Suddenly, the Government berjiwa Rakyat

Suddenly the government became thoughtful of the Rakyat.
Suddenly the government is listening to the plights of the Rakyat.
Suddenly the Rakyat became a concern of the government.
And what do the Government say.....berjiwa rakyat.

After kena left right and center then only the government put on hold the RM1.7 billion purchase of the Cougar EC 725 helicopters. Only when the Opposition, NGO and the public voice their concern, only then the government reacted.

And there they go again to say "Kerajaan Barisan Nasional berjiwa rakyat". What can I say, "berjiwa rakyat" my foot.

According to source in wikipedia, the EC 725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search & Rescue. It was never tested during real combat or battle except for minor operation by the French Air Force such as to evacuate people from Lebanon during Operation Baliste in 2006 and the war in Afghanistant to support the coalition force. Well that is the only battle operation stated and Malaysia literally intended to buy not three or four but 12 units of untested battlefield helicopters.

Maybe I may want to ask the government whatever for? Oh yes maybe for peacekeeping under the UN banner. Whatever it is RM1.7 billion is not in our league and means. That money can be used for many many things for the Rakyat. In fact the government should not even consider it at the first place. Not even 2011.

Happy Deepavali

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the new year of luck and wealth". As such I wish all Hindus in Malaysia a new year of luck and wealth.

Though Malaysians all over is horrified with the recent arrest of the supporters of Hindraf-5, my prayer is for those who are arrested under the notorious Internal Security Act to continue to be strong and firm in their believe. They will be remembered by the people especially the weak not only Indians. I truly admire their courage and strength though they may be in the minority. But alone shaped Malaysia agenda in the recent 12th general election shifting the support of the Indian towards MIC and BN. I must say, they are not alone in their fight.

It is in my prayer that their hope be vindicated and our friends released from the ISA.

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (source : wikipedia). With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things and this brings Ananda (Inner Joy or Peace).

Here, I concur with DAP Sec-Gen and Chief Minister of Penang who says, “We must insist that any government should show love for its people based on human dignity, compassion and a caring society.” He went further to say, “Together we shall continue to fight on a moral and ethical ground towards achieving equal opportunities, level playing field and social justice."

I now wish all Hindus, members and supporters, friends and colleagues, a blessed and happy Deepavali.

GO DAP... welcome Teh Chi-Chang

TOP FINANCIAL ANALYST IS DAP LATEST RECRUIT By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — In a comfortably worn blue-collared T-shirt, beige slacks and a hefty backpack slung over one scrawny shoulder, Teh Chi-Chang looked more like your average University Malaya economics undergraduate than the mighty economics consultant that he most assuredly is.

At only 37, the Ipoh-born, taichi-loving Teh is the new economics advisor to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, replacing Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua who now has his hands full dealing with national publicity.

Teh's responsibilities are two-fold: to advise the secretary-general on macro-economic policies; and to act as a human resource centre to the party on all economic matters.

Two weeks ago, he conducted a workshop to brief the DAP MPs on the current global economic situation and how it translates to the domestic scene. It was sort of an Economics 101.

"They come from different backgrounds. Most don't have a good grasp of economic terms. Being able to communicate concepts clearly is key to the success of an economic policy as well," he said.

He said: "You can have sensible ideas but if you cannot convince the people, there is no point," and added: "Hopefully it will lead to better policies that enable us to go forward."

Asked if he thought poor communication was one of the reasons for the government's failure to promote economic growth, Teh snorted. "I don't think they are even trying. They are avoiding the issues completely."

Invariably, the discussion turned to the current heated 2009 Budget being debated in Parliament. The former financial analyst, a graduate from the University of Warwick and Cambridge University, was full of criticism against the government's proposed Budget. As expected of a professional, he remained cool-headed and was able to express his objections in a clear and precise manner.

"As analysts, we also start our estimations based on the most current information available," he said.

"The Budget debate is academic," Teh stated. "The government needs to go back and revise on the oil prices."

To sum up Teh's argument: The government's main source of revenue is based on its oil and oil-related exports. If the cost per barrel is high, then the pile of money in its account would be great. However, the price of oil has dropped drastically since the Budget was released 1½ months ago, effectively reducing the amount of income available for spending.

"The problem is the government is practising an expansionary fiscal policy just like they did during the good times," he sighed.

He likened the current gloomy economic situation to a person who has just lost his job.

"There is no more income and you have to rely on your savings. At that point, you have to prioritise your expenditure. What are the necessities and what are the luxuries?" he asked.

Teh suggests that the government focuses on plans that improve on local infrastructure such as drainage and roads and postpone extravagant projects for example the high-speed broadband and overpriced military purchases such as the RM2.3 billion Eurocopters.

"You can postpone it three, four years. While defence is a very important aspect of a nation's security, I highly doubt that anyone is going to invade Malaysia any time soon," he remarked drily.

He urged the government to encourage domestic spending rather than rely on foreign spending. With the entire world hit by an economic glacier, he was doubtful that foreign investors would bother coming in at the moment. They too had to prioritise their survival.

At any rate, what foreign investors looked for are political stability and an efficient government, Teh emphasised.

"Don't get caught up in Anwar's politics," he cautioned the Barisan Nasional government. He pointed out that the BN seemed to forget it only needs eight seats to get a two-thirds majority in Parliament while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat needs 30 more to claim a simple majority.

"It's simple mathematics," he laughed.

He also advised the government to show reason and competence.

"Competency is not shown when the Home Minister says a person was arrested for her own 'protection'," he said, referring to Datuk Syed Hamid Albar's explanation over the recent detention of a Chinese press reporter under the pre-emptive Internal Security Act.

Teh started his new job in September. Prior to that, he was the Asia-Pacific equity research director for utilities and media at Citigroup, one of the world's leading financial institutions. Before that, he was head of equity research for Malaysia. And before that, the executive director and country head of research at Hwang-DBS Vickers Research.

It makes one wonder, what on earth had happened to compel this wonder boy to give up a lucrative career for a position in an opposition political party.

Teh shrugged. He had been an analyst for 15 years. No matter how attractive the promotion, in the end, the work was the same.

"You only have one life and there are so many things to do," he remarked.

As an analyst and a taxpayer, he had been appalled by the government's reckless handling of the economy. The results of the March 8 general election had shown him that others felt the same. He wanted to play a role in bringing about a change.

He contacted Tony Pua and was impressed by the latter's grasp of economics despite being a lay person. Likewise, Pua was impressed by Teh's "impeccable credentials" and urged him to take an active position in the party.

Teh resisted. He wanted to help improve the economy, not play politics. It was not until he met party workers, especially the staff at DAP's headquarters that he was inspired and humbled.

"What struck me was how dedicated the people were at DAP. It was an eye-opener. You know they are not doing it for the money. They are doing it for a cause and a belief."

The Alternative Budget

Just the important points on the just-revealed Pakatan Rakyat's Alternative Budget for the country. The source of this is from Malaysiakini

• Pakatan anticipates a decrease in government’s revenue by 11 percent to approximately RM157 billion as against the government’s projection of RM176 billion due to the drop in commodity prices as well as a decline in GDP.

• Suggestion for a 15.5 percent reduction in government’s operational expenditure to RM130 billion, as opposed to the government’s proposed amount of RM154 billion. In reducing operating expenditure, Pakatan assures it will however make no reduction in government salaries.

• Pakatan believes that a RM10 billion substantial savings is feasible simply by reducing corruption and mandating open-tenders for government procurement.

• Pakatan believes the budget deficit to be 3.0 percent, down from the estimated 3.6 percent for 2009, based on the revised calculation of revenue and allocation for expenditure.

• Education, public transportation, health and housing were chosen as the four areas to be benefit from substantial increases in development expenditure. The allocation for education to be increased from RM8.4 billion to RM11.8 billion in 2009, RM3 billion for housing development as opposed to the government’s RM1.4 billion and RM3.5 billion for improving security.

• Set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) and re-allocate approximately 30 percent of the police officers from administrative departments to crime-fighting.

• The approved permits for imported vehicles are suggested to be auctioned to highest bidders in order to generate an estimated additional RM1.75 billion to government’s coffers.

• Renegotiation of “exploitative contracts” in toll concessionaires and the independent power producers for a lower cost of services to all Malaysians and savings for the government.

• A temporary reduction in employee contributions to the EPF from 11 percent to nine percent for a period of one year to increase disposable incomes. This would inject nearly RM2 billion of disposable income into the economy for domestic spending.

• Liberalising taxes and import duties on inputs used for the production of food, final goods and farming.

• The formation of a pricing mechanism which is more responsive to fluctuations in market price for crude oil.

• The enactment of a national competitiveness policy and take steps to reduce the “unfair market power” held by state-created monopolies”.

• To revitalise the SMEs sector, it is proposed that the tax rate for SMEs on their first RM500,000 chargeable income be reduced to 18 percent from the current 20 percent. A new partial tax exemption threshold is also proposed and to set at RM200,000 and taxed at 12 percent.

• A review for mega project costing more than RM1 billion to assess their socio-economic viability, affordability and intended impact on national development and employment.

• All government contracts to go through public tender. A saving of at least RM5 billion per annum is estimated to be achieved from this.

Kit's Press Statement on the Special Press Statement of Conference of Rulers

Special Press Statement of Conference of Rulers – testimony of Malaysian nation-building facing a crisis of confidence after half-a-century of nationhood

The Conference of Rulers issued a special joint press statement at its 215th meeting in Kuala Terengganu on the social contract as the bedrock of the formation of Malaysia, in particular “on the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay rulers regarding the special privileges, position, eminence or greatness of the Malay rulers, Islam, Malay as the national language, the special position of the Malays, and genuine interests of the other communities in accordance with the Federal Constitution”.

This is an unprecedented document and is testimony of Malaysian nation-building facing a crisis of confidence after half-a-century of nationhood – in particular after the March 8 “political tsunami” seven months ago.

This was the theme of my 2009 budget speech in Parliament on Tuesday and Wednesday, where I raised many issues in my 2009 budget speech on the tsunami of crisis of confidence afflicting Malaysia - affecting the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister-in-waiting, the Attorney-General, the Inspector-General, the judiciary and on a whole spectrum of issues whether on anti-corruption, human rights or nation-building.

The special press statement of the Conference of Rulers should be seriously studied by all Malaysians, whether political parties, civic organizations or ordinary citizens for the unity, harmony, prosperity and greatness of the Malaysian nation must be regarded as the responsibility and challenge of every Malaysian citizen, regardless of race, religion or territory so that we can enhance our national competitiveness in the borderless era of information technology and globalization.

YB Teresa Kok versus Utusan Malaysia Newspaper Organisation (UMNO 2)

YB Teresa Kok versus Utusan Malaysia Newspaper Organisation (UMNO 2). This is the second action YB T against UMNO 2. The first was RM30,000,0000.00 for the stupid racist article, clearly mala fide with no checking of facts just intend to paint the picture of YB T as a anti-Malay and anti-Islam.

This second suit through a letter of demand DEMANDING that UMNO 2 to retract, apologise and undertake not to do any more within 7 days. Should UMNO 2 fail to do what was demanded, a writ of summons to be filed by YB T's lawyers.

There goes UMNO 2.

YB T has all the right to defend herself from the ruthless and racist organisation.

Inciting to Kill

Read the last few paragraphs .....

This is really disgusting. Inciting to kill. How can such article be written and pass censorship and self editing by the editors.

By Mingguan Malaysia (12.10.2008)

Politik baru YB J

PAGI itu resah YB Josephine, yang lebih mesra dengan panggilan YB J sukar dikawal. Sepanjang perjalanan menuju ke Dewan Perhimpunan Warga Cha di ibu kota, fikirannya terganggu. Tuduhan bahawa dia anti-Islam dan anti-Melayu sungguh-sungguh menghantui perasaannya sejak malam tadi lagi. Entah mengapa baru sekarang dia begitu, dia sendiri tidak tahu. Dia juga tidak pasti sama ada pemandunya, Ahmad, menyedari gelora jiwanya ketika itu. Kalau dia tahu pun, peduli apa, YB Josephine berbisik sendirian.

Pemandu itu memang sedia maklum pendirian politiknya tentang kepentingan kaumnya vis a vis orang Melayu. Dan dia tahu Ahmad menghormati pendiriannya, walaupun dilihat anti- Melayu, anti-Islam sebagai hak asasi tinggal dalam sebuah negara demokrasi. Bukankah kebebasan asasi itu dijamin oleh Perkara 5 hingga Perkara 13 Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Tetapi YB J akui demokrasi ada yang tidak sempurna dan kerap disalahgunakan oleh pihak yang berkuasa. Tetapi hakikat itu tidak menghalang rakyat menempatkan pembangkang di Dewan Rakyat. YB Josephine adalah salah seorang daripadanya.

Ah, tudahan dia anti-Islam, anti-Melayu tuduhan yang melulu bentak YB J seolah-olah mahu menyedapkan dirinya.. Ia juga tuduhan yang tidak berasas, hati kecilnya bersuara lagi. Dia meyakinkan dirinya bahawa kenyataankenyataan yang dibuatnya atas nama pelbagai kaum untuk memperjuangkan kepentingan kaumnya, bukan sesuatu yang rasis. Amensty International, organisasi hak asasi antarabangsa akan menyetujuinya. Begitu juga dengan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu. Ketua Pembangkang, di Parlimen pun tidak pernah menganggapnya rasis. Yang menganggapnya rasis hanya orang Melayu di dalam Parti Orang Melayu (POM).

“Aku juga bukan anti-Islam. Aku bukan anti Melayu,” pujuk hati YB J yang sudah dua penggal bergelar YB itu, mewakili Parti Bertindak Rakyat. Parti itu dianggotainya sejak berada di kampus lagi, walaupun Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti melarang para siswa membabitkan diri secara langsung dalam mana-mana organisasi siasah. Lagi pun penguatkuasaan undang-undang itu sekadar melepas batuk di tangga. Lebih dari itu, ia adalah satu lagi undang-undang lapuk, kata YB J.

Kata hatinya lagi: “Aku sekadar memperjuangkan kepentingan kaum aku, sama seperti pemimpin Melayu dalam POM memperjuangkan kepentingan bangsanya, sama seperti pemimpin Parti Orang Islam (POI) berjuang untuk bangsa menggunakan wajah Islamnya.”

Malah YB J berasakan kelantangannya memperjuangkan kepentingan kaumnya itulah yang telah membantunya menang kali kedua kerusi Parlimennya. Kali ini dengan majoriti yang lebih besar lagi. Apa yang membanggakan dia adalah perjuangan yang dianggap anti-Melayu dan anti-Islam itu kini turut disokong pengundi-pengundi Melayu di kawasan pilihan rayanya itu. Pada mulanya dia sendiri terkejut apabila dimaklumkan sebahagian besar pengundi Melayu yang merupakan 20 peratus keseluruhan pemilihan berdaftar dalam kawasan Parlimen Alam Maya telah memangkahnya.

Ini satu perkembangan luar biasa. Tidak mungkin mereka menyokong aku, bisik hatinya. Tetapi apabila dimaklumkan oleh para pekerja parti bahawa pengundi Melayu di semua peti undi telah beralih arah mendokongnya, dia menerimanya dengan fikiran terbuka. Baguslah kalau orang Melayu menerima perjuangan Malaysia Barunya.

Tidak puas hati bermonolog dengan perasaannya, YB J secara spontan berpaling kepada Ahmad, pemandunya yang sejak tadi tekun dengan tugasnya.

“Kamu fakir saya anti-Islam, anti-Melayu?”

Pertanyaan

Ahmad yang sudah menghampiri usia bersara itu tidak menjawab, seolah-olah dia tidak mendengar pertanyaan itu. Matanya tertumpu ke jalan raya. Tugasnya adalah untuk mempastikan YB J selamat ke majlis yang ingin dihadirinya. Dan tiba tepat pada waktunya. Majlis itu penting kerana YB J akan mengadakan dialog dengan generasi muda seketurunan dengannya yang belajar di luar negara tetapi kebetulan berada di tanah air kerana bercuti. Ahmad sendiri tidak pasti sama ada pelajar yang pernah mempersendakan lagu Negara Ku sewaktu menuntut di sebuah universiti di Seberang Laut turut berada dalam kelompok itu. Kalau pun ada, pemandu YB J tidak ambil pusing. Budak itu memang kurang ajar. Ada ke patut Malaysia dianggap sebagai Negara Kuku (ejaan Inggerisnya cuckoo) yang bermaksud gila. Dan kreativiti digunakan untuk menghalalkan perbuatan biadapnya itu. Cuma Ahmad berfikir kalau semua orang dibiarkan menghina lagu Kebangsaan dengan lirik yang memperlekehkan kehidupan orang Islam, dan atas nama kreativiti, maka kesannya terhadap perhubungan kaum adalah negatif.

Ahmad tidak tahu apakah yang sebenarnya mengganggu bosnya itu sejak dari tadi lagi. Dia jarang begitu. Ahmad dapat mengesan YB J lain macam sahaja pagi itu. Dia dapat membaca keresahan dan kegelisahan YB J. Seolah-olah ada sesuatu yang tidak kena walaupun apa yang sebenarnya berkocak di dalam diri YB J dia tidak pasti. Sepanjang ingatan Ahmad, YB J juga tidak pernah berbual dengannya tentang politik, apa lagi tentang isu-isu semasa - kecuali memberi arahan yang ada kaitan dengan perjalanan atau jadual kerja. YB J juga tidak bertanya sama ada dia mengundi pom atau parti apa pada pilihan raya yang lalu.

Lazimnya, sepanjang perjalanan, baik ke pejabat atau majlis-majlis rasmi dan tidak rasmi yang lain, YB J akan menghabiskan masa membaca akhbar atau membelek-belek fail. Tetapi pagi itu YB J lain macam sahaja. Dia kelihatan resah. Gelisah. Fikirannya juga seolah-olah tidak menentu. Apa yang dibuat serba tak kena. Sekejap dia membelek ucapan utama yang akan disampaikan sebentar lagi menghuraikan gagasan Politik Baru Malaysia Baru yang dipeloporinya. Sekejap dia membelek akhbar-akhbar yang memang menemani YB J ke mana juga dia pergi.

Ahmad cuba mencongak mungkin keresahan YB J ada kaitan dengan suhu politik negara sedang panas ketika itu. Bahangnya terasa di mana-mana. POM sendiri sedang menghadapi pergolakan yang hebat berkait dengan kepimpinannya. Pertarungan kepentingan puak-puak di dalam parti sedang mengambil tempatnya. Kalaulah tidak kerana kedudukan politik kerajaan agak lemah selepas kehilangan majoriti dua pertiga, sudah lama Operasi Lalang, seperti yang pernah dibuat pada 1987, dilaksanakan, agaknya. Mungkin juga tidak kerana di bawah kepimpinan sekarang, kerajaan mengambil sikap yang lebih liberal terhadap para pengkritiknya.

Ahmad juga terfikir mungkin perasaan YB J terganggu dengan tindakan kalangan yang tidak diketahui siapa mereka melempar bom petrol ke rumah keluarga ahli Parlimen Sepohon Beringin, Su Lan. Barangkali, fikir Ahmad, YB J, bimbang kejadian yang sama boleh menimpa diri atau keluarganya.

Mana tahu selepas keluarga Su Lan, bosnya YB J pula yang menjadi mangsa. Dan yang dilempar itu bom betul-betul. Meletup pula. Tidakkah nahas YB J. Sekonyong-konyong Ahmad terbayang kejadian letupan bom berani mati yang berlaku di Damsyik, Syria yang ditonton menerusi Buletin Utama di TV3 beberapa hari lalu. Kalau kejadian yang sudah menghiasi kehidupan harian di Iraq, Israel, Tebing Barat, Gaza atau Afghanistan itu menular di negara ini, alangkah malangnya bumi bertuah ini. Minta disimpang malaikat 44, Ahmad berkata sendirian di dalam hatinya.

Tetapi fikir Ahmad, amaran kalau tidak diendahkan berbahaya. Dia teringat apa yang diceritakan berlaku pada 13 Mei 1969. Bapanya menceritakan dalam tragedi selepas pilihan raya umum pada 10 Mei itu, orang Cina dan Melayu berbunuh-bunuhan. Perjuangan yang mahu menafikan hak-hak istimewa orang Melayu dan kaum bumiputera lain yang dijamin oleh Perlembagaan Persekutuan, tidak dapat diterima oleh mereka. Kata-kata kesat dan menghina orang Melayu oleh para penyokong parti-parti pembangkang sewaktu berarak meraikan kemenangan besar di Kuala Lumpur dan bandar-bandar utama lain pada pilihan raya 1969 itu tidak dapat ditelan oleh orang Melayu. Parang yang terbiar tumpul selama ini diasah tajam. Dalam keadaan itu tercetuslah pergaduhan yang dahsyat menyebabkan Parlimen digantung dan pemerintahan darurat diisytiharkan. Negara diletakkan di bawah perintah berkurung. Ahmad sendiri belum lahir ketika itu. Tidak lama selepas itu, peralihan kuasa berlaku daripada Tunku Abdul Rahman kepada timbalannya, Tun Abdul Razak.

“Mat, saya ni anti-Melayu dan anti-Islam ke?,” YB J secara mendadak mengulang semula pertanyaannya apabila tiada jawapan daripada pemandunya.

Ahmad, yang sejak tadi membisu seribu bahasa selamba menjawab: “Mungkin tidak YB.” Dia memberi jawapan berlapik. Maksudnya: Mungkin tidak, mungkin ya bergantung pada mata yang menilai.

“Apa maksud kamu mungkin tidak.”

" Ini soal persepsi YB. Persepsinya begitulah. Hakikatnya YB tidak membenci Melayu tidak juga membenci Islam. YB sekadar memperjuangkan kepentingan kaum YB. Tidak salah YB berbuat demikian. Kalau YB tidak memperjuangkan kepentingan kaum YB sendiri, siapa lagi. Tetapi cara YB itu barangkali disalahertikannya.”

“Maksud kamu?" Tanya YB J yang masih belum jelas lagi.

Bergantung

“Yalah, ia bergantung pada mata yang memandang. Bukan sahaja di kalangan orang Melayu, tetapi di kalangan bukan Melayu. YB kena ingat di kalangan bukan Melayu pun bukan semuanya menerima politik baru Malaysia baru YB. Kalau tidak masakan parti satu kaum seperti Parti Orang Cina (POC) masih boleh bertahan.”

“Apa maksud kamu. Saya tidak begitu jelas?"

“Yalah bagi YB perjuangan YB adalah pelbagai kaum. Tetapi dalam tindak tanduk, perjuangan pelbagai kaum YB itu tidak tertonjol. YB mahu menghapuskan tulisan jawi dan ganti dengan tulisan Cina . Bagi mereka itu bukan perjuangan pelbagai kaum. Ia perjuangan satu kaum. Kalau benar pelbagai kaum, YB patut mempertahankan tulisan jawi.” Ahmad memberanikan diri untuk memberikan pandangannya.

Mengesan bosnya ingin mendengar pandangannya lagi, Ahmad berkata: “Patutnya kalau YB benar-benar ingin menjadi pejuang pelbagai kaum, kepentingan orang Melayu jangan diketepikan sewaktu mengetengahkan kepentingan kaum Cina. YB perjuangkan kepentingan kedua-duanya sekali. Penerimaannya saya pasti berbeza. YB akan dilihat sebagai mahu menjaga kepentingan kaum YB, tetapi pada waktu yang sama tidak menafikan hak orang Melayu.”

Itu perjuangan POM dan POC, dengus YB J di dalam hatinya. Bosan aku dengan Si Ahmad ini, dia berkata sendirian. Aku penganjur politik baru dan tidak mahu terikat dengan kerangka politik lama, katanya lagi kepada dirinya.

Perbualan YB J dengan pemandunya habis di situ sahaja. Dia tidak mahu lagi mendengar pandangan karut pemandunya. Dia mahu terus melayan perasaan: Aku percaya pada Politik Baru Malaysia Baru, tegas YB J pada dirinya. Setiap warganegara, tanpa mengira apa keturunan mereka patut diberi hak yang sama mengikut undang-undang. Tidak ada bangsa yang patut diberi layanan istimewa. Tidak ada warga yang patut diberi darjat atau kelas kedua. Kita semua orang Malaysia.

YB J enggan melayan Ahmad lagi. Sebaliknya, dia membelek akhbar Utusan Malaysia yang secara rasmi diboikot oleh partinya. Perhatiannya tertumpu pada artikel berjudul Jangan Padam Rekod Negara yang ditulis oleh seorang generasi muda Cina yang menolak tesis politik baru Malaysia baru.

Ah, satu lagi propaganda yang memperlekehkan kaum aku, dengus hati YB J. Jangan-

jangan yang menulis artikel ini orang Melayu. Mereka masih menganggap kaum aku sebagai berketurunan pendatang. Tidak guna punya generasi baru. Dengus YB J. Bisik hatinya lagi: Betullah dulu nenek moyang aku berhijrah ke bumi bertuah ini untuk mencari kekayaan, membebaskan diri mereka daripada kemiskinan dan keperitan hidup di China. Itu dulu. Generasi Cina sekarang sudah menjadi warganegara Malaysia dan mereka hendaklah dilayan seperti warganegara Malaysia..

Dikejutkan

Sedang YB J asyik dengan lamunannya, dia dikejutkan dengan suara pemandunya yang memaklumkan, “Kita sudah sampai YB.”

Menunggu dia di luar ialah para penganjur dialog yang bakal berlangsung. Salah seorang daripada mereka membuka pintu kereta YB J, bersalaman dengannya dan memperkenalkannya dengan ahli jawatankuasa penganjur yang lain. Diiringi oleh mereka, YB J dibawa ke pentas. Menurut kiraannya ada 500 orang di dalam dewan pagi itu. Dia bangga dengan kehadiran begitu ramai anak bangsanya yang ingin bertemu dengannya. Apa yang lebih membanggakan YB J ialah mereka belajar luar negara dengan biayai sendiri, bukannya bantuan kerajaan.

Selepas ucapan-ucapan aluan oleh pengerusi penganjur selesai, YB J dijemput untuk memberi ucapannya. Inilah detik-detik yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh YB J. Gagasan politik baru Malaysia barunya akan dihebahkan kepada dunia bebas. Dia teringat buku Kee Thuan Chye yang berjudul 8 Mac The Day Malaysian Woke Up. Momentum rakyat Malaysia atau lebih tepat lagi warga bukan Melayu Malaysia yang sudah jaga dari lena itu mesti ditingkatkan. Pagi itu dia berazam untuk berbuat demikian.

Tetapi tanpa diketahui oleh YB J, di kalangan 500 orang generasi muda yang hadir pada pagi itu ada yang tidak setuju dengan pandangan politiknya itu. Salah seorang daripada mereka berazam untuk membetulkan penyimpangan politik YB J dengan caranya yang tersendiri.

Apabila YB J bangun untuk menuju ke rostrum ucapan, seorang anak muda dari belakang pentas berjalan tenang menuju ke arahnya. YB J tersenyum kepadanya. Dia menyangka anak muda seketurunan dengannya ingin mengiringinya ke rostrum atau bersalaman dengannya.

YB J menghulurkan tangan. Tiba-tiba YB J tergaman dan berdiri kaku. Dia tidak percaya dengan apa yang dilihatnya. Tergenggam erat pada tangan anak muda yang seolah-olah mahu membalas salam tangan yang dihulur itu ialah sepucuk pistol jenis Revolver yang betul-betul diajukan ke arah dada YB J.

Tanpa berkata apa-apa, anak muda itu melepaskan beberapa das tembakan. Salah satu daripadanya tepat mengenai jantung YB J. Dia rebah ke lantai.

Para hadirin menjadi panik. Mereka yang berada di atas pentas turut tergamam melihat apa yang berlaku. Kejadian menjadi hiruk-pikuk dan tidak terkawal. Pihak penganjur yang tidak menduga kejadian malang itu berlaku, tidak tahu berbuat apa-apa. Beberapa orang anggota polis berpakaian preman yang menjadi tetamu yang tidak diundang dalam majlis itu, meluru ke arah pentas. Rakan-rakan mereka yang berpakaian seragam yang berkawal di luar juga bergegas masuk ke dewan.

Tetapi belum sempat mereka berbuat apa-apa, kedengaran beberapa das tembakan lagi. Kali ini yang rebah adalah anak muda itu sendiri.

Apabila pihak polis tiba di tempat kejadian, kedua-dua mereka - YB J dan anak muda yang berpakaian kemas itu, sudah tidak lagi bernyawa.

Sewaktu pemeriksaan dibuat ke atas mayat anak muda yang tidak dikenali itu, terselit sehelai nota yang ditaip rapi, ditulis dalam bahasa Kebangsaan.

Ia berbunyi: YB Josephine adalah ancaman terhadap keharmonian. Lebih baik riwayatnya ditamatkan supaya masyarakat berbilang kaum boleh tinggal aman damai di negara bertuah ini. Saya berkorban untuk masa depan.

No Comment...yet

I will not comment anything in this blog about Tan Sri Zaki Azmi at the moment.

Whatever it is HE SHOULD NOT BE APPOINTED as the next Chief Justice due to his close association with the ruling UMNO. By convention, he should be appointed due to his very senior position in the judiciary i.e. as the President of the Court of Appeal (though his Lordship's appointment

Uncle Kit perceived that should he be appointed, it could cause another era of judicial crisis and scandal (because of his relationship with UMNO), as such a VERY not proper appointment as the Head Judge. This could haltthe process of judicial reform and misjudge PM Badawi's agenda for change (that is if he has one). He pointed out that prior to his appointment as PCA, Zaki was the Umno legal adviser, chairman of the Umno election committee and deputy chairman of the Umno disciplinary board of appeal.

Well I just hope (and pray) that the Prime Minister will be wise in doing the best for Malaysia and not UMNO.

Datuk Shahrukh Khan

Datuk Shahrukh Khan.

Yes and I am not joking. It is for real. Saw in the Star online written by the Star Malacca Chief, Martin Carvalho (below), as the Ali Rustam explaining himself why a Datukship should be given. And give he did.

I bet you, Shahrukh Khan may have forgotten Malacca though he film it once in 2007. Maybe I should also suggest and recommend to the Chief Minister to give a Datukship to Sir Sean Connery (so it will be Datuk Sir Sean) and Miss Catherine Zeta Jones as well as they too promote Malacca River (hehe) and guess what the river is now becoming the 'Venice of the Esat.'

Oh yes I have forgotten, yeras and years ago, Davide Copperfield came too. Maybe we can suggest a datukship as well. So for everty celebrity coming to Malacca, a datukship is recommended. Again a joke.

So what have 'Datuk' Shahrukh Khan did for Malacca? Now Ali says that as a result of his filming, many people visited Malacca. Not that is a careless statement. One cannot take that movie shot alone as a barometer for the purposes of foreign tourist coming to Malacca. I think that statement lack genuinety and cross referencing.

The scantity of Datukship in Malacca especially is now question with such conduct by the Malacca CM who is eyeing for a seat in the Deputy President of UMNO. I cannot see how, this candidate's judgment in policy making for Malaysia.

What a chaos...

Chief Minister explains Shah Rukh Khan's Datukship
By Martin Carvalho

MALACCA: The Malacca Governor’s 70th birthday title award ceremony here was abuzz with excitement with many expecting to see popular Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan receive his Datukship on Saturday.

However, the international star and heartthrob was not to be seen at the Dewan Seri Hall in Ayer Keroh. Efforts are still being made to get him to come to Malaysia to collect his award.

The Datukship award has been questioned by various parties, including politicians and diehard fans.

Some say the actor did not deserve the award as “he hardly knows where Malacca is” while others say he “promoted Malacca in his songs and movies.”

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the decision to confer the title on the actor was based on a suggestion by former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin to Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob recently as a means to further promote Malacca owing to the fact that the actor had shot a movie scene here several years ago.

He said the movie One 2 ka 4 was shot at the A Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah in 2001.

“This resulted in many people visiting Malacca since then. The award is given in recognition of this,” he said after the awards presentation ceremony on Saturday.

Mohd Ali said awarding international artistes was also a good way to promote the state and country as a location for movies.

“Phuket Island is famous as an international tourist destination because of a James Bond movie,” he said, adding that Shah Rukh Khan’s movies have penetrated the European, US and Middle Eastern markets.

He said Daim is making arrangements to bring the actor here to receive the award in a special ceremony.

Where is our Malaysian University?

Below is the latest Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings top 200 published today in The Times of London and guess what, Malaysia universities are not even listed. What an embarrassment. What happen to our USM, the so called Apex University formerly ranked 111st in year 2005. What about University Malaya, who were at 89th place in 2004 and then 169th in 2005 and 192nd in 2006...

In other countries every university will strive for excellence but not for Malaysian Universities. We never believe in the Times Higher Education survey.

This is what I call the denial syndrome of Malaysia Boleh...

The list are:-
1 HARVARD University United States
2 YALE University United States
3 University of CAMBRIDGE United Kingdom
4 University of OXFORD United Kingdom
5 CALIFORNIA Institute of Technology (Calt... United States
6 IMPERIAL College London United Kingdom
7 UCL (University College London) United Kingdom
8 University of CHICAGO United States
9 MASSACHUSETTS Institute of Technology (M... United States
10 COLUMBIA University United States
11 University of PENNSYLVANIA United States
12 PRINCETON University United States
13 DUKE University United States
13 JOHNS HOPKINS University United States
15 CORNELL University United States
16 AUSTRALIAN National University Australia
17 STANFORD University United States
18 University of MICHIGAN United States
19 University of TOKYO Japan
20 MCGILL University Canada
21 CARNEGIE MELLON University United States
22 KING'S College London United Kingdom
23 University of EDINBURGH United Kingdom
24 ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of T... Switzerland
25 KYOTO University Japan
26 University of HONG KONG Hong Kong
27 BROWN University United States
28 École Normale Supérieure, PARIS France
29 University of MANCHESTER United Kingdom
30 National University of SINGAPORE (NUS) Singapore
30 University of CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles (U... United States
32 University of BRISTOL United Kingdom
33 NORTHWESTERN University United States
34 ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE France
34 University of BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada
36 University of California, BERKELEY United States
37 The University of SYDNEY Australia
38 The University of MELBOURNE Australia
39 HONG KONG University of Science & Techno... Hong Kong
40 NEW YORK University (NYU) United States
41 University of TORONTO Canada
42 The CHINESE University of Hong Kong Hong Kong
43 University of QUEENSLAND Australia
44 OSAKA University Japan
45 University of NEW SOUTH WALES Australia
46 BOSTON University United States
47 MONASH University Australia
48 University of COPENHAGEN Denmark
49 TRINITY College Dublin Ireland
50 Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de LAUSANNE... Switzerland
50 PEKING University China
50 SEOUL National University Korea, South
53 University of AMSTERDAM Netherlands
54 DARTMOUTH College United States
55 University of WISCONSIN-Madison United States
56 TSINGHUA University China
57 HEIDELBERG Universität Germany
58 University of CALIFORNIA, San Diego United States
59 University of WASHINGTON United States
60 WASHINGTON University in St. Louis United States
61 TOKYO Institute of Technology Japan
62 EMORY University United States
63 UPPSALA University Sweden
64 LEIDEN University Netherlands
65 The University of AUCKLAND New Zealand
66 LONDON School of Economics and Political... United Kingdom
67 UTRECHT University Netherlands
68 University of GENEVA Switzerland
69 University of WARWICK United Kingdom
70 University of TEXAS at Austin United States
71 University of ILLINOIS United States
72 Katholieke Universiteit LEUVEN Belgium
73 University of GLASGOW United Kingdom
74 University of ALBERTA Canada
75 University of BIRMINGHAM United Kingdom
76 University of SHEFFIELD United Kingdom
77 NANYANG Technological University Singapore
78 DELFT University of Technology Netherlands
78 RICE University United States
78 Technische Universität MÜNCHEN Germany
81 University of AARHUS Denmark
81 University of YORK United Kingdom
83 GEORGIA Institute of Technology United States
83 The University of WESTERN AUSTRALIA Australia
83 University of ST ANDREWS United Kingdom
86 University of NOTTINGHAM United Kingdom
87 University of MINNESOTA United States
88 LUND University Sweden
89 University of CALIFORNIA, Davis United States
90 CASE WESTERN RESERVE University United States
91 Université de Montréal Canada
91 University of HELSINKI Finland
93 Hebrew University of JERUSALEM Israel
93 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Germany
95 KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Scie... Korea, South
96 University of VIRGINIA United States
97 University of PITTSBURGH United States
98 University of CALIFORNIA, Santa Barbara United States
99 PURDUE University United States
99 University of SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom
101 VANDERBILT University United States
102 University of NORTH CAROLINA United States
102 University of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA United States
104 University of LEEDS United Kingdom
105 PENNSYLVANIA STATE University United States
106 University of ADELAIDE Australia
106 University of ZURICH Switzerland
108 University College DUBLIN Ireland
109 TECHNION - Israel Institute of Technolog... Israel
110 GEORGETOWN University United States
111 MAASTRICHT University Netherlands
112 TOHOKU University Japan
113 FUDAN University China
114 TEL AVIV University Israel
115 University of VIENNA Austria
116 Université catholique de LOUVAIN (UCL) Belgium
117 MCMASTER University Canada
117 QUEEN'S University Canada
119 University of ROCHESTER United States
120 NAGOYA University Japan
121 OHIO STATE University United States
122 DURHAM University United Kingdom
122 University of MARYLAND United States
124 National TAIWAN University Taiwan
124 University of OTAGO New Zealand
126 ERASMUS University Rotterdam Netherlands
127 STONY BROOK University United States
128 EINDHOVEN University of Technology Netherlands
129 University of WATERLOO Canada
130 University of SUSSEX United Kingdom
131 University of BASEL Switzerland
132 University of CALIFORNIA, Irvine United States
133 CARDIFF University United Kingdom
133 Technical University of DENMARK Denmark
133 University of LIVERPOOL United Kingdom
136 University of GHENT Belgium
137 Freie Universität BERLIN Germany
137 TEXAS A&M University United States
139 HUMBOLDT-Universität zu Berlin Germany
140 Ecole normale supérieure de LYON France
141 University of Science and Technology of ... China
142 WAGENINGEN University Netherlands
143 NANJING University China
144 SHANGHAI JIAO TONG University China
144 University of GRONINGEN Netherlands
146 University of ARIZONA United States
147 CITY University of Hong Kong Hong Kong
147 Universität FREIBURG Germany
149 Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie PARIS V... France
150 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ... Mexico
151 RUTGERS, The State University of New Jer... United States
152 University of BATH United Kingdom
153 University of ABERDEEN United Kingdom
154 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (II... India
155 Eberhard Karls Universität TÜBINGEN Germany
155 VU University AMSTERDAM Netherlands
157 TUFTS University United States
158 KYUSHU University Japan
159 The University of WESTERN ONTARIO Canada
160 QUEEN MARY, University of London United Kingdom
161 University of LAUSANNE Switzerland
162 CHALMERS University of Technology Sweden
162 NEWCASTLE University, NEWCASTLE Upon Tyn... United Kingdom
164 SIMON FRASER University Canada
165 University of FLORIDA United States
166 CHULALONGKORN University Thailand
166 Universität GÖTTINGEN Germany
168 University of NOTRE DAME United States
169 Universität FRANKFURT am Main Germany
170 INDIANA University Bloomington United States
170 University of CALGARY Canada
170 University of LANCASTER United Kingdom
173 KTH, ROYAL Institute of Technology Sweden
174 HOKKAIDO University Japan
174 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (I... India
174 RENSSELAER Polytechnic Institute United States
177 University of LEICESTER United Kingdom
177 University of OSLO Norway
179 University of CAPE TOWN South Africa
180 University of COLORADO at Boulder United States
180 WASEDA University Japan
182 MACQUARIE University Australia
183 Lomonosov MOSCOW STATE University Russia
183 Université Libre de BRUXELLES (ULB) Belgium
185 BRANDEIS University United States
186 University of BARCELONA Spain
186 University of CANTERBURY New Zealand
188 POHANG University of Science and Technol... Korea, South
188 Technische Universität BERLIN Germany
190 Universität STUTTGART Germany
191 University of MASSACHUSETTS, Amherst United States
192 University of BERN Switzerland
192 University of BOLOGNA Italy
194 University of READING United Kingdom
195 University of ANTWERP Belgium
196 University of SAO PAULO Brazil
197 DALHOUSIE University Canada
197 University of BUENOS AIRES Argentina
199 KOBE University Japan
200 University of ATHENS Greece

Mat Taib going for No. 2

And I thought he 'tak boleh cakap' English. Probably like all of us, loves Manglish more. But then again for a public political position like the Deputy President of UMNO, I believe a much higher stardard requires to be DP material. That person should not only understand Malay politics, but economy, domestic issues, race relation, defence, health care, sound foreign affair policy, environment, and the likes of other host of issues. Not any Ali, Ah Beng and Anniapan can be in that position. So as to Mat Taib, I don't see him capable of holding such position. Affront to common sense...

Same goes with the great Malacca Chief Minister, I still demand to know what happen to the RM1.10 billion debt small Malacca owe the Federal Government.

Of course people reading this may say don't masuk campur UMNO politics, but plesae bear in mind that that position will automatically by tradition assume the position of the Deputy Prime Minister. And should anything happen to the Prime Minister, that man/woman will assume that position of Prime Minister of Malaysia.

-------- the Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib has announced he will contest the party No. 2 post.

He said this Thursday, a day after Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced he would not be contesting in the March party elections.

Abdullah, who is also Barisan chairman, said he “hoped” to hand over the premiership to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after the Umno elections in March.

The others vying for the deputy post are Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Tan Sri Mohamad, vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Treasury Secretary in Warren Buffet

Though I am not American, I watch the second Presidential Debate twice. I must say am impressed with both Senators Obama and McCain. However I think Obama flares batter in terms of the economy issues such as the recent bailout rather than McCain. Nevertheless what impressed me most is when both seemingly agree that Warren Buffet is a good choice as Treasury Secretary. Here would mean the Finance Minister.

In the United States, the Treasury Secretary will be the fifth in line, the Prseident of the United States.

So who is Warren Buffet? We have been told that he is an investor, businessman and philantropist and is one of the world's most successful investors, and the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (a huge holding company that has diverse businesses.

He is ranked by Forbes as the second richest American with an estimated net worth of $50 billion as of September 17, 2008. He is noted for his adherence to the value investing philosophy and despite his immense wealth, he is careful and restraine in terms of how he uses his funds.

Interestingly, his 2006 annual salary was about $100,000, which is small compared to senior executive. Meaning though he may be so rich, he is never an overspender.

In 2007, he was also listed among Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World. This shows of people trusting him with their money as such in agreement would be a fine Treasury Secretary.

source : Wikipedia

Undue Influence

I totally agree with the Chief Minister of Penang. It shows openly that the Prime Minister is pushed around against his will. Nevertheless now that the PM has less than 6 months, he should continue with his 2004 pledge. Malaysians have not forgotten it. Malaysians gave him a huge majority the last time.

------- from the Malaysian Insider

PENANG, Oct 8 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was forced to retire against his will at a time not of his choosing.

He said the abrupt and undignified nature of Abdullah's departure was a sad reflection of his weakened political position that lost him the respect of his party.

“Unlike his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Abdullah was forced to retire against his will at a time not of his choosing,” he said in his statement released here by his office.

Ironically, he said, the public respected Abdullah more than his party, Umno, because he was seen as a “well-intentioned man who is probably one of the few clean leaders left in Umno”.

“Abdullah should leave a legacy of fighting corruption by having open tender and taking action against the leaders in Barisan Nasional and Umno who abuse the power,” he added.

Lim was commenting on the Prime Minister's decision not to defend his Umno presidency in the coming party election.

After chairing the BN supreme council today, Abdullah announced that he would not defend his post as Umno president and would step down as prime minister in March next year. – Bernama

Reviving Pulau Melaka?

After donkey years and after many borrowers were made bankrupt or threaten with legal action due to the failure of paying their loans, the state now plans to obtain a court order to seize the Pulau Melaka project.

However my only concern is, is the state able to revive this stalled multi-million ringgit reclamation project with a huge debt of RM1.10 billion. Is this project budgeted for by the state government.

For me, this will get messier but I'm crossing my fingers.

----- The Star

MALACCA: The state plans to obtain a court order to seize the Pulau Melaka project from the com­pany that was appointed to revive the stalled multi-million ringgit reclamation project.

State housing, rural development and project revival committee chairman Datuk Ghafar Atan said legal proceedings had been initiated against the company as it had failed to settle the land premium despite being given ample time to do so.

Speaking to reporters after a key presentation ceremony to homeowners at Taman Saujana Bukit Katil here recently, Ghafar assured buyers of the Pulau Mela­ka project that their interests would be safeguarded.

The RM1.4bil project, launched in 1996, involved mixed development on two man-made islands off the Bandar Hilir coast.

Although recording over RM190mil in sales, only one 45ha island was reclaimed and partially developed before the project stalled.

Earlier this year, the project was revived by court-appointed receivers with Phase I, Phase II and Phase III targeted for completion within 18 months.

Ghafar confirmed that 521 out of 612 four-storey shoplots had been sold under Phase I while 589 of 762 similar units and 85 apartments were sold under Phase II.

Phase I and Phase II were 90% and 85% completed respectively while the apartments under Phase III were completed, he said, adding that the apartments could not be occupied as the developers have yet to complete the plumbing and sewerage works.

Unity Government..... an exploration?

I read the Star (below) and found an interesting idea worth thinking by everybody. A Unity Government. A thought by Ku Li in forming a Unity Government consisting of all key players, and yes, including members from Pakatan Rakyat.

A good exploration. Though it has been done once before in 1974, and after 30 years in 2008, we are hearing again this time from Ku Li. Nevertheless there will be more complication this round as UMNO may not want to just put a white flag to a Unity Government. To those that may not understand the term, it is basically a coalition governments consisting of all major parties in the legislature.

So what Ku Li has in mind is something very interesting and entertaining. For me it is just a tickling of the thoughts. Pak Lah and his ging-gang will always want to maintain power. I don't think the other minor party especially within BN component parties will be willing to let go power. MCA (15 MPs) and MIC (3 MPs) may not agree to see DAP and PKR (a party that represent the majority of non Malays) to take over their respective places representing the two races. Forget about Gerakan, PPP and the other minor party. The big gainners are probably PBB (14 MPs) (Sarawak) and maybe UPKO for having 4 MPs (Sabah).

Well I must agree for once with Inde­pendent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali that should this Unity Government be accepted, then, first and foremost, integrity and secondly the aim to foster 'perpaduan'. The Unity Government must strive for integrity and unifying all Malaysians disregarding political and ideological differences. It's either Pak Lah or DSAI.

------- (the Star)

KOTA BARU: Veteran Umno politician Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has discussed with PAS, DAP and PKR leaders the possibility of forming a national unity Federal Government as a way out of the current political and economic stalemate.

As a precedent, he cited former premier Tun Abdul Razak Hussein’s Barisan Nasional model that came from the original Alliance coalition of Umno, MCA and MIC.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had sought appointments with the former Finance Minister.

According to Tengku Razaleigh, the three requested for the meeting to discuss a perceived national crisis reflected by low confidence in the existing political and economic situation.

Tengku Razaleigh said he had explored with them the possibility of formulating a minimum basis for a national front, a Government formed out of a sincere need for national unity.

He said a national unity government could be formed together with the Barisan as a coming together of all key players to cope with the new political developments in the country, brought on by higher expectations of the electorate and to cope with challenges in a globalised economy.

Tengku Razaleigh, who has drawn up plans to overcome the present economical and political stalemate, said he would discuss these with Umno members and the people over the coming weeks.

He said he was steadfast to his commitment in offering himself as a candidate for the Umno president’s post following the worst ever performance by Barisan in the March 8 general election.

The results saw Barisan lose its two-thirds majority in Parliament and four states, as well as fail to wrest back Kelantan.

Among the states lost, Penang and Selangor, are major contributors to the nation’s gross domestic product.

In a related development, Inde­pendent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali supports the idea of the proposal but had serious doubts as to whether it could be implemented today in comparison to 1974.

He said there would have to be huge compromises and he wondered whether the likes of Anwar, Lim, Abdul Hadi, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib, Sabah and Sarawak leaders would be able to accept that.

He added that the basis of a unity government must be integrity.

Is This Necessary

What happen to my friends in Pakatan Rakyat? Can the Pakatan States just follow Penang to spend wisely and improve on technology like the embarking on wireless technology across the state. Doing a cut-out, I must say is (i) NOT NECESSARY (ii) A WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS EVENTHOUGH IT IS ONLY RM5,000.00.

I remember a couple of months ago when Tan Sri Khalid also had such big boards to thank the rakyat for electing Pakatan as state government. In my opinion IT IS JUST LIKE BARISAN.

Pakatan Rakyat should not allow them selves to be open with unnecessary attacks especially in times like this. They must be wise.

Meeting the Opposition Leader

NOPE he did not tell me who are the BN MPs that are crossing over.

I bumped into the Opposition Leader, oops I mean 'Prime Minister' while holidaying in Bukit Tinggi with my family during the Hari Raya holidays.

A very approachable Anwar Ibrahim. I introduced myself and shook his hand. And got this photograph taken by my wife. He was there with his daughters. Did not see, Datin Seri....

Malacca CM running for Deputy President

Breaking News. The Malacca Chief Minister, Muhd Ali Rustam announced that he will be running for Deputy President of UMNO making him the second UMNO leader after Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Of course it is of common knowledge that Muhyiddin Yassin being also a senior UMNO Vice President will be contesting the going-to-be-vacant-seat, Deputy President, though he has yet to publicly announce his intention. Anyway in short I call them the Deputy Prime Minister wannabe as whosoever wins the Deputy position will be the number 2 man of the cabinet. Meaning if the Malacca CM be elected, then there is a possibility that he either resign from his Chief Ministership in Malacca and be appointed as a senator, in order to be Deputy Prime Minister.

Now turning to the Malacca CM, I can rest assure you that he is no where near Najib or even Zahid in terms of intellect and manner of speaking. Many policies he decide in Malacca are nothing but a waste of public funds. Hearing him speaks in forums and seminars shows no-intellect. I bet you he may not even understand simple economics.

I have heard him spoke in ceramahs as well as public meeting and I must say he is not a minister-like (anyway, all of ministers are never minister like) what more a Deputy Prime Minister.

I am impressed with the scrutiny of the American public over the Presidential candidates for the coming Presidential election in November. Now in scrutinising our Deputy Prime Minister candidates, I think the Malaysian public has the right to demand that these candidates are of calibre, transparent and of integrity. Maybe I want to ask Ali what happen to our state debt, that now stands at RM1.10 billion as at 2007 (www.audit.gov.my) and the many nominees of his benefiting all the projects in Malacca.

So what has he now got to say