Zahid is wrong....I am PATRIOTIC

I have not blog for a long long long long timeeeeeeeeeeee. But I Think this got to blog.

I read and reread mahaguru and still unable to accept his explanation on Zahid calling non-Malays as unpatriotic, that is really one-sided. And surely it is not reverse psychology as he so assumed that is. First things first, I am Offended. Why? For the fact that I am Malaysian First and Chinese Second.

Second, "Finding Faults on Govt 24/7" - It is unbelievable that His Majesty Opposition is considered to be unpatriotic. What about govt members who corrupt and spend unnecessary of the rakyat's money, are they more patriotic? Surely not. It takes an idiot to actually agree with Mahaguru.

Thirdly, issues of "improving the infrastructure, creating better living environment, job etc...". Hello!!? Isn't that the powers of the executive at the federal level by creating a more even playing field to compete the best instead of falling way behind our neighbours such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines? And O thought those are the works of the local council. What about the role of Parliamentarian at the federal level as they are to debate policies and law not looking at the 'longkang' or public amenities...

And by the way, before that, I think the opposition members are damn more patriotic for defending the good constitution to see for a better Malaysia. And trust me, we are willing to fight till the end of the last drop of blood to defend this constitution and this country.

Remember the rukunegara
Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan
Kesetiaan kepada RAJA dan NEGARA
Keluhuran Perlembagaan
Kedaulatan Undang-undang
Kesopanan dan kesusilaan.

As a Minister, Zahid should not question the patriotic and loyalty of any citizen.

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.

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

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.

September 16 coup.... wishful thinking?

I read the below article by blogger Melvin Mah's "Crossover, Tomorrow?" rather interesting. I am paraphrasing his articles below:-

Such thing mentioned above suggests the possibility that the crossovers of 43 MPs max to Pakatan Rakyat could happen as early as tomorrow than expected. Yes, it is possible to have it tomorrow.

Previously, September 2 marks the day where Anwar was removed from all posts from the cabinet by Mr. Mahathir. That was in 1998, and if it happens, Anwar is rewriting history that banishes the past and instead it will read, Anwar becomes PM on that day itself. As mentioned previously, a Special Branch officer is assigned to each of the 140 BN MPs to see which of the MPs are among those who could be going over....

I seriously don't know whether DSAI really mean what he says. Some say that he is too ambitious. Some probably welcome it as the country is now suffering from a economic coma that needs a revival. Some say that he is playing with fire and some like me are waiting for him tpo be DSAI.

So he is in Parliament. What's next? The budget was read and over...oh yes forgot about the debate. That will be after the bulan ramadhan and bulan puasa. So that means after September 16. Nevertheless I think that he should now probably set up his shadow cabinet for a start. Don't talk about becoming Prime Minister until one's cabinet is formed at least for people to judge his appointees.

The next important thing to note for DSAI is to come up with an alternative budget for Malaysians. Like DAP, it came up with an alternate budget based on CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) which is quite appropriate currently especially in curbing corruption and incompetency, DSAI should also address the economics accordingly and this will justify DSAI willingness to lead a vibrant country for greater steps ahead. Malaysia wants to see not a Prime Minister in waiting BUT a Prime Minister that is ready to lead this country with his plans and visions. He has to offer to Malaysians what he intends to do for Malaysia. Enough of politics. Enough of Permatang Pauh. Talk is cheap but there must be some mechanics into that talk.

I see a lot of enthusiasm in writing this piece. A lot of excitement and suspense. Reality or just Wishful thinking? Seriously I don't know. Though I am also happy and excited to see a take over after 51 years of Merdeka for the Peninsular, I am a bit careful to suggest what Melvin suggested. But nevertheless I am keeping my fingers cross. And hoping that it will be true.

Whatever it is, Malaysians all over are looking forward to it.

Can I be Malaysian?

I simply don't get it. Either I am an idiot or simply living a world of my own. I am a Malaysian. I don't subscribed to racial and/or religious politics. So does that mean I'm a secularist i.e. the believe that religion and matters relating to the state is separated. To a certain extent YES. YES because Malaysia is a multi religious and multi racial as such matters relating to religion is personal to that person and that person only.

NO we are not secular because as described that the religion of the federation is Islam. Well depending on who we are and what stand we make, it's either YES or NO. But then again, in 1988 the then Supreme Court in Che Omar Che Soh held that Islam or Islamic Religion in Article 3 of the Constitution in the context means only such acts as relates to rituals and ceremonies and that Islamic laws was rendered isolated in a narrow confinement of the law of marriage, divorce and inheritance only (1988, 2 MLJ 55) until of course the law in it's essence is changed by a 2/3 majority in Parliament to amend the Constitution.

Having said that, I am a little sceptical as to why the need to form a political party just to unite all Malay and guarding the well being of Islam as I always thought that the rights of Malay and Muslim are already protected by the constitution. More so the oath of offices of almost every administrative position in this country requires the declarant to uphold and to protect the constitution.

So why the need to have such discussion and secret talks. However what is urgently needed is a collaboration of all parties namely Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat for a unity talk on racial harmony instead of racial polarisation. The agenda for all parties is to establish a Malaysian identity free that we can be proud of. Are there not Malay, Chinese or Indian that hard poor? When Datuk Nicol David became the first Malaysian to be World No. 1, are we not happy? Or when our Indian friends climbed and conquered Mount Everest, are we not overjoyed? Or when the Sidek brothers triumphed in Badminton or Datuk Jimmy Choo as top shoemaker designer who now resides in England or Fish Leong who found success in Taiwan and other top entrepreneur who made Malaysia an aroma of success. Are we not all Malaysians?

As such, I am totally disgusted with man made politics with all the so-called talks, rumour mongers or mergers such as UMNO-PAS, MCA-DAP, MIC-Hindraf etc etc all for racial politics that are unbecoming and unhealthy for Malaysia. Don't they know that the recent general election spoke for itself - res ipsa loquitor and that the majority prefers a Malaysian identity rather than the 'straight jackets' racial division.

I am a Malaysian, and am proud to say that I am the seventh generation living in Tanah Melayu.
Can I live in peace? Can our politicians be a little more matang... and responsible to all Malaysians?

Oil Oh Oil...

An excellent piece of work by Humble Voice which I have cut and paste the whole works. Enjoy reading it and you will have at least a bird's eye view on how much oil money to the government. While reading it, I began to have curiosity in my mind as to "mana wang itu"

The Mystery of Our Vanishing Oil Money

When common folks talked about our oil revenues we usually think of Petronas and the government as being the same entity. That was my perception when I wrote my last article: The 56 billion ringgit questions, but little did I suspect that I would have to completely reconsider my understanding almost the moment I posted the article.

I posted the article on 3:45pm June 4, and moments later I received an SMS that petrol price is going to go up. I was about the chuck the SMS away until I logon to Malysiakini and confirmed that the news was true indeed.

I was shocked by the suddenness and quantum of the increase as Najib’s reassurance of no price hike was still fresh in memory, and Shahrir was only hinting of a price adjustment in August the day before. My first reaction was that Pak Lah has just hammered the last nail in his own coffin.

I am not an economist by any means, but I came from a poor family and I have been through the years where every cent counts. It was completely baffling to me why Pak Lah would make such a sharp increase in petrol prices while the whole country was still reeling from the pain of the recent hike in the prices of food and other essential items. The combined effects are going to cause so much hardship to so many people that I seriously doubt Pak Lah is going to survive the fallout of it. And it got me thinking hard...

The Mystery of Our Oil Money

Let’s get back to the mystery of our oil money. After many hours of research and considerations – I came to realize that the relationship between Petronas and the government is much more complicated that it looks on the surface. The two are not the same entity after all; and by some recent announcements I think there could even be open hostilities between them. Read:

• Petronas could go bust by 2018 if all its profits are handed to the Government…
• Petronas should not be made the scapegoat for the fuel price hike

One key understanding is that although Malaysia is a net exporter of crude oil, our products are of very high quality and are primarily for export while we consume lower grade oils that are mainly imported from the Middle East.

While the exploration, production and export our crude oil are handled almost exclusively by Petronas, the import side is a bit more complicated. The importing and retailing of petroleum products are carried out by companies like Shell, Exxon, Petronas, etc. These companies are mandated by the government to sell below cost, thus they are compensated for their losses by the Government in the form of subsidy.

Yes – our government does subsidize our petrol. But it also receives money from Petronas in the form of royalty, taxes and dividends. Petronas is reported to have contributed 52.3 billion ringgit to the government for the financial year ended March 2007.

Is that a fair contribution to the government? I will be eagerly waiting for Petronas supposedly full disclosure. I don’t give much hope that the full disclosure will reveal details like why some big shots get to live like a king with private jet and helicopters, but it should give some basis for some intelligent guess-analysis.

How much is the Government getting from Petronas?


The graph above shows Petronas contribution to the government over the past few years. I plotted it along with the yearly average crude oil price. The yearly contribution was obtained from Hassan Marican interview in RTM1 reported in Guang Ming Daily and the average oil price from EIA. As you can see Petronas contributions go up nicely with the price of crude oil, as most of us would expect.

What will be Petronas contribution for this year? That will be everybody’s guess. Would it be 70 billion? 80 billions? Whatever it is, it seems that Petronas is mightily reluctant to cough out its profits to the government.

How much is the petrol subsidy costing our government?

Our daily crude oil consumption is 501,000 barrels, or 183 million barrels per year. Each barrel is 158 liters, and typically yields 73.8 liters of petrol, diesel and other by products after refining (data from EIA).

Our yearly petroleum consumption is thus:
183 million barrels X 73.8 liters/barrels = 13.5 billion liters.

At the current crude oil price of 130 USD per barrel, the market price is RM 3 per liter for petrol (according to Shahrir).

Our government’s yearly subsidy on petroleum can be calculated as follows. For lack of data I will assume that the cost price of petrol and diesel is the same.

Before Price hike:
The average price of petrol and diesel =
 (RM1.98 + RM1.52) /2 = RM 1.75

Subsidy per liter = RM 3 – RM 1.75 = RM 1.25
Total Subsidy = RM 1.25/liter X 13.5 billion liters = RM 16.9 billion

After Price hike:
Average price of petrol and diesel  =
  (RM 2.7 + RM 2.52) / 2 = RM 2.61
Subsidy per liter = RM 3 – RM 2.61 = RM 0.39
Total Subsidy = RM 0.39/liter X 13.5 billion liters = RM 4.0 billion

What do all these figures means?

Firstly, since Pak Lah took helm, Petronas has contributed RM 146.5 billion to the government. Petronas has been in operation since 1974 and contributed a total of RM 336 billion to the government. Pak Lah’s first 4 years in office received 43.6% of Petronas 35 years of total contributions. It is more than what Mahathir received in 20 years, inflation adjusted. And it does not even include this year’s contributions!

Is your reaction that of disbelieve? Are you wondering where have all these money gone to?

Mahathir is known for his opulence and extravagance and have created monsters like Twin Towers and F1 circuits to match his distorted ego. But what have Pak Lah done that is worthy of being mentioned? To give you a perspective, it costs RM 11 billion to build Putrajaya, and the order of RM 20 billion to build all our toll roads. Whatever happened to this mind boggling 147 billion ringgit? It seems to have just vanished in thin air. Something must be seriously wrong somewhere.

Now the 56 billions petrol subsidy quoted by Shahrir. My own calculations indicate that it should cost the government RM 16.9 billion. My calculations do not include subsidy for gas, but would it amounts to the RM 39 billions difference? Either my calculations are completely wrong or Shahrir is bullshitting. I would appreciate if somebody can verify my calculations.

My calculations show that with RM 52.3 billion contribution from Petronas the government should still be making a net profit of RM 30+ billions. And the recent price hike is going to bring extra RM 17 billions to Pak Lah’s coffer. Is it conscionable for the government to make such an obscene amount of money at the expense of such widespread suffering of the people?

I am shock beyond words by what I discovered today. The level of corruption and mismanagement by the Barisan Nasional government is way way beyond than my wildest imagination. It sickens and disgusts me to the point that I just want to cast the whole Barisan Nasional government to hell right away. Right now I will not hesitate for a moment to lend my support for Pakatan Rakyat to step in to take over the government.

Do I believe that Anwar is able to bring down the price of petrol and give Sabah and Sarawak 20% oil royalty? I have no doubt that he can, if he managed to gain back the control of the oil money. I do not agree with his oil policy, but that's a separate issue altogether. At least with Pakatan Rakyat there is hope that ordinary people like us is able to participate to bring about the right changes.

This is the time for us all to wake up. If the level of suffering and darkness of the current moment is not enough to wake you up, I don’t know what will.

Look who is suffering now? We all are. Does the 50 years of racial politics bring about the supremacy of any race? I hope our sad state of affairs is convincing enough to show us that racial politics can not work. It never will.

We have to forget about race, religion and other trivial differences and stand united as one. This is the time to exercise our collective power, our makal shakti, this is the only strength that we have to cast out the slime bag power mongers that are hell bent to destroy each other and bringing down the whole country with them.

Live Streaming

I am happy to hear that the Selangor State Assembly will be having live streaming through the internet. And I believe the cost is far far cheaper compare to live telecast via RTM BN. Smart move by the people's government of Pakatan Rakyat. Good job and shabas.




Melaka State Assembly BOLEH KAH? Tak apa biar saya jawab bagi pihak Kerajaan Negeri, TAK BOLEH, MAHAL....

Another answer. Tak boleh, takut nak pergi live kerana tak tau cakap depan kamera.

Apologies to ABIM Perak

Referring to the article I posed entitled "Another Idiot Crying Out" of which I have taken an news cutting stated that 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 and that ABIM Perak was also part of the group, I have received a comment here that ABIM Perak were never involved in that meeting and that they are a non partisan movement and only involve in charity and religious activities.

So the masalah is kalau tak ada team nak masuk, jangan lah nak paksa team lain pulak. Which means that if ABIM Perak is not involved don't LAH simple mention their name LAH. Buat suspense sahaja...

The Political Game of Mahatir & Son Private Ltd

I was anxious. Or rather not me alone but everybody in the firm and I believe everybody elsewhere too. The time was 5.30pm (20th May 2008). There were no news still and as usual Streamyx pose a problem to my office until at 6.45pm when the news was finally out. What is that? Mukriz son of Mahatir tak ikut bapak keluar Parti UMNO.

The older did it through a dare (I don't know whether he regret it or not, more so the one that issued the dare is a PAS member and former calon in the recent election). But the younger was smart enough by looking at the surrounding and circumstances. He did not follow his dad. Many anticipated it but I was thinking a little different as I know he will take on the SIL of PM for the UMNO Youth top post. A fight that would see who will lead UMNO Youth in the bleakest day of UMNO.

The SIL will not hesitate to climb the ladder within UMNO so long as PM is still around. But nevertheless, Mukriz son of Mahatir will not allowed this SIL of PM to be what he wants to be. Mukriz son of Mahatir is definitely a stumbling block and a pain in the a** for our friend the SIL of PM. Political pundits feel it will be a battle to watch, a clash of the titans. Looking at history a new team A and team B will suffice. One that will be led by Ku Li and the other by PM. Ku Li's men would definitely be Mukriz son of Mahatir and a running mate in Muyiddin. And I bet you the strategist is none other than Tun himself, VERSUS PM-Najib-Khairy and all the 'kaki bodek' of UMNO which I believe blogees would know siapaLAH. Not I say, but Tun himself say ar.

So in Mahatir leaving UMNO, it will give more opportunity or room for him to manuver

Mahatir's Resignation from UMNO part 2

A really good and detailed piece from NST on the verbal resignation by Tun Dr Mahatir as No. 01 life member of UMNO and it all started from a dare by one UMNO member named Ismail Jaziz. I wonder whether this chap regrets for putting a dare. Be that as it may, Tun took the dare and announced his resignation that took Malaysia by storm.

It literally shook not only those from UMNO or BN but it took the Opposition by surprise too. Nobody expect what he did was so real.

Questions or rather issues, will his act of defiance in resigning made PM Abdullah to step down. Second, will there be an exodus of members becoming independent or joining the Opposition, especially if it is assemblyman or parliamentarian. If that is so, than (i) Pakatan Rakyat gets stronger (ii) Pakatan Rakyat will form Federal Government as Pak Lah will not garner enough support in the House and eventually a snap election be held; AND (iii) Some states especially Negeri Sembilan will see change in state government.

Well things gets more interesting..... watch for Part 3

©New Straits Times (Used by permission)
by Noor Adzman Baharuddin & Adib Povera

ALOR STAR, Mon: After goading Umno members today to temporarily resign from Umno as a sign of protest against the party president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took up a “dare” to take the lead by resigning from the party he had been a founding member of since 1946. However, he implored Umno members taking up his challenge not to join any other party and remain independent, at least until the Umno leadership was determined (after the December party elections). He indicated that he will only rejoin the party when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down as Umno president.

Dr Mahathir, an Umno life member, was answering questions from the floor after giving a talk at a forum entitled 'Future of the Malays after the 12th General Election' at the Star City Hotel in Alor Star, organised by the Kedah Malay Assembly Hall, when a member of the audience asked him if he would take the lead in quitting Umno.

Identifying himself as Ismail Jaziz, he asked Dr Mahathir if he would take the lead since he had mooted the idea. To this, Dr Mahathir, in a serious tone said: “Waa, saya di cabar ni…(looks like I have been dared). Yes, I will leave Umno...until the party leadership is determined. Other Umno members should follow me.”

Loud cheers erupted from the 1,500 attendees, which included assembly chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad, Jerlun Umno division chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin, State Assemblyman for Kuala Nerang Datuk Syed Sobri Syed Hashim, State Assemblywoman for Sungai Tiang Suraya Yaacob and former Kedah Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.

"Malays, Umno members and many other people have sent Abdullah messages to express dissatisfaction with his leadership, especially after the March 8 general election but he remains unaffected. We have to be radical and brave and this is the only way to bring him down," he said.

It is not immediately clear if his son, Datuk Mukhriz, also the MP for Jerlun and an Umno Youth Exco member, would follow suit. Another of Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Mokhzani, was reported as saying that his father's decision was a “sign of no confidence” in Abdullah’s leadership.

Abdullah, in an immediate reaction, expressed shock at Dr Mahathir's resignation, saying" I didn't expect him to leave but I will continue to fight for the party."

One notable Umno leader who has apparently took on Dr Mahathir's call to resign is Sanusi, who said he will release an official statement later.

However, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, once Dr Mahathir's greatest foe but now seen as a key ally, dismissed expectations that he too would quit Umno, saying that he will continue with his bid to challenge Abdullah for the party presidency in the December party elections.

Datuk Shahrir Samad, an Umno supreme council member and Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, was quoted by AFP as saying that Dr Mahathir's resignation may precipitate a general election.

"The shock resignation may compel many Umkno members, especially MPs, to quit Umno, thus forcing the Prime Minister to form a new Government or call for a snap election," Shahrir was quoted as saying.

The former Prime Minister's announcement also caught his aides by surprise.

Dr Mahathir explained that this was not the first time he was out of Umno. “Between 1969 and 1970, I was expelled from Umno but later, when many Malays and Umno members still supported me, I re-entered Umno. There was no problem. Just don’t join other parties.”

At a Press conference later, Dr Mahathir said he will submit his resignation from Umno as soon as possible.

He explained that that he decided to leave Umno because he felt the party could no longer serve as a genuine political party to protect Malay rights and interests, Umno's founding objectives.

Dr Mahathir claimed Umno had now been made a party to only recognise Abdullah as Umno president and accord importance to the prime minister's family interests, with the nation's welfare taking a backseat.

"I can list out the things that Abdullah had done to the detriment of our nation's interests," he said. "The Umno of today no longer holds to the party's founding goals when it was formed 62 years ago. That is why I have no hesitation whatsoever to leave the party," he said.

Dr Mahathir said it was high time for Umno members who love the party to be bold for the future of Malays and that such a move would not cause the Malays to lose their political power.

"The Malays would not lose their political power. They want to correct things not because they simply want to leave. If they are brave to safeguard the party and the Malay struggles, then they must also be brave to take actions. However, we find that many Umno members can't even attend certain gatherings...division chairmen also cannot attend...what is this?"

Dr Mahathir said when Tengku Razaleigh opposed him in 1988, former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had thrown his support for his opponent but he had never stopped any member to campaign against him (Dr Mahathir).

"Now, we cannot say anything against the prime minister or the party president. This is not Umno," he said.

Asked if Umno state assemblymen and MPs should also quit the party, he said they should if they truly love the party.

Asked if his call and decision could be construed as him giving up on Umno, Dr Mahathir said he would not ask others to follow him if he himself was afraid to do so.

Asked if his call would give added pressure for Abdullah to resign from his posts soon, Mahathir said: "I don't know about pressure. This man could not understand anything."

Dr Mahathir insisted that his resignation had nothing to do with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.

"That is a court matter and I go to the courts. If they make allegations against me, I could also do the same and if I am found guilty, they can put me in jail but if I am not guilty, please don't arrest me anyway," he said. “I am just protesting against the Abdullah’s leadership of Umno and country."

In their report leaked to the Press, the Commission of Inquiry named Dr Mahathir, lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam, former chief justices Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Eusoff Chin, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan and former tourism minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, for conspiring to fix the appointments and promotions of judges.

The government's then instructed the Attorney-General to begin investigations into the six figures named but Dr Mahathir responded by claiming that he would "not settle for less" than his day in court so that he could defend himself against allegations that he was at the centre of a judicial appointments scandal in 2001.

Dr Mahathir had hoped that when investigations into the conspiracy were completed, he would be charged so that he can reveal what really went on behind the scenes at the time, including instances of judges lobbying him for promotions.

Mahathir’s resignation was a culmination of two years of vitriolic criticisms against Abdullah. Dr Mahathir began finding fault with Abdullah after the latter cancelled several mega projects initiated by the ex-PM, notably the new bridge that would link Singapore with Johor Baru.

In an immediate reaction, former Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat said Dr Mahathir is was the only leader who left Umno, pointing to Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn who never returned to Umno.

“Yet, they were founding fathers of the party. They never return to the party after retiring so there is nothing unusual about his resignation. It has happened in the past and it happens now. It is unfortunate that after making so much noise, he is leaving the party.

“His leaving would not have a serious effect to the party and I do not think that his action will be heeded by other members as they still love the party. After the last general election, Umno members have reflected deeply on what they should do to revive and revitalise Umno. They would not desert the party.”

MCA vice president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the resignation came as a shock to him because he never expected Dr Mahathir to do it. “Not at this juncture. At the moment, I am not sure what sort of effect or ripples it will cause BN and MCA. But I am convinced Umno, as an established party within the BN coalition, would have sufficient experience and maturity in resolving such problem. What is more important now is for BN to stay firmly together”.

Gerakan secretary general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye expressed shock at Dr Mahathir’s resignation. “This is shocking, it’s hard to believe. I hope this will not bring further instability to Barisan Nasional. I also hope things will settle down and the matter resolved in a calm manner.”

MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said it was unfortunate for Dr Mahathir to resign from the party which he had been a president for a long time. “His instigating others to follow suit in light of the current problems faced by the party, will further weaken it. We hope other members will be clear-headed in this matter.”

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Dr Mahathir’s resignation sent shock waves because of his immense influence among Umno grassroots.” I think the nation is in for some exciting politics,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Liew Vui Keong said Dr Mahathir’s decision should be respected and accepted by all concerned. “I can only wish him the best. His resignation may cause a ripple, but how far it will have an effect is best left to the party.”

Sabah Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin described the resignation as “very unfortunate” because he was “our president.”

Mahatir's Resignation from UMNO part 1

IT was news but I have anticipated it reading from his recent attacks on UMNO's leadership specifically PM Abdullah. Question was when. It was today (19.5.2008) at 12.35pm. He told a crowd of about 1000 people in Alor Setar, Kedah. Reason : LACK OF CONFIDENCE ON THE LEADERSHIP

Everybody was shocked. Some say it is a tragic move that could destroy UMNO (anyway UMNO is already chaotic). Well that statement is an understatement. Who knows UMNO will regain it's strength when the pain-in-the-a** of the party is no more a member of UMNO. Somebody that is so critical of UMNO's leadership is no more. If I were Pak Lah I would rejoice. Nevertheless TDM is out of UMNO for good. Maybe I should correct this, for awhile. Since he has implied that he will return to UMNO when the leadership is restored.

Anyway what is interesting in his speech is that, he urged other party members to quit too, as a way of pressuring Abdullah into vacating his post. But of course with a caution, "don't join the Opposition".

Let us wait and see. Part 2 will be up and coming after this....

Difference between Ghani Othman and Sore Loser

Ghani Othman

Sore Loser

There is definitely a vast difference between the two Ketua Kerajaan of the South of Malaysia besides the different name in their position. Ali Rustam aka Ali Gostan (Chinese) or Ali Ketam (Malay) is the Ketua Menteri or Chief Minister of Malacca and Ghani Othman is the Menteri Besar of the state of Johore.

The former in my opinion is a sore loser who has been quite vocal in his speeches during the 12th General Election, crying for ZERO Opposition. Fortunately, the mature people of Malacca have voted the DAP not 2 but 5 state seats including a stronghold of MCA, Ayer Keroh and buried the political rise of the former state exco and Kesidang state assemblyman, Koh Nai Kwang and at the same time sekat the rise of Wong Nai Chee in Kota Melaka.

Being a very sore loser, Ali Rustam aka Ali Gostan (Chinese) or Ali Ketam (Malay) declared arrogantly to not to develop DAP Opposition constituencies. And guess what? He said it many times ARROGANTLY during and after the election. I also believed that he himself directed Majilis Bandaraya to KIV all complaints, projects or whatever in all DAP Opposition constituencies. So what do you call that.....a damn SORE LOSER.

The Malacca people pays tax and all sort of cukai-cukai. Maybe I should advised oops DEMAND our Sore Loser to apologise to all the Malacca People. What he said is definitely a threat and a breach of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

Compare that to Ghani Othman the Menteri Besar of Johore in TV3 just now that he will not stop or cancel any projects in the constituencies held by Opposition. Now that is a true leader compare that of the Sore Loser of Malacca. I can't imagine if he is the PM or DPM of Malaysia.

My two cents worth....

If Obama wins

It would be interesting to see if Obama wins the 2008 Democrat Presidential race against Hillary Clinton and six others. The 2008 Democratic caucus in Iowa marked the traditional formal start of the delegate selection process for the 2008 United States presidential election which sees Senator Barack Obama of Illinois received the most support from Iowa Democratic caucus-attendees, making him the first African-American of any party to carry the caucus. Hillary unfortunately came in 3rd place with John Edwards in 2nd place.

On a voting percentage, Obama has a 37.58% lead over Edwards' 30% and Hillary's 29.47% (source: Wikipedia).

Though this is just the beginning of the Democrats selection process, seeing Obama wins show off the maturity of the Democrats delegates in electing a first non white as their candidate for the US 2008 presidential election in November.

It would be interesting to see if Obama not only wins the Democrat Presidential race but set to be come the first black President of the United States of America, should he wins. That would be historic as there are more than 80% white Americans. Meaning White Americans are prepared to have a somebody of another race as their president. This is truly remarkable and exciting to see a change of a political culture in the United States.

Now can we have a non Malay becoming Prime Minister of Malaysia? I doubt. Maybe it takes about 500 years for there to be one where race and religion will be regarded as secondary picture as we will all be known as MALAYSIAN.

The Politics of Biasness

The spat between UMNO Youth and Gerakan*... my personal observation is simply that of political biasness by UMNO. UMNO as all Malaysians know is ARROGANT and proud. This is evidenced of the recent remarks made by their Senior Vice President Ali Gostan who arrogantly declared that UMNO can run the country without help from anybody and that PPP can just pack it's bag and leave the Barisan coalition.

Such statements is definitely uncalled for and should be rejected by UMNO whether he is the most powerful Vice President in the most powerful party in Malaysia. He must be disciplined regardless of his position. This in my opinion is nothing short of biasness.

As such Gerakan should be commended to reject UMNO Youth Chief statement. However Tsu Koon, should further demand that Hisham to apologise Gerakan and not just disciplined S. Paranjothy for a statement he made that is nevertheless REAL that the Indian community is a marginalised community in Malaysia.

My opinion is that NOBODY will simply go to the street and voice their dissatisfaction unless they do not have a choice. There are no avenue for them to voice as nobody is listening to their cry as such the streets are their only choice. NOBODY in their right mind wants to be arrested or stand in the front of the FRU trucks UNLESS there is no other way to go about it. Perhaps the government should wear their shoes and see the things they see instead of shutting them up and sweep it under the carpet and say we are all OK.

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*UMNO Youth Chief threatens to sever ties with GERAKAN provided the latter gave an explanation on its Youth vice-chief S. Paranjothy's recent remarked about UMNO side lining the Indian community.

Demonstrasi Jalanan - Illegal...Siapa kata???

WALK FOR JUSTICE by BAR COUNCIL - ILLEGAL
BERSIH WALK - VERY ILLEGAL
HINDRAF WALK - VERY VERY ILLEGAL

BN WALK - VERY VERY VERY LEGAL

Inilah dikatakan double standard. And I thought demonstrasi jalanan is illegal. So whatever that is organise by BN would be legal and those organised by His Majesty's Loyal Opposition parties and NGOs are illegal. Maybe the leaders organised during the Miss Secretary of State for US visit should be brought to court for holding an illegal rally

If BERSIH and HINDRAF cause chaotic jam in massive KL, I believe the BN walk also did the same. SHAME SHAME SHAME.....

Facts Fear

I stepped into Paya Mengkuang for a sumptuous. It was porky pork from the first till the fourth dish. It was a save-the-pig campaign hosted by the Penduduk Paya Mengkuang. Yes the pig farm saga. Pig Farmer vs Majilis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah or more exact the State government. Speeches after speeches from distinguished people in the industry. The dinner was attended by Chinese Associations, Chinese Businessman, Political parties (including MCA) and the kampong people supporting the cause, whether it's Chinese, Malay or Indian. It was not a chinese thingy but a Malaysian thing.

I was glad to see the support given by the Malays in the area even though, pig was HARAM to them. But as I said it was not just a Chinese affair but the government handling of the matter coupled with political pressure by certain individual. And as I said also it has nothing to do with politics. No political speeches were made but plain HARD FACTS, HARD to kunyah for some. Uncle Kit was there as the last speaker and what he spoke was plain facts. Facts that are hard to swallow by some. Of course when Uncle Kit spoke, some that can't take HARD FACTS literally walk out from the hall. MCA I mean.

I shall post some pics soon.... wait ya

People Power (Part 2)

Just yesterday I post about the importance of getting the Rakyat to be involved in decision making as we are stakeholders of this nation. We have seen many laws passed which resulted in unfairness at great length. Our Constitution has been amended 42 times within the space of 49 years. Sad but its true. Our Constitution has been diluted and raped in such a way to a certain extent without the consent by the people. Our Wakil Rakyat to a certain extent betray our trust as guardians of the constitution.

As such why not a proposal that let the powers be given back to the people. There is a need to see the people getting involved with policy and decision making in this country that affect us all. Now is the time let the people decide and then only the PM can say that he is the First Civil Servant.

I'm glad to hear the brilliant words of Raja Nazrin recently on good governance as the citizens are more educated and equipped. The government cannot lie to us any more and treating us like kids. I quote what His highness remarked, "They demand a progressive and representative form of government. They want to be part of decision-making that affects their lives and livelihood." He also noted that society today was more interested in achieving results than merely obeying the rules.

Having said that, I'm of the opinion that the people wants a governments that is approachable and consultative, some sort of an open government whereby the views of the people are noted. The Rakyat do not wish to be told all the time what they can do or can't do. The Rakyat wants a progressive government that will take into account the voice of the people. This is in fact a true democracy. All voice MUST be heard and that includes the voice from the Opposition and the Non Governmental Organisation.

I must also make mention a special remarked he made is this, I quote, "While public officials should be accorded sufficient power to deliver good governance, there must be effective restraints on the arbitrary exercise of that power so that the general interest and not special interests are served." I must applaud for his openness and frankness and this must be make known to our current government.

Interesting Opinion

I have a done a CUT-PASTE from Elizabeth Wong's blog at http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com with an interesting piece taken from Malaysiakini. A good research on election trend by race.

Posted by elizabethwong in Race Relations, Note2Self, Democracy, Readings, Politics, Current Affairs. trackback

For those without access to Malaysiakini - an interesting poll which some of us looked at yesterday… and groaned.

So, before you break out the champagne or light fireworks, please analyse the voting demographics of each constituency, esp. those who harbour Parliamentarian dreams. Also bear in mind, there are always BN-block votes in each constituency.

Too much emphasis had been put on an earlier poll, which also also indicated the so-called ‘Chinese-swing” votes. This is exactly why the “Chinese”-component parties of BN have been asking for a later date for General Elections, but Umno has decided that setting aside their concerns will still give them the majority of seats in Parliament.

Those with 70% or more of Chinese voters will do well, but not the rest. This also means that Opposition parties who hold these coveted seats will allocate them to their Chosen Ones. The rest will have to fight it out as hard as, if not harder, like during 2004.

Opposition MPs-wanna-be’s have to do so much more work.

Chinese least impressed with Pak Lah
Bede Hong, Malaysiakini.com, 04 August 2007

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi still enjoys popular support despite public disgruntlement over the country’s sluggish economy, according to a survey conducted by the Merdeka Center.

However, although the premier receives a pat on the back from the general population, the Chinese are less than impressed with his performance.

Abdullah’s approval rating remains high, with 86 percent of Malay Malaysians, 71 percent of Indian Malaysians while only 54 percent the Chinese Malaysians supporting the administration.

In the survey carried out through phone interviews involving 1,022 respondents throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Abdullah on average enjoys 71 percent support. Only 21 percent of respondents disapproved.

The poll which include a random selection of respondents aged 21 and above from all states was done over one week between June 14-20.

According to Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian, the public’s approval of Abdullah is expected to hover at approximately 70 percent, with Malays and Indians largely supportive of his administration. The Chinese however perceive the prime minister as “sub-par”, he said.

“And the announcement of salary increment for civil servants and the prime minister’s marriage (to Jeanne Abdullah) did not bring about a higher approval rating as claimed by the media,” said Ibrahim at a talk organised by University of Malaya faculty of economics and administration and Transparency International Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur last night.

The survey was to gauge voter sentiments on a variety of national issues.

He said the Chinese “once again showed higher expectations” for political leaders as compared to the Malays and Indians.

Election promises not kept

Overall, the Chinese have a lower approval for Abdullah’s performance as prime minister, he said.

“The majority of the Chinese think Abdullah did not keep most of his election promises. They’re less confident with the government’s ability in fulfilling the people’s aspirations,” he said.

“More Chinese also think that the problem of the sluggish Malaysian economy can be addressed by having more opposition leaders in Parliament,” he added.

Abdullah’s approval rating has dropped from 91 percent in November 2004 to 73 percent in June this year, according to the survey.

Abdullah’s two major plummets in his approval were in March 2006 (68 percent) when the oil price hike was announced and in September 2006 (63 percent) and when former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad stepped up his criticisms of the prime minister.

His approval rating climbed to 70 the following month and 72 percent in November when Umno held its annual general assembly. It was also during this time when Mahathir was hospitalised from a heart attack.

“The assembly won a lot of support from the grassroots. It also consolidated Umno and Abdullah’s leadership,” said Ibrahim.

Although the premier’s approval rating is high, only 8 percent of the Chinese felt Abdullah kept his 2004 election pledges to fight corruption and to improve the public service’s delivery system, compared to the Malays (57 percent) and Indians (37 percent).

On a question regarding the country’s situation, 58 percent felt that status quo should remain, while 33 percent said the country needs more opposition leaders.

Seventy-three percent of Malays felt “Malaysia is lagging behind other countries in economic terms but the programmes and current efforts by the government will help the country catch up” Thirty-eight percent of the Chinese and 47 percent of Indians felt the same.

In comparison, 45 percent of Indians, 44 percent of the Chinese and 24 percent of Malays felt that “the problems of the sluggish Malaysian economy can be addressed if there are more leaders from the opposition”

Asked if they were satisfied with the ability of the government to meet the aspirations of the people, 33 percent of Chinese said they were, compared to the Malays (76 percent) and Indians (63 percent).

Asked if the country needs a stronger opposition, 82 percent of the Chinese agreed, compared to the Malays (62 percent) and Indians (74 percent).

“The Chinese are more in favour of having a stronger opposition and their desire increases steadily. However, such desires do not translate necessarily translate into votes for a particular party,” said Ibrahim.

According to the survey, PAS remains accepted by the Malays but retains minimal Chinese support. Increase in Chinese acceptance is more a sign of dissatisfaction with the ruling government.

DAP gets most Chinese support

On voter's likelihood to vote for PAS, only 30 percent of Malays said they are willing to vote for the party. Twenty-three percent of the Chinese and 27 percent of the Indians felt the same.

PKR seemed more acceptable by the Chinese and Indians despite being labelled a Malay party, while DAP remains popular among the Chinese but has hardly made any inroads into the Malay communities, said Ibrahim.

Forty-two percent of the Chinese said they are willing to vote for PKR, compared to the Malays (25 percent) and Indians (26 percent).

For DAP, 62 percent of the Chinese said they are willing to vote for the party, while only 8 percent of Malays felt the same. Thirty-three percent of Indians said they are willing to vote DAP.

Meanwhile, a separate survey on Kelantanese respondents revealed that 90 percent are concerned with social issues affecting youths. The national average is 61 percent.

On the support of Kelantanese to the PAS-led state government, Ibrahim said: “The perceptions of the economy is actually positive, much more positive than in Terengganu. One serious problem there is the lack of jobs. There aren’t enough jobs to go around. But in terms of perceptions of the state government, it has actually improved,” he said.

He said the state government-run insurance programmes and schemes for the lower income group have influenced support for the opposition party.

Is this fair?

The media whether printing or electronics is to provide useful and general information which regards to politics, economy, social and knowledge but no to the extreme of using it for opposition parties bashing. Why is the government so afraid? Are they so afraid that one day the truth will prevail. As the Bible once declared that the "truth will set us free" and indeed we need the truth. We need fairness, integrity, righteousness and justice. Fairness is justice. I was reminded by my jurisprudence lecturer who taught me John Rawls, a prominent American Jurist, in his article Justice as Fairness. It consists of two principles that all have the greatest degree of liberty and that social and economic inequalities be attached to positions open to all under fair equality of opportunity.

How do we like that? Will that happen to Malaysia? Will all be under fair equality of opportunity. I find it hard to read the Star just now on political bashing by our government. The past two days our newspaper reports are reporting about how the government should destroy the opposition. Worst still, to eliminate Opposition parties in Parliament. Maybe the government have forgotten that the Opposition is sometimes refer to like the UK (since we have all adopted the Westminster style of government) as His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. The Opposition are not opposing for the sake of opposing. In fact, the arguments and debates are to be read constructively by all members of Parliament whether government, opposition or independent.

The Opposition are not traitors as the government sees it. The Opposition just wants to see a true and healthy Malaysia. The way I see it, the government is just so afraid of the truth.

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Call to crush the opposition

MUAR: The Pagoh Barisan Nasional is working to ensure that opposition candidates contesting in seats within the Pagoh parliamentary constituency are completely “thra-shed.”

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Pagoh BN chief, said he wanted to see them lose their deposits.

“We want Pagoh to set the benchmark ... that every opposition party which fields candidates lose their deposits,” he said when opening the Pagoh Umno division delegates’ conference yesterday.

So coming back to our mass media, why not it be fair for all parties?