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Friday, 19 April 2013

Hindraf’s victory riddled with ambiguity

COMMENT The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has pulled off a victory by getting caretaker Prime Minister and BN chief Najib Abdul Razak to sign an agreement that promises action to fulfill four of the six demands made by the movement.
              
NONEComing two days before nominations day in the country’s critical 13th general election, in which Indian votes are said to be crucial in 67 parliamentary seats, Hindraf’s victory is not its alone.

The movement could not have obtained it without the threat to BN’s rule posed by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat with whom it tried to negotiate a deal.

But then Hindraf’s partisans would argue that Pakatan could not have attained to the BN-threatening proportions it did without the support of the movement at GE12.

NONEThe shift in the Indian vote, at GE12, away from its traditional moorings with the BN, was crucial to the denial of the ruling coalition’s customary two-thirds majority in Parliament, a denial that has done Malaysian politics a great power of good.  

However, the arguments about who was singularly responsible for the tsunami of March 2008 resemble a dog in search of its tail. Besides being unedifying, there’s no profit in it, especially with a general election set for May 5.

Suffice to say, Hindraf has pulled off a victory.

But any move to congratulate them must be stayed for reason of the ambiguities inherent in their victory.

The Zulkifli enigma

A movement fighting for the removal of institutionalised sectarianism should be wary of a governing coalition that has a candidate like Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Nordin on its slate.

NONEIn calling for Indians to support BN on the basis of the deal it has worked out with it, Hindraf is proposing to ignore what the implications are for the presence of a bigot on the ballot like Zulkifli (centre in photo).

Hindraf was not appeased when Pakatan argued that it accepted the movement’s demands in principle but could not sign its acceptance on the dotted line for reason of the coalition’s determination to move Malaysian politics away from revolving obsessively on race.

In rebuttal, Hindraf justifiably derided provisions in the Pakatan manifesto that it claimed had a race (read: Malay) specific thrust.

In other words, Hindraf was rejecting the notion that what is good for the goose cannot be held to be not good for the gander.

Fair enough, but now Hindraf is caught in a similar straits: how true to its word can a ruling coalition pledged to Indian poverty alleviation be when it has someone like Zulkifli - who has uttered anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiments - on board.

Can it not be said - in a reversal of Pakatan’s stance vis-à-vis Hindraf’s demands - that a Zulkifli-toting BN has accepted those demands in principle but not in spirit?

A conjuror’s trick


The case for wariness on the part of Indian voters to the BN-Hindraf entente is not confined to just the problems posed by the presence of Zulkifli.

NONEJust yesterday, the Registrar of Societies (ROS) made it tenuous for DAP candidates to present their papers on nominations day tomorrow signed by the party’s secretary-general because he said he does not recognise its principal office-bearers on the basis of perceived discrepancies in the internal election the party held at its congress last December.

It would take the attitude of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand to ignore the absurdity inherent in the ROS’ stance, though it must be said that the DAP was not completely blameless in having contributed to the looming farce of its candidates’ possible disqualification tomorrow.

NONEThe conclusion - from this ROC stand and innumerable other positions taken by government flunkeys, including those in the Election Commission - is inescapable: Malaysians have long been compelled to endure rule by a BN that was characterised more by arbitrary fiat and dictatorial whim than by benign design, such as the Najib administration has just now evinced to the Indian poor by pledging acceptance of Hindraf’s demands.

To slip slide sway from this reality is to allow one to be bamboozled by the seemingly benign old man - the BN, including its precursor, is now 56 years old - come to play conjuror’s tricks at a children’s party.

TERENCE NETTO has been a journalist for four decades. He likes the occupation because it puts him in contact with the eminent without being under the necessity to admire them.

Hindraf urges Indians to return BN's two-thirds


Norway’s Justin Bieber fans ‘convert to Islam’ for concert tickets


Hærland, the host of Anne-Kat, said “we wanted to find out how far Norwegian ‘beliebers’ are willing to go for tickets to one of Bieber’s concerts.” (Reuters)

Al Arabiya - A Norwegian TV show known as “Anne-Kat” aired a comedy show on Tuesday depicting teenage girls allegedly “converting to Islam” for the chance to win tickets to see Justin Bieber in concert.

According to Dagen, a Norwegian news website, the show instructed the avid Justin Bieber fans, also known as “beliebers,” to remove all make-up, put on hijabs, recite what allegedly was an Islamic statement of belief in Arabic and read a piece of Arabic text aloud.

The girls were made to say, “Justin Bieber is unclean and probably gay,” reported Dagen.

Hærland, the host of Anne-Kat, said “we wanted to find out how far Norwegian ‘beliebers’ are willing to go for tickets to one of Bieber’s concerts.”

The show is broadcast on TV Norge, known in English as TV Norway.

The channel’s head of communication, Svein Tore Bergestuen, has stated that he was not involved with the production of the episode in question.

“The crew have the freedom to create a funny TV show. It is not up to us to question their judgment about what is funny and what is not.”

Halyor Northug, Bishop of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, told Dagen that the episode “testifies to Hærland’s lack of understanding of how much faith means to a lot of people.

He added that “this is an example of an idea where irony and lack of respect turns into something tragic.”

Cops rubbish claims that intelligence report shows opposition can win 145 parliament seats

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 – Police today rubbished claims that an alleged Bukit Aman intelligence report in the run up to the 13th General Election (GE13) showed that the opposition will win 145 parliament seats against Barisan Nasional’s 77.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said such allegations were completely baseless.

“What I can say is that there is no truth in such claims,” he said, when contacted today.

It was reported that an opposition leader had allegedly made such a claim during a political campaign in Kulai, Johor on Tuesday. – Bernama

Waytha urges Indians to return BN's two-thirds

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has urged Indians to return BN its two-thirds majority in the forthcoming general election.

najib signs hindraf blueprint waythamoorthy speakingIn pledging full support for the ruling coalition, Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said that all Indians must start spreading the word that their welfare will only be taken care off by BN.

He was speaking during an event in Brickfields today which saw BN chairperson Najib Razak signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hindraf to implement the BN-Hindraf five-year blueprint for the Indian community.
It covers four main areas - the upliftment of displaced estate workers, resolving the issue of statelessness, the  provision of both education and business opportunities.
However, the Hindraf-BN agreement apparently did not address a number of key areas of the movement's blueprint, especially racism and deaths in police custody. 
According to the agreement, should BN retain federal power, it would set up a new unit under the Prime Minister's Office to implement the details of the MOU.

Waythamoorthy said that change must not only take place in terms of "faces that leads the country" but the changes must take place in the lives of Malaysian, especially the Indian poor.
Pakatan ignored us

He also took dig at the opposition, saying that Hindraf had "begged" Pakatan Rakyat to endorse its blueprint even after five years of non-delivery towards Indians in Pakatan-administered states.

"Even after they failed to deliver in five states, I told them we can do it right this time, in this election. Until few days ago, I was still begging them.
najib signs hindraf blueprint crowd"They said there will be a meeting, but none of the leaders showed up," he said, adding that Pakatan had "insulted" Hindraf.

"I thought of them as friends," he added.

He admitted that there will be criticism over this deal, and acknowledged that some might accuse the movement of "selling out".
"But I hope the prime minister will prove all of them wrong by seeing through with this agreement," he said.

He claimed that 1.5 million Indians stand to benefit from this new arrangement.

Uthaya dubs brother's camp as 'Hindraf hijackers'

P Uthayakumar, one of the two brothers who established Hindraf, has accused the Hindraf faction led by his younger brother P Waythamoorthy of "hijacking" the movement.

NONEUthayakumar said this in a text message to Malaysiakini, minutes before Waythamoorthy's (right) camp held a ceremony for interim prime minister and BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak to endorse the so-called Hindraf blueprint.

The endorsement turned out to be the signing of a "memorandum of understanding" with Hindraf on its blueprint.

The blueprint is a 100-day to-do list for the new federal government to resolve six key issues involving the Indian community.

Both BN and Pakatan Rakyat have been approached to endorse the blueprint.

This is the first time that Uthayakumar has hit out at Waythamoorthy's camp since the latter returned from exile in August last year as the main mover of Hindraf.

Uthayakumar has since concentrated on his Human Rights Party but insists that he is ultimately the de facto leader of Hindraf.

Hindraf stance has not changed

He insisted that having just anyone endorse the blueprint was never part of the Hindraf struggle.

"No, it is not acceptable to sign it on the eve of the general election," said Uthayakumar.

“As the senior-most and de facto leader of Hindraf, we ask for delivery first of Hindraf's 18-point demands dated Aug 12, 2007, which are already more than five long years' overdue and with almost zero delivery - except for the Umno hampers and rice packets for the Indian poor."

Uthayakumar said that Hindraf's stance has not changed since its formation in 2006 and that the movement will not support BN.

"The Hindraf political directions remain the same - Do not vote for Umno and BN, voting for Pakatan Rakyat is up to the individual," he said.

According to Uthayakumar, Hindraf cannot support Pakatan because the coalition is unable to take responsibility for the coalition's "non-delivery" to the Indian poor in the states it controls.

"To the indian poor, BN cheats more and Pakatan cheats less. We want change, but not for Pakatan to be replaced with an Umno clone. To this effect, I am going ahead to contest in Kota Raja and Seri Andalas," he said.
Jayathas: Waytha no longer acts for Hindraf

Another person with Hindraf, S Jayathas who is now with PKR, said Waythamoorthy is no longer authorised to act for Hindraf.

NONEJayathas (left) called the Hindraf-BN development as a shocking betrayal of the movement and the Indian community.

“It is an essential aim of the real Hindraf movement to remove Umno-BN from power. For 56 years Umno-BN have cheated, oppressed and marginalised the Indian community. Unmo has still not changed or reformed.

“On April 16, Najib announced Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin is the BN candidate for Shah Alam.

“Zulkifli was recently seen in two videos attacking the Hindu religion and making racist remarks against Indians. Despite the nomination of Zulkifli, Waythamoorthy continues to pretend that  Umno or BN will help the Indian community,” he said.

Jayathas, who is the interim coordinator for the Kuala Lumpur unit of Hindraf said as a grassroots activist movement, Hindraf will not allow itself to be hijacked and destroyed by the pro-Umno Waythamoorthy.

hindraf march of roses parliament 160208 angerHe described Waythamoorthy's deal with Najib today as having created a situation of emergency for the  movement.

“Waythamoothy and his cronies have gone against the wishes and the struggles of Hindraf members throughout the country. In order to save the noble struggle of the Hindraf movement, we have formed an interim  management committee to run the movement on its original principles,” Jayathas said.

He gave his pledged that in the interim they will continue carrying on with the Hindraf agenda of removing Umno from power.

‘Waytha no longer part of Hindraf’

Accusing him of working in cahoots with BN, former Hindraf leader S Jayathas says an interim management committee has been formed to manage the movement's affairs
UPDATED

PETALING JAYA: P Waythamoorthy and his cronies are no longer authorised to issue statements on behalf of Hindraf, said the movement’s former leader S Jayathas.

Jayathas,who is now with PKR, said that he had formed an interim management committee to run the affairs of the movement for the time being.

“We have strong evidence that Waythamoorthy will seal a deal with Umno.This is a shocking betrayal of the Hindraf movement and the Indian community,” said Jayathas

Five days ago, Jayathas accused Waythamoorthy of working in cahoots with Umno by concealing the fact that Hindraf got itself registered officially one month ago.

“This registration of an organisation called Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (Hindraf) was approved on March 8. This was two days before Waythamoorthy began his hunger strike.

“During the hunger strike he attacked the opposition for the benefit of Barisan Nasional,” said Jayathas.

Emergency situation

Jayathas, who is also PKR’s human rights legal bureau deputy chairman, said that Indians will never allow Hindraf to be hijacked and destroyed by Waythamoorthy and his associates.

“The so-called Hindraf leader Waythamoorthy and his associates’ act of going over to the BN side has created an emergency situation for the movement.

“Waythamoothy and his cronies have gone against the wishes and the struggle of Hindraf members throughout the country,” said Jayathas.

He added that it was important for BN to be removed from federal power as they have not changed and reformed over the years.

Jayathas said this was evident by Najib Tun Razak’s decision to field Perkasa vice president Zulkifli Noordin as a candidate in Shah Alam.

“Zulkifli criticised the Hindu religion and made racist remarks against Indians. Despite all that, Waythamoorthy continues to pretend that BN will help the Indian community,” he said.

Najib is scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding with Waythamoorthy later today to show the government’s commitment to uplift the Indian community.

Uthaya: This is not Hindraf’s struggle

Meanwhile Human Rights Party (HRP) pro-tem secretary-general and Waythamoorthy’s brother P Uthayakumar also distanced himself from the deal with BN.

Calling Waythamoorthy’s group ‘Hindraf hijackers’, Uthayakumar said the deal with Umno/BN has never been Hindraf’s struggle.

“This is not acceptable on the eve of the general election,” he said.

Calling himself the most senior and the de facto Hindraf leader, Uthayakumar said Hindraf’s political direction remained the same – not to vote for BN.

“Voting for Pakatan Rakyat is up to the individual as Hindraf is not prepared to take responsibility for Pakatan’s non-delievery to the Indian poor,” he added.

He also urged the government to deliver first Hindraf’s original 10-point demand made on 2007.

He confirmed that he would be contesting in the Kota Raja parliamentary and Seri Andalas state seats under the Hindraf banner, resulting in a three-way fight in both these constituencies.

Manogaran to take on Palanivel

DAP admits that M Manogaran is the underdog but hopes that he would be a giant killer in the battle for Cameron Highlands.
FULL REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP is fielding incumbent Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran to face-off with MIC president and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, G Palanivel in Cameron Highlands in the 13th general election.

“We are sending Manogaran as our candidate to Cameron Highlands,” said party secretary-general, Lim Guan Eng in a press conference held at the party headquarters here.

“The question of a parachute candidate doesn’t arise because Palanivel also is not from there.

“He who has better credentials, ideas, ideals, and policies that benefit the people will win,” said Lim.

When asked who would replace Manogaran in Teluk Intan, Lim said that he would announce a new candidate soon.

Party vice-president M Kulasegaran admitted that it would be difficult for Manogaran to take on the MIC chief.

“It is an uphill task. (But) he (Manogaran) is most suitable for Cameron Highlands. He has a lot of connections there. I hope he comes a giantkiller,” said Kulasegaran.

He added that Manogaran also has been at the forefront raising Indian issues.

In an immediate reaction, Manogaran admitted it would be a tough fight and dared Palanivel for a debate on Indian community.

“It would be tough. I appreciate the party’s confidence in me.

“I call upon Palanivel to debate on the issues of the Indian community for the past 55 years, and especially the past five years ,” said Manogaran.

The Cameron Highland seat is traditionally held by MIC.

In 2008, MIC vice president SK Devamany retained the seat with a majority of 3,117 votes against DAP’s J Appalasamy.

This time around Devamany has been moved to Sungai Siput to take on the incumbent Dr D Michael Jeyakumar of PSM.

Lim also announced DAP’s candidates for Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak.

DAP has retained all its incumbents in Kuala Lumpur. They are Teresa Kok for Seputeh, Lim Lip Eng (Segambut), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Tan Seng Giaw (Kepong) and Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang).

In Sarawak, only Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen has been retained.

All other 12 seats, DAP is contesting, will see new faces. The candidates are: Mordi Bimol (Mas Gading), Julian Tan Kok Ping (Stampin), Edward Andrew Luwak (Serian), Leon Jimat Donald (Sri Aman), Wong Ling Biu(sarikei), Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (Lanang), Oscar Ling Chai Yew (Sibu), John Brian Anthony Jeremy Guang (Bintulu), Hai Merawin (Mukah), Ramli Malaka (Kapit), Lim Su Kien (Miri) and Baru Langub (Lawas).

Teoh Nie Ching in Kulai

Meanwhile in Johor, DAP will contest in six parliamentary and 14 state seats. As previously expected, incumbent Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching has been moved to Kulai parliamentary seat.

The Serdang seat will be contested by new face Ong Kian Ming, who is DAP’s political analyst, taking on MCA’s veteran leader Yan Pian Hon.

Teo will take on MCA’s Tay Chin Hein in Kulai. The seat was won by former MCA president Ong Ka Ting in 2008. He has been dropped by the party this time round.

Kulai has 56% of Chinese voters, the highest in the southern state.

DAP has also dropped three of the four incumbent DAP state assemblymen in Johor, namely Bentayan assemblyman Gwee Tiong Hiang, Mengkibol assemblyman Ng Lam Hua and Senai assemblyman Ong Kow Meng.

They were replaced by Chua Wee Beng (Bentayan), Tan Hong Pin (Mengkibol) and Wong Shu Qi (Senai).

The only incumbent retained was Johor DAP chief cum Skudai assemblyman Boo Cheng Hau.

The party has also not announced its candidate for the Labis parliamentary seat although early talks had indicated that former DAP senator P Ramakrishnan would be given the nod.

These are the DAP candidates in Johor:

Parliament

1. Labis – to be announced
2. Bakri – Er Teck Hwa
3. Kluang – Liew Chin Tong
4. Gelang Patah – Lim Kit Siang
5. Kulai – Teo Nie Ching
6. Tanjung Piai – Mahdzir Ibrahim

State

1. Jementah – Tan Chen Choon
2. Bekok – Lim Eng Guan
3. Tangkak – Ee Chin Li
4. Bentayan – Chua Wee Beng
5. Yong Peng – Chew Peck Choo
6. Penggaram – Gan Peck Cheng
7. Mengkibol – Tan Hong Pin
8. Paloh – R. Shanker
9. Johor Jaya – Liow Cai Tung
10. Stulang – Chen Kah Eng
11. Pengkalan Rinting – Cheo Yee How
12. Skudai – Boo Cheng Hau
13. Senai – Wong Shu Qi
14. Pekan Nanas – Yeo Tung Siong

Ex-DAP MP goes independent

In another develeopment, DAP’s incumbent Seremban MP John Fernandez has decided to contest as an independent for the seat after being dropped by the party.

He will be joined as an independent by lawyer S Karthigesan who will be contesting in Senawang.

Fernandez had won the Seremban seat in 2008 b ydefeating Barisan Nasional’s Yu Chok Tow by a 3,948-vote majority.

DAP has not announce its candidates for both Seremban and Senawang.

Tinjauan: Kota Raja kekal kepada Pakatan Rakyat

Pengundi kaum India rata-rata menyokong Pakatan Rakyat dan di DUN Sri Andalas sokongan bukan Melayu dijangka meningkat kepada 61 peratus.

PETALING JAYA: Tiada yang menyangka Kota Raja jatuh ke tangan Pakatan Rakyat pada pilihan raya umum 2008. Namun pada 2013 ini, suasana sudah tidak sama lagi.

Kibaran bendera Barisan Nasional dan Pakatan Rakyat kelihatan di segenap sudut Kota Raja walaupun hari penamaan calon belum lagi diadakan.

Aktiviti penduduk berjalan seperti biasa walaupun agak perlahan berbanding dengan Kelang ataupun Shah Alam yang berjiran dengannya.

Pakatan Rakyat akan meletakkan penyandang, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud dari PAS tetapi beliau akan dicabar oleh S Murugesan dari BN serta seorang bekas tokoh Hindraf, P Uthayakumar bagi kerusi parlimen Kota Raja.

Penyandang kerusi Sri Andalas, Dr Javier Jeyakumar dari PKR akan ditentang oleh Ketua Pemuda MIC, T Mohan, manakala penyandang Seri Muda Suhaimi Shafie juga PKR akan dicabar oleh Abdul Raof Mokhtar dari Umno.

“Susah nak cakap mengenai sekarang, mereka tidak boleh membuat keputusan yang tepat. (Tetapi) masyarakat India di sini masih memerlukan banyak bantuan,” kata seorang wanita keturunan India, Sandramanthy Chinapan.

Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata, masyarakat India di Kota Raja menyokong PKR.

Pengundi meningkat

Dr Javier berkata, beliau melakukan segala-galanya untuk rakyat Sri Andalas sejak menjadi wakil rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum 2008.

“Seramai 1, 600 orang Islam telah mendapat skim khairat kematian dan 1,300 bantuan kepada anak baru lahir di Selangor,” katanya.

Seorang sukarelawan, Aruldas Michael 49, berkata, sokongan masyarakat India kepada PKR meningkat, padat dan sempurna.

Jumlah pengundi berdaftar di Kota Raja meningkat dari kira-kira 34, 800 pada tahun 2008 kepada 58, 225 orang.

Pada 2008, 53 peratus adalah pengundi bukan Melayu dan 47 peratus pengundi orang Melayu, tetapi kini pengundi bukan Melayu mencapai 61 peratus manakala pengundi orang Melayu sebanyak 39 peratus.

Kata Dr Xavier lagi, beliau yakin sekurang-kurangnya 65 peratus keturunan India pengundi akan menyokong calon Pakatan Rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum ke 13 ini.

Manakala pengundi orang Melayu yang akan mengundi calon Pakatan Rakyat meningkat kepada 50 peratus.

Let There Be War


http://mk-cdn.mkini.net/507/6a1bdfce4e044c7de49237c575afe867.jpg

Always Victory

An intriguing question about Hindraf is, are they fighting a battle for the poor Indians, or a personal battle or will they lend arms in an eternal Mahabaratha War played out on Malaysian soil.

People once again have an expectancy of Hindraf unleashing Maha Shakti (soul force), for the dance of Shiva, and march with heads held up in dignity, and bring about a swing of votes. But again the question is, which side are they supporting?

Already, they have earned the reputation of “lallang” depending on which side the wind blows. At the same time, we are crying for stiff-spine leaders who can demonstrate the true Hindu spirit. Members themselves are not so happy about the way its leaders are going about it.

50 years of slavery reflected on their faces cannot vanish overnight simply by Najib placing a crown on their head. It is only through self-effort, walking the road of self-determination, learning how to fish instead of asking for fish to eat for a day.

Najib never takes a decision on Hindraf without the whisper of MIC. Hindraf is registered because MIC pushed the buttons to seal the deal, but already is starting to disintegrate and it may come to nothing. Najib will do anything purely to render a Hindraf bomb impotent or better still create a win-win situation to help prop a crumbling MIC.

Pakatan is also afraid they might throw some hand grenades, and tried to seek common ground for reconciliation through social inclusiveness. What is it you can get from BN? They are thieves in every sense and what they will share with you are stolen goods. Give up sulking and be not so easily deluded by Ringgit Shakti, so that its leaders may be free from an undeserving stigma normally associated with snakes. What profit you to negotiate to gain the whole world and lose your own Shakti?

The marginalized minority Tamil Malaysians are no longer sidelined, and they need not align with any side, just like Lynas and Bersih, hold on to solid ground. I suggest you give up struggle and the false sense of struggle and join in the celebration of fighting for our country’s liberation from tyranny.

There is no such thing as an 18-point blueprint, you are not asking for autonomy like Sabah. It is as irrational as your earlier petition to the Queen of England.

It may be a camouflage to get the support you need, an excuse to spite the Opposition, with a pretence that you alone represent the disfranchised. Only when you have a clear mind can you help the Indians out of the poverty trap.

Whoever is worthy of being the Joan d’ Arc among the poor and downtrodden must continue the fight in a spirit of Karma Yoga to deal a death blow on tyrants. A leader who is above scrutiny must be able swear by the Gita, that you will not play out the land of their birth for the sake of personal or communal gains to reinforcing a corrupt Establishment that deserves to be kicked out of office.

Balasundram too swore by the Gita, although he paid the price with death, but now is at peace with God for his conviction. Uthaya was once a hero who paid the price and languished in jail while the Opposition conveniently forgot about him.

And now, from the mouth of God, the Word is spoken:

Uthaya, choose this day whom ye will serve, God or Mammon? Choose if you will serve Krishna in humble hearts of the poor or to help yourself to the temptations of fool’s gold and be forever a despised dog by both BN and Pakatan, the likes of Outcast Hee.

I challenge you to declare to your members, what benefits Najib promised you, for already some idolaters are ready to garland the feet of Najib the same way as you do to Sri Ganesha? Even if you command that stones be made bread, you have lost your credentials.

Yes you Hindus, it is time for action to save the nation! Only Hindus who have read the Gita can understand tretise is a call to right action, The Gita is a tool to liberation of the individual, not only Hindus but all mankind. The Dharma expected from you is not to squabble in a dog fight over some dry bones.

Use the untapped power of the Gita just as the Communist used Mao Tze Tung's Little Red Book. Make it your goal to put it into the hand of every Hindu. Then, we shall stand shoulder to shoulder without bargaining, in the biggest war on Malaysian soil to save the nation from the Evil Empire of BN.

Hail Hindraf! the answer must come from you:- “there is war”.

Always Victory

GE13: DAP's incumbent Seremban MP Fernandez to go independent


(The Star) - Incumbent DAP Seremban MP John Fernandez will likely defend his seat as an independent in this general election.

Fernandez, a lawyer, had before this said he would not be defending the seat which he won by defeating Barisan Nasional's Datuk Yu Chok Tow by a 3,948 vote majority in 2008.

He had also won in Rasah (which was then a state seat) in the 1974 general election on a DAP ticket. Another lawyer, S.Karthigesan, who had represented several Human Rights Party members for being involved in an illegal organisation in 2011, would also be standing as an independent in Nilai.

The DAP won the Nilai seat in 2008 when its candidate Yap Yew Weng defeated Barisan's Datuk Peter Lai with a 1,894 vote majority.

Both are scheduled to hold a press conference later today.

The DAP has yet to officially announce its candidates for both seats. However, Barisan will be represented by Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Tiam in Seremban and Gan Chee Biow in Nilai.

Anwar Ibrahim: Semua Manifesto Mesti “Populist”, Mesti Pro-Rakyat


DAP says will use PAS, PKR logos if RoS letter not revoked

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 – The DAP demanded the Registrar of Societies (ROS) today to retract its letter by tomorrow on not recognising the party’s office-bearers, failing which the opposition party would run under PKR and PAS logos in Election 2013.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said that the Bernama report, which quoted ROS director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman today as saying that the DAP could still use its Rocket symbol for the May 5 polls, was “not good enough”.

“The DAP CEC in its meeting tonight decided that RoS must revoke its letter not recognising the office-bearers in the CEC by 3pm tomorrow on Friday,” Lim told reporters at the DAP headquarters here today, referring to the party’s central executive committee.

“Failure to do so will result in the DAP directing its 53 parliamentary candidates and 103 state candidates throughout the country to contest in the next general elections under the PAS symbol in peninsular Malaysia and the PKR symbol in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.

Lim lambasted the ROS’ move in issuing the letter dated April 17, 2013, just two days before nomination day, saying it intended to “kill off DAP’s electoral prospects by forcing all DAP candidates to be independent.”

The caretaker Penang chief minister also said it was “ridiculous” for the ROS to claim that the DAP did not send out proper notices on its national congress last December, resulting in 753 delegates not attending the December 15 meeting.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, who was also at the press conference, said quietly: “I want to confess I shed tears.”

Kit Siang added that the DAP was worried about voters being confused with the party using PAS’ moon logo, but pointed out that they were “forced” into taking the risk.

The MCA has frequently warned Chinese voters against supporting Pakatan Rakyat (PR), claiming that PAS, an Islamist party, would implement hudud law in the multi-racial country.

The ROS ruling could scuttle the DAP’s plans to decimate MCA in the 13th general election, especially in the Chinese party’s stronghold of Johor, where Kit Siang will take on caretaker Johor mentri besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in the Gelang Patah federal constituency.

Election 2013 is expected to be the country’s most heated election in recent times, with a solid opposition pact going all out to remove the BN government for the first time since independence.

Guan Eng said today that it was up to voters to decide if the ROS’ action was acceptable.

“If they feel this is completely disgraceful, they’ll show their anger at the ballot box. We want BN to feel the anger of not just our supporters, but also right-thinking Malaysians,” he said.

Guan Eng pointed out that the Election Commission (EC) was bound by the ROS letter, noting that DAP candidates needed to show EC officials on nomination day a letter of authority signed by the party’s secretary-general, authorising them to use the party’s logo.

“Many of our members shed tears. How do you explain to your voters?” he said.

Chinese Community Can Help BN Boost National Economic Growth

SANDAKAN, April 18 (Bernama) -- The Chinese community can assist the Barisan Nasional (BN) in boosting national economic growth through the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the community, who mostly comprised businessmen and industrialists, had contributed much in boosting the national economy.

"The Chinese business community can assist the BN in implementing various economic policies and programmes in a more effective manner when the BN is returned to power.

"The BN economic policies and programmes should be supported so that the national economy can continue to grow and all the people can share the national wealth fairly and equitably," he said at the programme, 'An Afternoon With the Deputy Prime Minister', here Thursday.

Muhyiddin said it had always been the intention of the BN to ensure that no one was left out of the mainstream of development.

He said he was impressed with the economic landscape of Sandakan which was rapidly developing.

He said the BN appreciated the contribution made by the people of various races in Sandakan, including the Chinese community, in beautifying and developing the district's economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister was confident that Sandakan would experience more rapid development if the people in the district continued to give their mandate to the BN in the 13th general election.

ROS action sparks confusion, uncertainty

Update: The ROS assures DAP it can use its logo for the 5 May general election. But the DAP has given the ROS until 3.00pm tomorrow, Friday, to revoke its letter, failing which it will use Pas and PKR logos in GE13.
In freezing the DAP central committee over the conduct of the party’s polls, the Registrar of Societies has sprung a shock, creating much confusion and uncertainty only two days before nomination day.
Even though the Election Commission has indicated that the DAP can still field candidates as usual on nomination day, there is uncertainty now about what could happen next. And consequently the DAP and other Pakatan parties will have to scramble to make contingency plans.
Historically, the ROS has not been seen by many quarters to be acting impartially especially in its dealings with opposition and human rights groups. In 1988, we saw how the ROS approved Mahathir’s Umno Baru immediately after the original Umno was deregistered while rejecting an application by Razaleigh’s Umno Malaysia, which was supported by the Tunku.
Of course the DAP did not help matters over the shambolic tabulation of its polls results.
But for the ROS to spring this shock so close to nomination day – why, it is not the best advertisement for Malaysian democracy, which Najib touts as the ‘best in the world’.
Lawyer Stephen Tan Ban Cheng adds:
Just look at these three stories.
Story 1: the Registrar of Societies (ROS) says it does not recognise the Democratic Action Party (DAP) central committee and the ROS’s director-general could not be contacted for comment.
Story 2: Umno vice president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appeals to ROS to allow the DAP to field candidates.
Story 3: Election Commission chief Abdul Aziz Yusoff says DAP can proceed as usual, regardless of the ROS action.
Story 1 paves the way for Umno and the EC to be sanitised as the good guys who will ensure fairness in the electoral process.
All this done within a few days.
But really, what is it? It is a sandiwara, tak sibuk buat sibuk exercise.
The ROS action in Story 1 is an administrative ruling and not a judicial ruling and can never mean that the DAP cannot field candidates, thereby nullifying the sandiwara of Story 2 and Story 3.
See what we get when we do not know the law? Even the news reporters got caught in the whole exercise of tak sibuk buat sibuk!