Tiger Woods' apology brings new attention to Buddhism

(CNN) -- When Tiger Woods invoked his religious faith during his public apology on Friday, he readily acknowledged that a lot of people would be surprised.

"People probably don't realize it," he said, "but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years."

But Woods said his Buddhist faith would be a key part of his quest to put his life back together after revelations of his marital infidelity, which he admitted for the first time. Buddhist experts said Woods' summation of the tradition's beliefs was accurate -- and that his remarks likely will bring more attention to the faith in a week when its highest profile leader, the Dalai Lama, is visiting the United States.

"I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it," Woods said, reading a statement from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. "Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age."

"Buddhism teaches that a creation of things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security," he continued. "It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught."

A handful of Buddhist scholars said Woods' description of Buddhist teaching was spot on. "Woods was quite accurate," said Janet Gyatso, a professor of Buddhist studies at Harvard University. "Craving causes unhappiness. That's a fundamental Buddhist idea."

A 1996 Sports Illustrated profile suggested that Woods -- then in his early 20s -- took his faith seriously. He visited a Buddhist temple with his mother each year around his birthday, slept near a mother-of-pearl Buddha from his Thai grandfather, and wore a gold Buddha around his neck, according to the profile. Woods' mother, Kultilda, is a Thai-born Buddhist.

"I like Buddhism because it's a whole way of being and living," Tiger Woods told Sports Illustrated. "It's based on discipline and respect and personal responsibility. I like Asian culture better than ours because of that."

When allegations of Woods' infidelity began emerging after a November 27 car accident, Fox News Channel host Brit Hume stirred controversy by publicly advising the golf pro to become a Christian.

"He's said to be a Buddhist -- I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith," Hume said. "So my message to Tiger would be: Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world."

But Buddhist scholars say that forgiveness and redemption are core components of the faith. "You're always beginning again in the Buddhist tradition," said John Kornfield, a prominent Buddhist teacher based in California. "You see that you're causing harm, you repent and ask forgiveness in some formal or informal way, and you start again."

Some Buddhism experts said that's what Woods appeared to be trying to do today. Many Buddhists applauded Woods' statement. "The fact that people could see this kind of behavior causes suffering is an incredibly important message for all kinds of people who respect Woods," said Kornfield.

Buddhism was in the spotlight this week before Woods' remarks, with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama -- a Buddhist -- meeting with President Obama in Washington on Thursday.

Buddhism is among the world's largest religions, with about 350 million adherents, including about 1.2 million in the United States, according to a 2009 report by Trinity College. The faith began in India about 2,500 years ago.

PM to consider Murugiah’s position

themalaysianinsider.com,

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak will consider the possibility of dropping sacked People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supreme council member Senator Datuk T. Murugiah (picture) as a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The prime minister had a private meeting with PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas after chairing the Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting in PWTC last night.

Kayveas told The Malaysian Insider that Najib was clear on the party’s stance and will reconsider its demands.

“We have told PM very clearly that until he drops him, it’ll be seen to be like there is problem in PPP. PPP does not have the problem. Now the problem is in PM’s hands. Until he drops him then it will look like PPP has a problem. We have made it very clear to the PM just now.

“The PM said yes that he is aware of this and will resolve this as soon as he can,” he said after the private meeting with Najib.

PPP treasurer-general T. Muthulingam had urged Najib to intervene and resolve the party’s leadership crisis which has been dragged for nine months.

In a press conference held earlier, Najib told reporters that he will discuss the matter with PPP’s president.

“That is between me and PPP’s president. We will discuss what is necessary but usually we do not interfere in the running of any component parties. We hope that they can resolve their own problems,” he said after chairing Barisan Nasional (BN) supreme council meeting.

Kayveas also lashed out at Murugiah and called him a con-man.

“Datuk Seri Najib is very clear as to the party’s stand. The party has made it very clear and reported that this guy (Murugiah), which was originally by party recommendation, has turned to be a super-con. He knows how to manipulate people and situation. He just talks in blank.

“He has also maximum used the prime minister’s name. Everywhere he said that it is the prime minister who asked him to do. Even the EGM he said was the prime minister that asked him to and financed it,” he added.

Kayveas and the senator were locked in a fierce struggle for control of the minor Barisan Nasional (BN) party.

Murugiah convened an emergency general meeting where he was voted in as the new PPP president. Kayveas, on the other hand, sacked him from the party.

The RoS had decided that Kayveas is the rightful president based on the elections of PPP’s 2005-2010 supreme council members on Oct 2, 2005.

Murrugiah is currently waiting for the Kuala Lumpur High Court to decide on his application to enforce a decision by the Malaysian Arbitral Tribunal Establishment (MATE) which declared that he is the rightful president of PPP.

The hearing is set on March 1.

DPM: Need to study pros and cons before opening up BN

Tan Sri Muhyiddin (right) refuses to comment on the possibility of welcoming Perkasa into the BN folds. - Bernama pic

By Debra Chong - The Malaysian Insider

PETALING JAYA, Feb 20 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said it was time for Barisan Nasional (BN) to expand its friendship network but noted there were pros and cons to opening up the coalition that had to be carefully studied first.

“We know there are many bodies that support BN. It is time the network is expanded,” Muhyiddin said in a press conference here today.

Echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who last night announced the ruling coalition’s expansion plan, Muhyiddin said the BN constitution currently had no provision to formally recognise BN-friendly groups.

“We need to study the pros and cons on whether to open it up to only political bodies or to political and non-political bodies such as social and welfare groups that have supported BN; or accept applications from individuals...direct membership, into the BN,” the Umno deputy president added.

He declined to disclose his personal view when asked if the multi-ethnic coalition, which is made up of more than 10 political parties covering both the peninsula and East Malaysia, would welcome groups such as Perkasa, which many see as a radical movement in pushing for exclusive Malay rights.

“It’s a bit too early to pre-empt at this stage. I think I don’t want to jump the gun. Let it be.

“At the moment we have to study many aspects of the constitution,” Muhyiddin replied.

He added that his Umno colleague, vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has been put in charge of a special committee to study the details which would later be forwarded to the Supreme Council for fine-tuning before being presented at the BN convention at the end of the year.

The BN had lost its two-thirds iron-gripped control in Parliament at the general election two years ago to a three-party alliance headed by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and has been trying hard to regain it through a more open and inclusive approach.

Anwar strikes business-as-usual posture

Anwar (fourth from right) with the happy owners who had received mock keys to their homes. — Picture by Jack Ooi

By Neville Spykerman

HULU KLANG, Feb 20 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim moved today to dispel any notion that his role as Selangor economic advisor was being derailed by his sodomy trial by officiating a state programme to rehabilitate abandoned housing projects.

“It’s good the trial has been delayed so I can be here today,” said the 62-year-old opposition leader, who is accused of sodomising his one-time aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

He has denied the allegations and is facing trial, the second time in 12 years he has faced similar charges.

The PKR leader adopted a business-as-usual posture while handing over keys to homeowners of Taman Ukay Bistari flats, a project which is being revived and in various stages of completion after a four-year delay.

The rehabilitation of abandoned housing projects is among six focus areas announced by state government last year as part of efforts to stimulate Selangor’s economy.

Anwar pointed out that the state government "inherited" 141 abandoned housing projects from the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration but would make efforts to revive the projects for the sake of buyers.

“The previous government made a pact with developers rather than the people and now these houses are not built.”

He lamented the lack of political will by the Housing Ministry and unfair laws which favour developers over homebuyers.

“What’s needed is political will and a change in laws,” he said.

He added that at least RM5 billion was needed to revive all the abandoned projects.

However, he said the state would not run away from the responsibility of helping home owners.

Anwar said he would soon meet Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to discuss what funding could be obtained for the purpose of reviving projects which are viable.

Officials from the state government today said at least 40 per cent of the 141 housing projects have been revived and are in various stages of development.

Mustapa insists Kelantan can’t get oil royalty

Mustapa stuck to the government line. — Bernama pic

By Mohd Zuharmann - The Malaysian Insider

KOTA BARU, Feb 20 — Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed last night insisted the state is only entitled to compassionate payments rather than oil royalty demanded by its PAS government for energy extracted miles off its coast.

The International Trade and Industry Minister stuck to the government line when addressing a ceramah in response to the Jan 28 declaration by Umno veteran and founding Petronas chairman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah that Kelantan had a right to the 5 per cent royalty.

“The royalty mentioned at the ceramah in Stadium Sultan Mohamad IV last month is not correct because in reality, there is no royalty, only a cash payment. That is if there is really oil or gas,” Mustapa said.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is Gua Musang MP, had said Kelantan’s entitlement came from provisions in the Petroleum Development Act 1974 for oil extracted off its coast and that compassionate payments are illegal under the law.

In his ceramah, Mustapa maintained the federal government’s argument that Kelantan’s rights was up to three nautical miles off its coast under national laws. Gas has been extracted in a joint development area by Malaysia and Thailand since 2005 after both agreed to end a dispute over overlapping exclusive economic zones in 1979.

“The country’s laws say three nautical miles. If oil is found there, then its mandatory to give 5 per cent with the money put into the state government’s accounts. Otherwise it’s just a compassionate payment (wang ihsan)

“The term wang ihsan means there is no problem to give or not to give as it is up to the discretion of the federal government,” Mustapa told a 2,000-strong crowd at the Kelantan Umno grounds.

The Umno-Barisan Nasional supporters who turned up to listen to him held up banners that read “Insya Allah... Wang Ihsan” and “Tok so caro hok Ku Li royak” (Ignore Ku Li’s statement) in a reference to the popular nickname for the Kelantan prince.

He told the crowd further that the Petroleum Development Act does not have the term oil royalty but only cash payment, adding the Kelantanese were not told everything about such terms and this has led to misunderstanding in the issue.

Mustapa said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak felt it was his responsibility to provide wang ihsan to the Kelantanese people and has agreed to give 5 per cent of the value of gas production found in the PM301 development block.

The amount of RM20 million for the year 2008 will be distributed via the Federal Development Department next month, he said.

Mustapa said he was disappointed with the PAS government for accusing him of being a traitor and for betraying the state by not caring for his own state.

“I am sad because such baseless accusations were thrown at us. They don’t know that we work for the people and the state night and day. They (PAS government) forget who approved the development projects in the state like the stadium cafe, upgrading the airport, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and the rest.

“I brought all these projects in. But now I am accused of being a traitor,” he added.

Malay rights group Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali also addressed the Umno ceramah and noted the Kelantan oil royalty issue has now become a legal matter and it was up to the courts to resolve it.

“We have to understand that we are covered by international maritime laws. According to the laws, the government (Kelantan) is only eligible to receive 5 per cent of all oil and gas found within three nautical miles.

“There is a legal issue because the agreement does not say if the 5 per cent payment is for oil found 200 to 300 nautical miles,” said the Pasir Mas MP, who was a deputy minister in charge of law during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.

He quit Umno after a tiff when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was party president and prime minister. Ibrahim is now an independent MP after campaigning on a PAS ticket in Election 2008.

The outspoken Ibrahim challenged the PAS government to resolve the issue by taking the matter to court and not make political capital from the dispute.

“At least then the people will not have headache just thinking about it,” he said, adding he believed PAS will not go to court as it is a powerful issue in the run-up to the 13th general election.

“They will certainly use the issue to convince the people that the federal government is cruel,” Ibrahim added.

He noted the state government appeared to fear the dispensation of wang ihsan through federal agencies, saying “the way the federal government manages the distribution of money to the people will affect the position of the state government”.

Mampukah Najib Mendepani Tuntutan Era Politik?

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ahli Jawatankuasa PAS Pusat.

Telah penulis catatkan beberapa kali bahawa Umno gentar serta gusar dengan Politk Baru. Benar bahawa PRU ke-12 telah menyaksikan penghakisan sokongan Umno/BN paling parah dalam sejarah politik pilihanraya. Tetapi kesemua itu tidak sepenting satu hakikat yang sering menerjah mereka. Hakikat wujudnya satu lagi koalisi yang disifatkan sebagai ‘kerajaan dalam penantian’ atau ‘government-in-waiting’.

Kalau ada yang marah bahawa penulis bersekali Pakatan Rakyat terlalu ghirah untuk memerintah kerajaan Persekutuan, penulis sayugia perjelaskan. Penulis tidak kata perubahan besar pasti berlaku pada PRU ke-13 ini. Tetapi potensi untuk perubahan berlaku amat besar kedepan ini.

Nah, ini hakikat baru yang tidak pernah terjelma dalam telahan unjuran politik negara. Satu dekad lalu, sebutan ini hampir asing bahkan satu dongengan. Tidak ada parti dan kerajaan yang layak memerintah kecuali kerajaan Umno/BN mungkin sampai qiyamat. Kalau ada pun ‘kerajaan pembangkang’, satu istilah paradoks, ia hanya terbatas di negeri pantai Timur, Kelantan dan Terengganu sahaja.

Bagaimana ia menjadikan satu realiti adalah akibat perubahan yang berlaku selepas topografi atau landskap politik negara terus berubah setelah tsunami politik melanda ganas negeri-negeri Umno/BN di pantai barat Semenanjung Malaysia.

Politik Baru berkehendak untuk mendefinisi semula pelbagai tata-orde perhubungan politik; amalan federalisme dan gelagat cabang legislatif serta kualiti perbahasan di parlimen, kerancakan persaingan media mengolah lambakan isu dalam usaha mempengaruhi pemikiran awam di pasaran bebas pertarungn ide.Juga begitu tuntutan terhadap ketelusan dan kebertanggungjawaban menjadi ukuran atau ‘benchmark’ umum. Kini tidak apa yang mampu dilindungi oleh akta-rimba seperti OSA atau ditakutkan Ordinan Dharurat serta ISA. Lambat laun terdedah jua seperti PKFZ, ibu segala skandal. Hari ini dalam Politik Baru, kebebasan beragama, penjalinan perpaduan dan erti merakyatkan kekayaan khazanah negara serta pemunggaran ekonomi berprestasi tinggi, tiba-tiba mendapat dimensi serta nilai baru bahkan lebih barmakna lagi.

Pencairan pelbagai doktrin lama,umpama dibidang ekonomi, menggugat segelintir yang mengecapi habuan besarnya selama kini. Istilah ‘liberalisasi’ cukup ditakuti kerana menjejaskan orde hubungan sumbang elit politik-korporat kroni kesekian lamanya. Mereka bingkas bangkit melaungkan ‘kepentingan Melayu’ (baca Umnoputera) terhakis dan tercabar.

Umno dan BN tidak sopan untuk rasa terlalu tertekan dan kaget dengan kesemua fenomena ini. Benar Umno/BN belum pernah menyaksikan sejumlah seramai 83 ahli parlimen pembangkang di Dewan Rakyat. Tidak juga mereka mengerti menjadi pembangkang di negeri-negeri selain Kelantan dan Terengganu. Umno/BN tidak pantas belajar.

Menghampiri 2 tahun, kerajaan BN di bawah PM masih belum menjumpai sentuhan ajaib mereka. Dulu kawalan kuasa mereka mutlak, total dan absolute. Tidak lagi kini. Tetapi tetap PM Najib dan Umno/BN semacam tidak faham, tidak mahu faham, buat-buat tidak faham atau juga tidak akan faham.

Penulis ingin berkongsi satu telahan tesis baru tetapi lama tertangguh. Tulisan ini dilakukan semata-mata untuk kebaikan bersama atas kehendak semangat persaingan demokrasi yang sihat dan matang bagi membawa negara ke mercu tanda dan garis prestasi yang lebih baik.

Najib dan Umno tidak wajar untuk terus menjatuhkan Pakatan Rakyat dengan serangan-serangan cara lama dalam era Politik Baru ini. Benar Umno/BN mungkin boleh berjaya, bahkan dah berjaya pun di Perak. Tetapi apa akibatnya? Betul mereka boleh membeli beberapa peribadi. Betul juga kerajaan boleh diguling. Tetapi apa risikonya?

Kini Perak akan kekal dalam satu ‘standoff’, satu ‘stalemate’ berpanjangan sehinggalah datang waktu untuk kembali kepada Mahkamah Rakyat. Mudaratnya terlalu luar biasa. Wibawa Sultan dan bahkan ‘integriti’ Istana turut terheret mencemar ke bawah duli, kedaulatan Sultan akibat terjerumus dalam ’real-politik’ rakyat. Umno kurang ambil pusing semua itu.

Benar politik pelbagai parti atau sistem ‘multi-party’ ala Westminster atau apa pun modelnya, bersifat ‘zero-sum’ atau ‘saling-memusnah’. Pertandingan di mana hanya ada satu pemenang, pada sifatnya memang ‘zero-sum’ – cukup ganas dan destruktif atau bertujuan memusnah lawan.

Umno/BN kini sedar bahawa yang didepani bukan sahaja PKR, PAS atau DAP secara berasingan. Umno amat insaf bahawa yang didepani kini ialah gandingan PKR, DAP dan PAS, yang kini merupakan satu blok koalisi yang disebut dengan jolokan Pakatan Rakyat, seperti juga Barisan Nasional yang punya 14 komponen.

Umno/BN pernah berdepan dengan ‘mahkluk koalisi’ ini pada parlimen ke-10, tetapi mudah dijatuhkan apabila mufakat politik itu sendiri menembak dirinya masing-masing. Habis bergelempangan sebelum PRU ke-11. PAS dan rakan-rakan lain dalam Barisan Alternatif (BA) masih tidak mahu menghimbau sejarah buruk pembangkang itu. Biar ia jadi sempadan politik yang wajib dijauhi. Umno tidak perlu menyerang sehebat kini kerana BA mati berkonflik dan berbunuh sesama sendiri. Amat tragis bagi harapan rakyat.

Tetapi lain halnya kini. Dulu DAP tak punya kuasa di negeri, Pun begitu Parti Keadilan Nasional dulu. Kini kesemua menerajui pemerintahan meskipun dalam semangat dan koalisi Pakatan Rakyat. Kuasa bukan segala-galanya. Tetapi jelasnya kuasa adalah segala-galanya yang mendatangkan keinsafan untuk bersatu bagi mengekalkannya. Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa kuasa pemerintahan pendorong utama kesatuan Pakatan Rakyat, bahkan kuasa ini juga pencetus utama penubuhan Pakatan Rakyat. Itu hakikat, jangan berselindung lagi. Lihat sahaja pengalaman di negeri Perak, meskipun kuasa hilang akibat angkara Najib dan Umno/BN. Hakikatnya Peraklah semantapnya keteguhan Pakatan Rakyat!

PM Najib akan terus silap kalau belum lagi belajar dan sedar bahawa ini Politik Baru. Kaedah peperangannya pun wajar ditukar dan strateginya memerlukan pemikiran baru.

Penulis mengesyorkan PM Najib perlu mendapatkan perunding baru dalam penentuan strategi dan pendekatan perang politiknya. Bukan sahaja melibatkan perunding luar untuk mengukir slogan indah 1- Malaysia. Sebelum itu biar penulis ’bersedekah’ ide supaya ia baik untuk semua. Tampaknya komoditi ide sangat mahal mutakhir ini. Tidak ramai yang berfikir. Tambahan berfikir secara berat atau strategik.

Telah sampai masanya PM Najib sedar bahawa rakyat juga turut bosan dengan serangan berterusan bagi menjatuhkan Pakatan. Rakyat mual dengan berpolitik khususnya dalam suasana ekonomi yang mandom dan kesulitan hidup yang terus menghempit rakyat teramai.

Najib serta Umno/BN wajar memahami bahawa kini rakyat kian celek dan punya pengetahuan kecuali yang masih terperangkap dalam kemiskinan dan terpinggir dari arus pembangunan ICT dan tidak punyai capaian media baru dan ledakan informasi.

Rakyat dan pengundi ’ruang tengah’ yang menjadi penentu dalam persaingan PRU ke-13 tidaklah semestinya para penyokong Pakatan Rakyat. Golongan Tengah ini terbuka bahkan mereka bukan kelompok partisan atau berpihak. Mereka hanya partisan atau berpihak kepada apa yang betul, apa yang adil dan apa yang boleh memajukan pengharapan dan cita-cita mereka. Sesungguhnya golongan tengah ini terbuka. Mereka tidak ta’asub kepada mana-mana parti atau pemimpin. Semua pihak mereka kritik termasuk pimpinan tertinggi Pakatan dalam PAS, PKR atau DAP. Pimpinan BN yang memimpin negara lagilah teruk mereka belasah.

Penulis menasihatkan supaya kedua-dua pihak membudayakan politik ’zero-sum’ yang berpaksikan pertandingan serta persaingan advokasi atau penampilan polisi serta gagasan pemerintahan dan persaingan keupayaan serta kompetensi pemerintahan dan integriti kepemimpinan. Dulu mungkin tak boleh. Tetapi kini boleh kerana sama-sama ada negeri. Hentikan politik ’zero-sum’ yang terlalu brutal dan tidak bertamaddun. Jangan terlalu ’kiasu’ atau takut kalah, kata orang Cina.

Dinamika Politik Baru dengan kerancakan persaingan politik sihat adalah penentu survival dayasaing negara dalam semua lapangan hidup termasuk moral, budaya, ekonomi dan perdagangan. Sementara itu agama dihayati, disanjungi, diraikan dan dilindungi. Agama menjadi penyatu dan bukan pemecah. Yang eksklusif hanya Aqidah dan Ibadah, sementara moral dan nilai dikongsi ramai menjadi penyeri dan budaya negara. Penyatuan insaniyah diikat dengan Tuhan (baca Allah) pencipta seru semesta alam. Disitu kita bersatu dan berpadu meskipun punya agama dan budaya yang berbeza. Ini natijah politik Baru yang celek agama dan budaya. Enakmen-enakmen lama negeri-negeri BN dulu terasa canggung dan usang serta perlu dirujuk atau ’revisit’ (baca Ijtihad) segera.

Politik Baru mahukan pesaing-pesaing politik dan pelaku utamanya, membuktikan kepada rakyat siapa yang lebih punya wibawa dan integrti serta kesungguhan dan komitmen untuk memperjuangkan rakyat sekaligus menjadikan ekonomi punya daya saing yang tinggi dan membawa negara keluar dari krisis serta kemelut yang tidak berkesudahan. Rakyat menilai ”Siapa yang lebih memahami Perubahan dan Bagaimana untuk menjayakannya!”. Itu ukuran wibawa yang hakiki. Sama-sama punya kekuatan dan kepimpinan. Kini sama-sama punya pengalaman dan ketokohan.

Wajarlah dalam membudayakan Politik Baru yang lebih sihat, matang dan berwibawa, supaya PM Najib dan Umno/BN menghitung kembali segala urus-tadbir yang telah membelakangi segala tuntutan pemerintahan yang telus, bertanggungjawab dan adil. Bahkan tidak ada cara lain bagi penulis untuk PM Najib membuktikan bahawa beliau komited dengan ’Reformasi’ dan Perubahan yang serius serta tulen, kecuali dengan memperbetulkan sebahagian besar yang salah dan bobrok dari regim lama.

Kerajaan Umno/BN di bawah PM Najib mesti berani mengambil langkah-langkah drastik bagi memperbetulkan segala kesilapan pemimpin lama Umno. Atas komitmen, keteguhan serta kecekalan ini akan ditentukan wibawa beliau, bukan kerana retorika yang molok ciptaan perunding luar. Cukuplah.

PM Najib perlu berani memberhentikan segera segala kereputan yang sedang melanda institusi-institusi negara akibat pencerobohan berterusan pihak Eksekutif. Pertama Institusi Kehakiman atau Judisiari. Segala yang menjadikan negara bahan lawak dan jenaka dunia perlu segera direformasi. Contoh jelas ialah tindakan ke atas syor Surahanjaya Kes Video Lingam yang berakhir dengan NFA atau ”No-Further-Action” amat memalukan sistem perlantikan kehakiman meskipun kita telah punya Surahanjaya Perlantikan Kehakiman atau SPK.

Bersimpang-siur keputusan penghakiman yang acap ditebalikkan juga mengaibkan institusi judisiari yang integritinya dikoyak-robek oleh campurtangan pihak Eksekutif. Terkini Babak Kedua Kes Sodomi Anwar.Negara sekali lagi dikandang orang salah.

Pun begitu imej SPRM yang perlu segera mendapat suntikan reformasi bagi mengelakkan persepsi buruk terhadapnya sejak dari permulaan penubuhan yang dihantui dengan kes pembunuhan malang mediang Teoh Beng Hock.

Bagi menginstitusikan amalan federalisme yang lebih utuh dan matang, hentikan segera segala amalan yang mensabotaj amalan demokrasi berpesekutuan atau federalisme dengan menghormati segala hak-hak kerajaan negeri yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan atau apa jua janji yang termeterai dalam laluan evolusi pembangunan negara.

Ini termasuk isu royalti minyak dalam Akta Kemajuan Petroleum, 1974 yang antara lain bersekali dengan ”Vesting Deeds”, 1975 atau perajnjian antara negeri, Pusat dan Petronas yang mentakrifkan hak masing-masing. Cukup menjejaskan integriti negara ketika kerajaan menukar status bayaran menjadi wang ehsan. Bolehkah apabila kita berhutang danwajib membayar, ketika kita bayar balik kita kata kita bersedekah kepada orang yang kita pinjam dulu. Malu besar. Rakyat sedang memerhatikan. PM Najib patut malu, meskipun Mustapha Muhammad tidak dan Ibrahim Ali lagi tak tahu malu.

Pendukung Politik Baru mahukan pemain-pemain utama poitik supaya menghormati segala perjanjian-perjanjian yang telah termetrai dan mendukungi kesucian janji-janji atau aqad-aqad tersebut sebagai masyarakat yang bertamaddun dan bermaruah. Ini tidak wajar dibatasi dengan perhitungan samada negeri tersebut diperintah dibawah BN atau Pakatan seperti Kelantan atau Terengganu. Kedua punya hak dan tanggungjawab. Memangsakan rakyat kerana mereka memilih pembangkang adalah politik kuno, usang dan lapok.

Amat wajar bagi PM Najib mengetahui bahawa beliau berdepan dengan rakyat yang jauh lebih celek dan berpengetahuan. Pakatan bersedia mengorak langkah baru untuk terus memperbaikki amalan demokrasi di negara ini. Bahkan Pakatan dan rakyat bersedia untuk melakukan lebih dari itu bagi membangunkan negara bertuah ini.

Kalau pun Najib bersedia untuk berubah dengan 1-Malaysianya, ternyata Timbalannya dengan sebahagian besar keahlian Umno bersekali dengan Perkasa masih mahu kekal di garis politik lama dan usang berpaksikan kononnya ”Ketuanan Melayu”. Amat malang. Kesinambungan survival Melayu bahkan negara tidak terpahat pada tongkat yang diberikan Umno. Penulis mengajak pembaca merenung tesis serta tuntutan Politik Baru ini.

Akhir kalam, penulis tinggalkan makalah panjang ini dengan beberapa soalan:

Apakah PM Najib benar-benar bersedia untuk berubah? Ataukah beliau akan diubah? Persoalan besarnya, oleh siapa?

Mampukah Najib Mendepani Tuntutan Era Politik ?

Dzulkefly warns PAS against taking caning bait

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Top PAS strategist Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (picture) described the recent Syariah caning of three women for illicit sex as politically-motivated, cautioned his party against being baited in the issue by rival Umno.

The Kuala Selangor MP said Islam true teachings meant a system of justice and fairness for all without cruelty and corruption, adding those caught for any offence must be able to exhaust all avenues before getting punished.

“It is obvious the canings are politically motivated. PAS and Pakatan must not allow itself to take the bait,” Dzulkefly said in a statement released in the PAS party organ website Harakahdaily when commenting on the caning.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein announced on Wednesday that three Muslim women found guilty of engaging in illicit sex had been caned under the Syariah law — the first time women in the country have been punished this way.

The caning at 10am on Feb 9 was carried out the Kajang Prison where two of the women were given six strokes of the rotan, while the third was hit four times. The minister did not specifically say their partners were caned but added four men also received the punishment.

Dzulkefly noted that Malaysia has parallel legal systems — civil and Syariah, which he said stressed on open and fair trials to prevent mistakes in carrying out punishments.

“Currently, the civil courts are more established but while PAS supports the further development of the Syariah courts, the most important thing is that at the end of the day, Malaysia is governed by law and order.

“As a responsible Islamic party, PAS is not only committed to Pakatan but to the true teachings of Islam. And true teachings of Islam means a system of justice and fairness for all, without the cruelty and corruption, the cronyism and abuse of power, the looting of the country’s coffers and the abandonment of ethics and principles that are now the signature of the current administration,” he added.

Dzulkefly said PAS and its coalition partners in the Pakatan Rakyat must ensure that all forms of crime and corruption should be eliminated apart from social ills.

“The issue of PAS competing with Umno on Islamisation does not arise for such matters as long as the main issues of faith and governance are not addressed,” he added.

MCA Political Education Bureau chairman Gan Ping Sieu said while it accepted Syariah laws are personal laws and syariah jurisdiction applies to Muslims only, “its application should in no event contravene the Federal Constitution”.

“MCA laments the speedy and stealthy manner of the caning cases by the relevant law enforcement authority has conveyed a distasteful impression of our criminal justice system.

“MCA maintains its position that supremacy of the Federal Constitution whereupon Article 8 reads that there should be no discrimination on the basis of gender therefore equality for all, including equality towards Muslim women must be upheld,” Gan added.

Like a dog chasing its tail

WHILE the three Muslim women caught for engaging in pre-marital sex have been caned, the case of beer-drinking model Kartika Shukarno is still up in the air.

Pahang Islamic Religious Department director Abdul Manan Abdul Rahman had a definitive message when he told us that Kartika’s punishment by caning would be concluded after her audience with the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang.

With this piece of welcome news, the general public breathed a collective sigh of relief that Kartika’s ordeal would soon be over.

Abdul Manan had said, "After receiving the green light, we are prepared to carry out the sentence at any time," and continued, "Kartika has to seek an audience with the Tengku Mahkota before a decision can be made."

He also confirmed Tengku’s willingness to grant an audience.

Progress not!

In other words, we are back at square one and nothing has changed.

Although Kartika paid her fine, the second portion of her sentence is delayed because of legal and political controversies. The whipping was postponed till after Ramadan.

She was even advised to appeal. But why should she appeal? And why should she meet the Tengku? She has confessed to her crime, accepted her sentence and paid the fine. She has put the ball firmly in the Syariah court.

However, the authorities are hesitant to whip her as international condemnation and disgust from NGOs and feminist groups, have added to the pressure on Pahang.

Compounding the problem was lack of a suitably trained person to carry out the punishment (for whipping women). To further complicate matters, the Sultan disapproves of the sentence.

What began as a display of power and might, has descended into a farcical loss of face. The authorities knew that Muslims who drink alcohol would be whipped; however, they didn’t envisage that women would drink alcohol (male offenders are routinely whipped and Kartika seems to have set a precedent).

There seems to be unpreparedness in the ill-formulated Syariah laws. Now, they are trying to pass the buck to the Sultan and put him into an invidious position.

The whole episode is like a dog chasing its own tail.

Normally, Malays and Muslims are extremely sensitive to criticism of Islam.

But the Kartika issue has divided opinion, even among Malays. Some want compassion to be shown; others believe she should be punished.

Fallout

Whatever it is, the delay has caused her marriage to fail; she suffers mental health problems and her children especially her eldest child who needs special treatment, are denied an education.

Her elderly father has to help support her and her chances of study and employment in Singapore are scuppered.

The men who hold the moral high ground may have failed to see whipping as barbaric. They probably don’t appreciate the gravity of how a personal choice became a political and religious football. They may never admit that Pahang/Malaysian Syariah law is chaotic and cruel.

It is fine to apprehend wrong-doers and sentence them. But if the authorities don’t have the courage of their convictions to punish, then it’s pointless making arrests.

Until a person in authority is willing to act decisively, Kartika’s life remains in limbo.

Najib tak erti budaya Tionghua

Sebaik sahaja menjelang Raya orang Tionghua, Gong xi Fa Cai, maka menteri menteri, rakyat keturunan Tionghua sibuk mengucapkan gongxifacai sambil menunjukkan isyarat jari, PM Najib bersama Taikoh Umno masing masing melawat Jalan Petaling, khasnya mengujungi pasaraya dan mengucapkan Gongxifacai sambil menunjuk isyarat jarinya.

By antimamak

Kalau lah diperhatikandengan teliti, PM Najib yang begitu bodoh hingga tidak menetahui isyarat jari Gongxifacainya telah silap, beliau telah menunjuk tangan yang terbalik. dimana cara isyarat jarinya menyerupai pendekar Guangdong Huang Fei Hung, yang bersedia untuk menunjukkan kongfunya. nampaknya cara isyarat jari Gongxifacai Najib itu belajar dari Monggolia.

Sebagai seorang pemimpin negara, isyarat tangan pun sudah salah, ini menunjukkan Najib tidak bergaul dengan masyarakat Tionghua, malah segala yang dilakukan oleh beliau adalah bertentangan dengan kaum Tionghua. Ini lah PM yang paling bodoh dan tidak peka atas budaya rakyatnya. cubalah fikir, kalaulah isyarat jari Gongxifacai pun tidak mengerti, bagaimanakah beliau boleh memimpin negara, Lihatlah taikoh taikoh yang berdampingi beliau telah menunjukkan isyarat kongfu seolah olah telah menakluki masyarakat Tionghua Malaysia.

Explanation:

If you aware with Yijing 易经, Book of Change, the old script Shanhai Jing 山海经, usually as Chinese taking lefthand / left side as Qinglong, Left hand -- Green Dragon stands for property, marriage, prosperity, wood will be, the main treasure, marriage, celebrations and so forth ….

Right hand side is White tiger Golden tiger, who would be fierce as a golden god, White tiger stays at Ken-Sheng. This signifies illness, death, access, devices injury and other things, villains that damage health. Intrinsic to the West, gold, slaughter, fierce people, mourning the patient. In delving deeper into the meaning, it can also mean gold and silver, swords, fighting, police, criminal ….

The difference is left hand above right fisted hand is showing that, qinglong above bai hu (white tiger).

Right fisted hand is Bai hu, it stands as struggling, fighting, death, fierce and so on. If you are wise, you can judge Najib gongxifacai was wrong with his hand gesture. In reality his hand greeting gesture is showing you that he is in a struggling period.

So when you wish somebody, or greet someone, putting your hand gesture in the middle of your body, it stands as wishing from the heart.

Don't cane women just to go one-up on Pakatan

By Wong Choon Mei, Harakah

Accusing the Umno-BN of hatching a political plot at the expense of the people, Pakatan Rakyat leaders have slammed Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for his over-simplistic explanation over the controversial caning of three Muslim women aged between 17 and 25.

“There are a few key reasons why the government suddenly decided to cane the three women. Firstly, it thinks that by doing so, it can arouse nationalist Malay feelings and support for Umno when the international condemnation pours in,” PKR strategist Tian Chua told Harakahdaily.

“Secondly, to trap the Pakatan Rakyat and make it look like a stooge for the West because the sounds coming from the global human rights groups echo the sort of reforms that Pakatan has been urging the government to undertake.

“Thirdly, it is to lure PAS into a ‘who-is-the-bigger-defender of Islam game – Umno or PAS’? If PAS takes the bait, it may create disharmony with its Pakatan partners, especially DAP.”

Political motivations

On Friday, Muhyiddin - who is also Umno deputy president - brushed aside snowballing international criticism, insisting that what was important was to ensure that Muslims in Malaysia abided by and honoured their religion.

“The caning punishment meted out by the Syariah court is legal and how the international community looks at it, is up to them,” he told reporters after chairing a Cabinet committee meeting.

But few Malaysians are convinced by his show of religious altruism and suspect bad faith and political opportunism in his response. Indeed, Muhyiddin has been quick to jump to the government's defense over the hot issue - even before his boss Prime Minister Najib Razak has made any official comment.

Of late, the 63-year leader from southern Johor state has taken care to champion Malay causes and Umno watchers believe he is keen to make his move against the younger but indecisive Najib.

Malays and Muslims predominate in Malaysia, forming 60 percent of the 27 million population. As the single largest electorate with the power to decide who forms the federal government, the community is split fairly evenly between Umno and PAS, with PKR enjoying a smaller but also significant share.

“It is obvious the canings are politically motivated. PAS and Pakatan must not allow itself to take the bait,” PAS strategist Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told Harakahdaily.

“In this country, we have parallel legal systems – civil and Islamic. Currently, the civil courts are more established but while PAS supports the further development of the Syariah courts, the most important thing is that at the end of the day, Malaysia is governed by law and order.

“As a responsible Islamic party, PAS is not only committed to Pakatan but to the true teachings of Islam. And true teachings of Islam means a system of justice and fairness for all, without the cruelty and corruption, the cronyism and abuse of power, the looting of the country’s coffers and the abandonment of ethics and principles that are now the signature of the current administration.”

Where's MCA, Gerakan, MIC?

On Wednesday, the Home Ministry announced that three Muslim women found guilty of engaging in illicit sex had been caned under the Syariah law - the first time women in the country have been punished this way.

The caning was conducted at 10am more than a week ago on February 9 at the Kajang Prison. Two of the women were given six strokes of the rotan, while the third was hit four times.

The news evoked an immediate storm of protests from civil society groups both within and outside the country. But despite the ruckus, BN components - the MCA, MIC and Gerakan - have not made any comment against their dominant coalition partner - Umno.

“The expediency and the secrecy reek of bad faith and betray a troubling disregard for public opinion on an issue that has drawn attention around the globe,” All Women’s Action Society president Sofia Lim Siu Ching said in a press release.

Sisters in Islam executive director Dr Hamidah Marican questioned why the men involved in the three cases were unpunished. She said the canings would only constitute further discrimination against Muslim women in Malaysia.

"We would like to know whether the men involved were also found guilty for illicit sex and similarly sentenced and caned," Hamidah said in a press release.

“It violates constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination as the whipping of women under Syariah Criminal Offences legislation contradicts civil law where women are not punishable by caning under Section 289 of the Criminal Procedure Code."

Clowns managing a Country

When I switch on the TV and open the papers, BN is right there in front of me. Day in, day out they’re out nailing the opposition. If only they would channel that energy towards truthfully helping the ‘rakyat’ but no, hell no; instead it’s all about finding fault with the opposition.

By A very concerned Batman

Notice how many times Perak, Penang and Selangor hit the headlines almost every week without fail the last one year. And most recently Kelantan has joined the lineup of being assaulted by BN.

What does BN take us for? Ignorant and naive citizens? I for one beg to differ and consider myself analytical and critical of my surroundings. BN to me represents hypocrisy to the highest order. Allow me to elaborate. Besides, a true democracy allows its citizens to voice out their opinions and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

The procurement of 5 states by the opposition through a valid democratic voting system is a testament of the people’s true feelings and objections of the previous ruling coalition and their obvious outcry for change. Now, to forcefully reoccupy these states by hook or by crook is incriminatingly undemocratic. BN thinks the people of Perak are forgetful and time will heal but I doubt that.

They are using a different tact in Penang by constantly harassing and provoking the Chief Minister. I notice many a time racial and religious issues are used to incite civil unrest. The extent to which some would go to, to regain power is degrading. I for one would never support any party with such intentions and neither would anyone in the right state of mind. In this day and age we should do away with racial and religious politics and every man should be treated equally and rewarded meritocratically.

Though being a minority, I think I can boastfully claim that I’m a true Malaysian for I love and appreciate all my friends of whatever race without any prejudice. It’s the government that is sowing the discord amongst the races and anyone with average intelligence should take heed.

Lately, the incredibly embarrassing protest of UMNO in front of the Australian Embassy is something I find very appalling. Not only did they show how uncivilized they were by depicting one of the banners with the tagline ‘to hell with Australia’, they also have generally paved a very bad name for every Malaysian currently studying, working and residing in Australia. The extent to which they have gone to jeopardize international relations have self-labelled themselves as dis-credible and unfit in managing this country any further. What these people stand for does not represent the thoughts and views of the general population of Malaysia. I think we’re way more intelligent and accountable than them.

Muhyiddin is among the most unqualified persons in the Najib Cabinet to talk about the doctrine of separation of powers

By Lim Kit Siang,

I never thought that a day would come when Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin could prate about the doctrine of separation of powers.

Who is he to suggest that I am confused and do not understand separation of powers for asking for an emergency Parliamentary meeting on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy2 charges.

This is because Muhyiddin is among the most unqualified persons in the Najib Cabinet to talk about the doctrine of separation of powers.

The doctrine of separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary suffered the worst erosion and emasculation, subversion and sabotage since the “mother of all judicial crisis” in 1988 when the then Lord President Tun Salleh Abas and Supreme Court judges were sacked for not complying with the whims and fancies of the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

If Muhyiddin had any doubts about the perversion and subversion of the doctrine of separation of powers in the past two decades, he need only ask his Cabinet colleague, Datuk Dr. Rais Yatim who had written a doctoral thesis on the subject – although Rais had recanted his views to get back to the Cabinet.

Did Muhyiddin, who was already occupying high government and political office in 1988, ever spoken up or lifted a finger against the subversion and sabotage of the doctrine of separation of powers in the past two decades – when the judiciary fell from its high international fame and standing before 1988 to the lowest depths of world-wide notoriety equivalent to a “rogue judiciary”?

If not, what right has he now to feign or claim concern about separation of powers?

It is precisely because the doctrine of separation of powers had been so battered and subverted, with the Malaysian judiciary fighting a losing battle to regain national and international confidence in its independence, impartiality and integrity seven years after the end of Mahathir premiership, that the dropping of Anwar’s Sodomy2 charges is generally regarded as an important step to re-establish the doctrine of separation of powers in Malaysia.

Hence, the relevance and importance of the call for an emergency meeting of Parliament on Anwar’s Sodomy2 charges.

Just commission public opinion poll and Najib will know whether majority of Malaysians buy his claim that Anwar’s Sodomy 2 trial is “a personal, not p

By Lim Kit Siang,

In rejecting my call for an emergency meeting of Parliament on Parliamentary Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy2 trial, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak does protest too much.

Najib said the Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy2 trial does not warrant a special sitting of Parliament as it is a private matter between two individuals, that it does not involve government policy and not a matter of national interest.

I challenge Najib to commission a public opinion poll and the Prime Minister will know whether the majority of Malaysians buy his claim that the Anwar Sodomy2 trial is “a personal, not political trial”.

Extend the opinion poll to all keen observers of Malaysian affairs world-wide and there can be no doubt that the overwhelming majority of opinion – whether national or international – will be of the view that the Anwar Sodomy2 trial is a political, not personal, trial!

Najib can entrust the Minister for KPI and 1Malaysia Government Transformation Programme, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon with the responsibility to commission such national and international opinion polls, and I have no doubt of their outcomes.

This is why Najib was only demonstrating his “denial syndrome” when he claimed that the Anwar Sodomy2 trial did not involve government policy and was not a matter of national interest.

Is Najib really unaware that national and international confidence in Malaysian governance, an important element for Malaysia’s declining international competitiveness, hinges considerably on the process and outcome of the Anwar Sodomy2 trial, which explains the presence of international observers at the trial?

Furthermore, if Anwar’s Sodomy2 trial was a strictly personal and not a national matter, why is Najib dispatching a high-powered mission comprising three top officials comprising the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, the Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and former Chief Justice, Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad to Washington next week to sell the Barisan Nasional Government’s case in response to the criticism by John Kerry, chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the Anwar Sodomy2 trial?

In fact, the demonstration by a handful of Barisan Nasional MPs outside the Australian High Commission on Thursday, protesting against the call by 50 Australian MPs for the dropping of the Sodomy2 charges against Anwar, has further internationalized the issue, debunking the stance that Anwar’s Sodomy2 trial is “a personal, not political trial”.

If Anwar’s Sodomy2 trial is escalating into an increasingly bigger international issue, Najib must thank the handful of BN MPs who had attracted even greater international attention with their puerile demonstration outside the Australian High Commission to the issue.

The handful of BN MPs who protested outside the Australian High Commission against the 50 Australian MPs two days ago had misrepresented the stand of Parliament on the Anwar Sodomy2 trial and this itself would be sufficient reason for the convening of an emergency meeting of Parliament on a matter which vitally concerns the restoration of national and international confidence in the independence, integrity and professionalism of key national institutions in the country.

Is Najib worried that he will not be able to get the solid support of every Barisan Nasional MP if there is an emergency meeting of Parliament on the matter?

Accused cop tells clinic of Kugan's injuries

The accused in the trial of the case of A Kugan, who died in police custody, told a clinic in person that the detainee was gravely ill, the Sessions Court was told today.

Dr Baldev Singh Gill, 43, said constable V Navindran asked him to go to the Taipan USJ police station in Subang Jaya where the detainee, who was being questioned over a car theft in January 2009, needed a treatment.

"The accused looked worried and panic as if it was an emergency. I rushed to the police station," said Baldev Singh, whose clinic is about 200m away.

The doctor said he was brought to the interrogation room on the second floor of the police station where he saw the detainee was seating on the floor with his back leaning to the wall.

Baldev Singh is the second prosecution witness at the trial of a constable with the Subang USJ police station, V Navindran, 28, who was charged with causing grievous hurt to Kugan, 23, who died while in police custody.

The offences were allegedly committed at the interrogation room of the D9 office of the Taipan police station at 7am and 4pm on Jan 16.

Navindran, who is represented by PM Nagarajan, faces two alternative charges of causing hurt to Kugan at the same place and time.

Kugan was detained by the police on Jan 15 on suspicion of being involved in a car theft but died several days later.

Doc saw old wounds on ankle, forearms

Baldev Singh said he checked Kugan's pulse on the neck and wrists and there were no signs of breathing.

"I then used a torchlight to beam into his (Kugan's) eyes and there were no reactions and I also used a stethoscope to check his heart beat but there were also no signs of breathing," he added.

To a question from deputy public prosecutor Lailawati Ali whether there were injury marks on Kugan, Baldev Singh said there were old wounds on his ankle and forearms.

"After examining the victim and found out that he was already dead, I told a police officer to inform a government hospital for a post-mortem to be conducted on the detainee," added Baldev Singh.

He said however, his examination could not conclude the cause of death, instead it should be determined by a post-mortem.

The trial before judge Aslam Zainuddin was adjourned to Monday.

- Bernama

Gov't pathologist disputes Pornthip's finding

Indians excluded from 20 Top schools

It’s so obvious and glaring to all except for the racist extremist and supremacist UMNO.

P. Uthayakumar

1,000 poor Indians needing welfare registered in one day. This is the height of the Indian poor in Malaysia and also the real tip of the iceberg.

But this MIC Indian mandore has no powers to approve the government welfare help. He can only put up a wayang kulit that he is helping the Indians. The MIC mandore was shocked to see such a number of people registering, showing that the MIC was really out of touch with the ground reality, where poverty is widespread.

P. Uthayakumar

No water for Indians in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur

But 360,000 rural malay muslims get water. (refer 26/1/2010 at page N 9)

Kugan brutally murdered in police custody.

But these is no history of any policeman ever been prosecuted for murder or manslaughter. So will Kugan ever get justice in the Malaysian Courts. The court wants to visit the crime scene police station in Taipan, Subang Jaya, not knowing that the police station has been demolished and a new police station has been constructed in it’s place. The police themselves have destroyed the crime scene.

P. Uthayakumar

National cemetery in the making. The Sun headlines 8/1/10.

Hindu cemeteries are indiscriminately demolished by both the UMNO and also the PKR, DAP and PAS state governments. The latest being cemetery in Kuala Ketil by the Kedah PAS led state government in December 2009 and the Rawang Hindu cemetery by the PKR led Selangor State government. Whereas the federal government is spending public money to host ‘national heroes’! Who are these national heroes? And why not a crematorium for these ‘national heroes’?

S. Jayathas

UMNO’s Mara to groom only malay muslim entrepreneurs to become millionaires. (refer NST 27/1/2010 at page 24)

When Malaysians right in Kuala Lumpur do not have access to water or live in dilapidated houses, Umno through it’s wing Mara is more concerned in grooming malays to become millionaires!

Rosmah denies role in PM’s decisions

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is relaxed during the interview with Hello Malaysia at Wisma Bernama last night. - Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor last night dismissed the notion that she is a hidden hand behind her husband, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s decision-making process as prime minister.

The prime minister’s wife has been a frequent target of government critics and the opposition who allege she has undue influence on the nearly year-old Najib Administration.

“I have not heard about it, but it is not something that I am sensitive of as it is not true. Maybe I am a bit vocal or gregarious... I like to have friends unlike Datuk Najib, who is a bit reserved.

“But it does not mean that since Datuk Najib is a reserved person, I am making the decisions... I am the type, who will voice out my dissatisfaction, but once said, it is done. I do not harbour feelings,” she said in an interview on Hello Malaysia over BernamaTV at Wisma Bernama here Friday night.

Rosmah said although Najib is a man of not many words, he should not be underestimated.

“I always tell others not to underestimate Datuk Najib, he is not easily angered but do not provoke him. If he is angry, there is no forgiveness for you.

“Datuk does not say much but he registered what is happening around him. If I made a mistake, he will reprimand me. If he stomp his feet, it will shudder me.

“What is important we are close to each other where we can talk things over, we laugh and share jokes as it is important that a leader should not be so stressed out.

“So when he comes home, we watch tv together, we go out to dinner together. In short, we are best friends,” she said.

Rosmah said as a wife, she would look after her husband’s needs such as food, clothes and health.

“When he is at home, I will not go out unless I have prior engagements. I will also ensure that Datuk Najib stay fit by doing exercise at the gym.

“I will ensure that he is not worried by haggling over petty maters as he should focus his thoughts on the people and the country,” she added.

Rosmah has been active on her own accord to push for pre-school education for children and has been promoting the Permata programme which has received RM200 million from the government.

The opposition and fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin have tried to link Najib and Rosmah to the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibuu in October 2006 but both have denied it.

Najib joined politics after his father, second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, died in 1976 and was named the country’s sixth prime minister last April 3.

He took office promising to unify the people and revive the economy on the slogan of 1Malaysia. People First, Performance Now; but a dispute over the term ‘Allah’ being used by a Catholic weekly, and this month’s caning of three Muslim women for illicit sex has soured his plans.

Najib recently unveiled an ambitious Government Transformation Programme (GTP) focused on six key areas that will, among others, improve the economy while reducing crime and corruption.

He has also liberalised 27 economic sub-sectors and will introduce, what he calls a New Economic Model based on innovation and creativity to propel Malaysia into developed nation status.

BN looks to grow family

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will soon adopt a formal policy to recognise political parties and NGOs friendly to the coalition at a national convention scheduled for end 2010.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak (left), who announced the plan tonight, said the convention will amend BN’s constitution to adopt the policy, intended to strengthen the coalition.

“We agreed that a Barisan Nasional convention will be held at the end of the year. We will amend the Barisan Nasional constitution with the purpose of being more open and inclusive.

“A special committee also has been established and will be headed by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. The committee will study the proposal to amend the constitution, which will be approved by the supreme council before it is tabled at the convention,” Najib said after chairing the BN supreme council meeting in PWTC.

He added the convention would also discuss how the governing coalition would go about assimilating these parties and individuals.

“We will consider how we can deal by recognising political parties that are interested in supporting Barisan Nasional... [and] also individuals that would like to join Barisan Nasional together with NGOs that are friendly with Barisan Nasional.

“We do not yet have a formal policy for these three groups and it is important for us to determine what formal policies are needed to ensure that these groups are given the necessary recognition,” he said.

The BN lost its traditional two-thirds parliamentary majority and four states in Election 2008, when the opposition combined to make historic gains under the Pakatan Rakyat banner led by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The great Penang Malays ethnic cleansing debate

Councillors strike back at Penang Malay chamber president

Written by Regina William, The Edge

Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMPP) president Rizal Faris Mohideen, up in arms against the state government for targeting Malay hawkers and traders, hardly did justice to his appointment as a municipal councillor from May 2008 until February 2009.

At a press conference, several DAP municipal councillors said Rizal hardly attended meetings during his tenure.

"He had every opportunity to raise these grouses, if indeed there were any, during his stint as a municipal councillor as he was in three permanent committees namely finance, public health and development planning and an observer with the One Stop Centre (OSC) committee," said DAP municipal councillor Ong Ah Teong.

"He only attended one OSC meeting out of 29, never attended any of the 13 finance committee meetings, development planning out of seven meetings he only attended once, and public health which is relevant and important to discuss about traders he only attended four out of nine meetings.

"Though he chaired the panel for night markets and traders interviews, never did he for once call for a meeting of the panel.

"When the interviews were held, out of 19 interviews he only attended five. The night market committee meetings, out of six he only attended one.

"How can he claim to have been fighting for the Malay traders when his performance as a municipal councillor was wanting."

Ong said Rizal only attended three out of 10 full council meetings while he only attended one out of three special council meetings.

Mohamad Yusoff Mohamed Noor, a municipal councillor from PAS, said throughout Rizal's tenure, Rizal attended a total of 16 meetings out of 97 meetings held.

"I believe no other municipal councillor has had such a bad track record as him.

"The DPMPP should focus its attention on minding its own business instead of interfering in the administration of the state government.

"It is sad that the DPMPP has resorted to playing politics and being made use of by some parties.

"The DPMPP should remove its sole representative in the MPPP if it strongly feels that its representation in the council has not been effective.

"Their place can be given to another deserving NGO who can play its role effectively," he added.

Another municipal councillor Zulkifli Mohd Noor believed Rizal was desperate to seek publicity as the DPMPP is scheduled to carry out elections this year.

"He is trying to garner support for himself by playing the race card," he added.

Dr M and Ku Li at it again?

Interestingly both men appear to enjoy a degree of immunity, criticizing the government with impunity. No one will act against them. This suggests that they both command a high level of respect if not wariness from the authorities.

CERITALAH by KARIM RASLAN, MySinchew

Contemporary Malaysian history is cyclical, not linear. We are fated to repeat ourselves: why have one Razak as Prime Minister, when you can have two? Or settle for just Lim Kit Siang instead of Lim Guan Eng as well?

On a more dispiriting note, if we can have Sodomy1, why not Sodomy2? And since Dr Mahathir toppled one Premier--Tunku Abdul Rahman, why not a second, Tun Abdullah Badawi?

Thankfully though, we've never actually repeated the race riots of May '69--proof perhaps that we Malaysians are more evolved than our leaders.

Still, we retain a healthy respect for age. Whatever we might really think about the increasingly irascible Dr Mahathir, we continue to defer to him in public.

For much of the past twenty years Dr Mahathir--having wiped out all the opponents from his generation--has dominated the political stage. Indeed, his toughest challengers have been much younger men--most notably, Anwar Ibrahim.

Now, however, we're presented with a curious development: Dr Mahathir has suddenly got company in the 'Grand Old Statesman' category once again.

Tengku Razaleigh, the Kelantan prince has found his voice. Sidelined for decades, Razaleigh has emerged as a potent voice for Middle Malaysia. With his princely pedigree and easy-going personality, he straddles the nation's contradictions comfortably, from Nik Aziz to Anandakrishnan, 'Joe' Pairin and any number of prominent Chinese tycoons.

At the same time his familiarity with the Malay elite--the various Royal houses, the military, the police, the Bumiputra businessmen and the civil service means that he is accepted by those who've always felt a little discomfited by Anwar's populism. Invigorated by his arguments on oil royalties, Razaleigh has staged an almighty comeback.

Indeed, it appears as if we're witnessing a replay of their mid-80's battle to dominate UMNO. However, back in 1987 when their rivalry brought the country to a near halt, the contest was factional. Frankly, there was little to differentiate them ideologically.

This time round the differences are stark. Indeed they represent contrasting views of both UMNO and Malaysia. In one respect, at least someone in the political firmament is moving forward!

So what has happened? Basically, Dr Mahathir has gravitated to his traditional conservative position. He now graces events organized by Perkasa, a 'Tea Party'-like pressure group seeking to force UMNO into greater ethnocentrism.

He has resurrected the Malay-ultra rhetoric of his angry youth, warning the community to unite lest the community lose power to Malaysia’s restive minorities.

There is no doubt that this has caused difficulties for Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently trying to win back non-Malay support without antagonizing Dr Mahathir. The PM is walking a tightrope.

Razaleigh on the other hand, has called for greater pluralism and civil liberties. Indeed, in doing so he has noticeably broken ranks with UMNO’s leadership who have rejected such ideas altogether.

The Kelantanese prince’s independent-minded remarks reached a crescendo at a gathering in Kota Baru where he called for the Federal government to honour its obligations under the Petroleum Act.

Razaleigh has also decried the state of justice in Malaysia and the growing ethnic polarization. To him, Malaysia’s democracy was "existing in name, but grievously compromised in substance, reality and fact."

Malaysians are presented with a richly-ironic situation. Two of the most venerable political leaders are presenting a very young nation with entirely separate visions of the country’s future.

Interestingly both men appear to enjoy a degree of immunity, criticizing the government with impunity. No one will act against them. This suggests that they both command a high level of respect if not wariness from the authorities.

Moreover, they also represent a living connection with Malaysia’s first two premiers, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak. This invests them both with a mantle of authority--especially as UMNO is trying to find its 'groove'.

Nonetheless, the really important link is with the late Tun Razak. Both men were instrumental in implementing the New Economic Policy. As such, both are responsible to some degree for the fraught race-relations that we are now facing up to as a nation.

However, Tengku appears to be stepping back from the NEP--not unlike Anwar Ibrahim--concerned at the abuses and losses. Dr Mahathir, conversely, has clung to the policy steadfastly.

To be fair, Dr Mahathir’s current stance is also indicative of what appears to be his frustration at the possibility of seeing his legacy destroyed. He has been straight-forward in condemning UMNO's poor human capital.

The cyclical nature of our politics I mentioned earlier means we tend to be enamoured with dynastic politics. This often leads to more paradoxes.

On one hand, we have an aristocrat pushing for more openness in Malaysia. On the other, a scion of the middle-class opposes anything of the sort. But perhaps this is not so surprising.

Sadly, I'm not sure UMNO members recognize the ideological differences between Tengku Razaleigh and Dr Mahathir. Patronage politics--contracts and more contracts--remains the central issue and Tengku doesn't have the money to splash around.

In the end it's not about the men themselves, it's about UMNO and where the party chooses to go. Will the members veer to the right or will it assume a more moderate stance? At least we have two contrasting visions.

RPK Speaks His Mind - Why Self Exile (Part 1)

MACC senior officer charged with graft

(Bernama) - An assistant superintendent with the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was charged in the Sessions Court here Friday with bribery involving RM250,000.

M. Mohan, 37, who is charged with two counts of bribery, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to both charges before judge Azhanis Teh Azman Teh.

He is alleged to have solicited RM250,000 from one A. Sinnaiah as an inducement not to proceed with the investigation on the latter for allegedly bribing officials of the National Registration Department and the Immigration Department.

Mohan is also charged with agreeing to receive a bribe of RM200,000 from Sinnaiah for the same purpose.

The offences were allegedly committed at the Selangor MACC office, 14th Floor, Plaza Masalam, Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah, E9/E, Section 9 here, between 11am and 1pm on Oct 22 last year.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Asnawi Abu Hanipah suggested bail at RM10,000 in one surety.

Lawyer Ratha Krishnan, who represented Mohan, when requesting lower bail, said his client, who has a wife and child to support, had been with MACC for 15 years and gave his cooperation during investigation of the case.

Azhanis set bail at RM7,000 in one surety and ordered Mohan to surrender his passport to the court. He set four days, beginning Aug 23, for trial.

Michael Danby interviewed on SBS Australia on the Anwar Ibrahim case

Kes Disiplin YB Zulkifli Nordin

KENYATAAN MEDIA
UNTUK EDARAN SEGERA

Tarikh: 18 Februari 2010

KES DISIPLIN YB ZULKIFLI NORDIN

Malam tadi (17 Februari 2010) Biro Politik KEADILAN mengadakan mesyuarat mingguan biasanya. Biro membincangkan beberapa perkara termasuk kes-kes disiplin.

Berhubung kes Zulkifli Nordin, Biro menyerahkan kepada Lembaga Disiplin untuk membuat keputusan dan menyampaikannya kepada Parti dengan seberapa segera. Lembaga diminta oleh Biro Politik untuk mengambil kira semua kenyataan melalui media yang telah dibuat oleh Zulkifli selepas surat tunjuk sebab dihantar kepadanya.

Biro Politik mengambil perhatian bahawa Lembaga Disiplin telah menghantar surat tunjuk sebab kepada Zulkifli pada 08 Februari 2010 melalui faks, emel dan surat berdaftar. Beliau diminta menjawab sebelum 12 Februari 2010 dan memberitahu sebelum 15 Februari 2010, pilihan beliau untuk tarikh pendengaran kes yang dicadangkan oleh Lembaga, iaitu 18 atau 23 Februari 2010.

Lembaga Disiplin tidak mendapat apa-apa jawapan daripada Zulkifli apabila kedua-dua tarikh 12 dan 15 Februari luput. Pada 16 Februari 2010 Zulkifli memberitahu melalui media beliau tidak dapat hadir kerana ke Korea dan kenyataan beliau kemudian disalinkan kepada Setiausaha Agung, Saifuddin Nasution.

Zulkifli pergi ke Korea atas urusan sendiri dan bukan dihantar oleh Parti. Parti tidak tahu-menahu tentang pemergian beliau. Beliau tidak pernah memberitahu Lembaga Disiplin mengenainya. Beliau juga tidak pernah mencadangkan tarikh lain untuk pendengaran.

Ini nampaknya menjadi cara biasa Zulkifli. Dalam kes yang lalu beliau memberi alasan tidak berada di Kuala Lumpur juga untuk mengelak hadir mengikut tarikh yang ditetapkan oleh Jawatankuasa Disiplin ketika itu.

Zulkifli memilih untuk lebih mementingkan urusan pribadinya ke Korea daripada hadir di hadapan Lembaga Disiplin untuk penyiasatan dan membela diri. Beliau tidak harus menyalahkan mana-mana pihak.

DR SYED HUSIN ALI
Timbalan Presiden KEADILAN