating overseas. Kamala N, a Malaysian based in the Middle East, wants to vote but has doubts about the system. "The government said that those overseas can vote by registering at the embassies. But the announcement to register was apparently sent out on Jan 2 only, when most people were away, and the closing date was on Jan 4! "Many Malaysians here were unhappy, and they decided against voting because (the) system does not seem transparent. The word is that the votes will be flown back to Malaysia and used at certain areas rather than an individual's registered voting area." Another reason that people don't want to vote is that they fear their votes can be "traced", resulting in some kind of punishment. However, law professor Azmi Sharom (who has a column in The Star) says that such fear is not a good excuse for not voting. "People have to get real," he says. "The amount of time, money and effort needed to trace who each person voted for would be astronomical. Truly, the fear is all in the mind," says Azmi, who believes it is all just a case of apathy. "We have had the same Federal Government for over 50 years and they look immovable, so some people may say 'Why bother?'," he says. "But if we look at the 2008 elections, the jubilation that came after it was not so much because there was a new Federal Government – there wasn't – but because people felt that their votes counted (in making a difference)." Azmi adds that this is why a fair and clean election process is of absolute importance, to ensure that every vote counts. People will be able to accept the results if they believe the process is fair. "If you lose faith in the election process, it will lead to apathy and worse, the eventual downfall of a peaceful democratic system," he says.
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| Anwar no show, ordered to pay RM3,000 Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:57 PM PDT
(Bernama) -- The High Court here today ordered Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to pay RM3,000 in cost to Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, following the postponement of a RM10 million suit filed by the former. Judge Rosilah Yop made the ruling after dismissing an application by Anwar's lawyer, R. Sivarasa, for hearing of the case, which was scheduled for today, to be postponed as his client was in Sabah. Sivarasa said his client was in Sabah since yesterday for various activities for the coming general election. Rosilah set May 2 for hearing. Anwar had filed the suit on Aug 22, 2008 over Hamzah's allegation that he (Anwar) had harassed his (Hamzah's) wife in 1998 which was published in a Chinese daily, Kwong Wah Jit Poh, on Aug 19, 2008, with the title 'Anwar Harassed My Wife'. Earlier, Rosilah dismissed Anwar's application to bring a compact disc which he claimed was relevant to the case to the forensic for analysis before the trial began. Rosilah said that could be done during the trial.
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| Are Kula and Fong the sacrificial lambs? Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:11 PM PDT DAP sources say that Ipoh Barat MP and Batu Gajah MP are being sent away to their political doom because they oppose the Perak DAP leadership. G Vinod, FMT While many laud the move by DAP to send its top guns to contest in Johor, several members felt that there is more to the decision than what meets the eye. Several DAP insiders told FMT that the decision was a calculated move to finish off Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran's political careers. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a DAP insider from Selangor said that all those who opposed Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming are being sidelined or moved to other places to strengthen their grip on the state. "All those opposed to the cousins are being targeted. Kulasegaran and Fong are being sent away to Johor as they fell out of favour with the state leadership," said the DAP leader. The DAP insider also said that the Ngeh-Nga faction had effectively sidelined the outspoken Fong in Perak. "Fong is a very good MP but she is also quite vocal in the party, which displeased the duo," said the DAP insider. The DAP insider added that it is highly possible that the Fong and Kulasegaran would be told to contest in tough seats in Johor, to ensure that they would not get re-elected to Parliament. On why the DAP national leadership is not doing anything about it, the DAP insider said," They feel the people will support any candidates chosen. They are intoxicated by the massive support." Another DAP source,from Perak, echoed the same sentiments and said those aligned to the Ngeh-Nga faction felt they have no need for Fong in the state any longer. Fong isolated However, the source felt otherwise and defended the vocal MP. "In 1999, Fong was the only DAP candidate that won a parliamentary seat in Perak. Even veterans Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh were defeated in Penang . "She was only in her 20s then but she was an effective MP . However in 2008, Fong almost quit due to the pressure from Ngeh-Nga faction but Lim persuaded her to stay on. "Just because DAP candidates won big in the 2008 general election, some leaders in the state feel she is no longer important for Perak," said the source.
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| PBS leader tells Mahathir to ‘shut-up’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:08 PM PDT The more Dr Mahathir defends Project IC, the closer the opposition gets to usurping Barisan Nasional in the coming polls. Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may be the best thing that has happened to the opposition in Sabah, according to a state Barisan Nasional coalition member. Mahathir's continued comments on the clandestine 'Project IC' that was in operation during his tenure is only serving to rile up voters in the state against the BN, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) supreme council member Chin Tek Ming. Chin fears his party could suffer at the polls because the former premier's unguarded comments justifying the granting of citizenship to immigrants in the state was only angering Sabahans more. He urged the 87-year-old Mahathir to think carefully before he gave his opinions on such a sensitive subject as he was only spurring the hatred of Sabahans since he was the prime minister at the time tens of thousands of ineligible immigrants were granted citizenship. "Think to yourself, who was the prime minister at the material time. And who was the deputy prime minister then? Don't comment and incur the wrath and hatred of Sabahans," he urged. Chin, who is also Luyang PBS division chief, said Mahathir cannot just absolve himself of blame by saying that a few government servants had acted illegally but he was unaware of it at the time. He said senior government officers would not dare to do such things as getting involved in the distributing of Malaysian identity cards to foreigners if not given orders by someone senior in government. "Don't treat Sabahans as fools. We were and still are victims of this misfortune. Look at what is happening in Lahad Datu that had cost the lives of our enforcement team who also have families."
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| 70 years later and still the same Posted: 24 Mar 2013 05:14 PM PDT
Millions of Malaysians could go hungry as unpredictable weather in rice -producing countries is likely to affect our supply of rice. Unpredictable weather in rice-producing countries, spurred by Malaysia's rising population, could mean less food on the table, warned Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan. "If they have major flooding in rice-producing countries, such as Vietnam or Thailand, or assuming they go to war, where are we going to get our rice?" he asked. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin More than ten years ago, before Malaysia Today was launched, I wrote about the low food production in Malaysia -- in particular rice, which is the staple food of most Malaysians -- and said that if war ever breaks out Malaysians would go hungry; just like they did 70 years ago when the Japanese invaded Malaya and Malayans had to eat tapioca. After 70 years since the Japanese occupation and more than ten years since I wrote that article, nothing much has changed. Today, Indonesia, which has a population about ten times that of Malaysia, has announced it is now self-sufficient in rice production. Maybe Malaysia should do what Cambodia did -- send the people from the urban areas to the rice fields to plant padi. And that is why I should not be in politics. If I were and if my party were to win the general election, I would impose a one-year national service program and send school-leavers, plus those who are about to enter university, to the rice fields to serve their country by planting padi. And if you have not done this national service you cannot enter university or get a job -- unless you 'run away' to a foreign university without doing your national service (which means you will have to stay and work overseas after you graduate). What is the focus of most Malaysians? Well, our focus is whether Najib Tun Razak or Anwar Ibrahim makes the better Prime Minister. And those who will be voting in the coming general election are going to vote with this in mind -- which person is going to make a better Prime Minister. Basically, the main factor is going to be whether Najib is guilty of involvement in Altantuya's murder and whether Anwar is bi-sexual and guilty of homosexual activities. If you think Najib is guilty then you will vote for Anwar (meaning Pakatan Rakyat) and if you think Anwar is guilty then you will vote for Najib (meaning Barisan Nasional). No doubt some of you are going to say that you will not vote for Barisan Nasional because it is a racist and corrupt party. If Pakatan Rakyat is not also racist and corrupt then I would agree with this argument. However, when it is pointed out that Pakatan Rakyat is also racist and corrupt, many will reply that that may be so but Pakatan Rakyat is not as bad as Barisan Nasional. In other words, Pakatan Rakyat may be just as bad but Barisan Nasional is worse. So you are prepared to accept the lesser evil over the bigger evil. That, of course, is your prerogative and in a democracy you have a right to your choice, whatever the reason may be for you making that choice. But there are other factors we also need to consider. And we should be very concerned that the government we choose is in tune with what is happening in the world. All countries are moving towards self-sufficiency in food supply. And many countries have already achieved self-sufficiency. Malaysia, however, has been talking about self-sufficiency since the time of Tun Razak Hussein back in the 1970s and after 40 years is still just talking about it. Food and water are crucial to life. And these are two things that in time are going to become scarce -- food and water. If, say, one day those countries selling us food decide to stop exporting food to Malaysia for whatever reason -- be it war, natural catastrophe, food shortage in the exporting countries, crop diseases, etc. -- where will Malaysia get its food supply from? Golf courses, holiday resorts, shopping complexes, more cars on the road, high-rise condos, etc., are fine and allow Malaysia to project an image of success and progress. But at the end of the day we need to import our food to stay alive. And if another country wants to bring Malaysia to its knees it need not send in its army. All it needs is to stop sending food to Malaysia. In just a few weeks we will have to surrender without a single shot being fired. So let's up the election fight one step. Whether Najib is involved in murder or Anwar in homosexual activities are certainly important points to consider. But this is not going to put food on the table. What is would be a government that has a clear program on how to make Malaysia self-sufficient in food, say in the next ten years, and not merely talk about it over 40 years and still be far from achieving self-sufficiency. Yes, I know many of you are going to say that this is the whole reason why we need to change the government. But then I have not heard what this new government is going to do to guarantee us food on the table. And note that Anwar was once the Agriculture Minister and his policies as Agriculture Minister actually regressed things rather than progressed it. In fact, many people were actually unhappy with Anwar's policies and thought that he was undoing the good things that the Ministers before him did. No, this is not an anti-Anwar article. This is about hearing what Anwar plans to do if he becomes Prime Minister to ensure Malaysians do not one day starve. And please do not give me political talk. Give me concrete and workable plans. And once this is addressed then we can talk about the other issues. But without enough food and water the other issues become meaningless. **************************************** Indonesia declares rice sufficiency, no more imports (Jakarta Post) - Indonesia's State Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan said Sunday that Indonesia would not import rice in 2013 as local farmers could produce sufficient rice to meet the domestic demand. He said that as of December 2012, the existing rice stock inventory in state logistics agency PT Bulog's storehouses across the country reached around 2.5 million tons. Bulog should procure 3.5 million tons of rice during harvest periods this year. "If Bulog can procure 3.5 million tons of rice during harvest periods this year we will not need to import more rice, as we did last year," said Dahlan, as quoted by Antara news agency. He spoke on the sidelines of a rice harvest event in Jati village, Jaten district, Karanganyar regency, on Sunday. He said that from last year's rice imports, Bulog reaped Rp 800 billion (US$82.1 million) worth of profit. However, the profit was returned to the farmers so that the price of rice did not decline. "To procure such a large amount of rice, from now on Bulog should use its full capacity to achieve the target. And if Bulog is willing to work hard, I'm optimistic that this can be achieved," Dahlan said, adding that in 2012, Bulog procured 2.6 million tons of rice from local farmers. The Minister said that state run agribusiness firm PT Pertani planned to buy 100 units of rice dryer machines to distribute in several regions across the country. The machines would help farmers to dry their unhulled rice properly. Dahlan said that obtaining fertilizer was no longer a problem for farmers and there was no more accumulation of fertilizer by traders. "I haven't heard any more about traders accumulating fertilizer, which means that fertilizer distribution has been continuing under a mechanism requested by the farmers," said Dahlan. **************************************** Rice Consumption in Malaysia Domestic consumption increased 3.8 percent to 2.7 million tons in 2011. Malaysia is about 62 percent self-sufficient. Consumption is forecast to increase about 4 percent in 2012 as demand is bolstered by an in-flow of foreign workers and tourists. While rice consumption per capita shows an increase from 81.6 kg in 2006 to 95 kg in 2010, the figure does not account for foreign workers and tourists. In reality, the domestic consumption per capita is about 72 to 75 kg, and it has been on the slide vis-à-vis the consumption of wheat over the last two decades. **************************************** Experts: Rice production vital Malaysia is 72 per cent self sufficient in rice production, Science adviser Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid said yesterday. "Malaysia is progressing steadily. Ten years ago, we were 60 per cent self sufficient and in the next 10 years, we are aiming for 90 per cent," he said at the launch of a strategy meeting workshop on rice security. "The global population is expected to swell to 9.3 billion by 2050, hence food security is critical. "We need to find a way to accelerate our food production because Malaysia is one of the most import-dependant countries in the world," he said. READ MORE HERE: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/experts-rice-production-vital-1.188410 **************************************** 'Not enough rice to eat' A rice shortage and a worsening self-sufficiency on food could force many Malaysians to go hungry. Millions of Malaysians could go hungry as unpredictable weather in rice -producing countries is likely to affect our supply of rice. Unpredictable weather in rice-producing countries, spurred by Malaysia's rising population, could mean less food on the table, warned Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan. "If they have major flooding in rice-producing countries, such as Vietnam or Thailand, or assuming they go to war, where are we going to get our rice?" he asked. Citing the 2008 global rice shortage as an example, he added: "If the crisis then lasted for another five or six months, we would all have had to learn to eat tapioca." "This is no laughing matter. Our national rice stockpile was being consumed very rapidly, and we couldn't buy rice quickly." Abdul Rahman said this in response to concerns raised by the World Bank over the country's worsening food self-sufficiency levels. According to the Malaysia Economic Monitor (Smart Cities) report, the country's self-sufficiency in rice shrunk to 62% in 2007 from 71% in 1970. READ MORE HERE: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/01/04/not-enough-rice-to-eat/ **************************************** Rice Supply Channel Needs Improvement Problem and implications of low rice production growth that is not able to match the higher growth rate of the population of the world are the subject of a workshop on 'Sustainable Rice Production' here last week. The workshop organised by the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of The National University of Malaysia (UKM) deliberated on solutions to overcome the escalating problem which include the growing of high yielding and quality rice while ensuring safety of the rice farmers. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Noor Ismail, Corporate Advisor to Tradewinds Malaysia Berhad in his key note address at the workshop said the rice business has to be looked at wholistically from farm to shelf. He said finding ways to grow rice better and faster is all well and fine but attention must also be given to the issues that goes beyond research so that whatever findings and innovations made will not be undermined. READ MORE HERE: http://www.ukm.my/news/index.php/en/extras/1199-rice-supply-channel-needs-improvement.html |
| Posted: 24 Mar 2013 03:45 PM PDT
The DAP strategy of targeting MCA candidates could make the Chinese community the unwitting victim. Bunn Negara, The Star THE 2008 general election was significant as a "political tsunami" – the Opposition achieved its best ever gains, with the promise of an emerging two-coalition system. That election would have been even more historic had it also achieved what many thought it would: end communal politics for good. But it failed miserably, with no political party blameless. Perhaps it was too much to expect qualitative change in addition to quantitative change (seat numbers in state assemblies and Parliament). Communal politics has been a bane of this country for as long as there have been elections. That remains a fundamental reality into the foreseeable future. For Barisan Nasional (and its predecessor the Alliance) as well as the Opposition, race-based politics is practised if not always acknowledged. It takes far more to turn that around than many have imagined. Whether party membership is defined by ethnicity or not, one race or another dominates and characterises each party. Parties that are multiracial in theory are just less transparent in their ethnic politics. However, what turns an unfortunate situation tragic is when those parties most vehement about having "turned the corner" of communal politics are also doing the most to perpetuate it. PAS as the Islamist party has set new standards in trying to ram Islamist-style restrictions down the throats of all Malaysians – Muslim and non-Muslim. It now does so with more gusto and less hesitation. PKR as another Muslim and Malay-majority party chooses indifference and complacency in the face of the PAS onslaught. It has even supported the idea of turning Kelantan into an Islamic state. The DAP prefers silence and inaction amid PAS' swagger. Elsewhere it would wield its non-Muslim credentials, sometimes to the point of playing the Christian card. None of this helps to tone down Malaysia's sweltering communal politics. And since this reinforces the problem in Pakatan itself, it could prompt more of the same in Barisan as well. The DAP's latest move sees party adviser Lim Kit Siang contesting the Gelang Patah seat in Johor. It would be the latest "stop" in a long and roving parliamentary career. MCA, which has half (seven out of 15) of its parliamentary seats in the state, sees Johor as its stronghold. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek condemned this as DAP's strategy of "Chinese killing off the Chinese". Both Chinese-based parties are natural rivals whose mutual rivalry has now reached a new high. DAP leaders may dismiss this alarm as predictable melodrama, but it contains a hard kernel of truth. The DAP's drive for power is not above pitting Chinese candidates against other Chinese candidates, which is likely to reduce further the number of ethnic minority MPs. Johor is also Umno's home state. There is virtually no prospect of the DAP snatching the state from Barisan. However, DAP efforts to unseat MCA parliamentarians in Johor could produce a strong Malay-based Umno in the state government contending with a Chinese-based DAP in the Opposition. That would be bad and dangerous for politics, race relations and the Chinese community's representation in governance. It would be a regression, precariously setting an unhealthy precedent. In recent years Malaysian political discourse became more multiracial as both Government and Opposition coalitions became more racially mixed. With both Barisan and Pakatan led by Malay-majority parties, political differences were distanced from racial differences. In the absence of thoroughly multiracial politics, that seems the next best option. The prospect of political fault lines coinciding with ethnic fault lines, raising the possibility of an ethnic conflagration as in 1969, has thus become more remote. But the risk of returning to such political volatility remains. Responsible leaders of every party need to be cognizant of these realities. Besides, the cause of shedding the racial element in party politics cannot be furthered by recourse to more racial politics. Under a veneer of multiracial rhetoric, the DAP has been known to practise communal politics in its seat choices and allocations. Lim's foray into Gelang Patah to battle the MCA incumbent there is the latest example of this approach. Instead of creating a more multiracial two-coalition system, this communal cannibalism could promote an unhealthy and perilous two-race system. Apparently, the DAP's objective is simply to unseat MCA candidates, seen as soft targets since 2008, regardless of the cost to the people. That can only come at the expense of deepening racial politics in electoral outcomes. Perhaps the DAP's Chinese candidates are thought to have better chances in challenging MCA's Chinese candidates than Umno's Malay candidates. But that is still a tricky calculation depending on the circumstances at the time. Thoughtful and responsible leaders may not consider that a risk worth taking, much less a cost worth paying.
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| Posted: 24 Mar 2013 03:31 PM PDT
CHANGING TRENDS: As the general election looms, Najib, Lahad Datu and the economy are proving to be major influencing factors in Chinese votes
WITH Parliament expected to be dissolved by the first week of next month for a late April general election, political commentators are detecting encouraging signs of shifting attitudes of Chinese voters towards the government. Many view this as a direct outcome of the government's deep commitment to win back the trust and confidence of the Chinese community by meeting some of their needs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak himself is making a strong push to rally their support. The results are quite telling. Take the case of the SM Chong Hwa's fundraising dinner in Kuantan on Saturday attended by Najib and other Barisan Nasional leaders. Around 20,000 of the predominantly-Chinese crowd filled Stadium Darul Makmur to raise RM13 million to build the school, which the Chinese here had long fought for. Sharing the stage with Hua Zhong president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah and Hong Kong movie superstar Jackie Chan, Najib introduced himself as "Ah Jib Gor" to the crowd, drawing huge applause. He then announced an additional RM3 million allocation from the government for the school project and reaffirmed the government's commitment to allow students of the school to sit the Unified Examination Certificate and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations. Pheng heaped praise on Najib's commitment to the cultural values of the Chinese. Hua Zhong is the umbrella organisation for 7,000 Chinese guilds and associations. Kuantan MCA chief Datuk Ti Lian Ker said the prime minister was being viewed by the Chinese community as "someone who walks the talk". The second trend is the sign of known opposition voters migrating to the "undecided" column ahead of the nationwide polls expected to be held by end of next month. Ti said people who were opposition supporters before were now on the fence, which was a positive sign. The third indicator was articulated by Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Sivamurugan Pandian. He said the Lahad Datu intrusion had been a "game-changer". "Many had initially criticised the authorities and security forces over the handling of the incident, but they have managed to handle the crisis well, including pursuing pro-active measures to prevent further problems. "The Chinese community is observing this. And they might have seen that it is important to have a government that can ensure stability in the country. This should be considered as a turning point." Economics is the fourth indicator. "Economically, Malaysia is doing very well. During the recent World Economic Forum, Malaysia was seen as one of the nations that investors are highly attracted to. "This is a sign that the Economic Transformation Programme brought by the PM is working, and is another good point for BN." With Najib leading BN for the first time into a general election, a strong shift in Chinese support is expected to cement his fresh five-year mandate.
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| GE13: Many unhappy over parachute candidates Posted: 24 Mar 2013 03:13 PM PDT
(The Star) - The move by PKR to field parachute "strategic candidates" in Johor has created rumblings among local leaders and grassroots in the state. At least three seats are expected to be contested by outsiders namely Johor Baru, Batu Pahat and Pasir Gudang. Several PKR leaders in Batu Pahat have even set up a Facebook page "Support Syed Hamid Ali for Batu Pahat" after talk surfaced that an NGO leader Datuk Idris Jauzi may be fielded there. Syed Hamid is the Batu Pahat PKR chief. PKR Johor Baru division chief Tan Poh Lai is expected to be snubbed for the Johor Baru parliamentary seat in favour of former army chief Tan Sri Hashim Hussein while Johor PKR deputy chief Dr Ahmad Faidhi Saidi is likely to be overlooked for the Pasir Gudang seat with former army deputy chief Datuk Ghafir Abdul Hamid tipped to contest there. In their Facebook postings, Syed Hamid's supporters said they would reject a parachute candidate. "Macam mana boleh potong jalan? (How can you cut queue?) Syed Hamid has been serving the people in Batu Pahat for years," Tan Leok Soo posted on the page. A large poster stating that Batu Pahat PKR rejected parachute candidates was also posted on the page with a long thread of supportive comments and likes for the post. Tan, who is also the state PKR treasurer and deputy Wanita chief, confirmed that she has been asked to step aside for Hashim due to "strategic reasons". "I do not mind that the leadership wants to field another candidate for this seat but I hope they will allocate a seat for a woman candidate," she said. Her elder brother Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong has been slotted by PKR to contest the Wangsa Maju parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur.
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| Pakatan shaky at the home of oldest civilisation in Malaysia Posted: 24 Mar 2013 03:07 PM PDT
The general election is expected to be the closest fight to form the new Malaysian government. And several seats across the nation are likely to be heated battles with the slimmest of majorities. The Malaysian Insider takes a look at some of these hot seats in what will be an intense election for control of Malaysia. Opalyn Mok, TMI Largely rural with just the one small town next to Sungai Petani, the constituency of Merbok is mostly known for being home to the historical Lembah Bujang where the remains of a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom dating back to fifth century AD is located.
Even the name "Merbok" is derived from the Sanskrit word to mean "place" and not a reference to the Merbok bird as commonly assumed. But the constituency of Merbok with its lush greenery, small villages, plantations, padi fields and fishing villages saw a sea change back in 2008 when the people voted in a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MP. Long considered a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, the last two elections prior to the last one saw BN win with a strong majority of more than 15,000 votes. But Election 2008 saw the constituency, including its two state seats, Bukit Selambau and Tanjung Dawai, fall into the hands of PR. PKR's Datuk Rashid Din had wrested the seat in 2008 from Datuk Tajul Urus Md Zain with a 3,098-vote majority. Datuk Zainuddin Maidin (BN) was the previous MP after he won the seat in 2004 with a 15,162-vote majority. Yet Merbok with about 65,000 registered voters and a voter breakdown of about 66 per cent Malays, 17 per cent ethnic Indians,16 per cent Chinese and one per cent other races is not going to be a sure thing for PR this time round.
"They promised us so many things in 2008, from providing housing and giving aid to us but after they won, we don't even see their shadow, much less giving us any aid," said a fisherman in Tanjung Dawai. The constituency, due to its start as a fishing settlement, has more than 2,000 fishermen and many are unhappy with the lack of service by their representatives and in particular the Merbok MP. "Where is Rashid? He never comes around and the last I saw him was in 2008," claimed another fisherman who only wanted to be known as Ali. "We have given PR a chance in 2008 but they didn't perform and instead, it is the BN leaders who have been going around helping us and even providing housing for us," said Ali. BN has been working hard to win back the people in Merbok as Tajul, who is now the Merbok BN parliamentary co-ordinator, has been going down to the ground since 2009. "He is very hard working and instead of lamenting over losing the seat in 2008 to Rashid, he had taken up his co-ordinator role seriously by serving the people here," said a Kedah MCA Youth leader. He said Tajul had focused on visiting the people in the constituency regularly and going from house to house. "Initially the reception was not that good but now, people are more receptive towards him and BN," he said.
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| Hisham must condemn ‘Kill Tian Chua’ threat, says Ambiga Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:55 PM PDT
Boo Su-Lyn, TMI Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has urged Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to censure Umno supporters for threatening to kill PKR's Chua Tian Chang, or risk being blacklisted by polls watchdog Bersih 2.0 for condoning political violence. Party workers shouted "Kill Tian Chua" when the Umno vice-president urged them to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) and "eliminate traitors" like PKR vice-president Chua, better known as Tian Chua, whose allies in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) have been accused of instigating the Sulu invasion of Sabah. "He (Hishammuddin) should come out and make amends and put things right, and confirm that he does not support the crowd's response," Ambiga (picture) told The Malaysian Insider today. "He should come out strongly against political violence of any sort... failing which, he will go on our list of politicians who encourage political violence," said the Bersih co-chairman. Ambiga said last Saturday that any Election 2013 candidate deemed responsible for violent incidents during political events would be "named and shamed" by Bersih 2.0 on social media sites like Twitter. Hishammuddin admitted yesterday that political violence in the country was worsening, but accused PR of exploiting the situation to sow hatred for the government and the police. He also noted that more incidents of violence might occur during the campaign period of Election 2013, which is expected to be held in weeks, due to the shortage of policemen. Ambiga said today that Hishammuddin should have stopped the crowd immediately when they threatened Tian Chua, pointing out that the Umno vice-president had control over his party supporters. "It is intimidation. When it's a threat to kill, that is an offence under section 503 of the Penal Code that deals with criminal intimidation. He, above all people, should know that," said the former Bar Council president. "This goes for all those who are out there campaigning, speaking to their supporters. They have to make it very clear they will not countenance any form of violence or violent behaviour. I expect those who are running for the elections to behave like leaders and to set the right example," added Ambiga. The lawyer also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to condemn the kill threat against Tian Chua, pointing out that Najib had pledged ethical conduct in Election 2013. "This is all part of ethical conduct in campaigning. It's important for a statement to be made that all those who are campaigning must do so responsibly and ethically," said Ambiga.
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| Daim denies being alleged ‘chief conspirator’ in ousting Anwar Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:46 PM PDT
Ida Lim, TMI Former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has denied claims that he was the "chief conspirator" in getting his then successor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim removed from the Cabinet in 1998. Daim also denied that their relationship had turned sour at any point. "There was no fallout between us until he started accusing me of being a chief conspirator. "When Anwar claimed that I was the conspirator, he knows the truth that I played no part, no role whatsoever. I knew nothing about the case until I was told about it," Daim (picture) told the New Straits Times in an interview published today. Daim also brushed off speculation that his motivation for allegedly ousting Anwar — then the finance minister — was to secure his business interests. "That was his line, that he was this super hero fighting crime and corruption and, therefore, had to be brought down. If you know the things about him that I know, that line of his is hilarious, and the cheek of it all, to claim righteousness. "I had then retired and what business interests did I have? I had to sell all my assets before joining the government in 1984," the former Umno minister said. Daim, who was the country's finance minister from 1984-1991 and 1999-2001, also told the English-language paper that he sold a local bank owned by him when he joined the Cabinet for the second time. He had played a crucial role in steering Malaysia out of the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Later in his reply on the same issue of business interests, Daim claimed that his former colleague in Umno had falsely accused him of trying to procure contracts, before asking for proof that he had received contracts from the government. "Anwar, through his accusations, repeated the lie that I wanted this contract and that contract, and that because he was in the way, I got rid of him. A lie repeated many times, unfortunately, becomes a truth." When asked again if there was a fallout between him and Anwar, Daim said: "There was no particular fallout, I was his scapegoat, among many other scapegoats. I was his friend, Dr Mahathir defended him..."
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| BN leaders criticised for joining Perkasa demo Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:22 PM PDT A Gerakan politician says that by joining the demonstration, the BN leaders are acknowledging that Perkasa is a force to be reckoned with. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional leaders are lending credibility to Perkasa by joining a demonstration in Esplanade organised by the Malay supremacist group yesterday. Baljit Singh, who heads the state Gerakan legal and human rights bureau, said participation of BN leaders would give a wrong perception that the coalition was collaborating with Perkasa. Among those present were state BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow, state Umno's deputy chairman Musa Sheikh Fadzir and secretary Azhar Ibrahim, state MIC deputy chief L Krishnan and Teluk Bahang assemblyman Dr Hilmi Yahaya. Baljit said BN leaders should have realised that they cannot be seen standing side-by-side with leaders and members of an organisation that espoused racial supremacy. He said Perkasa's Malay agenda contradicted BN concept of 1Malaysia, recalling that BN leadership had on countless occasions denied links with the Ibrahim Ali-led NGO. Moreover, he told FMT that Perkasa was despised by non Malays. "Public perception is important in politics. By joining a protest that included Perkasa, BN leaders are lending support to the group. "BN may just lose more non-Malay votes," warned Baljit, who boycotted the event as a protest against Perkasa participation. Themed "Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu Pulau Pinang", thousands of NGO members gathered at the Speaker's Square as early as 3pm yesterday to demonstrate against the Pakatan Rakyat government. Earlier the crowd walked for nearly two kilometres from Masjid Kapitan Keling to the Esplanade, carrying banners and chanting slogans against the state government and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Arguably the biggest demonstration held by NGOs to date against Lim's five-year leadership, the protest included a long convoy of youths on bikes waving BN and NGO flags. Penang Perkasa chairman Yusoff Suhaimi, who was in thick of action, claimed that some 120 NGOs jointly organised the rally. "The NGOs attending the demonstration are under the Sekretariat Penyatuan Rakyat Pulau Pinang umbrella, which was called by me under the Penang Special Affairs Department (Jasa) secretariat,' he said yesterday.
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| Malaysian Private Eye's Last Case Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:21 PM PDT
(Asia Sentinel) - All of the information - the emails, the deposit slip, the purchase agreement for the flat - were sent to Asia Sentinel. Tale of murder, bribery, double cross and a plot against Anwar Ibrahim follow private eye to the grave As if the long-running tale of the grisly 2006 murder of a Mongolian party girl wasn't already complicated enough, evidence has emerged that a recently deceased private detective who once tied Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to the crime, was the focus of an attempt in 2011 to blame opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim for the allegations against Najib. Well before the meeting with Malaysiakini, however, Bala approached Asia Sentinel through his lawyer, Americk Sidhu, and provided detailed evidence of the bribe attempt, along with a request that publication be held off until he gave his approval while he attempted for weeks to arrange a meeting with the prime minister. Approval was never forthcoming. He went to Asia Sentinel, he said, because he wanted to give the evidence to a regional publication that could not be accused of bias against the government, rather than local websites, which were regarded as allies of the opposition. Read more and download documents at: http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5277&Itemid=178
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| ‘Anwar sought Misuari’s help to win GE’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:17 PM PDT Blogger Raja Petra claims that Anwar promised citizenship and jobs to Filipino Muslims in Sabah, in the event Pakatan Rakyat wins federal power. G Vinod, FMT Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim sought the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari to win the general election, alleged blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin. In his latest post titled 'The Untold Story of the Lahad Datu Incident', Raja Petra claimed that Anwar had met Nur Misuari and his top military commanders on July 16, 2012 in Indonesia. He also said that Anwar had good ties with Nur Misuari for a long time, since the former's tenure in the government. The meeting, Raja Petra added, took place at the Crowne Plaza Jakarta Hotel and was arranged by an Indonesian MP close to Anwar. The blogger alleged that Anwar had sought Nur Misuari's help to win at least 30 out of the 57 East Malaysian parliamentary seats to wrest federal power from Barisan Nasional (BN). "Pakatan Rakyat was confident of winning at least 82 to 85 of the 165 seats in West Malaysia. It is the 57 seats in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan that Anwar was not confident [about]," said Raja Petra. Therefore, the blogger claimed that Anwar urged Nur Misuari to convince Muslims in East Malaysia, particularly those from Sabah, to vote for Pakatan in the 13th general election. He was claimed to have made the request as there are many Filipino Muslims in both states, holding Malaysian citizenship and voting rights. In return, Raja Petra claimed that Anwar had promised that Sabah and Sarawak would be given autonomy, once Pakatan wins federal power. "The states will be given 20% oil royalty which will ensure that Sabah and Sarawak become wealthy, with an estimated RM4 billion a year for each state. "Anwar also promised that the non-Malaysian Filipinos in East Malaysia would be given Malaysian citizenship, or at the very minimum permanent resident status so that they could seek employment in Sabah," alleged Raja Petra. The blogger claimed that Nur Misuari had agreed to Anwar's terms and appointed Ibrahim Omar as his coordinator, or "unofficial ambassador" to Sabah to help Anwar garner the support of the Filipino Muslims in the state.
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| ‘Anwar met Misuari several times’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:12 PM PDT Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein confirms rumours that the opposition leader met the Moro National Liberation Front chieftain several times. Leven Woon, FMT Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today revealed that Opposition Leader and PKR chief Anwar Ibrahim met up with Philippines' Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari several times before the Lahad Datu incursions. "I was told that he has met with (Nur Misuari) several times, but I cannot confirm how many times they have met," he said. "But whether it was Anwar or third parties who wanted to take advantage of the situation, I would like to remind them that the people, especially those in Sabah, are with us," he told reporters after launching the Gombak BN Youth machinery today. He said this when asked to comment on reports, especially in pro-Umno blogs, that suggested that Anwar's meetings with Nur Misuari allegedly had links with the invasion of Lahad Datu by followers of the self-claimed Sultan of Sulu in February. Hishammuddin said the government's upcoming measures to get to the bottom of Lahad Datu incursions, be it in the form of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) or a white paper, would provide a platform for the authorities to investigate individuals and third parties over their roles in the invasion. "It could be an RCI, it could be white paper, we must decide on this because the incursion is a very complex issue. "And when I say third parties, it does not only involve individual like Misuari who has been making comments, but also organisations like (Philippines Islamic militant group) Abu Sayyaf and (regional terrorist group) Jemaah Islamiyah," he said. A group of self-styled Royal Sulu Army, claiming to be the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, landed in Lahad Datu village of Kampung Tanduo on Feb 9 to lay claims over Sabah. They clashed with Malaysia's security forces earlier this month after a month of futile negotiations. Since then, 63 Sulu gunmen have fallen while 408 of them have been arrested. Misuari first came into media limelight over the incident when he offered to mediate between the Sulu gunmen and the Malaysia forces. Since then, he had been accused of instigating the Sulu siege in a bid to slow down the Southern Philippines peace deal, of which he denied. Umno bloggers have suggested that a timeline showing Anwar's meetings with Misuari, as well as his mentions of Sabah in his ceramahs, indicated that he had prior knowledge of the Sulu invasion. The bloggers also mentioned a leaked intelligence report from the Philippines which mentioned the Anwar-Misuari meetings. Anwar however has denied any such knowledge although he admitted meeting Misuari. Earlier this week, he told a ceramah that the BN government would be targeting him over the Lahad Datu issue for political purposes.
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| Malays must avoid being a Broken People -- Re: Chinese Malaysians, Too, Have Died For ... Posted: 24 Mar 2013 12:26 PM PDT
The way things are going with Mahathir still around, the next May 13 won't be between Malay and Chinese. It will be between Malay and Malay. Malays (Umno) will be killing Malays (PKR) and/or vice versa Joe Fernandez If Malays want to avoid being a Broken People, they and others as well, should not get into rhetoric and polemics and the politics of disruption and distraction. The media, in that sense, is doing a great disservice to the people. They should focus on helping make a difference for the better, not run back and forth between Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim to manufacture news. Every fart from Mahathir is in the news. We should focus on what brings us together as a people. The first step here is not to accept the authorities forcing non-Muslims to convert and become murtads, their spouses as well, when they marry Muslims. The children of parents who are both Muslim and non-Muslim are being denied Malaysian personal documents, even birth certificates, by the National Registration Department (NRD). This is unconstitutional, and thereby unlawful and illegal. Quite a number of stateless Indians are in this category. Many leaders and managers don't know what leadership and management are all about (definition, role, functions, strategies, responsibilities, obligations, duties), what is authority, delineation, delegation, responsibility (as distinct from responsibilities), prerogative and discretionary powers, insubordination, service, power, mvimoga (motto, vision, mission, objectives, goals, activities) incorporating plans and programmes. This is the reason why many leaders and managers in Malaysia are appaling failures and are reduced to kulitfication, sycophancy, and politicking to cover up their failures, save face and survive. They swear by self-preservation. These are the people driving Malay companies and GLCs to bankruptcy and dependent on perennial government bail-outs. If we knew what leadership and management were all about, some people wouldn't insist that the Prime Minister must be a Malay and Muslim for all eternity. We wouldn't insist on the quota system and the like and swear by racism, prejudice and opportunism. We wouldn't tolerate the lack of goodwill. We would accept a Culture of the Brightest and Best from around the world, as in America, leading the way for all of us. While education should be liberalised and democraticised and made available to all, how can the Government hand out degrees left, right and centre to any Tom, Dick and Harry even in critical disciplines and impose restrictions on non-Malays and non-Muslims in this field under the policy of "state secret"? This is unprecedented in world history. Thanks to Mahathir, who by the way was not qualified to enter the Medical Faculty of Universiti Malaya in Singapore and had the worst marks among the five Malays accepted by the University on British advice, the private sector doesn't accept any Malay with a degree from a Government university. Those taken in are not because of qualification but kulitfication. Having said all that, I wouldn't worry so much about the NEP and Article 153 of the Federal Constitution. I even advised Waythamoorthy many times that he must not call for Article 153 to be abolished. It's politically incorrect. It's not really necessary for its removal, no easy matter, from the Constitution. However, I would agree with Waytha if he says that he sees no reason why the Malays should be covered by Article 153. The Malay-speaking communities in Malaya -- Bugis, Javanese, Minang, Acehnese, Arab Muslims, Indian Muslims etc -- are not Orang Asal (Original People). They are a nation bound by language and religion and existing as a people without territory in Malaya and South Thailand. It's evident in the "Malay as a nation" definition in the Federal Constitution. I am not saying all this because my family is Orang Asal and most of my relatives on both sides are Orang Asal. The Malays are not the only nation in Malaysia. The Orang Asal, Indians and Chinese are nations too. Bumiputera (sons of the soil) is an administrative fig leaf created as an umbrella term by Tunku Abdul Rahman to allow the Malays to be included in the same category as Orang Asal for the political purpose of Government handouts meant only for them and at the expense of others. The Orang Asal are already Orang Asal. They don't need terms like Native and Bumiputera to describe them. Incidentally, the Orang Asal don't benefit from the Bumiputera term unless they are Muslims or agree to become Muslims. This tantamounts to ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide and a defiance and violation of the Malaysia Agreement. In fact, all citizens who are born in Malaysia are Bumiputera. All citizens by operation of law and born in Malaysia are Natives. This spirit can be found in the uncodified Federal Constitution of Malaysia. What we have now is the codified Constitution of Malaya being passed off as the codified Constitution of Malaysia. What we should focus on, as I advised Waythamoorthy, is on Umno usurping the power of the King over Article 153, and the deviations and distortions in the implementation of the said Article and the NEP. What we should focus on is abuse of the terms Bumiputera, Islam, Syariah, Syariah Court, Fatwa and Article 3 of the Federal Constitution. What we should focus on is administrative laws -- not law at all but government policies in action -- which are anti non-Malay minorities and therefore unconstitutional, and thereby unlawful and illegal. What we should focus on is Umno twisting and turning every issue into a racial and religious issue in order to scare the Malays in Malaya, the 55 per cent majority community, into circling the wagons and gathering under one political platform -- Umno and Ketuanan Melayu -- to splinter the 45 per cent non-Malay minorities. Ketuanan Melayu (Malay political supremacy and dominance) is a sick combination of Apartheid (Waytha is right), Nazism, Fascism, Communism, Political Islam, and the anti-upward social mobility of the evil Caste System of ancient India. It's ketuanan Melayuism which has facilitated the distortions and deviations in the implementation of Article 153 and NEP, making them into Sapu Bersih clauses. It's all the Malays gathering under Umno and the two-third majority in Parliament which has facilitated the ruling elite, a tiny minority, to run up the National Debt Burden so that they can put their hands in the National Cookie Jar, at the expense of us all, under the guise of affirmative action and bringing so-called development to the people. Putrajaya rules Sabah and Sarawak through local Muslim proxies, their non-Muslim stooges, and rogue elements who issue MyKads to illegal immigrants and pad the electoral rolls with them, marginalising and disenfranchising the Orang Asal and other citizens -- especially local Muslims including Orang Asal -- in the process. The Malays in Malaya should take a good, long, hard look at the Chinese and Singapore and not continue on the path of self-destruction and Malaysia's eventual bankruptcy, like a nuclear bomb ticking away, laid out for them by Umno Baru under Mahathir. The Umno Baru leaders especially Mahathir and Family, in a desperate bid to survive and continue to leech off the people as parasites and bloodsuckers, are poisoning the minds of the Malays behind closed doors against the Chinese. The Malays, as a people with maruah, should not allow this charade to continue. The way things are going with Mahathir still around, the next May 13 won't be between Malay and Chinese. It will be between Malay and Malay. Malays (Umno) will be killing Malays (PKR) and/or vice versa. The Opposition will not allow BN to form the Federal Government if the latter gets less votes collectively nationwide than the former in the forthcoming 13th GE and/or less than 50 per cent of the votes. Umno Baru will probably use the illegal immigrants from Madura, Indonesia, to do their dirty job as Mahathir did during the Kampung Medan killings of Indians. This is ethnic cleansing and genocide which has so far gone punished. Mahathir, along with Harun Idris and Razak, were involved in fomenting the searing Sino-Malay Fri 13 May, 1969 race riots. Mahathir had just lost in Kubang Pasu to Pas when the Chinese voted against the Alliance. Penang had fallen to the Opposition and Selangor and Perak were 50:50. May 13 was used to create BN. No nation in the world talks about a national car, about this or that race having so many per cent of this or that, high income economy, developed nation status, Towering Malay; demi bangsa, agama, negara; pemimpin yang di sanjung tinggi, pemimpin yang menjadi contoh kepada negara lain, negara yang menjadi contoh kepada negara membangun, economy dan negara yang pesat membangun, negara maju, best administrative service in the world, best police in the world, cleanest electoral rolls in the world, Tongkat Ali ini itu, Kacip Fatimah ini itu etc etc. Why do the Malays allow all this? Why do the Malays allow themselves to be ridiculed, humiliated and insulted in this manner? It's because of the womb to tomb dependency syndrome foisted on them over the last 56 years by Umno. We all know what happened to the Indians in America after the US Government foisted the dependency syndrome on them. A once proud people, warriors, became a Broken People. Do the Malays want to become a Broken People? Don't be lulled into complacency by the developed nation status by 2020 mantra of Umno. This is a Great Lie! In 1990, Mahathir said that he had worked out that Malaya/Malaysia had been growing on the average at 6.3 per cent per annum since 1957. So, he reckoned that if Malaysia could grow at 7 per cent per annum over a 30 year period, 1990 to 2020, the economy would grow eight-fold and we would emerge as a developed nation. Wawasan 2020! Perfect vision. Is that utopia? No wonder Tengku Razaleigh described Wawasan 2020 as a gimmick during one talk in Australia during which he charged that Umno leaders were awarding Government contracts to themselves. The US by the way is a developed nation, the richest country in the world, but it has a National Debt Burden equivalent to its US$ 16 trillion GDP -- fortunately 90 per cent of it denominated locally -- poverty, homelessness etc etc Malaysia has never grown at 7 per cent per annum since 1990. In 1997 the Asian Currency Crisis intervened to send our growth rate into negative territory, many businesses into bankruptcy forcing government bailouts, the ringgit dropped to RM 5 to US$ 1 etc etc. So, how is Malaysia going to be a developed nation by 2020 since the 1997 crisis flushed all the 1990 projections of one man down the toilet bowl. Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak initially didn't mention developed nation status when he took over. Instead, he harped on a new gimmick: High Income Nation. More recently, he has been mentioning both developed nation status and High Income Economy by 2020. Mohd Nor Yakop, the man responsible for listening to Mahathir's hare-brained ideas and losing billions of Bank Negara reserves on the forex market, even thinks Malaysia will achieve Mahathir's vision of a developed nation status well before 2020. I put it to you that Umno leaders think that we are morons and can continue to ridicule and humiliate us and insult our intelligence in this manner. Mohd Nor Yakop is a bugger who never learnt to count just like his master Mahathir. Joe Fernandez is a mature student of law and an educationist, among others, who loves to write especially Submissions for Clients wishing to Act in Person. He feels compelled, as a semi-retired journalist, to put pen to paper -- or rather the fingers to the computer keyboard -- whenever something doesn't quite jell with his weltanschauung (worldview). He shuttles between points in the Golden Heart of Borneo formed by the Sabah west coast, Labuan, Brunei, northern Sarawak and the watershed region in Borneo where three nations meet.
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| Malaysia has an Evil side that bears watching! Posted: 24 Mar 2013 12:16 PM PDT
My idea is that the Indians, for starters, come together and vote against all incumbents every General Election. It remains to be seen whether the Government will fall every five years by adopting this approach in exercising X Power at the ballot box. Joe Fernandez Dr Paraman, as usual, has put together a thought-provoking piece -- Hindraf critics are demonising the victims in http://english.cpiasia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2503&catid=219&Itemid=189 -- and no doubt with the help of subject matter experts on several related issues. No one can deny the arguments being made and which can continue to be made among others by the Indian Nation in Malaysia, the largely stateless underclass in particular. There's a hitherto hidden evil side to Malaysia. This Evil Face now lies bare, exposed warts and all, for the world to see. Consider that the Umno-appointed Director-General of the National Registration Department (NRD) has not been allowed by his political masters to use his discretionary and prerogative powers to resolve the stateless problem which plagues Indians and non-Indians alike in Malaysia. There's no need for political will on the matter. What's needed is to allow the DG to do the job for which he has been appointed. If he's a hard-core card-carrying racist member of Umno, he should be removed from the job where he's squatting on the hopes and dreams and aspirations of so many people in Malaysia.
Stateless not the only example of Umno being anti non-Malay minorities' About 350,000 Indians are stateless. This figure can be deduced from the number of stateless children not in school. There are countless thousand stateless among the Orang Asal in Sabah and Sarawak and among the Pala'u – sea gypsies – or Bajau Laut along the eastern seaboard of Sabah. There's a subtle attempt on the part of the authorities and the mad mullahs to force all these people to convert to Islam, in defiance of the Federal Constitution, in return for Malaysian personal documents. The temples and places of worship of the stateless are routinely demolished by the authorities. The Umno regime is keeping the Indian stateless in particular as a domestic source of slave labour in the twilight zone in Malaya. It also wants to keep these unfortunate people out of the schools, out of the electoral rolls, and out from the official statistics on the number of Indians and Hindus in Malaysia. The stateless are not the only example of the Government embarking on anti non-Malay minorities' administrative laws – not law at all but government policies in action – to continue its reign of terror outside the rubber stamp legislatures even as the Judiciary has been reduced to yet another Government Department composed of glorified clerks.
Multiple organ failure as the dangers of systemic risks have emerged The Umno Government has also usurped the power of the King over Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and observed it and the New Economic Policy, more often than not in the breach. It's not a pretty picture of pemimpin yang di sanjung tinggi, pemimpin yang dihormati dunia, negara yang pesat membangun, and negara yang boleh menjadi contoh kepada dunia as the TV ad commercials by the Government, on behalf of the ruling Umno regime, show night after night in the run-up to the 13th General Election. Spare us the bleeding heart music shamelessly plagiarised from Christian hymns! The Orang Asal, Sabah and Sarawak have their own stories too for the world to hear. It's all the more so in the wake of the Lahad Datu Standoff and so-called mopping up operations against terrorist blackmailers eyeing the riches of Sabah, if not Sarawak as well. Already, there's a beginning of simmering guerrilla warfare along the eastern seaboard of Sabah, and the certainty of renewed hostilities with the Philippines Government over the so-called Sabah claim, the peace process in southern Philippines and Putrajaya's ties to rebel groups in the Philippines south. It's typical of the powers that be and the vested interest groups to criminalise, demonize, dehumanise, neutralise, isolate, marginalise, eliminate, exterminate and put in a test tube those calling for dialogue, sacrifices, compromises and consensus. It's like putting the genie back in the bottle.
Longterm viability of Malaysia at stake if no changes The lack of dialogue and/or refusal of the Government to enter into a dialogue with disaffected citizens and people – whether from Malaysia, Sulu or elsewhere -- will sooner or later force them into any number of precipitate actions viz. demonstrations of public prayer, fating and candlelight vigilance; massive civil disobedience, occupy movements, taking to the streets, urban and rural guerrilla warfare and Revolution. All these approaches will place life, limb and properties in imminent danger, and compromise the security of Malaysia. Once the security situation is compromised, it will result in a loss of investor and consumer confidence in the economy. All value indicators will drop viz. shares as reflected in the stock market and elsewhere, properties and the currency as an inflationary spiral sets in. Banks will call in loans as collateral value drops below the 50 per cent level for loans issued and this will drive businesses into bankruptcy. Interest rates, given the higher risk climate, will increase for loans as they drop for deposits, insurance cover will increase on the heightened risk factors and further drive up the cost of doing business. Tax collection will decline, and further decline as taxes would have to be increased even as collections drop, and government spending on development will decline as more will have to be ploughed out for increased security spending, and downsizing of Government will lay off thousands as they are thrown into the streets.
It cannot continue to be business as usual in Malaysia after over 50 years of Evil The Brightest and Best would flee Malaysia as they are ever ready to do at a moment's notice, labour would cross border as unemployment and underemployment sets in for Malaysians in the face of increasing illegal immigrant influx offering the ever increasing cheap labour that businesses seek to survive for the moment, and there will be increased capital flight. In short, the control freaks in Putrajaya will find events taking on a life of their own and in a runaway mode which will render obsolete any idea of the Government having a sense of control of the situation in the country. My idea is that the Indians, for starters, come together and vote against all incumbents every General Election. It remains to be seen whether the Government will fall every five years by adopting this approach in exercising X Power at the ballot box. Indians, unless they want to embark on all those other options like Revolution and the like mentioned, have no choice at the moment but eschew party and coalition politics. Marginalisation and disenfranchisement of Indians by Umno, aided and abetted by MIC, have resulted in a situation where the community doesn't have even one ethnic-majority seat in Parliament or any state legislature. Their voice is not heard in Parliament on their issues although there are Indians in the legislature, but being elected by non-Indians by and large, they can only function as political mandores for their non-Indian masters. Indian has become a dirty word, not be uttered in the legislature or during any political party meeting including MIC. After more than 56 years of ketuanan melayuism (Malay political domination and supremacy) -- a sick combination based on Apartheid, Nazism, Fascism, Communism, Political Islam, and the evil anti-upward social mobility Caste System of ancient India -- it cannot continue to be business as usual.
Umno Government cannot continue to sweep problems under the carpet The ruling elite cannot continue to fan the degenerate idea that Malays, under ketuanan melayuism, is duty-bound to twist and turn every issue into a racial and religious issue in order to scare themselves in the collective into circling the wagons and gathering under one political platform to do in others, do them harm and even destroy them. Such an evil response is at the heart of the growing National Debt Burden in Malaysia as the ruling elite continues to put a hand in the National Cookie Jar under the guise of affirmative action programmes for the Malay-speaking communities -- Bugis, Javanese, Minang, Acehnese, Arab Muslims, Indian Muslims etc -- in Malaya (a Nation without Territory) and the Orang Asal and bringing so-called development to the people. This feeds the growing corruption in the country which further drives up the cost of doing business in the country and continues to weaken the institutions of state as their integrity is compromised in the process. The Umno Government cannot continue to sweep problems under the carpet for its political expediency. The deviations and distortions in the implementation of Article 153 and the NEP, for one, must end or there will be endless trouble in Malaysia in the next half century. If it has no interest whatsoever in giving these people an identity, more than half a century after the British administration departed, it should bring together the members of this group together with the Governments of the United Kingdom, the Governments in the Indian sub-continent, the Governments in Latin America, the United Nations, and the Governments of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to come up with a lasting and just solution.
Joe Fernandez is a mature student of law and an educationist, among others, who loves to write especially Submissions for Clients wishing to Act in Person. He feels compelled, as a semi-retired journalist, to put pen to paper -- or rather the fingers to the computer keyboard -- whenever something doesn't quite jell with his weltanschauung (worldview). He shuttles between points in the Golden Heart of Borneo formed by the Sabah west coast, Labuan, Brunei, northern Sarawak and the watershed region in Borneo where three nations meet.
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| SYA : List of Pakatan Rakyat Flip Flop , Inconsistency , U Turn and Contradictions – Part 1 Posted: 24 Mar 2013 12:11 PM PDT
Shen Yee Aun List of Pakatan Rakyat Flip Flop , Inconsistency , U Turn and Contradictions Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy and Sex Scandal In 1997 it was Karpal Singh who brought up Anwar Sex Scandal in Parliament but later on he also the one that claim he is innocent by becoming his Lawyer
PENGERANG
Choice of Prime Minister
LYNAS
IAEA Report
The Usage of the Word Allah
Read more at: http://1sya.com/?p=5463
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| My political thoughts during the Hunger Viratham Day Fifteen 25th March 2013 Posted: 24 Mar 2013 12:06 PM PDT
When the estates gave way for development and these displaced workers were laid off, they found themselves in a terrible lurch. Many parts of their social system just vanished. They were, to start with, an impoverished community. How could they afford to rebuild their social system all on their own?
P. Waythamoorthy
This is the fifteenth day of my Hunger Viratham. The past fourteen days have given me a great opportunity to grow. Thinking, writing, listening and observing during this period of the fast has allowed me to push my thoughts further and deeper into issues that otherwise I would have passed over summarily. This Hunger Viratham has become a significant opportunity for me not only to demonstrate my commitment to the cause of the marginalized in the country but also to deepen my understanding of how things work or should work in our universe.
This brings up the opportunity for me to write today about the role of Government in human affairs in a multicultural and multiethnic environment.
PART EIGHT
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN MANAGING THE SOCIAL SYSTEM IN A MULTICULTURAL AND MULTI-ETHNIC SOCIETY LIKE OURS?
Tarmar Raj is a young 29 year old man living in Kuala Ketil in Kedah. His recently deceased father, late Mr. Maniyan was an active social worker in that area for most part of his life. He was a well known spokesperson for the displaced estate workers in that area. Their lives had revolved around that area since their forefathers had been sent there by the British Colonial Administrators.
In Tarmar Raj's own words "We have resided in or around Ladang Batu Pekaka for over 50 years. My paternal grandfather who passed away in 1965 is buried here at the Ladang Batu Pekaka Hindu Burial Ground. My uncle, brother of my father passed away in 1987 and my grand aunt who passed away in 1984 are also buried there. My father when he was alive had told me on several occasions that he would like to be buried at the same Burial Ground when he died. He wanted to be buried by his father and he wanted his mother, his wife and the rest of the family to be buried alongside him. But by the time he passed away in May 2011 the Ladang Batu Pekaka Hindu Burial Ground had been demolished by the Kedah State Development Authorities. We therefore could not fulfill his desire. His wishes will never be met."
The Burial Ground that Tarmar Raj speaks about has been a Burial Ground for the former and current estate workers of Barlow Boustead Co and its subsidiary Selangor Coconuts Sdn Bhd for more than 60 years. The Burial Ground which has about 300 graves is situated on a one acre piece of land within the former estate premise. The Burial Ground has been administered by the local temple and assisted by the association of Hindus in the area. There used to be annual functions held to upkeep the Burial Grounds and this was a lively social event of the community in Kuala Ketil. In addition families gathered and held prayers on Death Anniversaries, Deepavali and Aadi Ammavasai for their ancestors in fulfillment of their filial duties. In 2005 the land was acquired by the Kedah State Development Corporations and talks were begun for the relocation of the Burial Ground. Then in 2008 with the change in the Government things took a different turn. The process of removing the Burial Ground acquired greater urgency. The tactics used to convince and to coax the people out, were the usual divide and rule, manipulation, threats and using Mandores to intervene. In this respect the PAS led government did not behave any differently than the BN Government before them. The PAS State Government effectively paid a small sum of RM 3,000 to each next of kin and gave them a date by which to relocate the graves without any offer of an alternative location for the Burial Ground. They then went ahead with the demolition of the Burial Ground in December of 2009, in what appeared to be great haste. The late Mr. Maniyan who stood in the forefront of the representation for a just and fair resolution was ultimately defeated by these machinations of the PAS State Government. In Tarmar Raj's own words, 'We watched helplessly as the graves of our ancestors were demolished never to be visible to us anymore.' This was a great disappointment for the late Mr. Maniyan and he really did not recover from this episode and eventually passed away of a heart attack in 2011 May at the age of 61. The point of this story is simply this: social amenities such as Burial Grounds are a necessary part of the social system of any community. These rural Indian communities transplanted from Deep South India a long time ago were provided with such amenity as long as the rubber estates functioned. When the estates gave way for development and these displaced workers were laid off, they found themselves in a terrible lurch. Many parts of their social system just vanished. They were, to start with, an impoverished community. How could they afford to rebuild their social system all on their own? In our country, these displaced estate worker communities are spread all over from north to south. They all are faced with the same or similar problems – the demolition of the various structures that are part of their social system –Temples, Shrines, Burial Grounds and Schools. This problem is unique to this community but because of its scale we consider it a national social problem. The Hindraf Blueprint clearly proposes a robust solution to address this situation. To call initiatives such as in the Blueprint to address these problems as narrow and racist is extremely anti national in my opinion. Does the State have any role in the provision of these amenities to the citizens of the country? Does Tarmar Raj have a natural right to such amenities? Do the communities such as those that Tarmar Raj comes from have a natural right to amenities like the Burial Ground? Or are these situations not to be considered natural rights and are to be handled by the community themselves with no aid or assistance from the State? Even if the community is an impoverished and small community? My opinion about all this is that the role of the state is not just to disburse the resources of the nation and to formulate and administer the process of the creation of wealth. Their role also includes quite clearly, getting into the details of the human affairs of all the ethnic groups in our country and to establish robust solutions for the social needs of each community. There is much that needs to be done to come up with solutions, to systematize and streamline, to adjust according to changing national situations so that all these needs are well satisfied and are sustainable. This is a critical role of Government in a multi racial, multicultural society. They must provide the necessary support, resources, procedures, laws, enforcements and education to play this role out effectively. The Government needs to recognize this and needs not to lose important perspectives because of the politics. There is great need in our country to reform these procedures of administration of social services. We have such a mix of socio-cultural practices that makes the situation more complex. The Government cannot take a simplistic approach or operate in denial. We all have our genes running through in Malaysia, till eternity. There is no other location for our genes.
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| PR bans cyanide, BCAC Joins Pahang Green Corridors to overthrow BN Government Posted: 24 Mar 2013 12:02 PM PDT
The Barisan Nasional Government Leave Us with No Other Choice But To Fight Back. The People of Raub Rise Up To Reclaim Justice! We shall specifically assist the Pakatan Rakyat to win the parliamentary seat of Raub as well as the three State Legislative seats (DUN) under the said parliamentary constituency. Pahang Raub Ban Cyanide in Gold Mining Action Committee (BCAC) The Ban Cyanide Action Committee of Bukit Koman Raub hereby declares that in the coming 13th General Election we shall coordinate our efforts with the Pahang Green Corridor which is a civil society initiative. We shall specifically assist the Pakatan Rakyat to win the parliamentary seat of Raub as well as the three State Legislative seats (DUN) under the said parliamentary constituency. We are determined to bring to an end the rule of Barisan Nasional. The Ban Cyanide Action Committee has been in close consultation with the Pakatan Rakyat leaders for the past month. The Pakatan Rakyat of Pahang has agreed to include in the Pahang State Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto the banning on the usage of cyanide in gold mining. The Pakatan Rakyat national leadership has also confirmed their consistent stand to ban the use of cyanide in gold mining and will further elaborate this position in the Pakata Rakyat 13th General Election Manifesto. Such an action will help to alleviate the skin diseases and other physical illness which has afflicted the residents of Raub. It will restore green and clean homes to Raub. The "Ban Cyanide, Protect Our Homes" movement has been going on for seven years. Every resident has suffered great physical distress and mental anguish. Not only do we have to endure the poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas, we have to travel afar to seek justice and fairness so that we may protect our environment and conserve it for our future generations. We walk from our village to another; we travel from Raub to Parliament; we sought justice at the law courts; we organised a 20,000 strong Himpunan Hijau Raub on September the 2nd 2012. The MPs and ADUN of Barisan Nasional YB Liow Tiong Lai, YB Ng Yen Yen and YB Ho Kai Mun have never help the residents in their fair and just struggle. On the contrary, they have repeatedly slandered the Ban Cyanide Action Committee by maliciously accusing us of "politicizing" the issue of cyanide in gold mining, or the committee" being used and manipulated by opposition political parties" etc. They have refused to deal with the real issue of the diseases afflicting the residents of Raub. Under the rule of the Barisan Nasional, both the federal and state agencies have hidden the fact that the ambient air in Bukit Koman contains hydrogen cyanide gas exceeding 33 times the maximum upper limit in New York. The Federal Court had also dismissed a judicial review filed by the Ban Cyanide Action Committee in September 2012. Having exhausted all recourse in the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of the Barisan National administration, we cannot help but despair and lose confidence in the Barisan Nasional. The Barisan Nasional had left us with no other choice but to join the Pahang Green Corridor to defeat the Barisan Nasional in the coming General Election. Only when the people of Raub rise up to fight for justice, can we save ourselves! The people of Pahang must rekindle the spirit of Mat Kilau who had bravely fought the British Colonialists to defend the interests of the local residents. We must continue to fight back and break free from the chains of oppression forcibly imposed on us. The spirit of Mat Kilau transcends not only racial identities, but also the time frames of colonialism to the present era. It augurs well for the people of Pahang to bring back to life the demand for self determination as championed by Mat Kilau and to demand for " Free and Prior Consent" of the community before any developmental project is approved. In accordance with such principle and practice, we must unite to oppose all toxic and harmful industries.
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| GE13: Opposition hits snag in Johor Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:56 AM PDT
(The Star) - Adding a further dent on Pakatan Rakyat's lofty hopes is the sudden "disappearance" of Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who was not named as candidate for the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat which the latter had been lobbying for. The Opposition's hopes of making inroads in Johor at the coming general election has hit a snag early on with several of its heavyweights reluctant to do battle in Barisan Nasional's bastion state. Adding a further dent on Pakatan Rakyat's lofty hopes is the sudden "disappearance" of Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who was not named as candidate for the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat which the latter had been lobbying for. PKR officials do not where Chua is or what he is up to, with some saying that he is on "protest leave" to show his displeasure at being overlooked for the seat. Chua was absent at the event when Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim introduced DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang as the Gelang Patah candidate last Monday. Chua's griping aside, DAP's Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan has said that she will not contest in the southern state. Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran, another of DAP's leaders said to have been identified to contest in Johor, has not opposed the proposal publicly but party insiders say he had voiced his preference not to follow Lim to Johor. Sources said Fong and Kulasegaran, who have clashed with Perak DAPchairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming, have been identified to contest in Kluang or Kulai, and Segamat, respectively. Johor Jaya PKR branch chief and legal bureau head Jimmy Puah said many were questioning Chua's disappearance from state PKR events with the general election drawing near. "We are having mixed feelings as we are excited about campaigning for the general election but it affects our morale when the leader is not around," he said, adding that he had heard that Chua was "on leave" in Kuala Lumpur. Fong, whose husband is Johor DAP secretary Tan Chen Choon, told The Star yesterday that she would not contest in Johor. "As I have said many times before, speculation that I will be fielded in Johor is not true and is just a rumour," she said. Kulasegaran, a DAP vice-chairman, said he would leave it to the party to decide where he should contest. "I have not been informed of any decision on where I will contest," he added.
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| GE13: Selangor — the hottest battle of all Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:53 AM PDT
(The Star) - The intense battle for Selangor is not surprising. It is, after all, the golden goose of the nation. Economically, it has drawn in large sums of investments from abroad and locally. Barisan Nasional is getting its arsenal ready while Pakatan Rakyat gears up to defend its turf. ONE thing is certain for the coming general election the hottest battleground will be in Selangor. Barisan Nasional has indicated over the past few years that it will go all out to wrest the state from Pakatan Rakyat. Pakatan, however, is determined to defend its turf and hold on to power for a second term. A sign of commitment to Barisan's pledge can be seen in the strength of the state leadership, with Umno being led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak himself while MCA, MIC and Gerakan are represented by a federal minister and two deputy ministers. MCA is helmed by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai. Gerakan is led by Deputy Foreign Minister A. Kohilan Pillay. MIC's charge in the state is spearheaded by party president Datuk G. Palanivel, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. The intense battle for Selangor is not surprising. It is, after all, the golden goose of the nation. Economically, it has drawn in large sums of investments from abroad and locally. Selangor Barisan coordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed has aptly described it as "the heartbeat of the country". Barisan is expected to focus its campaign around thorny issues such as illegal sand-mining, the perceived water crisis, a lack of affordable housing, high land premiums and unfulfilled electoral promises by Pakatan. It will be interesting to watch how PKR, PAS and DAP respond to these issues, as it will the first time they will be defending their position as a state government. Open battle In 2008, some 21.5% of state seats and 13% of Parliament seats were won with a majority of less than 1,000 votes. Many more were secured by slim margins. With these statistics, almost half the state could be considered hot seats. Judging by these numbers, there could be several scenarios. Pakatan commands about 60% of the state seats now. If all goes well for them, it is possible for them to lead the state by a two-third majority as they only need an additional six seats from their current tally. But with the Barisan election machinery in overdrive, it is more likely that either Barisan or Pakatan will form the state government with a slim majority. In Pandamaran, state exco member and incumbent assemblyman Ronnie Liu will face a stiff challenge from his former special assistant Tee Boon Hock if he chooses to defend his seat. If Liu and Tee lock horns, they are expected to be joined by Klang MCA Youth chief Ching Eu Boon. He will be the main beneficiary of a three-cornered fight with the votes split between Liu and Tee. In Gombak Setia, sacked state exco member Datuk Dr Hasan Ali would want to show his former party that he is far from finished. The young turks It will be a battle of the youths, as most of the candidates from both sides will be below 40. Most of the Pakatan incumbents are first term wakil rakyat. They will face the young guns of Barisan such as Selangor Youth Council deputypresident Badrul Hisham Badrudin, Selangor Youth Secretariat (Serang)president Budiman Mohd Zohdi, Selangor Anti-Irregularities Federation (GAPS) president Hamdizun Khairuddin, and Sepang MCA chief Ng Chok Sin. Selangor Gerakan chief A. Kohilan Pillay will take on DAP's Gobind Singh Deo in Puchong, while the four state seats contested by Gerakan will feature new faces. New mentri besar? There is speculation that Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will move from the semi-rural seat of Ijok to urban Bukit Lanjan, replacing state exco member Elizabeth Wong. The rationale is that the former corporate leader can connect better with urban voters, who have different needs and expectations from the rural electorate. Wong is tipped to move to a parliamentary constituency. Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman Azmin Ali is expected to have an easy win. Some of his supporters are lobbying for him to succeed Khalid as mentri besar. This has not been well received by Khalid's camp. Although the speculation has been going on for several years, no senior PKR leader has come out to endorse either Azmin or Khalid as mentri besar. Barisan has so far kept its choice of candidate for mentri besar under wraps. Other developments In Pandan, PKR's Rafizi Ramli is still guessing who his opponent would be. Will it be incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat or Pandan MCA legal bureau chief Gary Lim? Conspiracy theorists are working overtime there, with some even speculating that Ong would contest as an independent should he be dropped from the candidates' list. In Kapar, PKR's incumbent MP S. Manikasavagam is determined to defend the seat despite facing internal pressure from some factions within his party. He will face off with MIC central committee member A. Sakthivell, whose posters can be seen all over the constituency now. A dentist, Dr V. Nedunchelian, has announced his intention to contest as an independent. To complicate matters, Sementa assemblyman and Kapar Barisan chiefDatuk Abdul Rahman Palil has proposed a swap of seat between Umno and MIC, with Umno taking the Kapar parliamentary seat in exchange for the Sementa state seat. 
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| Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:51 AM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Perkara 11 dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia memberi jaminan kebebasan beragama bagi penduduk "Bukan Islam" (non-Muslim) atau "Tidak Islam" (not a Muslim). Setiap individu "Bukan/Tidak Islam" itu berhak menganuti dan mengamalkan agamanya tanpa sekatan. Bagi penduduk beragama Islam pula, Perlembagaan memberi kuasa kepada Undang-undang Negeri dan Undang-undang Persekutuan bagi mengawal atau menyekat pengembangan apa-apa doktrin atau kepercayaan agama dalam kalangan orang yang menganuti agama Islam. Hal-hal ini adalah amat jelas walaupun dari semasa ke semasa, kita mendengar berita khabarnya dan kononnya ada pihak yang cuba menyebarkan agama Kristian kepada penduduk Islam. Saya bukan menuduh sesiapa tetapi sekadar menyebut apa yang sering dilaporkan di media arus perdana. Pada masa sama, apabila saya menulis cerpen dan novel yang mengangkat citra budaya kaum India di Malaysia, maka puak etnosentrik, ultra kiasu, fanatik dan rasis segera membuat kempen besar-besaran menuduh saya cuba menyebarkan agama Hindu kepada "khalayak sastera Melayu". Contoh terkini adalah berikutan penerbitan novel "Panchayat: Edisi Khas" (2012) dan kumpulan cerpen "Kisah dari Siru Kambam" (2013). Kumpulan Sasterawan Kavyan (Kavyan) berusaha menganjurkan "Konvoi Rumah Ibadat" dalam usaha memupuk perpaduan, persefahaman, saling mengenali, saling menghormati serta saling menerima perbezaan yang wujud dalam kalangan masyarakat pelbagai kaum, agama, etnik dan kepercayaan di Malaysia.
Salah satu perkara yang menjadi semacam barah dalam hati anggota masyarakat sejak beberapa tahun lalu adalah penggunaan frasa "Belum Islam" (not yet Muslim) apabila merujuk kepada golongan "Bukan Islam" (non-Muslim). Akhirnya, apa yang terbuku di hati terpaksa juga diluahkan walaupun rata-rata masyarakat "Tidak/Bukan Islam" di Malaysia sentiasa berusaha habis-habisan untuk tidak sedikit pun melukakan perasaan orang Islam. Golongan Tidak/Bukan Islam lebih rela menanggung derita daripada mengguris hati orang Islam dengan meluahkan pandangan walaupun demi hak yang sah di sisi undang-undang. Penggunaan label dan frasa "Belum Islam" mungkin seronok digunakan oleh golongan tertentu kerana ia sedikit pun tidak melibatkan diri sendiri. Samalah juga seperti dalam isu penggunaan "kasta" dan "p****" dalam novel "Interlok: Edisi Murid" (2010) terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) tidak lama dahulu. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/bukan-islam-belum-islam/
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| Hisham blames opposition provocation for rising political violence Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:50 AM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein admitted today that political violence in the country is worsening but accused the opposition of exploiting the situation to sow hatred towards the government and the police. The home minister said that the federal opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was quick to allege the ruling party's involvement in such incidents as well as accuse the police of bias when it purportedly refused to arrest the perpetrators. "I see it getting worse and the way to deal with it (is for) all the relevant parties (to work together). I know the police has made plans to ensure the process of the general election goes through safely but the police on the ground is never enough. "If they (opposition) want democracy and freedom, then why disrupt the process by making allegations like insulting the police and calling them names? "Maybe, it is to create anger or provoke a reaction," he said. The Umno vice-president also admitted that more incidents of violence were possible during the Election 2013 campaign period due to the shortage of manpower in the police force. He, however, promised that the authorities would do their best to prevent any untoward incidents from taking place during national polls which is expected to be held within weeks. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hisham-blames-opposition-provocation-for-rising-political-violence/
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| Radio Free Malaysia to start broadcasting on Monday with the Anwar Ibrahim interview the ... Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:43 AM PDT
Malaysia's newest independent radio station begins broadcasting on Monday night. Radio Free Malaysia will be available on Medium Wave at 1359kHz each night between 9pm and 11pm local Malaysia time. Suara Sarawak The highlight of the first show will be a full-length exclusive interview with the PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim, who, like other opposition figures, has been largely excluded from Malaysia's mainstream media so far. RFM represents a ground breaking venture, because it will be transmitted from outside of Malaysia and therefore is not subject to licencing by the federal government. The station therefore aims to be free of the political interferences that have caused Malaysia's media to become recognised as one of the most restrictive in the world. "RFM will be free of political censorship by the ruling BN coalition and plans to provide a platform for alternative ideas and viewpoints", explains founder Clare Rewcastle Brown, who is basing the programme out of the UK. "It is well known that all press and broadcast media currently operating in Malaysia are forced to unquestioningly support and promote the ruling BN coalition and to denigrate the opposition parties, while excluding them from the chance to put their own policies and agendas before the people". "It is unacceptable that Malaysia poses to the world as a democracy and is about to hold a general election, and yet it is only members of the ruling coalition (in power for the entire 50 years since independence) who are allowed to have their voices heard by the people". Radio Free Malaysia is a sister station of the existing short wave programme Radio Free Sarawak, which broadcasts on shortwave for the benefit of indigenous communities in East Malaysia. However, the new nightly programme will operate completely independently on the more accessible Medium Wave band and use only Bahasa. "A separate team has come together to run this show and their remit is to provide two hours a day of the sort of programming that people have been unable to find on any other mainstream radio or TV in Malaysia", says Rewcastle Brown. "Just a few days ago one independent station was forced to withdraw an interview with Anwar Ibrahim from broadcast owing to political pressures [http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/political-news/232472-bfm-anwar-interview-not-aired-due-to-regulatory-concerns.html. We do not intend to be bullied in this way and now we can bring people the interview that the authorities have tried to ban"
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| The untold story of the Lahad Datu incident Posted: 24 Mar 2013 01:00 AM PDT
On 16th July 2012, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim flew to Jakarta to meet Nur Misuari -- who is very close to Anwar since the days when Anwar was in the government -- and the military commanders of the MNLF. The meeting was held in the Crowne Plaza Jakarta hotel and was arranged by an Indonesian Member of Parliament -- another close friend of Anwar -- at the behest of Anwar. A second meeting was held in Manila on 4th August 2012 to finalise and seal the agreement. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin I wrote about this matter eight years ago back in 2005. However, many of you were probably not yet readers of Malaysia Today in 2005 so you most likely did not read what I wrote then. For those of you who can remember what I wrote, it was a very long story indeed but basically it was about the links between the Muslim leaders in the Malaysian government and the Muslim leaders in the Philippines and the role that Malaysia played in the 'internal affairs' of the Philippines. Most Malaysians do not understand the difference with Sulus, MNLF, MILF and Abu Sayyaf -- as they do not know the difference between the PLO and Hamas. Nevertheless, let me simplify it by saying that they are all merely splinter or rival groups of the Muslims in the Philippines who are seeking self-determination, just like the Palestinians in the Middle East are. And Malaysia, being a Muslim country, sympathises with the Muslims of the Philippines -- as it does with the Muslims of Southern Thailand -- and is helping in any way it can to resolve both the Philippines and Southern Thailand issues. Along the way, however, something went wrong. As I had written in 2005, certain promises were made that were not delivered. And this has a bearing on the Sabah 'IC issue' (you do not need a RCI for me to tell you that). And that resulted in the Sipidan hostage crisis and the involvement of Libya in helping to eventually resolve the crisis after many months of deadlock. A reported RM50 million changed hands to secure the release of the hostages, the cost which Libya underwrote. Of course, no one is going to admit to this although they will not be able to explain how and why the hostages were eventually released. But all that happened decades ago. We are talking about the start of the crisis in 1970, when many of you were not even born yet, and the hostage crisis 30 years later in 2000. Since then everything has been very quiet -- that is until last year when this whole thing was resurrected in preparation for the coming general election. And this was what happened recently. Anwar's and Nur Miusari's links go way back to the time Anwar was in government On 16th July 2012, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim flew to Jakarta to meet Nur Misuari -- who is very close to Anwar since the days when Anwar was in the government -- and the military commanders of the MNLF. The meeting was held in the Crowne Plaza Jakarta hotel and was arranged by an Indonesian Member of Parliament -- another close friend of Anwar -- at the behest of Anwar. A second meeting was held in Manila on 4th August 2012 to finalise and seal the agreement. Anwar flew to Manila on flight MH 704 and if you were to check these flight details you can confirm that Anwar did make this trip, as he did the trip to Jakarta just two weeks or so earlier. In that meeting, Anwar told Misuari that he needs the latter's help to win the coming general election. Pakatan Rakyat was confident of winning at least 82-85 of the 165 seats in West Malaysia. It was the 57 seats in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan that he was not confident of winning. Pakatan Rakyat needs to win at least 30 of those 57 East Malaysian seats to be able to form the federal government with an extremely slim but comfortable enough majority. (Anwar can always increase this majority later with crossovers from Barisan Nasional once they form the government). And for that to happen Anwar needs the support of the Muslims in East Malaysia, in particular in Sabah, many of them Filipino Muslims with Malaysian citizenship and voting rights. Anwar promised Misuari that in the event Pakatan Rakyat takes over the federal government, Sabah and Sarawak would be given autonomy, as what they had been fighting for over 42 years since 1970. These two East Malaysian states would also be given 20% oil royalty, an increase of 15% from the current 5%. This would ensure that these two states would become very wealthy -- an estimated RM4 billion a year for each state. Furthermore, all the non-Malaysian Filipinos in East Malaysia would be given Malaysian citizenship -- or at the very minimum permanent resident status -- so that they could seek employment in Sabah. Jobs for them will also be assured. Nur Misuari agreed to these terms and subsequently appointed Haji Ibrahim Omar as the MNLF coordinator or 'unofficial ambassador' to Sabah to help Anwar garner the support of the Filipino Muslims in that state. And that was why the Malaysian government hesitated to take drastic action when trouble first emerged in Lahad Datu. The government knew that there was more than meets the eye in this whole episode although it was not too clear yet at that time how this incident fit in to the bigger scheme of things. To leave things alone is certainly out of the question. But taking military action would only play into the hands of the conspirators and convince the Filipino Muslims in Sabah that they must unite behind Anwar to gain autonomy from the federal government. Yes, the Lahad Datu incident was certainly a 'wayang', as the opposition claims. Very few Malaysians would deny that this is so. Many Malaysians are also convinced that there are certain 'dalang' behind this incident. What they do not know is: who is the dalang? Well, Malaysia Today has just revealed the untold story and I challenge the Malaysian government to deny the authenticity of what I have just revealed. Another point to consider is whether the 'war of words' between the MNLF and MILF is another wayang. By perpetuating this conflict, which will result in the torpedoing of the peace process, this gives them an excuse for continuing the armed conflict. However, the relationship between the MNLF and the other splinter groups does not appear as ruptured as what it shows behind the scenes, if the above photograph is anything to go by. My conclusion to this whole thing is that there are many plots and sub-plots and at the end of the day we really do not know who is playing whom. READ MORE HERE: 1. Accused: I was asked and paid: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55283-accused-i-was-asked-and-paid 2. Columnist claims Misuari helped Sulu siege to derail Bangsamoro peace deal: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55284-columnist-claims-misuari-helped-sulu-siege-to-derail-bangsamoro-peace-deal 3. Anwar claims of BN plot to implicate him in Sulu clampdown: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55320-anwar-claims-of-bn-plot-to-implicate-him-in-sulu-clampdown 4. Sulu military commander captured: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55327-sulu-military-commander-captured 5. Lahad Datu: Kg Tanduo chief's son is coordinator for Sulu group, say police: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55326-lahad-datu-kg-tanduo-chiefs-son-is-coordinator-for-sulu-group-say-police 6. Sultanate: 8 terror accused are Malaysians, not Pinoys: http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/55315-sultanate-8-terror-accused-are-malaysians-not-pinoys 7. There's much at stake in Sabah: http://malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/guest-columnists/55346-theres-much-at-stake-in-sabah ********************************************** Hostage crisis in the Philippines (CNN, 23rd April 2000) - Abu Sayyaf gunmen attack a Malaysian dive resort on the island of Sipadan, seizing 21 hostages. The hostages -- 10 tourists and 11 resort workers -- were taken to an Abu Sayyaf camp on the southern Philippine island of Jolo. Over the following months all but one of the hostages, a Filipino, were released, allegedly after ransoms of up to US$1 million per hostage were paid to the kidnappers. READ MORE HERE: Libya and the Jolo Hostages (20th August 2000) http://212.150.54.123/articles/articledet.cfm?articleid=126 ********************************************** AFP mum over sultanate's Sabah intrusion The intrusion occurred just as former Malaysian leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader, proposed that Sabah be granted autonomy. (AFP, 16th February 2013) - ZAMBOANGA CITY: Philippine military officials kept silent over the daring intrusion of dozens of Filipinos into the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah, where authorities surrounded them and were negotiating for their peaceful surrender as of press time. Reports said that the men are members of the sultanate of Sulu province and North Borneo and the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF), and that some of them were armed. The Filipinos were believed to be active in the campaign to reclaim the Malaysian oil-rich island, which is part of the sultanate. "The Department of Foreign Affairs has the sole authority to give a statement about that," Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, told The Manila Times. The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila have not issued any official statement about the situation in Sabah's Lahad Datu town, where some 100 Filipinos, many of them wearing military uniforms, were holding out. Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said that they are still trying to ascertain and complete the facts of the Sabah incident. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island. The sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south and to Palawan province, in the north. The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. Malaysia, which is now brokering peace talks of Manila and the MILF, still pays a token to the heirs of the sultanate of Sulu around 6,300 ringgits each year. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that they will do their best to prevent any bloodshed. Gen. Tan Sri Ismail Omar, police inspector, and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib, said that the Filipinos arrived in speedboats and that police and military forces have encircled the men. "In terms of strength, we have the upper hand in combat power to arrest them, but the government opts for negotiation to break the stalemate so that they leave peacefully to southern Philippines," the prime minister was quoted as saying by the Malaysian news agency Bernama. "We have more and less identified the group. But let the police negotiate with them and hopefully, it will bear fruit and succeed. This is because they cannot go anywhere, they have been surrounded . . . They have no choice and have to find a solution," he added. The intrusion occurred just as former Malaysian leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader, proposed that Sabah be granted autonomy. Sultan Muhammad Fuad Kiram I, the sultan of Sulu and the sultan of Sabah, said that Malaysia illegally occupied Sabah. "Sabah is still the property and sovereign patrimony of the sultan of Sulu and the royal sultanate of Sulu to this day," he said in the website of the royal hashemite sultanate of Sulu, which is accessible at http://www.royalsulu.com. He said that the sultanate supports "a free and independent Sabah [which] will be under our reign and our heirs and successors according to law of succession as the reigning sultan of Sabah." ********************************************** Authorities urged to reveal if Sulu militants are 'Project IC' Malaysians (The Malaysian Insider, 21st March 2013) - PKR has urged the government to reveal if the Sulu militants who invaded Sabah last month were given blue identity cards (ICs) under Project IC. The Sulu sultanate said yesterday that Agbimuddin Kiram — the brother of self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III — was never issued a blue IC, but admitted that he had worked as an assistant district officer in Kudat on Sabah's north. "The confirmation (by the Sulu sultanate) raises worries among many quarters whether the armed group in Lahad Datu involves Malaysians originating from the Philippines who hold blue identity cards," PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli (picture) said in a statement today. "This matter raises the possibility of threats to national security, as a result from certain parties allegedly linked to (former Prime Minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who allegedly gave citizenship without due process," he added. Dr Mahathir, Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister who was in power from 1981 to 2003, has been accused of spearheading the so-called "Project IC", in which citizenship was allegedly given to immigrants for their votes. PKR said yesterday that Agbimuddin was appointed in the civil service in 1974, based on a 1975 Sabah government payroll dug up from the state's archives. The Sulu sultanate's spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, reportedly said yesterday that Agbimuddin was still alive after fresh clashes against Malaysian security forces that killed two Sulu militants yesterday. The Sulu sultanate's "raja muda" or crown prince had led a 200-strong band of gunmen into Lahad Datu last February 9 and turned the Sabah east coast into a violent battleground in their bid to retake the state. Rafizi also urged the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah to continue its proceedings to expose the illegal issuance of ICs in the Borneo state. The RCI is due to resume on April 15, according to RCI secretary Datuk Saripuddin Kasim. The RCI, which was formed on August 11 last year, has an additional six months to complete its probe after receiving the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent. Former Sabah National Registration Department (NRD) officers have testified at the RCI that blue ICs were sold to Filipino, Indonesian and Pakistani immigrants in Sabah. ********************************************** Misuari cautioned not to take advantage of Lahat Datu episode (Daily Express, 21st March 2013) - Kuching: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot on Wednesday cautioned former Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari not to try and take advantage of the Lahad Datu episode to advance his personal selfish agenda. In rebuking Misuari's claim that Sabah rightfully belonged to the so-called Sultan of Sulu, he said, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had made it categorically clear that the State was part of Malaysia and no one should question its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a legitimate part of Malaysian territory. "My advice to Misuari is, if he is a peace-loving man as he desperately claimed to be and if he really loves and cares for his Bangsamoro, he should support and join the efforts towards the peace agreement within the framework that was signed recently between the Philippines government and Bangsamoro for long-lasting peace in Mindanao," he told a media conference here. Cautioning Misuari to heed the Malay proverb, "jangan menagguk di air yang keruh" literally translated as "not to fish in murky water," he urged him to devote his remaining energy and time to the peace accord for the good of his fellow countrymen and government of the Philippines, to which he owed his loyalty. He said the promotion of peace was one of the pillars of Malaysia's foreign policy and, for which, the country would vehemently protect and defend every inch of Sabah against foreign aggression and any hostile action. "We have witnessed that turmoil and instability in Southern Philippines have certainly brought no advantage to anyone but only to burden Malaysia and other neighbouring countries having to host those fleeing their homes for safety and better lives," Riot said. There was nothing that Malaysia desired for its neighbours more than for them to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity, he said. For that reason, he said, Malaysia had been actively involved in peace keeping missions all over the world and willing to broker peace efforts in neighbouring countries, particularly in the Philippines. He said the warm bilateral relationship between both countries was reflected when the regional governor of the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, Mujir S Hataman, paid him a courtesy at his office in Putrajaya in October last year. ********************************************** Lahad Datu: Misuari's claim a lie, says MILF (The Star, 21st March 2013) - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has denied the claim that the Malaysian Government had used it to strengthen its claim on Sabah. MILF secretariat head Mohammad Ameen also dismissed claims by former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari that Malaysia was responsible for promoting disunity among the Moro people. "This is a total lie and completely fabricated. Misuari has committed a sin for making such an irresponsible and callous statement against both the MILF and the Malaysian Government. "He should rectify and atone for this," Mohammad was quoted as saying in a news report by the Luwaran News Centre yesterday. He was responding to Misuari, who accused Malaysia of being a "stumbling block" in efforts to unite rival Moro groups in southern Philippines. Misuari also said that the MILF was "the instrument of Malaysian colonialism" and that it was Malaysia which was "pulling the strings" behind the MILF. Mohammad pointed out that it was Malaysia who called for the formation of the Bangsamoro Solidarity Conference (BSC) in 2002 to unite the MNLF and MILF factions, as well as to promote a common position among them, especially in their dealings with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). "How could Malaysia use the MILF to strengthen its claim to Sabah when Sabah has never been made part of the agenda of the peace talks since 2001?" said Mohammad. He said Malaysia did not volunteer to facilitate the peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine Government, but it was the then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in 2001, who requested Malaysia to act as a negotiator. Mohammad questioned why Misuari was so eager to raise the Sabah claim now when throughout his 21 years of peace talks with the Philippine government, he had never raised the issue. "It is a pity that Misuari is blaming everyone else for the failure of his leadership and growing irrelevance to the Bangsamoro struggle to self-determination," he said. "As a leader, Misuari has nothing more to prove. It is better for him to rest, write his memoirs, and allow the new breed of leaders to lead the Bangsamoro people towards the fulfilment of their true aspirations." |
| Unite against Tian Chua, Lahad Datu ‘conspirators’, Hishammuddin tells youth Posted: 23 Mar 2013 08:58 PM PDT
The Umno vice-president said leaders like Chua had insulted the country's armed forces despite losing their lives to protect Malaysia's sovereigntySyed Jaymal Zahiid, TMI Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein urged the country's youth today to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) and "eliminate traitors" like PKR's Chua Tian Chang, whose allies in the opposition have been accused of instigating the Sabah incursion. Speaking before the ruling coalition's election machinery here, the Umno vice-president said leaders like Chua had insulted the country's armed forces despite losing their lives to protect Malaysia's sovereignty. "What is going on in Sabah should not be politicised, this is an issue of our sovereignty. "Whose hand is it behind the intrusion, is there a third party involved? Who is this person who would forsake his own race and nation just because he wants power?" Hishammuddin told some 1,000 party youth supporters who responded with loud shouts of "Kill Tian Chua". Hishammuddin, who is also the home minister, however, did not explicitly accuse Chua and his PKR colleagues of engineering the incursion which has killed more than 70 people including 10 Malaysian security forces personnel. The Umno leader instead said leaders like Chua, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, were promoting divisive politics by spreading rumours about the Lahad Datu conflict. "The youth must reject this politics of division, politics that aims to slander the national leaders, to sow hatred towards the government. "Remember the fate of this country rests on your shoulders, the young, not Tian Chua, not Nurul Izzah, and especially, not Anwar. "So let us fight. Fight against these enemies who are out to divide us," he said. Chua, who is PKR vice-president, was accused of insulting the security forces when he described the death of two police officers killed in the conflict as "mati katak". He was also quoted, as saying by the party organ, that the Sulu armed incursion of Sabah was an Umno conspiracy. He denied the allegation and had taken legal action. Meanwhile, government-owned media have tried to link the conflict to Anwar after its Philippines counterparts quoted a military intelligence officer as suggesting that an opposition leader allied to the PKR advisor had instigated the Sulu Sultunate to launch the armed campaign. The report was carried by Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia and TV3.
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| If it has failed, just discard it? Posted: 23 Mar 2013 07:41 PM PDT
So don't try to tell me about what's wrong with the NEP. I told the government that same thing back in 1985 and I suffered because of that. I paid a heavy price by getting blacklisted for pointing out the flaws in the implementation of the NEP. I became Umno's number one enemy for coining the word Umnoputera and declaring these people a traitor to the Malay race who should be lined up and shot. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin One very crucial point that was raised by those who had participated in the New Economic Policy (NEP) debate (or rather quarrel) over the last one week is that the NEP has failed, it has been abused by those in power to enrich themselves, it is a racist and discriminatory policy, and hence it should be discarded because it does not work and it does not achieve the objective as was originally intended. This is certainly one view and a view that must not be rejected because all views are valid and should be respected in a civil society like Malaysia. The argument of whether it is a right view or a wrong view does not come into play because right and wrong depend on your belief system. For example, the implementation of the Islamic Sharia law would be right to fundamentalist or orthodox Muslims and wrong to liberal Muslims or non-Muslims. From 1974 to 1994, I lived in Terengganu and was active in the Kuala Terengganu Rotary Club. I was, in fact, its Secretary for about seven years. Note that the majority of our members were non-Malays because some Malays seem to have this impression that the Rotary Club is a secret Zionist organisation and another form of Freemasonry. Hence the Malay membership was rather low although the population of Terengganu is about 97% Malay. As part of my Rotary work, our committee used to visit the rural schools in remote places such as Wakaf Tapai and Kuala Berang, which are predominantly agricultural areas where piped water and electricity are considered luxuries. (That was why I did good business selling petrol/diesel engine-driven water pumps, generators, kerosene lamps, and so on). It is therefore no coincidence that cholera is an almost on-going problem (and amongst the highest in West Malaysia) and infant/childbirth deaths are considered biasa (normal). It is also the reason why people there (meaning Malays) do not practice family planning (even when the government distributes tens of millions of condoms free of charge). They need more children because these children die so often. My personal project (which I paid for from my own pocket) was to distribute free Bata school shoes to the school children in those places (I have written about this before). This is because these children were so poor they walked around barefooted. A few months later, I again visited these schools and discovered that these school children still walked to school barefooted. They would hang their shoes around their neck and put them on only when they entered the school compound. The reason for this, according to the headmaster I spoke to, was so that they did not wear out their very precious Bata shoes. I then told the Bata retailer to give them two pairs of shoes each and inform them that we will replace them as soon as they wear out -- so no need to hang these shoes around their neck and walk barefooted any more. (I don't know whether it is because I am getting old and sentimental that I write this with tears dripping down my cheeks). If you were to look at the Malays living in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bangsar, Damansara, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and so on, then definitely the Malays do not need the NEP any longer. I have bumped into many Malaysian Malays shopping in Bicester Village (where even I cannot afford to shop but only go there to 'look see') and for sure they do not need the NEP (even the Chinese kalah in shopping). If you want to see whether the NEP is no longer needed then don't just look at the Malays in the big towns and cities. Go to the rural areas in the East Coast and East Malaysia and see how the Malays (and natives) there live. They certainly still need help. Now, that does not mean the Chinese and Indians are all super-rich and that only the Malays or natives of East Malaysia are poor and destitute. There are many Chinese and Indians who are poor as well. Hence the NEP should cover these poor Chinese and Indians as well. That was what it was supposed to be but that is not what is happening. That is my first bone of contention. I agree with the argument that the NEP has been exploited and abused to make some people very rich. In fact, I was the one who raised this point almost 30 years ago back in 1985 and which resulted in me being blacklisted by the government because of that allegation. Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah can confirm this because I made this allegation during a seminar in his Ministry, which he personally chaired. When I made that allegation there was a stunned silence in the hall until Ku Li clapped and then all the other participants in the seminar joined him to clap as well. Nevertheless, the government still blacklisted me and for many years thereafter I could not get any government contracts. So don't try to tell me about what's wrong with the NEP. I told the government that same thing back in 1985 and I suffered because of that. I paid a heavy price by getting blacklisted for pointing out the flaws in the implementation of the NEP. I became Umno's number one enemy for coining the word Umnoputera and declaring these people a traitor to the Malay race who should be lined up and shot. But should the 95% needy be made to pay for the transgressions of the 5% corrupt? Is it fair to punish all Malays for the misdeeds of a handful of Malays? That is my second bone of contention. Many things do not work well in Malaysia, the NEP being one of them. It looks like our defence policy is also a failure judging by what happened in Lahat Datu recently. Do we then disband the army? There are many complaints about the police force as well. Do we abolish the police force and allow everyone to carry guns and look after their own safety like in the Old Wild West or like in some parts of the Middle East today? The election system is also flawed. Hitler managed to rule with only 30% of the votes and then took the world through a bloody war that saw the sacrifice of tens of millions of lives. Barisan Nasional will be able to form the next government even if it garners only 45% of the votes in the coming general election. Should we then abolish general elections? We need to be more mature and realistic in evaluating things. We cannot always look at the small picture while ignoring the big picture. Some things work. Many things do not work. Gambling is bad. Families break up because of gambling. But gambling is not banned or abolished. In fact, Singapore is exploiting gambling as a source of revenue. And Singapore is supposed to be one of the more sensible countries, even more sensible than Malaysia. It is easy for those with money in their pockets to demand that the NEP be abolished. But when you walk to school barefooted, the NEP is the only thing you have to guarantee your future. What we need is a better NEP, not the end of the NEP. And while Barisan Nasional has failed to offer us that better NEP, I do not see any alternative better NEP from Pakatan Rakyat either. And that is my third bone of contention. |
| Daim backs Najib, rejects Anwar Posted: 23 Mar 2013 04:34 PM PDT "I am worried as he does not have the depth in economy, always needed people to tell him — what to think and what to do," he said. So far, he said, there had not been even one significant idea from Anwar as the economic advisor to the Selangor government. Worse, he said, Selangor had badly handled its water issue, which had dismayed developers, investors and the people. (Bernama) - Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin says Najib Tun Razak is doing a fairly good job and should be given the mandate to lead the country and continue with his transformation policies. Urging voters to give Najib the chance for five years, the Umno veteran said: "Test him. Give him the mandate. He is doing a fairly good job. Let's see him deliver and continue with his transformation policies." In an interview with the New Sunday Times, Daim indicated his preference for Najib to win instead of Anwar Ibrahim whom he deemed as not the right candidate to be the prime minister. "If you ask me, between the two, Najib or Anwar, I would choose Najib. I will give Najib the chance. Give him the mandate and see whether he delivers because Anwar has had his chances, but he blew them. "I want Najib to win because I don't think Anwar is the right candidate to be prime minister," he said. "I believe he will mess up the country by getting advice from the likes of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), World Bank and Wolfowitz (Paul Wolfowitz, former World Bank president)," he said. Daim, who served as the finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and as the special functions minister in 1998 before being reappointed as the finance minister from 1999 to 2001, said it was dangerous if an opposition under Anwar was to lead the country. "I am worried as he does not have the depth in economy, always needed people to tell him — what to think and what to do," he said. So far, he said, there had not been even one significant idea from Anwar as the economic advisor to the Selangor government. Worse, he said, Selangor had badly handled its water issue, which had dismayed developers, investors and the people. "Why doesn't he (Anwar) become economic advisor to Kelantan and Kedah if Pakatan believes he is good? Think seriously. Think of our future," he said. Reshuffle the cabinet Daim said he would support Najib but the prime minister must fight corruption and crime, strengthen the nation's security and review the education system. He also said that Najib should reshuffle the cabinet. "Bring in new faces. People think he is carrying too much deadwood in the cabinet. Most are already past their use-by date," he said. On the chances of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general election, Daim, whose prognosis was interestingly followed, said BN would win but there must be unity within the coalition. "Umno has about 3.3 million members, MCA, about one million and MIC, about 600,000. That's already about half of the voters. "Now, you only need some support from the fence-sitters, you should then be able to win. But BN must put new and clean candidates who are acceptable to voters," he said. Daim said that if the BN was not united, the opposition pact would do better, as what happened in 2008. "Stay united, be loyal and don't sabotage. We need a steady and experienced hand. Only BN has the experience. "We have gone through crisis after crisis, and recovered very quickly. We have to tell the Chinese that we cannot experiment. Look at Japan. Look around us. Look at Britain. Study what is happening," he said. Daim said Anwar had repeatedly said that there would be an Arab Spring-like demonstration should the opposition lose in the next general election because of what they deem as "cheating". "He (Anwar) has set the stage to justify their losses if they lose in the next general election. Pakatan is prepping the people so that they can scapegoat the government and the Election Commission. "First, we are not an Arab country. And second, if there was rigging in previous general elections, how did Pakatan win five states in 2008? "Arab Spring has turned out to be an Arab Fall (for the lack of a unifying leadership and the instability it has induced)," he said.
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| GE13: Tight hold on Umno fortress Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:56 PM PDT
Lim Kit Siang's migration from Perak to a Johor seat signals a big power play for the Chinese seats in Umno's fortress but it will push the Malay vote to Barisan Nasional. At another level, it is about DAP trying to replace MCA as the Chinese connector. MCA has seven parliamentary seats in Johor which is about half of the 15 seats it won in 2008. DAP has been very successful in using the politics of hate and blame against Umno to defeat MCA. Joceline Tan, The Star REPORTERS in Johor have been looking high and low for Datuk Chua Jui Meng. The Johor PKR chief has not been taking calls, his mobile phone has been switched off and he seems to have dropped out of the Johor political scene. Even his aides have not been reachable. The media people are puzzled as to why he has disappeared at a time when every politician is trying to keep a high profile. The former MCA minister is not exactly an easy man to interview. He often talks like he is sitting in an ivory tower but he is always courteous and gentlemanly to the ladies. Jui Meng's no-show behaviour started after it was confirmed that PKR was giving up the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat for DAP's Lim Kit Siang to contest in the general election. Jui Meng had been eyeing Gelang Patah for himself and he is furious at the way his party has been made to play second fiddle to DAP in Johor. Like many politicians, he has an inflated ego. He feels that as the state party chief, he should have a major say on seats and candidates. Instead, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim seems to be making all the decisions without taking his views into account. He had wanted DAP to give up Bakri in exchange for Gelang Patah but DAP's Johor chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau has told him to "go fly a kite". Moreover, this was coming on the heels of PKR giving up the Bentong parliamentary seat to DAP.  Tan: Famous daughter outflanked by ex-general. "All sorts of rumours are flying around. Some PKR people said he may go in as an independent. That will be interesting to watch," said a Johor reporter. The DAP people never got along with Jui Meng when he was in MCA and after he joined PKR. They say he has too much baggage, find him to be a diva and feel he should climb down from his high horse. Jui Meng is not the only one to be played out by his own party. His Johor Baru chief Tan Poh Lai was all prepared to contest in Johor Baru but Anwar has named a retired general as the party's Johor Baru candidate. Tan, an attractive lawyer, is the daughter of the late Tan Sri Dr Tan Chee Khoon who was better known as "Mr Opposition". Tan probably had some inkling that she was about to be shuffled aside. During a PKR luncheon last month, she announced that she was the potential candidate for Johor Baru. It was Tan's rather amateurish way of pre-empting any queue-jumping, her way of saying: "Hello, this is my seat, okay?" Her party vice-president Tian Chua who was at the lunch was taken aback and issued a statement cautioning against premature announcements. People in PKR cannot quite understand some of Anwar's decisions of late but they know he intends to enlist the help of several other retired and high-ranking army officers to help its Johor campaign. He thinks it will help counter the bad press the party has suffered over Lahad Datu. But they had better think twice about using these ex-army top guns as ceramah speakers because some of them speak as though they are addressing the troops rather than voters. Jui Meng may soon become yesterday's news. The kopitiam talk has been less about him than about DAP and Kit Siang.  Shahrir: 'Up to voters to decide what they want' Kit Siang is trying to break new ground in the south while the younger Lim takes care of the north. His party has said he is making a "big sacrifice" and his admirers call it a homecoming because he is from Batu Pahat. They say he is taking a huge career risk in Gelang Patah. But insiders say he has done his homework and is confident of winning. Kit Siang leading the charge in Johor is a tested formula which he has applied to mixed results over his 50-year career. He began in Malacca in 1969, moved to Selangor in 1978, Penang in 1986, Perak in 2004 and now Johor. There were wins and also losses but his biggest scalp was Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu whom he toppled in 1990. Kit Siang is no sacrificial lamb and his aim is to create a ripple effect and help push through the other Pakatan candidates like PAS' Salahuddin Ayub who is contesting in Nusajaya, one of two state seats in Gelang Patah. They cannot win Johor but their bid for Gelang Patah and Nusajaya has symbolic purpose. Pakatan is striking at the heart of the Umno fortress. The multi-billion ringgit Iskandar economic zone is located there while the new state administrative centre is in Nusajaya. PAS deputy president Mohamed Sabu declared that Pakatan aimed to make the "kubu Umno" (Umno fortress) into "kubur Umno" (Umno's grave). Greener pastures But over in Perak, the perception is that Kit Siang is moving on because DAP has given up all hope of recapturing Perak. He does not want to waste his time in Perak and wants to put his brandname to better use elsewhere. At another level, it is about DAP trying to replace MCA as the Chinese connector. MCA has seven parliamentary seats in Johor which is about half of the 15 seats it won in 2008. DAP has been very successful in using the politics of hate and blame against Umno to defeat MCA. Pakatan leaders have privately admitted they have no chance of taking Johor. The question is how many seats they can add to their tally of one parliamentary and six state seats. Umno is confident that the majority of Malays will go with them. But the big Chinese crowds at DAP ceramah have cast doubts as to whether the Chinese are preparing to change horses. The Johor Chinese are not deeply dissatisfied with the government but they have started to acquire an appetite for opposition politics and want to hear what Pakatan has to offer. Dr Boo has told people that he has never seen this level of support from the Chinese in his 20 years in politics. "Lim Kit Siang is trying to be the voice of the Chinese in Johor. He wants to replace MCA by inciting the Chinese against Umno. Is that what politics in Johor is going to be about? It's up to voters to think carefully about the kind of politics they want in Johor, the kind of politicians they want to represent them," said Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.  Dr Boo: Johor strongman is moving to centrestage. Kit Siang, as one analyst put it, has a reputation as some kind of Chinese folk hero and his track record as an opposition figure is quite unparalleled. His lifestyle is still remarkably simple after all these years and one of his few luxuries is the Rolex watch that is a gift from his family. Kit Siang playing a leading role in Johor is a double-edged sword of sorts. He comes with loads of baggage for the Malays whose perception of him is the exact opposite of how the Chinese see him. The senior generation of Malays associate him with the politics of 1969. Younger Malays do not relate to him or to the way his party champions Chinese interests. The elderly politician knows this. That was why he spoke solely in Malay the night that Anwar declared him as the Gelang Patah candidate. Nusajaya assemblyman Datuk Aziz Sapian has described him as an outsider and said that Kit Siang should not assume he could plant himself anywhere he liked and expect people to accept him. Several local Chinese interviewed on Astro Awani earlier last week said they could accept DAP but not Kit Siang. His habit of hopping from one seat to another and from state to state has lent him a certain image. It is not quite like speed dating but it has given him a reputation as some sort of political hit man who goes bang-bang-bang in one place and when its mission is accomplished, he moves on to the next victim. It worked very well during the years when DAP was a struggling opposition party and people saw it as a necessary survival tactic. But DAP is now part of the government in Penang, Selangor and Kedah, and the hitman formula may not get the same sort of reception. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has called him a "Touch n Go" politician. "As a parliamentarian, he raises pertinent issues. But to go from place to place the way he does, it shows that his politics is about Chinese killing off the Chinese. What he is doing is not going to lead to a two-party system. It will be more like a two-race system," said Dr Chua. The MCA leader has asked Johoreans to evaluate the policies and plans that have been put in place in the state. "Johor has benefited most from the PM's economic transformation policies and the state government has been good to the people. The Chinese groups and associations in the state know that, we have a close working relationship," he said. Of the 26 parliamentary seats in Johor, PKR is contesting 11, PAS eight and DAP seven. Despite all the hype that the political tsunami has reached Johor, only DAP is sure of winning any of the parliamentary seats. On paper, Gelang Patah looks tough because MCA won the seat by more than 8,800 votes. But DAP is banking on the new and first-time voters to make a difference. Johor has seen a registration surge of some 267,000 new voters with some 26,000 registered in Gelang Patah alone. Almost half of these new voters are Chinese and that is what Kit Siang hopes to ride on. Even then, DAP needs at least 30% of Malay votes in order to push past the tape. Kit Siang, 72, is looking rather jaded and his ceramah speeches often sound like an old record but he is still as tenacious as ever. Over the next few weeks, he can be expected to switch it up, to make Johor another do-or-die and now-or-never battle. His party leaders will likely plead to his audience that this is Kit Siang's last station. They will tug on the heartstrings of the Chinese to show their appreciation for all the years this old warrior has put into the political cause. Kit Siang's presence in Johor will shrink the Malay vote for Pakatan. But it signals a big Chinese play for seats in Umno's fortress.
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| GE13: Put a stop to the mudslinging Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:52 PM PDT
A politically savvy lot, folks in Terengganu want the coming general election to be a clean game. Kampung folk are largely influenced by what they see and hear on TV and read in the mainstream Malay newspapers, he adds. But youngsters like him, with their smart phones and laptops, scroll the Internet looking for alternative views so they have a good idea of what's going on. Shahanaz Habib, The Star ROSNAH Sibaweh loves to challenge her six children. If they want a new mobile phone or the latest gadget, she will dangle that as a reward if they achieve a target or goal. "If you get something for free, you don't value it. But if you work for it, you'll value it," says the 46-year-old unit trust consultant who is a single mother with three school-going children and another three in university. For her, it is the same with university education. A private college she knows gives full scholarships to the children of Felda settlers but because everything is free, these students do not even need good grades to keep their scholarships. As a result, they have become quite "spoiled" and don't focus on their studies. She thinks this applies to public universities too. Rosnah feels the government should continue to subsidise university education with parents, except those who are poor, paying a portion of the fees. "If you pay for something, you'll appreciate it more. Sometimes, our people rely too much on the government," says Rosnah who, with fellow financial consultant friends in Kuala Terengganu, is discussing and strategising on how to make more money, gain financial freedom and retire young. As a financial planner, she thinks people should take their own initiative – have their own education and retirement plans – instead of leaving it all to the government. "We shouldn't rely on Mara and the PTPTN loans for education anymore because no one wants to pay the money back. It's pathetic. What happens to the next generation if people are not repaying their loans? Where is the government going to get the money to give out new loans?" Two of her children at university have managed to secure student loans but her third, who is studying architecture, has not. Rosnah, who has been funding her 100%, says it hasn't been cheap. "Her books are RM200 each. She's only in her first semester and I've already spent RM4,000 on fees, hostel accommodation, books and food. "And she hasn't even bought her laptop yet! That's why we are here discussing how to make more money," she says. Rosnah's generation is one that used to skimp and save to buy things, so they treasure whatever they managed to buy.  Hoping for better things: Jamal with Nor Fazila (second from right) and Rosnah (in blue). They believe the leaders should focus on winning the election instead of criticising each other. "But kids these days tell us 'last time you had no money, that's why you had to do that!' But that is what built our character and made us who we are today," she says. Her friend Nor Fazila Abdullah, 43, considers herself a "sporting" mother and gives her children about 80% of whatever they ask for. "They normally ask for gadgets, mobile phones or money. I don't mind giving them all that because I hope they will remember my kindness and give back to me when I am old," she says. As a financial planner, Fazila has also been putting aside money each month for her children's education plan. Both women follow the country's political developments and are not happy with what they see. Rosnah thinks the situation is "not healthy" because both sides of the political divide keep condemning the other. "As the rakyat, we see the political parties as our parents. When parents fight, the effect is on us." "And if a child chooses one parent over the other, he is seen as a 'betrayer' and undeserving of the other parent's care and help. Why?" Their other friend, Jamal Hj No, doesn't care who leads the country as long as it is peaceful and people are free to go anywhere they want. The trainer, 55, is optimistic about Malaysia but admits the mudslinging has got him a bit worried. "The politicians keep blaming each other. Make it a clean game. The rakyat can think so don't confuse us. Focus on winning the game rather than criticising each other. "You can't stab the other to be a great leader," he says. But many others in Terengganu are not quite as privileged as Rosnah and her friends, and they worry about their daily lives. At the famous Pasar Payang, keropok seller Adnan (not his real name) and wife are feeling frustrated. The state government plans to turn the market where they have a stall into a state-of-the-art air-conditioned building with a five-star hotel above it. "Our customers are kampung folks, not tourists. The makcik makcik and kampung people will not feel comfortable shopping for vegetables, fruits and keropok in an air-conditioned market. "And what about prices? If they build a new market, our rent will surely go up and we will have to increase prices. Then our business will suffer because kampung folks will no longer shop here. Why doesn't the government consider this," says Adnan who currently rents a spot for only RM50 a month. He is also upset that the state government acquired his house and land in town for RM70,000. The amount, he laments, is not enough for him to buy another house at a similar location. He is now renting a low-cost unit for RM300 a month. Adnan says large areas of land in town are being acquired by the government for development. In places like Kampung Ladang and Lorong Jamil, the Malay residents have to move further away because they can't afford to buy new houses that have been built there. "The Malays are not like the Chinese who will buy houses even if they are expensive. The Malays here are afraid to pay RM250,000 for a house," he says. Adnan feels the state government is not listening. "Why do they want to build a duty-free area on an uninhabited island in Kenyir?" he wonders. "Locals won't go. I don't know if tourists will even go. There's no one living on the island. "For something like this to work, there has to be a local population on the island, like Langkawi. It's ridiculous and wasteful." Politically savvy Adnan says the people in Terengganu are politically savvy, "If they are not comfortable with what's going on, they will change the government." Changing governments is not new to Terengganu. In 1959, the people in the state voted in a PAS government. Then they switched to Perikatan (Alliance Party) and Barisan in the subsequent elections before picking PAS again in 1999 and shifting back to Barisan in 2004 and 2008. Suhel Kassim owns and runs a business in Kampung Cina near the Pasar Payang market. He says before the state government could acquire their land for development, the Chinese community quickly applied for and received Unesco heritage status for Kampung Cina which means their land was spared. So Kampung Cina is now spruced up and looks as charming as Malacca's Jonker Street. Suhel feels for the traders at Pasar Payang and understands their anger. He says they've been doing business there for ages and had already taken a hit when bigger supermarkets opened up in the state. Property prices have shot up around the town with houses now selling for RM400,000 and shoplots going for RM1.6mil to RM2mil, which the Malays can't afford. He says there are many grouses over the low compensation given by the state government when they acquired the people's land. (The Auditor-General's Report 2011 found that the Kuala Terengganu Land Office paid less in compensation for land acquired by the state government than the official valuation made by the state Asset Valuation and Services Department in a number of places.) Noor (not her real name) feels sad that the town's heritage is diminishing in the name of development. "Foreigners come to Terengganu to see something authentic like Pasar Payang. It's a selling point for tourism. Why change something that is unique?" Kampung Ladang, she says, is famous for its copper industry and was even featured in a National Geographic documentary. But that too is gone as the land has been acquired for development. "Soon, nothing of the old will be left. They want to change everything, even what is unique and special about the place," she says nostalgically. Cheong, 70, is having bah kut teh with two friends, Edward, 37 and Swee, 30. All three are in business and often meet up for drinks. They are happy living in Terengganu, have lots of Malay friends and think it is easier to mix around here because it is less pretentious compared to big cities. "People don't care who you are. They mix with everyone," says Cheong. As there is no entertainment – no cinema, pub or karaoke – in the state, "we make our own entertainment", says Cheong. Calling himself a "junior businessman" who is still green and learning on the job, Swee believes 80% of Chinese living in Terengganu are rich because they have nowhere to spend their money. That is a good thing since property prices are on the high side here. "A double-storey link house costs more than RM500,000 because there is a shortage of non-reserve Malay land. I imagine houses would be cheaper on Malay reserve land," says Cheong. Having lived under both the PAS and Barisan government in Terengganu, Cheong doesn't find much difference between the two because "businesses like ours don't depend on the government to survive." In Setiu, Mohd Rizal Faizul, 26, works in a restaurant and earns RM30 a day. He worries about when he gets married and has a family. "I want to start my own warung but that would require capital. If my bank statement is not strong, banks won't give me a loan," he says. Rizal is not comfortable discussing politics because "there are things right and wrong on both sides". He says politics in the kampung is very different from politics in the towns. "Here, people get emotional and some go overboard. There are some who won't speak to others from the other side." Kampung folk are largely influenced by what they see and hear on TV and read in the mainstream Malay newspapers, he adds. But youngsters like him, with their smart phones and laptops, scroll the Internet looking for alternative views so they have a good idea of what's going on. In Besut, Halim Harun, 43, mixes with different groups of people, including Chinese and Thais. He thinks the young generation is so different from during his time. "When we first started to work, we'd wait two years before we bought a car and that first car might even be secondhand. And we'd wait five years before we could buy a house. "But these days, our youths want to buy a car and house once they start working. And when they can't, the easiest thing to do is to blame the government," he says. Corruption is not the monopoly of any particular party, he argues, adding that a lot depends on the strength and character of the individual because "when you are in power, it is not so easy to stay honest."
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| Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:47 PM PDT
Chinese voters, however, remain difficult with the majority supporting the DAP in the 45 Chinese-majority seats. The problem is that even if the Barisan retains power at the federal level and most of the states, the governments would be dominated by the Malays if the Chinese candidates of the Barisan do not do well. In fact, the Chinese would end up sitting on the opposition benches, as in Sarawak. Wong Chun Wai, The Star AT the end of the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Prime Minister told his ministers they would be meeting again this week. To some of his listeners, it meant that it would be business as usual and that Parliament would not be dissolved tomorrow, as the press has speculated. But some of his ministers are saying the dissolution of Parliament would take place, as speculated, and that the Wednesday meeting Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak alluded to would be a meeting of the caretaker Cabinet. In short, until now, the Prime Minister has not given the slightest clue as to when he will call for polls, which would start with having an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to seek the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat. On Wednesday, the ministers had expected Najib to give some indication that their meeting last week would be the last. But there was none. Instead, the top civil servants of the respective ministries were also told to go back to their offices for their post-Cabinet briefings and to announce there would be another Cabinet meeting this week. A minister cheekily told the PM that the "foreplay to the elections" is taking too long and those listening in broke out in laughter. In 2008, the then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Cabinet had their group photograph taken on Jan 30, 2008, two weeks before dissolution. On Feb 13, Parliament was dissolved and the announcement was made at a press conference, called by Pak Lah and Najib, at 12.45pm. In the case of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he preferred the group photograph to be taken at the start of a new term rather than at the last Cabinet meeting. Not only has Najib not given any clue to his Cabinet, Barisan Nasional component heads, Umno election strategists and the media, he has also got everyone to make the wrong guesses as far as dates are concerned. He has apparently told Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that he would be attending the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition from March 26 to March 30 as the PM and not as caretaker leader. Then there is March 29, which is Good Friday, one of the most important dates for Christians. Good Friday is the day which Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, the act of salvation to all who believe. It will be followed by Easter Sunday on March 31, where Christians mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come April 4, the Chinese will mark Qing Ming or Cheng Beng, or All Souls' Day, where Taoists will clean the graveyards of their departed family members as a day of remembrance. The PM has been reminded at previous Barisan supreme council meetings about the importance of these dates. The press had also reported that his pre-election nationwide tour stop in Kuantan last night was the last stop before dissolution. Over the past 48 hours, aides of the PM seemed divided in their speculation over when their boss would seek the dissolution of Parliament, having combed his schedule over the next few days for possible clues. The aides are still sticking to their prediction that tomorrow is the day, failing which it will still be in the next few days. The March 25 date is favoured by the media simply because the Negri Sembilan state assembly's five-year term ends the following day. The PM, on his part, has never indicated he would want to call for dissolution on that day, nor is he required to do so. The candidates' list for the Barisan has more or less been resolved and, except for some swapping of seats, those selected are already at kick-off mode. When the PM found time to have afternoon tea with some editors recently, he appeared relaxed and, more importantly, confident of the looming elections ahead. Figures from the various intelligence surveys have been rolling in, and they show that the Barisan will still be in power after the polls. The Malay votes, especially in the rural heartland of the 222 parliamentary seats, have remained strong while the Indian votes, which went to the opposition in 2008, have returned comfortably to the Barisan fold. Chinese voters, however, remain difficult with the majority supporting the DAP in the 45 Chinese-majority seats. The problem is that even if the Barisan retains power at the federal level and most of the states, the governments would be dominated by the Malays if the Chinese candidates of the Barisan do not do well. In fact, the Chinese would end up sitting on the opposition benches, as in Sarawak. There are already growing concerns that the Chinese voters, in wanting to punish the Barisan, will end up voting themselves out of a direct say in the federal government. Their belief in Pakatan Rakyat winning Putrajaya will just remain an elusive dream. Even the leaders of the DAP do not show any confidence that this would happen, as most of them continue to hedge their bets by contesting both federal and state seats. Analysts have already looked at the possible impact on race relations when such a scenario emerges. In Penang, while the Chinese dominates the island, the Malay Barisan opposition holds its grip on the mainland as race relations worsen. But time is running out. Choices have to be made soon and the outcome of the votes will have a deep impact for the next five years, or even more.
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| There’s much at stake in Sabah Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:34 PM PDT The fact that individuals in the highest levels of the Malaysian and Philippine governments are suspicious of a conspiracy does much to lend credence to the possibility. Both the Malaysian and Philippine governments have launched official investigations into allegations that figures within Malaysia's political opposition had a hand in aiding the Sulu gunmen. By Nile Bowie, FMT Malaysia has been in the midst of an ongoing security crisis since early February, when a group of 235 rag-tag militiamen from the neighbouring southern Philippines slipped into the eastern state of Sabah and began occupying several villages. While engaging police in several firefights, the insurgents beheaded and mutilated several captured Malaysian security personnel, prompting Malaysian forces to deploy fighter jets in an unprecedented air assault over the area in an operation to flush out the intruders. The gunmen call themselves the "Royal Army of the Sulu Sultanate", representing the heirs of a long-defunct kingdom which once controlled the territory up until the late nineteenth century. The so-called Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III, who is believed to be directing the militant incursion from Manila, insists that Sabah is rightfully part of his kingdom and has vowed not budge on his claims even if his personnel are killed in the standoff. Malaysians, who are preparing to vote in a pivotal general election just around the corner, have been fixated on events in Sabah as they unfold. The Philippines are soon expecting congressional elections as well, and given the timing, local analysts are wondering how exactly did this elderly self-proclaimed Sultan obtained the resources needed to establish his own private army. Both the Malaysian and Philippine governments have launched official investigations into allegations that figures within Malaysia's political opposition had a hand in aiding the Sulu gunmen. Reuters cited an anonymous Filipino military officer who claimed that Sulu rebels were "invited to Sabah by a Malaysian opposition politician". The blame has been laid on Malaysia's Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim, who Malaysian reports say has links to Filipino insurgent networks that have long eyed the resource-rich state of Sabah in northern eastern Borneo. Local journalist Adrian Lai recently unearthed classified diplomatic cables from the US embassy in Manila brought to light by WikiLeaks, which document ties between Nur Misuari, former chairmen of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Malaysia's Anwar. The MNLF is a political movement that pitted itself against predominately Christian Manila by seeking political autonomy for Muslim majority provinces in the islands in the southern Philippines. Misuari's revenge? Misuari was detained by Malaysian security forces in Sabah and sent back to the Philippines where he was jailed until 2008. WikiLeaks cables claim that Misuari detested the Malaysian government for turning him over to Philippine authorities and that he was "a strong advocate for the recovery of Sabah". The cables claim that Misuari boasted that his militias could invade Sabah in the span of two hours. WikiLeaks has also confirmed that Misauri maintained close connections to Anwar and that the two had met on several occasions. A separate report issued by AFP cited US diplomatic cables that implicate a Saudi Arabian ambassador to the Philippines of funding Muslim groups seeking autonomy in the southern islands. Misuari recently criticised Philippine President Benigno Aquino for siding with Malaysia in his firm stance against the Sulu militants, warning the Aquino government of chaos if Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III is apprehended. Anwar, who has vehemently denied all accusations, has long been considered a darling of the West. Anwar is a slippery character of sorts; he was once Malaysia's deputy prime minister and sacked for, among other things, getting too close to the IMF. Anwar also has friends in high places, from billionaire financier George Soros to senior neo-conservatives from the Bush administration. In recent times, Anwar has appealed to Carl Gershman, president of the US-government funded foundation, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), requesting that he send a US observer team to Malaysia to monitor the upcoming elections. Anwar's ties Aquino recently conceded that events in Sabah showed signs of a conspiracy. A recent statement issued by Malaysian political-scientist Chandra Muzaffar alludes to reports of Malaysian opposition figures promising land, titles and other sinecures to the Sulu Sultanate if they emerged victorious in the upcoming elections. Muzaffar argues that a security crisis in Sabah, regarded as a political stronghold for the Barisan Nasional government, could weaken the ruling parties hold over the state, leading to a hung parliament or a narrow victory for the BN, prompting in his words, "massive street agitation which could pave the way for a regime change, which is the goal of not only the opposition but also its foreign backers." When Chandra talks of "foreign backers", he is referring to the US political establishment. The MNLF, under its current chairmen Muslimin Sema, has issued statements declaring that it disagreed with the incursion into Sabah, but acknowledged that MNLF forces aligned to Misuari were present there. Reports issued by Reuters also cited Malaysian officials who claimed that the Sulu terrorists had links to factions that were unhappy with the Philippines' recent peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an Islamist MNLF offshoot. The Malaysian government facilitated these peace talks, and Misuari made no secret that he publicly opposed them. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that some 10,000 MNLF fighters from the southern Philippines planned to join the insurgency in Sabah in solidarity with the Royal Sulu Army. Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III has told media in the Philippines that he wants the United Nations, the United States and the United Kingdom to intervene in his claim over Sabah. The Sultan claims that the US must intercede, as agreed upon in a 1915 agreement signed with Washington's then-colonial government in the Philippines that mandated the US provide "full protection" to the Sulu Sultan in exchange for exercising sovereignty over the kingdom as the colonial administration.
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| M'sian Special Branch working with Philippine intelligence on intrusion Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:26 PM PDT
"Our police Special Branch has good relations with the agency (Nica). We have obtained intelligence on the involvement of a third party and information on the (Jamalul) Kiram group." said Hishammuddin. (Bernama) - Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Royal Malaysian Police's Special Branch was working closely with the Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) to investigate and identify the mastermind behind the recent terrorist intrusion in Sabah. "Our police Special Branch has good relations with the agency. We have obtained intelligence on the involvement of a third party and information on the (Jamalul) Kiram group. "The intelligence could also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Nur Misuari group, politicians or terrorists," he told reporters after opening the Pusat Giat Semberong at the Taman Sri Lambak hall here. He said, the good relations between Kuala Lumpur and Manila were reflected in the Philippine coastguards detaining 38 people who were intercepted encroaching in the waters off Tawi-Tawi. He said the ministry had long established a network cooperation with the regional intelligence agency to ensure stability in the region. The bilateral intelligence collaboration was not only between Malaysia and the Philippines but also with Aseanapol and the member countries involved in it, such as Indonesia, added the minister. On the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the Sabah terrorist intrusion, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would outline it on Monday, in conjunction with Police Day. He said, although the government had not made any decision on the RCI, the ministry had carried out its work to identify the mastermind behind the intrusion in which 10 security force members and 63 of the terrorists were killed. Hishammuddin also reminded the people to guard against exploitation of the terrorist intrusion by certain quarters for their political interest. He cited the preposterous claim allegedly made by former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh that the police were burning the identity cards of the Suluk community. He denied the police had resorted to such a move and challenged Harris to prove his claim. Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the ministry would build seven new police stations in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Banggi and Pulau Gaya, and five integrated customs, immigration and quarantine complexes under the Eastern Sabah Security Command. The ministry would also enhance its agencies, including the Marine Police, VAT69 Commando, General Task Force and Special Action Unit, he said.
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| GE13: Barisan making inroads in Kelantan Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:16 PM PDT
Kelantan has become almost synonymous with PAS as the Islamist party has ruled the conservative Malay heartland since 1990. However, Barisan's hard work over the last few years is poised to bear fruit as the state opposition fine-tunes and ramps up its machinery. All seats in the state which are made up of Malay majority seats are expected to see a straight fight between either PAS and Barisan or PKR and Barisan. The only seat with a substantial number of non-Muslim voters is Kota Lama, which was won by Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah @ Tan Teng Loon of PAS with a 5,206 majority against Barisan candidate from MCA Tan Ken Ten. Syed Azhar, The Star KELANTAN has long been considered as a PAS stronghold, but consistent hard work by the Barisan Nasional machinery, helmed by its chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad, in the last two years has put the ruling party in a defensive mode. Mustapa, in his trademark quiet and non-confrontational ways, has slowly been chipping at PAS' defence, earning him a healthy respect from the people of Kelantan. Whether this respect will be translated into votes for Barisan remains to be seen, but most programmes organised by Barisan in the state have received very good support from the people. And Barisan's persistence through its tukar (change the state government) programme, particularly its most successful "red wave" campaign a tag-line derived from the state's football team has given it a ray of hope of not only bettering its performance from 2008 but also denying PAS another term of office in the state. This coming general election is very important for PAS in Kelantan as it attempts to hold on to the state for the sixth term in the face of many issues, the biggest of which was the move by the state government to award 4,000ha of state land to Perak DAP leaders Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and Nga Kor Ming. Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, in retaliation to Barisan's constant attack against the state government, has fallen back on his old and trusted tactics of attacking Umno as unIslamic. Lately, the state government has put up Islamic slogans on billboards nationwide to gain support from the 95% Malay Muslim majority electorate in the state. And instead of clarifying the many issues highlighted by Barisan, like its failure to provide clean and consistent water supply, the uncontrolled clearing of forest reserves particularly in the Lojing highland, the ladang rakyat land issue and the RM2bil Lembah Sireh Waterfront project, the state government has blamed Barisan and Umno for everything that has gone wrong in both the state and the country. In the 2008 general election, PAS and PKR won 12 out of the 14 parliamentary seats, but Barisan is now intending to wrest at least half of the total seats except for Pengkalan Chepa and Kubang Kerian, which are considered to be PAS fortresses. Incumbent Pengkalan Chepa MP is Datuk Abdul Halim Rahman while Kubang Kerian MP is party vice-president Salahuddin Ayob, who has been tipped to vacate the seat to contest in Johor. Kelantan PAS, who has settled its distribution of Parliamentary and state seats with its ally PKR (five state seats and three parliamentary seats), is confident of winning by a two-thirds majority despite conceding that they may lose several of its present seats to Barisan. All seats in the state which are made up of Malay majority seats are expected to see a straight fight between either PAS and Barisan or PKR and Barisan. The only seat with a substantial number of non-Muslim voters is Kota Lama, which was won by Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah @ Tan Teng Loon of PAS with a 5,206 majority against Barisan candidate from MCA Tan Ken Ten. Hot Seats  A battle royale is expected in the Kota Baru, Tanah Merah, Bachok and Pasir Mas parliamentary seats. Kota Baru Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Fatmi Che Salleh is expected to take on five-term exco member Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan and despite the uphill task, he has been working hard to woo the majority Malay urban class voters over the past four years. In the 2008 general election, Mohd Fatmi lost to PAS candidate Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah with a majority of 11,288. Over in Tanah Merah, Umno division chief Datuk Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz is expected to contest PKR's deputy state chief and incumbent Tanah Merah MP Amran Abdul Ghani, who defeated Barisan's Shaari Hasan with a 1,584 majority in the 2008 elections. In Pasir Mas, it is interesting to see whether maverick politician Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who won the seat on a PAS ticket in 2008, will defend his seat. And if he does, will he contest as a Barisan or an independent candidate? If he joins the fray as an independent, Pasir Mas will most probably see a three-cornered fight with Barisan and PAS candidates. PAS, meanwhile, has two possible candidates for the seat Meranti assemblyman Datuk Nusuruddin Daud and Nik Abdul Aziz's son, Nik Abduh, who is PAS Youth deputy chief. Nik Abduh, who is riding on his father's coat-tail, is also being considered for the Kubang Kerian parliamentary seat that will be vacated by Salahuddin. In Bachok, Umno deputy chief Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, who lost the seat to former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, who has since lost his influence in the party, is expected to face Bachok veteran five-term PAS chief Datuk Omar Mohammed, 70. According to PAS insiders, Omar, despite his age and heart problems, is the best candidate the party has to take on Dr Awang Adek, who is also Deputy Finance Minister II. Bachok PAS Youth chief Ahmad Marzhuk Shaary is also a possible candidate to take on Dr Awang Adek while at the same time, PKR is lobbying to have the seat for its yet unnamed candidate. In the last general election, Dr Awang Adek lost to Nasharuddin with a majority of 2,901 votes. PAS also swept all the seats within the constituency namely Tawang, Perupok and Jelawat. Out of the 45 state seats, 38 were won by PAS and PKR, Of that, 10 were won by PAS and PKR candidates by majorities of less than 1,000. These seats are Dabong-Kuala Krai (552), Air Lanas-Jeli (795), Kemuning-Machang (916), Selising-Pasir Puteh (783), Semerak-Pasir Puteh (831), Gaal-Pasir Puteh (323), Gual Periok-Rantau Panjang (733), Bukit Tuku-Rantau Panjang (456), Wakaf Baru-Tumpat (660) and Manik Urai in the Kuala Krai parliamentary constituency which was won by PAS with only 65 votes. Meanwhile, for Barisan, of the seven seats it won, three were with a small majority Pengkalan Kubor-Tumpat (100), Kok Lanas- Ketereh (580) and Bukit Bunga-Jeli (348). Political analysts have not given much hope for Barisan to take over Kelantan, but the coalition seems comfortable with the underdog tag as it plans to spring a surprise riding on the current feel-good factor and the good track record of the Federal Barisan Government. High Profile Personalities Mustapa, who is Jeli MP and International Trade and Industry Minister has been touted to be Mentri Besar should Barisan win Kelantan. For that to happen, he is said to also be contesting a state seat, Air Lanas, while at the same time defending his Jeli seat. Longest serving MP, influential Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is expected to again defend his Gua Musang seat for the ninth successive time since 1969. Nik Aziz, who is now 82, is also expected to defend his Chempaka state seat, making it his sixth term as a state assemblyman and probably Mentri Besar, should PAS maintain Kelantan. Places of Interest Kelantan, the cradle of Malay culture, has many cultural and natural attractions that have attracted millions of local and foreign visitors who have also been awed by its laid-back ambience and wide array of interesting delicacies unique to the state. Kota Baru, the state capital, houses four museums showcasing war relics and the Kelantan Sultanate's rich royal history, besides the internationally famous Pasar Siti Khadijah. There are also the shoppers' havens in Pengkalan Kubor and Rantau Panjang situated north of the state where everyday things including bed sheets can be bought for half the price they would fetch elsewhere. The batik industry in the state is concentrated along the Cahaya Bulan beach area and is a must for first-time visitors to get the first-hand insight into the process of batik-making. In the south, Dabong in the Kuala Krai district has Stong Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in South-East Asia. It is a natural haven for adventurers who camp by the waterfall or in the centuries-old rainforest at the foot of Gunung Stong. The Kuala Koh National Park, formerly known as the King George V National Park, in the Gua Musang district is an attraction for fishing enthusiasts. Home of the Kelah (Malaysian Mahseer) fish sanctuary is a mere 10-minute boat ride from chalets and dormitories. Visitors can also indulge in bird watching, jungle trekking, river rafting and visiting the orang asli settlement nearby.
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| GE13: Zin: BN ready to take back Selangor from ‘caretaker govt’ Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:14 PM PDT
(The Star) - The current Selangor Government is just a "caretaker government" and the Barisan Nasional is ready to take it back, said state Barisan co-ordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed. With its election machinery in place at all parliamentary and state constituencies, he said the Barisan was confident of wresting the state back from the PKR-led government. "The feedback from the people showed that they do not see anything special about the current state government. "But that does not mean we should be over-confident and leave things as they are. "We should still go to the ground, meet the people and explain further about the improvements and development the Barisan can bring if given back the mandate to rule the state. "The state government now is just a caretaker government. We should take it back from them in the general election," Mohd Zin, who is also the state Barisan deputy election director, said during a briefing for party workers at the Kota Raja Umno division office here yesterday. He raised several issues that had surfaced since 2008, including the state water problems and allegations of rampant illegal logging. Mohd Zin said there were no such issues when the Barisan was running Selangor. Speaking at a press conference later, Mohd Zin expressed confidence that the Kota Raja parliamentary seat, now held by Siti Mariah Mahmud of PAS, would fall back to the Barisan. He welcomed the emergence of new faces in the Barisan, saying: "We are a party that subscribes to the 1Malaysia concept. "Hence, we have to support each other to care for the rakyat's well-being."
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| GE13: Chua confident BN will retain Johor Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:12 PM PDT
(The Star) - MCA is confident Barisan Nasional will continue to govern Johor despite the tough battle expected between the ruling coalition and the Opposition, says Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. "Every state is difficult for Barisan and Pakatan Rakyat. We are confident we will still form the Johor Government," said the MCA president. Dr Chua warned that whatever loss suffered by Barisan would be at the expense of MCA, Gerakan and MIC. "It will be a government dominated by Umno and in the Opposition, by DAP. "So, it is up to the Chinese to decide," he said after paying last respects to the mother of Bekok assemblyman and Labis MCA division chairman Datuk Tan Kok Hong here yesterday. Koh Bee Harp passed away at the age of 81. Representatives from party headquarters, the state and the Labis division also paid their last respects.
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| GE13: Karpal: Alternative is to contest under PKR or PAS Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:10 PM PDT
(The Star) - DAP candidates will contest on PKR or PAS tickets in the coming general election should the party be deregistered following investigations into its controversial central executive committee elections. Party chairman Karpal Singh said "if there is political interference or any steps taken to deregister the party" before nomination day, DAP candidates would have no choice but to contest under the PKR or PAS banner. He said DAP was now "provisionally deregistered" pending investigations into the party's elections, adding that the party would give its full co-operation to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in the investigations. He, however, reiterated that all investigations had to be done fairly. "Every effort must be made by the RoS to ensure that the party is allowed to use its symbol in the upcoming general election," he said at a press conference here yesterday. Karpal said the RoS had begun its investigation last Wednesday, with the party's internal auditor interviewed by the police on behalf of the registrar. He welcomed the statement by RoS director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman who, when responding to a suggestion by former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim that DAP should be suspended, said the registrar could not do that based on complaints but should instead have "solid grounds". Tunku Abdul Aziz had urged the RoS to suspend DAP pending its investigations into the party's elections which were held in December. Several DAP members have also lodged complaints with the RoS over the same issue since January.
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| GE13: ‘Guan Eng contradicting himself’ Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:08 PM PDT
(The Star) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has contradicted himself by saying that the state government would allow toll at the planned undersea tunnel and the second bridge; and yet criticised the Barisan Nasional Government over the same thing, Datuk Chua Tee Yong said. The MCA Young Professionals Bureau chairman said it was "hypocritical" of the Pakatan Rakyat-led Penang Government to implement two new tolls for the tunnel and the bridge. "When the Barisan Government decided to listen to the people and abolish certain tolls by paying compensation to the highway concessionaries, Pakatan then criticised Barisan for paying the companies too much. "However, when Pakatan became the state government of Penang, they, too, decided to implement tolls for the tunnel and the second bridge." Chua pointed out that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said that once Pakatan took over the Government, they would do away with tolls. "Yet, here we see the Penang Government intending to have tolls. So, in the end what is Pakatan's real stand? To have or to abolish tolls?" He said Lim not only failed to abolish the Sungai Nyior toll but instead added more in the state. Lim had reportedly said during a debate with MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek that the Penang Government had built an alternative road for motorists to avoid paying the 50sen toll at the Sungai Nyior toll plaza. Referring to a February 2007 posting on the DAP website that quoted Penang DAP secretary Ng Wei Aik as saying that the Sungai Nyior toll would be abolished if Pakatan took a parliamentary seat and four state seats in the 2008 general election, Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua said DAP had failed to keep that pledge. The Penang Government has come under fire for its proposed RM6.3bil undersea tunnel and road projects. Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohd Idris had slammed the state for pushing through the projects, saying it was not a long-term solution to traffic woes, but would make Penang "unhealthy and unliveable". In Labis, Chua said DAP's strategy to parachute its heavyweights to Johor showed it had no confidence in its state leadership to face the Barisan Nasional in the general election. He said DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, party strategist Liew Chin Tong and other party heavyweights could contest in Johor, where Barisan was ready for them. "But the question is, doesn't it show clearly that the DAP leadership is not confident with its state leadership in Johor? "They do not have any local leaders here that they can promote or to take up the challenge here?" asked the Labis MP. On DAP's Hew Kuan Yau, the "Superman" who is said to have been offered to contest in Labis, Chua said he welcomed Hew. "Don't be a coward, don't keep on criticising by using vulgarity. If you want to stand, then do it," he said.
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| Altantuya chapter closed with Bala’s death? Posted: 23 Mar 2013 02:50 PM PDT Does PI Bala's untimely death also put an end to the battle for truth to be revealed? Does his passing close the Altantuya murder ghastly chapter for Najib and Rosmah? Jeswan Kaur, FMT The country's sixth prime minister has blood on his hands; yet Najib Tun Razak did not even once consider the aftermath of his actions and continues to rape the laws of this nation. From allegations that he was involved in the murder of Mongolian native Altantuya Shaariibuu to the startling revelation by seasoned lawyer Cecil Abraham (through another lawyer) that Najib had directed him to prepare another version of the statutory declaration that absolved the premier from having anything to do with Altantuya, the prime minister has to reconcile with the fact that the rakyat no longer wants a scheming leader to lead the country. While the man who had revealed that Najib was instrumental in the death of Altantuya is now gone, the truth behind private investigator (PI) P Balasubramaniam's words however remains inexorable. In the first SD declared on July 3, 2008, Bala claimed Najib and aide Abdul Razak Baginda both had an intimate relationship with Altantuya. In the same SD Bala said he was hired by Abdul Razak to deal with Altantuya's harassment of the duo and that Najib had direct involvement in the murder of the Mongolian national. However, the very next day Bala retracted all his shocking allegations linking Najib to the murder of Altantuya. Bala who fled for India after his second SD and upon his return recently swore on the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu holy book, that the contents of his first SD was true. However, Bala suffered heart problems on March 5 and was admitted for tests and discharged on March 12 and was to rest for at least a month, a move that halted the opposition's plans for his nationwide ceramah detailing Najib and wife Rosmah Mansor's role in the Altantuya murder before the 13th general election. Bala however died on March 15. Does his untimely death also put an end to the battle for truth to be revealed? Does his passing close the Altantuya murder ghastly chapter for Najib and Rosmah? Najib's abuse of power Najib not only denied any link to the Altantuya murder but he also had the audacity to continue to abuse his power by instructing sesoned lawyer Cecil Abraham to draft Bala's second SD which had the PI denying all claims of Najib being involved in the Altantuya murder.
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