Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- IC row: Will native parties quit BN?
- Is it time for change in Malaysia?
- GE13: Ghani taking on Kit Siang
- GE13: Sabah PKR grabs 7 MP seats; ignores DAP, APS
- New Old Trick to continue Cheating Indians -- Dap cares two Fs for Indians
- A Smiling Bully
- Najib hands out citizenship papers to Indians ahead of polls
- GE13: MB announces RM300 bonus for S'gor civil servants
- Opposition plans to abolish 1MDB unjustified, say fund recipients
- Group warns of action against phantoms on polling day
- Malaysian PM Najib predicts victory at polls
- Pakatan ‘list’ circulates on Twitter
- Social media to the fore
- GE13: SAPP eyes 40 seats and dares DAP to contest 20
- Pakatan may lose Kedah with 6 per cent swing in Malay, Chinese votes: Survey
- Hindraf's P. Uthayakumar to contest Kota Raja parliamentary, Sri Andalas state seats
- ‘Give us intelligent, rational new candidates’
- ‘LGE a Chinese hero, but…’
- Anwar needs 20 seats, will Sabah deliver?
- Najib v Anwar: Showdown begins
- Anwar's wife not contesting
- Bersih Shanghai
- Ethnic Indians' concerns, focal point of Malaysia elections
- After tussle with DAP, PKR’s Chua Jui Meng to get seat in Johor
- Open Letter to Tengku Razaleigh: Time to Take a Bold Stand
- 'Izzah's Video Is A Ploy By Azmin's Camp'
- 'Umno Prayers Not Accepted': Non-Muslims Should Also Be Wary Of PAS Approach
- Sampai bilakah bantuan jenama 1Malaysia akan diberi?
- Man claims he was shot by police
| IC row: Will native parties quit BN? Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:19 AM PDT
(FMT) - It is pointless for native parties in the Sabah BN coalition to continue with their blind allegiance when it is now obvious that the federal government 'does not take them seriously'. Two serious developments have cropped up in Sabah which got the Barisan Nasional native partners all riled up. One is the federal government's rejection of the "united" demand of the BN partners to re-issue fresh MyKads to bona fide Sabahans. The other is the incriminating revelations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the issuing of MyKads to the illegal immigrants. Will these two events be reason enough to compel the BN partners to leave the coalition? Sabah State Reform Party (STAR) hopes these disturbing developments will be enough to lead the parties to collaborate with genuine stakeholders committed to protecting the rights of Sabahans. With general election weeks away, STAR desperately needs to consolidate with other local parties and wrest the state administration from BN control. Straddled between giants – BN and Pakatan Rakyat – STAR and Sabah Progressive Peoples Party (SAPP) are the "bigger boys" among the locals. Both are championing local agendas: STAR has its Borneo Agenda and SAPP has Sabah for Sabahans. STAR and SAPP are backing PBS, Upko and PBRS in their collective call for the federal government to revoke and re-issue MyKads to genuine Sabahans. STAR said de facto law minister Nazri Aziz's dismissal of a "sound proposal" was telling. Nazri claimed that there were "legal implications" and that the process to re-issue fresh MyKads was "difficult". But Sabahans who have been closely following the testimonies of witnesses at the RCI in January into the issuance of MyKads to illegal immigrants in the 1990s in a citizenship-for-votes scam are not buying the tall tale. Nazri's dismissive response to Upko president Bernard Dompok's willingness to surrender his own MyKad merely confirmed suspicions about the direction the RCI was taking and the federal government's intentions. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/04/05/ic-row-will-native-parties-quit-bn/ |
| Is it time for change in Malaysia? Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:17 AM PDT
The parliament in Malaysia has been dissolved and the gloves are off as political leaders gear up for a fight over corruption, discrimination and the cost of living. "This is a crucial election for the prime minister and the ruling coalition but ... I think there is a certain degree of ... quiet confidence that the Barisan Nasional will retain power for three reasons. Number one ... the series of by-elections that were held before 2010 ... Barisan did fairly well in those by-elections .... Number two, the prime minister has introduced a series of reforms among them economic reforms .... And number three, the demands from a certain segment of our society for a greater democratic space, he's been able to respond to those demands to some extent ... " - Chandra Muzaffar, a Malaysian political scientist Parliamentary polls will pit the National Front Coalition, which is in power since 1957, against a resurgent opposition. The ruling group has already been knocked back, suffering its worst ever results in 2008 elections. And it will not be plain sailing this time either. In the forthcoming elections, three million first time voters - nearly one-quarter of those eligible - will have to decide who to give their support to. "I think the very fact that this prime minister has allowed the parliament to almost automatically dissolve shows that there is actually not much confidence in the many transformation programmes that he has put in place .... Despite the relatively decent economic performance of the country, many people on the street do not feel any ... significant increase in their incomes, the perception is that inequality is actually rising ... the cost of living in the urban areas continues to increase .... I think the majority of the voters feel that this is an opportune time for there to be a transition in government after 56 years of Barisan Nasional rule." - Kian Ming Ong, an election strategist for the opposition Democratic Action Party "In the last four years, all Malaysians have experienced and witnessed a huge change in the economy, the politics and socially within our nation under the government's transformation programme, which has brought tremendous change to peoples' lives and prosperity to the country," he said. "I urge all Malaysians and the parties to take note that if there is a change of power at federal or state level after the next election, [it] must be transferred peacefully and smoothly." Read more at: http://m.aljazeera.com/story/2013446582318256 |
| GE13: Ghani taking on Kit Siang Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:14 AM PDT
(The Star) - Titanic fights are looming on the horizon, barely a day after the dissolution of Parliament with challenges being thrown to some of the biggest names in Malaysian politics. In Johor, speculation is mounting that DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang may not have the easy passage he is expecting in Gelang Patah. Several state Umno leaders have taken the radical step of asking Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman to square off with Lim. In Perak, Barisan Nasional leaders say they will make sure that PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim loses if he contests in the state. The main attention, however, is on the DAP bid for Gelang Patah, which is key to the Pakatan Rakyat campaign strategy in Johor, which it regards as a frontline state. Johor Barisan MPs believe that Ghani is the ideal and most credible candidate to fight the DAP heavyweight in what has been deemed "the hottest seat in Johor". Datuk Puad Zarkashi of Batu Pahat said Ghani would be the game-changer needed in Barisan's defence of Gelang Patah and Johor in the 13th general election. He said the contest would allow Ghani to defend his legacy in Johor. Puad, who is Deputy Education Minister, noted that Gelang Patah is the site of Iskandar Malaysia, the country's most prestigious development project which was launched under Ghani's watch. The new state capital in Nusajaya is also within Gelang Patah. "We hope he will consider it (contesting in Gelang Patah) because he pioneered all these projects. He is the most suitable person to defend what we have in Johor," Puad said. The 66-year-old Ghani has been Mentri Besar since 1995. It is understood that he had informed the Prime Minister that he did not mind offering himself as the Gelang Patah candidate. Gelang Patah is an MCA seat but a party insider said the proposal could be discussed even though MCA division chief Datuk Jason Teoh has been forwarded as the candidate. The insider agreed that the Mentri Besar was popular among the Chinese and had a good chance of winning the seat, which has 53% Chinese voters, 34% Malays and 13% Indians. Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad said Ghani's style of politics reflected the "Johor way" of doing things. "DAP's racial politics and divisiveness are not going to be good for Johor. Voters should be given the choice whether they want the Johor way or DAP's racial way. "It is important for Johor to maintain and protect what has been Johor's trademark in race relations. We have been able to depoliticise issues like Chinese education. "Our Chingay festival goes back 150 years and soon the Foon Yew High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. We are proud of these traditions," said Shahrir. The idea also had the support of Nusajaya assemblyman Datuk Aziz Sapian who said that Ghani had always enjoyed a warm relationship with the Chinese in Johor. He said Ghani also had good working ties with the Johor Chinese groups and associations which looked up to his leadership. However, Deputy Defence Minister and Mersing MP Datuk Dr Latif Ahmad said there was no need to make Lim look so important. Meanwhile, reports that Anwar was likely to contest in Perak met with swift response from Barisan, with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declaring that the coalition would "bury" the PKR leader in the state. Ahmad Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, said Anwar's intention to contest in Perak would not scare anyone in Umno and that it would be lawan tetap lawan (fight to the end), regardless of whether it is Anwar or anyone else who takes on Umno in Perak. Anwar's plan to quit Permatang Pauh for another seat in Perak has sparked speculation that he was not confident of holding on to his old constituency, which has more than 71% Malay voters, and that he was looking for a Perak seat with Chinese voters to carry him through. Officially though, his reason for moving south is to lend his weight to Pakatan Rakyat in Perak now that Lim is moving to Johor. Ahmad Zahid said Anwar would not dare to contest in any of the Umno seats in Perak because "we will make sure he is defeated".
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| GE13: Sabah PKR grabs 7 MP seats; ignores DAP, APS Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:12 AM PDT
(Borneo Insider) - Our stand is that, since PAS did not contest any of these seven constituencies they have no right to contest. DAP obtained lesser votes in Sepangar and Putatan; they even lost to PKR candidates. Parti Keadialan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Thursday unveiled a list of seven proposed candidates for the West Coast North Zone. They are senior lawyer Hj Ansari Abdullah (Tuaran), anti-illegal immigrant activist Dr Chong Eng Leong (Sepangar), Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Jonathan Yassin, the division chief for PKR Ranau, who is also brother-in-law to Ansari. Unveiling this was Ansari who is also currently PKR Tuaran Chief in the presence of five of the seven proposed candidates and the various PKR divisional chiefs, in a press conference held at its Headquarters here. "In line with the promise for autonomy (by Pakatan Rakyat leadership), we have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions. All the seven divisional heads of the seven divisions are also here. "We are very confident that Datuk Seri Anwar and the party leaderships of PAS and DAP will honour their commitment that matters involving Sabah will be decided by Sabahans. "This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test," he said. He claimed that all the candidates have been long identified, as far back as two years ago, and their backgrounds too have been thoroughly vetted. Ansari also declared that all the seven divisions had during their meeting held earlier reach a consensus to make clear their stands that the other PR components and allies should not contest for any of the said seven constituencies. "Our stand is that, since PAS did not contest any of these seven constituencies they have no right to contest. DAP obtained lesser votes in Sepangar and Putatan; they even lost to PKR candidates. "Neither did they contest in any of the other five constituencies, so DAP should not also lodge any claim on these seven constituencies in the West Coast North Zone. "Therefore, all the seats should go to PKR," he proclaimed. As for the APS led by Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, Ansari noted that Bumburing had during the launch of APS declared that APS's purpose is not to fight for candidacy but to help the PR, and secondly, they will not take PKR members but those who left BN without any party. "Datuk Wilfred is my friend, he is an honourable man and I am sure he is a man of his words," added Ansari. Besides this, he also emphatically rebutted the notion by a certain local opposition parties that PKR/PR is just a clone of UMNO/BN. "That's not right, because in our Buku Jingga, one of the undertakings given by PR is to treat Sabah as an "equal partner" rather than just another state and whatever that has been agreed under the Malaysia Agreement will be honoured by the coalition," he contended. He was convinced that the Pakatan leadership is sincere and committed to their promise of honouring political autonomy to Sabah should it comes into power. He said this was adequately reflected in the open pledge made by the Pakatan leaderships like Anwar, Datuk Hadi Awang of PAS and Lim Kit Siang of DAP in various occasions, both in Sabah and Sarawak. He cited for example, in 15 September 2010 during the launching of PR Secretariat in Bukit Padang here, Anwar, Kit Siang and Ustaz Nasharuddin Mat Isa of PAS had pledged that all important decisions affecting Sabah will be decided by Sabahans. "And in Last September, in the Kuching Declaration signed by Anwar, Ustaz Hadi Awang and Kit Siang, once again they reiterated that Sabah and Sarawak should be treated as partners within the Federation," he said. |
| New Old Trick to continue Cheating Indians -- Dap cares two Fs for Indians Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:09 AM PDT
All they want to do, like PKR, is to con enough number of Indians over the next few weeks into voting for them in return for their 14-Point Plan for Indians hot air gimmick. Joe Fernandez The Malays on both sides of the political divide have a new old trick. |
| Posted: 04 Apr 2013 11:05 AM PDT
Action speaks louder than words. The thuggish acts of BN supporters are a reflection of their leaders who rules this nation with an ironfist through fear and intimidation. Thomas Fann Walking towards a Pakatan rally at Kampung Melayu Dato Sulaiman Menteri in Johor Bahru, I could hear loud music coming from the open area where the ceramah was supposed to be. Initially I thought it was the pre-rally entertainment to amuse those who came earlier but as I got closer I could see Umno and BN flags from where the mega sound system was, just 40 metres from the Pakatan truck which served as the mobile stage.
Around 30 of these flag-waving Umno supporters were hurling verbal abuses and taunting the crowd of several thousands that night who came to hear what Anwar, Kit Siang, Guan Eng and other Pakatan leaders had to say. Scores of police personnel had to act as human barricades to separate this small group of hostile supporters from the larger crowd who to their credit was peaceful and not provoked. Rock music and Umno songs blasted non-stop for more than 4 hours for the whole duration of the ceramah. When different speakers were on stage, abuses would come through the Umno sound system and the Negaraku was played at least five times to interrupt the speech. Anwar got it the worse and as he attempted to speak, one could hear "Penipu, pembohong" being shouted at him. Like many right-thinking Malaysian that night, I was disgusted, saddened and ashamed of the level some segment of our society has descended to! It wasn't my first encounter with such childish attempts to sabotage an event which the ruling government does not agree with but this was the worst case so far for me. With Parliament dissolved and official campaigning about to start, I am afraid the worst is yet to come. Something just doesn't jive, it doesn't make sense. In recent weeks I have been coming across billboards of PM Najib smiling sweetly with children of different faces and the text "This is Happiness" or "This is Stability". On the TV we hear commercials using well-known personalities to "advise" voters to choose wisely, to choose peace, stability, happiness and even Malaysia. Songs about choosing wisely were commissioned and sung by fresh faced, white attired multi-ethnic singers. It just feels so good and gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling inside. The image portrayed by the mass media of the BN government is one that is peace-loving, gracious, gentle, stable, mature, tolerant, inclusive and progressive. But these are just mere images and words conjured up by some professional public relation consultants who are no doubt paid tens of millions of ringgit. The reality is shockingly different. Read more at: http://thomasfann.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/a-smiling-bully/
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| Najib hands out citizenship papers to Indians ahead of polls Posted: 04 Apr 2013 01:36 AM PDT
Sted Jaymal Zahiid, TMI Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today handed out documents to help solve the citizenship status of some "stateless" Indians, a key issue for the community, just ahead of Election 2013 expected to be held soon. The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said today's event, which saw him giving out birth certificates, entry permits and citizenship papers to 120 recipients of which a majority of them are Indians, showed he had kept the promise he made immediately after taking office in April 2009. "After 100 days of me leading this administration, I had promised to solve the registration problem as soon as possible. I made it one of the 12 key promises," he told about 1,000 people who attended the documents distribution event in Sentul here. "From then on, the government had worked hard to achieve that target," added the Pekan lawmaker, who will be seeking his own mandate as prime minister in the upcoming polls. He claimed Putrajaya had to date solved 219,000 cases involving citizenship documents while half of the 7,600 applications for identity documents from the Indian community from 2012 to this year had been solved. The success in achieving the "tough task", was credited to his flagship Government Transformation Plan (GTP) which changed the mindset of the relevant ministry to adopt a radical solution to the problem, added Najib. The GTP was trumpeted as one of the many achievements of the Najib administration on live television just days before the BN chairman announced the dissolution of Parliament yesterday. In its push for the country's third biggest electorate, the opposition claimed the Najib administration had failed to address the "stateless" Indian problem, alleging there are 300,000 Malaysia-born Indians still without papers as a result of racial discrimination. The federal opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR) said it would gather the 300,000 in a protest in front of the National Registration Department in Putrajaya but only 300 had turned up. PR had also included in its elections manifesto the pledge to solve all 300,000 cases within 100 days should it be voted into power but Najib today dismissed the idea as "impossible". "I asked the officers of the home ministry, if it was possible to do this. They told me 'no'. Why? Because first, there are no 300,000. And even if there are, this means they have to solve 3000 cases a day. That is impossible," he said. "This is just another one of their false promises, their lies," Najib said, an argument often repeated by members of the ruling coalition to counter PR's elections pledges.
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| GE13: MB announces RM300 bonus for S'gor civil servants Posted: 04 Apr 2013 01:30 AM PDT
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today announced a RM300 bonus for all civil servants working for the state government. "We agreed at yesterday's state executive council meeting that all civil servants, including members of the state executive council (exco) will be given a special bonus," he told a press conference at the Annexe gallery of the state assembly building here. "It is a token of appreciation for all the work that the civil servants have done for us," Abdul Khalid said, adding that the bonus will be given in the nearest time. He was responding to questions from reporters about the rate of the performances by each state executive council member since Pakatan Rakyat took over the state after the March 2008 general election. The bonus is parallel to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's efforts in recent months to award employees from government-linked companies bonuses as an appreciation for their hard work as the nation heads towards a highly contested general election this year. Ironically, the opposing coalition Pakatan Rakyat has always criticised Najib for dishing out funds in an attempt to woo voters. Abdul Khalid also announced that all state assembly and exco members had agreed to only spend 50% of their annual allocation of RM500,000 until the end of elections in the spirit of good governance and effective financial management. "This is to ensure there is sufficient funds in order for the new state government to carry out its tasks efficiently and the people's welfare is not neglected." He said when Pakatan had taken over the state in 2008, the administration found that there were insufficient funds to run the state effectively. "There was money but the allocations were not enough, so we had to top it up at our next state assembly meeting," he said. "And this was in March 2008, merely three months after the state assembly members were given their annual allocations. "It is not proper. The funds are supposed to fund them for the entire year," he said, adding he was satisfied with the work that the state had done so far to implement reforms. Abdul Khalid also said the election candidates for all seats in Selangor has been finalised and will be announced next Wednesday by the party leadership. He declined to divulge whether he would be retaining his state seat Ijok and Parliamentary seat Bandar Tun Razak. He also said the Pakatan manifesto for Selangor will be announced in two to three days time.
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| Opposition plans to abolish 1MDB unjustified, say fund recipients Posted: 04 Apr 2013 01:28 AM PDT
(Bernama) - The opposition manifesto to abolish 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is unjustified as it has benefited the people. The ten 1MDB corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes have succeeded in enhancing access to education, health and business among the target groups. Programmes to sponsor mosque officials and kampung headman to perform haj, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Fund, 1Malaysia Mobile Clinic, 1Malaysia Youth Fund and Rumah Arau have improved quality of life in line with the aspiration of 1Malaysia Concept, 'People First, Performance Now'. Some 1.5 million people nationwide have benefited from programmes under the supervision of 1MDB Foundation with RM300 million government allocation. Muhsin Abdul Razak, 27, the recipient of the 1Malaysia Youth Fund for creative art received RM60,000 for his 'Projek Rabak' based in Ipoh. The fund will help the young generation with inclination towards painting, filming, photography and poetry. "We have a Facebook page which received 6,000 'like' and established Khizanat as an open gallery for art lovers to share ideas," said the graduate in automotive engineering from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth Council secretary-general Mohd Zaidi Aziz said abolishing 1Malaysia Youth Fund is unjustified as the incentives help young people with creative and innovative skills. "We can't just abolish these initiatives but have to see which elements need to be improved. 1Malaysia Youth Fund is given to young people who have high skills in creative fields," he added. The brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched in 2011 has distributed about RM14.7 million to 249 recipients under 1Malaysia Youth Fund. Melvin Tah Kok Wai, 22, was lucky to be selected for the 'Experience Work' pilot programme with cooperation of 1MDB Foundation and Sime Darby Foundation which provides an opportunity for poor students to work in a university. "I worked in the Student Affairs Department as supervisor for lodging. I gained a lot of experience as well as communication skills," said the software engineering student at Universiti Tenaga Nasional. As of March, a total of 75 university students have benefited from the programme. 1MDB also provide 'Majudiri Project' to improve the quality of life and economy of small traders by providing business enhancement courses and equipment. N. Puspavalli, 36, who runs an Indian traditional cake business said the course gave her the platform to develop her business. "Now I feel more confident when communicating with customers and know how to market my products," said the single mother, one of 3,000 participants who benefited form the course. Meanwhile, Wangsa Maju (Section 1) Rukun Tetangga chairman, Ismail Abu Samah, 59, said if not for 1MDB, he would have to wait for 32 years to make the haj pilgrimage. "I was with 400 other pilgrims under the second group of this special programme," said the father of seven children who was grateful for the offer. Najib recently handed offer letters to perform haj sponsored by 1MDB to 800 people including imams, kampung headmen and chairmen of kampung development and security committees (JKKK). 1MDB also provides PTA Fund of RM20 million to enhance programmes and activities in government schools and government aided schools. It also provides educational scholarships to 900 outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia students. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when presenting the manifesto said 1MDB should be abolished as it is duplication of the functions of Khazanah Nasional.
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| Group warns of action against phantoms on polling day Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:34 PM PDT "We are ready for you," Haris told Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the video message. "We, many of us, are ready to die. Are you ready to die?" Clara Chooi, TMI An activist movement has warned foreigners and phantom voters away from polling stations during Election 2013, saying they will be dealt with accordingly if they dared to sneak in their votes. Anything But Umno (ABU), an opposition-friendly polls watchdog group, said it will be deploying special squads on polling day to ensure no phantom voter, foreigner or fake IC holder would dare loiter near polling stations. "Please take this warning seriously. On polling day, ABU will be patrolling all stations and will deal with all foreigner who intend to defy this warning," ABU leader Haris Ibrahim said in the group's polls message on video-sharing site YouTube yesterday. "Please. I emphasise again – take this warning seriously." The lawyer-turned-activist also urged Malaysians to assist ABU in its efforts to prevent electoral fraud by casting their ballots early on polling day. He explained that voters could help ABU's squads by staying near the polling stations after they have cast their ballots and even accompany the ballot boxes when they are being sent to the various tallying centres nationwide. "Stay and defend the electoral process," he appealed. In the group's strongest warning yet to possible troublemakers, Haris (picture) declared that ABU members were even "willing to die" to prevent electoral fraud in Election 2013. The activist claimed of plots by the Najib team on polling day but said his team of monitors would be ready to fight them. "We are ready for you," Haris told Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the video message. "We, many of us, are ready to die. Are you ready to die?" The activist added that ABU's members were willing to "go to any length and at all cost" to ensure that the polls process would not be tampered with by outsiders. Haris also told Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties not to squabble over seat distribution, reminding its leaders that many of their supporters would be fighting tooth and nail to ensure that the ruling Barisan Nasonal (BN) falls from Putrajaya in Election 2013. He said much of PR's support was "by default" and not out of love for the pact's three parties but due to a profound hatred towards BN and its lynchpin Umno, which he claimed have "cheated and robbed" Malaysians for years. To non-PR parties contesting against BN, Haris urged their candidates not to betray the votes given to them by the electorate by jumping ship to the ruling pact once they are voted into their seats. He said it was likely that these representatives would later be seduced with lucrative offers to jump ship to BN, but appealed that they reject them or face the consequences later. The activist did not specify what these consequences were but said in the warning that ABU's agents would hunt them down if they did not flee the country after accepting the BN's offers. "Do not succumb (to the offers) but if you do, take this advice – take what you will and leave the country. "If you do not leave, trust me... we will hunt you down and we will ensure that in the shortest possible time, a by-election will be held to fill up the vacancy that would have been caused. "Take this warning seriously," he said.
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| Malaysian PM Najib predicts victory at polls Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:28 PM PDT
Malaysian PM Najib Razak prepares for general election, says "cautiously optimistic" of victory. (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Thursday he is "cautiously optimistic" of a "big" win on election day if his party can overcome its internal woes. Najib, who dissolved parliament Wednesday in preparation for a general election seen as the ruling coalition's toughest challenge after 56 years in power, has urged voters to give him a strong mandate to rule. "We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to win big, which means two-thirds majority (in parliament)," he said. "We have to work hard towards it and we have to make sure we minimise all internal problems within the party," Najib said, in an apparent reference to factional struggles within his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). The vote is tipped to be the closest ever, driven by concerns over corruption, the rising cost of living and high crime under the Barisan Nasional coalition which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957. Najib has worked hard to rebrand UMNO, which dominates the 13-member Barisan coalition, by launching a series of reforms to strengthen the economy and grant greater civil liberties. "For four years we have fulfilled all our promises," he said after chairing an UMNO meeting. Recently, ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad said Najib could face a ruling-party leadership putsch if he does not improve on a 2008 polls setback. An election commission official said Thursday that the election regulator was expected to meet next week to decide on the polling date. The vote must be held within two months from the date parliament is dissolved. Analysts speculate it would be in late April. Najib is facing his first test at the ballot box since taking over in 2009 and is under pressure to recover from the coalition's shock 2008 election result, when it lost its traditional two-thirds parliamentary majority. The resurgent opposition, led by charismatic former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, has gained traction by pledging to tackle authoritarianism and graft and is equally confident of victory. The opposition currently holds 75 of 222 parliamentary seats and controls four of the country's 13 states. Ambiga Sreenevasan, the co-chairman of electoral reform group Bersih, said the opposition had the odds stacked against it. "No doubt the opposition goes into the race with a disadvantage. Please allow the opposition to have access to the media," she told reporters. Currently the opposition does not have access to state media. "I hope voters will come out in big numbers to dilute the discrepancies in the electoral roll," she added, referring to claims the list does not accurately represent the electorate.
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| Pakatan ‘list’ circulates on Twitter Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:22 PM PDT It is said to be up to date as of yesterday. Leven Woon, FMT A social activist has leaked through Twitter what he said was the most recently updated Pakatan Rakyat list of candidates for the general election. Adrian Ng, a member of the civic groups Loyar Buruk told FMT he obtained the list from a PKR insider. He posted it on Twitter last night and said it was up to date as of yesterday. According to the list, which has 63 names, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, who is the current Machang MP, will shift to the Kulim Bandar Baru seat in Kedah. Zulkifli Noordin won it for PKR in 2008, but he was sacked from the party in 2010 and became an independent MP supportive of BN. The list names new candidates for two DAP strongholds in Perak. Former Perak assembly speaker V Sivakumar replaces Fong Po Kuan in Batu Gajah and Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh replaces M Kulasegaran in Ipoh Barat. Fong and Kulasegaran are said to be in the bad books of Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming. However, Ng's tweet said Pakatan had yet to finalise its decision on the two seats. In Johor, PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub is said to be contesting for the Pulai parliament seat and former deputy army chief Abdul Ghafir Abdul Hamid, who recently joined PKR, will stand in Pasir Gudang, also a parliament seat. Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng is said to be running for either the Segamat or Kulai parliament seat. Chua is calling for a press conference tomorrow. He is expected to announce his election plan after disappearing from the public eye for two weeks. Sources said he was sulking over Pakatan's decision to let DAP strongman Lim Kit Siang contest in Gelang Patah. Here is the list according to Adrian Ng:
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| Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:18 PM PDT Pundits expect the Internet to be the main battleground in GE13 to a greater extent than in GE12. B Nantha Kumar, FMT You could almost hear the nation letting out a collective sigh of relief yesterday when the Prime Minister finally broke what some would call the most sustained suspense thus far in Malaysia's political history. We say "thus far" because Najib's announcement of Parliament's dissolution marks the beginning of an even more nerve-wracking episode in a drama that will end only with the announcement of the GE13 results. Most of us won't bother to stay in our seats to watch the closing credits. We already know whom to thank or blame—Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all the other communication channels that come under the rubric of social media. To be sure, the combatants will still speak at ceramahs, distribute pamphlets and stick their posters all over the place. However, the main battleground will be in cyberspace, like it was in 2008, with the difference that social media, by virtue of their wide reach through interactive engagement, afford much more coverage than what we may now call the "traditional weblogs" that were the campaign media for GE12. GE12 made history because the ruling BN recorded its worst electoral performance ever, slashing its long-held two-thirds majority in Parliament and giving five states to its rival, Pakatan Rakyat (then known as Barisan Alternatif), although Perak went back to BN after several state assemblymen left Pakatan and declared themselves independent. No one—whether he supports be BN or Pakatan or is a fence sitter—doubts that the Internet will play a pivotal role again in deciding the outcome of GE13. Najib himself recognised this long ago and was among the first top Malaysian politicians to embrace social media with a big hug. But whatever medium it decides to communicate through, BN or at least Umno is expected to once again fall back on its tried-and-true method of winning the votes of those who fear the unknown. Pundits say it will try to instil fear in those who don't have it and fan it where it is already existent.
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| GE13: SAPP eyes 40 seats and dares DAP to contest 20 Posted: 03 Apr 2013 05:12 PM PDT
(The Star) - KOTA KINABALU: Although labelled a mosquito party, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) will be going for at least 40 seats and challenged DAP to face it in half of these seats in the general election. "DAP should contest at least 20 seats if it is strong. If it can't, it might as well not contest," SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said at a ceramah here. He said DAP had been boasting about its strength and if it believed in its own rhetoric about its performance in Penang, DAP should go for more seats in Sabah. "We in SAPP, despite being labelled a parti nyamuk (mosquito party) will go for 40 seats at least," said Yong, in an apparent reference to the seat sharing of 85 parliamentary and state seats in Sabah among candidates from DAP, PKR, PAS and two independents Datuk Lajim Ukin and Datuk Wilfred Bumburing . Besides the two men, both former Barisan Nasional MPs, the three parties in the Opposition front will get between 10 and 14 seats each. Yong said DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang had conceded the three peninsula-based parties would not be able to win Sabah. Home-grown SAPP is not part of the electoral pact. "If there is no confidence about winning (in Sabah), why contest?" asked Yong.
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| Pakatan may lose Kedah with 6 per cent swing in Malay, Chinese votes: Survey Posted: 03 Apr 2013 04:04 PM PDT
A private survey shows that the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) could lose Kedah in the upcoming election with a mere six per cent swing in votes from the Malay and Chinese communities. A Kedah Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) leader said a possible reason for the dropin Chinese support was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Razak's (above) ailing health, which he said had added to the perception of instability in the state government. Straits Times The opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) could lose Kedah in the upcoming election with a mere six per cent swing in votes from the Malay and Chinese communities, a private survey by the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research has found. A Kedah Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) leader told The Malaysian Insider that a possible reason for the drop in Chinese support was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Razak's ailing health, which he said had added to the perception of instability in the state government. The leader also noted that Malay support for opposition parties PAS, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) during the 2008 general election had not been very strong to begin with, owing to the parties' slim victory in the country's rice-bowl state during the tumultuous polls. "For example, in the Tanjung Dawai state seat, we won by barely a hundred votes," the PAS leader said on condition of anonymity. He added that the trend of votes from the Chinese community in supporting Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates at state-level but backing PR at federal level appeared to suggest a serious lack of confidence in the Kedah PR leadership. Merdeka Center director Ibrahim Suffian underlined three likely factors behind the loss of support for the Kedah PR government, including the RM500 (S$199) cash handouts under the Najib administration's Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) programme. "Secondly, there may be internal issues within the state government, such as its service delivery and thirdly, the new crop of candidates that Datuk Seri Najib Razak has proposed have begun to draw voters back into BN's fold," he said when contacted by The Malaysian Insider. The prime minister dissolved Parliament on Wednesday and several states followed suit while the Kedah MB said he would seek the state ruler's consent on Thursday. Elections are expected by the end of April. Datuk Seri Azizan has expressed confidence in PR's chances in Kedah despite the reported in-fighting among state PAS leaders that could topple the fledgling pact in the state. But PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu dismissed the independent pollster's findings, saying it would not hamper the Islamist party's efforts to keep Kedah in Election 2013. "I will go all out to help PAS and Pakatan recapture Kedah. Yes, I am aware of Merdeka Center's findings," he said when contacted by The Malaysian Insider. "We promise to improve on our weaknesses to ensure that we will get to rule for a second term," said the PAS leader, who is expected to contest in Kedah's Pendang parliamentary seat. In a recent interview with The Malaysian Insider, Datuk Seri Azizan expressed confidence in PR's chances in Kedah despite a recent prediction that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's influence and in-fighting among state PAS leaders could topple the fledgling pact in the state. Datuk Seri Azizan said voters should continue to support PR in Kedah because of several measures undertaken by his administration, including eliminating corruption and providing insurance coverage to all senior citizens, regardless of race. "There is no corruption in Kedah. If there is, just arrest them," he said. "I give aid to the rakyat without looking at their race. I use the Kifaalah system... all dead people, Malays, Chinese Indians, all get it," added the Sungai Limau assemblyman, referring to an insurance scheme for all senior citizens in Kedah that was first introduced by the Kelantan PAS government. "I give education, education assistance... I also introduced the Kedah agricultural agenda," he said. PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said recently that Datuk Seri Azizan will continue to lead Kedah PAS as its state commissioner in facing Election 2013 that must be held by late June. In Election 2008, the loose coalition of PAS, PKR and the DAP soared to a surprise victory in Kedah when it trounced BN, sweeping 22 of the state's 36-seat assembly. But two PKR representatives - Bakar Arang's Tan Wei Shu and Lunas' Mohd Radzhi Salleh - subsequently quit to become BN-friendly independents, citing their growing disillusionment with their party leadership. Their quit decision effectively narrowed the seat margin between BN and PR to a mere four. In May 2010, rumours began circulating that the state's PR-led government would lose its already tenuous control of the state assembly and even fall back into BN's hands due to more defections from PKR assemblymen. But in a mammoth ceramah on the night of May 22, all remaining 20 PR state assemblymen turned up to defy the rumours, declaring their allegiance to Datuk Seri Azizan's leadership. The PAS leadership has yet to officially indicate who will lead the party's campaign in Kedah for Election 2013. Politicians from the ruling BN and opposition PR will be fighting tooth and nail to wrest majority control over 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state seats in the coming polls, which analysts have said will a toss-up between both pacts. |
| Hindraf's P. Uthayakumar to contest Kota Raja parliamentary, Sri Andalas state seats Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:56 PM PDT
(The Star) - Hindraf's P. Uthayakumar will contest as an Independent candidate in the Kota Raja parliamentary and Sri Andalas state seats in the upcoming elections. The former Internal Security Act detainee said he would likely be contesting as an independent candidate if Pakatan Rakyat does not make way for him to contest under their ticket. Uthayakumar said the movement would also be fielding candidates for the Kuala Selangor and Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat as well as Sri Muda, Ijok, Bukit Melawati and Seri Setia state seats in Selangor. He said the candidates would be revealed after the Election Commission announces the nomination date.
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| ‘Give us intelligent, rational new candidates’ Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:44 PM PDT In the context of continuity and change, it must be remembered that 'change does not happen in any radical way,' says an academician. (Bernama) - SINGAPORE: As Malaysia gears towards the 13th general election, both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat have been urged to field new candidates of quality who can work together to deal with the country's upcoming economic challenges. Associate professor for the Contemporary Islam Programme at Nanyang Technological University, Dr Farish A Noor said it was vital to remember that "change does not happen in any radical way". Farish, a Malaysian, was responding to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Farish was asked to share his views on how important it was for Malaysia to have political continuity and economic stability. Whenever politicians talk of continuity and change, Farish pointed out: "We need to remember that change does not happen in any radical way. "Even PM Najib has said that if there is to be any changes, it ought to be done in a lawful manner, which means that the state apparatus and constitution of Malaysia will remain intact." He said this election would therefore witness both sides offering their vision for a better Malaysia, in the form of PM Najib's economic transformation programme and the opposition's economy-focused manifesto. "I'm glad to see both sides are appealing to the economic aspirations of the Malaysian electorate, and I hope that both sides will field new candidates of quality, who can work together to deal with Malaysia's upcoming economic challenges in an intelligent, rational manner. "We cannot predict the outcome of the GE, but the economic transformation programme does signal an awareness of the needs and demands of the electorate, in the context of a changing society," he added. The dissolution of the 12th Dewan Rakyat paves the way for the 13th general election. The announcement was made on the fourth anniversary to the date of Najib having assumed the post of prime minister.
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| Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:42 PM PDT Gerakan says the CM has bought his status at the high cost of social polarisation. Hawkeye, FMT GEORGE TOWN: A Gerakan leader admitted today that the Chinese regard Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as a hero of their community but said he had won that status at the cost of disharmony among citizens of the state. Chia Kwang Chye, a vice-president in Gerakan, appeared careful not to use the phrase "racial disharmony", preferring to talk of "polarisation at every stratum of society" without elaborating on it. "The Chinese community wanted a hero and Lim somehow fits the bill," he told FMT. "But at the same time, he should also act out the virtues of a popular leader, such as uniting rather than disharmonising communities." Chia also repeated a frequently heard criticism of Lim's political style – that he is too combative against detractors. "While it may be good in some instances to be single-minded about issues," he said, "it can be counter-productive as Penang's diverse communities and critical-minded society would prefer an engaging and consultative personality rather than one who keeps talking down on them and politicises every issue imaginable." He advised Lim to tone down his aggression, saying his street-fighter style of politics gave an impression that he was superficial. He said that perception was strengthened last week when Lim, reacting to an online news report, challenged Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow to contest against him for the state seat of Padang Kota. "If one reads the report carefully," he said, "Teng did not challenge Lim. He just said he was ready to meet Lim in the election. Yet the good honourable chief minister thought it was an outright challenge."
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| Anwar needs 20 seats, will Sabah deliver? Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:39 PM PDT The only person standing between Anwar Ibrahim and the Prime Minister's chair is Musa Aman. Selvaraja Somiah, FMT Today, the only state which stands between Anwar Ibrahim and the Prime Minister's chair is Sabah. And the person who can "stop" Anwar from becoming the Prime Minister is Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman. Anwar needs at least 20 parliamentary seats out of the 25 in Sabah for him to achieve his dream of becoming Malaysia's seventh premier. But Musa controls the bulk of the parliamentary seats in Sabah. In the 2008 general election, he steered the Barisan Nasional coalition to win all but one parliamentary seat and that too without calling in any central leader from the party to the campaign trail. Anwar-led Pakatan Rakyat and its major and minor cohorts in the media have carefully indulged in systematic campaign to character assassinate Musa. One of the easiest slurs to assassinate the character of the person is by branding him corrupt and a womaniser. But the argument that Musa is corrupt is shallow and the opposition front is aware of this fact. Historically, corruption in Malaysia has always been connected to both government and opposition. Both sides are equally corrupted. But they repeatedly use the corruption card for obvious reasons. In the present day, using the same card to discredit Musa has become over-played, and if we allow such divisive politics to succeed, we can only shudder at the future of this nation. Victorious Musa According to a Pakatan strategist, the coalition is pulling no stops and has created an entire "stop-Musa" machinery by roping in all sorts of activists, media persons and disgruntled Umno Sabah elements. But if Sabah BN wins a majority of the state seats and Musa is returned as chief minister, then let no doubt remain that this will be the biggest danger to Pakatan and local players Sabah Progressive Peoples Party (SAPP) and the State Reform Party (STAR).
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| Najib v Anwar: Showdown begins Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:30 PM PDT
Najib's reforms, survival at stake; it may be Anwar's last shot at age 65 Financial services group Morgan Stanley said in a research note last month that while the broad economic thrusts of both PR and BN seek to stimulate domestic demand and increase foreign investment, PR's proposal has a more leftist slant. PR has a stronger focus on "equitable distribution and redistribution of resources away from corporates towards rakyat (people)", it said. Carolyn Hong, Straits Times At long last, the showdown begins. Malaysia's King dissolved the 12th Parliament with less than a month to go before Prime Minister Najib Razak's mandate ends. Within weeks, Datuk Seri Najib will be leading his Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to face 13.3 million voters at the ballot box. He has to convince voters to give him a strong mandate to continue pushing the reforms that he has made a hallmark of his four-year administration. Just as importantly, he also needs strong support from voters to remain in control of his Umno party, which is headed for party polls this year. The outcome of this general election is as crucial politically for him as it is for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's opposition leader and his rival for the job of PM. This could be Mr Anwar's last shot at the role, as he is already 65 and helming a fragile coalition that needs a good electoral boost to hold together. Both have marshalled an impressive array of promises to woo the country's voters, about half of whom are below 40 years old. BN is banking on a 50-year track record of development and a slate of reforms, versus the opposition Pakatan Rakyat's (PR's) message of change and promises of good governance. Najib versus Anwar: How do their policies stack up? For Mr Najib, it has been four years of crafting the image of a reformist. He unveiled a systematic programme of reforms beginning in 2009, with improvements in public services like the police and schools, followed by economic reforms to double incomes to US$15,000 (S$18,600) by 2020, then political reforms such as repealing the law on preventive detention. He presented his final report card on March19, in which he said Malaysia was well on the way to becoming a high-income economy, as per capita income was now US$9,970. Mr Najib has sweetened all these with generous cash handouts since 2011, dishing out billions to households earning below RM3,000 (S$1,200) a month, students, taxi drivers, fishermen, mechanics and other low-income earners. Mr Anwar, on the other hand, is holding himself up as a figure of change from a corrupt government that has overstayed its welcome. PR has also come up with a detailed manifesto, which it says will better serve Malaysians while resuscitating the economy. Among its promises are free tertiary education, lower tax on cars and a review of Malaysia's income tax rates. The Selangor and Penang state governments, which it controls, have carried out their own mini version of handouts, such as shopping vouchers for the elderly and free water. These approaches are markedly different, says Mr Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who heads the libertarian think-tank Ideas. BN's policies, such as its New Economic Model, are focused on wealth creation to meet challenges in a globalised world, while PR focuses more on wealth distribution. Financial services group Morgan Stanley said in a research note last month that while the broad economic thrusts of both PR and BN seek to stimulate domestic demand and increase foreign investment, PR's proposal has a more leftist slant. PR has a stronger focus on "equitable distribution and redistribution of resources away from corporates towards rakyat (people)", it said. It noted that PR is pushing for greater decentralisation of power from the federal government to the states, to create more balanced and autonomous economic development. Mr Najib's policies also continue to uphold affirmative action for Malays, while Mr Anwar has pledged to dismantle it for a needs-based policy. But if there are marked differences on paper, a different story emerges in implementation. While BN's policies focus on generating high income, it has veered towards a welfare state with its many cash handouts, said Mr Wan Saiful. The director of University Malaya's Centre for Democracy and Elections, Professor Mohd Redzuan Othman, notes that micro-targeting does work, for a short time. But in terms of Mr Najib's macro reforms, analysts say, he has been less successful. Despite anti-corruption promises, for example, the party has been riven by the cows-and-condo scandal which engulfed Umno women's chief Shahrizat Jalil. Her husband has been charged with using part of a RM200 million government soft loan given to their family company for cattle farming to buy luxury condos instead. As for PR, it has also dished out goodies like shopping vouchers for the elderly and free water in Selangor. But by and large, its energy has been focused on macro governance-related promises. The Selangor and Penang governments are implementing measures such as open tenders and a green policy, with some success. Both states have managed to slash expenditure to balance their bud-gets for the first time in years. |
| Posted: 03 Apr 2013 03:22 PM PDT
(Straits Times) - Malaysian's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that his wife and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will not be contesting in the 13th general election, Malaysian media reported. "Azizah was able to lead the party while I was in prison. She leads the party but decided not to contest in the election," he said during a live interview with Al-Jazeera on Wednesday in response to allegations of nepotism in PKR, Free Malaysia Today website reported. Aside from Dr Azizah, the couple's daughter Nurul Izzah is the party vice president and Lembah Pantai MP. Speculations about Dr Azizah contesting in this general election arose last week. Malay daily Sinar Harian reported Dr Azizah's intention to contest for a state seat in Selangor but added she had not decided on the seat. "Yes, I would contest for a seat in the Selangor state legislative assembly but we need to discuss on a suitable seat. That would make it easier for me to conduct an election campaign and focus on the area," she had told the daily. Following that, Selangor PKR information chief Shuhaimi Shafiei who is also Seri Muda state assemblyman offered four state seats out of the 17 that PKR have for her to contest. Her intention to contest also created speculations that current Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali who is also vying for the menteri besar seat would have to give way for Dr Azizah to be the next menteri besar, if she won. Many PKR grassroots leaders also welcomed Dr Azizah's decision. Dr Azizah was the Permatang Pauh MP from 1999 to July 2008. She contested in Permatang Pauh after Mr Anwar was disqualified from holding on to his MP position when he was imprisoned. In July 2008, she stepped down to allow Mr Anwar's comeback into active politics. Her decision to step down resulted in her being disqualified to contest for a parliament seat until July this year. |
| Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:10 PM PDT
Following the dissolution of Parliament, Bersih Shanghai announces today that we now successfully raised a further RMB17,000 in order to subsidise 100 Malaysians registered voters from China to Go Back To Vote! Bersih Shanghai launches the "Go Back To Vote Campaign" on 8 March, offering RMB500 air fare subsidy for Malaysians registered voters residing in China. The campaign was kicked off with an initial donated fund of RMB15,000 sufficiently for 30 persons and later topped up to RMB33,000 following an overwhelming response of 66 applicants in just a few days. Following the dissolution of Parliament, Bersih Shanghai announces today that we now successfully raised a further RMB17,000 in order to subsidise 100 Malaysians registered voters from China to Go Back To Vote! Bersih Shanghai emphasizes that the subsidy is for those in genuine need to fly back to vote for GE13. Those who are actually well-off financially should not apply, allowing us to give the financial assistance only to those in genuine need. Bersih Shanghai launches the campaign to create awareness among the overseas Malaysians on the importance of General Election where it is one of the most decisive institutions deciding whether a Nation is growing prosperous or fail, it will decide the fate of our country and affecting all level of people. As such, we urge overseas Malaysians voters all over the World, not only those residing in China, must Go Back To Vote this time. COMMENTS ON EC Bersih Shanghai is disappointed that SPR couldn't adopt the same standard vote counting procedures at the overseas polling stations to ensure casted votes are genuinely counted in overseas, in order to avoid the risk of being replaced during the transportation to Putrajaya and the respective constituencies. According to the Federal Constitution, Article 114 (2), "In appointing members of the Election Commission the Yang di- Pertuan Agong shall have regard to the importance of securing an Election Commission which enjoys public confidence", the poor response of only about 5000 applicants for the overseas postal vote among the 1 million Malaysian citizens living and working overseas, proving that the current EC has lost the public confident – at least among the overseas Malaysians on their capability in organizing a proper overseas voting. 百名在中国居留的马来西亚注册选民回国投票 上海净选盟于3 月8 号推展"回国投票"运动，提供人民币500 元机票补贴予在中国居留的马来西亚注册选民。该运动初步筹得人民币15,000 的赞助而得以开展，补贴30 位马来西亚选民的机票；随着数天内反应热烈而收到66 位选民的申请而增加赞助金额到人民币33,000。 随着国会解散，上海净选盟今天宣布，我们已经成功筹获另外RMB17,000 的赞助以补贴共100 名在中国居留的马来西亚注册选民回国投票！ 上海净选盟强调该项补贴是提供给确实需要的选民以飞回国参与第13 届大选，财务宽裕人士不应该申请，以便我们能够把该财务援助只提供给真正需要的人士。 上海净选盟推展该活动旨在唤醒海外马来西亚人对大选重要性的认识，我们相信大选是其中一个最为决定性的因素和体制已决定一个国家是否繁荣成长还是衰败，它会决定我们国家的命运并影响到各个阶层的人 民。 有鉴于此，我们呼吁全世界所有的海外马来西亚选民，不仅仅是在中国居留的选民，本次大选必须回国投 票。 对选委会的批评 上海净选盟对于选委会无法在海外投票站实行同样的标准计票程序感到失望；该程序是为了确保投选的选票在海外投票站就必须被真实的计算，以避免选票在运送回马来西亚选委会和各别选区的过程中曝露在被调换的风险中。 根据联邦宪法第114 条第2 节，"最高元首在委任选举委员会委员时，必须考虑到选委会能够获得公众信任的重要性"；而目前选委会仅仅收到1 百万马来西亚海外选民中的约5 千份申请，证明了公众（至少是海外选民）对现有的选委会是否能够良好执行海外选举的能力已经失去了信心。 上海净选盟文告
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| Ethnic Indians' concerns, focal point of Malaysia elections Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:04 PM PDT
Watch video at: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/04/02/296185/ethinc-indians-concerns-focal-point-of-malaysia-elections/ Ethnic Indians constitute eight percent of Malaysia's population of 28 million. The British brought them into the country mostly to work in rubber plantations. Analysts say while there is now a handful of rich Indians, a large number of them still remain poor. Indian leaders say both the government and federal Opposition have not done much to improve the living standard of ethnic Indians. The Opposition has also been slammed for failing to address the needs of the Indian community in their recent election manifesto. But the Democratic Action Party, the biggest party in the Opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance, has come up with a declaration to tackle the grievances of Indians. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and the Islamist party PAS have remained silent, raising questions about their commitment to the declaration. For the first time in the 2008 general election, Indians voted largely for the Opposition. But analysts say, the failure of the Opposition to capitalise on Indian discontent coupled with measures taken by the government may help reverse that voting pattern. Analysts say the ruling Barisan Nasional's policies, including two rounds of cash handouts to the poor, may have helped win back rural and working class Indian support. Prime minister Najib Razak must call for the next general election within the next three weeks, after which time his mandate runs out. And Indian votes will surely help determine who forms the next government.
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| After tussle with DAP, PKR’s Chua Jui Meng to get seat in Johor Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:58 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng will get a seat to contest in the southern state, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has said in signalling that the issue of Chua's tussle with political ally DAP has been resolved. Azmin said the PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with Chua on Tuesday over the matter. "... Anwar has met and had a long discussion with Chua (Jui Meng) last night about that matter. "We need to see the political scenario that happened there and will offer a suitable area for Chua (Jui Meng) in Johor," Azmin was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian yesterday. Chua (picture) had previously engaged in a public spat with Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau over the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat in the state, but Anwar announced last month that DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang would contest the seat instead in Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) drive to make inroads into the state known as Barisan Nasional's (BN) stronghold. Last week, Johor PKR was reported by news portal Malaysiakini as nudging Chua towards the Segamat seat, which party insiders believe it can win. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-tussle-with-dap-pkrs-chua-jui-meng-to-get-seat-in-johor/ |
| Open Letter to Tengku Razaleigh: Time to Take a Bold Stand Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:53 PM PDT
Should Tengku Razaleigh decide to stand as a candidate of UMNO – a party lacking in the political integrity and ethical standards that he has espoused – I and many other Malaysians who have the deepest respect for him – will feel badly disappointed and let down. Koon Yew Yin As the election date draws nearer, it is important that all politicians wishing to take part should make known to the public what they stand for. Among our political leaders, there are few that have earned the respect of Malaysians in the same way that Tengku Razaleigh has. Through his actions he has struck many as a man of honour, decency, good sense and ability. These qualities – not superhuman virtues – are the ones needed at the helm of the nation to guide us through this difficult time of racial and religious extremism, and unquenched opportunism and power craze. On what Tengku Razaleigh stands for, there is little or no doubt. However, given his marginalization in the mainstream media, many Malaysians may not be aware of his political philosophy. This philosophy which I heard him elaborate on in Ipoh in 2012 could serve as the template for the nation's political development. It has served as the template for my book, Malaysia: Road Map for Achieving Vision 2020. I call on all election candidates – as well as parties – across the political divide to read and endorse Tungku Razaleigh's 10 principles contained in his speech to the Perak Academy event. These '10 Golden Political Principles' are necessary to ensure Malaysia's political future, irrespective of whichever coalition party wins the elections. Ku Li's Ten Golden Political Principles 1. All political parties are required to include in their constitutional objectives the equality of citizenship as provided for in the Federal Constitution. 2. An economic and political policy that political parties propagate must not discriminate against any citizen. 3. All parties shall include and uphold constitutional democracy and the separation of powers as a fundamental principle. 4. It shall be the duty of all political parties to adhere to the objectives of public service and refrain from involvement in business, and ensure the separation of business from political parties. 5. It shall be the duty of all political parties to ensure and respect the independence of the judiciary and the judicial process. Read more at: http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2013/04/03/open-letter-to-tengku-razaleigh-time-to-take-a-bold-stand/ |
| 'Izzah's Video Is A Ploy By Azmin's Camp' Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:51 PM PDT
(Malaysian Digest) - The allegation that a video exists involving Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President, Nurul Izzah Anwar is believed to have been started by the camp of the party's deputy president, Azmin Ali. Utusan Malaysia today reported that Permatang Pauh PKR's Indian Chief, N. Ponnusamy said the issue is believed to have been brought up to limit the power hold Nurul Izzah and party President Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail have in the party. In the letter, he claims that Azmin is more fit to head the party compared to Wan Azizah, and a change was necessary to ensure the opposition coalition will thrive in the upcoming general election. |
| 'Umno Prayers Not Accepted': Non-Muslims Should Also Be Wary Of PAS Approach Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:49 PM PDT
(Malaysian Digest) - PAS spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has made yet another controversial statement regarding Muslim Umno members which should also make non-Muslims wary of the 'holier-than-thou' approach he has been adopting. In a report on Utusan Online, Nik Aziz, in one of his talks last night at Kampung Jambu here, alleged that the prayers by Muslim Umno members will not be accepted by Allah as the party rejects Islamic policies. He also claims that Umno has been rejecting Allah SWT all this while by practicing a national policy that rejects Islamic-based policies in its rule.
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| Sampai bilakah bantuan jenama 1Malaysia akan diberi? Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:45 PM PDT
Berdasarkan Penyiasatan Pendapatan Isi Rumah Jabatan Perangkaan 2009/10, sasaran asal penerima BR1M adalah 3.4 juta isi rumah tetapi bilangan sebenar penerima adalah lebih daripada 4.17 juta isi rumah, yang merupakan 22.91% lebih tinggi. Ini tidak sepatutnya terjadi kerana pendapatan isi rumah telah meningkat. Bukankah begitu? Azmi Anuar, CPI Rakyat Malaysia pasti berbangga apabila membaca laporan bahawa pendapatan isi rumah bulanan purata di Malaysia bertambah dari RM4,025 ke RM5,000 iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 7.2 peratus dari 2009 sehingga 2012. Laporan Penyiasatan Pendapatan Isi Rumah (PPIR) 2012 juga menunjukkan bahawa kadar kemiskinan telah berkurangan daripada 3.8 peratus pada 2009 kepada 1.7 peratus pada 2012 manakala isi rumah miskin berkurangan 52.7 peratus daripada 228,400 kepada 108,000. Apakah kemungkinan pendapatan isi rumah terus meningkat pada masa hadapan? Soalan ini kerap bermain di kepala orang ramai yang asyik merungut tentang kesulitan hidup mereka sehari-hari. Kita boleh imbas kembali rekod pencapaian negara setakat ini. Kerajaan telahpun memperkenalkan pelbagai insiatif yang bertujuan memastikan negara mencapai matlamat menjadi sebuah negara berpendapatan tinggi menjelang 2020. Program Transformasi Kerajaan (GTP) dan Program Transformasi Ekonomi (ETP) diperkenalkan pada 2010 serta 2011 dan diwujudkan bersama-sama Program Transformasi Politik dan Program Transformasi Sosial yang membentuk Dasar Transformasi Nasional. Apa yang dikatakan dalam akhbar The Star bahawa Malaysia berada di landasan yang betul menuju ke arah status negara berpendapatan tinggi harus direnung bersama. Segala statistik kejayaan memang mudah dibentangkan kepada khalayak ramai tetapi pada masa yang sama perlu juga dilihat perubahan daripada sudut pandang yang lebih meluas. Masalah-masalah utama negara Pendekatan seimbang yang menggabungkan pendapatan tinggi dengan mengekalkan pertumbuhan tersebut dan yang merangkumi semua lapisan masyarakat itulah yang akan memberi kita pandangan yang lebih bererti tentang pembangunan. Matlamat utama yang mesti ditekankan ialah peningkatan kualiti hidup masyarakat. Tidak dinafikan masih banyak rancangan yang belum mencapai matlamatnya. Di antara rancangan pokok yang masih perlu diambil perhatian berat ialah di dalam bidang pendidikan, membasmi gejala rasuah dan menangani kos sara hidup yang semakin meningkat. Kerajaan dan rakyat tidak boleh leka dengan kejayaan yang dicapai kerana usaha yang berterusan diperlukan untuk terus maju ke hadapan. Negara-negara lain juga berkejar-kejaran mencapai status negara maju dan Malaysia jika tidak berhati-hati akan ketinggalan. Perbandingan dengan negara-negara yang telah mencapai kejayaan dari segi ekonomi seperti Korea Selatan mungkin tidak dipersetujui oleh sesetengah pemerhati tetapi pasti tetap boleh dijadikan teladan.
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| Man claims he was shot by police Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:43 PM PDT
(The Star) - Mahendran underwent surgery at the hospital and upon being discharged, found out he is being investigated by the Sentul police for attempted murder and is currently on police bail. A 24-year-old man has claimed that he was shot by four men who identified themselves as policemen when he refused to get out of his car. S. Mahendran who lives in Sentul said the incident occurred at 5am on March 3 when he was leaving a restaurant in his car along Jalan Khalsa off Jalan Ipoh here. "Three men in plainclothes and on motorcycles pulled up next to me at the traffic junction and identified themselves as policemen. "They ordered me out of the car. I refused and instead asked them to show their police identity cards first," he said during a press conference held with Suaram at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Mahendran, who is unemployed, said he had been a victim of two robberies in 2012 and most recently in February this year and was afraid the men in plainclothes could be posing as bogus cops. He drove to a police station in Jalan Kasipillay and the trio on motorcycles trailed him there. A fourth man claiming to be a policeman also asked him to get out of the car. "I feared for my safety and decided to leave but as I was driving off, I knocked into one of the motorcycles belonging to the men. The next thing I heard was gun shots and I felt pain in my left thigh," he said, adding that the group did not pursue him. Mahendran called his father, who lives in Klang, and the father told him to get a friend to drive him to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang. Mahendran underwent surgery at the hospital and upon being discharged, found out he is being investigated by the Sentul police for attempted murder and is currently on police bail. "I have lodged a police report on the matter and hope the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters or Bukit Aman would look into my case," he said. He added that he is astounded by the alleged policemen opening fire outside a police station and having the cheek to investigate him for attempted murder. Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Zakaria Pagan confirmed the case and said police are investigating. |
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