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.

Change Our Lifestyle?

I find it difficult to agree with the suggestion by the PM to change our lifestyle to combat inflation. I must say that he is not totally correct in his statement. To curb inflation is to curb rampant corruption in Malaysia. As former PM, Tun Dr M did once said that Malaysia's corruption is already rooted in our system that means that our system is not only tainted with corruption but has become part of society.

As such our government and government agencies together with all walks of life must together eradicate corruption in our minds and thought. The government must show every effort to combat corruption. If corruption and maladministration is not controlled, then I dare said we will face inflation in a bigger scale that will affect all walks of live. The change must be within the government themselves.

So if the PM is talking about changing our lifestyle, I think he must first change the lifestyle of the government and it's agencies.

----- taken from The Star

TOKYO: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Malaysians to change their lifestyle to reduce the impact of rising inflation.

The Prime Minister said he would encourage Malaysians to save more and reduce wastage to ease their burden.

“Some people may not think it is important but a change of lifestyle a little bit in times of difficulty is important,” he said in an interview with the Japanese media after attending the Nikkei International Conference here yesterday.

Abdullah was responding to a question on the possible need for a strong ringgit to offset inflationary pressures.

He admitted that Malaysia was facing a lot of difficulties but the Government was implementing aggressive measures.

“We are developing measures to respond to the inflation we are now experiencing. We have to increase productivity and be more competitive.

“We are also seeking cooperation with other countries in strategic areas like food and agriculture,” he added.

Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, refuted a report by the US Treasury that the ringgit was undervalued.

“Our ringgit has established its true value. We do not intervene to make the ringgit go up or down, it has established a value which we believe to be realistic,” he said.

“There has been no serious fluctuations or volatility,” he added.

The Treasury report issued before last Friday’s market opened said “a persistently large current account surplus coupled with still-low domestic investment” was evidence that the ringgit was undervalued.

Abdullah also said that everyone, including economists, were free to express their opinions about currencies, including the ringgit.

Later, briefing Malaysian journalists accompanying him for his working visit to Japan, the Prime Minister said that during his meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yasuo Fukuda he spoke on food security and cooperation in agriculture in view of increasing food prices.

“We need to go high-tech where food production is concerned.

“I also said that it would be good if Japan can be involved in the halal food industry, apart from investment in plantation, aquaculture and manufacturing,” he said.

Fukuda, he said, responded positively by encouraging the private sector to participate.

Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional as Federal Government

I am so fed up to answer the same old song everytime when people will come up to me and ask the damn same question (sometimes the same old people) whether DAP-PKR-PAS can govern the country or the state. Or whether can the Pakatan Government able to lead this country or the state. I am even more shock to hear some even went as far as showing sense of regret for voting Pakatan Rakyat just because they wanted to deny the 2/3 in Parliament. Anyway, my same old answer is "GIVE THEM A CHANCE". Vote them out if they don't progress in the next five years.

Be that as it may, in the past 50 years did the Dacing ever score big in good governance and administration? Well the only thing I know is that there are more harm than good and yet we are still surviving. Meaning, kita boleh tahanlah. Tahan serangan kerajaan Barisan Nasional. I must say that we are more slaves than master of our land. Worst thing is that we were taught to be afraid of the government by our teachers who are members of the government kakitangan. That made us slaves. Born to be slaves.

Now what are the problems our dear government did for the past 50 years? Senangje. I think every Tom Dick and Harry boleh answer. Maybe I should just list down some of it and maybe, just maybe let us pause for awhile to see whether Pakatan Rakyat should just take over and improve it.

(1) Independence of the judiciary. That was breached, clearly seen in 1988 involving the sacking of Tun Salleh and his brother judges. I remember this clearly as it is part of the syllabus all law student seluruh dunia blajar..

(2) Our Federal Constitution - RAPED. Yes by our BN MPs supposed to defend the constitution but voted in amending more than 45 times and more than 650 minor amendments that makes a mockery of the most sacred piece of document. The last amendment was of course the extending of one year the SPR Chairman age of retirement.

(3) Little Napoleon - Bad enforcement officers whether it's Majilis Bandaraya/Local Councils or religious department. A little power sudah jadi raja. That makes a mockery of our Minister who themselves don't know what happen under their nose.

(4) Rampant Corruption - I am still waiting. What happen to our 18 high profile case that dear Rais Yatim once told us? I think this area, banyak orang pun tau dah, tak payah lah nak cakap seperti Istana Zakaria, open corruption in Malacca State government, money politics in UMNO and even in elections etc

(5) Police brutality and abuse of powers - that one just happened in Malacca against DAP YBs. Tak payah lagi nak cakap.

(6) NEP that is laced with corruption, nepotism and cronyism - semua dia punya orang. Projek pun dia jugak.

(7) Racial politics and even now (sehingga kini) the use of May 13 threat. What da stupidest thing to say. Sometimes I don't understand this idiot leaders who are leaders of yesteryears.

(8) Barang Naik - as usual barang naik. Petrol naik, raw material naik...semua jenis naik tapi gaji masih sama.

(9) Nasi tak cukup - I seriously want to know what is our stock pile NOW? I am afraid it could only last us for a few months.

(10) One sided news especially from RTM and TV3. Semua ampu kerajaan kow kow. Nothing but praises to the federal government.

(11) UMNO Youth - still believing in racial politics and acting like a gangster type menaces. I think they forgotten about Kerismuddin. No wonder Tun Dr. Mahatir did once said "Melayu cepat lupa"

(12) Freedom of religion at stake? What happen to the many Hindu temples that was demolished.

(13) Freedom to assemble though guaranteed by our Constitution- a mockery now. The Police Act and some other laws are there to curb and charged illegal assembly. Funny Malaysia?

(14) Draconian and outdated laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA), Printing Presses Act, Official Secret Act, Sedition Act, University College Act dan ada lagi....

(15) Hmmmm we are still living in the time of Emergency as the Emergency Ordinance is still enforced - what a crap

(16) Flooding and bad drainage system in almost all parts of Malaysia. Sikit-sikit hujan, sudah banjir sampai ke lutut.

(17) Failed NS project that spend berbillion ringgit resulted to many death in camps nationwide.

(18) Mega projects everywhere and yet poverty is seen almost everywhere.

(19) Highway toll hikes - sudah jadi kebiasaan. In Hokkien they call it Bo Pian....

(20) Crime rate steadily went up and up. Hmmm police prefer to make arrest on Opposition leaders rather than hard core criminals.

(21) Immigration problems especially in Sabah. Worst still they become citizen just like that...

(22) What about Oil Royalty to state producers....federal yang ambik. I wonder is this fair?

and the list goes on and on. Gua punya mata nak lelap, nak pergi tidur. But I think that is good enough evidence to welcome Pakatan Rakyat as the next federal government.

What say you?

The Only Letter Mahatir speaks sense....

I read this letter by Tun Mahatir in the Star, very interesting insights by the old man. Words like this can never be accepted by people in UMNO or BN. What all can agree is that Gerakan 'hilang' satu member yang berwibawa. He was tipped to be a CM in Penang should he and his party win in the general election. But of course that dream never materialised. Unfortunately to Kah Choon when he was appointed as Director to the two state government agencies, he was called 'inexperience' by the leadership in his party. At one point you are tipped to be a VVIP and on the other hand 'inexperience'.

But reading between the lines of the letter, I must say that BN in order to survive in the political arena of this country MUST change it's ways. UMNO and BN are too narrow minded. If PAS is able to adapt changes by inviting non Muslim to contest in the general election, UMNO and especially UMNO must change to be relevant.

So to UMNO and BN, please take heed to the call of the person whom you love before...

------- Mahatir's letter below

THE recent decision of a senior Gerakan leader to take a job under the DAP Government of Penang should not be taken lightly by the Barisan Nasional if it wishes to survive and regain support of its members and supporters.

The Gerakan leader may be motivated by a genuine desire to work for the good of Penang and Malaysia. But it may also be because loyalty to the Barisan is now based on personal gains or fear of punishment of some kind.

This is especially so among the leaders. There is no genuine love for the objectives said to be the raison d’etre for the party’s existence. They are all fighting to get a piece of the cake that the party would be able to distribute when it wins elections. They could become Ministers or Mentris Besar or Deputy Ministers or Speakers. They could get contracts or licences, APs etc.

When the party loses, these will not be forthcoming. The reason for supporting the party would disappear.

The rank and file on the other hand stands to gain nothing, win or lose. The party is not any longer for the general good of the country but only for lining the pockets of the leaders. So why should the ordinary members help the leaders to line their pockets?

The party can keep on making promises but the members know that these promises are empty.

Supposing the Opposition are smart enough to provide good Government, to look after the interests of the ordinary people, to lead a Spartan life like not flying in chartered planes when going to Kuala Lumpur or taking excos and divisional heads on jaunts to foreign countries, then those people who voted for the Opposition out of anger against the Barisan in 2008 would transfer their loyalty permanently to the Opposition.

When that happens, the Barisan, Umno and other component parties can forget about recapturing the states lost to the Opposition. Their turncoat members (saboteurs as they are classified by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) will remain turncoats and will actively work against the Barisan t the next election. To lose once is bad but to lose a second time in Malaysian election is an unmitigated disaster.

The window of opportunity will close pretty soon. Unless drastic actions are taken now, there would be no time to rehabilitate the Barisan and Umno and indeed all the other Barisan component parties for the next election. When this happens and Barisan is totally defeated, the leaders who mismanaged the Barisan will go down in history as betrayers of the parties that had so successfully defeated the Malayan Union, gained independence for the country and developed it to what it is today.

The leaders still have a choice. Continue supporting a person under whom the Barisan and its component parties were defeated or stop being self-serving and return to the true national struggle. You may gain something for yourself personally today but your children and grandchildren will pay a terrible price. The choice is yours.

DR MAHATHIR MOHAMAD.

"something new and groundbreaking"

Gua caya sama lu Guan Eng.... this is how baba like me speaks, in very broken Malay. Nicely put. Taken from the Star yesterday. His statement alone speaks of a real leader. Appointing clean and hard working people without considering political affiliation, race, religion and all. This is what the Chief Minister says below:

"Are we going to grow up and grow out of the outdated mindset? The time has come to look at the content of character rather than colour of skin or the gods you pray to or the respective political beliefs that you hold..."

He further commented that there should not be discrimination against someone based on political party he or she was from.

That is so true. BN leaders must grow up (jadi matanglah) and grow out (tepikan) outdated mindset and see a bigger picture. Again, I must say, it is for the people. For me I rather appoint people that can work rather than dead woods that would just warmth the seat for another five years or until they are toppled.

Policies by BN under the so called "Spirit of BN" is nothing but a policy of arrogance, full of stupidity and out dated. No wonder we are all still living as we just got our independence.

A good Appointment

I must applaud YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang for having foresight in the administration and management of Penang state.By appointing former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon as director of InvestPenang and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) shows maturity and dedication of the Penang State government in appointing capable people regardless of their political affiliation in running the various agencies of the state.

I must also applaud Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh who also sent a formal invitation to Sungai Acheh assemblyman Datuk Mahmud Zakaria (Barisan Nasional) on Friday to be part of his committee.

With the two great moves by the Penang State government, it is indeed good for check and balance on the administration of the state. This shows that the state government of Penang is serious in making Penang a better place to live. Free from corruption, cronyism and nepotism.

Shabas to the Penang State Government

------- taken from the Star

PENANG: The state government has appointed former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon as director of InvestPenang and Penang Development Corporation (PDC), two of the state’s economic development agencies.

Lee, a former Jelutong MP and parliamentary secretary of the Health Ministry, has also accepted the post of InvestPenang executive committee chairman.

Lee, a 48-year-old lawyer, said he would withdraw from active politics to dedicate his time to his new appointments.

“I have accepted Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s offer after serious thought, consultation and considerations. I think everyone understands it was a very difficult decision to make, especially if we follow partisan politics,” he said in a press conference at the Chief Minister’s office on Sunday.

“However, after evaluating all options and consequences, I concluded these new roles would not compromise my original purpose of serving Penang and its people," Lee said.

Although he remains a Gerakan member, Lee said politics is “history” to him.

Lee said his resignation as Gerakan deputy secretary-general last month was not influenced by offers from the state government, adding that he was only approached last week for the posts.

Meanwhile, Lim also announced that the state would retain the services of Datuk Ho Mooi Ching and former state Barisan secretary Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad Sulaiman as chairman and vice-chairman of the Penang Planning Appeal Board.

Their tenure lasts until 2010.

Another Idiot CRYING out

Another idiot talking. My guess UMNO. I must say, that under the leadership of DAP-PKR-PAS, the Malay race will never be isolated. Bangsa Melayu tidak akan dipinggirkan oleh kerajaan Baarisan Rakyat. If Penang state government led by DAP can look at the general population that everybody is treated equally, I have hope for Perak. SO I don't understand the objective of these NGOs. Buty looking at all the said NGOs, more usual than not are members of the idiot UMNO groups.

Perak Malay Teachers Association (BN led government servant groups)
Perak Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) (this is notable for being pro UMNO)
Perak Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) (I thought they supported PAS)
Perak Association of Muslim Students
Perak 4B Youth movement (this is a sure bet of UMNO members as the group Malacca are mostly by them led by their former boss Ali Gostan)
Perak Council of Former Barisan Elected Representatives (Mubarak) (the name suggest that they are BN representatives-chronic idiots),
Perak Malay Traders Association (am not too sure about this)
Perak Wanita NGO (too general NGO. I wonder whetherthey represent all wanita in Perak)

So these NGOs are crony base. Be OBJECTIVE lah kawan...

--------

NGOs 'concerned over fate' of Perak Malays

By HAH FOONG LIAN

IPOH: A group of some 20 Perak Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has voiced its concern over the fate of Malays under the new DAP-PKR-PAS government in the state.

The group, which held a special meeting at Tambun Heights here on Sunday, will submit a memorandum to the Sultan of Perak.

Among those who attended the meeting were leaders of the Perak Malay Teachers Association, Perak Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), Perak Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), Perak Association of Muslim Students, Perak 4B Youth movement, Perak Council of Former Barisan Elected Representatives (Mubarak), Perak Malay Traders Association and Perak Wanita NGO.

Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi, who chaired the meeting, said they could not accept the six-three-one formula to be used in the make-up of the state executive council.

Nonee Ashirin, one of the founder members of Perak Pertubuhan Profesional dan Pewaris Bangsa (Prowaris), said the formula did not reflect the composition of the state population where Malays are the majority.

The formula agreed upon by the new state government would see the DAP taking up six exco posts, PKR three and PAS one.

“There should be more Malays in the exco line-up,” Nonee Ashirin said, adding that the exco should instead have six Malays and four non-Malays, like the representation under the Barisan Nasional rule.

She said the NGOs also rejected the creation of two Deputy Mentri Besar posts because it was not provided for in the state Constitution.

“The two positions are there just to fulfil the DAP's political interest,” she claimed.

Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim, who represented Perak Wanita NGO, said the popular votes showed that more voters supported the Barisan instead of the Opposition.

She said the Barisan garnered some 333,000 votes compared to 282,000 that went to the opposition front.

Based on this, she said Barisan had a simple majority and should be allowed to form a minority government.

Kabinet Dapur Malaysia Style

I remember when I was about 14, I read (on my own...chehhhh macam budak besar) the Berita Harian in the school library of the words 'Jemaah Menteri'. I seriously do not know what the hell are those words. And only some time I was informed that those words amount to the Cabinet (Kabinet- in Malay) which comprises of His Majesty's Ministers that was appointed by the Prime Minister (who usually is, I don't know about Malaysia, Primus inter pares) who confidently command the majority in the Dewan Rakyat. The Ministers can be either from both houses of Parliament. Either voted in or through the back door i.e. being appointed as a Senate in the Dewan Negara.

So let me now give my piece on our recent cabinet Ministers.

Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - In order to obtain the confidence of the Rakyat, the pledges he pledged in 2004 MUST be fulfilled. Fortunately for him, he is the President of UMNO and the Chairman of BN as such becomes the Prime Minister. But he must not forget that the Rakyat has the power to topple him down and shame the BN as a whole. So many beautiful phrases declared by him such as "I am the PM for all" during his premiership but I must say all of his phrases are phrases to please the Rakyat. Walk the Talk lah....but all these were never materialise. Rakyat hari ini adalah sudah matang. The people voted not on racial or Party lines but the capability of the individual. So what can I say BUT buck up or "You're Fired"

Deputy Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - Altantuya's case must be a real nightmare for this chap. Though he has tried to explain in the Ijok by-election but unfortunately his explanation goes into deafening ears. A lot of explanation to do but how much he explained, the people will not listen. Once bitten twice shy. As a statesman, we owe a duty (a huge duty) to the Rakyat.

Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok - I have nothing to say about this man

Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz - Him again? Why lah? Tak ada orangkah? This is one arrogant man who never deserve in a place such as the Cabinet. As a fellow legally trained mind, I am aghast to his understanding of the working of the constitution and the law. Put it simply a baruah to the PM and that is why he is now sitting in the cabinet jaga Parliament.

Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - Hmmm as at today I'm still confuse whether he is aligned to Anwar or UMNO.

Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim - through a back door as a Senate but I welcome his appointment. I believe the PM put him in charge of law is basically to naik PM's water face. If BN had won the 2/3, this chap will be out from mainstream politics within UMNO and BN. So Mr. Zaid, please do your job well. Kalau tidak, you pun akan OUT jugak. Sekarang PM bagi chance...

Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz - another back door appointment. CEO and President (Ex) of Maybank will now be in charge of EPU. Well I'll be watching over you...

Deputy Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department
Datuk Johari Baharom - What happen lah. I am wandering whether is this a demotion? Former ISA deputy Minister now becomes Deputy Minister in PM's department... I don't really know this chap

Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim - back door again?

K. Devamany - This is some good news for the Indians but I think it is toooooo late. This guy better speaks out or he will be thrown out next time.

Datuk Hasan Malek - saya tak tau ini orang except that he used to be some Youth Chief somewhere

Finance
Minister - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - as stated supra

Second Finance Minister - Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop - Hmmmm I seriously doubt his capability eversince the BNF scandal which cause loss of RM30 billion (helloooo not million) ... and now he is the second man after PM, just a thought.

Deputies - Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Datuk Kong Cho Ha (I am not commenting on these chaps)

Defence
Minister - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - res ipsa loquitor

Deputy - Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop (not commenting)

Internal Security and Home Affairs
Minister - Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar - he better do his job well and not simply using the ISA to catch bloggers

Deputies - Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (no comments)

Housing and Local Government
Minister - Datuk Ong Ka Chuan- Big brader to MCA President. Heir apparent to MCA. Can't compare to the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Tan Siew Sin. This fellow is nothing but ..... Just because Perak lost it's government to the Opposition, this chap suddenly goes kuku by saying DAP is now working with PAS. Statement paling bodoh sekali. Those words are nothing by flaming racial sentiment amongst the Chinese. A police report must be lodge against this idiot. Orang sudah matangLAH.

Deputies - Datuk Robert Lau, Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin (no comments)

Works Minister
Minister - Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamad - haha taken over Samy Value place. So please buck up or you will be out.

Deputy - Datuk Yong Khoon Seng - Tolong Bos kalau tidak pun sama

Energy, Water and Communications
Minister - Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor - this idiot wants bloggers to be registered. What stupid statement ever said by a Minister...ooops they are all stupid, I forgot.

Deputy - Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum (no comment)

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
Minister - Datuk Mustapa Mohamed (no comment)
Deputy - Datin Paduka Rohani Abdul Karim (no comment)

International Trade and Industry
Minister - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - there are a lot to say of this chap. But then again, let us see what this guy is capable of. Pengganti Iron Lady Malaysia.
Deputies - Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan (no comments)

Foreign Affairs
Minister - Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim - I like him but unfortunately in recent days he became to be talking nonsense on the Perak thingy nevertheless I must remind him that I have read his book.

Deputy - Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar - no comment as he has rejected the offer to be Rais' deputy.

Education
Minister - Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein - the keris fella. Stop being racist and you'll be PM. But as far as I am concern, you don't have the respect of almost all Chinese.

Deputies - Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Razali Ismail (No comments)

Higher Education
Minister - Datuk Khaled Nordin - I have nothing to say about this chap. But please work hard for all race.

Deputies - Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Idris Harun (No comments except for Datuk Harun, I'll be watching him closely. I ain't happy with his speeches)

Transport
Minister - Datuk Ong Tee Keat - Thumb up. But unfortunately he joined a wrong party.
Deputy - Datuk Anifah Aman - Hmmmm he decline too this position.

Human Resources
Minister - Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam - lucky for him that all his kawan-kawan loss or he will end up becoming Deputy Minister.

Deputy - Datuk Noraini Ahmad (no comment except that she is a hot...hehe)

Women, Family and Community Development
Minister - Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen - hmmmm is this the one who wanted to go to Australia and now she is Community Development Minister.

Deputy - Noriah Kasnon (no comment)

National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage
Minister - Datuk Shafie Apdal (no comment)
Deputy - Datuk Teng Boon Soon (no comment)

Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister - Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili (no comment)
Deputy - Fadilah Yusof (no comment)

Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development
Minister - Datuk Noh Omar - Hmmmm this is another bias person. You can read about him in some of the blogs. Just do a google search and you know what I mean.

Deputy - Datuk Saiffuddin Abdullah (no comment)

Natural Resources and Environment
Minister - Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas (no comment)
Deputy - Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh (no comment)

Rural and Regional Development
Minister - Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib - Back door appointments and everybody in Selangor and Malaysia knows who is he and what he is capable of. I don't want to comment except for RM74,500,000, the case in Brisbane and the marriage and divorce of the Princess.

Deputy - Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Joseph Entulu Belaun (no comments)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Minister - Datuk Shahrir Samad - thumb up. Though a very late appointment (he should have being appointed in 2004 cabinet), I hope he can be the one that shine in this flip flop cabinet and at least make Malaysian proud. But my opinion is that he should be put in better and important portfolio.

Deputy - Jelaing Mersat (no comment)

Plantation Industries and Commodities
Minister - Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui (no comment)
Deputy - Senator A. Kohilan (no comment)

Youth and Sports
Minister - Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaacob (no comment)
Deputy - Wee Jeck Seng (no comment)

Health
Minister - Datuk Liow Tiong Lai - I have some good words for him and hopefully he can performed but please don't be a mouth piece to UMNO. stand firm and you get elected again.

Deputy - Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (no comment)

Information
Minister - Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek - sometimes I wonder this ministry should just merge with the Communication ministry. Just a waste of money. Anyway I hope he performed better than his 'erection' predecessor or he will be voted out the next time.

Deputy - Datuk Tan Lian Hoe - no comment but should he be made a full minister? So long liow

Tourism
Minister - Datuk Seri Azalina Othman - Wanita UMNO felt that she is not a WANITA. I am not surprise. Looks like she got to do a lot of proving. And to Rafidah please shut up and retire.

Deputy - Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib - anak Taib. You know what I mean.

Federal Territories - I just feel that this Ministry is a waste of public funds. Small country but many ministries.
Minister - Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique (no comment)

Deputy - Datuk M. Saravanan (no comment)

12 Proposal for Parliamentary Reform

By Lim Kit Siang

In 2004, I had made 12 proposals for parliamentary reform and modernization for Malaysia to have a "First World Parliament" not only in infrastructure, but mindset, culture, practices and performance.

These 12 proposals for First-World Parliament should be adopted as the parliamentary agenda of both the Barisan Nasional and the Opposition in the 12th Parliament when it convenes for its first meeting in May, viz:

1. live telecast of parliamentary proceedings;
2. daily two-hour question time;
3. Prime Minister's Question Time twice a week;
4. Opposition MP heading the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
5. some 30 specialist Parliamentary Select Committees with a Select Committee for every Ministry;
6. about ten general Parliamentary Select Committees to produce annual reports on progress, trends and recommendations on national integrity, IT, women's agenda, environment, mass media, corruption, etc;
7. allocation of certain days a week specifically to deal with Opposition business;
8. research and constituency staffing for MPs.
9. an Opposition Deputy Speaker
10. modernization and democratization of Standing Orders
11. code of ethics for all MPs.
12. Ministers' Parliamentary code of conduct

The political tsunami of March 8, 2008 general election is an unmistakable mandate and demand for far-reaching changes in Malaysia after 50 years of nation-building, including the creation of a vibrant, vigorous and truly representative First-World Parliament.

At the meeting of PKR, PAS and DAP leaders in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night, I had proposed that PKR President Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail be the Parliamentary Opposition Leader of the new Parliament until Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regains his full civil liberties and is re-elected to Parliament, and the proposal was agreed by the leaders of the three parties.

DAP MPs and I will give full support to Azizah and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz who is now fully responsible for parliamentary affairs, to turn the Malaysian Parliament into a First-World Parliament ¡V as it is better to be late than never.

Caretaker Government? People's Power versus Regime ala Abdullah

I will be watching closely the interesting action undertaken by Kit to commence legal proceedings against the government and the election commission in filing an Originating Summons for a declaration that when Parliament is dissolved, the concept of a caretaker government between dissolution of Parliament and the election of a new legislature and the formation of a new government must be honoured and upheld in Malaysia. Unheard of in Malaysian 50th years history but nevertheless DAP is seen to be history makers for the good of this country.

This would be an interesting court battle between the people's power (Makkal Sakti) versus the regime of ala Abdullah. Unnecessary and abuse spending during general elections is a norm by the powers that be. It has been seen that millions of Ringgit has poured in every election and by-election. By-Elections such as Macap in Malacca and Ijok in Selangor are all examples of unfair practices by the BN government using public funds in funding their election machineries. I call it rape of public fund. Meaning MY money. As such there MUST be check and balance for a fair and clean election. The people must arise and say enough is enough. And as such Kit's Originating Summons is timely.

Under the caretaker government definition provided for by Wikipedia in the case for Malaysia would be when "Parliament (The august House) to which the government is responsible is dissolved, to rule the country for an interim period until an election is held and a new government is formed". That would mean upon Parliament's dissolution, there must be an interim caretaker government responsible in the administration of the country affairs until a new elected government is formed.

So it is common for such caretaker government to be in place so that the former government will not abuse government positions, machinery, resources and funds for any electioneering purpose for a political party or candidate as stated by Kit is his blog. Abdullah Badawi is NOT the Prime Minister (in the strict sense) the moment Parliament is dissolved. He is a mere President of UMNO and the Chairman of Barisan Nasional, a political party participating in the election. As such is not allowed to use public funds that is for the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The election laws further declares that all monies spend in the election must be within limits for example RM200,000.00 for each Parliament constituency and RM100,000.00 for each state seats contest. Any amount above that would be contradicting the election laws.

Kit further says that a candidate who benefits unfairly from any “unhealthy” and dishonest practices, as campaigning assistance by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or Cabinet Minister through the abuse of their government positions or misuse of public funds and resources, should be subject to disqualification. Cabinet Ministers who abused their “caretaker” roles should also be penalized as that would lead to abuse and corrupt pratices under our laws.

Kit further stated that at the least the Prime Minister, should have done is to issue a clear directive to all the Ministers that they should set an example of ethics and integrity once Parliament is dissolved, and should not abuse their “caretaker” responsibilities to misuse government positions, resources, manpower and funds for Barisan Nasional electioneering purposes.

Ikut Suka Abdullah (Badawi)

YES, the draconian ISA is now used to curb what the government see as a threat to national security. The way I see it, is none other than the threat to the government and not it's people or the country. The PM should be ashamed. Let us rally each other and say NO TO BN in the coming general election.

---

Five Hindraf leaders detained under ISA (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Police said they have detained all five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) under Section 8 (1) of the Internal Security Act.

The five are P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kenghadharan, V. Ganabatirau and T. Vasanthakumar. They were picked up at various locations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban.

They will be detained for two years, Inspector-General Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said in a statement.

On Wedensday Uthayakumar was released on police bail after having been arrested on Tuesday for a second sedition charge.

He was among three Hindraf leaders who were charged at the Klang Sessions Court on Nov 23 for allegedly making speeches to incite hatred at a gathering in Batang Berjuntai, Selangor, on Nov 16.

Intimidation by Police and Government

The recent arrests of members of the NGOs and Opposition leaders are uncalled for and unreasonable act of the police and government. It is definitely an intimidating act by the powers that be. It is indeed an act of desperation by the government and the police. I don't understand what wrong did they commit?

Is it wrong to give memorandums? Is it so wrong to show our dissatisfaction against the government? Can Malaysians in general raise their voice against the government? Why can we? Isn't it not that Malaysia is a democratic country that subscribed to the spirit of democracy? Too many questions and unfortunately are not answered by the government

Again on Ali Gostan

Sometimes I don't understand the mentality of UMNO senior vice president, Ali Gostan. Revoking a citizenship of a person is not an answer. So as a call for the use of the infamous ISA (detention without trial) for the lawyers that marched on Sunday morning, and worst still for Edmund Bon who merely explaining to DBKL officers who could never understand an explanation.

The lawyers and Bon, did not any time breached any laws that warrant an expulsion/revocation of their citizenship or a detention without trial under the ISA. They are not and never a threat to national security. It was a walk of peace and an explanation. As such this is something I don't understand the arbitrary powers of the authorities. There were no force used by the lawyers and Bon. What they did was to celebrate human rights in conjunction with the International Human Rights Day on Monday.

As such, Ali Gostan statement in Bernama is deplorable, unacceptable and SHOCKING showing a lack of understanding on the constitution, laws, accountability, integrity and transparency, responsible government and simply...MALAYSIAN

Who says that the DAP cannot run the garmen...

The BN government had always ridiculed and criticised the Opposition for not having the experience to run the country. Well it may be true as the Opposition in the last 50 years were never given the chance to run the government be that in the state or federal except for PAS in Kelantan and Terengganu. The DAP went quite close in 1986 and 1990 in Penang. However I'm a bit to sceptical about our current electoral mechanism as the Opposition do have quite a strong popular vote compared to the BN component parties. Hopefully the Opposition this time led by the DAP will be a force to be reckoned with in this coming election.

Anyway, I'm glad to have looked at the first DAP budget presented two days to the public before BN's budget presented in Parliament. It came with a 52 pages (you can download here), well researched and informative budget written by Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to the Secretary General.

The goal and objective of the budget is set out in page 15, which emphasizes on the need:
1. To Build New Capacities & Capabilities for the Future;
2. To Strengthen our Social Security System;
3. To Improve Productivity & Competitiveness of Existing Delivery System

This are all important to meet the trend of globalisation so that we will be ready to accept the challenge face by all Malaysian. We cannot be totally reliance on the NEP which we all know creates wealth ONLY to a certain group of people. There must be a call for change of a new agenda for all Malaysians.

I must applaud the DAP Budget for allocating research and development for public universities so as to build a first and world class institution of higher learning. The present government unfortunately fail to see the importance in creating a competitive environment. I don't understand why is there a need to build more university comparing with the strengthening the quality our existing universities by expanding the intake of the current university concern.

Another interesting point made for catching up with globalisation, the budget also focus on the need for liberalisation of the financial services progressively but decisively, so that this sector would be vibrant and dynamic global financial hub in East Asia so as to compete the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong.

In strengthening investor's confidence, the budget also spelt the need for an independent judiciary. As such there is a clear call for reforms in the judicial system to ensure that foreign investors will have the necessary confidence in not just justice meted out but also the speed and efficiency at which disputes can be resolved. There are thousands of cases in backlog, and often it takes more than five years before commercial disputes are even brought to court for trial at the High Courts.

The budget reinforce that the Government do more to attract more experience legal practitioners as well as legal-mind industry players into the judicial profession to resolve the twin problems facing the Courts, a shortage of judges as well as a lack of professionals to manage
the mounting backlog of cases. Having said that salary and remuneration for judicial officers are to be reviewed to match their peers in the private sector. In addition, experienced professionals which are recruited into judicial service shall be remuneration at the same or near their last drawn wages.

The budget also justified that whilst this may involve substantial cost for the Government, its returns via a more professional, enlightened and efficient legal system will be immeasurable from both an economic and social perspective. This in short will enhance credibility and confidence to the system thus would invite more foreign investment into the country.

There are many and I hope I am able to compile and give a little opinion on DAP new budget... who says we can't run the government......

I'm so SAD and ANGRY

I have been observing from afar the case relating to Baby Yok Shan for more than two weeks. She was first reported in the press regarding a medical condition where her arm had turned gangrene due to infection in the incubator. I have been praying for her that she will recover and had heard news that she recovered and her medical condition was improved. I was happy.

Until this morning when I read in the Star today that her arms had been amputated just below her elbow on Saturday morning, This makes me cry. Sorry for being emotional but the fact that she has lost her arm due to the negligence of the medical staff in the hospital makes me sick of our current medical attention. For me, if I am the father I might just sue everybody, the hospital, health ministry (Government of Malaysia), the doctor everybody and anybody because I don't give a damn. Sorry for being really emotional....

However, I have my hats on her father Kian Kee who had called the hospital to conduct the operation as he and I believe his daughter could no longer bear the pain. He even go on record to say that his child is not a guinea pig or some medical experiment as the news reported that it needed about eight weeks to assess the condition of her hand. For me I can't wait that long to bear and see my child suffer as a result of the fault of the doctors and hospitals concerned. He even rejected the ex-gratia payment offered as compensation to the family by the government.

The fact is nothing can replace the lost of his daughter's hand. Now no money in this world can replace the arm that is lost not the fault of hers.

Having said the above, no wonder the Transport Minister is on medical leave abroad for medical consultation. Looks like he too heard about the news of our government hospitals and as such do not have the confidence in them and that is why he went abroad for a medical check up and consultation. No wonder. OR cabut'ing' as the scandal on the Port Klang Free Zone still looming above his head that he has to really take a medical break for I don't know what reason. Still hopefully when he is back he can at least answer some very important questions the rakyat wants to know.

Darn......

Royal Address by the Sultan of Perak

I must say I always admire His highness, Sultan Azlan Shah, the Sultan of Perak. Former Lord President of the Supreme Court of Malaysia. His highness is known for his intelligence and brilliance. This time His highness spoke loud and clear to not only to the people but I believe to the government.

The Sultan of Perak says that the nation can lose its independence if the people's spirit to serve the country fades away. Leaders serve the rakyat regardless of race, religion and culture. He is to serve all Malaysians as he the leader to all Malaysians and not just a single race. His Highness also says that without noble leadership principles, the spirit to serve the nation will become thin and when it happens, the country's independence will crumble.

He also urged that attention should be given to students' personality development rather than academic achievement. As such if you are an Oxford graduate, that doesn't mean that you are the top of the world instead, there must be maturity in handling matters. KeJu for example behave like an ultra gangster riding motorcycle without a helmet and organising a mob without proper permit and yet stood above the law. This I don't understand.

His Highness also states that producing high academic achievers gives no meaning for the country and nation if they are untrustworthy, irresponsible, dishonest and unfair. A situation like this will lead to tyranny and injustice out of greed, he added. I would say these are strong words to be understood by leaders above us. Our government should be ashamed as public trust are placed on the government to do good and not evil.

Again, Daulat Tuanku.

Samy crap talk

I find it difficult to believe reading the Star today with the titled "MIC welcomes Abdullah's rebuttal to allegations". I almost choked with disbelief and laughing out loud when it was reported that that the BN government has helped the Indian community and that the party thanked the PM for giving the true picture that Barisan Nasional had always assisted the Indian community to advance economically and socially.

Samy also went on record and said any fair-minded person could acknowledge the many achievements of the Indian community in economics, religion, education and social aspects. Hmmm I beg to differ with his so-called views. Maybe he should go down to the roots to look at the community whether what he say is correct.

Well it's true on the one hand that thousands of temple were constructed or rebulit and on the other hand there are many other temples that have been demolished. There was a case recently I was involved where the local council acting like Little Napoleon charging through with their bull dozer without considering the religious sentiment of the devotees. The demolition was immediate without taking into account the priest's plea for time to take the deities away. What a shame. Samy is damn wrong on saying what he said in the report.

Samy, please look at your own community in the estates and tell me whether is there anything done in improving their economic stature. I have been going in and out of the estates for the past ten years and found nothing was done to help them. Simply said the richer gets richer and the poorer gets poorer. Look at crimes among the Indian community and look at the Simpang Rengam detention centre, completely out of proportion with the population ratio in the country. AND he says he and the government helped the community

The Indian community is not a big community among the three major races in the country and yet the poverty rate among them is high. I must remind Samy during the Ijok By election in response to Anwar who said “They live in fear of thugs and their overlord minister. The Indians are treated as third class, not by us but by you." And Samy gladly reply, “I have copies of letters I sent to him seeking assistance (for estate workers when Anwar was deputy prime minister), but he did not lift a finger to help.” Hmmm that means after nine years Anwar was sacked, the community is still marginalised.

Put it this way, the government (whether during Anwar's time or not) have failed to lift up the economic and social expectation of the Indian community. Don't point the fingers to others but please Samy. please check your heart to see whether what I say is true.

Bolehland at Syariah Court

I think Malaysia is the only country in the whole wide world experiencing cracks and ceiling crashing down in government buildings. This time the Syariah Court in Johor Bahru. The NST reported that the court complex was open early this year at a cost of RM27 million. Gosh another wasted expenditure. I got the strong feeling that our tax will go up by next year. Countless time government building falling apart and countless times repairs that got to be done. I bet you staff working in those government building will never work peacefully since things like this happen. Events like this should not have happened in the first place. First it was Putrajaya pipe leakage, then you had the Court complex (which a friend of mine pass by and says wow it's awesome), then you have hospitals going hay wire, back to the courts again in Jalan Duta and now JB syariah Court, all happen in the past two months. And all buildings are suppose to be new. Hello?? Anybody listening?

I'm not talking about shabby work. I'm talking about corruption and misappropriation of public funds by some contractors who simply have good connection with the people at the top. In this country it's not about the merit but who knows who. What is the country becoming? I call upon the sacking of all stupid and irresponsible contractors and engineers under the pay roll of the Ministry of Works, Finance Ministry and Public Works Department. I also call upon all involved especially the Ministers and Director General of Public Works to be accountable and take the responsibility to resign from their portfolios as what they have done is wasting public funds and at the same time causing such embarrassment to the country we once loved.

To make matter worst, a Minister did say that government building need not have a Certificate of fitness. This is somewhat surprising to the ordinary people. There must be some form of certification in enabling occupation. For the past months, we heard of so many mishaps, but we have yet to hear any injured or died as a result of being hit by falling ceilings. But the time will come and who is to be held responsible for the priceless life.

Enough is enough, there must be a change for the better.

I bet you cost of repair on the mishap that happen in the syariah court is RM2.7 million. What say you?