NO Unity Government OR Unity talk with UMNO

This opinion is mine and mine alone. However this opinion is concluded upon after attending many dinners, luncheons and meetings with Church people, friends and relatives marriages and birthdays, business associate meetings and the like of it have nevertheless concluded that any Unity talks or forming a unity government with UMNO will be a regrettable decision by PAS.

Though I am in no position to advise PAS but any discussion whether politically or religiously or for the good of Malays in general will be the end of PAS especially so when PAS is now having good support of the Chinese and Indians in the recent by-elections. However if PAS so desire to discuss racial and religious unity with other organisations even if such organisation is UMNO-BN linked, then that is PAS absolute right as a political body.

PAS should not take the support of the non Muslim lightly. In fact PAS should have known that the non Malays voted PAS as their representative in Parliament or State Assembly is because the non Malays are just so fed up with UMNO-BN. MCA, Gerakan, MIC lost badly because of UMNO. The non Malays voted for PAS because they see PAS as corrupt free, a party that stresses on integrity and transparency. The non Malays voted for PAS because they believe in the Islamic value of fairness. The non Malays voted for PAS to replace UMNO. Not forming an alliance with UMNO.

As such if PAS make a political decision to form a pact with UMNO, then I must say it will also be the end of PAS in the 13th general election.

So I now hope that PAS should just forget about any unity talk or forming a Unity Government with UMNO for the sake and good of all Malaysians.

-------

No.2 says Tok Guru is not PAS

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

SHAH ALAM, June 7 – He may not be aware of the irony but when Nasharudin Mat Isa, deputy president of PAS, said Nik Aziz Nik’s views do not represent the party, it is akin to the Islamist party rejecting its soul as the Tok Guru is PAS spiritual leader.

Nasharudin was, of course, referring to Datuk Seri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s speech at the muktamar last night, when he rubbished talk of a unity government.

“That is the opinion of Tok Guru, but in the organisation we take the party’s stance. Now there isn’t actually any concrete decision made by the party with regards Umno. The issue will be decided by the party,” he said.

Speaking at a ceramah held in conjunction with the party’s 55th muktamar (general assembly), Nik Aziz said those who speak of co-operation with Umno are apparently oblivious to the rivalry between these two arch-rivals throughout their existence.

Nasharudin added that PAS should not “shut the door” on having a dialogue with Umno even though Umno is PAS’s political enemy. He also continued defending the unity talks and said it was a necessity for the betterment of the nation.

“There are many current issues which need to be settled and answered. We think that being a major political organisation, we can contribute by trying to make an impact on the nation,” he added.

Nasharudin further defended the president’s engagement policy and stressed the importance of the party having an open attitude in order to remain relevant in the nation’s politics.

“We have an open attitude when it comes to holding discussions and we did not specify with whom. If MIC wants to discuss with us, we do not have any problem. If the problematic PPP wants to discuss and join Pakatan Rakyat then we welcome them to join,” he explained.

Nasharudin also confirmed that he is on good terms with defeated PAS deputy presidential contender Datuk Husam Musa.

“He was the vice president of the party for two years when I was the deputy and we have worked well together. There were committees that he headed and committees that I headed,” he said.

Nasharudin commented that it is up to him to recommend a position for Husam in the party’s central committee and that the party will meet on Wednesday to discuss this very issue.

Tok Guru Nik Aziz ..... You Are The Man...

After a gloomy week of race politics by UMNO, in particular UMNO Youth, Tok Guru Nik Aziz's words of wisdom came in as a fresh air and sweet aroma of hope to Malaysia.

Well, with the name calling of 'traitor' et al seems to be flying here and there in the past one month after the Perak state constitutional crisis, nevertheless, Tok Guru's statement come in just handy, hitting bull's eye especially when it comes from the very conservative, revered, and well respected Malay leader in this country.

Tok Guru, you are the man...

NIK AZIZ : BUMIPUTERA TERM RACIST

©The Malaysian Insider (Used by permission)

MARCH 1 – In extraordinary remarks today, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat said the use of the term “bumiputera” smacks of racism and deprived other races of government aid.

His comments, made in Kota Baru today, will certainly spark debate, especially since it comes from a Malay leader who is widely respected even by his foes in Barisan Nasional and Umno.

In calling the term bumiputera racist, he appears to be drawing a clear line between his Pas party and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) from that of Umno, which has been championing the special rights of Malays.

Nik Aziz’s remarks was made in response over growing criticism from the conservative spine of Umno against comments made by DAP’s Dr Boo Cheng Hau, the opposition leader in Johor.

Dr Boo was reported to have compared “bumiputeraism” with apartheid.

Umno leaders have demanded an apology from Boo, and say his comments were a challenge to Malay rights and the constitution.

Umno’s Utusan Malaysia also described Boo’s remarks as a part of DAP’s agenda to form a republic.

But Nik Aziz was reported by Bernama as saying today that not only did the term smack of racism but deprived other races sharing similar rights and having the same identity cards of government assistance.

“In an election, other races are allowed to cast one vote, so are the bumiputera," he said.

Nik Abdul Aziz said the government should form a body to manage aid for the poor in the country and not cater only for a single group known as the bumiputera.

“I don’t like the (use of the) word bumiputera. What I like is (use of the word) poor, for all races,” he added.

He said the poor, regardless of their race, should be given assistance.

His statement appears to be also in line with Anwar Ibrahim’s concept of “Ketuanan Rakyat,” or supremacy of the people, which has been used to diffentiate PR parties from Umno’s “Ketuanan Melayu,” or Malay supremacy.

Forum Perdana Pakatan Rakyat

YB Goh Leong San (ADUN Kesidang and DAP Chairman) and I attended the Forum Perdana Pakatan Rakyat organised by PAS. Held in Telok Mas at the Cawangan Telok Mas HQ. The moderator was a friend of mine and fellow blogger Saudara Sofi Wahab who is the Information Chief PAS Melaka. Representing PAS is Ustaz Kamaruddin Sidek who replaced Ustaz Abdul Ghani Abdul Rahman who was in Perak, Saudara Khalid Jaafar (PKR Melaka Chairman) and YB Goh Leong San representing DAP.

It was a no holds barred forum with quite interesting question posed to YB Goh especially on DAP stand on Islamic State and protecting the rights of the Malays. YB Goh with its usual wittiness and eloquence spoke that DAP in it's principle have always fought for all Malaysian regardless of their religious and racial background and that DAP's stand has always been clear and transparent without any hidden agendas in wooing the electorates. As such the people have known DAP for years. As such Pakatan members should not doubt us or even fear us. YB Goh also stressed that with the current working relationship with Pakatan especially PAS, Malacca BN will be defeated in the next election. As DAP will in one voice make sure that even the Chinese community in the rural areas in Malacca will vote for our Pakatan partners.

On the issue of Islamic state, YB Goh state that whilst the issue is not within the Pakatan Agenda and should the issue is raised again, it has to be discussed openly by the leadership of Pakatan. YB Goh stressed that DAP is not against nor support the setting up of an Islamic state but instead there must be constant discussion and deliberation by the Pakatan partners. Should PAS intends to, PAS must convinced the other partners. However with the current mandate by the people, I believe, the people desire a cleaner government and a better check of federal government. What is more important, is the fight against the corrupted Barisan Nasional government.

Class Act of Ali Last Term

Yes, I am speaking about the not-so-clever-on-the-race-of-Deputy President Ali Rustam. Hearing him speaking English over the rostrum is hilarious. Friends in UMNO call him Ali Last Term. I hope they are correct.

Anyway while PKR score a victory in Perak where one of UMNO's ADUN leapfrog to Pakatan, our dear friend in Malacca had a cross-over of some 40 members of PAS from a non-listed PAS branch in PAS kawasan Bukit Katil. In fact my comrade, Saudara Sofi Wahab (PAS Info Chief), in his blog told us that this goon, is a former UMNO member who 'lompat' to PAS is now back to his UMNO home, and a non paying PAS member. Meaning technically, he has probably a non member of PAS. So basically he would seems to be a former member of PAS and UMNO joining back UMNO. What a joke.

Interestingly, there is no PAS branch in that area. And uninterestingly, this has become a news for UMNO led spoiler Utusan Meloya to just print out a story just to please the UMNO goons. Either Utusan has no more news to print or that their editors are just plain UMNO goons.

ALI BODOHKAN RAKYAT MELAKA DAN DIRI SENDIRI ~ Ref Malaysiakini

Ternyata tindakan Ketua Menteri Melaka, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam menggembar-gemburkan berita 41 orang ahli PAS dan seorang Ketua Cawangan PAS memperlihatkan ketidakcerdikan beliau. Di samping itu beliau cuba memperbodohkan rakyat Malaysia khasnya rakyat negeri Melaka.

Ali Rustam lupa bahawa rakyat Malaysia kecuali orang Umno sudah cukup faham dengan permainan media pengampu seperti Utusan Meloya (Utusan Malaysia).

Seperti yang saya postingkan di dalam Blog ini semalam, Ismail Tompang (Senin Tompang) adalah ahli PAS yang sudah lama keluar PAS dan berminat untuk menyertai Umno. Sudah bertahun-tahun beliau tidak membayar yuran, malah tindak-tinduknya juga sudah lama diketahui oleh PAS Kawasan Bukit Katil.Beliau adalah bekas ahli Umno yang mempunyai kepentingan diri. Sentiasa bertukar parti yang disokongnya semata-mata kerana mencari habuan. Beliau pernah cenderung kepada DAP dan PKR kemudian berpatah balik menyertai Umno.

Jadi tidak perlulah dirisaukan orang seperti ini tempat yang paling sesuai untuknya ialah bersama Ali Rustam. Jumlah 40 orang lagi ahli PAS yang ikut jejak langkah Ismail adalah tidak benar kerana ahli di cawangan yang sudah lama mati inipun tidak sampai seramai itu. Mungkin Ai Rustam mengirakan jumlah tersebut dengan bayang-bayang sekali. Kalau adapun 40 orang mungkin ianya bukan ahli PAS tetapi penyokong Umno atau orang yang tidak berparti.

Saya hairan bagaimana calon Timbalan Presiden Umno cuba memperbodohkan rakyat. Dalam sedar atau tidak sedar beliau memperlihatkan ketidakcerdikan beliau sendiri.

Posted by SOFI WAHAB

Takbir....

I assumed it must be 'Amen' for the PAS supporters. Heard the word Tadbir many times during PAS ceramah especially when the crowd is in agreement with the speaker. I hope I am corrected by anybody reading this blog. But nevertheless I am happy with the PAS win in KT. I am happy that PAS win comfortably with a resounding majority of 2631. That is like three times more in 2008 Razali-Mat Sabu-Nenek fight.

My congratulation to PAS and YB Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, ADUN Wakaf Mempelam and Member of Parliament for Kuala Terengganu who garnered a total 32,883 votes.

In this election, I also saw two political parties of the far ends, the secular DAP and the Islamist PAS working together to destroy UMNO-BN. Seeing PAS in DAP ceramahs and vice versa is a sign of great unity and understanding between the two parties. I think both combined could be a lethel weapon in Pakatan to destroy the evil Barisan.

Good work YB Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, now is the hard work. Congratulations again. Takbir...

Introducing the Bankrupt Party....MCA

MCA is definitely bankrupt party. Bankrupt for the fact that they have no issues to raise except challenging DAP on Hudud. First it came from their President advising DAP to boycott the by-election and nowTerengganu State MCA Chair, Toh Chin Yaw is challenging DAP stand on the matter. Simply bankrupt. Maybe DAP should just advised MCA to sack their political bereau chief for all the wrong advise.

MCA in fact should be more constructive in correcting the wrong that is long pending such as major issues of corruption and integrity. Especially so when BN major shareholder is seen as the most corrupt with money politics all over until police reports were lodged against their leaders. Maybe MCA should also go back into history when they supported the former Prime Minister's declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic State or Malay Supremacy coined by UMNO. Or maybe what happen to Amanah, Bersih dan Cekap. So if MCA fails to explain themselves on the issues mentioned therein, don't challenge the DAP with Hudud.

MCA's challenge is only a ploy or a political game to get votes from the Chinese. As far as I am concern, PAS will not implement Hudud at the Federal level. Husam Musa have retracted it and it ends there. As such Hudud is a non issue for now. If PAS intends to introduce it, there must be discussion and debate within their Pakatan partners and not unilaterally act upon it. We all know that PAS, alone with only 23 Parliamentarians cannot at any point adopt Hudud as Malaysia Criminal law. PAS need 2/3 to amend the constitution or pass a law by majority. So as far as Malaysia as it is now is concerned, still follows largely the Penal Code. As such, MCA's challenge is just a dog barking liken to be empty vassel making the loudest noise.

So as far as I am concern, the DAP will support PAS in this by-election without any second thought. The DAP will make sure a victory in PAS election come January 17, and of course, the next seat, Pesiangan, Sabah, and the year after that the fall of Sarawak and hopefully would see the down fall of the Barisan Nasional federal government. That would be a dream come true.

Hudud, my OPINION.

Recently there has been a lot of hue and cry regarding the issue of implementing Hudud & Qisas in Malaysia by the Pakatan Government should Pakatan form the Federal Government. It all started from the recent forum where the infamous KJ (SIL) provoked the unprepared Husam Musa on issues of Hudud, of which Husam Musa replied that should Pakatan formed the Federal government, Hudud will be implemented.

That statement proved to be a time bomb within Pakatan members. Of course, my Party stand is "NO to Hudud or Islamic State". Kit gave a press conference on it explaining the Party stand on the matter and it is not Pakatan's policy. PKR de facto is still (as at to date) silence about it. A lot of other members of Pakatan trying to explain one way or another. Subsequent of course, Husam Musa back-tracted his statement albeit making some people not be too happy about it and worst still it will be a gala time for Beeend to politicise it during the Kuala Terengganu by-election. Read here for Husam's about turn.

MCA and MIC is definitely in a political fiesta mood about it. It is undeniable a time bomb for Pakatan.

So what is Hudud? Now on a quick search in wikipedia. Hudud offenses are defined as "claims of God," and therefore the sovereign was held to have a responsibility to punish them. All other offenses were defined as "claims of [His] servants," and responsibility for prosecution rested on the victim. This includes murder, which was treated as a private dispute between the murderer and the victim's heirs. The heirs had the right to compensation and to demand execution of the murderer like Qisas (retaliation), but they could also choose to forgive.

It is known that Hudud offenses include: drinking alcohol, highway robbery, illegal sexual intercourse, false accusation of zina, Rebellion and Apostasy (Unlike the five offenses listed above, not all jurists consider apostasy to be a hudud offense). Accordingly, in traditional Islamic legal systems, there were very exacting standards of proof that had to be met if hudud punishments were to be implemented.

The punishments vary according to the status of the offender - Muslims generally receive harsher punishments than non-Muslims, free people receive harsher punishments than slaves, and in the case of zina', married people receive harsher punishments than unmarried.

In brief, the punishments include:

• Capital punishments - by sword/crucifixion (for highway robbery with homicide), by stoning (for zina' when the offenders are mature, married Muslims)
• Amputation of hands or feet (for theft and highway robbery without homicide)
• Flogging with a varying number of strokes (for drinking, zina' when the offenders are unmarried or not Muslims, and false accusations of zina')

That is in short what Hudud would mean.

My opinion is simply this, should there be implementation in the future, I think there must be long term and constant discussion and debate on the matter. Non Muslim (the majority) are relatively ignorant of it including myself. It is like implementing a piece of legislation which forcing non Muslims to NOT do like the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

I think Biblical laws through the mosaic laws in the Bible especially in Leviticus is much harsher and comparably the same. So as for me, Hudud or not, it's all about the best marketing skill PAS needed to convince their friends and foes. And it all subject to whether Non Muslim especially is comfortable with such implementation. And should the Non Muslim feel comfortable with it then who knows Hudud and Qisas will be accepted by Malaysians.

On a lighter note, maybe I would like to suggest an amputation of the hand for those guilty of corruption and just imagine when you walk in the streets in KL and found those with limbs amputated, hmmmm, then we probably know that he is either a Division Head or higher in a political party that practices 'politik wang'. Haha.

This Is What I WANT To Hear

Kenyataan Akhbar
MAJLIS PIMPINAN PAKATAN RAKYAT

8 September 2008

Pakatan Rakyat Menjunjung Prinsip Perlembagaan Persekutuan

Majlis Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat yang bersidang pada hari ini 8 September 2008 dengan ini menegaskan penolakan kami terhadap usaha-usaha menyemarakkan politik perkauman yang sedang dilakukan oleh UMNO akhir-akhir ini. Kami amat bimbang isu ini sekarang digunakan untuk mengelabui pandangan rakyat yang sebenarnya merupakan usaha terdesak untuk menyelamatkan kepentingan segelintir golongan elit politik dan kroni mereka.

Kami sekali lagi mengulangi pendirian menjunjung prinsip-prinsip dasar yang termaktub di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Ini termasuk soal-soal dasar seperti kedudukan Islam sebagai Agama Persekutuan dan menjamin kebebasan mengamalkan agama-agama lain, kedaulatan Bahasa Melayu sebagai Bahasa Kebangsaan dan mempertahankan hak bahasa ibunda, kedudukan dan kedaulatan Institusi Raja-Raja Melayu serta kedudukan hak-hak istimewa orang Melayu dan Bumiputera serta hak-hak semua kaum yang telah dijamin oleh Perlembagaan.

Berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip Perlembagaan ini kami menolak sekeras-kerasnya pendekatan politik perkauman sempit yang menjadi dasar UMNO-BN. Pendekatan inilah yang sengaja digunakan untuk memecahbelahkan perpaduan dan keharmonian masyarakat majmuk negara ini.

Sehubungan ini kami membantah ucapan yang dibuat oleh Dato Ahmad Ismail yang disokong oleh semua pemimpin UMNO Pulau Pinang. Isi ucapan itu mencerminkan dasar perkauman UMNO yang sebenarnya bertujuan hanya untuk mempertahankan kepentingan segelintir golongan orang kaya Melayu serta suku sakat mereka yang menggunakan kuasa politik untuk mengambil kesempatan mengaut kekayaan negara dengan berselindung di sebalik membela kepentingan Bumiputera dan orang Melayu.

YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Ketua Umum
PKR

YB Dato’ Husam Musa
Naib Presiden
PAS

YB Lim Kit Siang
Ketua Ahli Parlimen
DAP

Kit's says.....

Another Case of Misreporting

Nasharuddin berkata dasar perjuangan PAS yang berpaksikan Islam menuntut dakwah diterapkan kepada semua yang masih belum memahami apa itu Islam yang sebenar.

“Kalau kita boleh bersekutu dengan DAP yang menentang Islam dari dulu sampai sekarang dan dengan PKR, mengapa kita tidak boleh dekati Umno?

This is from a Bernama report on the speech by the Deputy PAS President Nasharudin Mat Isa at the opening of the PAS Youth annual assembly in Ipoh yesterday.

DAP opposed to Islam from the past to the present? Not true. Never. We have Muslims in DAP and could not be anti-Islam. We are for all religions for the good, virtuous and noble values they teach human beings to cultivate and cherish.

What DAP is opposed to is for any breach of the Merdeka social contract that Malaysia was founded be a multi-racial, multi-religious, democratic and secular nation with Islam as the official religion but not an Islamic state.

Another case of misreporting – misquoting Nasharudin as saying that DAP “yang menentang Islam dari dulu sampai sekarang…”?

PAS says OK to Bar Forum

about time....

-----taken from Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council forum on Saturday should have been allowed to proceed, said the PAS Research Centre.

“A small group of us met to discuss the forum and we were unanimous that it should have been allowed to proceed. There are valid reasons for such a forum,” said Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad, the centre director, in an interview.

“As was emphasised to us by International Islamic University constitutional law expert Dr Abdul Aziz Bari and Hanifah Maidin, the head of PAS legal bureau, Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution when passed had not envisaged the circumstances that could arise, for example, the impact on people of other faiths embracing Islam.

“We don’t see the forum as non-Muslims encroaching into theological matters. The underpinning reason was for the legal, technical and procedural lacuna created by Article 121 (1A) to be ironed out in earnestness and intellectual integrity.

“Take the case of Subashini and Saravanan who were married under civil law and he later on embraced Islam.

“If the non-converting spouse does not use the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act to dissolve the marriage, what happens? These are long-standing issues that the authorities should have ironed out long ago; instead, every time a case like this raises its ugly head, it is Muslims and Islam that get bashed.”

Dr Dzulkifli, who is also the Kuala Selangor MP, said those who had united to oppose the forum had no understanding of the issue at hand.

“That's why Dr Mehrun Siraj (who was cut short from talking by the protesters who wanted the forum to end) asked for reform,” he said.

“We thought that after the March election, we had proven that we could manage dissent intellectually and discuss issues without getting emotional.

“We regret Saturday’s incident. There are some issues that should be discussed behind closed doors but this was just to plug the loopholes.”

Why Ban Avril Lavigne, PAS FT?

I heard that PAS FT wants to ban Avril...

Imposing ones morality on another is ridiculous as morality is simply subjective. So for PAS FT imposing their morality on others will be equally be wrong. Avril Lavigne is a Five Star-Grammy nominated pop/punk/rock/fashion and actress. And whatever said about her type of music, she is decent, loyal and a model for the young to follow especially the young ladies. Nothing in her music talks about sex or drugs or any declination of moral behaviour. Her music is very youthful.

She prefers healthy living i.e. in eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. She is a catholic (conservative) and married to Deryck Whibley whom she date since 2004.

She is also involved in a number of charities such as Make Some Noise, Amnesty International, AmericanCPR.org, Camp Will-a-way, Music Clearing Minefields, U.S. Campaign for Burma, Make-A-Wish Foundation and War Child and a number of youth aids foundation to raise money and educate people worldwide about HIV/AIDS. Maybe PAS FT don't know that Miss Lavigne also covered 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door for War Child's peace songs album.

Most of her concert tours are donations to the charities that she is involved in.

I am not advocating for Avril as she need not be defended BUT nevertheless I hope for some sensible opinion from PAS.

By the way, she always wear decently during her concerts and never had dancers or herself dancing provocatively or indecently.

The Minority Speaks on the Bar Forum

I am impressed with my learned friend and a committee member of PAS National body thought through his writing MUSLIM SCHOLARS MUST ENGAGE INTELECTUALLY WITH NON MUSLIMS. You can read his blog here.

The Bar Council's intention is noble. I personally agree to have such discussion on matters relating to the development of the LAW. However due to the sensitivity and the immature minds of some people namely the Deputy Prime Minister, Prime Minister and some UMNO guys, misrepresented the purpose of the forum which led to the other Muslim NGOs and our friends in PAS for mistakenly confuse the motive of the Bar Council, a closed door forum would be a better deal and maybe at the same time to invite Islamic scholars, Tok Imams, Islamic NGOs and probably PAS to understand the far reaching effects on some of the decisions.

It is worth to note that the organisers i.e. the Bar Council together with the Family Law Committee and Human Rights Committee have stated that this forum is not undermining Islam in any matter whatsoever.

The motive of the Bar Council is simple i.e. to tackle the law at hand so that justice for all parties are served equally. There are many areas of uncertainty and misjudgement and the lack of understanding of it disrupts family unit when one convert into the religion. This gives unfair treatment and undue pressure to one spouse who is affected by the decision of the Court.

I further echoed the view by Saudara Mohamed Hanipa, of which I quote "...when the muslims vehemently protested such forum, I have, with the greatest respect, a difficulty to understand the reasons of such protest. While we, the muslims, are entitled to protect and defend our religion , we must also in the same vein be just and tolerant in our stand. Whatever stand we opted it must be based on the principle of fairness....". That view is much needed in progressive Muslims in Malaysia for greater tolerance in achieving greater understanding between Muslims and Non-Muslims.

It is further note that nothing in the Bar's mind questioning Islam as the official religion of the Federation.

So it is high time for such dialogue by both Muslims and Non-Muslim for the total benefit of the future of Malaysia.

-----------

MUSLIMS SCHOLARS MUST ENGAGE INTELECTUALLY WITH THE NON MUSLIMS

By : MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN

Frankly speaking I am a bit puzzled by the anger expressed by some muslims in this country over the Bar Council’s forum on "Conversion to Islam: Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini & Shamala Revisited". After all it was only a forum where the chosen speakers were supposed to air their views in respect of the chosen topic.

May be , the angered muslims are right . The topic of the forum was quite sensitive and provocative. It should have been changed to make is less provocative. But it does not change the fact that it was still a forum – an avenue for the respective speakers to market their ideas which would be followed by fruitful discussions by the members of the floor.

A forum is closely connected with a freedom of speech and expression which is guaranteed by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Needless to say Islam values such right and jealously protects it.

Be that as it may, when the muslims vehemently protested such forum, I have , with the greatest respect, a difficulty to understand the reasons of such protest. While we, the muslims, are entitled to protect and defend our religion , we must also in the same vein be just and tolerant in our stand. Whatever stand we opted it must be based on the principle of fairness. Just because we may have unsettled prejudice against certain group does not mean we have to oppose whatever program organized by such group.

The forum , I am of the view, was not on a conversion of Islam per se as understood by certain quarters. In other words , the organizer, I believe, did not intend to question the right of non muslim to convert to Islam. On the other hand what the forum sought to achieve was the repercussion of the non muslim ‘s ancillary rights such as on the issue of custody of children and the maintainance over such conversion as reflected in the Federal Court’s judgment in Subashini a/p Rajasingam v Saravanan a/l Thangatoray.

I sincerely believe many muslims ( and non muslims alike ) are not aware of and don’t have the full knowledge of the said case i.e Subashini a/p Rajasingam v Saravanan a/l Thangatoray. Unfortunately even without such knowledge , some have protested for the sake of protest . The statement by certain irresponsible UMNO Ministers aggravated the situation. It is rather puzzling the protesters did not condemn a mediocre leader of UMNO ,Mohd Ali Rustam, when he suggested to use ISA to detain the organizer of the forum. I dare to say ISA is more dangerous and wicked than the said forum.

Reading the judgment of the Federal Court in Subashini shows that the issue of the clash of jurisdictions ( civil and shariah ) has not been satisfactorily resolved. Thus it is fit and proper to organize a forum to discuss the said case and all the issues raised in the said case.

Do our muslim brothers and sisters know that until now the muslim has not not been allowed to file a divorce petition in the civil court when he or she converted to Islam. This is because under section 51 of the Law Reform ( Marriage & Divorce ) Act, only the non muslim spouse is entitled to file a divorce petition in the civil court if the other spouse embraced Islam. This has caused a lot of problems to the muslim spouse. He or she has no other option but to go to the Shariah Court to get his earlier marriage dissolved . But the decision of the Shariah court does not bind the other spouse who refused to embrace Islam. Thus as far as the non muslim spouse is concerned , he or she is still legally considered a lawful husband or wife of the muslim convert.

With this kind of forum , the muslim speakers may inter alia be able to highlight to the non muslim that even the muslims are discriminated against when they chose to embrace Islam.

The main reason why such forum should be allowed to be held is that it did not only invite the non muslims as speakers. There were muslim speakers who were invited to air their views in the said forum. These three speakers, I believe , were competent to defend the muslims’ interest in that forum. When two out of the said three speakers pulled out from the forum at the eleventh hour , the inescapable conclusion was that the muslim scholars were not ready to engage intellectually with other non muslim speakers in that forum. The pull out, with respect, was not the good option.

I believe that the topic of the forum was not detrimental to Islam unless it was unduly sensationalized and blown out of proportion. . The forum was the right avenue for the muslim scholars to defend Islam and its legal system. It was also the best opportunity for the muslim to engage intellectually with the non muslims. The muslim don’t have to be apologetic in such forum.

This forum, is not akin to Article 11’s campaign. For me , the group of Article 11 was a kind of movement. It had launched a roadshow all over the country in order to attain certain hidden agenda. As such Article 11 was rightly protested by the muslims as it sought to drive home a message that the muslim in this country has the right to “murtad” and such right is protected by Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. Many muslims rightly believed that Article 11 was created to pursue the IFC’s unsuccessful agenda.

It is high time for the muslims to engage intellectually with the non muslims. We must show to our non muslims brothers and sisters that Islam promotes dialogue and intellectual discourse. Islam is the religion of truth and because of this truth the muslim are always ready and willing to engage with anybodies or any parties whatever their backgrounds.

It is relevant to quote this valuable advice by Allamah Yusuf Alqardhawi in this kind of issue

“ Lasna fi hajah liman yahmilu as-saifa liyablugha hadzihi alrisalat bil ‘aksi nahnu fi hajah liman yahmilu al fikra wa yahmilu al’ilma wal qalama liyablugha hadzihi alrisalati ilal assyarki wa ilal gharbi”

( Translation : At present , we ( the muslims ) are not in need those who can bring the sword on the other hand we are in greater need those who can bring knowledge and pen in order to propagate the message of Islam to the East and to the West )

PAS dumped UMNO

This was one news I want to hear over the past weeks and I felt vindicated reading it. I thank PAS and their leadership for their wisdom and careful thought in not buying the offer by UMNO. At least we know that PAS is a party of principle and UMNO is just like the devil in disguise, tempting in anywhere and everywhere.

---------

PAS rejects co-operation with Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said his party had rejected any efforts have any co-operation with Barisan Nasional and Umno to form a coalition government at either state or federal level.

Speaking to reporters after PAS Central Working Committee meeting and the party's consultative council Thursday, he said PAS would be open to holding discussions with all, inclduing political parties, NGOs, institutions and individuals in the interest of the nation.

Hadi stressed that PAS would continue to remain in Pakatan Rakyat and be active in working towards changing the present government.

To Pakat or Not to Pakat

The recent events relating to muqabalah or mubarakah or secret meetings between UMNO and PAS is not only surprising but uncalled for. Though I thank God for PAS admission recently but it is certainly damaging to Pakatan Rakyat.

Just when DAP and PAS are working together closely for a common good for all Malaysian together with PAS' manifesto of "Islam is for All", then Malaysians who voted for Pakatan Rakyat were shocked with new revelations of such muqabalah or mubarakah or secret meetings worst still with evil UMNO.

Though UMNO may invite PAS for muqabalah or mubarakah or secret meetings especially in a talk in forming a coalition government in Selangor and PAS going ahead in talking to UMNO is definitely a no-no, not to DAP but a hit below the belt to KeAdilan as both PKR and PAS had working relationship during the tsunami election. Like Karpal says, it is NOT BONAFIDE at all.

Worst still when Karpal question Nasharudin Mat Isa's statement last week that that the Malays were beginning to believe the sodomy allegations against DSAI. And felt that his statement is not only contempous and ill-advised but an open attack on DSAI who is presently embroiled in efforts to tarnish his credibility by allegations of sodomy.

So, Nasharudin attacked DSAI publicly and had a discussion with UMNO on Malay unity and Islam. I am puzzled. More surprised with the recent suggestion by Tok Guru Nik Aziz, about dissolving PAS and UMNO and form a new party based on Islam and Malay. I don't know whether Tok Guru is pulling everybody's legs or whether he is serious. But nevertheless it's is not worth it. A betrayal to Malaysians.

A More Important Dialogue between DAP-PAS-PKR

I find the article below in the Star, as a timely and fresh after all the talks and rumours about PAS-UMNO dialogue, muzakarah, merger or in whatever name. I think what is more important for the sake of Malaysia unity is the dialogue and understanding between the Pakatan Rakyat states. This is more healthy and encouraging and it gives more understanding between the three Parties within Pakatan.

I must applaud Tok Guru Datuk Nik Aziz and PKR advisor DSAI for initiating this first ever dialogue between the Pakatan states.

-----

KOTA BARU: Kelantan has proposed next month for the inaugural meeting of mentris besar and chief minister of the five Pakatan Rakyat-governed states in a move designed to counter allegations of a split in the alliance.

It is proposed that such a meeting be held on Aug 8 and 9 here a few weeks before PAS' own annual muktamar (gathering) in Perak.

Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's political secretary Annual Bakri Harun confirmed the dates but stressed that the organisers were still finalising the details of the discussions.

State PAS secretary Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan is entrusted to head the organising secretariat for the historic high-level meeting.

It is learnt that following the spillover ''effects'' of the three meetings between three PAS decision-making leaders and Umno, namely its president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the proposed meeting would underline the commitment of PAS to uphold the pact agreed with DAP and PKR.

State PAS insiders said Nik Abdul Aziz is strongly supportive of it as the meeting can put to rest various allegations and suspicions which have emerged since the three began governing the states of Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor after the ''political tsunami'' of March 8.

All efforts are being made to ensure that the top leaders comprising of Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim attend the programme.

Kelantan Mentri Besar and PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was chosen by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to organise and chair such a meeting based on his seniority.

The tentative schedule is a star-studded ''ceramah,'' the mainstay weapon of the Opposition to be held on Aug 8, followed by a close-door meeting the next day between the leaders of the five states.

Among the proposed issues to be raised are streamlining of administrative policies, forming of joint-committees to study closer socio-economic cooperation between the five and development strategies.

......

PAS & UMNO?

Is this true or just wishful thinking by some people. If this is true, will that be a betrayal of the trust of the non Muslim who voted for PAS in the recent general election. PAS must be careful not to fall into the traps of powers and personal gains. They did it before and later got thrown out. Will this be a repeat of that same incident when UMNO is at it's weakest. As such playing the game of race and religion will lured PAS into it's trap and the moment UMNO gets a little stronger, PAS will be ditched forever. For the sake of MALAYSIA unity, and as a friend, PAS must be extremely careful.

My personal view and advice is simply this: TALK ALL YOU WANT BUT DON'T BE TRAPPED WITH POWERS AND PERSONAL GAINS OF UMNO.

If PAS is not interested in my 'nasihat', then at least listen to Tok Guru Nik Aziz who stressed that there should not be any Muzakarah between PAS and UMNO or it will split the party greatly. If PAS joining UMNO or BN for whatsoever reason, then I must say it will only be benefiting to UMNO and not PAS. Just let UMNO sink.

Taken from the blog Malaysia Waves

This is an exposition by one of my internal PAS sources. I feel readers will need to know the real picture of the going-ons in PAS. I feel the readers should know that such story of PAS joining with UMNO has it's merits but it is the effort of a small portion of PAS leaders who are already on their way out. And they need to cut this deal to resurrect their dying career.

This is a letter from my source name Ahli PAS Dalaman and i feel it should be shared with everyone. However, the accuracy of this report is solely the responsibility of the writer, and not this blog. TQ

Artikel ini mengandungi pendedahan kepada dalang-dalang yang sekarang ini berusaha bersungguh-sungguh untuk membawa PAS keluar dari Pakatan Rakyat dan masuk ke dalam BArisan Nasional.

Kemuncak dari usaha ini adalah perjumpaan antara Najib Tun Razak bersama Timbalan Presiden PAS, Ustaz Nasaruddin Mat Isa dan Cikgu Mustafa Ali di London. Najib Tun Razak telah menyatakan tawaran mereka kepada PAS.

Tawaran tersebut adalah:

a. Jawatan Menteri Besar kepada PAS di Selangor, Perak, Kedah dan Kelantan.
b. Jawatan exco kepada PAS di Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis dan Johor.
c. PAS akan mendapat kesemua kerusi yang dimenangi oleh PKR dan DAP untuk ditandingi dalam PRU ke 12 kelak.
d. PAS akan mendapat jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri ke 2
e. PAS akan diberikan 5 jawatan Menteri Kabinet penuh
f. Sejumlah jawatan Timbalan Menteri, Setiausaha Parlimen
g. Sejumlah jawatan Senator dan Ahli Majlis dalam GLC
h. Dan berbagai2 lagi tawaran yang dibuat.

Usaha untuk membawa PAS masuk Barisan Nasional adalah didalangi oleh dua jenis pimpinan dalam PAS:

a. Mereka yang sudah menghampiri zaman akhir hayat politik mereka dalam PAS
b. Mereka yang terlampau kepingin jawatan dalam PAS

Mereka yang sudah hamper jangkahayat politik mereka adalah:

1. Cikgu Mustafa Ali: Beliau adalah dalang no wahid dalam usaha ini. Oleh kerena jangkahayat politiknya sudah menghampiri noktah akhir, maka beliau perlu untuk melakukan sesuatu yang drastik
a. Beliau telah dijanjikan jawatan Senator seterusnya duduk semula dalam Kabinet sekiranya PAS bersetuju untuk masuk Barisan Nasional
b. Beliaulah yang menjadi “contact point” utama antara UMNO dan PAS dan beliau bertanggungjawab.
c. Malahan, Mustafa Ali adalah orang yang memulakan usaha berjumpa dengan UMNO bagi membincangkan kerjasama UMNO-PAS dan kemasukan PAS ke BN.
d. Segala temujanji dan perjumpaan termasuk perjumpaan di London adalah atas usaha Mustafa Ali
e. Beliau sekarang ini mengasak Presiden parti, Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi bagi membolehkan Presiden parti menggerakkan PAS menyertai BN
f. Lihatlah betapa sukanya UMNO kepada Mustafa Ali sehingga UMNO sedia memberikan hak penerbitan Harakah dua kali seminggu hanya kerana Mustafa Ali dilihat sebagai “kawan” kepada UMNO
g. Hanya Mustafa Ali sahaja yang telah membawa Perhubungan Negeri pimpinan beliau berjumpa dengan Menteri Besar UMNO. Sedangkan Menteri Besar UMNO di Terengganu lebih zalim kepada PAS berbanding dengan DAP dan PKR. Jelas betapa rendahnya taraf Mustafa Ali sanggup menjual maruah beliau demi kepentingan politik pribadi beliau.


2. Ustaz Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman: Beliau juga sudah menghampiri zaman gelap beliau dan memerlukan satu kejutan usaha yang begitu kuat bagi menyelamatkan karier politik beliau.
a. Beliau sudah tidak ada apa2 lagi dalam PAS Kelantan dan dalam kerajaan Kelantan
b. Jawatan Ahli Parlimen ini hanya sekadar jawatan terakhir sebelum beliau bersara secara terus dari politik
c. Ini adalah peluang beliau untuk membuat “comeback” dlm politik kerana ada jawatan tertentu yang dijanjikan kepada beliau


3. Ustaz Harun Taib: Semenjak kekalahan beliau di dalam merebut jawatan Timbalan Presiden, beliau sudah semakin dilupakan. Khabarnya, beliau dijanjikan jawatan exco sekiranya PAS masuk semula ke dalam BN. Oleh kerana itulah beliau adalah antara ang begitu kuat berusaha di dalam membawa PAS ke dalam Barisan Nasional.
a. Beliau berjaya mempengaruhi Dewan Ulama PAS Pusat bagi menyokong usaha kerjasama ini.
b. Beliau juga berjaya mempengaruhi Dewan Muslimat PAS Pusat melalui isteri beliau yang menjadi Ketua Dewan Muslimat Terengganu.


Dan, antara mereka yang terlibat kerana kepingin jawatan adalah:

1. Dato Dr. Hasan Ali: Beliau sememangnya terlampau kepingin jawatan Menteri Besar Selangor.
a. Malahan semenjak malam pengisytiharan keputusan PRU ke 11 lagi, beliau sudahpun menghubungi Khir Toyo bagi tujuan untuk membina sebuah kerajaan campuran PAS-UMNO di peringkat Selangor.
b. Malangnya, usaha beliau gagal kerana Tuan Guru Presiden tidak bersetuju sama sekali
c. Selepas usaha pertama gagal, beliau secara berterusan meracuni pemikiran Presiden dengan membawa khabar-khabar yang tidak benar berkenaan kerajaan negeri Selangor.
d. Beliau cuba memberi gambaran kepada Tuan Guru Presiden kononnya kerajaan Negeri Selangor sedang dalam usaha untuk mengkhianati Melayu dan Islam. Sedangkan cerita2 beliau tidak lebih dari penipuan dan separuh benar.
e. Dato’ Hasan Ali masih menaruh harapan untuk menjadi Menteri Besar dan beliau tidak kesah kalau kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat jatuh.
f. Sedangkan kebanyakan polisi kerajaan Selangor ini adalah mirip kepada polisi kerajaan Kelantan dan polisi PAS.
g. Tuan Guru Presiden baru sahaja memberi temuramah dengan majalah Siasah yang mana Tuan Guru telah mengkritik kerajaan Selangor dengan begitu hebat berdasarkan maklumat salah yang diberikan oleh Dato Hasan Ali kepada beliau.

2. Ustaz Nasaruddin Mat Isa: Beliau semenjak dahulu senang diperngaruhi oleh Mustafa Ali. Kali ini, bukan sahaja Mustafa Ali mempengaruhi beliau, tetapi beliau juga telah dijanjikan jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri ke Dua.
a. Beliau adalah antara yang terlibat berjumpa dengan Najib Tun Razak di London padahal beliau telah dinasihatkan jangan berbuat demikian.
b. Ustaz Nasaruddin juga dilihat sentiasa bersama-sama dengan Ahli Parlimen UMNO semasa di Parlimen berbanding menghabiskan masa beliau bersama MP PAS atau PR.
c. Sewaktu Anwar dituduh meliwat dan ditangkap pun beliau masih diliat begitu mesra bersama-sama MP UMNO/BN berbanding dengan MP PR.
d. Ustaz Nasaruddin seharusnya faham bahawa beliau sedang dipergunakan oleh Mustafa Ali yang mana Mustafa Ali tidak pernah menghormati beliau sebagai pemimpin.

Nasib baiklah pimpinan Ikhwan telah menyatakan rasa tidak senang hati mereka terhadap cadangan puak2 ini untuk menyertai UMNO dan Barisan Nasional. Juga, antara yang menentang cadangan ini adalah Mursyidul Am sendiri, Dato Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Tok Guru amat tidak bersetuju dengan usaha ini kerana:

a. UMNO akan belot kepada PAS seperti yang mereka pernah lakukan dahulu. PAS adalah saingan kepada UMNO. Sekiranya UMNO sudah kembali gagah dan perkasa, apa perlu lagi UMNO kepada PAS. Dan, PAS kelak terpaksa dibersihkan oleh UMNO kerana PAS adalah saingan semula jadi UMNO
b. PAS juga akan mungkir janji kepada mereka yang memberi mandat kepada PAS, terutamanya orang bukan Islam yang telah mula berjinak dengan PAS. Sifat mungkir janji bukan sifat yang diajar oleh Islam

Saya amat yakin majoriti ahli PAS tidak bersetuju dengan tindakan drastik ini. Tindakan ini adalah satu tindakan yang tidak matang, begitu bersifat khianat dan juga bersifat mungkir janji kepada mereka yang mengundi kita.

Juga, UMNO itu sendiri tidak boleh dipercayai dan kekalahan mereka baru-baru ini adalah disebabkan sifat korup dan zalim mereka. Tiada apa yang PAS dapat capai sekiranya PAS mengikut kehendak UMNO selain dari mengekalkan sebuah rejim yang korup dan tidak berguna seperti UMNO.

PAS juga akan kehilangan kepercayaan orang bukan Islam buat selamanya sekiranya PAS mengkhianati kepercaayan mereka. Dan apabila PAS dikhianati oleh UMNO nanti, dimanakah PAS akan bergantung harap?

Hujjah Ustaz Nik Aziz itu amat benar. PAS telah pun dikhianati sekali, tiada jaminan yang PAS tidak akan dikhianati sekali lagi.

Marilah kita semua ahli PAS mengambil tindakan yang drastik bagi memastikan pimpinan kita tidak mengkhianati kepercayaan yang kelak akan merugikan PAS di masa hadapan.

PAS harus disedarkan bahawa PAS adalah sebuah parti yang berpegang teguh dengan janji dan PAS tidak seharusnya memungkiri janji mereka.

Ahli PAS Dalaman
18/07/2008

Demonstration Malacca Style...

the two chiefs (in their own right) discussing terms

YB Sim surrounded by members of the press and media

Malacca Opposition parties and members of the public were very upset with the recent hazy announcement made by the Prime Minister a couple of weeks ago regarding the rising cost of petrol to RM2.70 per litre. As a result of that, two demonstrations and protests were organised by the DAP and PAS separately. DAP had one two weeks ago (pictures above) whereas PAS had theirs today (21st June 2008) (below).

YB Sim and Saudara Sofi exchanged greetings after demonstration

the demo led by Saudara Sofi and Hasbullah

part of the passionate crowd

DAP team

The uniqueness of Pakatan Rakyat

The crowd organised by DAP had more than 100 people at Melaka Sentral excluding state DAP leaders. We were very organised and followed strictly the instruction by the police. We followed the timing of the police. 15 minutes means 15 minutes, no hailer, just a couple of chants and a couple of banner. In fact the police officers commended our very good discipline amongst us (hehe)

Where as today's crowd was more or less between 50-80 people including YB Sim Tong Him (MP Kota Melaka), YB Goh Leong San (ADUN Kesidang), YB Lim Jack Wong (ADUN Bachang), YB Tey Kok Kiew (ADUN Banda Hilir) and myself from the DAP. The rest are from PAS led by Saudara Sofi and Hasbullah Pit @ Sebol. A bit disorganise as we were not sure where the said demonstration were to take place. So it was more of a wait and see. So much so that YB Sim was a little late as he was waiting the other far end from the demonstrating place. Maybe there were lack of communication between everybody.

The difference between the one organised by DAP and PAS is simply this, though their number may be small compared to us in the earlier demonstrations, they (PAS) are definitely a voice that represents the larger majority who are against the recent petrol increase. Though I used to consider them as extremist, but knowing them after the election, they are not extremist but merely passionate like us (DAP).

So there were chants such as "Undur Pak Lah" and "Minyak Turun" amongst others chants with honking of the motorcars and motorcycles passing by us. Speeches were made by the organisers.

I never seen such enthusiast my friends and saudara from PAS. That I must take my hats off to them (Compare to us, one shout and only 10 followed the chants, the rest probably don't know what is going on). So, Good job and BRAVO to my friends from PAS.

I now wonder mana PKR ar....?

Food Supply? It is enough?

I am in a PAS flyer. Never dreamt before that I' will be speaking in the same podium with YB Mahfuz Omar (Member of Parliament for Pokok Sena). Beautifully, last week I spoke with Mohamad Sabu or better known as Mat Sabu.

It is interesting to engage with PAS leaders so as to know their intention and mind. And yes I am impressed with the two PAS leaders. Both spoke very well and I am so glad that YB Mahfuz Omar spoke in length on the Food Security (Keselamatan Makanan). I am of the opinion that the motion by Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah is very apt, urgent and important for the safe guarding of food supplies especially rice in the country. Stock piling of rice MUST be advocated so as to see continue supply of rice. The motion in English is reproduced below:-

Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Binti Wan Ismail [ Permatang Pauh ] to ask the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY to state :-
(a) measures taken to guarantee food security in the country especially for the country to have a sufficient rice supply at an affordable price; and
(b) the guarantee that the Government is able to control Bernas policy in supplying rice and that Bernas will not take advantage of the crisis.

I am crossing my fingers, that at least, there should be stock piling of rice for up to a year. If anything less than a year, we are in deep trouble, which I think we are in deeper troubles now. I got a strong feeling that we have only the most 3 months of stock pile. If this is the case, then there will be a food crisis looming in Malaysia. Evidenced can be seen in the price of rice these couple of days.

It is so unfortunate, that the country is run by 'dungus'. There is no foresight (tiada wawasan) by our government. Strict and quick measures and policies must be drawn up or it will be the survival of the fittest. We cannot deny this threat of shortage of food supplies in Malaysia.

How to become CM?

I found the below newspaper report by Senior Vice President of UMNO, Ali Gostan rather stupid. I have been watching him closely and trying to understand his mind and found NOTHING GOOD comes out from his mouth. Words that come out from him is just stupidity. I wander what would happen if he becomes Prime Minister one day. Malaysia will definitely have stupid and backward policies.

Whilst reading from Malaysia-Today, I was rather perplexed to note that Ali Gostan got the guts to challenge PAS by saying PAS is not sincere. In fact it was UMNO that invites PKR and PAS and every Malay NGOs to discuss about Malay unity. So I think Ali Gostan should just go back to the news report a couple of days ago to verify facts and not hitting the Opposition without any merits.

How to become CM????

------

(Bernama) MELAKA, April 18 -- PAS is not sincere in its invitation to Umno to discuss Malay unity as the party had once accused Umno members to be kafir, Umno Vice-President Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

He said even though PAS leaders had been talking about Malay unity, their actions did not reflect a desire for one.

"I don't believe in the proposal by PAS, because PAS had accused Umno to be kafir... PAS has not started on a good footing (in its call for the unity talk). They are not serious," he told Bernama.

Mohd Ali was commenting on the statement by PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, inviting Umno to discuss Malay unity with Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Mohd Ali said such discussions should be conducted in a sincere manner.

He also said that the Malays would be better united under Umno.

"It's therefore important to strengthen Umno as the party is the pillar of strength for the Malays. If Umno is weak, we too will be weakened," he said.

Meanwhile speaking to reporters after visiting the Taming Sari Tower in Bandar Hilir here, Mohd Ali, who is also the chief minister, said PAS was now in a dilemma to tame the DAP, which objected to PAS' Islamic state visions.

On the other hand, he said, the DAP was also trying to tame PAS over the issue.

"Let's see who will win, the tiger or the lion. So far it looks like the DAP is winning, with PKR being the intermediary," he said.

NOTE: It was Umno that initiated the meeting and invited PAS and PKR - Editor

Working with PAS?

Leaders from DAP-PAS-PKR

Me giving my piece

YB Goh giving his speech

I was errrrr forced to give a speech at a PAS ceramah in Kemendoh, Jasin replacing YB Goh Leong San, Chairman of DAP Melaka and ADUN for Kesidang as he was not feeling too well after coming back from China the week before. The destination took us almost an hour. Five of us in the car namely, YB Goh, YB Lim Jack Wong ADUN for Bachang, Jeff Lim, a member whom I have still forgotten his name and I.

It was well attended by at least 500 people, the majority of whom are Malay with a handful of Chinese and Indian. There are seven speakers of which I am the fourth after YB Goh. Now my speech in Malay.

Terima kasih tuan pengerusi majilis,

Saya berdiri di sini bukan sahaja sebagai mewakil parti DAP tetapi juga mewakili YB Sim Tong Him, Ahli Parlimen kawasan Kota Melaka yang sekarang berada di Singapura atas urusan peribadi.

YB Goh Leong San, ADUN Kawasan Kesidang dan Pengerusi DAP Melaka;
YB Lim Jack Wong ADUN for Bachang;

Salam sejahtera saya ucapkan kepada Yang Berbahagia Ustaz Abdul Ghani, Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri Melaka;
Yang Berbahagia Dr Mahfuz, Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri Johor;
Pucuk Pemimpin daripada Parti PAS dan PKR;
Rakan-rakan seperjuangan daripada Parti PAS dan PKR;
Tuan tuan dan Puan puan,
Saudara dan Saudari sekalian

Terima kasih atas sokongan saudara dan saudari, semua penyokong-penyokong daripada parti Pakatan Rakyat kerana adanya sokongan saudara saudari parti DAP dapat memenangi 5 buah kerusi dewan undangan negeri dan menawan balik kerusi Parlimen Kota Melaka dengan majoriti 11,000.

Saya bersama dengan kawan-kawan saya dari parti DAP berterima kasih dan bersyukur kerana dapat hadir pada malam ini untuk memberi sepatah dua kata dan arahan persahabatan dari parti DAP Negeri Melaka kepada kawan-kawan seperjuangan. Kunjung mengunjungi ke ceramah-ceramah sebegini dan juga saling melawati aktiviti-aktiviti kedua-dua pihak akan merapatkan lagi hubungan baik di antara parti-parti Pakatan Rakyat. Bukan sahaja untuk kebaikan parti-parti politik kita tetapi juga dapat bekerjasama supaya Melaka cegah daripada pencemaran kerajaan Barisan Nasional demi kebenaran dan keadilan.

Musuh rakyat Melaka adalah satu. Iaitu kerajaan Barisan Nasional yang dipimpin oleh Ali Rustam dan orangnya yang penuh korup, berpraktik nepotisma dan kronisma. Kerajaan Barisan Nasional menggunakan prinsip dan polisi dasar ekonomi baru untuk orang-orang mereka sendiri di mana yang kaya terus akan menjadi kaya dan yang miskin menjadi lebih miskin.

Dalam ceramah-ceramah saya dalam pilihanraya yang kedua belas, saya ada banyak mengatakan tentang rasuah di Melaka yang semakin teruk dan dahsyat DAN hutang negeri Melaka yang semakin hari semakin bertambah hutangnya.

Untuk makluman saudara dan saudari, setakat tahun 2006, hutang negeri ialah RM1.05 billion (www.audit.gov.my). Bandingkan tahun 2006 dan sepuluh tahun sebelumnya di bawah ketua menteri-ketua menteri yang lain di mana hutang negeri adalah rendah. Mengapanya terdapat hutang-hutang sebegini teruk adalah kerana perbelanjaan-perbelanjaan yang tidak terkawal. Seumpamanya perbelanjaan Dewan Undangan Negeri yang baru, projek Hang Tuah Mall dan yang lain menelan berjuta-juta ratus ringgit. Ini menjadinya ianya kerterlaluan dan harus ditolak oleh rakyat negeri Melaka.

Ini sahaja pada tahun 2006 apatah lagi tahun 2007, 2008 dan tahun-tahun yang akan datang. Saya rasa ia akan mencecah RM1.2 billion pada pilihanraya ketiga belas kelak. Adakah masa depan negeri kita akan menjadi lebih cerah di Melaka. Saya ingin menyatakan negeri Kelantan yang dipimpin oleh kerajaan PAS dalam selama 19 tahun hutangnya telah dibayar dan sekarang hanya tinggal lagi sebanyak RM11 juta ringgit (sebelumnya apabila BN menerajui negeri tersebut, hutang negeri adalah sebanyak RM600 juta). Perbezaannya ialah pentadbiran negeri-negeri tersebut.

Persoalannya apa yang patut dilakukan oleh kita semua. Kedua-dua parti DAP dan PAS perlu berfikir untuk masa depan rakyat Melaka. Kita perlu faham kepada realiti semasa di mana bangsa Melayu di Kuala Lumpur mengundi DAP dan rakyat bangsa Cina mengundi PAS. Realitinya adalah bukan isu bangsa yang diwar-warkan oleh parti politik Barisan Nasional yang berpadu kepada politik bangsa. Realitinya adalah rakyat mengundi parti-parti Pakatan Rakyat adalah supaya pentadbiran negara atau negeri adalah bebas dari keangkuhan UMNO dan kekejaman dan kezaliman kerajaan Barisan Nasional yang penuh korup dan hanya mementingkan diri sendiri sahaja. Oleh yang demikian, ia adalah perlu bahawa parti politik dalam Pakatan Rakyat perlu mengambil peluang keemasan ini untuk menrealisasikan matlamat rakyat jelata. Kita perlu bergabung tenaga dan usaha kita untuk menjatuhkan kerajaan Barisan Nasional Melaka.

Saya percaya, parti DAP Negeri Melaka akan bekerjasama dalam masa yang terdekat ini supaya dapat satu kemenangan yang lebin besar bagi semua parti-parti Pakatan Rakyat. Kita akan bekerjasama dalam mana-mana aktiviti-aktiviti bersama kedua dua pihak dan ceramah-ceramah berkelompok.

Walaupun saya kalah hanya majoriti 806 di pilihanraya kedua belas, saya akan terus berjuang untuk nasib rakyat dengan membuka cawangan di kawasan Dun Duyong dan juga pusat perkhidmatan. Berbanding dengan calon dan bekas ADUN dan EXCO MCA, apabila kalah telah menutup pusat perkhidmatan beliau. Ini menunjukkan ketidakjujuran pihak MCA.

Kalah-Menang dalam politik adalah perkara biasa. Penting sekali adalah perkhidmatan ahli politik kepada rakyat jelata. Saya tidak boleh meletakkan tanggungjawab saya sebegitu sahaja tanpa mengiraukan bahawa terdapat lebih daripada 5500 pengundi yang telah menggundi saya sebagai wakil mereka. Saya tidak boleh berpaling tadah atau berjauhan dengan pengundi DUN Duyong.

Kita, walaupun kalah, perlu bekerja keras dan bekerja lebih masa untuk rakyat. Kita mesti sensatif dengan perasaan rakyat dan memandang serius dengan hal laku rakyat. Sentimen dan pemikiran rakyat perlu diutamakan dan dijagai. Kita perlu berkhidmat untuk rakyat tanpa mengira bagsa, agama dan juga fahaman politik. Kejujuran kita untuk berkhidmat akan menjadikan satu teladan dan contoh kepada semua yang ingin menjadi calon dalam pilihanraya-pilihanraya akan datang.

Akhir kata, sebagai wakil parti DAP Melaka, saya berharap agar kedua-dua PAS dan DAP dapat bekerjasama dan mengeratkan lagi persahabatan kita untuk pilihanraya ketiga belas yang saya percayai dalam tiga tahun dari sekarang.

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