one man independent panel review 2

from jebat must die

Continuing from the previous post, we now come to the part where serious action plans are needed to rejuvenate and recover the confidence of the people towards Barisan Nasional.

1. Dealing with issues

There are a lot of post general election issues which should have been dealt with in a more tactful and intelligent manner. It is best that all issues are answered in a dignified, consistent, with facts and above all, in a non-arrogant way.

Example 1 : NEP-free Penang

The statement by YAB Lim Guan Eng that Penang will be NEP-free should have been dealt with by saying it was just DAP’s gimmick and populist approach in appeasing their Chinese supporters. To begin with, it was actually a non-issue as the NEP came to an end in 1990. It was replaced by Dasar Pembangunan Nasional (DPN) in which it was applied to all Malaysians. Our ‘Misi Nasional’ and in particular, its ‘Teras 3′ approach (Menangani Masalah Ketidaksamaan Sosio-Economi Yang Berterusan Secara Membina dan Produktif) which doesn’t discriminate any race, are proof that the government takes care of all Malaysians without prejudice and favour.

Umno leaders can defend the success of NEP but not to picture it as perpetually active. The knowledgeable Malays weren’t even impressed by the statements and approach of Pak Lah and some of the Umno leaders in chastising Lim Guan Eng. More so, the IDR in Johor Darul Takzim was announced as free of the NEP (again, another mistaken statement) by Tun Musa Hitam and endorsed by Pak Lah in March 2007. Inconsistent leaders invites ridicule and disparagement from the public.

BN leaders should invite the PR leaders to discuss the implementation of Misi Nasional for the sake of national development; but the contrary happens.

Example 2 : Azalina Othman and her antics

Azalina Othman made statements that was smack with arrogance. She is acting more like an Umno warlord in fulfilling her ministerial job description rather than being a minister in charge of the tourism industry of Malaysia. The way she deliberate the ministry’s first pronouncement will likely push the BN supporters to sympathise with the PR states. It is mind boggling how she behaved in an unfriendly manner towards those states as if her party had won tremendous victory in the last general election. Being delusional is one thing, never learn from mistakes is another.

Note that callous remarks from leaders throughout history will often be the cause of their downfall. In this case, her action in terminating the MOUs and channeling the funds directly to federal representatives in the PR states instead to their rightful excos will make her look insensitive and vindictive towards the people in those states.

Example 3 : YB Mukhriz Mahathir

When Mukhriz sent a letter to Pak Lah asking him to resign, some of the Umno leaders should pronounce that the spirit of democracy, liberty and toleration in Umno is alive and well. But in their zest to support Pak Lah’s weak leadership, they failed to realise that they made the statements alone and without the support of the discontented grassroots. These Umno leaders and the mainstream media whom had played up the issue should have instead accept the grouses and criticisms of Umno members with open hearts and eyes wide open; much like how the MCA and Gerakan deal with the same leadership issue.

In the end, no action were taken against Mukhriz and this alienate Pak Lah and his supporters further.

Example 4 : Issues with the monarchy and Tun Dr. Mahathir

Pak Lah lack of common sense and brash/crude attitude towards the highly respected figures of the Agong, Raja Perlis and Tun Dr Mahathir had tarnished his and Umno’s image even further. It also confirms the allegations that Umno is preaching double standard (vis-a-vis the appointment Menteri Besar Perak fiasco). It doesn’t diminish anyone’s pride to actually meet the Agong before appointing the Menteri Besar of Terengganu. Pak Lah action in trying to discipline the Agong via the mainstream media lacks humility and duty for the Agong which borders treason of the highest order.

The Malays upheld and respect the concept of kindness (budi) and repay with kindness (balas budi). Without it, the Malays would lost their main characteristic. Several past leaders had openly criticise their successors. The proper response to the criticisms from any predecessors is best referred to Tun Dr Mahathir’s attitude towards the previous prime ministers before him. Politeness and humility and the recognition that the past PMs were merely stating their grievances over what they perceived is wrong made Tun Dr Mahathir more objective in his response. But Pak Lah and the Umno leaders fared badly in this department. Some even had the audacity to openly rebuke and scold a renown world leader in the mainstream media without any sense of guilt over their own misgivings. The adage “paku dulang paku serpih, mengata orang dia yang lebih” aptly reflects this attitude.

2. YB Datuk Zaid Ibrahim

Pak Lah appointed him as the Minister in Prime Minister Department in charge of law. During the recent general election, due to being dropped out from being a candidate, he was reported to being seen as supporting PAS through the free distribution of food for the PAS election machinery. Usually, this act of sabotage would entail him to be disciplined or even be sacked from Umno.

Furthermore, his inexperience in dealing with national issues as well as losing sight as a minister of a Malaysian Cabinet had made him look foolish. Making important statements prematurely and without the good sense in getting the consent from the rest of the Cabinet is deemed as talking without thinking.

3. Re-delineation of election constituency

Re-delineation needs to be done at least once every 8 years according to Article 113 of the Constitution. This time around, this exercise needs to be done earliest in 2012 or latest in 2013. Potential problems might arise because 5 states within Malaysia are under the control of Pakatan Rakyat. Will Umno have a strong influence in this exercise? If not, then the fate of Umno will be sealed and will be buried in the annals of Malaysian history.

This exercise has been beneficial for Umno via the use of SPR as it determines the demarcation of the voting areas accoring to racial mix. Previously, the delineation has always been done to ensure the success of BN candidates. Currently, with 5 states under the governance of PR, SPR and Umno may not have the final say during the incoming re-delineation exercise.

4. Housing development area

In several states in Malaysia, housing areas have been built on the so called Malay reserved lands and have been aggresively pursued all in the name of development. Some of the taken reserved lands were not replaced as per Article 89(3) of the Constitution.

Expensive houses were purposely built as a deterrent for the Malays to buy them. Politically, the impact for this move proves to be disastrous as several Malay majority areas like Selayang and Bayan Lepas fell to the Chinese. Subsequently, Perak and Selangor are dominated politically by the Chinese. Negeri Sembilan nearly became one too. What more, one of the reason why the Malays in Kedah and Kelantan voted for PAS is because they are afraid their lands will be taken over by the Chinese due to the establishment of ‘economic corridors’ which was the brainchild of Pak Lah.

Therefore, it is hoped that the Umno leaders as well as the Malay government officers would consciously think about the Malay interests and the repercussions when signing away approvals for any housing developments for the sake of the ’Ketuanan Melayu’ survival.

5. Role of mainstream media

The mainstream media which are controlled by the BN need to change their approach in reporting the news so that they will regain their credibility. Prior to 8th March 2008, news about Pak Lah’s so called brilliance and greatness as well as one sided stories were propagated by the media ad nauseam, which in turn, led to the unprecedented loss of confidence towards the media.

The editors need to know how to balance the news items in a way that will not jeopardize the perception of independent journalism.

6. Internet and blogs

It has been known that the ICT is the main conduit where the PR leaders can reach their intended audience. The reason why BN lost its 2/3 majority is because they had underestimated the power of ICT in this knowledge based society. It is very ironic that in the first place, it was Pak Lah who had pushed for the idea of K-ekonomi through information technology but in the run up towards the recent general election, he and the BN leaders were the ones shunning it.

The importance of blogs cannot be undermined. Each of the PR leaders have their blogs set up several years ago. Even most of PAS’ branches have their own websites for the public to access. Therefore, every component party, especially Umno, must have their own active, attractive and informative blogs and websites to counter allegations and disseminate news to the public.

To just have blogs and websites is not nearly enough. One must have pro BN bloggers who are passionate, interested, enthusiatic, impartial and very well-informed operating it. To gain a lot of readers, the contents must be balanced but critical towards BN. However, the bottomline is, it must be pro BN.

Other ICT conduits must also be used extensively such as sms, mms, web tv, 3G and web portals.

7. Rebuilding Umno

Umno must be rebuilt in the areas of its main objectives and mission. The weakened struggle towards Malay hegemony has been further weakened by the advent of corruption, nepotism, chasing government projects and unabated greed. Umno must reevaluate their direction, mission statement and objectives so that it can stay relevant within the Malaysian context. No more ‘Hidup Melayu’, ’Merdeka!’ or ‘DEB’. It must be changed to ‘Umno for All’, ‘Prospering the Economy For All’ or ‘Clean Party, Clean Government’.

In other words, even with the old slogans, Umno leaders were not serious in walking the talk. The service of political consultants may be needed in order to rejuvenate, reconstruct, reengineer and rebrand Umno so that it can be accepted by whole Malaysians.

8. Capturing the young

It has to be admitted that BTN, Vice Chancellors, overseas MSD and Malaysian ambassadors in foreign countries had failed to influence the students in supporting the government. All these institutions need to be revisited by the BN leaders as the power of the young voters are increasing as the changes from 2007 to 2013 with an increase of 10.9% young population (21 – 30 yrs) of 4.6mill to 5.1mill and increase of 10.5% from 3.8mill to 4.2mill (31 – 40 yrs) from 2007 to 2013.
Data by Statistics Department

9. Treatment towards public servants

There are about 1.2 million public servants in the government. They are a force which is both influential and requires recognition. They have the average voting power of 5 times more than the rest of the voters. Therefore, they command about 6 million voters or 55% out of 10.2 million voters and not just 1.2 million.

However, in the last general election, most of the public servants voted for the opposition. This is evident in Putrajaya whereby the PAS candidate received about 1,304 votes which is about a quarter of the total votes tallied. How can this be? Main reasons which we can deduce were the ‘broom issue’, no bonuses as well as general mistreatment of public servants. Hence, BN leaders need to tread carefully and change their approach in dealing with this huge voting force so that it can vote for BN next time around.

10. Quick wins

Expediency is the key in regaining the support from all Malaysians. When a government has lost it’s popularity among its citizens, it must behave and react in tandem with the populist demands. In short, the BN must do something popular for the people in order to become popular again. The PR government in Penang and other PR states had waived summonses and decreasing assessment rates for places of worships. This is a populist approach and they had become more popular because of that.

But what the BN had been doing after losing more popularity, was to shoot itself in the foot with the acts of Azalina Othman et al (see above) for instance. They instead must give away ‘goodies’ in the form of quick monetary gains to the people as opposed to the announcement by Pak Lah of some obscure and vague developments of the future. These ‘goodies’ must be benefiting all or almost all of the people in the BN states such as abolishing parking rates for a period of time (small compensation by the states might be given to the parking operators), cancellation of state councils’ summonses (much like in Penang), reduction of quit rents or land assessment rates temporarily for a year or two etc.

11. Conclusion

Above all, the BN must be seen moving in a coherent and united manner. Racial bigotry and demonising other races in each of their own ‘ceramahs’ must be stopped. How can Malaysia achieve prosperity if the main races are wary and fearful of each other? This seems to be the total opposite of what the leaders of BN been preaching all these years – Bangsa Malaysia.

Therefore, the eradication of racial bigotry is imperative in bringing back confidence of the voters. All races need each other. To discriminate excessively (mild discrimination may be allowed) of other races while supporting the Malays excessively is the recipe for disaster. BN may become irrelevant because of that.

In conclusion, the weakened BN especially Umno whom are led and backed by people who has never known the meaning of hard life and the nation’s struggle (KJ take note), usually will not last long in its existence. Thus, it is easily pressured and beaten till it is near death.

Thank you.

Jebat Must Die

one man independent panel review 1

from jebat must die

It’s been a month since the last general election and Barisan Nasional is still dragging it’s feet in trying to recognise their own culpability in their recent defeat. Therefore, I hereby made my own review as I have the feeling that the leaders in BN do not know where and how to begin even if their lives are dependent on it.

So, dengar sini baik-baik;

Why BN won a simple majority

Firstly I would like to congratulate BN as they are officially the longest serving party in the world to ever govern a nation continuously for the past 53 years (since the first general election in 1955). However, the reasons for not getting 2/3 majority this time are:-

1) Many didn’t go out to vote although the voters turn out (72.2%) is higher than say, in 1969.

2) People are frustrated and fed up with the government (higher spoilt votes at 175,680 in Parliament and 146,781 in States)

3) Voters swing based on race;

No. Race % Voted for BN % Voted for Opposition
2004 2008 2004 2008
1. Malay 63% 58% 37% 42%
2. Chinese 65% 35% 35% 65%
3. Indian 82% 47% 18% 53%
(data taken from Umno directorate)

4) Economic factors

- rise in the prices of goods

- the perception that the people do not receive any direct benefits from the development

5) Opposition’s strengths

- the appeal of Anwar Ibrahim (why is it after being convicted and sent to jail, he still can retain his datukship?)

- the dedication and perseverance of their supporters

- voters can relate more with their candidates i.e., their candidates understand the people better

- their strength in using IT

- the populist approach in attracting voters especially the fence sitters

6) BN’s weaknesses

- criticisms and disclosures of wrongdoings of the government by Tun Dr Mahathir

- negative perception of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

- damaging perception that Khairy Jamaluddin is interfering with governmental matters

- complacency and over confidence after gaining huge mandate during 2004 election

- lack of dedication from the BN machinery and supporters

- localised issues like water, no electricity, no tarred roads etc.

- rampant corruption, cronysim and nepotism within BN

- below par performance of MPs from BN

- BN candidates not suitable or not accepted by the people

- internal bickering and back stabbing

- inadequate usage of IT

- wrong advise from advisers

- arrogant BN leaders

- failure to lure young voters and under estimating their influence

- weak in streamlining and presenting valid information and arguments to counter opposition’s allegations

7) Non – Malay’s anger

– expensive education and unfair opportunity

– MCA/MIC/Gerakan are seemingly weak

– Chinese and Indians felt that there are marginalised

– feeling discriminated by the government’s policies

– Non Muslims feel threatened by the perceived Islamisation (Islam Hadhari etc)

– Under estimating the HIndraf movement and their Makkal Sakhti slogan

8 ) Malay’s anger

– some development are perceived as enriching only cronies

– Umno is perceived as selling out the Malays

– feeling the majority of Malays do not benefit from the development and be left poor

9) General factors

– increasing crime rate

– mainstream media seemed to be biased

– effective alternative media

– protest by public servants (no bonus etc)

– failure of the propaganda and espionage machinery

The first step in regaining the confidence and importantly the vote from the people of Malaysia is for the BN to own up with all the factors above based on the honesty with which we interpret this result. Then we must face it without further denial, self deception and media spin. Hence, it will be easier for the issues above to be dealt with. Thereafter, the strengthening of BN and Umno may begin. Next, we will explore the aftermath of the election and how to overcome this blunder that Pak Lah and his band of 40 thieves made for the past 4 years.

compromising politics

from malik imtiaz disquiet

Any reform of an institution or an institutional nature will require political will. As we have learnt, the Barisan Nasional federal government is impervious to public opinion. Were it otherwise, we would not have heard the kind of rhetoric we did these past few years and that we continue to hear. Like all bullies, the Barisan responds to aggression and power. Until March 8th, when Malaysians coalesced into the phalanx that drove the Barisan out of five states and denied it the traditional two-thirds majority it had become accustomed to, there was no power that could match that of the Barisan. Safe in its control of key institutions and agencies, it had sat back and thumbed its nose at everyone else.

The slap it received on March 8th made the Barisan reel. But even as it took one, maybe two, steps back, it quickly steadied itself and clung to whatever it could, notably government. And despite seeming efforts to bridge the gap between it and Malaysians through the trumpeting of the need for reforms, the Barisan has thus far governed pretty much as it had prior to March 8th. We have in the short time since the elections heard about threats to racial harmony, seen the race and religious card played, heard the usual excuses over non-performance and, as expected, heard of how the opposition is the cause of all ills in the nation. Business, as such, is pretty much as usual, perhaps more so for the fact that the internal power struggle in UMNO is eclipsing all else on the list of priorities. Governance, it would seem, has once again fallen second to politics.

In this climate, it is apparent that Malaysians can only reasonably expect to see reforms where these reforms intersect with the political agenda of key players within UMNO. For all purposes and intents, more so than before in light of their dismal performance at the polls, the MCA and the MIC are largely irrelevant.

This setting makes me wonder how to perceive these wonderful promises of judicial reform. I know Zaid Ibrahim and I think he is doing a good job at trying to push for reforms. His efforts strike me as being sincere and aimed more at nation building than politics. If he were the only factor in the mix, I would be heartened and would view the situation optimistically.

However, Zaid is not the only factor nor he is the only player. Neither is the Prime Minister, assuming that he is solidly behind the push for reform. There are those on the cabinet who, in many ways, represent the old guard and for that reason alone may choose to oppose any measure involving acknowledgments of wrongdoing, tacit or otherwise. I note the Deputy Prime Minister’s emphatic rejection of the suggestion that the gesture made by the Government to those judges who were victimized in 1988, was not, repeat, not an apology. This refutation is manifestly inconsistent with Prime Minister’s declaration of a need to make amends. This and the presence on the cabinet of other senior UMNO members who may be nervous about crossing Tun Mahathir, who in these politically treacherous times is now openly acknowledged as being the principal cause of the downfall of the Judiciary, hints worryingly at the possibility that the reform proposals may not gain traction.

The ex-gratia payment and the speech delivered by the Prime Minister fell short of the full vindication that the affected judges, so well versed in the parceling of fault, are deserving off. The payment and speech go someway to beginning a necessary process of truth and reconciliation not only the victims of 1988 but for the Judiciary and the nation. We must credit Zaid and the Prime Minister for that.

Having said that, it must be recognized however that no matter how we characterize the gesture, it in itself does not go far in reforming the Judiciary. Zaid had declared that there were three key aspects to the reform package he was offering Malaysia; the apology, the establishment of a judicial appointments commission and reinstating Article 121(1) of the Federal Constitution to ensure the separation of powers. Of the three, as thing stand, only the first has to an extent become a reality.

The Prime Minister’s declaration that the government proposes the establishment of a judicial appointments commission does not quite hit the mark where the second is concerned, in part because it is for the government to take steps and not to propose. His explanation that this will involve some time as the process has to be worked out is not reassuring in light of the split in ranks within the cabinet. The Prime Minister had in 2005 similarly reassured Malaysians that the IPCMC would be established. We have yet to see it, largely due to resistance from within. The establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) took some seven years. If that is what is meant when the Prime Minister says that the process will take time, I am not inspired. I do not know whether Malaysia can take another seven years of the Judiciary in its current state.

The avoidance of any discussion of Article 121(1) in the speech is similarly worrying. The reinstatement of the article as it was prior to 1988 is a crucial step in re-entrenching the separation of powers and re-establishing the judiciary as a bulwark against totalitarian arbitrariness. The Barisan government has time and time again shown us why Malaysians cannot afford to lose the right to seek judicial review. We are largely where we are because the courts felt themselves unable to intervene or, if permitted, were unwilling. The absence of any reference to this key aspect of the discussion further undermines my belief that the Government will actually take concrete steps forward.

Seen from this perspective, it is glaringly evident that the nation is currently caught up in a huge public relations exercise that the Barisan has hinged on the promise of judicial reforms. The public relation campaign does not necessarily of itself lead to the implementation of reforms.

It is for this reason that civil society must keep on pressuring the Government to act and to act decisively. The Pakatan Rakyat should consider tabling a private members bill for the establishment of an adequately empowered judicial appointments commission. All possible avenues to create awareness and force accountability must be explored. The battle has not been won, it has just begun.

Which is why I find the overwhelmingly supportive reaction of the Malaysian Bar somewhat surprising. The Bar has always been at the vanguard of rule of law issues. It has been steadfast in its condemnation of the events of 1988 and the subsequent decline in the quality and integrity of the Judiciary. Nothing less than a full apology and a reinstatement of all benefits of the judges who were wrongly attacked should have warranted the standing ovation given to the Prime Minister. But there was a standing ovation, and that at a dinner hosted by the Bar but paid for by the Government, something I never thought I would see in my lifetime as a lawyer.

The Bar needs to be wary of accommodating, or being perceived as accommodating, the politics of the Executive. It is however veering dangerously close to doing just that and compromising itself in a manner that will rob it of its credibility.

When, and if, the proposal for a judicial appointments commission comes to fruition, the Bar will be the primary voice of civil society to ensure that the commission is established as it should be. In all likelihood, the appointments mechanism will not satisfy the criteria of an independent appointments commission. At that point in time, the Bar must ensure that it is in a position to live up to its responsibilities. Positions it takes now will limit its freedom to react appropriately. Regrettably, the extent of support shown to the Government, from the hosting of the dinner to the adulatory speeches, may have already had their impact.

Commending the Prime Minister for the step taken was the proper thing to do, but to offer, as the media reports suggest, congratulations for the loosening up of controls over the freedom of expression, is to ignore the very real and very painful suppression of the numerous demonstrations of 2007 by force. The shots fired in Pantai Batu Burok still ring out, as do the cries of peaceful marchers and demonstrators as they were tear gassed and attacked with water cannons. The Prime Minister was responsible for all that and more.

I appreciate that activism will require tactical concessions. I also understand that it is better to seize what gains one can when one can rather than not making any progress at all. However, gains should not be taken at the risk of principle. The rule of law cannot be built on compromise.

umno hampering the rise of young political talent

nur jazlan writes;

Let’s face it. Since Umno Baru was founded in 1988 – let’s not kid ourselves that it is the same party from 1946 – there has not been a vote for the top two party posts. It’s a succession by patronage.
In other words, it’s feudal. Not something that we need in today’s hyper-competitive world.

My point is that the 30 per cent quota for nominations in the Umno election rules is hampering talent from rising to the top. It allows them to move up to a point before party warlords decide which horse to back and leaving the rest trailing in the dust. Not necessarily the best go up but probably only the popular.

In the DAP, those voted into the central working committee divide the posts among themselves. In PAS, those vying for leadership need to get the nod from the Shura before contesting. Both systems are not democratic.

But Umno is democratic. The grassroots nominate their favourites and those who breach the 30 per cent quota of nominations get to contest. This only favours the popular and the influential in grabbing nominations leaving the young leaders without a ghost of a chance for a stab at the top.

Where does that leave us? It leaves Umno without much of its talent as the young possibles and probables will either turn the feudal way and perpetuate an outdated system or leave in disgust for other parties. Either way, it is a dead end for Umno.

I am not advocating a contest against Pak Lah because of the current climate but I want to advocate competition to ensure that Umno gets the best talent to take us forward to the 21st Century when the Opposition have already undergone radical change leaving us wondering what has hit us.

Because what we have is a double-edge sword that could possibly leave us with a leader undesired by all.

Imagine if you will, that there are four contenders for the post of Umno where to qualify one needs 30 per cent of the nominations. Let us say that not one of the four contenders achieve the 30 per cent requirement; which I feel is too onerous for Umno’s democratic process to function.

Even worse, assume that one of the four candidates scrapes 30 per cent and the rest do not. The one that meets the required quota wins without contest. Is this fair?

Don’t you think that the person who gets 29 per cent of the nominations will challenge this outcome? Are we to be brought to court again?

What will then happen to Umno? In the light of the current reforms of the judiciary, are we heading for a repeat of February 1988 when Umno was deregistered?

Perhaps the Opposition may not have to finish off Umno, we will do it ourselves!

I believe that Umno and its management committee should consider this scenario seriously especially in the current climate where veterans are already casting an envious eye on the top post while the young will eventually inherit a party bereft of hope and talent.

As an example, the management committee should consider reducing the quota to 15 per cent for the post of president. At this level, a person who is contesting would need at least 29 nominations.

There is no state in Malaysia where Umno has more than 26 divisions and this will ensure that the candidate has support beyond his home state.

The number of nominations should be substantive but not burdensome. This will ensure only quality candidates will contest. I do not believe that a person should contest for president with just two nominations as this would result in many trivial challenges.

We can handicap candidates to get the best but not at the expense of handicapping the party of talent.

Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is a two-time MP for Pulai and writes an occasional exclusive column for The Malaysian Insider. He blogs at www.jazlan.net

ketuanan melayu versi pas

dari pemuda pelapis

Soal ketuanan Melayu yang dicadangkan Umno agar bersepakat untuk dibincangkan bersama pemimpin Melayu dari parti PAS dan PKR tidak perlu diperbesarkan jika sekiranya enggan bekerjasama.

Saya menyelar keras kenyataan Naib Presiden PAS Pusat, Husam Musa dan juga AJK PAS Pusat, Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi yang juga Setiausaha Politik kepada Presiden PAS.

Pemimpin PAS ini lupa bahawa suatu ketika dahulu saranan ini juga datang daripada pihak mereka, malahan merekalah yang “TERHEGEH-HEGEH” pada suatu ketika. Apabila Umno mengusulkannya semula supaya diadakan perbincangan, mereka pula yang dilihat sebagai “KERAS KEPALA” dan begitu “ANGKUH” setelah merasakan mempunyai “SEDIKIT KUASA DI TANGAN”. Usaha ini dianggap mereka sebagai “GIMIK LAMA” permainan politik Umno sedangkan hakikat hari ini ianya amat berbeza daripada sebelumnya.

Oleh itu pemimpin Melayu PAS dan PKR janganlah menjadi umpama “BERUK MENDAPAT BUNGA” untuk mengenepikan segala apa yang baik kepada bangsa sendiri tetapi sebaliknya sanggup memperjuangkan “ISU BABI” untuk kepentingan kaum lain. Jangan bertindak sesuka hati tanpa berfikir panjang. Pepatah ada mengatakan, “IKUT HATI, KITA MATI” dan “IKUT RASA, KITA BINASA”. Bijak-bijaklah berfikir secara lebih matang dan jangan terlalu mementingkan diri sendiri.

Jika ini sikap yang ditunjukkan oleh pemimpin Melayu PAS dan PKR, nescaya Melayu akan hancur apabila mereka mampu mentadbir negara kerana sikap “PENYAYANG TERHADAP BANGSA MELAYU” tiada dalam diri dan jiwa pemimpin mereka. Pemimpin Melayu PAS dan PKR juga turut mementingkan soal “materialistik” dan “duniawi”. Hak bangsa sendiri sanggup diketepikan demi mencapai impian politik mereka.

Soal membincangkan isu ketuanan Melayu tidak harus dikaitkan dengan pergolakan di dalam Umno. Isu “rumahtangga Umno” biar Umno yang selesaikan dan Pakatan Rakyat tidak perlu masuk campur. Kita perlu berusaha memperkukuhkan bangsa Melayu yang majoriti setelah situasi hari ini memberi petunjuk bahawa kaum minoriti Cina dan India di bumi asal Melayu ini semakin besar kepala dan telah mula berani memperbodohkan Melayu.

Sepatutnya di dalam membincangkan isu ketuanan Melayu ini kita bermuafakat dan mengenepikan soal parti buat seketika dan tidak perlulah dipolitikkan. PAS sebenarnya terkenal sebagai parti yang gemar mempolitikkan segala isu sejak dari dahulu lagi. Jika “AL-QURAN dan HADIS” mereka mampu “MEMPOLITIKKAN” apalah sangat soal “KETUANAN MELAYU” kepada mereka.

Di sebaliknya, PAS dilihat sengaja mahu menutup kelemahan sendiri setelah “DIPERKUDAKAN” dan “DIPERBODOHKAN” oleh DAP berkenaan “ISU BABI” untuk dijadikan projek Mega sebagai sumber ekonomi utama Pakatan Rakyat di Selangor sehinggalah terbitnya pula berita terkini di mana negara China membuat lamaran untuk menjadi pengimpot utama “HAIWAN HARAM” tersebut daripada Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara Islam dunia.

Pemimpin Melayu PAS dan PKR takut isu ini akan ditimbulkan di dalam perbincangan nanti. Secara langsungnya mereka tahu dan “TAKUT KEPADA BAYANG-BAYANG SENDIRI” maka pelbagai dolak-dalih dan alasan dikemukakan untuk menempelak semula kepada Umno.

umno parti kampung, guru lawan korporat

politica

Saya masih ingat Tun Musa Hitam cerita pasal UMNO (sebagai) parti kampung. Dia cakap waktu itu, kita jangan lupa yang UMNO asalnya di kampung-kampung. Jadi, dia minta kita semua hayati semangat dan ciri-ciri kampung yang sentiasa segar dan relevan sepanjang zaman. Contohnya, orang kampung penuh dengan permuafakatan, penuh dengan sikap kerjasama, bertolak-ansur, jujur, ikhlas dan sentiasa penuh dengan kesetiakawanan.

Itu yang Musa Hitam minta orang UMNO hayati. Ciri-ciri, sikap, semangat dan nilai-nilai itu yang perlu dihayati sepanjang masa dalam perjuangan.

Bukan macam hari ini. Masuk UMNO, bayar satu ringgit, dah mula minta lesen kontrektor kelas F. Kejar YB sana, kejar YB sini. Lepas tu beli kayu golf untuk gesel bahu dengan DO, SU Majlis Daerah atau Engineer JKR.

Dah dapat duit, bertanding AJK (UMNO) guna duit (hasil kerja-kerja) kontrek. (Bertanding) main politik wang. Tabur sana, tabur sini. Bila menang, sibuk nak cari banyak lagi duit kerana tiga tahun lagi nak guna (banyak lagi) duit (untuk) beli undi, mungkin untuk tanding Ketua Pemuda, Naib Ketua, Timbalan Ketua atau Ketua Bahagian.

Ini yang bikin UMNO rosak. UMNO digunakan sebagai sijil atau ijazah untuk cari wang dan lepas (berada) dalam UMNO, main politik wang untuk dapat jawatan. (Individu seperti ini) sapa saja dia langgar kerana dia ingat duit dia lebih besar dari kesetiakawanan, permuafakatan atau kejujuran dan keikhlasan dalam perjuangan.

Kesan gandaan kepada sikap bulldozer macam ni yang bikin UMNO ranap, punah, ranah. Tak cukup duit sendiri, duit towkey babi pun dia orang sapu.

Sebab tu macam (kontroversi) kes (ternakan) babi di Selangor yang tengah kecoh waktu ni, salah seorang shareholders syarikat ternak babi itu (dipercayai) adalah bekas YB UMNO. Apa nak jadi? Tak percaya, pergilah cari sapa bekas YB UMNO di kawasan Morib tu. Tanya dia, betul tak dia ada saham dalam syarikat ternak babi?

Pasal apa dia sampai sesat macam tu? Pasal nak duit. Untuk apa? Pasal dia nak guna duit untuk kekalkan kedudukan dan kuasanya. Sekarang? Dengan kuasa ALLAH SWT, terlingkup dia.

Mudah-mudahan ini semua jadi pengajaran kepada kita semua. Itu pun kalau masih ada orang UMNO yang nak hayati semula sifat kekampungan UMNO di abad ke-21 ini! – Politica

Ahli UMNO berhak tentukan kedudukan PM

laporan utusan

PUTRAJAYA 20 April – Naib Presiden UMNO, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, berkata beliau tidak pernah meminta Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meletakkan jawatan meskipun sebelum ini ada mengeluarkan kenyataan tentang perlunya perubahan dalam kepimpinan parti itu.

Beliau bagaimanapun menegaskan, ahli UMNO mempunyai hak untuk menentukan kedudukan Perdana Menteri kerana Abdullah dipilih menduduki jawatan itu berdasarkan keputusan ahli-ahli UMNO yang memilihnya untuk menjadi Presiden parti.

“Soal Perdana Menteri dipilih oleh rakyat, mengikut pandangan saya yang tidak cerdik, itu adalah tidak tepat.

“Abdullah sebenarnya dipilih oleh ahli UMNO yang memilih beliau sebagai Presiden parti dan mengikut konvensyen, sebagai Pengerusi BN beliau dipilih sebagai Perdana Menteri.

“Usah didebatkan soal ini kerana apapun Abdullah datang dari UMNO dan kepada UMNO ia (kedudukannya) harus kembali,” kata Muhyiddin ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas laporan akhbar hari ini yang memetik Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz mempersoal kan hak UMNO untuk menafikan kemahuan rakyat yang inginkan Abdullah menjadi Perdana Menteri seperti yang ditunjukkan pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12.

Mohamed Nazri membidas segelintir pemimpin UMNO termasuk yang bertaraf menteri kerana tidak putus-putus menyarankan Abdullah berundur dan menyifatkan mereka sebagai ‘kurang cerdik’.

Muhyiddin yang juga Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri berkata, pandangannya mengenai isu peralihan kuasa dalam wawancara dan kenyataan kepada media sebelum ini lahir daripada rasa cinta dan sayang kepada UMNO serta bangsa Melayu.

Polarisation among youths widening, study shows

Saturday, 19 April 2008

(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: There exists disturbing trends that must be urgently addressed to avoid the threat of an increasing racial polarisation among the young, a study revealed.

The study, involving 1,000 youths aged 18-35 years in Peninsular Malaysia, was conducted by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and the National Young Lawyers’ Committee (NYLC) of the Bar Council, in July and August last year.

The findings of the “Minda Muda Research Study” were made known yesterday by CPPS director Tricia Yeoh and NYLC representative Edmond Bon at a presentation at the Bar Council headquarters in Leboh Pasar Besar.

Yeoh said the study found that young Malaysians were generally optimistic about the state of national unity in the country, predicting that it would improve slightly within the next 10 years.

“However, there were differences in responses between urban and rural areas. While rural respondents are more optimistic about unity and peace, urbanites showed more dissatisfaction.”

Yeoh added that the Malays were generally satisfied with their lives, but the Chinese and Indians were quite pessimistic about their future.

“We also found that the younger age group (18-24) are less likely to mix with others of different ethnicity, relative to those in older age groups (25-35),” Yeoh said.

Bon said the findings would be forwarded to the government so that policies at national level could be addressed appropriately.

level four boys

from ramblings and doodlings….

The ‘Level Four Boys’ have been suspected to be the real and actual ‘decision maker’ of the Government. They are now believed to have an overpowering absolute control of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in the official capacity as the Chief Executive of the country and leader of the ruling party.

The ‘Level Four Boys’ is a term first introduced by the Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in his dedicated speech to criticize PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah and his administration in a closed-door event. The event was organized by Malaysia Today at Century Paradise Club, Taman Melawati, Ulu Kelang on 22 June 2006. It was in reference to the ‘inner circle’, comprising of his son, Dato’ Kamaluddin Abdullah, son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and close personal aides such as Dato’ Ahmad Zaki Zahid, Dato’ Kamal Khalid, Dr. Vincent Lim, Dato’ Wan Ahmad Farid and a few others.

Many speculate the overwhelming ‘influence’ these thirty-something gentlemen possess. With top British university education and grossly lack of experience and exposure (especially macro-management), they are often coyly referred to as, “Budak tak kerin’ idun” (wet behind the ears) by Tun Dr. Mahathir. Somehow, the real far-reaching effects these young men have on the decisions by PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah, is really both strategically and tactically damaging.

It was Dr. Vincent Lim and Zaki Zahid who influenced PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah on the decision to cancel the “Scenic bridge-replacing the Johor Causeway” in March 2006. Then, these duo, also concocted the blue-print of the mega project South Johor Economic Region (SJER). It has since been renamed twice, as Iskandar Development Region in November 2006, and last week, Iskandar Malaysia. It is deemed that Iskandar Malaysia is a comprehensive development program to benefit Singapore strategically, allowing contraband from nations such as Israel, to be channeled into this region of 240 million Muslims, via Johor Bahru.

Zaki has been said to have sat with PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah at the many Khazanah Holdings Bhd. Special briefings to the Prime Minister. He is said to be the one who asked the many questions transpired after each briefing. Holding such a strategic position and having a very close ear to PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah, led to the Proton scandal of disposing highly valuable MV Agusta to Gevi S.p.A for one Euro and Husqavarna (one of the brands under MV Agusta) was then sold off to BMW Motorcycles last year for a Euro 93 million price tag.

The National Automotive Policy, which is the systematical and structured program to see the slow demise of Proton, was actually put in place by Zaki, with the help of his long time buddy Omar Mustapha Ong of Ethos Consulting. The duo were also intrumental in the giga economic development corridor humongous masterplans of Northern Corridor Economic Region, Eastern Corridor Economic Region, Sabah Development Corridor and Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy. The implementation and deliverance of these giga proportion economic development projects is highly doubtful.

Khairy Jamaluddin is said to have brought Air Asia’s boss, Tony Fernandes, to the Seri Perdana Complex for a private briefing with PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah on the weekend before the Malaysia Airlines Rationalisation Plan was announced. Suspiciously, Malaysia Airlines had to give up its entire domestic route (plus Rural Air Service) except for nineteen to AirAsia. This program saw an immediate redundancy for over 3,500 loyal serving airline professionals. Khairy’s close association with Fernandes was finally revealed when the latter joined ECM Libra as a director and shareholder, after Khairy made the announcement to sell of his stake in the recently aquired universal stock broking license for the firm.

Khairy, who had left the Prime Minister’s Office as the Deputy Chief Secretary in August 2005, was actually brought in to a special briefing on Singapore to the Prime Minister by Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Syed Hamid Al Bar. The insistance of his stay in the meeting was, “Khairy is an expert on Singapore”. Conveniently, at the ASEAN Head of Government meeting in November 2005, held at KLCC Convention Centre, Malaysia as the Chair and Host, led a charge against Myanmar in the pressure of ‘democratization’. This is favourable to the West, and was previously, a Singapore crusade in ASEAN. Malaysia, as a founding member defied its own policies and breached the ASEAN principle of “Non-interference in domestic politics” policy.

In December 2005, when asked by The Star, on the proposed merger of ECM Libra and Avenue Capital, which directly involved his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah conveniently answered “I don’t know, I am not involved”. There is a serious breach of several explicit provisions within Securities and Companies Act, as Khairy, obviously, had vested interests in the high-powered but dodgy deal. Protests by the Minority Stockholders Watchdog Group against several issues in the merger were conveniently ignored by the Securities Commission.

Recently, the sixteen-page private letter which Wanita UMNO Head, Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz had sent to PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah as a post-election reaction. The letter somehow found its way to Khairy’s mother, Datin Rahmah Abdul Hamid, and the former got a surprising earful from the latter, via telephone.

Dato’ Kamaluddin Abdullah, the biggest shareholder of Scomi Bhd, has the most to gain. His company had a meteoric rise in the Malaysia corporate scene since five years ago. Recently, post 12th General Elections (PRU 12), after Tun Dr. Mahathir and Dato’ Mukhriz demanded PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah to resign immediately,, and Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah asked 18,000 UMNO branches to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam went to meet PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah at Seri Perdana. As a former ‘leader’ to PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah, Tun Musa was giving his two bits personal advice in the private meeting, when suddenly, Kamaluddin stormed in and said to his father “What ever you do, do not agree to an EGM!”. The immediate reaction from Tun Musa was, “Who is the Prime Minister, you or him”, pointing towards Kamaluddin.

Kamaluddin was the organiser of the the famous Merdeka Soiree, the week after Malaysia celebrated its 50th birthday in Seri Perdana. An esteemed flock of high-powered Malaysians were the only guests, plus some from abroad, to enjoy the R & B renditions of George Benson. The fact is that, since occupying Seri Perdana, the first family have not been having the average Malaysians as guests. Not even the traditional first day Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Open House, introduced during his predecessors’ time. The only time average rakyat were allowed access into Seri Perdana since five years ago was during Datin Seri Hendon Mahmood’s passing in October 2005.

Of course, the issue of media control, is the real propaganda agenda which has been taken to task by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Coordinator Dato’ Kamal Khalid. Nowadays, the mainstream media editors get calls from this office more frequently than ever. Not only what were allowed to be published were discussed, the angle of the news and the photos to be used were instructed and selected. Surprisingly, these spin effort were never really discussed with the Boss. For example, the weeks preceeding to his wedding with Jeanne Abdullah in June 2005, editors were instructed that the rumours cannot be raised during any media conferences with PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah. Conveniently, the sloppy Malaysian leader ‘let the cat out of the bag’, voluntarily.

The most recent incident took place, just before the PRU 12, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah did something amazingly unprecedented as UMNO President and BN Chairman. In a meeting with UMNO Management Committee, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah suddenly took over the prepared BN Manifesto. When asked by Rafidah “Lah, siapa buat BN Manifesto ni? Kita tak pernah tahu pun!“. Coyly, the answer was “Ini Zaki yang buat. He is very good, you know!”.

Time and again, PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah overtly vehement denied that his son-in-law, Khairy, was ever involved in his decision-making, be it in the Government, or the party. Since the famous TV 3 special interview, conducted by Bernama Chairman Annuar Zaini, no one in the streets actually believed him. Not even the folks in the boondocks, who have never in their lifetime had access to internet. When UMNO Pulau Pinang met up with PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah on rumours that certain unfavourable characters were to be pitted by BN as candidates in the state, his response was “Nanti saya balik, bincang dengan Khairy“.

Within this week, one of the Press Secretary Wan Esuryanti was leaving her post. Khairy took to the task to interview Dato’ Ainon Ahmad, a former NST journalist, for the job. PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah’s trusts for his aides like Kalimullah “Riong Kali” Hassan, had actually propelled him on a self-destruction mode, prematurely.

The most recent controversial is the ’self-righteous populist’ direction PM ‘Flip-Flop’ is going, with regards to the Judiciary issue. Last night, he announced the reinstatement of gratuities and emoluments of the sacked Judges since the highly controversial but lawful ejection of Lord President Tun Mohamed Salleh Abas in August 1988. It was almost an admission of guilt. It is still a msytery why PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah is willing to depart from the normal convention and thread along these ice-thin line which set a new irrevocable precedent, when it actually served no tangible value for the majority of Malaysians, who are actually non-chalant about this whole issue. The fact that Tun Salleh is the father-in-law of his son’s partner in Scomi, Shah Hakim Zain, is not quashing other speculations by skeptics of this odd move.

It is too apparent that the PM ‘Flip-Flop’ Abdullah has been grossly insulated from real information, and an over-reliance to the ‘Level Four Boys’ for the information all way through the decision making process. The decisions made had reached its overbearing level and inviting series of ‘mini rebellions’, within the society and system. An example never before in the 35 year history of illustrious service by Malaysia Airlines did passengers feel so frustrated with the once the pride of the nation. Of course, the rate of the Police Force efficiency has deteriorated greatly, ever since the “Naked-ear-squat-in-lock-up” case, which also saw Malaysia made a totally unneccessary apology to China.

All these, were actually the most important factors why the rakyat decided to vote against BN. Blaming it on UMNO and BN’s fifth columnist was never the right approach, nor convincing enough. This is further topped by the continuous grossly vomit-level arrogance of, “We won big. We have a big mandate from the rakyat. Just eight short of two-third majority”, which will systematically drive the rakyat’s confidence and support away from UMNO and BN.

kesilapan demi kesilapan yang dilakukan oleh pak lah

dipetik dari ramblings and doodlings…..

amat malang sekali apabila pak lah mengumumkan suruhanjaya badan pelantikan hakim semalam.

ini bermakna, para peguam dan para hakim boleh melantik dengan sendiri di kalangan mereka kepada jawatan Ketua Hakim Negara. Memandangkan majoriti para hakim dan peguam di malaysia ini bukan berbangsa melayu, tak lama lagi kita akan mendapat Ketua Hakim Negara dari kalangan bukan Melayu.

PAS di dalam Harakah bersetuju dengan penubuhan suruhanjaya ini.. begitu juga Pakatan Rakyat. Mungkin Melayu dikalangan mereka tidak berfikir panjang lagi.

Di masa akan datang, kes kes besar yg melibatkan agama, kerakyatan, dan bangsa, kaum melayu akan susah hendak menang di mahkamah tertinggi Malaysia iaitu di Supreme Court. Kenapa? Kerana mungkin, Ketua Hakim Negara yang baru ialah Karpal Singh atau mereka yang sewaktu dengannya. Nak tunjuk independent sangat? Melayu kena mula berdiri dengan kaki sendiri nampaknya. Manalah tahu, dah la Ketua Hakim Negara berbangsa bukan Melayu, President Mahkamah Rayuan pun bukan Melayu juga. Minta minta Peguam Melayu masih berbangsa Melayu. At least adalah sikit peratusan boleh menang.. walaupun sedikit.

Walaubagaimanapun, tahniah kepada Pak Lah. Di harap dia faham natijah keputusan yg dibuatnya semalam. adakah ianya akan memakan diri bangsa sendiri di kemudian hari? hanya waktu yg boleh menilainya. Namun sekarang, diharap dia berbahagia dengan sokongan sementara yg di capainya sekarang. Satu pukulan tikam belakang yg bagus kepada Tun Dr Tun Dr. Tun Dr. Mahathir. Siapalah Tun Dr Tun Dr. Tun Dr. Mahathir yg hanya tahu membuang hakim hakim sahaja. Nasib baik ada Pak Lah yg tahu membodek bapa mertua kepada boss anaknya.

Apa yg berlaku di tahun 1988 bukan sebab utama BN kalah di tahun 2008. Jikalau betul, nescaya pd pilihanraya di tahun 1990, 1995, 1999 dan 2004 BN sudah kalah teruk. Bukan. BN kalah di tahun 2008 kerana Pak Lah sendiri yg buta hati.