Let There Be War

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!

Hindraf-BN to ink deal to improve Indians

Hindraf will be signing a MoU with Najib Tun Razak later this evening in which BN will agree to do more to uplift the lot of the Indian community.

PETALING JAYA: Indian rights movement Hindraf will be inking a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak later this evening to put to paper the government’s commitment in uplifting the Indian community.

Some of the concessions agreed by Najib is said to come directly from Hindraf’s five-year blueprint.

Hindraf’s blueprint, among others, highlights issues related to displaced Indian plantation workers, the need for tertiary-level education for Indian students, job opportunities in the government sector, financial loans to Indian entrepreneurs, and the establishment of a Minorities Affairs Ministry.

The MoU today is a result of weeks of meetings and negotiations with Najib on the Hindraf proposal for the Indian community

Hindraf had a meeting with Najib on March 25, and following that there had been a series of talks between them.

The first indication that Najib was willing to look into Hindraf’s proposals came when he included the setting up of a special unit to oversee Indian affairs in the BN manifesto.

Though this was a far cry from the ministry which Hindraf sought, it however gave them the belief that Najib was willing to meet them half way to help uplift the Indian community.

Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy had previously said that Hindraf would support whichever party that endorsed its blueprint. Alternatively, he had declared that Hindraf supporters would abstain from voting if neither Pakatan nor BN was willing to endorse the blueprint.

He had also embarked on a hunger strike on March 10 in order to get either BN or Pakatan Rakyat to endorse the Hindraf blueprint. He ended his hunger strike on March 31. By this stage, the movement and Najib had officially started talks.

He had also expressed his disappointment with Pakatan and its leader Anwar Ibrahim for not taking them seriously despite having several meetings.

With the MoU being inked today, it looks certain that Najib and BN would be benefiting from Hindraf’s support although it is uncertain as to the extent of Najib’s acceptance of Hindraf’s proposals.

While Hindraf leaders remained tightlipped, FMT learnt that Najib had agreed to provide affordable houses for displaced Indian plantation workers, make more concessions in education of Indian students and create more opportunities on the economic front for the community, including increasing financial loans and job opportunities.

This is a continuance of the concessions Najib has been making to the Indian community in that last 18 months, which included upgrading Tamil schools and giving financial aid to various Indian groups for grassroots programmes. The government had also introduced various schemes to help the Indian community to set up businesses.

‘Sleeping with the enemy’

While Hindraf’s deal with Najib and BN can bring about some positive changes to the Indian community, the movement will nevertheless face severe criticism from its detractors and its followers in Pakatan for sleeping with the enemy.

Hindraf came to prominence in 2007 when it led a mass street demontration which highlighted the plight of the Indian community in this country.

The awareness created by Hindraf then had helped Pakatan win over the Indian votes, and as a result to claim a huge victory in the 2008 general election.

Najib’s motive to deal with Hindraf will also be questioned if he is interested just to win over the lost Indian votes.

News of Hindraf’s talks with Najib had already seen some of its former office bearers holding press conferences and protests to label Waythamoorthy and other Hindraf leaders as turncoats and traitors to the cause.

Later today, PKR leader and Hindraf activist A Jayathas will be holding his second press conference on the issue to label Waythamoorthy as an Umno lackey.

Hindraf also faces problem from its co-founder P Uthayakumar who has thrown his support behind Pakatan, and will be contesting in the coming general election as an independent under the Hindraf banner.

“No doubt all these will create major confusion among the Indian community but we are certain that the community at large will see what we are doing – that this deal is for the betterment of the community,” said a Hindraf leader.

“We offered the same proposals to Pakatan but they had become too arrogant and are not interested in talking to us. Najib on the other hand listened. What do we do? There is an opportunity to uplift the Indian community and we are taking it,” he added.

The deal between Hindraf and BN will also raise questions on the role played by MIC in uplifting the community all this while.

PSM: Semenyih 3-corner fight, ball in PKR's court

Boston to Bangalore, Islamic Jihad wants to destroy Global Peace. Is it not the time to ‘Say No to Jihad and Radical Islam’?

Blast in Bangalore

Bangalore blast: Indian Mujahideen may be involved..

Blast near BJP office in Bangalore injures 16, police hint at terror angle …

Improvised explosive device kept on bike stolen from Hyderabad? ….

Upananda Brahmachari | New Delhi | 17th April 2013:: If you go through the above news hyperlink, then you will be able to learn that in the same process home grown Islamist again attacked Bangalore (Very near to BJP office at Malleswaram) today, after another attack on Hyderabad on 21st Feb 2013 near Sai Temple in a prime time of offering Puja in evening darshan. Same Improvised Explosive Device, Use of Cylinders, Motor Cycles, Tiffin Carrier, Choosing Mandir Places, Hindu Org Offices, Market Places full of Hindu commuters or the Congregations on Non Muslim Kaffirs are the main target to these Jihadists to carry on the Quranic version: To Instill the Terror in the Minds of Infidels (Q. 8:12- says “I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off.” ). It is an easy prey of the Jihadists to accomplish Jihad to make this world into to Dar-ul-Islam (Land of Islam) from an very nasty Dar-ul-Harb (Land of Enemies). It is the single and only agenda causing all these gory happenings conducted by the Allah and Mohammad follower Muslims may be mild, moderate or radical, but they are all ready to finish all the infidels from this world only to make a world of Allah, you believe or not.

But, we are totally disbelieve this truth and invite a Muslim (Actually Jihadi in Disguise) for having a cup of tea or invite him for a dinner or allow our children with the Muslim children, but never mind that in our permissiveness, we definitely indulge and help a dangerous thing like Islam and its followers for the advancement for another unholy Jihad in the next.

If you think all Muslims are not alike, then you will do a great blunder. Muslims may be defined in two ways. Category One is Muslims in Islamic optimization. And the second is Jihadists in waiting. There is no third category, many ways you can define. The weeding-hook in the hand of a Muslim labour in your Garden, may be turned as a lethal weapon to kill you at once out of nothing.

Mind it, a Muslim cannot discard the doctrine of Quran and Quran cannot be separated from Jihad. And Jihad obviously is targeted on you also, if you are not a Muslim. May be you a pious Christian, a simple devotee on Hindu Spiritualism, a Jewish Rabbi dedicated on social work, a Buddhist monk finding a series of meditations or a commoner only as a peace lover to settle with all others, what else to these satanic Jihadists and these barbaric demons of Islam, they only want to kill us. Kill us. And kill us. My words may be harsh. But, my friends, these are the highest truth in any circumstances.

Leave it this case of Bangalore blast where the Islamists are failure to take any single life but injured over 100.

But what is the frightening Boston Marathon Blast rocked the whole world just on 15th April 2013?

Blast in Boston

The name Marathon comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger. The legend states that he was sent from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon (in which he had just fought),which took place in August or September, 490 BC. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly, exclaiming “νενικηκαμεν’ (nenikekamen)”, (“We wοn”), before collapsing and dying.

To commemorate this historic legend, the peace lovers and propagators of world amity organize so many marathon races everywhere in the world (barring the Islamic Countries as they consider Marathon is an unholy Islamic act which does not glorify Islam anyway), including Olympics.

Boston Marathon was such event to take all 25000 participants together over 50 countries to make a joyful assembling of humanity in the field of sports and games to commemorate the Patriot’s Day on the third Monday in April each year.

Horror of explosions near the finish line of the USA’s most famous marathon sank in, when government officials compelled for mobilizing to respond on Monday afternoon rather minimizing the casualties and post blast hazards.

 Reports say:  Boy, 8, one of 3 killed in bombings at Boston Marathon; scores wounded. (CNN).   But another source says: A federal law enforcement source told The Post there are at least 12 dead and at least 132 people have been treated at seven area hospitals. (New York Post).





While pressure cooker bombs are more commonly utilized in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal; they have been seen before in domestic terror attacks, including the 2010 attempted bombing in Times Square, the same pressure cooker device and IED components were utilized in Boston also to challenge the security and safety of peace loving US citizens.

Sources also hint upon that Authorities ID person of interest as Saudi national in marathon bombings, under guard at Boston hospital. And the same pressure cooker bombs generally used by Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indian Muslim outfits attached with Jihadi sabotage.

We also carry a fatal virus of harmony with the horrific hooligans of Islam. If we do not understand the danger of a poisons snake keeping silent under the green grass, who can save us from its venomous biting all on a sudden.

Those who are speaking about the terror and its classification like home-grown and foreign, they are simply bogus. Jihadi Terrorism is a powerful tool to grab all our land, culture, faith, wealth, future and everything under an oceanic Arab Expansionism. I would like to understand this pivotal thing to understand Radical Islam it all its shape, mild to moderate. Molestation to Murder. Mischief to Misdeeds. This is Islam as turned today very unfortunately.

Islam wants to capture America, Europe Asia, Africa, Australasia and every corner of this globe with its sharped sword and fanatic doctrine of Quran alias Satanic Verses. There is no chance to revise Quran to scrap its portions directly inciting killing of infidels and the innocent non-believers. As such we have no other option to say No to Islam and its deadliest Jihad ongoing.

In this juncture, we have to strict enough. Enough is Enough. Considering them as minority, we gave so may indulgence to their menace and nuisance. Now, it is the time to teach them to accept the others’ culture, etiquette, social custom to adjust with the motion of the majority. Islam should grant the democracy and the wish and will of the majority, not to toe down everything with a views of Islamic bullshit.

Unless, we restrict them in our restaurants, clubs, shopping malls, educational institutions, libraries, clinics, hospitals, markets, public vehicles, metros, parks and in our families, we will never be able to check them to invite nearer to make another blast or to slit a throat after raping one’s darling. Please don’t allow your children with the Muslim children. They are also baby Mujahideens to attack the secular mentality of your children. They are also same rattles with same poison with a less quantity.

Bad to hear or tell, but we can’t welcome them until they honor others culture and heritage and let others live as Infidels or anything. First of all declare that we have proscribed those portions from our book that are causing so many deadly occurance against humanity and we are really sorry.

OTHERWISE WE ARE READY TO EXTRADITE ISLAM AND ARAB CULTURE FROM AMERICA, EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA. THEN FROM ASIA AND AFRICA. BOLDLY SAY NO TO RADICAL ISLAM AND ARABIC CULTURE AND PRACTICE. WE HAVE THE RIGHTS TO LIVE OUR LIFE IN OUR LAND IN OUR OWN WAY. WE ARE NOT THE SLAVE OF ISLAM. SAY NO TO ISLAM.

Panchayat decree: 13-year-old ‘vani’, mother flee

Bashir said after Samina Bibi refused to comply, Sharif threatened to forcibly take her daughter away. PHOTO: FILE

BAHAWALPUR: A woman left her house on Tuesday, taking along her 13-year-old daughter after a village panchayat in Sadiqabad declared the child ‘vani’ to settle an alleged elopement complaint, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Bashir Ahmed, uncle of the child, said his brother Nazir Ahmed, who worked in Jhelum, had been accused of eloping with a woman from the neighbourhood on March 30.

He said the woman’s husband, Sharif Tarhaili, a resident of Goth Aaloo, called a panchayat on April 13 that declared Nazir’s daughter ‘vani’. He said the panchayat, headed by Raees Shahid Iqbal Tarhaili, a former Kot Sanjar Khan union council nazim, directed Nazir’s wife Samina Bibi to marry the girl to Sharif, 45, a father of seven.

Bashir said after Samina Bibi refused to comply, Sharif threatened to forcibly take her daughter away.

He said Sharif did not have a proof that his wife had run away with Nazir, except that both of them had gone missing on the same day. He said his brother was in Jhelum the day Sharif’s wife went missing. He said her husband had since then been accusing Nazir of wooing her to run away with him.

Bashir said he was looking for his brother with help from some contacts in Jhelum.

He said that Sharif had sent some men to Samina Bibi’s house on Monday night to take the girl away. He said the men left after some neighbours intervened on hearing the family’s shouts for help. He said after the incident, his sister-in-law had called him for help and that he had helped her and the girl to move to a safer place in another village.

He said he had been visiting the Kot Sabzal police station, but the police had been uncooperative. He said Sharif was an influential landlord and had probably bribed the police. He said he feared that Sharif’s men would find his sister-in-law and the girl and might harm them. He said he had tried to approach DSP Allah Dad, but failed.

Kot Sabzal naib moharrar Umar Farooq said that the police had not received any complaint. He said station house officer was in the Machh area, where mobile phone coverage was not reliable.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2013.

Tolak Zulkifli Noordin

SURAT FMT: Dari Uthaya Sankar SB, melalui e-mel

Tindakan BN mencalonkan Zulkifli Noordin sebagai “rakan BN” untuk bertanding kerusi Parlimen Shah Alam dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU-13) memberi gambaran seolah-olah BN mempersenda, memperlekeh serta tidak mengambil kira sensitiviti orang ramai, khususnya kaum India.

Umum mengetahui bahawa Zulkifli pernah mengeluarkan kenyataan yang menghina kaum India, penganut agama Hindu serta agama Hindu. Tindakannya turut dibidas masyarakat Melayu-Islam kerana mencemar kesucian agama Islam yang tidak membenarkan umatnya menghina mana-mana agama lain.

Sebagai seorang pengamal media, perunding media dan penganalisis politik, saya terkejut dengan tindakan BN mengambil Timbalan Presiden Perkasa itu bertanding atas tiket BN pada PRU-13. Pengumuman itu dilakukan Pengerusi BN, Najib Tun Razak pada 16 April 2013.

Dalam tempoh 24 jam selepas pengumuman itu dibuat, tidak ada mana-mana pemimpin MIC yang tampil menyatakan bantahan. MIC selalu mendabik dada mengatakan ia wakil tunggal kaum India dalam kerajaan dan BN. Maka, amat mengecewakan apabila pemimpin MIC memilih untuk berdiam diri dalam hal ini; bagaikan tidak ada apa-apa yang berlaku.

Sebelum ini, pemimpin MIC dan pemimpin pelbagai pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) kaum India dan agama Hindu (termasuk Malaysia Hindu Sangam) tampil mengecam Ridhuan Tee Abdullah dan Zulkifli yang mempersenda dan menghina kaum India dan agama Hindu.

Bagaimanapun, apabila BN mengambil Zulkifli sebagai calon untuk PRU-13, politikus kaum India, pemimpin NGO kaum India dan pemimpin NGO agama Hindu bagaikan tidak berani bersuara. Para pemimpin kaum India dalam BN – khususnya MIC dan PPP – umpama tidak ada pilihan selain menyokong penuh kempen Zulkifli. Ini merupakan satu lagi penghinaan kepada kaum India.

Walaupun saya tidak menyokong mana-mana parti politik, saya sangat kecewa dengan tindakan BN memilih Zulkifli sebagai calon BN. Saya menyeru masyarakat pelbagai kaum di Parlimen Shah Alam supaya tidak mengundi Zulkifli sebagai tanda dan mesej jelas kepada BN bahawa masyarakat pelbagai kaum di Parlimen Shah Alam khasnya dan di negeri Selangor amnya menolak calon yang rasis, fanatik, etnosentrik dan ultra kiasu serta menghina agama/kaum lain.

Masyarakat pelbagai kaum/agama yang mencintai keamanan dan meraikan kepelbagai kaum/agama serta menolak segala bentuk penghinaan yang dilakukan orang-orang seperti Zulkifli dan Ridhuan Tee wajar memberi pengajaran penting kepada BN menerusi kuasa undi pada PRU-13.

Sebelum ini, pelbagai pihak (individu dan NGO) sudah menyatakan bantahan secara terbuka terhadap Zulkifli dan Ridhuan Tee tetapi pihak berkuasa dan BN tidak mengambil apa-apa tindakan terhadap mereka. Kedua-dua mereka bagaikan kebal dan lebih berkuasa daripada pihak berkuasa.

Maka, menjelang PRU-13, biarlah orang ramai (rakyat) menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap golongan rasis dan mana-mana parti politik yang menyokong individu seperti itu. Biarlah BN mendapat mesej jelas bahawa masyarakat pelbagai kaum/agama menolak politik perkauman dan politikus yang bersikap rasis.

Saya juga menyeru masyarakat pelbagai kaum “menghukum” MIC yang gagal membela kaum India sedangkan parti politik itu sentiasa mendabik dada berkata ia berjuang membela kaum India. Setiap undi kepada calon MIC samalah seperti satu undi kepada pihak yang menyokong politikus yang menghina kaum India dan agama Hindu.

Rasional yang mudah adalah bahawa selagi rakyat tidak “menghukum” pesalah, selagi itulah politikus akan terus berbuat sesuka hati tanpa mengambil kira sensitiviti rakyat.

MIC's candidates for Parliament - for men only?

I was hardly surprised to discover MIC's decision to field nine men for its quota of parliamentary seats within the BN behemoth.

MIC has also been subjected to discrimination given the context of communal politics which has plagued our nation since independence. It is every man (in the case of MIC) for himself.

Understandably, even the president is afraid to take chances this time around that he would opt for Cameron Highlands which is a safer bet than Kapar for instance.

However, what is most disappointing is the way Wanita MIC has been completely overlooked in this vicious tussle for power.

Such is the fate of women of ethnic minorities; they are unable to negotiate for power because it would be considered unthinkable for them to deprive men of already limited opportunities.

Thus, Wanita MIC is forcibly silenced by the men or in this case the man (president) who calls the shots.

However, women party members are expected to bolster the party machinery during the elections which is an immense feat in itself.

They run service centres and implement programmes, campaign from door to door, assist during election day itself and practically run the show and last but not least flank the candidates during functions draped in their famous 1Malaysia sarees.

It is deep seated sexism that deprives women of access to decision making positions.

Do these men think that women should sacrifice because that is what is expected of them? That the best should be reserved for the enjoyment of men while women get by on empty promises.

What did the president say to the women to justify his decision? I wonder if Wanita MIC was even consulted in this process to determine potential candidates.

MIC is a boys club after all.

The upper echelon of power is only reserved for rich, educated and influential men.

The biased selection of candidates reveals how Wanita MIC has been relegated to a lower position albeit disempowered.

They are denied access to power because the gatekeepers are all men who want to maintain the status quo.

Until and unless, Wanita MIC become conscientised and aware of the discrimination that has been perpetrated against them, their reality will never change.

BN, too, offers free water in bid to recapture Selangor

In its bid to wrest Selangor from Pakatan Rakyat, BN tonight unveiled that it is offering free water for the first 20 cubic metres of usage.

This is the same promise fulfilled by the Pakatan government after winning the state in the 2008 election.

This was in the  manifesto launched by state BN chief and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (right in photo) in Shah Alam tonight.

Besides providing free water, BN Selangor also promised that its state government will replace bulk meters with individual meters for free, in flats and condominiums.

It has been reported that residents in flats and condos have problems getting the free water allocation, as their residences uses the bulk meters which is being maintained by the management.

Presently, the Selangor Pakatan government is having a legal battle with Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) and it had already proposed to take over the water utility company.

The water issue was one of the popular Pakatan promises which helped it win the 2008 election.

Other goodies

Other goodies include giving RM200 book vouchers for students sitting for their UPSR, PMR and SPM examinations and free online tuition for students sitting for these exams.

There will also be scholarships and convertible loans of up to RM80,000 for those pursuing tertiary education.

In addition, all Selangor-born students offered places for diploma and degree courses will receive respectively RM1,000 and RM1,500.

The manifesto also proposes the creation of a new economic zone called the Global Logistic Hub between Port Klang, Kota Raja and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang which is expected to create 560,000 employment opportunities.

The other major announcements in the BN Selangor manifesto titled 'Peace, Stability and Prosperity' include:
- Providing additional cost of living assistance of RM250 to eligible single mothers, the elderly, the disabled and the poor.

- Expanding health services through a wider network of Klinik Rakyat 1Malaysia across the state, opening one-stop centres for haemodialysis, chronic diseases, and women's health and fertility.

- Abolishing quit rent for households in low-cost housing schemes and PPR houses owners registered with e-Kasih.

- Providing Yayasan Selangor monthly schooling aid of RM80 for primary and RM150 for secondary school students from hardcore poor families.
- Giving free school uniforms and school bags for the poor.

- Providing free transportation coupons for students from poor families.

- RM5,000 annually for residents' associations in traditional villages, new villages and others for community-building activities.

- Special administrative fund to registered joint management bodies (JMBs) up to RM5,000 annually.

- Establishment of town council committees with an annual allocation of RM5,000 annually.

- RM1,000 annual allocation as operational funding to registered social clubs and public service associations.

- RM5,000 annual allocation to the plantation residents' committees.

- RM5,000 annual allocation to Rukun Tetangga organisations to boost their activities in making communities safe.

- RM5,000 annual allocation for management and development purposes to registered mosques and other places of worship.

- Free Wifi and broadband services in selected areas.

- 25,000 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat and hardcore poor housing scheme PPRT for rakyat valued at RM50,000.

- 25,000 housing units of 1,000 sq ft with a maximum price of RM300,000 for those earning between RM3,000 and RM5,000.

- Assistance under the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scheme to assist the poor to repair their houses.

- Facilitate payments for second and third generation Felda housing schemes.

- Provide transit homes in Gombak, Ampang, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang for students and newly-weds from the rural areas who migrate to urban centres to work or study.

- Allocation of a one-off payment of RM500 to all newborns to be deposited into the National Education Savings scheme.

- Create a Special Education Fund worth RM10 million for children of estate workers and Orang Asli.

- Continue to establish UiTM Selangor at Serendah, Hulu Selangor

- Raise the minimum salaries or allowances of SAR, SRA and Kafa teachers to RM1,500.

- Upgrade selected Chinese and Tamil primary schools at identified areas to high performance school status
   
- Selangor Microcredit Scheme will provide funding of up to RM250 million as start-up capital for new businesses.

- Provision of soft loans amounting to a maximum of RM40,000 to participants in the Feed in Tariff programme using solar energy.

- Introduction of a management incentive programme for individuals, businesses and industries to encourage participation in the alternative renewable energy and efficient environmental protection scheme.

Suhakam finds excessive force and misconduct by cops in Bersih rally

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 — The police had used disproportionate force during and after the Suhakam’s report says the police used disproportionate force during and after the arrest of participants of the Bersih rally for free and fair elections last April 28. – Reuters picarrest of participants of the Bersih rally for free and fair elections last April 28, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said today.

In releasing its report following a three-man panel's public inquiry into the rally, Suhakam also noted other violation of human rights, including the freedom of media and freedom of expression.

"The Panel is of the view, based on the testimonies of the witnesses as well as video recordings, that there was use of disproportionate force and misconduct by the police towards the participants," the panel chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said when reading out an extract of the report at the Suhakam headquarters here.

The panel pointed to cases where some policemen had assaulted rally goers who were being arrested, despite a lack of evidence of resistance by the latter.

Among other things, the panel found that the police did not facilitate a safe dispersal of the massive crowd in the national capital, highlighting the insufficient time given and the continuous firing of chemical-laced water and tear gas on those trying to leave after the rally ended.

The panel said that the police had failed to handle the rally in a way that reflected the spirit of the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012, saying that their exercise of "restraint" last April 28 was different from their prescribed role in the newly-introduced law to "facilitate" public assemblies.

But it also noted that as the rally took place only five days after PAA 2012 came into force, it would be "too early" for the police to fully make the switch from the old Section 27 of the Police Act.

The panel also presented 25 recommendations in their report, including proposals for the police force to review and make public their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ensure an orderly and safe dispersal with proper exit routes, besides exploring other methods to sufficiently warn rally participants.

((It also proposed that the police distinguish between a peaceful assembly and a riot, while another recommendation said the police should complete its investigations into police reports involving members of the force to avoid allegations of bias.

The panel said that while the people is entitled to the right to freedom of assembly "as enshrined under the Federal Constitution, the PAA 2012 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)", it is not an "absolute" right and should be exercised with regards to the rights of others.

In an immediate response after the briefing that was also attended by the police, Bersih 2.0 co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan told reporters here that the report was "very balanced".

"We hope the police will take further steps on that," she said, noting that it was unclear if disciplinary action had been taken on police personnel who had acted beyond their scope of duties last April 28.

"It is clear that we need the setting up of a separate independent body to look into the conduct of the police, IPCMC is something that civil society has been asking for a long time," Ambiga said, referring to the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

She also welcomed the panel's recommendations and noted that it had commended the police force for successfully ensuring that the "Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat" (KL 112) mega-rally went on peacefully in Kuala Lumpur this January 12.

"We agree with that. We think that's how it ought to be handled. There's a big difference between the way Bersih 3.0 was handled and the way KL 112 was handled," she said of the rally where no incidents of violence had happened and where the police had worked to ensure the safety of media personnel.

Later in a press conference, Khaw said Suhakam plans to discuss its recommendations with the police to take things forward, but said this will be handled by the incoming commissioners as the term of the current batch ends next week.

The 29-day public inquiry by Suhakam that started last July 5 and ended this January 10 saw submissions by rally organisers Bersih 2.0, the Bar Council and the police.

A total of 49 witnesses - including 19 members of the public, four members of the media, 18 police officers and eight experts - have testified before the panel headed by Suhakam vice-chairman Khaw, and commissioners Prof Datuk Dr Mahmood Zuhdi Abdul Majid and Datuk Detta Samen.

‘PKR has fallen for BN propaganda’

PSM's Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj speaks on the party's controversial logo, the BN manifesto, and giving in to Pakatan for the sake of a better Malaysia.
INTERVIEW

PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has been under the spotlight lately following PKR’s recent announcement to field candidates in the former’s contested seats.

Despite its continuous support for the opposition Pakatan Rakyat pact over the years, PSM is now left between a rock and a hard place following PKR’s decision, paving the way for a possible three-cornered showdown in most of the four seats it aims to contest.

Yesterday, PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan announced his party’s agreement to use the symbols of other Pakatan parties instead of its clenched fist logo in next month’s general election.

However, he stressed that PSM would not back down from the contested seats.

In an exclusive interview, PSM’s incumbent Sungai Siput parliamentarian Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj speaks on the party’s controversial logo, the Barisan Nasional manifesto, and agreeing to use symbols of other Pakatan parties for the sake of a better Malaysia.

FMT: Why do you think PKR is so dead set against PSM’s party logo?

Jeyakumar: They (PKR) claim it is not only from them but from PAS and DAP as well. They say it will affect the Malay votes in rural areas. They’re afraid that by supporting our logo, they will charged with colliding with a communist and anti-religious party. So, they are saying there will be a problem.

But they have fallen for the government’s propaganda that PSM promotes violence, communism and anti-religious sentiments. In truth, these issues are used to silence the socialists when we question the country’s uneven economic structure.

Why is PSM putting up with PKR’s abuses? Is it not akin to bullying?

Firstly, it is a question of survival. If they insist on standing on their own logo, there is going to be three-cornered fights. This means for Sungai Siput, it is impossible to win.

There is no doubt we are being bullied, but we are a small party and we will stand to lose.

Secondly, if we were to go face-to-face against Pakatan, it will work to the benefit of BN… it would impact the votes for PKR and Pakatan.

Of course, it is unfair for us but we still want Pakatan to win as they are the better choice for this country, despite their imperfections.

What do you think your chances are in Sungai Siput?

I think we have a reasonable chance. Standing under PKR doesn’t mean we’re defecting from our cause. In fact, we have done a lot of work in the past 13 years in Sungai Siput. We have generally gone down to meet and talk to the people, and have been on good terms with the them – that’s our strong point.

PSM won’t back down

What are your thoughts on the BN manifesto?

The BN manifesto has a lot of inconsistencies. They talk about having an annual BR1M (financial aid) of RM1,000 to help the poor without recognising the cause of them being under financial pressure in the first place.

One of the reasons people are in this situation is BN privatising basic services to benefit their cronies. The more you make it a business, the more the costs go up.

Ultimately, all those extra costs and perks to benefit their cronies go back to the consumer.

The BN manifesto doesn’t address this… the root problem is not being addressed at all.

Basic services cannot be left to profit motives, it must be left the cheaper way.

Is PSM going to field secretary B Suresh Kumar in Cameron Highlands to reflect the sentiments of the people?

No. We will only field Suresh if DAP agrees so we won’t make it a three-cornered fight. Cameron has not been on the table. However, Jelapang is, and we will not back down.

What is the latest update on the Jelapang seat?

We have been trying to talk to DAP but there has been no response so far.

We have suggested forming a committee of five members from five different NGOs including Bersih, ABU (Anything But Umno) and Aliran and we will each explain to them why the seat should go to our respective parties.

The committee will then decide which party would field the best candidate. We have already said that if we win, we will pledge support to the formation of a Pakatan government in Perak, so we are still hoping to discuss with the DAP.

MIC leader warns of ‘Zulkifli’ backlash

In a text message, S Vell Paari urges the MIC president to raise the matter with the BN chairman or risk losing Indian votes.

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s decision to name the controversial Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin as its candidate for the Shah Alam parliament seat has drawn both disbelief and discontent.

Observers noted that it could be a case of shooting oneself in the foot with regard to Indian votes.

The tremors are also being felt in MIC, with one leader warning of an electoral backlash if Zulkifli is allowed to run under the BN banner.

Expressing disappointment over the decision, S Vell Paari urged MIC president G Palanivel to put the message across to BN chairman Najib Tun Razak.

The MIC strategy director conveyed this via a text message to Palanivel, which was also sent to members of the party’s central working committee.

The text message, which was forwarded to FMT by one of the CWC members, read: “Zulkifli being a BN candidate in Shah Alam is an insult to the Hindus in Malaysia.”

“We have 15,000 Indian voters in Shah Alam, 31,000 in Kota Raja, 21,000 in Kapar and 17,000 in Subang. Declaring Zulkifli as the BN candidate has angered the community.

“We could lose nearly 50% to 70% of Indian votes which could result in losses for MIC candidates especially in Selangor. But with Indian votes being the deciding vote, it could result in BN failing to capture Selangor,” said Vell Paari.

The MIC leader also warned the president that the resentment over Zulkifli’s candidacy is spreading to other states as well.

“Dato Seri [Palanivel], we cannot keep silent and let everyone walk away with an apology after insulting our religion and community…

“I was advised that as a CWC member I have to adhere to party decorum on any issues and I am doing just that. I hope Dato Seri can get a favorable action from PM,” he added.

Contacted later, Vell Paari confirmed that he had sent the text message to Palanivel this afternoon.

Asked what he meant by “favourable action from PM,” he replied that Zulkifli must be struck off the candidates list.

“This is a man whose words go against the spirit of 1Malaysia and BN, so how can he represent BN in the elections?” he said.

Zulkifli landed in the spotlight after a video of him belittling the Hindu religion went viral on You Tube, for which he later apologised.

The former PKR leader is the incumbent MP for the Kulim Bandar Bahru seat in Kedah, which he won in the 2008 general election.

Declare assets, PSM tells candidates

PSM chairman Mohd Nasir Hashim says this will allow the people to know the status of their candidates.

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) wants both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat candidates to declare their assets.

PSM chairman Mohd Nasir Hashim said that declaring assets is essential for all candidates in the coming 13th general election as the rakyat should know the status of their respective candidates.

“This declaration of assets is a procedure to inform the rakyat of a particular candidate’s status. Transparency is crucial and information must be forwarded to the people.

“We’ve been the pioneer in this effort thus far and as we believe that it is a good procedure, we hope that all candidates, both from the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat coalitions, to do the same,” he told reporters at PSM’s operation centre during the declaration of assets ceremony.

Nasir, who will be contesting for the Kota Damansara state seat, said it has been a tradition since 2008 for PSM’s representatives to declare their assets each year.

“This declaration of assets is a responsibility. Even if a candidate is rich, he or she should not worry because some candidates were naturally rich before they entered the political arena,” he said.

In his statutory declaration, Nasir declared his ownership of a Perodua Viva worth RM22,000, Tabung Haji (haj fund) of RM10,000, Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) unit trust schemes of RM5,500, savings in the National Savings Bank (BSN) worth RM3,000 and a monthly pension income of RM2,900.

Commenting on the decision of PSM to use PKR’s logo in the coming election at the last minute, he said that the decision was made after getting numerous phone calls from people begging them, for fear of a three-cornered fight.

“Ultimately, we go back to what the people want. We have to take their concerns into consideration,” said Nasir.

Nasir also said that a loose coalition made up of a “group of concerned citizens”, with big names such as Haris Ibrahim, Kee Thuan Chye, and Patrick Teoh, has expressed appreciation of PSM’s decision to use the symbols of other Pakatan parties instead of its clenched fist logo in the general election.

“If three-cornered fights were to materialise, they have offered their services to arbitrate. They are prepared to establish a committee consisting of civil society members to act as mediators,” he said.

Nasir said this is in light of concerns that three-cornered fights involving Pakatan parties and other anti-BN parties will result in victory for the BN candidate.

Chipping in, PSM treasurer A Sivarajan said: “As far as we are concerned, we are all for this effort, and right now the ball is on the other side of the court. Things will only materialise if all parties are agreeable to this.”

PKR Kapar ‘tolak’ G Manivannan, Dr Daroyah Alwi

Mereka mahu calon tempatan, Nedunchelian Vengu untuk kerusi parlimen dan Azizi Ayob DUN Sementa.

PETALING JAYA: PKR Kapar ‘menolak’ G Manivannan yang akan bertanding di kerusi parlimen itu pada 5 Mei ini.

Mereka juga tidak mahu seorang lagi calon luar – Dr Daroyah Alwi – yang diumumkan bertanding kerusi negeri Sementa.

PKR Kapar akan membuat bantahan secepat mungkin terhadap pemilihan Manivannan serta Dr Daroyah.

Dua calon PKR popular di kalangan penduduk Kapar ialah Nedunchelian Vengu, Timbalan Ketua Pilihan Raya PKR Cabang Kapar dan Azizi Ayob, Ketua Cabang PKR Kapar.

Manivannan merupakan seorang peguam berusia 34 tahun, manakala Dr Daroyah, Ketua Wanita PKR Shah Alam.

Nedunchelian memberitahu ada tangan ghaib yang menghantar dua calon itu ke Kapar, walaupun tidak berterus terang ia menjurus kepada Timbalan Presiden PKR, Azmin Ali serta Sivarasa.

Katanya, Kapar merupakan cabang yang menyokong Presiden PKR, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail.

`Orang baru’

“Manivannan adalah calon baru, orang Kapar tidak kenal siapa Manivannan- Dia datang dari Subang tetapi orang Kapar tidak tahu di mana rumah mereka.

“Ini kroni S Sivarasa (Naib Presiden PKR), kerana dia bekerja di pejabat Sivarasa,” kata Nedunchelian.

Kerusi Kapar dimenangi calon PKR, S Manikavasagam selepas mengalahkan calon MIC K Komala pada pilihan raya umum 2008.

Bagaimanapun, pada pilihan raya kali ini, Manikavasagam diumumkan bertanding di kerusi dewan undangan negeri (DUN) Bukit Melawati, parlimen Kuala Selangor.

Ketika ditemui di Kapar semalam, Nedunchelian berkata,” Kita kurang puas hati, saya ditolak, Azizi (Ayob) ditolak.

`Mahu calon tempatan’


“Kita mahu calon tempatan. Saya sepatutnya bertanding di parlimen manakala Azizi DUN Sementa.

“Orang di sini (Kapar) telah memanggil saya YB (Yang Berhormat). orang panggil Azizi YB,” tambahnya lagi.

Jumlah terbaru pengundi Kapar ialah 142, 416 orang dengan 52 peratus Melayu, 34 peratus Cina dan 12 peratus kaum India.

Pembahagian kerusi Pakatan Rakyat ialah Kapar dan Sementa untuk PKR dan Meru kepada PAS.

“Ada tangan yang terlibat dengan pemilihan calon Kapar ini. Kalau seorang calon anak tempatan dan seorang lagi orang luar, ini boleh diterima, tetapi apa yang berlaku sekarang ialah kedua-duanya orang luar.

“Calon parlimen Kapar orang luar, calon kerusi Sementa pun luar. Ini rakyat tidak boleh terima” tambah Nedunchelian.

Tidak mahu mengundi

Seorang penyokong PKR, Mageswara Muniady 23 tahun mengugut jika Manivannan tetap dikekalkan sebagai calon, beliau tidak akan keluar mengundi pada 5 Mei ini.

“Saya akan menghalang rakan-rakan saya supaya jangan keluar mengundi,” katanya.

Mageswara berkata, jika PKR meletakkan calon tempatan, beliau pasti akan menang.

“BN orang tempatan, Bebas calon tempatan tetapi PKR orang luar? Kita tak nak muka ini.

“Apa pasal hantar orang baru, langsung tidak kenal. Ada masalah kita nak jumpa dia.

“Memang boleh cari orang sini (tempatan). Saya mahu orang tempatan, tidak pernah ada orang tempatan menjadi ahli parlimen di sini (Kapar),” katanya lagi.

Manakala Kunasegaran Subramaniam yang berumur 54 tahun pula menjelaskan orang tempatan mahu Nedunchelian menjadi calon parlimen Kapar dan Azizi calon Sementa.

“Kita sokong PKR tetapi mahu orang yang terdekat dengan kita,” tambahnya lagi.

‘I’m a true-blue son of Batu Kawan’

BN's Gerakan candidate N Gobalakrishnan dismisses criticisms that he is unknown among electorate in the parliamentary constituency.

GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional candidate for Batu Kawan parliamentary seat, N Gobalakrishnan, said he was the constituency’s thoroughbred with strong grassroots support.

The vice president of the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, dismissed criticisms that he was unknown among electorates in the area.

A Gerakan state committee member and a lawyer by profession, Gobalakrishnan stressed that he was born and brought up, and has even set up his law firm in Batu Kawan.

He joined Gerakan in 1998 and served as a local councillor in mainland municipality (MPSP) between 2000 and 2002.

He was also president of Penang Indian Chambers of Commerce between 2007 and 2011.

He said that he was actively involved as deputy president in the famous Hindu temple, Sri Muneeswarar Alayam in Jalan Baru, Prai, a state constituency under Batu Kawan.

During a two-year period between 2010 and 2012, he said he was the main fund-raiser for temple’s reconstruction costing RM4.7 million.

He claimed he personally secured federal government funds of RM600,000 from BN national chairman Najib Tun Razak and another RM200,000 from Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon.

“If I don’t have grassroots support, I would have been able to collect so much funds,” he said, adding that he had also given legal aid service to the constituents over the years.

Gobalakrishnan, 49, who heads Gerakan’s Kuala Juru branch, was chosen ahead of party state elected committee member and Jalan Semilang branch A Mohan.

Feeling betrayed by party snub, Mohan has quit Gerakan and announced that he would contest Batu Kawan and a state seat, probably Bukit Tengah, as an independent candidate.

“Party leaders preferred someone close to them than someone close to the grassroots,” Mohan told a press conference yesterday.

‘Pakatan failed in Batu Kawan’

Batu Kawan has 57,593 registered voters as of December 2012.

Chinese form the majority ethnic group with 32,082 voters or 55.7%; followed by Indians 13,432 voters or 23.35%; Malays 11,861 or 20.59%; and others 218 or 0.39%.

The incumbent Batu Kawan MP is DAP deputy secretary general and state deputy chairman P Ramasamy.

Mohan aside, Gobalakrishnan is looking forward to victorious outing in Batu Kawan.

His campaign agenda is to bring more development in line with the country’s mainstream socio-economic growth, create more jobs and resolve persisting local issues.

He will bank on Najib’s transformation plans as his trump card to woo voters.

He claimed that the Pakatan Rakyat state government had failed to bring development to Batu Kawan in the past five years.

He also said that Batu Kawan voters have been deprived of constructive representation in the Parliament as well.

If elected, he pledged a progressive and dynamic representation for the Batu Kawan voters and introduce much needed development programmes.

Acknowledging that he faced a tough task to unseat the DAP, Gobalakrishnan nonetheless hoped that voters would support BN this time to benefit from BN’s development policies.

I don’t want the Batu Kawan people to be left out,” he said.

Terbaru! Video Zulkifli [PERKASA] Hina Kaum India Pada 06-03-2013

Indians must help end Umno/BN in Malaya!

Umno/BN does not have to endorse the Hindraf Blueprint because it doesn't need Indian votes. It only wants to deny Indian votes to PR and for this they will be prepared to engage in all sorts of bullshit.

Joe Fernandez

In 2008, 85 per cent of the Indians voted against BN. Yet BN formed the Federal Government. The BN does not need Indian votes to win. It only needs Malay votes in Malaya and Sabah, Sarawak. The PR needs Indian votes to deny BN two-thirds majority and have a chance of taking over the Federal Gov't.

An Umno/BN Gov't is not in the interest of Indians.

Indians suffered 56 years of internal colonisation under Umno/BN. Even now, Umno/BN is just bullshitting the Indians because the racist civil service doesn't release funds to Indians despite public pledges by the politicians.

It's more important to throw out Umno/BN than to quarrel with PR over the Hindraf Blueprint.

It's not in the Indian interest to destroy PR.

Anyway, the Indians have to decide. If they decide wrongly, they will have to live with the consequences for five years, maybe another 50 years.

Abstaining will deny PR Indian votes and help BN to win.

Umno/BN does not have to endorse the Hindraf Blueprint because it doesn't need Indian votes. It only wants to deny Indian votes to PR and for this they will be prepared to engage in all sorts of bullshit.

Indian votes and Sabah/Sarawak votes are only important in a two-party system to help the weaker party against the stronger party.

Already, Umno/BN has the support of Sabah, Sarawak. So, Indian votes must go to PR. We need a balance of terror like during the Cold War Years between Russia and America.

The enemy (PR) of my enemy (Umno/BN) is my friend.

No need to talk about free votes or the Hindraf Blueprint.

I am sure that a PR Government in Putrajaya will do something for the Indians unlike Umno/BN. I don't know what they will do but they can and will do something. It's the duty of the Indians in PR to make sure.

Call on Election Commission to convene an all-party roundtable conference for all political parties to forswear the politics of fear and blackmail in 13GE and to accept any peaceful and democratic change of government

by Lim Kit Siang,

I call the Election Commission to convene an all-party roundtable conference for all political parties to forswear the politics of fear and blackmail in the 13th General Elections and to accept any peaceful and democratic change of government, whether at the Federal or state level, if this is the verdict of the electorate.

This is most urgent and imperative for two reasons: firstly, the increasing incidents of the politics of fear, blackmail, gangsterism and violence in the run-up to the 13GE; secondly, the possibility that the 13GE will herald the first change of federal government in 56 years through the ballot box, namely the formation of a Pakatan Rakyat Federal Government in Putrajaya following the ousting of the Barisan Nasional Federal Government through the democratic process.

I have received information that the Bukit Aman and Defence Ministry intelligence do not rule out the defeat of Barisan Nasional in the 13GE. According to one Bukit Aman intelligence estimate, which I cannot verify whether it is from the police or not, the possible outcome of the 13GE for parliamentary elections is as follows:
State PR BN
Perlis 1 2
Kedah 13 2
Kelantan 13 1
Terengganu 4 4
Penang 12 1
Perak 18 6
Pahang 5 9
Selangor 20 2
Wilayah Per. 10 1
Putrajaya 0 1
Negri Sembilan 6 2
Melaka 2 4
Johor 12 14
Labuan 1 0
Sabah 12 13
Sarawak 16 15
Total 145 77

According to this estimate, PR will win 145 parliamentary seats compared to 77 for Barisan Nasional – or a majority of 68 seats.

This is well beyond my “dream” results for the Pakatan Rakyat in the 13GE – which is PR winning 125 parliamentary seats or a majority of 28, distributed evenly among PKR with 45 seats and DAP and PAS each winning 40 seats.

With the possibility for the first time in more than five decades of Malaysian history of a democratic transition of power through the ballot box, the onus is both on the Election Commission and the police to ensure that a democratic transition of power will be a peaceful and orderly one.

I welcome the reminder by the former Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan urging politicians to stop “putting fear in people” by making statements about possible racial tension or riots should there be a change in government in the general election.

Musa took issue at a forum on smooth and peaceful transition of power in Kuala Lumpur with recent statements by both Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Jalil and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Shahrizat had warned of a repeat of the May 13, 1969 racial riots during her policy speech at the Umno general assembly November last year, while Mahathir recently wrote on his blog that I would attempt to drive a wedge between the Chinese and the Malays in my campaign for Gelang Patah.

“As leaders, they should advise the people to be calm in selecting a government of their choice,” said Musa, who has been vocal in his opinions since his retirement.

Musa said: “For me, (the statements) are almost like sedition (menghasut).”

Here is a case where a former Inspector-General of Police is of the view that a former Prime Minister had been guilty of sedition. But would the Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail act independently and professionally to arrest and charge the former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir, for the offence of sedition in raising the spectre of racial conflict to scare the voters from freely exercising their constitutional right to vote.

I fully endorse Musa’s criticism of the police authorities for failing to act independently and professionally where the culprits come from UMNO and Barisan Nasional.

Musa argued that the enforcement system would need an overhaul should there be a change of government in the May 5 election.

The Pakatan Rakyat is fully committed to bring about such an enforcement of the police force, to ensure that the police could restore public confidence in their efficiency, professionalism and independence so that they could reduce crime and make the country and public places safe again for citizens, investors and tourists as well as establish an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commssion (IPCMC) to deal with public complaints of abuses of power and corruption against the police.

These two items will be among the top agendas of a new PR Federal Government after the 13GE.

Win In Selangor Crucial For Malaysia To Achieve Developed Nation Status - Najib

SHAH ALAM, April 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak said, Barisan Nasional (BN) must win back Selangor, not only for the prosperity of the people in the state, but for all Malaysians.

The Prime Minister said, this was because Selangor which is located in the Klang Valley contributed a significant percentage to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and could simultaneously spur the nation into becoming a developed nation in the future.

He said, if BN is not able to control Selangor, the federal government would find it difficult to ensure a high economic growth which Malaysia requires to achieve a developed nation status.

"The water supply problem in Selangor (for example) is a serious matter because it can damage the economic growth of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur which are located strategically in the Klang Valley.

"About 60 percent of the GDP comes from the Klang Valley, so the potential of becoming a developed nation depends on Selangor because the percentage of GDP from Selangor is big," he said after launching Selangor BN's 'Akujanji' here, Wednesday night.

Najib hoped voters in Selangor would make a wise choice by choosing the government that can fulfill promises and not be fooled by the unfulfilled promises made by the Pakatan Rakyat for the past five years.

He said the people must evaluate the failure of the opposition to fulfill their promises despite ruling Selangor for the past five years, compared with the various initiatives implemented by the federal government.

Najib therefore, urged the people of Selangor to vote for BN on polling day, May 5, to ensure a bright future.

The Prime Minister believed BN candidates chosen to contest 22 Parliament and 56 state assembly seats in Selangor would bring about changes to fulfill all the promises made under 'Akujanji'.

"On behalf of the Selangor BN, I would like to humbly announce that this is my team of hope to transform Selangor...a team that can fulfill the expectations of the people and ensure Selangor progress rapidly under BN rule," he said.

The Prime Minister said as the BN chairman and head of government, he would ensure every promise in the BN 'Akujanji' would be fulfilled if BN was given the mandate to rule Selangor, again.

"I will not be the Selangor Menteri Besar because I am contesting in Pekan (Pahang) but as the Prime Minister I will monitor the situation in Selangor to ensure every 'Akujanji' is fulfilled by the elected representatives," he said.

He said the people of Selangor are fed up with the empty promises made by the opposition.

Najib announced that among the main points of the Selangor BN 'Akujanji' were to consider an automatic extension of their land lease and the setting up of 'Selangor Peoples' Service Centre' (PAKAR) at 14 local councils.

PAKAR will become a centre to resolve problems faced by the people, based on feedback received, to ease the implementation of the promises made in the manifesto.

"Manifesto (Akujanji) is considered a promise...if we consider it a promise it is not a document that can be taken lightly or ignored. If the manifesto is not a promise, I want to ask, "What is the purpose of drafting and announcing a manifesto?

"BN's track record of fulfilling promises cannot be denied or questioned because even political and financial analysts have agreed that the BN government has brought about major changes through transformation programmes nationwide," he said.

The Selangor BN manifesto which promises a glorious future for Selangor, outlines seven thrusts and 56 pledges for the people of the state.

Also present at the launch were Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Selangor BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar and Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed.

Nurul Izzah vs Raja Nong Chik debate (Video)

This video clip shows Nurul Izzah crossing swords with Raja Nong Chik in Parliament. You be the judge as to who makes more sense. 


Thanks to blog reader Malaysian In Action for the link. MIA adds: “We just cannot afford for her to lose. They will do whatever to try stop her political career. She represent the future. Our Malaysian Light of Hope.” 

Mahfuz hanya bertanding parlimen

Ibrahim Ali: Why Zul Noordin but not me?

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali expressed disappointment he was not given a seat by BN, unlike Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin.
However, it did not mean that Ibrahim was upset with Zulkifli and was in fact glad that the latter will be fielded.
According to a report by Astro Awani, Ibrahim said what made him upset that he was not given any reason for being turned down.
"Not being shortlisted means I was not given a chance. I don't know why. Maybe I don't look handsome enough or other reasons," said Ibrahim in jest, when met at the airport in Pengkala Chepa.

However, Ibrahim said would be contesting as an Independent in Pasir Mas, a seat which he had won a few times with different parties.

"I want to state here that although I'm standing in Pasir Mas, it doesn't mean I'm against BN. I consider (my candidacy in) Pasir Mas as an isolated case," he said.

He said that he was not out for revenge against BN or Umno by standing as an Independent and urged all Perkasa members to back the BN candidate.

He added that his decision to stand as an Independent was based on requests from Pasir Mas electorate who want him to articulate on several issues, particularly on Malay rights and Islam.

Seventh outing

Ibrahim had stood as a candidate for Pasir Mas in every election since 1986. He scored his maiden victory that year and he retained the seat as a Semangat 46 member in 1990.

After re-joining Umno, he lost the seat to PAS in the subsequent election in 1995, which marked the start of his three contest losing streak.

In 2004, he contested as an Independent candidate and secured only 15 percent of the total votes cast.

He finally won the seat on a PAS ticket in 2008. He was not a member of PAS at the time and thus he later declared himself as a BN-friendly Independent member of Parliament.

This time round, BN is fielding Pasir Mas Umno division deputy chief Che Johan Che Pa for Pasir Mas. He is likely to face Ramli Yusof, a former police commissioner and local boy, from PAS.

Previously, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had mooted that BN field Ibrahim, to repay him for his good deeds towards BN.

Chinese educators told to support BN in ‘special’ Johor meet

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 – Barisan Nasional (BN) ministers went on the offensive against . Pakatan Rakyat (PR) today at a “special meeting” in Johor with Chinese-language school heads and teachers nationwide, reminding the 6,000-strong crowd of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s failed education policies when the opposition leader was in government 20 years ago.

The meeting at SJKC Foon Yew in Johor Baru, which featured BN political heavyweights from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to MCA’s Datuk Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, was touted as an education ministry event arranged long before Parliament was dissolved on April 3, the Malaysiakini news portal reported.

“What Anwar failed to do, Najib completed in 1996, which was a turning point for Chinese education in Malaysia,” Health Minister Liow (picture) was quoted telling the audience.

Speaking partly in Mandarin, he reportedly urged the educators present to lend their full support to Datuk Seri Najib Razak so the prime minister could carry out progressive and open education policies for the Chinese community, who from about 30 per cent of the country’s multiracial population.

Muhyiddin, who heads the education ministry, assured the group that the BN government would preserve vernacular schools as part of the national education system, state news agency Bernama reported.

“The BN government will preserve the SJKC and SJKT to ensure that the children of the Chinese and Indian community in the country will be able to learn their respective mother tongues and their cultures,” the wire quoted the BN deputy chairman saying, using the initials for the vernacular schools.

Muhyiddin also called on the Chinese community not to get influenced by the opposition’s baseless allegation, especially during the polls, that the Chinese-language schools would be sidelined by the government.

Anwar plays political poker in Sabah

Sabah Pakatan Rakyat is yet to consolidate its list of candidates as it toys with STAR and SAPP.

KUALA LUMPUR: With nominations just days away, speculations are rife that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim is engaging Jeffrey Kitingan’s State Reform Party (STAR) in a 11th hour bid to find a solution to what promises to be a crippling election for Pakatan Rakyat if it remains adamant and uncompromising on Sabah seats.

Nomination is set for April 20 and by tomorrow all state Barisan Nasional component parties would have announced their list of candidates.

In Sabah, KadazanDusunMurut (KDM)-based Upko and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) have already announced their candidates. Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are expected to follow suit.

Amidst this, Sabah Pakatan Rakyat is yet to consolidate its list.

A pre-emptive announcement of some candidates by PKR Tuaran division chief Ansari Abdullah earlier this month, which was later rubbished by party deputy president Azmin Ali, has made clear the depth of distrust and angst within PKR members of the PKR central leadership.

As such, these late-in-day “talks” with local parties can only mean that Anwar is troubled.

Barely a week ago, Anwar said he would direct Sabah Pakatan to re-open talks – which he had himself terminated – with Sabah Progressive People’s Party (SAPP).

Anwar had, at one point, ridiculed SAPP when he asked the party to prove its worth. And this too after incessant meetings dating back to 2011 to discuss possible straight fights.

But SAPP sources said today that they have not been approached “as yet and time is running out”.

SAPP is aiming to contest in 20 state and about 10 parliamentary seats.

STAR, meanwhile, is targeting to contest in at least 40 state and up to 20 parliamentary seats.

Word is that STAR, while weak on infrastructure, has a KDM-reach that outruns PKR’s and Anwar knows this.

Thus, this explains the move to reach out to Jeffrey. According to sources, Anwar’s man spoke to Jeffrey late last week and “made him an offer”.

Meanwhile, rippling through the grapevine here are talks that Anwar’s partiality towards Wilfred Bumburing and Lajim Ukin has backfired. Both defected from Barisan Nasional in July last year, pledging their allegiance to Anwar vis-a-vis PKR.

Anwar had left Bumburing to harness the KDMs and Lajim to look into the Muslim votes.

Herein lies the hiccup. Rumours are that Pakatan needs a bulk of KDM votes and that it doesn’t have it yet.

A wily politician

Said a PKR member, who declined to be named: “The situation has changed. The Muslim seats can go anywhere. Lajim has influence over a few Bisaya seats.

“But Wilfred [Bumburing] is in trouble. People don’t trust him. Our members are saying if he [Bumburing] is sincere, then why is he not a PKR member? They will not support any of his candidates.”

Both Bumburing and Lajim are MPs and are likely to defend their Tuaran and Beaufort seats under the PKR banner. Both have also been pushing for their own followers to be given seats and that has not gone down well with members.

But Anwar is going all-out to get Putrajaya and has declared that he needs the numbers from Sabah and Sarawak to cap their quest.

With just days to go before nomination, there is both scepticism and hope in Anwar’s olive branch extended to the Chinese-dominated SAPP and KDM-fuelled STAR.

Anwar is a wily politician who is apt at playing political poker. His is a hand that can either lift or kill you, a fact that both Jeffrey and SAPP president Yong Teck Lee are well aware of.

Both STAR and SAPP have been championing the cause of the Sabahans and the right to determine their own destiny which they alleged the federal government had hijacked decades ago.

Jeffrey, on his part, has been specific with his call to Sabahans to vote local and Pakatan “is not local”.

A political marriage between them, even a temporary one, will as such give Sabahans a fair chance at taking control of the state even if BN decides to plant its “agents” to split the votes.

But thus far there has been no indication that straight fights in Sabah’s 60 state and 25 parliamentary seats are likely.

Sabahans, natives included, are not as mindless as the political folks in Putrajaya wish to believe.

The unprecedented revelations spinning out of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the insidious federal agenda to neutralise Christian natives by legalising thousands of illegal Muslim immigrants to ensure Umno-BN stays in power, the “timing” of the Lahad Datu incursions, the consolidation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) – which houses 11 parliamentary and 30 state seats – and the Petronas “scam” on local contractors have deeply scarred Sabahans.

Looking ahead, the only road left is for Sabahans to reclaim the right to “rule” their state the way they see fit.

The question now is, will Anwar and Pakatan set aside their personal demands and help Sabahans achieve this “right”?

If he does, what will be the price of this tryst?

PSM compromises on logo, not seats

The party agrees to use other Pakatan Rakyat symbols in the coming polls, but will not back down from the four seats it aims to contest.

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has agreed to use the symbols of other Pakatan Rakyat parties instead of its clenched fist logo in next month’s general election.

However, PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan stressed that PSM would not back down from the four seats it aims to contest.

PSM would be fielding its four candidates in two states: Semenyih and Kota Damansara state seats in Selangor; Sungai Siput parliament and Jelapang state seat in Perak.

“We have reversed the decision taken by our national committee that insisted on using our logo. The party is only willing to compromise on the logo. If PKR does not give in, we will contest the seats using our own logo,” he told a press conference here.

Arutchelvan was commenting on the party’s emergency national committee meeting resolution held last night that was participated by 93 state and branch delegates.

PSM’s national committee had passed a resolution to use their logo for GE13 on Jan 13.

Between a rock and a hard place

On Sunday night, Opposition Leader and PKR de facto chief Anwar Ibrahim announced his Serdang division chief Hamidi Hassan as the Semenyih candidate. This paved the way for a possible three-cornered showdown for the state seat.

He however did not name a candidate for Kota Damansara although PKR had shortlisted candidates previously.

Yesterday, Arutchelvan revealed that PKR had backtracked on its words by fielding candidates in PSM contested seats.

In 2008, Arutchelvan lost Semenyih to Umno’s Johan Aziz by 1,140 votes. Johan polled 11,588 votes to Arutchelvan’s 10,448 votes.

Party chairman Nasir Hashim polled 11,846 votes to beat Umno’s Zein Isma Ismail by a majority of 1,075 votes. Zein obtained 10,771 votes for the Kota Damansara seat.

PSM supreme council member Dr D Michael Jeyakumar clinched Sungai Siput by defeating former MIC president S Samy Vellu with a majority of 1,821 votes. He polled 16,458 votes to Samy’s 14,637 votes.

In Jelapang, PSM deputy chairman M Sarasvathy was defeated in a three-cornered battle.

DAP’s Hee Yit Foong polled 12,219 votes to win against MCA candidate, Loh Kai Pin’s 5,512 votes and Sarasvathy’s 1,275 votes in the Chinese-majority seat located in Batu Gajah.

For this coming election, DAP is adamant that it wants to place its candidate in Jelapang despite PSM’s long term work in the state constituency.

Even in Sungai Siput, there is talk that either PKR or DAP would want to have their candidate to take on MIC’s SK Devamany.

Meanwhile, Arutchelvan said that an emergency PSM meeting had been arranged last night since PKR’s action had put PSM between a rock and a hard place.

No PSM-friendly candidates

The emergency meeting also witnessed the rejection of offers from non-members to contest using PSM logo.

“We have rejected the requests from 12 non-PSM members because it goes against PSM’s principles. We don’t believe in parachute candidates,” he said.

The party strictly ensures that members serve a constituency for a minimum of five years before contesting for a seat. In addition, the candidacy must be supported by the party’s local branch.

On another matter, the party is also offering its local branch secretary B Suresh Kumar to contest for the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat, which will be contested by MIC president G Palanivel.

“It is a question of winnability. We are confident that Suresh can defeat Palanivel. We’ll request DAP to consider it but will not pressure them to accept our request,” said Arutchelvan.

‘Somebody told me to go for Cameron’

MIC president G Palanivel also reveals that the prime minister did not pick MIC candidates but it was done by the party itself.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president G Palanivel today revealed that he initially wanted to contest the Sungi Siput parliamentary seat but decided to fight for the Cameron Highlands constituency because “somebody” told him to do so.

“First I wanted to go to Sungai Siput, but later I decided to contest in Cameron Highlands…somebody told me to contest the seat,” he told reporters after announcing the party’s list of candidates for the upcoming 13th General Elections.

Palanivel however did not mention who that “somebody” was.

Nominations for the polls is on Saturday while voting is on May 5.

Palanivel has been without a seat after his loss in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency in the 2008 general election. In the polls, then party president S Samy Vellu also lost the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.

The Sungai Siput seat is traditionally contested by the MIC president. But this time around Palanivel chose to contest Cameron Highlands, which is relatively an easier seat for Barisan Nasional compared to Sungai Siput.

MIC has nominated party vice-president SK Devamany, who is also deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, to fight the Sungai Siput seat.

At the same press conference, Palanivel contradicted himself saying that all candidates appointed by the party was decided by the party.

“All the candidates are chosen by the party. We submit three to four names for a seat and he [the prime minister] endorses them. So all candidates are chosen by the party. The PM only advises based on the list submitted to him,” Palanivel said.

The MIC chief is also confident that the party would win all nine parliamentary seats it would contest.

“As for the 18 state seats we are contesting, we can win 14 to 16 seats.

“With the good combination of Malay, Chinese and Indian support, the BN can take back Selangor, Kedah and Perak. Voters mood favours the BN,” he said.

He also urged party leaders not selected to contest to calm down.

“Do not worry. I will take care off them by offering senatorships and GLC positions,” he said.

Pencalonan Zul Noordin, Fathul Bari dikecam

Kecaman tersebut timbul ekoran pendirian mereka yang bersifat assabiyah dan perkauman.

PETALING JAYA: Sebuah badan hak asasi manusia, Pergerakan As Sajjad hari ini mengecam pencalonan dua ahli Umno, Zulkifli Noordin dan Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya, pada Pilihan Raya Umum ke 13 (PRU13) 5 Mei ini.

Zulkifli diumumkan sebagai calon di kerusi Parlimen Shah Alam manakala Fathul Bari, pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kerja Sekretariat Ulama Muda Umno (Ilmu), diumumkan sebagai calon Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sanglang, Perlis.

Pencalonan Zulkifli, yang juga adalah Naib Presiden Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) untuk P 108 Parlimen Shah Alam gagal menjelmakan semangat dan pendekatan holistik dan terkehadapan Barisan Nasional dalam isu-isu perhubungan kaum atau etnik,” kata kumpulan itu dalam satu kenyataan media.

Kritikan terhadap Zulkifli timbul ekoran kemunculan rakaman video Youtube yang menunjukkan Zulkifli menghina konsep ketuhanan dalam agama Hindu.

Pergerakan As Sajjad juga kecewa dengan pencalonan Fathul Bari ekoran kenyataan Fathul yang bersifat anti-Syiah.

“Beliau telah melakukan pemomokan dan fitnah yang serius terhadap minoriti Syiah di negara ini.

“Kami berpendapat pencalonan Fathul Bari adalah bertentangan dengan semangat Deklarasi Islamabad 2007 yang menggariskan bahawa tiada umat Islam dibenarkan membunuh atau membahayakan umat Islam lain, samada Syiah atau Sunni,” kata kumpulan tersebut.

As Sajjad turut mengkritik penyertaan anggota kumpulan Ikatan Muslim Malaysia (Isma) yang bertanding di lapan kerusi parlimen atas tiket Barisan Jemaaah Islamiyah Semalaysia (Berjasa) kerana mereka bersifat perkauman.

Manifesto calon Berjasa menyatakan bahawa mereka bertanding untuk “menebus kembali hak dan kuasa politik Melayu-Islam di Parlimen dan Dewan Undangan-Dewan Undangan Negeri-Negeri tertentu.