It's Now or Never: A Tribute To Barisan Rakyat Courtesy of macanhitam |
March 26, 2008
It's Now or Never: A Tribute To Barisan Rakyat
A lovely video capturing the historic election of 8 March 2008 appropriately accompanied by Elvis Presley's "It's Now Or Never".
Malaysia: Change is Long Overdue
Malaysia: Change is Long Overdue
Farish A. Noor
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
The election results of March 2008 have shown the world that in Malaysia at least race and communal-based voting may soon become a thing of the past. This may have been a protest vote against the lackadaisical performance of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but it did nonetheless send a very clear message to the government and all the parties in the country.
For as long as they can remember, Malaysians have been told time and again that there can only be political stability in the country as long as the status quo is defended. This rather uninspiring message was, of course, delivered by none other than those who were already in power and who had every reason to wish to remain in power for as long as humanly possible. Since it became independent in 1957 Malaysia has been ruled by the same coterie of right-of-centre Conservative-nationalist parties led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and its allies in the former Alliance coalition and now the National Front. For more than half a century Malaysians were told that this was the natural order of things and that to even entertain the idea of there being a different government was tantamount to political heresy of sorts.
Yet a quick survey of the political landscape of many a post-colonial nation-state today would show clearly that almost every post-colonial country in the world has experienced a change of government, and in many cases this transition has come about without leading to chaos and tumult in the streets. The nationalists of Algeria were eventually kicked out of office after it became patently clear that their brand of conservative nationalism served only to disguise what was really a corrupt mode of patronage politics. In India the Congress party that had for so long rested on its laurels and prided itself with the claim that it was the party that won India's independence has been soundly beaten at both the national and state level; again for the same reason. Why even Indonesia that suffered under three decades of military rule has made the slow but sure transition to a fledgling democracy of sorts, and the mainstream media in Indonesia today remains the most open and courageous in all of Southeast Asia. So why not Malaysia?
The election results of March 2008 have shown the world that in Malaysia at least race and communal-based voting may soon become a thing of the past. This may have been a protest vote against the lackadaisical performance of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but it did nonetheless send a very clear message to the government and all the parties in the country. It signalled that the Malaysian public was tired of empty promises and having sweet nothings whispered in their ears, while the government continues along its inebriated pace of mismanaging the country. It also reminded all politicians from all parties that the Malaysian voters will no longer vote along racial or religious-communitarian lines, and that henceforth they will vote for the best candidate who can do her or his job better than the other bloke.
If this is not a sign of political maturity and responsibility, then this analyst doesn't know what is. The Malaysian voters were literally warned by the ruling parties to vote for them, yet they defied the might of the government and were prepared to take the costs. Yet soon after the election results were known there were still voices among the ruling elite who had not yet adjusted to the realities on the ground. During a rather tiresome debate live on TV with a prominent has-been from the ruling UMNO party, I was struck by how outdated, disconnected and irrelevant his views and discourse were: Rambling on about the need to protect his own ethnic and religious community while slandering the politicians of the opposite camp, he merely reiterated every single cliché on race politics we had been fed for the past fifty years. If people like these are still adamant that there should be no change in Malaysia, then we all know that the time for change has already come.
...more
Farish A. Noor
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
The election results of March 2008 have shown the world that in Malaysia at least race and communal-based voting may soon become a thing of the past. This may have been a protest vote against the lackadaisical performance of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but it did nonetheless send a very clear message to the government and all the parties in the country.
For as long as they can remember, Malaysians have been told time and again that there can only be political stability in the country as long as the status quo is defended. This rather uninspiring message was, of course, delivered by none other than those who were already in power and who had every reason to wish to remain in power for as long as humanly possible. Since it became independent in 1957 Malaysia has been ruled by the same coterie of right-of-centre Conservative-nationalist parties led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and its allies in the former Alliance coalition and now the National Front. For more than half a century Malaysians were told that this was the natural order of things and that to even entertain the idea of there being a different government was tantamount to political heresy of sorts.
Yet a quick survey of the political landscape of many a post-colonial nation-state today would show clearly that almost every post-colonial country in the world has experienced a change of government, and in many cases this transition has come about without leading to chaos and tumult in the streets. The nationalists of Algeria were eventually kicked out of office after it became patently clear that their brand of conservative nationalism served only to disguise what was really a corrupt mode of patronage politics. In India the Congress party that had for so long rested on its laurels and prided itself with the claim that it was the party that won India's independence has been soundly beaten at both the national and state level; again for the same reason. Why even Indonesia that suffered under three decades of military rule has made the slow but sure transition to a fledgling democracy of sorts, and the mainstream media in Indonesia today remains the most open and courageous in all of Southeast Asia. So why not Malaysia?
The election results of March 2008 have shown the world that in Malaysia at least race and communal-based voting may soon become a thing of the past. This may have been a protest vote against the lackadaisical performance of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but it did nonetheless send a very clear message to the government and all the parties in the country. It signalled that the Malaysian public was tired of empty promises and having sweet nothings whispered in their ears, while the government continues along its inebriated pace of mismanaging the country. It also reminded all politicians from all parties that the Malaysian voters will no longer vote along racial or religious-communitarian lines, and that henceforth they will vote for the best candidate who can do her or his job better than the other bloke.
If this is not a sign of political maturity and responsibility, then this analyst doesn't know what is. The Malaysian voters were literally warned by the ruling parties to vote for them, yet they defied the might of the government and were prepared to take the costs. Yet soon after the election results were known there were still voices among the ruling elite who had not yet adjusted to the realities on the ground. During a rather tiresome debate live on TV with a prominent has-been from the ruling UMNO party, I was struck by how outdated, disconnected and irrelevant his views and discourse were: Rambling on about the need to protect his own ethnic and religious community while slandering the politicians of the opposite camp, he merely reiterated every single cliché on race politics we had been fed for the past fifty years. If people like these are still adamant that there should be no change in Malaysia, then we all know that the time for change has already come.
...more
A Truly Defining & Defying Moment!
A Truly Defining & Defying Moment!
Martin Jalleh
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
The Umno-BN hegemony has come to a sudden halt. The 50-year old political juggernaut has been severely jolted. Its formidable force fragmented. A mean machine has been reduced to a mouse.
The coalition that had used its brute majority to bully and bulldoze its way and will in Parliament, blinked when the Opposition breached its two-thirds majority. It was something that they had not bargained for.
The regime of humbug, hype, hypocrisy, hysterics and histrionics, displayed especially in Parliament, has been humbled, even humiliated. People in high places came hurtling down without knowing what really hit them.
The government of unbridled arrogance of power and brazen high-handedness has been brought low. A haunting silence hovers over the once haughty as their political future hangs heavily against hope. The high and mighty are hushed.
The powers that have dominated, dictated and decided for “the good of the people” have been dented. The BN is left in a daze as to why and how they have been ditched and damned so decidedly.
Umno’s high-profile ‘heroes’ had failed to prepare the party to cope with the winds of change. Instead, they became experts in denial, diversion, damage control and in demanding that they be not deprived of their "crutches".
They had tried to stamp their superiority by demonising others, demolishing critics, "desensitising" non-Malays by brandishing a keris annually, and dramatically displaying Umno as the staunchest defender of Islam.
Umno’s elite would even walk over each other to grab any and every opportunity to satisfy their insatiable and grotesque greed -- and they would have the gall to do it under the guise of fighting for the poor Malay.
Incapable of reforming themselves, as former PM Mahathir had inspiringly pointed out recently, it was only a matter of time when Umno would implode – self-destruct – the inevitable happened on 8th March!
The rakyat were fed up, frustrated and furious at the unconscionable Umnoputra elite and their lapdog coalition partners for having bled this country dry and gambling the country away with the racial and religious card.
The people were tired of the government’s make-believe. Behind its portrait of a "successful nation" hung an increasingly strained and soiled social fabric – which they had to contend with everyday of their lives.
Pak Lah’s advisors failed to read the groundswell of disillusionment and discontentment. Detached and disconnected from the grassroots, they discussed day-to-day realities from the 4th Floor...as the PM dozed off!
For four years they had gone on a frolick, fumbling and flip-flopping all the way, while the people struggled to stay afloat against the rising cost of living…and as the leaders of the country grew fat and flaunted their fortune.
Khairy and his boys on the 4th Floor must have flogged themselves or went into a fit as four more states fell to the Opposition. Oxbridge must have wished they never had such an ox-brained graduate.
Dr Mahathir says Pak Lah is responsible for ‘destroying’ Umno and BN. He forgets that the ruins of today have their roots in his government of yesterday -- one riddled with the most rotten of policies, practices and public personalities.
...more
Martin Jalleh
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
The Umno-BN hegemony has come to a sudden halt. The 50-year old political juggernaut has been severely jolted. Its formidable force fragmented. A mean machine has been reduced to a mouse.
The coalition that had used its brute majority to bully and bulldoze its way and will in Parliament, blinked when the Opposition breached its two-thirds majority. It was something that they had not bargained for.
The regime of humbug, hype, hypocrisy, hysterics and histrionics, displayed especially in Parliament, has been humbled, even humiliated. People in high places came hurtling down without knowing what really hit them.
The government of unbridled arrogance of power and brazen high-handedness has been brought low. A haunting silence hovers over the once haughty as their political future hangs heavily against hope. The high and mighty are hushed.
The powers that have dominated, dictated and decided for “the good of the people” have been dented. The BN is left in a daze as to why and how they have been ditched and damned so decidedly.
Umno’s high-profile ‘heroes’ had failed to prepare the party to cope with the winds of change. Instead, they became experts in denial, diversion, damage control and in demanding that they be not deprived of their "crutches".
They had tried to stamp their superiority by demonising others, demolishing critics, "desensitising" non-Malays by brandishing a keris annually, and dramatically displaying Umno as the staunchest defender of Islam.
Umno’s elite would even walk over each other to grab any and every opportunity to satisfy their insatiable and grotesque greed -- and they would have the gall to do it under the guise of fighting for the poor Malay.
Incapable of reforming themselves, as former PM Mahathir had inspiringly pointed out recently, it was only a matter of time when Umno would implode – self-destruct – the inevitable happened on 8th March!
The rakyat were fed up, frustrated and furious at the unconscionable Umnoputra elite and their lapdog coalition partners for having bled this country dry and gambling the country away with the racial and religious card.
The people were tired of the government’s make-believe. Behind its portrait of a "successful nation" hung an increasingly strained and soiled social fabric – which they had to contend with everyday of their lives.
Pak Lah’s advisors failed to read the groundswell of disillusionment and discontentment. Detached and disconnected from the grassroots, they discussed day-to-day realities from the 4th Floor...as the PM dozed off!
For four years they had gone on a frolick, fumbling and flip-flopping all the way, while the people struggled to stay afloat against the rising cost of living…and as the leaders of the country grew fat and flaunted their fortune.
Khairy and his boys on the 4th Floor must have flogged themselves or went into a fit as four more states fell to the Opposition. Oxbridge must have wished they never had such an ox-brained graduate.
Dr Mahathir says Pak Lah is responsible for ‘destroying’ Umno and BN. He forgets that the ruins of today have their roots in his government of yesterday -- one riddled with the most rotten of policies, practices and public personalities.
...more
In Penang, serious questions over some land deals
In Penang, serious questions over some land deals
Malaysian Insider - March 26
When the Penang state government disclosed recently that it was revisiting certain land deals, the first name that escaped the lips of most people was the controversial Penang Global City Centre project. After all, the plan to turn this choice real estate into a mixed development of high-rise condominiums, bungalows, hotels and parks has been as popular as the plague.
But The Malaysian Insider has learnt that the state government is more concerned about a more down-to-earth project in the district of Penanti. As the story goes, land belonging to a clan association was “hijacked’’ by the previous state government and offered as a concession to a businessman in the quarry business.
How the state government or Land Office approved this transaction, bearing in mind that the land belonged to a third party, is unclear.
...more
Malaysian Insider - March 26
When the Penang state government disclosed recently that it was revisiting certain land deals, the first name that escaped the lips of most people was the controversial Penang Global City Centre project. After all, the plan to turn this choice real estate into a mixed development of high-rise condominiums, bungalows, hotels and parks has been as popular as the plague.
But The Malaysian Insider has learnt that the state government is more concerned about a more down-to-earth project in the district of Penanti. As the story goes, land belonging to a clan association was “hijacked’’ by the previous state government and offered as a concession to a businessman in the quarry business.
How the state government or Land Office approved this transaction, bearing in mind that the land belonged to a third party, is unclear.
...more
Malaysia's PM pays high price to stay in power
Malaysia's PM pays high price to stay in power
Michael Backman
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
(The Age):MALAYSIA'S hapless Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi got something right last week: he announced a radical reshuffle of his cabinet, which included dropping several ministers who had seemed untouchable. But what Abdullah got wrong was the timing. The reshuffle is about two years too late. Had he done it then, his coalition Government would not have done so badly at this month's elections. He would not now be staring into the political abyss whereby it is almost a certainty he will not be Prime Minister at the next election. It is a possibility that his party will not even be in office.
But Abdullah's new ministry is no clear-cut triumph. Two Government members named as ministers refused to serve, highlighting the sloppiness of the process of government in Malaysia. Why did Abdullah not check with them before announcing his ministry? This is the usual process in parliamentary democracies elsewhere. One, aged just 54, said he wanted to make way for a younger person. Did he sense a sinking ship?
The head of the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component of the ruling coalition, made it quite clear he didn't want to be considered for a cabinet post. He wants to spend more time watching his back. There is much bitterness in the MCA and a chance it will split.
Most interestingly, Abdullah appointed Muhammad Muhammad Taib as his Minister for Rural and Regional Development. What does such a minister do? He travels to Malaysia's more far-flung parts and hands out money for development. What he really does is to hand out contracts to politicians, their families and friends to keep them onside. This will be more important than ever now, as the ruling coalition does not have a majority of seats in Parliament drawn from peninsular Malaysia and can only rule with the support of the smaller, regionally based parties in Sarawak and Sabah states on the island of Borneo.
...more
Michael Backman
Malaysia Today - 26 March 2008
(The Age):MALAYSIA'S hapless Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi got something right last week: he announced a radical reshuffle of his cabinet, which included dropping several ministers who had seemed untouchable. But what Abdullah got wrong was the timing. The reshuffle is about two years too late. Had he done it then, his coalition Government would not have done so badly at this month's elections. He would not now be staring into the political abyss whereby it is almost a certainty he will not be Prime Minister at the next election. It is a possibility that his party will not even be in office.
But Abdullah's new ministry is no clear-cut triumph. Two Government members named as ministers refused to serve, highlighting the sloppiness of the process of government in Malaysia. Why did Abdullah not check with them before announcing his ministry? This is the usual process in parliamentary democracies elsewhere. One, aged just 54, said he wanted to make way for a younger person. Did he sense a sinking ship?
The head of the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component of the ruling coalition, made it quite clear he didn't want to be considered for a cabinet post. He wants to spend more time watching his back. There is much bitterness in the MCA and a chance it will split.
Most interestingly, Abdullah appointed Muhammad Muhammad Taib as his Minister for Rural and Regional Development. What does such a minister do? He travels to Malaysia's more far-flung parts and hands out money for development. What he really does is to hand out contracts to politicians, their families and friends to keep them onside. This will be more important than ever now, as the ruling coalition does not have a majority of seats in Parliament drawn from peninsular Malaysia and can only rule with the support of the smaller, regionally based parties in Sarawak and Sabah states on the island of Borneo.
...more
A legal contract more defining than the so-called 'social contract'
A legal contract more defining than the so-called 'social contract'
Dr Collin Abraham
Malaysia Today - 25 March 2008
I believe it will be generally agreed that if there was one extraordinary appointment to the newly formed cabinet it was that of Datuk Zaid Ibrahim charged with the responsibility of Judicial Affairs and Legal Reform.
This is not simply because Zaid’ appointment was controversial in itself, to say the least, but rather because he has potentially been given a blank cheque to institute legal reforms that strike at the heart of giving each and every Malaysian an inalienable legal contract of protection under the Federal Constitution. I have no doubt whatsoever that Zaid will do his utmost to ensure that Malaysians have this full protection under the rule of law, thereby giving them the kind of confidence needed to create a ‘level playing field’ for themselves and to take control of their lives. As I see it, this situation, if it is also accompanied by reasonable institutional measures to alleviate poverty across the board, will necessarily make the so-called “social contract’ of the Barisan National obsolete.
Indeed, according to a leading lawyer Zainur Zakaria “the (this) so-called ‘social contract’” has been replaced with the Federation Constitution which spells out the rights of the communities” (NST 24/3/08) and therefore in emphasising individual legal rights under law reforms Zaid would in fact be contributing to a defining boost to harmonious ethnic and race relations in the country.
...more
Dr Collin Abraham
Malaysia Today - 25 March 2008
I believe it will be generally agreed that if there was one extraordinary appointment to the newly formed cabinet it was that of Datuk Zaid Ibrahim charged with the responsibility of Judicial Affairs and Legal Reform.
This is not simply because Zaid’ appointment was controversial in itself, to say the least, but rather because he has potentially been given a blank cheque to institute legal reforms that strike at the heart of giving each and every Malaysian an inalienable legal contract of protection under the Federal Constitution. I have no doubt whatsoever that Zaid will do his utmost to ensure that Malaysians have this full protection under the rule of law, thereby giving them the kind of confidence needed to create a ‘level playing field’ for themselves and to take control of their lives. As I see it, this situation, if it is also accompanied by reasonable institutional measures to alleviate poverty across the board, will necessarily make the so-called “social contract’ of the Barisan National obsolete.
Indeed, according to a leading lawyer Zainur Zakaria “the (this) so-called ‘social contract’” has been replaced with the Federation Constitution which spells out the rights of the communities” (NST 24/3/08) and therefore in emphasising individual legal rights under law reforms Zaid would in fact be contributing to a defining boost to harmonious ethnic and race relations in the country.
...more
March 24, 2008
Param: Seek accountability, not apology
Param: Seek accountability, not apology
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - Mar 24, 2008
New law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s suggestion that the government should apologise to those victimised in the 1988 judicial crisis does not meet the test of accountability, said Param Cumaraswamy.
The former United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers said that those who committed the transgressions should be the ones to apologise.
“Those who perpetrated the transgressions are still alive and they must be called to account for their conduct and seek forgiveness from the six valiant judges, their families and Malaysians generally for the sacrilege committed to the temple of independent justice,” he said in a statement today.
Param, a former Malaysian Bar president, named then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Attorney-General Abu Talib Othman (currently chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) and Chief Justice Hamid Omar as those deemed accountable.
“There were other personalities who carried out what in military terms is called ‘superior orders’ for fear of being dismissed from their positions,” said Param.
“Having made the transgressors publicly accountable, the government must offer adequate compensation to the victims and their families (as) reinstatement of the three dismissed is no longer possible.”
Param noted that Malaysians have a right to know who was responsible for the events and why it happened.
...more
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - Mar 24, 2008
New law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s suggestion that the government should apologise to those victimised in the 1988 judicial crisis does not meet the test of accountability, said Param Cumaraswamy.
The former United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers said that those who committed the transgressions should be the ones to apologise.
“Those who perpetrated the transgressions are still alive and they must be called to account for their conduct and seek forgiveness from the six valiant judges, their families and Malaysians generally for the sacrilege committed to the temple of independent justice,” he said in a statement today.
Param, a former Malaysian Bar president, named then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Attorney-General Abu Talib Othman (currently chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) and Chief Justice Hamid Omar as those deemed accountable.
“There were other personalities who carried out what in military terms is called ‘superior orders’ for fear of being dismissed from their positions,” said Param.
“Having made the transgressors publicly accountable, the government must offer adequate compensation to the victims and their families (as) reinstatement of the three dismissed is no longer possible.”
Param noted that Malaysians have a right to know who was responsible for the events and why it happened.
...more
Trengganu MB crisis: Follow the money trail
Trengganu MB crisis: Follow the money trail
anilnetto.com - 24 March 2008
While much has been said about the constitutional position, there is more to it than just the letter and spirit of the law.
There is more to it than that - and it is essential that we consider this dimension in any discussion of the political situation in Trengganu.
Follow the money trail.
One of the key issues, I believe, is how the Petronas oil royalties due to the state amounting to some RM1 billion annually should be spent - for the benefit of the people or for vested interests. Despite its oil wealth, Trengganu is one of the poorest states in the federation.
The royalty payments are no small change. In the past, the money was paid directly to the state government and dispensed under its supervision.
But when Trengganu fell to opposition hands (Pas) in 1999, then prime minister Mahathir changed the rules. He couldn’t bear to see all that money going to an opposition-controlled state government.
Instead of the Petronas royalties (amounting to 5 per cent of oil extraction and sales) going directly to the Trengganu state government, they were now channelled to a federally administered Special Fund Financing Programme (the Fund), which was established in December 2000. The money in this new Fund was euphemistically renamed “goodwill money” (wang ihsan) and it was supposed to directly finance development programmes for the people of Terengganu, largely bypassing the state government.
Since then, there has been little accountability over how this money has been spent and whether the projects really benefit the ordinary people.
...more
anilnetto.com - 24 March 2008
While much has been said about the constitutional position, there is more to it than just the letter and spirit of the law.
There is more to it than that - and it is essential that we consider this dimension in any discussion of the political situation in Trengganu.
Follow the money trail.
One of the key issues, I believe, is how the Petronas oil royalties due to the state amounting to some RM1 billion annually should be spent - for the benefit of the people or for vested interests. Despite its oil wealth, Trengganu is one of the poorest states in the federation.
The royalty payments are no small change. In the past, the money was paid directly to the state government and dispensed under its supervision.
But when Trengganu fell to opposition hands (Pas) in 1999, then prime minister Mahathir changed the rules. He couldn’t bear to see all that money going to an opposition-controlled state government.
Instead of the Petronas royalties (amounting to 5 per cent of oil extraction and sales) going directly to the Trengganu state government, they were now channelled to a federally administered Special Fund Financing Programme (the Fund), which was established in December 2000. The money in this new Fund was euphemistically renamed “goodwill money” (wang ihsan) and it was supposed to directly finance development programmes for the people of Terengganu, largely bypassing the state government.
Since then, there has been little accountability over how this money has been spent and whether the projects really benefit the ordinary people.
...more
Monsoon (Cup) winds of change
Monsoon (Cup) winds of change
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER - Raja Petra Kamarudin
Malaysia Today - 24 March 2008
Mat Said is a fighter. And even as a 'nobody' he stood his ground against an outraged Eric Chia who was foaming at the mouth while screaming the Prime Minister's name. No Chinese gangster or Menteri Besar or even the most powerful Prime Minister could shake him. And that is the kind of Menteri Besar His Majesty the Agong would like as head of his state government.
...
That is probably what the Kuala Terengganu folks at the Pasar Payang wet market are lamenting. When the Rulers keep quiet, the rakyat complain and question the purpose of retaining the Monarchy if the Rulers do not earn their salary. However, when they do act, the raykat complain and accuse the Rulers of getting involved in politics. The Rulers must work for the people, argue the rakyat. The bottom line is, the rakyat don't really know what they want.
In the 1990s, a well-known Malaysian business magazine reported that Terengganu is the second richest state after Selangor but its rakyat are the second poorest after Perlis. The Kelantan Menteri Besar, Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat, retorted that Kelantan may be poor compared to Terengganu, but its people are rich. “Kekayaan Kelantan di tangan rakyat,” said Nik Aziz. Kelantenese, Nik Aziz stressed, do not need to depend on the government. They will travel far and wide, even to Singapore, to earn their living. And they will send money back to the state to help prop up its economy.
This is true. You can find a Kampong Kelantan in Singapore but not a Kampong Terengganu or Kampong Kedah or whatever. And Kelantanese will go back to Kelantan to pay their zakat (tithe) so that the money can go to the state and not to the federal government. And that is why the federal government attempted to nationalise the zakat collection -- they wanted to deny the state the money. But Kelantanese are stubborn and they are in fact proud that they can survive without federal funding and in spite of being squeezed of federal funding.
Take their water supply as one example. Kelantanese are being denied clean water because the federal government will not give the state the money it needs to improve its water supply. Because of this many have died of cholera over the last two decades but the Kelantanese refuse to hand the state back to Barisan Nasional although by doing so they could then get clean water and would no longer suffer so many deaths. Kelantanese treat the high number of deaths and the loss of their loved ones as 'collateral damage' which one has to endure when opposing the federal government. Yes, they are sad that many have to die, but in any struggle people die and the struggle against the tyranny of the federal government overrides all other considerations.
...more
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER - Raja Petra Kamarudin
Malaysia Today - 24 March 2008
Mat Said is a fighter. And even as a 'nobody' he stood his ground against an outraged Eric Chia who was foaming at the mouth while screaming the Prime Minister's name. No Chinese gangster or Menteri Besar or even the most powerful Prime Minister could shake him. And that is the kind of Menteri Besar His Majesty the Agong would like as head of his state government.
...
That is probably what the Kuala Terengganu folks at the Pasar Payang wet market are lamenting. When the Rulers keep quiet, the rakyat complain and question the purpose of retaining the Monarchy if the Rulers do not earn their salary. However, when they do act, the raykat complain and accuse the Rulers of getting involved in politics. The Rulers must work for the people, argue the rakyat. The bottom line is, the rakyat don't really know what they want.
In the 1990s, a well-known Malaysian business magazine reported that Terengganu is the second richest state after Selangor but its rakyat are the second poorest after Perlis. The Kelantan Menteri Besar, Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat, retorted that Kelantan may be poor compared to Terengganu, but its people are rich. “Kekayaan Kelantan di tangan rakyat,” said Nik Aziz. Kelantenese, Nik Aziz stressed, do not need to depend on the government. They will travel far and wide, even to Singapore, to earn their living. And they will send money back to the state to help prop up its economy.
This is true. You can find a Kampong Kelantan in Singapore but not a Kampong Terengganu or Kampong Kedah or whatever. And Kelantanese will go back to Kelantan to pay their zakat (tithe) so that the money can go to the state and not to the federal government. And that is why the federal government attempted to nationalise the zakat collection -- they wanted to deny the state the money. But Kelantanese are stubborn and they are in fact proud that they can survive without federal funding and in spite of being squeezed of federal funding.
Take their water supply as one example. Kelantanese are being denied clean water because the federal government will not give the state the money it needs to improve its water supply. Because of this many have died of cholera over the last two decades but the Kelantanese refuse to hand the state back to Barisan Nasional although by doing so they could then get clean water and would no longer suffer so many deaths. Kelantanese treat the high number of deaths and the loss of their loved ones as 'collateral damage' which one has to endure when opposing the federal government. Yes, they are sad that many have to die, but in any struggle people die and the struggle against the tyranny of the federal government overrides all other considerations.
...more
BN, Malaysians never forgot
BN, Malaysians never forgot
K W Waran
Malaysia Today - 24 March 2008
Our Ex-PM once said, “Melayu mudah lupa” (Malays forget easily). In retrospective thinking, it would have been most appropriate if he had said, “Kroni-kroni saya mudah lupa”. Dulu berpusu-pusu nak cium tangan saya, tapi sekarang, saya talipon pun tak mahu jawab“. (My CRONIES forget easily, before they would clamber over each other to kiss my hand. Now, even if I call them, they never answer)”.This fate is awaiting Samy too.
Well, TUN, those were of the Blood Sucking Parasite species that you were nurturing and nourishing instead of us,whom you was responsible for. We, irrespective of colour and creed always loved our nation as OUR IBU PERTIWI. If, a fraction of the all those frustrated budding entrepreneurs with their brilliant ideas were assisted, today, our nation would have been much closer towards realizing the Vision 2020 .
For decades, the BN believed in their own spin that the Silent Majority were behind them and therefore wasted Billions of Ringgits, while gobbling some annually were their INHERENT HALLMARK of GROSTESQUE MISMANAGEMENT and NEGLIGENCE in every aspects of their Governance tells on them. If only half had been saved, it would be enough to nourish every child of this nation with quality food daily to say the least. We know,today, some are still only having rice drizzled with soy sauce.
We never forgot the Auditor-General’s Reports that never improved over those years even after Mr. Clean came in. We never approved of the obsolete draconian ISA nor forgot how and against whom it is still being used. We never forgot the Billions of Petro Ringgit that was never accounted for was/is spent with total impunity as always mentioned by DSAI. We never forgot the Currency Market debacle that almost bankrupted the Bank Negara Malaysia.
We will also never FORGET the gross atrocities that took place when the entire BN machinery was used in a feeble attempt to destroy DSAI for good. It was then that every person with conscience felt it to the very core of their hearts that many did shed tears of pain while only being able to offer prayers for him and his family. Would anyone forget his so called “self inflicted” black eye, the aggravated spinal injury due to the bashing and the poison attempt on his life. I can go on and on, on this case alone about the sins that was committed without ever caring to give a hoot as to how the RAKYAT is feeling.
...more
K W Waran
Malaysia Today - 24 March 2008
Our Ex-PM once said, “Melayu mudah lupa” (Malays forget easily). In retrospective thinking, it would have been most appropriate if he had said, “Kroni-kroni saya mudah lupa”. Dulu berpusu-pusu nak cium tangan saya, tapi sekarang, saya talipon pun tak mahu jawab“. (My CRONIES forget easily, before they would clamber over each other to kiss my hand. Now, even if I call them, they never answer)”.This fate is awaiting Samy too.
Well, TUN, those were of the Blood Sucking Parasite species that you were nurturing and nourishing instead of us,whom you was responsible for. We, irrespective of colour and creed always loved our nation as OUR IBU PERTIWI. If, a fraction of the all those frustrated budding entrepreneurs with their brilliant ideas were assisted, today, our nation would have been much closer towards realizing the Vision 2020 .
For decades, the BN believed in their own spin that the Silent Majority were behind them and therefore wasted Billions of Ringgits, while gobbling some annually were their INHERENT HALLMARK of GROSTESQUE MISMANAGEMENT and NEGLIGENCE in every aspects of their Governance tells on them. If only half had been saved, it would be enough to nourish every child of this nation with quality food daily to say the least. We know,today, some are still only having rice drizzled with soy sauce.
We never forgot the Auditor-General’s Reports that never improved over those years even after Mr. Clean came in. We never approved of the obsolete draconian ISA nor forgot how and against whom it is still being used. We never forgot the Billions of Petro Ringgit that was never accounted for was/is spent with total impunity as always mentioned by DSAI. We never forgot the Currency Market debacle that almost bankrupted the Bank Negara Malaysia.
We will also never FORGET the gross atrocities that took place when the entire BN machinery was used in a feeble attempt to destroy DSAI for good. It was then that every person with conscience felt it to the very core of their hearts that many did shed tears of pain while only being able to offer prayers for him and his family. Would anyone forget his so called “self inflicted” black eye, the aggravated spinal injury due to the bashing and the poison attempt on his life. I can go on and on, on this case alone about the sins that was committed without ever caring to give a hoot as to how the RAKYAT is feeling.
...more
March 23, 2008
Zaid: Govt has to apologise to victims of 1988 judicial crisis
Zaid: Govt has to apologise to victims of 1988 judicial crisis
Star - March 23, 2008
KOTA BARU: The Federal Government must make an open apology to those victimised by the judicial crisis in 1988 that led to the sacking of the then Lord President Tun Mohd Salleh Abbas, said newly-appointed de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
“We should seek forgiveness. In the eyes of the world, the judicial crisis has weakened our judiciary system,” he said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said that although the issue was 20 years old, an apology was needed as it was wrongly handled and Tun Salleh's sacking was inappropriate.
From 1988, the judiciary's independence was eroded and led to allegations of corruption and abuse of power, he said.
The open apology would be one of his three main goals and would give a mandate for a fresh chapter to unfold in the country’s judiciary system, Zaid said at a thanksgiving feast to mark his appointment as a federal minister.
His second goal would be to strengthen judicial independence and the delivery of justice by revamping the appointment and promotion process of the country's judges and magistrates.
...more
Star - March 23, 2008
KOTA BARU: The Federal Government must make an open apology to those victimised by the judicial crisis in 1988 that led to the sacking of the then Lord President Tun Mohd Salleh Abbas, said newly-appointed de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
“We should seek forgiveness. In the eyes of the world, the judicial crisis has weakened our judiciary system,” he said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said that although the issue was 20 years old, an apology was needed as it was wrongly handled and Tun Salleh's sacking was inappropriate.
From 1988, the judiciary's independence was eroded and led to allegations of corruption and abuse of power, he said.
The open apology would be one of his three main goals and would give a mandate for a fresh chapter to unfold in the country’s judiciary system, Zaid said at a thanksgiving feast to mark his appointment as a federal minister.
His second goal would be to strengthen judicial independence and the delivery of justice by revamping the appointment and promotion process of the country's judges and magistrates.
...more
Zaid Ibrahim's Interview
'I'm here to do the job, not for popularity'
NST - March 23, 2008
Q: Do you have any immediate priorities as you take office?
A: Yes. I'm going to propose to the government that we apologise to Tun Salleh (former Supreme Court Lord President Tun Mohd Salleh Abas) and the judges who had been sacked... and to their families.
I'm not suggesting we re-open the case. I'm saying it's clear to everyone, to the world, that serious transgressions had been committed by the previous administration.
And I believe the prime minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) is big enough and man enough to say that we had done wrong to these people and we are sorry.
Q: So there are no plans to review the case?
A: I think to review would be too painful. I don't want to go into details but I hope this gesture will be sufficient to heal the wounds.
Q: Any other priorities?
A: The way we appoint judges, the way we promote judges, the way we recruit them, I think that will be institutionalised.
...more
NST - March 23, 2008
Q: Do you have any immediate priorities as you take office?
A: Yes. I'm going to propose to the government that we apologise to Tun Salleh (former Supreme Court Lord President Tun Mohd Salleh Abas) and the judges who had been sacked... and to their families.
I'm not suggesting we re-open the case. I'm saying it's clear to everyone, to the world, that serious transgressions had been committed by the previous administration.
And I believe the prime minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) is big enough and man enough to say that we had done wrong to these people and we are sorry.
Q: So there are no plans to review the case?
A: I think to review would be too painful. I don't want to go into details but I hope this gesture will be sufficient to heal the wounds.
Q: Any other priorities?
A: The way we appoint judges, the way we promote judges, the way we recruit them, I think that will be institutionalised.
...more
Constitutional crisis brews in Teregganu
In Teregganu, a constitutional crisis brews as Sultan overrules elected assembly on who to be mentri besar
Malaysian Insider - 22 March 2008
A full-blown constitutional crisis is on the verge of breaking out in Terengganu after Sultan Mizan ignored the wishes of 22 Umno assemblymen and moved to appoint Ahmad Said as the new mentri besar.
Under the state constitution, the choice of the mentri besar is up to the state assembly. If a majority supports a particular candidate, he must be appointed the chief executive of the state. Only if there is a split as in the case of Perlis, can the ruler appoint the MB.
The move to appoint Kijal assemblyman Ahmad Said instead of Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who has the support of the assemblymen, comes as a surprise because in the past few days, news emanated from the palace that the impasse over Idris appointment as the mentri besar was over.
But the latest news is that Sultan Mizan is holding firm.
...more
Malaysian Insider - 22 March 2008
A full-blown constitutional crisis is on the verge of breaking out in Terengganu after Sultan Mizan ignored the wishes of 22 Umno assemblymen and moved to appoint Ahmad Said as the new mentri besar.
Under the state constitution, the choice of the mentri besar is up to the state assembly. If a majority supports a particular candidate, he must be appointed the chief executive of the state. Only if there is a split as in the case of Perlis, can the ruler appoint the MB.
The move to appoint Kijal assemblyman Ahmad Said instead of Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who has the support of the assemblymen, comes as a surprise because in the past few days, news emanated from the palace that the impasse over Idris appointment as the mentri besar was over.
But the latest news is that Sultan Mizan is holding firm.
...more
We live in inciting times
We live in inciting times
Helen Ang
People’s Parliament - March 22, 2008
For those who desired change, you got it, and in a tidal wave. Anwar Ibrahim on March 18 acknowledged one of the agents of change which generated the ‘political tsunami’ – “other than Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today, bloggers did a fantastic job”. Anwar noted this postscript to reporters as he was getting up from his seat at a press conference.
I’m quoting Anwar not to boost blogosphere (I’m most wary of the undoubted political animal that he is) but to remind ourselves that just as civil society can help him, so can it check him. He’s the numero uno surfer riding the election wave crest that washed upon the Barisan Rakyat corridor, including Penang – his home state as well as that of Abdullah Badawi, and now governed by Lim Guan Eng.
Haris has called on blogosphere to defend BR as the political parties in both camps are finding their feet amidst the turbulence. Mainstream media spinning for BN are the post-tsunami flotsam and jetsam tripping the new BR reps. Bernama had had to apologise to the newly-elected Penang CM for slotting in its report a May 13 reference he never made.
...more
Helen Ang
People’s Parliament - March 22, 2008
For those who desired change, you got it, and in a tidal wave. Anwar Ibrahim on March 18 acknowledged one of the agents of change which generated the ‘political tsunami’ – “other than Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today, bloggers did a fantastic job”. Anwar noted this postscript to reporters as he was getting up from his seat at a press conference.
I’m quoting Anwar not to boost blogosphere (I’m most wary of the undoubted political animal that he is) but to remind ourselves that just as civil society can help him, so can it check him. He’s the numero uno surfer riding the election wave crest that washed upon the Barisan Rakyat corridor, including Penang – his home state as well as that of Abdullah Badawi, and now governed by Lim Guan Eng.
Haris has called on blogosphere to defend BR as the political parties in both camps are finding their feet amidst the turbulence. Mainstream media spinning for BN are the post-tsunami flotsam and jetsam tripping the new BR reps. Bernama had had to apologise to the newly-elected Penang CM for slotting in its report a May 13 reference he never made.
...more
Chandra Muzaffar: A propagandist to smear Anwar Ibrahim?
Chandra Muzaffar: A propagandist to smear Anwar Ibrahim?
Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan
Malaysia Today - 22 March 2008
...
It is pathetic to see Chandra Muzaffar, the so-called public intellectual, joining hands with a rank politician like Lim Keng Yaik to attack the political integrity of Anwar Ibrahim. Both Chandra Muzaffar and Lim Keng Yaik have revealed more of their real selves by resorting to smear tactics.
Chandra Muzaffar, in particular, reveals his intellectuals dishonesty when he now reminds the public that Anwar Ibrahim, in changing the nomenclature “Bahasa Malaysia” to “Bahasa Melayu” and in placing non-mandarin speaking administrators in government-aided Chinese schools in 1987, had stoked racial tension in our country. Chandra Muzaffar did not find these actions objectionable when consenting to being a founding member of PKR and its Deputy President in 1997! This man of convenient memory also attacked Parti Keadilan and Anwar Ibrahim upon his resignation from the party whilst Anwar was languishing and unable to defend himself. What sort of man is one that attacks another who is unable to mount a defence?
It would seem that the media has adopted Chandra Muzaffar as one of the main propagandists to smear Anwar Ibrahim. The question that has to be asked is what possible justification is there for any honest man to use the media in this manner to denigrate a person like Anwar Ibrahim who has suffered a grave injustice? Is he the issue and is this how we want to conduct elections in our country?
...more
Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan
Malaysia Today - 22 March 2008
...
It is pathetic to see Chandra Muzaffar, the so-called public intellectual, joining hands with a rank politician like Lim Keng Yaik to attack the political integrity of Anwar Ibrahim. Both Chandra Muzaffar and Lim Keng Yaik have revealed more of their real selves by resorting to smear tactics.
Chandra Muzaffar, in particular, reveals his intellectuals dishonesty when he now reminds the public that Anwar Ibrahim, in changing the nomenclature “Bahasa Malaysia” to “Bahasa Melayu” and in placing non-mandarin speaking administrators in government-aided Chinese schools in 1987, had stoked racial tension in our country. Chandra Muzaffar did not find these actions objectionable when consenting to being a founding member of PKR and its Deputy President in 1997! This man of convenient memory also attacked Parti Keadilan and Anwar Ibrahim upon his resignation from the party whilst Anwar was languishing and unable to defend himself. What sort of man is one that attacks another who is unable to mount a defence?
It would seem that the media has adopted Chandra Muzaffar as one of the main propagandists to smear Anwar Ibrahim. The question that has to be asked is what possible justification is there for any honest man to use the media in this manner to denigrate a person like Anwar Ibrahim who has suffered a grave injustice? Is he the issue and is this how we want to conduct elections in our country?
...more
The mess left by BN in Penang
Questionable land deals give Guan Eng huge headache
anilnetto.com - 23 March 2008
It has been over a week since Lim Guan Eng was sworn in as Penang Chief Minister, but already he is discovering some of the serious challenges facing the new Penang state government.
He faces a daunting task. Planning approvals for major development projects in the past have been haphazard at best and irresponsible at worst. The PGCC Campaign Group met Guan Eng this afternoon in the Bilik Gerakan (someone quipped that it should be renamed “Bilik DAP”) of the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar. Apart from driving the final nails into the PGCC coffin - Guan Eng joked that the developer’s bouquet of flowers had not influenced him in any way - the activists from Penang’s main civil society groups said they would come up with a detailed proposal for a People’s Park within the next couple of months.
They also highlighted a whole range of planning and approval shortcomings that have left the island looking increasingly like a veritable concrete jungle plasted with bill boards and plagued with poor enforcement. Among the examples cited were proposals for 40-storey tower blocks on the coastline of Tanjung Bunga and the massive Hunza development along Gurney Drive. The Campaign Group stressed that there should be no major development work until Local Plans have been approved.
Land reclamation was another major issue. The activists pointed out that the previous adminstration had lost huge amounts of potential revenue by virtually handing over land reclamation projects to private developers to make lucrative profits while state coffers hardly benefited.
If land reclamation had been properly handled - there are 16,000 hectares of potential land that can be reclaimed - it could have generated enough revenue for the state to finance its operating and development expenditure for many years. Instead, IJM (along the Jelutong Expressway) and E&O (along Tanjong Tokong) appear to be the prime beneficiaries.
Land reclamation has also caused severe environmental problems - mud flats in Gurney Drive and siltation around the Penang port area. I hear that the authorities may now have to spend federal funds (public money) to dredge the sea. Let’s not even talk about the damage it has caused to marine and coastal biodiversity.
Guan Eng pointed out that Penang has to cope with tight financial constraints, with a budget deficit of RM35 million announced last year. Worse, there are several court cases coming up involving dubious land deals undertaken during the previous administration that have exposed the state to potential legal damages. In one such case involving a shady land deal in 2003, in which the state has admitted liability, the state government could be exposed to RM30 million in damages. “I don’t know where I am going to find RM30 million,” said Guan Eng, an accountant by training.
The Penang state government must institute a thorough investigation into how this could have happened.
...more
anilnetto.com - 23 March 2008
It has been over a week since Lim Guan Eng was sworn in as Penang Chief Minister, but already he is discovering some of the serious challenges facing the new Penang state government.
He faces a daunting task. Planning approvals for major development projects in the past have been haphazard at best and irresponsible at worst. The PGCC Campaign Group met Guan Eng this afternoon in the Bilik Gerakan (someone quipped that it should be renamed “Bilik DAP”) of the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar. Apart from driving the final nails into the PGCC coffin - Guan Eng joked that the developer’s bouquet of flowers had not influenced him in any way - the activists from Penang’s main civil society groups said they would come up with a detailed proposal for a People’s Park within the next couple of months.
They also highlighted a whole range of planning and approval shortcomings that have left the island looking increasingly like a veritable concrete jungle plasted with bill boards and plagued with poor enforcement. Among the examples cited were proposals for 40-storey tower blocks on the coastline of Tanjung Bunga and the massive Hunza development along Gurney Drive. The Campaign Group stressed that there should be no major development work until Local Plans have been approved.
Land reclamation was another major issue. The activists pointed out that the previous adminstration had lost huge amounts of potential revenue by virtually handing over land reclamation projects to private developers to make lucrative profits while state coffers hardly benefited.
If land reclamation had been properly handled - there are 16,000 hectares of potential land that can be reclaimed - it could have generated enough revenue for the state to finance its operating and development expenditure for many years. Instead, IJM (along the Jelutong Expressway) and E&O (along Tanjong Tokong) appear to be the prime beneficiaries.
Land reclamation has also caused severe environmental problems - mud flats in Gurney Drive and siltation around the Penang port area. I hear that the authorities may now have to spend federal funds (public money) to dredge the sea. Let’s not even talk about the damage it has caused to marine and coastal biodiversity.
Guan Eng pointed out that Penang has to cope with tight financial constraints, with a budget deficit of RM35 million announced last year. Worse, there are several court cases coming up involving dubious land deals undertaken during the previous administration that have exposed the state to potential legal damages. In one such case involving a shady land deal in 2003, in which the state has admitted liability, the state government could be exposed to RM30 million in damages. “I don’t know where I am going to find RM30 million,” said Guan Eng, an accountant by training.
The Penang state government must institute a thorough investigation into how this could have happened.
...more
March 22, 2008
KL's new political landscape
KL's new political landscape
K. Kesavapany
Straits Times - 22 March 2008
VISITING Malaysia for the first time since the general election was like touring a foreign country for the first time. Nothing in my years as a former Malaysian - and later, as Singapore's High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur - prepared me for what I saw.
I saw a political landscape that has changed beyond recognition. Peninsular Malaysia, from Selangor up to the Thai-Malaysian border, with the exception of the tiny state of Perlis, is now opposition territory. Former Barisan Nasional (BN) strongholds like Perak, Selangor and the Federal Territory have become opposition strongholds.
The hotly contested state of Penang has gone to the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a prize that the opposition party had hankered after for a long time. Indeed, if not for the BN's hold on Sabah and Sarawak, the political complexion of the Federal government itself would have been open to question.
Before my eyes lay the new reality of Malaysia. Race-based politics lay eroded. Voters had rejected that politics in large numbers and crossed racial lines. This change was marked in Penang, where disgruntled Indian voters had voted overwhelmingly in the DAP's favour, with the Chinese and some Malays joining in.
...more
K. Kesavapany
Straits Times - 22 March 2008
VISITING Malaysia for the first time since the general election was like touring a foreign country for the first time. Nothing in my years as a former Malaysian - and later, as Singapore's High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur - prepared me for what I saw.
I saw a political landscape that has changed beyond recognition. Peninsular Malaysia, from Selangor up to the Thai-Malaysian border, with the exception of the tiny state of Perlis, is now opposition territory. Former Barisan Nasional (BN) strongholds like Perak, Selangor and the Federal Territory have become opposition strongholds.
The hotly contested state of Penang has gone to the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a prize that the opposition party had hankered after for a long time. Indeed, if not for the BN's hold on Sabah and Sarawak, the political complexion of the Federal government itself would have been open to question.
Before my eyes lay the new reality of Malaysia. Race-based politics lay eroded. Voters had rejected that politics in large numbers and crossed racial lines. This change was marked in Penang, where disgruntled Indian voters had voted overwhelmingly in the DAP's favour, with the Chinese and some Malays joining in.
...more
Malaysia's new power brokers - Part 1: Raja Nazrin
Malaysia's new power brokers - Part 1: Raja Nazrin
Malaysian Insider - 21 March 2008
SOME Malaysians believe that the best candidate to lead this country did not contest the elections.
Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, the erudite, urbane Regent of Perak has won the support of many with his common touch and willingness to speak candidly on a range of delicate issues which have troubled Malaysians over the past few years.
In 2006, just after a clutch of Umno politicians spooked the country with their sabre-rattling speeches at the party’s general assembly, the Oxford and Harvard-educated Raja Nazrin provided the balm with his sensible comments, reminding all that race relations was not a zero-sum game and scolding the irresponsible loose-cannons.
Since then, the heir to the Perak throne has used all his speaking engagements to talk about the supremacy of the Constitution, the need for a strong judiciary, the need to fight corruption and why every citizen must feel that their place under the Malaysian sun is guaranteed.
...more
Malaysian Insider - 21 March 2008
SOME Malaysians believe that the best candidate to lead this country did not contest the elections.
Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, the erudite, urbane Regent of Perak has won the support of many with his common touch and willingness to speak candidly on a range of delicate issues which have troubled Malaysians over the past few years.
In 2006, just after a clutch of Umno politicians spooked the country with their sabre-rattling speeches at the party’s general assembly, the Oxford and Harvard-educated Raja Nazrin provided the balm with his sensible comments, reminding all that race relations was not a zero-sum game and scolding the irresponsible loose-cannons.
Since then, the heir to the Perak throne has used all his speaking engagements to talk about the supremacy of the Constitution, the need for a strong judiciary, the need to fight corruption and why every citizen must feel that their place under the Malaysian sun is guaranteed.
...more
Character of Umno explains a few things
Character of Umno explains a few things
Malaysian Insider - March 21 2008
Behind closed doors the one question that MCA, Gerakan and MIC are mulling after their mauling at Election 2008 is this: Can Umno adapt to the new Malaysian political landscape and make reform its mantra?
They are wondering if the post-March 8 Umno can appreciate that its choice of leaders and policies will have an impact on how Malaysians view the Barisan Nasional. Choose or defend leaders with baggage and the coalition partners too could be dragged down by the draft of disapproval.
The coalition partners got a partial answer this week with the return of Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib to the cabinet as the Rural Development Minister and Tengku Adnan Mansor’s appointment as the secretary-general of Umno and the Barisan Nasional.
A senior MCA politician told the The Malaysian Insider: "The party has nothing against Muhammad Taib but Umno has to realise that it is no longer sufficient to think about what Umno members feel about their leaders. We have to win over younger voters who have a different value system."
...more
Malaysian Insider - March 21 2008
Behind closed doors the one question that MCA, Gerakan and MIC are mulling after their mauling at Election 2008 is this: Can Umno adapt to the new Malaysian political landscape and make reform its mantra?
They are wondering if the post-March 8 Umno can appreciate that its choice of leaders and policies will have an impact on how Malaysians view the Barisan Nasional. Choose or defend leaders with baggage and the coalition partners too could be dragged down by the draft of disapproval.
The coalition partners got a partial answer this week with the return of Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib to the cabinet as the Rural Development Minister and Tengku Adnan Mansor’s appointment as the secretary-general of Umno and the Barisan Nasional.
A senior MCA politician told the The Malaysian Insider: "The party has nothing against Muhammad Taib but Umno has to realise that it is no longer sufficient to think about what Umno members feel about their leaders. We have to win over younger voters who have a different value system."
...more
A Walkabout With A Giant-Killer
A Walkabout With A Giant-Killer
K W Waran
Malaysia Today - 21 March 2008
It was a lovely sunny morning in Ipoh, Saturday 15th March 2008 as I waited for the newly elected MP for Sungai Siput, YB Dr. Michael Jayakumar Devaraj, in front of the SMJK Yuk Choy along Jalan Kuala Kangsar.
He arrived at 7.30am as promised. I went out to greet him and he humbled me by coming out himself to greet me halfway.
We left for and arrived at the office in Sg. Siput where all the party members were already there waiting for him. He greeted everybody and had a brief meeting with some senior members before we all left together to go to various areas in and around Sg. Siput in several cars and motorcycles.
Upon reaching the respective areas, the YB stopped briefly to meet and thank each and every person regardless of age comprising all those on their daily chores of marketing and shopping, including patrons and owners of coffee shops, restaurants, mini-markets, etc, all long time residents there. The response of people were at best described as CORDIAL. The YB and his dedicated team distributed A LETTER OF THANKS written in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil Languages that also contained telephone contact numbers of the YB and some of his key members for them to make contacts on any matters affecting them.
Many passing by also took the trouble to stop their vehicles some distance away to come over to congratulate the YB and his team members too. Their happiness too were genuinely portrayed through their facial expression and body language and one thing very significant is that they all harboured and lay very HIGH hopes on the newly elected MP. They were confident that the YB would steadfastly work very hard to deliver as he had promised.
Many locals I spoke to also confirmed that they have frequently seen him and his team doing a multitude of social and community development work for the people of the area over the last ten years and that too in spite of having lost twice. I could see the YB visibly touched by their overwhelming reception.
...more
K W Waran
Malaysia Today - 21 March 2008
It was a lovely sunny morning in Ipoh, Saturday 15th March 2008 as I waited for the newly elected MP for Sungai Siput, YB Dr. Michael Jayakumar Devaraj, in front of the SMJK Yuk Choy along Jalan Kuala Kangsar.
He arrived at 7.30am as promised. I went out to greet him and he humbled me by coming out himself to greet me halfway.
We left for and arrived at the office in Sg. Siput where all the party members were already there waiting for him. He greeted everybody and had a brief meeting with some senior members before we all left together to go to various areas in and around Sg. Siput in several cars and motorcycles.
Upon reaching the respective areas, the YB stopped briefly to meet and thank each and every person regardless of age comprising all those on their daily chores of marketing and shopping, including patrons and owners of coffee shops, restaurants, mini-markets, etc, all long time residents there. The response of people were at best described as CORDIAL. The YB and his dedicated team distributed A LETTER OF THANKS written in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil Languages that also contained telephone contact numbers of the YB and some of his key members for them to make contacts on any matters affecting them.
Many passing by also took the trouble to stop their vehicles some distance away to come over to congratulate the YB and his team members too. Their happiness too were genuinely portrayed through their facial expression and body language and one thing very significant is that they all harboured and lay very HIGH hopes on the newly elected MP. They were confident that the YB would steadfastly work very hard to deliver as he had promised.
Many locals I spoke to also confirmed that they have frequently seen him and his team doing a multitude of social and community development work for the people of the area over the last ten years and that too in spite of having lost twice. I could see the YB visibly touched by their overwhelming reception.
...more
An Open Letter to Chandra Muzaffar
An Open Letter to Chandra Muzaffar
Jules Ong
Malaysia Votes - March 20, 2008
Dear Dr Chandra,
I remember the first time I saw you speaking. I was in sixth form and you were speaking in a public forum at the Komtar Dome in Penang. I was in awe of your intellectual courage. You spoke the language of justice and equality in an environment where equality seemed a dirty word.
Fast forward two decades later, reading your analysis of BN [Barisan Nasional]’s dismal showing at the polls (“The Polls - and the BN debacle”, The Star, March 17, 2008), I must say, I was disappointed.
You seemed to have regressed. And your words belie a lack of understanding and sympathy for fellow Malaysians who long to be counted as equal citizens of this country.
I had no problems when you criticised [Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri] Anwar Ibrahim although it was clear you took advantage of the platform readily offered to you by the pro-BN media. You are entitled to your opinions and I believe you had your reasons to warn us against Anwar.
Although your choice of platform dents your integrity, I am all too willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. After all, I too, do not trust Anwar Ibrahim entirely, just as I distrust any DAP, PKR, PAS or BN leader. I would rather invest my time, not in bolstering support for any political party or leader, but in strengthening the democratic structures of this country – the media, the judicial system, the electoral process, the right to information. For only these structures can guarantee a nation free from the corruption of power and the tyrannies of all too powerful governments.
Referring to Anwar as being a successful personality in harnessing this racial dissatisfaction, you said: “…whenever a prominent Malay leader articulates non-Malay grievances, the Chinese and Indian anti-establishment vote shoots up significantly. It is as if they are encouraged, even emboldened, by the stance of the Malay leader.”
I am one of the many, many who voted for the Opposition and I did so NOT because I am encouraged, or even emboldened by a Malay leader. To suggest that is offensive, and it shows your ignorance of and condescension towards non-Malay voters.
I voted the Opposition because I am sick of the BN’s racialised politics and corruption. I want a party that reflects my vision of a Malaysia for all Malaysians. Not one that tells me that I need an MCA or an MIC to fight for my rights. As a citizen of this country, why aren’t my rights already protected? Why do I need a party to fight for my rights based on my ethnicity?
I also do not agree with you assessment that racial discontentment is the reason why voters deserted the BN. Many international media portrayed the elections like this: “Malaysians go to the polls amidst racial tension.” That was misleading. This elections was not about inter-racial discontentment.
Malaysian Malays, Chinese and Indians are NOT fighting among themselves nor do they hate each other. What we did was to throw out the old order that divides us and continually tells us that some of us are above others, and others should just be thankful for being allowed to exist on this land.
That is why we saw so many first time voters, and witnessed non-Malays voting heavily against the BN, by voting not just for the DAP but for PAS and PKR, too.
...more
Jules Ong
Malaysia Votes - March 20, 2008
Dear Dr Chandra,
I remember the first time I saw you speaking. I was in sixth form and you were speaking in a public forum at the Komtar Dome in Penang. I was in awe of your intellectual courage. You spoke the language of justice and equality in an environment where equality seemed a dirty word.
Fast forward two decades later, reading your analysis of BN [Barisan Nasional]’s dismal showing at the polls (“The Polls - and the BN debacle”, The Star, March 17, 2008), I must say, I was disappointed.
You seemed to have regressed. And your words belie a lack of understanding and sympathy for fellow Malaysians who long to be counted as equal citizens of this country.
I had no problems when you criticised [Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri] Anwar Ibrahim although it was clear you took advantage of the platform readily offered to you by the pro-BN media. You are entitled to your opinions and I believe you had your reasons to warn us against Anwar.
Although your choice of platform dents your integrity, I am all too willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. After all, I too, do not trust Anwar Ibrahim entirely, just as I distrust any DAP, PKR, PAS or BN leader. I would rather invest my time, not in bolstering support for any political party or leader, but in strengthening the democratic structures of this country – the media, the judicial system, the electoral process, the right to information. For only these structures can guarantee a nation free from the corruption of power and the tyrannies of all too powerful governments.
Referring to Anwar as being a successful personality in harnessing this racial dissatisfaction, you said: “…whenever a prominent Malay leader articulates non-Malay grievances, the Chinese and Indian anti-establishment vote shoots up significantly. It is as if they are encouraged, even emboldened, by the stance of the Malay leader.”
I am one of the many, many who voted for the Opposition and I did so NOT because I am encouraged, or even emboldened by a Malay leader. To suggest that is offensive, and it shows your ignorance of and condescension towards non-Malay voters.
I voted the Opposition because I am sick of the BN’s racialised politics and corruption. I want a party that reflects my vision of a Malaysia for all Malaysians. Not one that tells me that I need an MCA or an MIC to fight for my rights. As a citizen of this country, why aren’t my rights already protected? Why do I need a party to fight for my rights based on my ethnicity?
I also do not agree with you assessment that racial discontentment is the reason why voters deserted the BN. Many international media portrayed the elections like this: “Malaysians go to the polls amidst racial tension.” That was misleading. This elections was not about inter-racial discontentment.
Malaysian Malays, Chinese and Indians are NOT fighting among themselves nor do they hate each other. What we did was to throw out the old order that divides us and continually tells us that some of us are above others, and others should just be thankful for being allowed to exist on this land.
That is why we saw so many first time voters, and witnessed non-Malays voting heavily against the BN, by voting not just for the DAP but for PAS and PKR, too.
...more
BattleStar empire will strike back
BattleStar empire will strike back
Helen Ang
People's Parliament - March 20, 2008
How big and strong is The Star?
The answer: Very.
Just look at the 17-storey Menara Star, its main printing plant in Bukit Jelutong and other subsidiary plants, bureaus in the various states and its guanxi (business networking).
Money maketh the MSM.
Newspapers take up the biggest slice of the adspend pie at 56 percent, i.e. raking in about RM3.1 billion revenue, according to a Feb 13 report by Nielson Media Research. The cost of a full page colour ad in a Star main page ranges between RM36,000 and RM38,500 depending on the day of the week – you do the math on adex (advertising expenditure) filling the paper’s coffers.
In its corporate profile, Star claims a readership of 1,122,000. This figure is based on Nielson’s July 2006-June 2007 Index. It also claims an audited circulation of 309,181 copies on weekdays and 322,741 on Sundays for the same period. Multiply the numbers with its cover prices of RM1.20 and RM1.50, with total days in a year and you get readers forking over roughly RM115.4m + RM21mil = RM136.4 million per annum.
The reason why Star gets our goat is because of its smug spinning.
Reasons why it so sickeningly spins are because the paper is owned by MCA, linked to the government and has BN vested interests at heart. It figures that the paper’s top management, both editorial and corporate, is handpicked by the owners.
Can MCA reinvent itself to shed its communalism? Not unless it drops the ‘Chinese’ in its name, upon which the party will cease to have its raison d’etre.
Can a rebranded The Star likewise change its spots? I don’t think so, not unless the Augean stables of its highest echelons are cleaned out first. These men (and women) are dyed in wool pro-establishment, and dare we say, know which side their bread is buttered. Its reporters and middle-rankers are not necessarily likewise. But if you want to climb up the career ladder and fast, it naturally pays to play the politics.
...more
Helen Ang
People's Parliament - March 20, 2008
How big and strong is The Star?
The answer: Very.
Just look at the 17-storey Menara Star, its main printing plant in Bukit Jelutong and other subsidiary plants, bureaus in the various states and its guanxi (business networking).
Money maketh the MSM.
Newspapers take up the biggest slice of the adspend pie at 56 percent, i.e. raking in about RM3.1 billion revenue, according to a Feb 13 report by Nielson Media Research. The cost of a full page colour ad in a Star main page ranges between RM36,000 and RM38,500 depending on the day of the week – you do the math on adex (advertising expenditure) filling the paper’s coffers.
In its corporate profile, Star claims a readership of 1,122,000. This figure is based on Nielson’s July 2006-June 2007 Index. It also claims an audited circulation of 309,181 copies on weekdays and 322,741 on Sundays for the same period. Multiply the numbers with its cover prices of RM1.20 and RM1.50, with total days in a year and you get readers forking over roughly RM115.4m + RM21mil = RM136.4 million per annum.
The reason why Star gets our goat is because of its smug spinning.
Reasons why it so sickeningly spins are because the paper is owned by MCA, linked to the government and has BN vested interests at heart. It figures that the paper’s top management, both editorial and corporate, is handpicked by the owners.
Can MCA reinvent itself to shed its communalism? Not unless it drops the ‘Chinese’ in its name, upon which the party will cease to have its raison d’etre.
Can a rebranded The Star likewise change its spots? I don’t think so, not unless the Augean stables of its highest echelons are cleaned out first. These men (and women) are dyed in wool pro-establishment, and dare we say, know which side their bread is buttered. Its reporters and middle-rankers are not necessarily likewise. But if you want to climb up the career ladder and fast, it naturally pays to play the politics.
...more
March 20, 2008
The perfect storm on March 8
The perfect storm on March 8
Steven Gan
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - Mar 19, 2008
‘Are you sure?’ Those were the words most often heard on the night of March 8 in Malaysiakini's newsroom.
As reports poured in from our network of journalists and volunteers across the nation, editors at our own makeshift election operations centre were dumbstruck. ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Are you sure?’
The nation, too, was stunned as we relayed up-to-the-minute results on cyberspace.
At 7.50pm, we confirmed PAS had retained Kelantan. Twenty minutes later, Penang fell into the opposition's hands. At 9.30pm, PAS conceded defeat in Terengganu.
The swing against the government was, more or less, as expected. Or so we thought.
Soon we received news that S Samy Vellu was trounced in Sungai Siput - the seat which the MIC supremo had held for three decades. His defeat was followed by that of a number of top Barisan Nasional leaders.
Then the shocker - at 11pm, the PAS-led opposition coalition snatched Kedah.
And there was even more to come. Selangor fell at 12.25am and 90 minutes later the DAP-PKR-PAS alliance claimed victory in Perak. At 2.42am, the opposition denied the BN government - for the second time in 50 years - its two-thirds parliamentary majority.
The impossible had happened. That night, history was being made.
...more
Steven Gan
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - Mar 19, 2008
‘Are you sure?’ Those were the words most often heard on the night of March 8 in Malaysiakini's newsroom.
As reports poured in from our network of journalists and volunteers across the nation, editors at our own makeshift election operations centre were dumbstruck. ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Are you sure?’
The nation, too, was stunned as we relayed up-to-the-minute results on cyberspace.
At 7.50pm, we confirmed PAS had retained Kelantan. Twenty minutes later, Penang fell into the opposition's hands. At 9.30pm, PAS conceded defeat in Terengganu.
The swing against the government was, more or less, as expected. Or so we thought.
Soon we received news that S Samy Vellu was trounced in Sungai Siput - the seat which the MIC supremo had held for three decades. His defeat was followed by that of a number of top Barisan Nasional leaders.
Then the shocker - at 11pm, the PAS-led opposition coalition snatched Kedah.
And there was even more to come. Selangor fell at 12.25am and 90 minutes later the DAP-PKR-PAS alliance claimed victory in Perak. At 2.42am, the opposition denied the BN government - for the second time in 50 years - its two-thirds parliamentary majority.
The impossible had happened. That night, history was being made.
...more
Release The HINDRAF 5
Release The HINDRAF 5
Malik Imtiaz
Disquiet - March 18, 2008
A while ago, we heard from the Government (of the Federation) of how the rakyat wanted the Internal Security Act to remain on the books. I have my reservations about the truthfulness of that assertion. Whatever the case, I believe that if the Barisan Nasional component parties are sincere in their self-declared aim of wanting to re-evaluate themselves, they must question their continued support and use of anti-democratic legislation like the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
In voting as they did this year, Malaysians were not only protesting, they went in search of a viable alternative. The Barisan Nasional must realize that it had allowed itself to become, or perhaps be portrayed as, a corrupt regime that considered itself above the law. This had largely been driven by the repressive methods that were allowed for by these self-serving laws. So much so that the rakyat had come to understand that the use of these laws, in particular the ISA, were not so much aimed at protecting the security of the rakyat and the nation but rather the interests of the Barisan Nasional.
If the Barisan Nasional wants to remain relevant, they will have to confront reality. The rakyat have spoken. They have not only signaled their rejection of the selfish ways of the coalition, they have also signaled their rejection of the methods the coalition has employed to its own ends.
...more
Malik Imtiaz
Disquiet - March 18, 2008
A while ago, we heard from the Government (of the Federation) of how the rakyat wanted the Internal Security Act to remain on the books. I have my reservations about the truthfulness of that assertion. Whatever the case, I believe that if the Barisan Nasional component parties are sincere in their self-declared aim of wanting to re-evaluate themselves, they must question their continued support and use of anti-democratic legislation like the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
In voting as they did this year, Malaysians were not only protesting, they went in search of a viable alternative. The Barisan Nasional must realize that it had allowed itself to become, or perhaps be portrayed as, a corrupt regime that considered itself above the law. This had largely been driven by the repressive methods that were allowed for by these self-serving laws. So much so that the rakyat had come to understand that the use of these laws, in particular the ISA, were not so much aimed at protecting the security of the rakyat and the nation but rather the interests of the Barisan Nasional.
If the Barisan Nasional wants to remain relevant, they will have to confront reality. The rakyat have spoken. They have not only signaled their rejection of the selfish ways of the coalition, they have also signaled their rejection of the methods the coalition has employed to its own ends.
...more
Back In the Light
Back In the Light
Newsweek - Mar 15, 2008
Purged, jailed and humiliated in the late 1990s, Anwar Ibrahim has staged a remarkable comeback at the helm of an opposition insurgency.
Anwar Ibrahim takes six calls in quick succession on three different mobile phones. Five days after Malaysia's general election—in which his coalition shocked observers by winning several key states and almost ousting the long-ruling party—he has segued from surprise victor to tireless political operative, ironing out disagreements and building bridges within the still-fractious opposition. Inside his low-key suburban office, tucked several kilometers away from Parliament in leafy Kuala Lumpur, Anwar's sense of purpose—destiny, even—is palpable. "Just listen to what the others have to say. Listen," he tells one caller. "Stay calm, go home and have some dinner, some Panadol, whatever you need," he tells another, adding, "If there are still strong views and you can't solve it, let me handle [it]."
...
If anything, the opposition's triumph was even more significant than the raw numbers indicate. Anwar's People's Justice Party grabbed 31 seats—up from just one in 2004—and its victors included his wife and daughter. Opposition candidates dominated in peninsular Malaysia's west coast, seizing the key industrial states of Penang and Selangor. To reach voters, the opposition relied on bloggers, You-Tube and text messages sent to grass-roots organizers via cell phone: common tactics in places like Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea but new to Malaysia. Indeed, they took UMNO and its National Front coalition so much by surprise that the opposition nearly won the election outright. Anwar, for one, thinks it could have; during his NEWSWEEK interview, he hinted at fraud connected to the use of mail-in votes and the Election Commission's last-minute decision to scrap plans to stain the voters' fingers with indelible ink.
...more
Newsweek - Mar 15, 2008
Purged, jailed and humiliated in the late 1990s, Anwar Ibrahim has staged a remarkable comeback at the helm of an opposition insurgency.
Anwar Ibrahim takes six calls in quick succession on three different mobile phones. Five days after Malaysia's general election—in which his coalition shocked observers by winning several key states and almost ousting the long-ruling party—he has segued from surprise victor to tireless political operative, ironing out disagreements and building bridges within the still-fractious opposition. Inside his low-key suburban office, tucked several kilometers away from Parliament in leafy Kuala Lumpur, Anwar's sense of purpose—destiny, even—is palpable. "Just listen to what the others have to say. Listen," he tells one caller. "Stay calm, go home and have some dinner, some Panadol, whatever you need," he tells another, adding, "If there are still strong views and you can't solve it, let me handle [it]."
...
If anything, the opposition's triumph was even more significant than the raw numbers indicate. Anwar's People's Justice Party grabbed 31 seats—up from just one in 2004—and its victors included his wife and daughter. Opposition candidates dominated in peninsular Malaysia's west coast, seizing the key industrial states of Penang and Selangor. To reach voters, the opposition relied on bloggers, You-Tube and text messages sent to grass-roots organizers via cell phone: common tactics in places like Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea but new to Malaysia. Indeed, they took UMNO and its National Front coalition so much by surprise that the opposition nearly won the election outright. Anwar, for one, thinks it could have; during his NEWSWEEK interview, he hinted at fraud connected to the use of mail-in votes and the Election Commission's last-minute decision to scrap plans to stain the voters' fingers with indelible ink.
...more
Malaysia rocked to the economic core
Malaysia rocked to the economic core
Anil Netto
Asia Times - Mar 20, 2008
Malaysia's race-based affirmative action policies have come under the spotlight in the aftermath of a pivotal general election which saw opposition parties making sweeping gains.
Opposition parties captured the "rice-bowl" state of Kedah and the industrialized states of Penang, Perak and Selangor in addition to retaining power in the Muslim heartland state of Kelantan on the east coast in the March 8 general election.
The three industrial states will be ruled by coalition governments made up of the multi-ethnic - but largely ethnic Chinese - Democratic Action Party (DAP), the multi-ethnic People's Justice Party (PKR) and the Islamic party PAS. The opposition parties won 82 of 222 parliamentary seats while the ruling federal coalition Barisan Nasional (BN), or National Front, clinched 51.5% of the popular vote.
The new state governments now have their work cut out for them to make good on their opposition campaign promises of ending the New Economic Policy in favor of their "Malaysian Economic Agenda". The NEP was introduced in 1971 to uplift the economic position of the majority ethnic Malays and remove the stereotyping of race with specific occupations.
But along the road, economic planners became obsessed with its 30% target for bumiputra (Malays and other indigenous groups) equity ownership while huge privatization projects and neo-liberal policies benefited the elite of all ethnic groups. This concentrated wealth in their hands while fueling discontent among the lower-income groups who have struggled to cope with rising prices for essential goods and services, as income inequalities grew.
...more
Anil Netto
Asia Times - Mar 20, 2008
Malaysia's race-based affirmative action policies have come under the spotlight in the aftermath of a pivotal general election which saw opposition parties making sweeping gains.
Opposition parties captured the "rice-bowl" state of Kedah and the industrialized states of Penang, Perak and Selangor in addition to retaining power in the Muslim heartland state of Kelantan on the east coast in the March 8 general election.
The three industrial states will be ruled by coalition governments made up of the multi-ethnic - but largely ethnic Chinese - Democratic Action Party (DAP), the multi-ethnic People's Justice Party (PKR) and the Islamic party PAS. The opposition parties won 82 of 222 parliamentary seats while the ruling federal coalition Barisan Nasional (BN), or National Front, clinched 51.5% of the popular vote.
The new state governments now have their work cut out for them to make good on their opposition campaign promises of ending the New Economic Policy in favor of their "Malaysian Economic Agenda". The NEP was introduced in 1971 to uplift the economic position of the majority ethnic Malays and remove the stereotyping of race with specific occupations.
But along the road, economic planners became obsessed with its 30% target for bumiputra (Malays and other indigenous groups) equity ownership while huge privatization projects and neo-liberal policies benefited the elite of all ethnic groups. This concentrated wealth in their hands while fueling discontent among the lower-income groups who have struggled to cope with rising prices for essential goods and services, as income inequalities grew.
...more
Malaysian PM's Cabinet choices may lead to major upheaval in Umno
Malaysian PM's Cabinet choices may lead to major upheaval in Umno
Malaysia Today - 19 Mar 2008
THE line-up of Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi's new Cabinet indicates that the embattled Premier appears determined to deal with dissatisfaction over the state of the country's troubled judiciary and the slow implementation of development projects.
But, while he included several of his loyalists, the new line-up is not likely to endear him to his ruling Umno, which is still reeling from its worst electoral setback in decades.
Yesterday's announcement of the Cabinet line-up offered clues to Datuk Seri Abdullah's political gameplan in the coming months.
Many analysts see it as a high-risk gamble that may buy him time but could also precipitate major upheaval in Umno and raise the country's already high political and economic risk profile.
The exclusion of three key Umno warlords - former international trade minister Rafidah Aziz, former tourism minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former science and technology minister Jamaluddin Jarjis - has already triggered unease among the party's rank and file about Datuk Seri Abdullah's position as Umno president.
His choice of Johor strongman Muhyiddin Yasin, the country's former agriculture minister, for the powerful international trade portfolio has also raised speculation that Malaysia's leadership succession is now an open issue.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, long considered the heir apparent to Datuk Seri Abdullah, was reappointed Defence Minister. But he lost a key ally in the Cabinet with the exclusion of Datuk Jamaluddin.
...more
Malaysia Today - 19 Mar 2008
THE line-up of Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi's new Cabinet indicates that the embattled Premier appears determined to deal with dissatisfaction over the state of the country's troubled judiciary and the slow implementation of development projects.
But, while he included several of his loyalists, the new line-up is not likely to endear him to his ruling Umno, which is still reeling from its worst electoral setback in decades.
Yesterday's announcement of the Cabinet line-up offered clues to Datuk Seri Abdullah's political gameplan in the coming months.
Many analysts see it as a high-risk gamble that may buy him time but could also precipitate major upheaval in Umno and raise the country's already high political and economic risk profile.
The exclusion of three key Umno warlords - former international trade minister Rafidah Aziz, former tourism minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former science and technology minister Jamaluddin Jarjis - has already triggered unease among the party's rank and file about Datuk Seri Abdullah's position as Umno president.
His choice of Johor strongman Muhyiddin Yasin, the country's former agriculture minister, for the powerful international trade portfolio has also raised speculation that Malaysia's leadership succession is now an open issue.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, long considered the heir apparent to Datuk Seri Abdullah, was reappointed Defence Minister. But he lost a key ally in the Cabinet with the exclusion of Datuk Jamaluddin.
...more
Remember, The People Are Watching
Remember, The People Are Watching
Sin Chew - 18 March 2008
The political situation in Malaysia has changed after the 8 March general elections. The fact is the people showed politicians a power that should not be ignored.
It should not be overlooked that the people will keep watching over performances of political parties. It they are unable to perform well, there might be another political tsunami five years later. Remember, the people, instead of political parties, controls the power of tsunami.
Of course every party claims it understand the people most, but the people would evaluate themselves. It should not be denied that some politicians do really serve the people well and voters would definitely remember those who were defeated in the elections but keep serving the people modestly after they admitted their defeats and stepped down. Probably, they will make a comeback in the next elections.
The recent election results showed voters no are longer concerned about racial issues and it would be a disaster for the party that did not learn a lesson from it but reinforce the ideology of racism.
...more
Sin Chew - 18 March 2008
The political situation in Malaysia has changed after the 8 March general elections. The fact is the people showed politicians a power that should not be ignored.
It should not be overlooked that the people will keep watching over performances of political parties. It they are unable to perform well, there might be another political tsunami five years later. Remember, the people, instead of political parties, controls the power of tsunami.
Of course every party claims it understand the people most, but the people would evaluate themselves. It should not be denied that some politicians do really serve the people well and voters would definitely remember those who were defeated in the elections but keep serving the people modestly after they admitted their defeats and stepped down. Probably, they will make a comeback in the next elections.
The recent election results showed voters no are longer concerned about racial issues and it would be a disaster for the party that did not learn a lesson from it but reinforce the ideology of racism.
...more
March 18, 2008
Zaid Ibrahim, Shahrir IN; Rafidah, Tengku Adnan OUT
Zaid Ibrahim, Shahrir IN; Rafidah, Tengku Adnan OUT
Anil Netto - 18 March 2008
PM Abdullah Badawi has just announced a “reformist” cabinet of sorts which includes Zaid Ibrahim as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department serving as de facto law minister. Zaid is likely to be made a senator first before he can take up his new appointment.
Shahrir Samad makes a surprise entry as Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.
Abdullah remains as Finance Minister but the “world’s longest-serving trade minister”, Rafidah, has been dropped, in a major shock. She is replaced by Muhyiddin.
Other big names dropped are Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Jamaluddin Jarjis, Tengku Adnan, and Azmi Khalid.
It is likely that the major setbacks suffered by the BN in the 8 March general election played a key role in their being dropped.
Umno ministers take over at the Works Ministry and the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry, which are responsible for overseeing the award of huge infrastructure contracts.
...more
Anil Netto - 18 March 2008
PM Abdullah Badawi has just announced a “reformist” cabinet of sorts which includes Zaid Ibrahim as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department serving as de facto law minister. Zaid is likely to be made a senator first before he can take up his new appointment.
Shahrir Samad makes a surprise entry as Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.
Abdullah remains as Finance Minister but the “world’s longest-serving trade minister”, Rafidah, has been dropped, in a major shock. She is replaced by Muhyiddin.
Other big names dropped are Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Jamaluddin Jarjis, Tengku Adnan, and Azmi Khalid.
It is likely that the major setbacks suffered by the BN in the 8 March general election played a key role in their being dropped.
Umno ministers take over at the Works Ministry and the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry, which are responsible for overseeing the award of huge infrastructure contracts.
...more
Anwar's double whammy
Anwar's double whammy
Malaysian Insider - 18 March 2008
• New plan called, Malaysian Economic Agenda, will replace NEP, keep Malay agenda, draw up new agenda for Chinese, Indians
• Opposition leaders continue to throw govt off-balance with bold moves – Selangor chief minister visits site of demolished Hindu temple
Anwar Ibrahim and the Opposition continued to throw the government off-balance with bold pronouncements yesterday.
The de-facto Opposition leader told Singapore’s only Malay-language newspaper, Berita Harian, that the PKR-DAP-PAS will formalise their alliance in a few days and will then replace the New Economic Policy with a landmark Malaysian Economic Agenda (MEA), a colour-blind initiative aimed at lifting the fortunes of all Malaysians.
The move to formalise the alliance will be cheered by Malaysians who believed that the gains made by the Opposition on March 8 would lead to a two-party system here. It will also shred like wet tissue the argument by the Barisan Nasional that the Opposition alliance is akin to a sham marriage.
...more
Malaysian Insider - 18 March 2008
• New plan called, Malaysian Economic Agenda, will replace NEP, keep Malay agenda, draw up new agenda for Chinese, Indians
• Opposition leaders continue to throw govt off-balance with bold moves – Selangor chief minister visits site of demolished Hindu temple
Anwar Ibrahim and the Opposition continued to throw the government off-balance with bold pronouncements yesterday.
The de-facto Opposition leader told Singapore’s only Malay-language newspaper, Berita Harian, that the PKR-DAP-PAS will formalise their alliance in a few days and will then replace the New Economic Policy with a landmark Malaysian Economic Agenda (MEA), a colour-blind initiative aimed at lifting the fortunes of all Malaysians.
The move to formalise the alliance will be cheered by Malaysians who believed that the gains made by the Opposition on March 8 would lead to a two-party system here. It will also shred like wet tissue the argument by the Barisan Nasional that the Opposition alliance is akin to a sham marriage.
...more
March 17, 2008
Why Anwar Matters
Why Anwar Matters
Firas Ahmad
Far Eastern Economic Review - 17 March 2008
Less than 10 years ago former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was languishing in prison, suffering from arsenic poisoning surreptitiously introduced into his drinking water. Mr. Anwar was sacked after challenging the rule of then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed. Jailed on what he claimed to be politically motivated charges of sodomy and corruption, not only was Mr. Anwar’s political career apparently over, but his life was in danger. Only after his family secretly smuggled blood samples out of the country to confirm the poisoning were steps taken to ensure his health.
Fast forward to March 8, 2008. Even though he remains unable to stand for election until April of 2008 due to his previous incarceration, the Anwar-led opposition coalition dealt a stunning blow to the ruling Barisan National (BN) Party, breaking its decades-old super majority control of parliament. To call it a “comeback” would be an understatement. While the BN continues to hold a simple majority, a tectonic shift has taken place in Malaysian politics, and it was in many ways engineered by Mr. Anwar.
The last time the ruling BN party failed to secure a super majority in parliament was 1969. Following the elections, Chinese celebrations sparked race riots that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals. This national trauma catalyzed the establishment of a controversial race-based system of governance rooted in a New Economic Policy (NEP) that gave preferential treatment to the majority Malay Muslim community. A tenuous arrangement with minority Chinese and Indian groups held the country together since that time, mostly under the rule of Mahathir Mohamed whose aggressive economic growth strategies propelled Malaysia into the third largest economy in Southeast Asia.
Overtime, however, political progress failed to keep pace with economic development. While the largest building in the world was constructed in Kuala Lumpur, political power continued to rest almost entirely along sectarian racial and religious lines. The BN remained unchallenged by a weak opposition incapable of organizing against the status quo. Corruption, mismanagement and concentration of wealth set in. The ruling party had almost complete control over the media, public gatherings, special security laws and other government apparatus.
...more
Firas Ahmad
Far Eastern Economic Review - 17 March 2008
Less than 10 years ago former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was languishing in prison, suffering from arsenic poisoning surreptitiously introduced into his drinking water. Mr. Anwar was sacked after challenging the rule of then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed. Jailed on what he claimed to be politically motivated charges of sodomy and corruption, not only was Mr. Anwar’s political career apparently over, but his life was in danger. Only after his family secretly smuggled blood samples out of the country to confirm the poisoning were steps taken to ensure his health.
Fast forward to March 8, 2008. Even though he remains unable to stand for election until April of 2008 due to his previous incarceration, the Anwar-led opposition coalition dealt a stunning blow to the ruling Barisan National (BN) Party, breaking its decades-old super majority control of parliament. To call it a “comeback” would be an understatement. While the BN continues to hold a simple majority, a tectonic shift has taken place in Malaysian politics, and it was in many ways engineered by Mr. Anwar.
The last time the ruling BN party failed to secure a super majority in parliament was 1969. Following the elections, Chinese celebrations sparked race riots that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals. This national trauma catalyzed the establishment of a controversial race-based system of governance rooted in a New Economic Policy (NEP) that gave preferential treatment to the majority Malay Muslim community. A tenuous arrangement with minority Chinese and Indian groups held the country together since that time, mostly under the rule of Mahathir Mohamed whose aggressive economic growth strategies propelled Malaysia into the third largest economy in Southeast Asia.
Overtime, however, political progress failed to keep pace with economic development. While the largest building in the world was constructed in Kuala Lumpur, political power continued to rest almost entirely along sectarian racial and religious lines. The BN remained unchallenged by a weak opposition incapable of organizing against the status quo. Corruption, mismanagement and concentration of wealth set in. The ruling party had almost complete control over the media, public gatherings, special security laws and other government apparatus.
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Selangor to review water agreement with Puncak Niaga
Selangor to review water agreement with Puncak Niaga
Sun - 17 March 2008
The new state government will review the agreement made between Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) and the previous administration following a detection of imbalance in the figures of revenue handed to the state and the people.
Newly sworn-in Mentri Besar (MB) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said according to his calculations, he detected some irregularities in the agreement and has asked the state legal adviser to write in to Puncak Niaga to declassify the documents.
“I looked at the agreement – at a glance – made recently to correct the water treatment plant. According to my calculations, there is an imbalance of revenue that is given back to the people and the state. It seems to enrich those in the concessionaire,” Abdul Khalid said in a press conference in his official residence, today.
Asked on the progress of his promise to supply households with 20-cubic metres water free by April, he said: "I intend to keep my promise."
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Sun - 17 March 2008
The new state government will review the agreement made between Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) and the previous administration following a detection of imbalance in the figures of revenue handed to the state and the people.
Newly sworn-in Mentri Besar (MB) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said according to his calculations, he detected some irregularities in the agreement and has asked the state legal adviser to write in to Puncak Niaga to declassify the documents.
“I looked at the agreement – at a glance – made recently to correct the water treatment plant. According to my calculations, there is an imbalance of revenue that is given back to the people and the state. It seems to enrich those in the concessionaire,” Abdul Khalid said in a press conference in his official residence, today.
Asked on the progress of his promise to supply households with 20-cubic metres water free by April, he said: "I intend to keep my promise."
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Penang excos start work in 'bare' offices
Penang excos start work in 'bare' offices
Sun - 17 March 2008
The new state executive councillors (excos) started their first week in office to govern with a clean sheet, literally.
They found their offices cleared of all government documents and minutes of the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government. All records of projects, completed or current, approved by the previous government are missing.
Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said: "The action taken by the previous excos have hindered our work."
"They (the previous exco) claim the documents are 'personal property' and cleared the offices," he told reporters.
The new line-up would have to get copies of the documents from the state secretary's office.
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Sun - 17 March 2008
The new state executive councillors (excos) started their first week in office to govern with a clean sheet, literally.
They found their offices cleared of all government documents and minutes of the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government. All records of projects, completed or current, approved by the previous government are missing.
Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said: "The action taken by the previous excos have hindered our work."
"They (the previous exco) claim the documents are 'personal property' and cleared the offices," he told reporters.
The new line-up would have to get copies of the documents from the state secretary's office.
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Activists say rigging stopped opposition winning M'sia vote
Activists say rigging stopped opposition winning M'sia vote
Straits Times - 17 March 2008
MALAYSIAN election reform activists on Monday called for an investigation into March 8 polls, saying the opposition would have won outright if voting was clean and fair.
The Barisan Nasional coalition's near-total domination of national and state politics ended in the general elections, with the opposition seizing more than one-third of parliamentary seats and four more states.
The unprecedented gains came despite widespread claims of fraud and vote-rigging, and fury over the cancellation of plans to use indelible ink to prevent multiple balloting.
'We are calling for a royal commission to investigate the electoral process,' said Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) leader Sivarasa Rasiah.
'Just because the opposition won big does not mean the election was free and fair,' he said.
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Straits Times - 17 March 2008
MALAYSIAN election reform activists on Monday called for an investigation into March 8 polls, saying the opposition would have won outright if voting was clean and fair.
The Barisan Nasional coalition's near-total domination of national and state politics ended in the general elections, with the opposition seizing more than one-third of parliamentary seats and four more states.
The unprecedented gains came despite widespread claims of fraud and vote-rigging, and fury over the cancellation of plans to use indelible ink to prevent multiple balloting.
'We are calling for a royal commission to investigate the electoral process,' said Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) leader Sivarasa Rasiah.
'Just because the opposition won big does not mean the election was free and fair,' he said.
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Abdullah can't be blamed for Mahathir legacy
Abdullah can't be blamed for Mahathir legacy
Malaysian Insider - 17 March 2008
The Edge financial daily published a strong editorial in today’s edition, condemning the new MP and a son of the former prime minister, Mukhriz Mahathir’s call for the present Prime Minister to resign. The paper called on Malaysians to support Abdullah instead.
“If he falls, the Mahathirites in Umno would have won and the country could be headed down the slippery slope of more corruption, abuse of power and an even dirtier judiciary again,” the newspaper said in its leading editorial.
It argued that Abdullah could not be expected to undo in his five years as PM, the legacy of 22 years of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s rule.
It accused the Mahathir administration of sidelining the Barisan Nasional component parties. ”Power was centred on Umno, and in particular, Mahathir.”
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Malaysian Insider - 17 March 2008
The Edge financial daily published a strong editorial in today’s edition, condemning the new MP and a son of the former prime minister, Mukhriz Mahathir’s call for the present Prime Minister to resign. The paper called on Malaysians to support Abdullah instead.
“If he falls, the Mahathirites in Umno would have won and the country could be headed down the slippery slope of more corruption, abuse of power and an even dirtier judiciary again,” the newspaper said in its leading editorial.
It argued that Abdullah could not be expected to undo in his five years as PM, the legacy of 22 years of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s rule.
It accused the Mahathir administration of sidelining the Barisan Nasional component parties. ”Power was centred on Umno, and in particular, Mahathir.”
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Malaysia's new power centres - Parliament, Sultans
Malaysia's new power centres - Parliament, Sultans
Malaysian Insider - 16 March 2008
Welcome to the new Malaysia, where the Abdullah administration will have to share the stage with the royalty, the judiciary and a more assertive Parliament. And where the ruling political party, the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), will have to come to terms with coalition partners becoming more vocal to stay relevant.
It will be messy. At times it will be unsettling for Malaysians and foreign investors who have become accustomed to a strong centre dictating policy, and even discourse, here, and everyone else, well, following.
But politicians and analysts believe that no one should fear the new Malaysia.
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Malaysian Insider - 16 March 2008
Welcome to the new Malaysia, where the Abdullah administration will have to share the stage with the royalty, the judiciary and a more assertive Parliament. And where the ruling political party, the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), will have to come to terms with coalition partners becoming more vocal to stay relevant.
It will be messy. At times it will be unsettling for Malaysians and foreign investors who have become accustomed to a strong centre dictating policy, and even discourse, here, and everyone else, well, following.
But politicians and analysts believe that no one should fear the new Malaysia.
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Wanted: A new language and way of thinking
Wanted: A new language and way of thinking
Cindy Tham
Malaysia Votes - 16 March 2008
If you think your “work” as a voter is done after you cast your ballot on March 8, and the rest is up to the political parties, think again. The process of shaping a political culture that is more democratic and more in tune with the different voices on the ground has just begun. This is true not only for the political parties but also for the electorate and civil society groups, said the speakers of a post-election analysis dialogue.
There is a need, they pointed out, for a new language to define the new political landscape that the nation has ventured into – the just concluded 12th general election which saw the Barisan Nasional (BN)’s longstanding two-thirds majority in Parliament reduced to a simple majority for the first time in decades, hence demonstrating that Malaysians are capable of changing the balance of power through the ballot box.
Voters need to continue to push for a more pluralist and accountable government, be it at the state or federal level, no matter which party is in power, said the speakers at the dialogue organised by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) at Sunway University College on March 15. The CPPS is part of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, an independent and non-partisan think tank.
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Cindy Tham
Malaysia Votes - 16 March 2008
If you think your “work” as a voter is done after you cast your ballot on March 8, and the rest is up to the political parties, think again. The process of shaping a political culture that is more democratic and more in tune with the different voices on the ground has just begun. This is true not only for the political parties but also for the electorate and civil society groups, said the speakers of a post-election analysis dialogue.
There is a need, they pointed out, for a new language to define the new political landscape that the nation has ventured into – the just concluded 12th general election which saw the Barisan Nasional (BN)’s longstanding two-thirds majority in Parliament reduced to a simple majority for the first time in decades, hence demonstrating that Malaysians are capable of changing the balance of power through the ballot box.
Voters need to continue to push for a more pluralist and accountable government, be it at the state or federal level, no matter which party is in power, said the speakers at the dialogue organised by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) at Sunway University College on March 15. The CPPS is part of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, an independent and non-partisan think tank.
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March 16, 2008
"The ballot box is neutral"
"The ballot box is neutral"
Tunku Abdul Aziz
NST - 16 March 2008
The fact that many have waited some 50 years, patiently in hope and faith, to witness and welcome the orderly change in the political landscape brought about by the "neutral power" of the ballot box and not, mercifully, the barrel of a gun (as happens so regularly in many so-called democratic republics around the world) has made the waiting game all the more rewarding.
Fifty years of political domination, although legitimised and sanctified by the electoral process, has led inevitably to the development of decidedly unhealthy, careless attitudes on the part of the government as well as society at large.
It was only months before that fateful day of March 8 that Malaysians decided that they had it within their power to decide the future direction of their country in social, economic and political terms by the simple expedient of using democracy's most potent gift -- the vote.
Overnight, we have transformed ourselves from being a nation of whingers and whiners into mature, responsible citizens exercising our rights and responsibilities, to decide what is good for us and our country.
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Tunku Abdul Aziz
NST - 16 March 2008
The fact that many have waited some 50 years, patiently in hope and faith, to witness and welcome the orderly change in the political landscape brought about by the "neutral power" of the ballot box and not, mercifully, the barrel of a gun (as happens so regularly in many so-called democratic republics around the world) has made the waiting game all the more rewarding.
Fifty years of political domination, although legitimised and sanctified by the electoral process, has led inevitably to the development of decidedly unhealthy, careless attitudes on the part of the government as well as society at large.
It was only months before that fateful day of March 8 that Malaysians decided that they had it within their power to decide the future direction of their country in social, economic and political terms by the simple expedient of using democracy's most potent gift -- the vote.
Overnight, we have transformed ourselves from being a nation of whingers and whiners into mature, responsible citizens exercising our rights and responsibilities, to decide what is good for us and our country.
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Bernama apologises to Lim
Bernama apologises to Lim
NST - 15 March 2008
Bernama has apologised to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for the “sloppy editing” in its news story on March 12 which mistakenly quoted Lim as commenting on the May 13 incident.
The issue of the Penang government marginalising anybody in the state does not arise following the apology letter issued by Bernama on Friday that stated that the news agency had mistakenly quoted Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said as commenting on the May 13, 1969 tragedy.
"I consider the issue closed, as the issue of DAP marginalising Penangites did not arise at all in the first place, Lim told a press conference after opening the Artistic Malaysia Gallery here today. "Until now, the state government has not implemented any policies that were not profitable to Penangites, except for one company. Even that is not a Bumiputera company.”
Bernama editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong said upon a thorough review, the inclusion of the fact along with Lim's quote was deemed inappropriate. Yong noted the inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the NEP in 1971.
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NST - 15 March 2008
Bernama has apologised to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for the “sloppy editing” in its news story on March 12 which mistakenly quoted Lim as commenting on the May 13 incident.
The issue of the Penang government marginalising anybody in the state does not arise following the apology letter issued by Bernama on Friday that stated that the news agency had mistakenly quoted Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said as commenting on the May 13, 1969 tragedy.
"I consider the issue closed, as the issue of DAP marginalising Penangites did not arise at all in the first place, Lim told a press conference after opening the Artistic Malaysia Gallery here today. "Until now, the state government has not implemented any policies that were not profitable to Penangites, except for one company. Even that is not a Bumiputera company.”
Bernama editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong said upon a thorough review, the inclusion of the fact along with Lim's quote was deemed inappropriate. Yong noted the inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the NEP in 1971.
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March 15, 2008
New political sky, a new game!
New political sky, a new game!
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 15 Mar 2008
...
Before this election, nobody would be convinced by my analysis, least of all my above mentioned neighbours. They had believed in too many false myths for too long.
And now that alternative governments are possible, at least at the state level, with the parliament falling into opposition hands in the next election becoming a real possibility, the facts speak for themselves. That is how Hegel’s unseen hand of history works, often beyond the expectation and despite the subjective will to power of the main actors and their followers.
And so history is pedagogical in itself. Many myths that have been constructed to become the premises of the national narrative have been exploded and torn to smithereens by unexpected development in the last general election.
One such myth is the near mystical ‘social contract" that enabled the people of different races to share power on an unequal basis under an Umno dominated government. It has been successful for half a century. In the past, under different historical parameters, this myth was not entirely useless. Then over a long time, people of various ethnic origins could not stomach the pervasive corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power for self-enrichment carried out in the name of power-sharing and national unity.
...
The rise of an alternative coalition suddenly offers a window of opportunity for another form of more meaningful and more inclusive ethnic relation. The state governments of Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, and Kelantan can prove to the whole nation in the next five years that they can look after all citizens better than any government that is run on the race-based politics of the BN.
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Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 15 Mar 2008
...
Before this election, nobody would be convinced by my analysis, least of all my above mentioned neighbours. They had believed in too many false myths for too long.
And now that alternative governments are possible, at least at the state level, with the parliament falling into opposition hands in the next election becoming a real possibility, the facts speak for themselves. That is how Hegel’s unseen hand of history works, often beyond the expectation and despite the subjective will to power of the main actors and their followers.
And so history is pedagogical in itself. Many myths that have been constructed to become the premises of the national narrative have been exploded and torn to smithereens by unexpected development in the last general election.
One such myth is the near mystical ‘social contract" that enabled the people of different races to share power on an unequal basis under an Umno dominated government. It has been successful for half a century. In the past, under different historical parameters, this myth was not entirely useless. Then over a long time, people of various ethnic origins could not stomach the pervasive corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power for self-enrichment carried out in the name of power-sharing and national unity.
...
The rise of an alternative coalition suddenly offers a window of opportunity for another form of more meaningful and more inclusive ethnic relation. The state governments of Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, and Kelantan can prove to the whole nation in the next five years that they can look after all citizens better than any government that is run on the race-based politics of the BN.
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Razaleigh move against Prime Minister?
Razaleigh move against Prime Minister?
Malaysian Insider - 15 March 2008
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has fired a broadside against Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, writing a letter to all 193 party division chiefs calling for a special meeting to discuss the reverses suffered at the polls.
Ku Li, as Razaleigh is known in the party, is viewed by some of Abdullah’s critics as someone who can unite the party and reach out to Chinese and Indians.
His letter will add further pressure on Abdullah who is being blamed for Barisan Nasional’s lacklustre performance in Election 2008, and could cause a split in a party that is struggling to come to terms with the loss of 5 states.
His letter reached the division heads yesterday and was measured in its tone. The elder statesman of Umno said that the recent election results was not only surprising, but frightening.
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Malaysian Insider - 15 March 2008
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has fired a broadside against Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, writing a letter to all 193 party division chiefs calling for a special meeting to discuss the reverses suffered at the polls.
Ku Li, as Razaleigh is known in the party, is viewed by some of Abdullah’s critics as someone who can unite the party and reach out to Chinese and Indians.
His letter will add further pressure on Abdullah who is being blamed for Barisan Nasional’s lacklustre performance in Election 2008, and could cause a split in a party that is struggling to come to terms with the loss of 5 states.
His letter reached the division heads yesterday and was measured in its tone. The elder statesman of Umno said that the recent election results was not only surprising, but frightening.
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Malaysian voters open the door for Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian voters open the door for Anwar Ibrahim
The Age - 12 March 2008
MALAYSIA Boleh! (Malaysia Can!) is Malaysia's national slogan but after last Saturday's elections, the real slogan should be Malaysians Boleh! for ordinary Malaysians are to be congratulated. The humiliation they handed their government at the federal and state elections demonstrates how politically sophisticated and mature they have become in the face of a high-handed and patronising government.
Five state governments were won by the opposition and federally, the Government had its worst showing ever. But it was the clinical precision in which voters went about their business that was most impressive.
Zainuddin Maidin, the information minister, lost his seat. A measure of how complacent the Government had become was its appointment of the inept Zainuddin to the role in the first place. His appalling performance on Al Jazeera television late last year was a very public international humiliation for all Malaysians. Voters did what Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did not have the guts to do: they removed him from office.
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The Age - 12 March 2008
MALAYSIA Boleh! (Malaysia Can!) is Malaysia's national slogan but after last Saturday's elections, the real slogan should be Malaysians Boleh! for ordinary Malaysians are to be congratulated. The humiliation they handed their government at the federal and state elections demonstrates how politically sophisticated and mature they have become in the face of a high-handed and patronising government.
Five state governments were won by the opposition and federally, the Government had its worst showing ever. But it was the clinical precision in which voters went about their business that was most impressive.
Zainuddin Maidin, the information minister, lost his seat. A measure of how complacent the Government had become was its appointment of the inept Zainuddin to the role in the first place. His appalling performance on Al Jazeera television late last year was a very public international humiliation for all Malaysians. Voters did what Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did not have the guts to do: they removed him from office.
...more
Small things please small minds
Small things please small minds
MalaysiaToday - 15 March 2008
Let me say this again. You are no longer the opposition, so please stop thinking and acting like an opposition. You are now the government, so please get down to acting like a government. The voters put you in office to run the state so can we please see you running the state.
One of the Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) leaders -- I won't mention his name though -- said something very funny about ten years ago. “PRM has never won any election so we always prepare ourselves for defeat. God help us if we even win the elections. We will not know how to manage victory. But we have a lot of experience managing defeat. So we are very happy to be given the 'danger's seats in the 1999 general elections. If we are given 'safe' seats and we actually win we might panic because we will not know what to do if we win.”
Actually, as funny as this may have sounded ten years ago, today, this is no longer funny. In the recent general election, the opposition did prepare itself for defeat but the opposite to that happened. And now they don't know what to do. To be fair to PAS, though, they did prepare for victory. They prepared themselves for taking over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. They did not, however, prepare themselves for Penang, Perak and Selangor. They thought, at best, they will only be able to deny Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in these three states.
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MalaysiaToday - 15 March 2008
Let me say this again. You are no longer the opposition, so please stop thinking and acting like an opposition. You are now the government, so please get down to acting like a government. The voters put you in office to run the state so can we please see you running the state.
One of the Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) leaders -- I won't mention his name though -- said something very funny about ten years ago. “PRM has never won any election so we always prepare ourselves for defeat. God help us if we even win the elections. We will not know how to manage victory. But we have a lot of experience managing defeat. So we are very happy to be given the 'danger's seats in the 1999 general elections. If we are given 'safe' seats and we actually win we might panic because we will not know what to do if we win.”
Actually, as funny as this may have sounded ten years ago, today, this is no longer funny. In the recent general election, the opposition did prepare itself for defeat but the opposite to that happened. And now they don't know what to do. To be fair to PAS, though, they did prepare for victory. They prepared themselves for taking over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. They did not, however, prepare themselves for Penang, Perak and Selangor. They thought, at best, they will only be able to deny Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in these three states.
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No Cabinet post for Khairy
No Cabinet post for Khairy
Malaysian Insider - 15 March 2008
Khairy Jamaludin’s political ambitions’ could hit rock bottom after the new Malaysian Cabinet is named next week.
The Malaysian Insider has been told that the deputy Umno Youth chief will not be offered any position in government, not even that of a parliamentary secretary.
This will be one of the few times in Malaysian political history that a senior leader of the youth wing has not been rewarded with a position following a general election. It is also the clearest sign that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is listening to what the ground is saying about his son-in-law.
Khairy has been a polarising factor in Umno since his rise up the political ladder.
...more
Malaysian Insider - 15 March 2008
Khairy Jamaludin’s political ambitions’ could hit rock bottom after the new Malaysian Cabinet is named next week.
The Malaysian Insider has been told that the deputy Umno Youth chief will not be offered any position in government, not even that of a parliamentary secretary.
This will be one of the few times in Malaysian political history that a senior leader of the youth wing has not been rewarded with a position following a general election. It is also the clearest sign that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is listening to what the ground is saying about his son-in-law.
Khairy has been a polarising factor in Umno since his rise up the political ladder.
...more
Sultan Terengganu next to snub PM?
Sultan Terengganu next to snub PM?
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 15 Mar 2008
Signs are emerging that the Terengganu royal household is also set to follow the heels of the Raja of Perlis in appointing a menteri besar who is not the Barisan Nasional's choice, paving the way for a possible direct confrontation between the royalty and the federal government.
This morning all 23 BN state assemblypersons from Terengganu were called up for a meeting with the state's Regency Advisory Council.
The council representsTerengganu's 11-year-old regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail, whose father Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is the present Agong of Malaysia.
The incumbent menteri besar Idris Jusoh - who is also Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's choice to lead the state - was not invited for the meeting.
...more
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 15 Mar 2008
Signs are emerging that the Terengganu royal household is also set to follow the heels of the Raja of Perlis in appointing a menteri besar who is not the Barisan Nasional's choice, paving the way for a possible direct confrontation between the royalty and the federal government.
This morning all 23 BN state assemblypersons from Terengganu were called up for a meeting with the state's Regency Advisory Council.
The council representsTerengganu's 11-year-old regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail, whose father Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is the present Agong of Malaysia.
The incumbent menteri besar Idris Jusoh - who is also Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's choice to lead the state - was not invited for the meeting.
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Shahidan, Isa tussle over MB post
Shahidan, Isa tussle over MB post
New Straits Times - 15 March 2008
An impasse is developing over the appointment of the Perlis menteri besar for the new term.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed yesterday he had given the go-ahead to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to continue in the job and to form the state executive council.
Hours earlier, an official statement had been issued on behalf of the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail that Bintong state assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu would be the new menteri besar.
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New Straits Times - 15 March 2008
An impasse is developing over the appointment of the Perlis menteri besar for the new term.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed yesterday he had given the go-ahead to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to continue in the job and to form the state executive council.
Hours earlier, an official statement had been issued on behalf of the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail that Bintong state assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu would be the new menteri besar.
...more
Penang chief minister reassures Malays on rights
Penang chief minister reassures Malays on rights
Straits Times - 14 March 2008
THE new ethnic Chinese chief minister of Penang state on Friday told Muslim Malays their rights will be protected, ahead of a street protest over concerns they could be sidelined.
Lim Guan Eng from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) was sworn in on Tuesday after a stunning performance in weekend polls which handed Penang and three other states to a three-party opposition alliance.
Mr Lim, who will govern one of the nation's richest states and the only one dominated by ethnic Chinese, said the DAP would not alienate any community.
'There have been all sorts of rumours that we are going to do this and that,' he said after talks with Malay-based civil society groups.
'But I have told them that this government will be a friend to everybody and they understand this,' he said.
...more
Straits Times - 14 March 2008
THE new ethnic Chinese chief minister of Penang state on Friday told Muslim Malays their rights will be protected, ahead of a street protest over concerns they could be sidelined.
Lim Guan Eng from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) was sworn in on Tuesday after a stunning performance in weekend polls which handed Penang and three other states to a three-party opposition alliance.
Mr Lim, who will govern one of the nation's richest states and the only one dominated by ethnic Chinese, said the DAP would not alienate any community.
'There have been all sorts of rumours that we are going to do this and that,' he said after talks with Malay-based civil society groups.
'But I have told them that this government will be a friend to everybody and they understand this,' he said.
...more
March 14, 2008
Who is Barisan Rakyat?
Who is Barisan Rakyat?
People's Parliament - 14 March 2008
The term Barisan Rakyat crept into existence so quietly that, when it was finally recognised and feted, there was a bit of a scramble to claim ownership or, at least, first use. It is such a powerful symbol packed with so much meaning. It represents the aspirations of the rakyat so much better than Barisan Alternatif does. The very names of the coalitions are reflections of their origins.
...
Barisan Rakyat was the fruit of efforts within the blogosphere to seek solutions to all that ailed our nation. It had become clear that unless the absolutely corrupted power of the BN was contained, the rakyat would languish in polarised animosity, the country would continue to bleed and diminish and the UMNOputras would be laughing all the way to the bank. There was an intense desire to salvage what was left of our country so that our future generations would have something to look forward to.
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People's Parliament - 14 March 2008
The term Barisan Rakyat crept into existence so quietly that, when it was finally recognised and feted, there was a bit of a scramble to claim ownership or, at least, first use. It is such a powerful symbol packed with so much meaning. It represents the aspirations of the rakyat so much better than Barisan Alternatif does. The very names of the coalitions are reflections of their origins.
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Barisan Rakyat was the fruit of efforts within the blogosphere to seek solutions to all that ailed our nation. It had become clear that unless the absolutely corrupted power of the BN was contained, the rakyat would languish in polarised animosity, the country would continue to bleed and diminish and the UMNOputras would be laughing all the way to the bank. There was an intense desire to salvage what was left of our country so that our future generations would have something to look forward to.
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Can Anwar become Prime Minister in next few weeks?
Can Anwar become Prime Minister in next few weeks?
Malaysian Insider - 14 March 2008
If there is one name that has pushed Barisan Nasional leaders out of their comfort zone and caused confusion and anxiety, it is Anwar Ibrahim.
When he said on Tuesday that the Opposition should be referred to as the government-in-waiting, he was not referring to five years down the road. He was referring to the next few weeks or months.
He knows that if he manages to convince 30 Members of Parliament to cross over, the government of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will fall.
Since the PKR-DAP-PAS alliance that he cobbled together won big on March 8, taking 52% of the popular vote in Peninsular Malaysia and snaring 82 of the 222 seats in parliament, Anwar has become the most mentioned name in Umno circles.
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Malaysian Insider - 14 March 2008
If there is one name that has pushed Barisan Nasional leaders out of their comfort zone and caused confusion and anxiety, it is Anwar Ibrahim.
When he said on Tuesday that the Opposition should be referred to as the government-in-waiting, he was not referring to five years down the road. He was referring to the next few weeks or months.
He knows that if he manages to convince 30 Members of Parliament to cross over, the government of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will fall.
Since the PKR-DAP-PAS alliance that he cobbled together won big on March 8, taking 52% of the popular vote in Peninsular Malaysia and snaring 82 of the 222 seats in parliament, Anwar has become the most mentioned name in Umno circles.
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A resounding vote for change
A resounding vote for change
Star - 14 March 2008
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In the early hours of Sunday morning, I saw how people had seized their right to choose, and in so doing asserted the simple fact that we Malaysians value our inherent human right to be masters of our own destiny.
I saw how millions of my fellow citizens had behaved in a way that was so unprecedented that it was like looking at another country.
So now we have a government with only a simple majority in Parliament and five state governments in the hands of Opposition parties. Legally, this has many implications.
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Star - 14 March 2008
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In the early hours of Sunday morning, I saw how people had seized their right to choose, and in so doing asserted the simple fact that we Malaysians value our inherent human right to be masters of our own destiny.
I saw how millions of my fellow citizens had behaved in a way that was so unprecedented that it was like looking at another country.
So now we have a government with only a simple majority in Parliament and five state governments in the hands of Opposition parties. Legally, this has many implications.
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A functioning democracy
We have proved to be a functioning democracy
NST - 14 March 2008
"POLITICAL tsumani", "winds of change" and "earth-shattering" are just some of the terms used to describe the outcome of Malaysia's 12th general election. But what is clear is that Malaysia's political landscape has changed.
The most dramatic result was the loss of a two-thirds majority by Barisan Nasional (BN) in parliament and the west coast states of Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor to the opposition.
But unlike in other countries, the results, though very unexpected, have been accepted by the BN in good faith and in the right spirit. There has already been a smooth takeover of leadership in Kedah, Penang and Selangor.
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NST - 14 March 2008
"POLITICAL tsumani", "winds of change" and "earth-shattering" are just some of the terms used to describe the outcome of Malaysia's 12th general election. But what is clear is that Malaysia's political landscape has changed.
The most dramatic result was the loss of a two-thirds majority by Barisan Nasional (BN) in parliament and the west coast states of Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor to the opposition.
But unlike in other countries, the results, though very unexpected, have been accepted by the BN in good faith and in the right spirit. There has already been a smooth takeover of leadership in Kedah, Penang and Selangor.
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Election poses no hurdles to governance
OPINION: Election poses no hurdles to governance
NST - 14 March 2008
AFTER the stunning results of the 12th general election, many people are wondering what is in store for the Constitution, for parliament, for federal-state relations and for the special privileges of the Malays.
The Barisan Nasional has secured 140 of 222 seats, or 63 per cent support, in the Dewan Rakyat. By Malaysian standards, this is the lowest ever. But the loss of a two-thirds majority is not unprecedented. There was a similar position after the 1969 electoral battle. The Alliance won only 49 per cent of the popular vote and 66 per cent of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
This time around it has more than 50 per cent of the popular vote and 63 per cent of the seats. It has 28 extra MPs above the 112 majority and is only eight short of a two-thirds majority.
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NST - 14 March 2008
AFTER the stunning results of the 12th general election, many people are wondering what is in store for the Constitution, for parliament, for federal-state relations and for the special privileges of the Malays.
The Barisan Nasional has secured 140 of 222 seats, or 63 per cent support, in the Dewan Rakyat. By Malaysian standards, this is the lowest ever. But the loss of a two-thirds majority is not unprecedented. There was a similar position after the 1969 electoral battle. The Alliance won only 49 per cent of the popular vote and 66 per cent of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
This time around it has more than 50 per cent of the popular vote and 63 per cent of the seats. It has 28 extra MPs above the 112 majority and is only eight short of a two-thirds majority.
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The no-colour revolution
The no-colour revolution
The Economist - 13 March 2008
THERE was no grandstanding on tanks; no sea of banner-waving protesters in monochrome T-shirts; not even a change in the federal government. Yet Malaysia underwent a quiet revolution on March 8th. The political scene transformed itself overnight. That the change happened at the ballot box and not in the street makes it all the more cheering.
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The Economist - 13 March 2008
THERE was no grandstanding on tanks; no sea of banner-waving protesters in monochrome T-shirts; not even a change in the federal government. Yet Malaysia underwent a quiet revolution on March 8th. The political scene transformed itself overnight. That the change happened at the ballot box and not in the street makes it all the more cheering.
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Deal stitched, all systems go in Perak
Deal stitched, all systems go in Perak
Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 14 Mar 2008
PKR, DAP an PAS have successfully averted an impasse after party leaders reached an amicable decision to reallocate the composition of the Perak state executive council posts last night.
PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali confirmed that the new composition will be six DAP, three PKR and one PAS to form the 10-person Perak state executive council.
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Syed Husin pointed out that the compromise was reached after both Perak and central leaders concluded their discussions last night.
"(PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim, (DAP veteran) Lim Kit Siang and PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar were in communication with each other to resolve the issue," he said.
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Syed Husin also said that a second deputy MB post will be allocated to PKR. It is expected that Perak will follow Penang's example of naming two deputy MBs.
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Malaysiakini (subscription reqd) - 14 Mar 2008
PKR, DAP an PAS have successfully averted an impasse after party leaders reached an amicable decision to reallocate the composition of the Perak state executive council posts last night.
PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali confirmed that the new composition will be six DAP, three PKR and one PAS to form the 10-person Perak state executive council.
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Syed Husin pointed out that the compromise was reached after both Perak and central leaders concluded their discussions last night.
"(PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim, (DAP veteran) Lim Kit Siang and PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar were in communication with each other to resolve the issue," he said.
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Syed Husin also said that a second deputy MB post will be allocated to PKR. It is expected that Perak will follow Penang's example of naming two deputy MBs.
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Umno must take the blame
Umno must take the blame
Sun - 14 March 2008
The BN performed just as disastrously in the recently-concluded general election. The coalition of 14 parties lost its two-thirds majority with the dominant Umno, the leader of the pack, winning only 78 of the 117 parliamentary seats it contested (67%).
Within the BN, the question is who is to be blamed now and who is to take responsibility for the poor showing. Reformist MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, whose party won only 15 of the 40 parliamentary seats it contested, declared he is taking responsibility for the losses and would not join the new cabinet.
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Sun - 14 March 2008
The BN performed just as disastrously in the recently-concluded general election. The coalition of 14 parties lost its two-thirds majority with the dominant Umno, the leader of the pack, winning only 78 of the 117 parliamentary seats it contested (67%).
Within the BN, the question is who is to be blamed now and who is to take responsibility for the poor showing. Reformist MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, whose party won only 15 of the 40 parliamentary seats it contested, declared he is taking responsibility for the losses and would not join the new cabinet.
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Anwar overturns the apple cart
Anwar overturns the apple cart
The Economist - 13 March 2008
THE bravest face the government can put on it is a crestfallen one. The result of the election of March 8th was “a huge setback”, admits Khairy Jamaluddin, a leader of the youth wing of the United Malays National Organisation, UMNO, which dominates the coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence. The reason for Mr Khairy's gloom may not be immediately apparent. He won his seat. UMNO is still much the biggest party in the federal Parliament, where its coalition, the National Front, has a thumping majority (see chart). The Front still forms the government in eight of Malaysia's 13 states. But the huge swing against it has shaken Malaysia's rulers and put in doubt the system of racially-based politics on which their power depends.
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The Economist - 13 March 2008
THE bravest face the government can put on it is a crestfallen one. The result of the election of March 8th was “a huge setback”, admits Khairy Jamaluddin, a leader of the youth wing of the United Malays National Organisation, UMNO, which dominates the coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence. The reason for Mr Khairy's gloom may not be immediately apparent. He won his seat. UMNO is still much the biggest party in the federal Parliament, where its coalition, the National Front, has a thumping majority (see chart). The Front still forms the government in eight of Malaysia's 13 states. But the huge swing against it has shaken Malaysia's rulers and put in doubt the system of racially-based politics on which their power depends.
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Watershed election shatters conventions
Watershed election shatters conventions
Edge - 13 March 2008
The 2008 General Election was not just a watershed because of the unprecedented gains made the Opposition but also because it decimated so many conventions that have endured for so many decades. Here are some of them (in no particular order of importance).
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Edge - 13 March 2008
The 2008 General Election was not just a watershed because of the unprecedented gains made the Opposition but also because it decimated so many conventions that have endured for so many decades. Here are some of them (in no particular order of importance).
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Malaysia Ushers In Democracy
Malaysia Ushers In Democracy
IPS - 12 March 2008
Following last weekend’s general elections, Malaysia finds itself firmly among South-east Asia’s promising democracies that afford space for strong opposition voices to rein in their governments.
The impressive showing of the opposition parties at Saturday’s poll saw the ruling National Front (NF) coalition (or Barisan Nasional), lose its dominant grip on power after 40 years. Opposition lawmakers won 82 out of the 222 seats in the parliament, a dramatic increase from the 19 seats they had held in the outgoing legislature. The opposition also gained control of five of Malaysia’s 13 states.
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IPS - 12 March 2008
Following last weekend’s general elections, Malaysia finds itself firmly among South-east Asia’s promising democracies that afford space for strong opposition voices to rein in their governments.
The impressive showing of the opposition parties at Saturday’s poll saw the ruling National Front (NF) coalition (or Barisan Nasional), lose its dominant grip on power after 40 years. Opposition lawmakers won 82 out of the 222 seats in the parliament, a dramatic increase from the 19 seats they had held in the outgoing legislature. The opposition also gained control of five of Malaysia’s 13 states.
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The real work has just begun
Editorial: The real work has just begun
Malaysia Votes - 12 March 2008
UNTIL January 2008, Loh Gwo Burne was an unknown in the Malaysian public space. Today, the 34-year-old, who barely speaks Bahasa Malaysia, is the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Kelana Jaya who will have to brush up on his command of the national language to speak up in Parliament.
Running under the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) banner, Loh contested against Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (Barisan Nasional), who has been the local Subang Jaya state assemblyman for three terms and, who to many local folk, has worked hard to attend to their problems (although some quarters would argue that he has failed in some areas).
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Malaysia Votes - 12 March 2008
UNTIL January 2008, Loh Gwo Burne was an unknown in the Malaysian public space. Today, the 34-year-old, who barely speaks Bahasa Malaysia, is the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Kelana Jaya who will have to brush up on his command of the national language to speak up in Parliament.
Running under the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) banner, Loh contested against Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (Barisan Nasional), who has been the local Subang Jaya state assemblyman for three terms and, who to many local folk, has worked hard to attend to their problems (although some quarters would argue that he has failed in some areas).
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A story of hope
A story of hope
Malaysia Votes - 12 March 2008
A wonderful story can now be told. Last Saturday (March 8), Malaysians emerged in droves to make their voices heard, to make their decisions count at the ballot box. The Barisan Nasional (BN) government was ultimately returned to power, but with a shocking failure to retain its two-thirds majority – shocking because, even though armed with an array of repressive legislation, ownership of various mainstream media outlets and finances, they still could not convince a sizeable number of Malaysians to sign the BN a blank cheque.
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Malaysia Votes - 12 March 2008
A wonderful story can now be told. Last Saturday (March 8), Malaysians emerged in droves to make their voices heard, to make their decisions count at the ballot box. The Barisan Nasional (BN) government was ultimately returned to power, but with a shocking failure to retain its two-thirds majority – shocking because, even though armed with an array of repressive legislation, ownership of various mainstream media outlets and finances, they still could not convince a sizeable number of Malaysians to sign the BN a blank cheque.
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Malaysia's King Lear
Malaysia's King Lear
The Economist - 12 March 2008
LIKE an emperor from a bygone age, Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former prime minister, has left a legacy you can walk through, or at least gaze at in wonder from a high-rise window: Kuala Lumpur, with its soaring Petronas Twin Towers, its sweeping expressways, state-of-the-art monorail and metro; the still emerging new cities of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya; and indeed, Malaysia itself, with its 21st-century infrastructure and rapidly growing prosperity.
Yet that is not enough for the grand old man. He also wants a political legacy. He seems to want his party, the United Malays National Organisation (UNMO), and the coalition it dominates, the Barisan Nasional (BN), which he led for 22 years, to remain in power indefinitely.
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The Economist - 12 March 2008
LIKE an emperor from a bygone age, Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former prime minister, has left a legacy you can walk through, or at least gaze at in wonder from a high-rise window: Kuala Lumpur, with its soaring Petronas Twin Towers, its sweeping expressways, state-of-the-art monorail and metro; the still emerging new cities of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya; and indeed, Malaysia itself, with its 21st-century infrastructure and rapidly growing prosperity.
Yet that is not enough for the grand old man. He also wants a political legacy. He seems to want his party, the United Malays National Organisation (UNMO), and the coalition it dominates, the Barisan Nasional (BN), which he led for 22 years, to remain in power indefinitely.
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That night in Penang...
That night in Penang...
The Malaysian Insider - 12 March 2008
It's just gone past 1am and the streets of Georgetown, Penang, are unnaturally silent. A few late-night kopitiams and mamak joints stay open but are largely devoid of the usual Saturday night clubbers that patronise the eateries at this hour.
You could, if you cared to, lie down on any one of the main thoroughfares – Jalan Burmah, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Kelawai, even super touristy Persiaran Gurney – and not land so much as a scratch from a passing vehicle. The two-wheeled mosquitoes that plague the island state 24/7 are conspicuously absent.
Then again, this is no ordinary night.
The people are all shut away in their homes, parked in front of the TV and/ or computer screens and are following zealously the results of the 12th General Elections.
It was a scene straight out of The Twilight Zone. Alien invaders could have landed and beamed the vocal citizenry back to their mothership – except they didn’t. The only incident of note was that the Democratic Action Party and Parti Keadilan Rakyat have just made a killing at the 12th General Election and together formed a new state coalition government.
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The Malaysian Insider - 12 March 2008
It's just gone past 1am and the streets of Georgetown, Penang, are unnaturally silent. A few late-night kopitiams and mamak joints stay open but are largely devoid of the usual Saturday night clubbers that patronise the eateries at this hour.
You could, if you cared to, lie down on any one of the main thoroughfares – Jalan Burmah, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Kelawai, even super touristy Persiaran Gurney – and not land so much as a scratch from a passing vehicle. The two-wheeled mosquitoes that plague the island state 24/7 are conspicuously absent.
Then again, this is no ordinary night.
The people are all shut away in their homes, parked in front of the TV and/ or computer screens and are following zealously the results of the 12th General Elections.
It was a scene straight out of The Twilight Zone. Alien invaders could have landed and beamed the vocal citizenry back to their mothership – except they didn’t. The only incident of note was that the Democratic Action Party and Parti Keadilan Rakyat have just made a killing at the 12th General Election and together formed a new state coalition government.
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March 12, 2008
Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds II
More Malaysians dismiss Mahathir's call for Badawi to resign.
On Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign vox populi - Malaysiakini 12 Mar 2008 TS Su: I totally disagree with Dr M’s call for Pak Lah to resign. The people did not vote to get rid of BN, much less Pak Lah. They want BN to stay in power and continue to rule, albeit, without a two-thirds majority. The point is to ‘teach’ BN, and in particular, Umno, a lesson. To stop them from being arrogant and corrupt. Many BN politicians are. They treated our country like their own backyard. The people can feel their corrupt practices, but few can prove. The people prefer Pak Lah to Najib any day. Pak Lah has allowed the corrupt cases such as VK Lingam tape to surface. He allowed mass rallies during the election, which we never had under Dr M’s administration. Now, this reduced majority for BN is actually a mandate for Pak Lah to eliminate corruption and arrogance among the BN leaders. He should get rid of those leaders. If he does not, the BN won’t be a ruling party anymore come next election. ***** Mr Positive: Dr M left Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a technically bankrupt country after his ‘global warming’ project in Brazil incurred the wrath and ‘financial attack’ by you-know-who in 1997/8. The resultant bad economic situation in Malaysia sprouted discontent and dissension among the populace especially the Indians and Chinese. The election results reflect the sentiments of the rakyat. Therefore, the present PM is not to be blamed. The facts point to the former ‘big mouth’ premier who brought the country to its pinnacle and downfall. Things could be a lot worse. Syabas Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for winning this election. ***** Bigben: We should be grateful to Abdullah for allowing dissenting views and allowing a free and fair election. This would not have happened with that hypocrite Mahathir. ***** Loh: I would like to say that instead of blaming Abdullah for BN's failure, Mahathir should admit that BN itself is has been a failed proposition since the very beginning and made worse during his tenure, and that the people have simply now woken up and said ‘enough is enough’. Malaysia has survived BN's rule still intact not because of the brilliance of it's leaders like Mahathir seems to believe, nor Abdullah, but because of the resilience of the rakyat who have worked hard and contributed to the nation despite BN. So perhaps instead of pointing the finger at Abdullah for destroying BN, he should take some of the credit himself. ***** Jason Khaw: PM Abdullah Badawi has contributed to the nation’s maturing process by allowing freer discussions on sensitive topics. He has allowed people to discuss and think. Only wished it had happened sooner and changes were made quicker. Now, Abdullah's government and a stronger opposition, will truly test our ability to really grow-up and I think this combination is the right one for all our people. Let's evaluate the whole process with a balanced view. Dr M's comments are unfair, as far as I am concerned. When I read it, it sounded like a description of the government he had once ruled himself. ***** A Patriot: Tun Dr Mahathir, I remember you recently said that you were confident that BN would obtain two-thirds majority. You were wrong! I think you have been wrong in the past about many things and you are still getting it wrong. I am so shocked that you still want BN and Najib around. Of course you want them around, this is part of your legacy. You are not really interested in the welfare of our country, but your own name and pride. So leave the administration of our country to the new generation. Don’t try to meddle anymore, you are a ‘has been’.You are retired so stay retired. ***** Jimmy Wong: What Mahathir is trying to do now is disturbing and is already beginning to darken the horizon of a new dawn in the political landscape following the vote for change by Malaysians. Mahathir is rallying his cronies and sycophants to blame the outcome of the election solely on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He is hijacking the Malaysian voice that clamoured for a change from the race-based, crony, authoritarian politics of BN that Mahathir had spawned all these years. For all Malaysians committed to not allowing this kind of politics to pollute Malaysian politics and society, let's be vigilant. The next big challenge for Malaysian netizens is to expose such vestiges of Mahathirism and expunge it from Malaysian politics, culture and society. Onward with the struggle for real change. Enough-lah, Mahathir: Can Mahathir come to terms and confess once and for all that all the corruption, lack of transparency, poor governance, unequal treatment of citizens, the manipulated judiciary, the Umno hegemony etc all started and was perpetrated by him during his reign? The only difference is that TDM is super-crafty and able to sweep issues under the carpet. And issues are not the only things he sweeps - he concocts baseless lies to put away his challengers. Tun Mahathir, stop manipulating with immediate effect. We don't need your fabrications to achieve only your manipulated ends. ***** Korrupt-ajar: Yes, yes, yes. l fully agree with Dr Mahathir that PM Abdullah should resign to take full responsibility for BN's poor polls showing. But, wait a minute, isn't this the same arrogant BN which Mahathir led and misused to systematically destroy and corrupt the various institutions of democracy? Therefore, before resigning, PM Abdullah should now do the right thing by charging Mahathir for misuse of public funds, cronyism, corruption and blatant abuse of powers. ***** Paramount Consolidated: I totally disagree with Mahathir's call for Pak Lah to step down. Mahathir's cronies are the biggest losers this time around. Mahathir has no shame. Pak Lah was God-send and did right things by going against Mahathir’s many mega projects. It is best for Pak Lah to remain than to let Najib come up what with his his unexplained lifestyle, alleged corruption in the submarine deal and others. Pak Lah is our best PM ever with his humble and liberal concepts and as such the rakyat should respect his Wisdom. ***** HL: Who is Mahathir to ask Abdullah to resign? Wasn't Mahathir the person who created the monster Malaysia Corrupted Inc.during his 22-year reign? Abdullah just so happened to be continuing his legacy. Why is he so unhappy with that? During Mahathir's 22 years of governance, there were many many occassions when many of us would have liked to stand up and heckle him loudly to resign. Abdullah gave us a voice. Gave back to us some of our freedom and dignity. My hats off to Abdullah and company. You have your place in history. Rest assured, quite different from that of Mahathir's. You can make a comeback. Do not worry. ***** E LIM: At this point, Pak Lah should be given a fair chance to lead for another term. Pak Lah should not be blamed for outcome of the results for after all he inherited a great deal of ‘challenges’ to deal with. Dr M should stop making snide remarks or degrading comments about Pak Lah if he honestly cares about our country. Unless they are sincere positive feedback for the good our Malaysia, Dr M should just focus on enjoying his retired life. So, now that the people of Malaysia have said their piece', let's give Pak Lah at least another chance to lead Malaysia with his key mission being to eradicate or if required, amputate all the rotten ills. Allah be with Pak Lah and may Pak Lah look to his Allah for leadership. ***** Ragunathan: I wish to make a clarion call to the prime minister not to step down. To be fair to the man, it is his brand of democracy that worked for the Malaysian electorate. Leaving aside the missteps, one must put things into perspective. Mahathir's call for him to step down reeks of a dastardly move to come back into the political scene and wield his influence through the back door. I doubt very much if Mahathir would have the maturity to accept the will of the people they declared on March 8. Pak Lah should not step down, but take decisive measures to prevent people with selective memories from making any come-back, and reviving projects that benefit no one but their legion of cronies. El Mark: What's all this about Pak Lah resigning? Pak Lah did not 'engineer' himself to be a PM. He was plucked and placed there. One cannot really blame him solely for what has transpired. I am sure Pak lah is now more aware and learning and will change his 'choir and repertoire'. And, with a new team in the government and with better advice, he’ll do better. Give the old chap a chance, he been thru' only a term. Let's evolve for a better Malaysia hand-in-hand but not emotionally. ***** Sandra K: Dr M has always been making a lot of noise - very unproductive. Just imagine, if it was him, and not Pak Lah who was the PM, what would have happened with this outstanding win by the opposition? Most likely, locking everyone up under ISA (I Simply Arrest!) Pak Lah was at least a gentleman, in accepting defeat, with his comment that this was how democracy works. Maybe Dr M should just leave the new government alone to do their work - I believe they do not need his interference, nor his scalding remarks. Tanpa Kepala: As far as I'm concerned Dr M is nothing but a hypocrite. He would certainly not have resigned had this happened to him. Although I consider Pak Lah and BN as the enemies of the people, I must say that, at least, with the current administration we see an improvement in media transparency. This could not have happened with Dr M at the helm. ***** Michelle Lim: The poor result for BN at the 12th general election is not Pak Lah's fault alone. It is a cumulative problem that Pak Lah took over since he came on board. All the BN leaders should rise up and give their support to our PM during this hard time. They should sit down and revisit all their policies and makr sure that they are fair and just to everyone in the country.And I really hope that others would rise up and tell Dr M to keep quiet! ***** M Lim: I feel the defeat of Barisan should not be solely blamed on our PM. The whole unfairness thing started from Dr Mahathir's time. Unfortunately, our PM inherited this and has to pay for it. I believe our PM Abdullah is a good man. He has done a lot for us like looking into daily problems. Times have changed. If Dr M was still in power today, Barisan would still have faced this exact defeat as people today are more educated and want their rights to be heard. So, don't just blame our PM. I believe our PM is a good man. ***** Kam Noris: Dear Pak Lah, no matter what, please do not step down. It’s not your fault anyway. ***** Puru: There is a lot of unfair blame on Pak Lah. Let us face it, it his openness (compared to the previous administration) allowed the people to voice their opinion. Take all the marches - do you think this would have happened in the past? I see him like the Gorbachev of Russia. He is setting the pace for reform and taking a hell of beating for it. In some ways, we need to be grateful that he allowed democracy in the country. ***** Alvin Lau: I strongly feel that Abdullah should not lose faith in himself and step down as suggested by all. This is not the true reflection of a credible leader. So, he has now been sworn in as the new PM. While I am not a fan of his, he has been entrusted to run the country (again) even if he is anything but useful. I must say that the damage has now been done, so who better to get it resolved apart from himself? If this will be his last chance to redeem himself, he must ensure his new term in the office is being run as clean as possible. Take out the rats, if it means all of them, put his personal pride and interests aside, and start working with all parties on all fronts to rise the country once again. Because you are the PM, you are the one person who can now make a difference. ***** Lilian Tan: When Dr M declared that Pak Lah should take 100% of the responsibility for Barisan's appalling performance in this election, a friend of mine declared that he was a fine one to talk. Barisan's rot set in a long time ago and Dr. M played a big role in accelerating it during his tenure. However, we should be very thankful that the voters' massive turnaround happened on Pak Lah's watch and not on Dr M's. Pak Lah is weak, ineffectual and a pathological promise-breaker, but he conceded defeat and sincerely asked that there be no trouble or violence in the streets. That there have been no ugly incidents of riots, homes burned down, people hurt or killed in the election aftermath is something we can be thankful for and proud of. I am not so sure that Dr M – legendary for his oppressive, vindictive character – would have responded likewise. ***** Lim Swee Bin: Speaking up for Pak lah, shall we never, ever forget he inherited a rotten legacy left him by his predecessor. All the things critically wrong today in our country were put in place during that long reign of 23 years, including the latest judiciary joke. There wouldn't be a March 8 and today without our present prime minister. He allowed freedom of speech like we never had for nearly a quarter of a century. He allowed an alternative press and he allowed peaceful demonstrations. He allowed competitors to roam free. He allowed us to have our say. Instead of vilifying him, let’s salute him for having the courage to let that happen. Pak Lah may not be a warrior but he has shown this greatness as a leader, in facing seeming collapse and in sticking around for the resurrection. ***** PL: It is time that Tun Mahathir gracefully retire and concentrate on his coming memoirs. Abdullah may be weak but he is not beaten. Malaysians still love him. As far as Malaysia is concerned, he was indeed a gentleman. He admitted gracefully his defeat and asked the IGP to ensure the graceful transition of power in the five states. Would you, Tun, have done the same? I don’t think so. ***** Woody Ooi: I agree that Pak Lah should go to make way for others, but not for Najib who has serious moral and integrity problems. Perhaps Shahrir Samad. To be objectively fair, the rot in system did not happen over the last four years, but cumulated over the past 22 years during Dr M’s stewardship. Perhaps Dr M should shut up and apologise instead to BN and the people of Malaysia. |
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