A demonstration of Malaysia Today’s commitment to free speech

Malaysia Today is committed to free speech in spite of some from the opposition who are of the opinion that I am being a bit unfair in the way I criticise Pakatan Rakyat. And to demonstrate my commitment to free speech I am publishing this article by Malaysia Instinct even how unfavourable it may be to me.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Raja Petra Is Almost Homeless In London

By Satu Hala, Malaysia Instinct

This news was received from a friend who I can say is quite influential via a phone call…

According to this friend, Raja Petra Kamarudin or RPK is now said to have almost reached the status of being ‘homeless’ in London.

He has yet to be evacuated or such, but talks are that his unpaid rent has mounted although for how long I’m not sure…

This stemmed from the declining sponsorship of two parties, namely Kalimullah Hassan and Datuk Soh Chee Wen (one of Anwar Ibrahim’s financial backers).

The dough from Kalimullah is still on the roll…but the money coming from Anwar has been halted since RPK has openly showed his tendency to criticize Anwar recently…especially following the onslaught of internal turmoil in Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s election…Also, RPK’s writings have ceased having an impact on society.

“Anwar wants to tame RPK again,” according to this friend.

What is troubling now is that money from one side is not enough. London ain’t cheap. There’re no street stalls like KL, so of course the expenses are high.

Obviously RPK is not the type to cook at home…he only dines at places where meals are infused with wine, and this is not counting in the price of a bottle of wine or alcohol to wash down his food. Also not forgetting the tabs on his drinks during his free time…so by now there should be a good understanding of what state he is in.

It is said that RPK now badly wants to go home…but he is also afraid of any action that would be taken against him…although that could only be his assumption…it is unlikely that any action would be taken against him…

But what is certain, if Anwar continues to deny him the financial aid and RPK himself doesn’t want to go home…he has a choice of either being a waiter in London or be a homeless bum on the streets there like a stray dog. Maybe that is the best punishment for someone who has sinned a lot towards others.

And maybe this writer’s article previously was accurate…it is wise for RPK to return to Malaysia and kneel and seek forgiveness from Najib and his family for all the slandering before this.

Come home RPK…or be prepared to be a wandering stray dog over there.

Friends of Pakatan Rakyat lives on without Zaid

Zaid Ibrahim (second left) with other PR leaders at the launch in July.KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — A London-based informal network of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) supporters is set to continue despite the resignation of the man who launched them, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim from PKR this December 16, the pact’s leaders said today.

Friends of Pakatan Rakyat (FoPR) in London which started on July 4 said it did not revolve around a single personality.

Thus far, no one else has followed Zaid’s footsteps out of the party.

“It (Zaid’s leaving) doesn’t make the slightest bit of difference,” DAP deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw told The Malaysian Insider today.

“There are others who are in contact with Friends,” he added, naming DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli, and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Hatta claimed that PR leaders did not play a founding role in the movement but merely officiated its launch.

“We were there as leaders of Pakatan Rakyat to officiate. It’s not a Zaid project, or my project or Nurul Izzah (Anwar)’s project. It’s the supporters of Pakatan,” said Dr Hatta.

“So if anyone of us leaves, too bad. But the thing must go on. It should not be affected by anyone leaving,” added the Kuala Krai MP.

Dr Hatta, Dr Tan, Nurul Izzah and Zaid were present at the FoPR launch in London on July 4 where maverick blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin gave a speech before over 200 people.

Nurul Izzah echoed Dr Hatta’s views and said that the FoPR would continue despite Zaid’s absence.

“Even though we may be devoid of the original leader (Zaid), the Friends of Pakatan Rakyat will still continue,” said the Lembah Pantai MP.

“The Friends of Pakatan Rakyat has been emailing us their updates from time to time,” she added.

Nurul Izzah also noted that a meeting between FoPR and Anwar has been scheduled for January next year.

“I believe that they (FoPR) remain consistent and are quite committed to the cause, but a proper meeting will be held between the representative and the Opposition Leader in January,” said Anwar’s eldest daughter.

In July, then PR secretariat coordinator Zaid said the network was aimed at stirring the Malaysian diasporas to pressure the Barisan Nasional (BN) government for their rights as citizens, including the right to vote.

He had also denied that the PR leadership was funding nor using the FoPR network to compete with partisan groups like the Umno Supporters’ Clubs.

Zaid dropped the quit bombshell earlier this month, blaming the party leadership for condoning electoral fraud and election malpractices.

He also resigned from all party posts, including his positions as PKR Federal Territories chief, PKR Wangsa Maju division chief and PKR political bureau member.

Recently, the former Umno minister confirmed that he would quit PKR this December 16, but would likely form his own party and contest in the coming general election.

Hanya 1.16% tanah milik Melayu

Agak menakutkan melihat nasib orang Melayu di Pulau Pinang hari ini kerana di bawah kepimpinan kerajaan DAP sekarang, agensi amanah yang ditubuhkan untuk menjaga kepentingan kaum Melayu di negeri itu menghadapi kesukaran untuk menjalankan projek.

Utusan Online

DAERAH Timur Laut merupakan kawasan yang paling pesat membangun di negeri Pulau Pinang. Ia kini muncul sebagai pusat komersial terbesar di negeri itu sekali gus menyaksikan kaum Cina menumpu di daerah tersebut.

Penumpuan kaum Cina di kawasan bandar yang kini meliputi hampir seluruh daerah itu bermula sejak kedatangan Francis Light pada 1786 yang mana beliau bertanggungjawab membawa masuk banyak imigran dari China.

Kesannya adalah apa yang kita lihat sekarang iaitu daerah Timur Laut kini mempunyai penduduk majoriti Cina.

Perkembangan itu memperlihatkan kaum Melayu yang telah ada di pulau tersebut 'ditolak' ke kawasan yang lebih jauh dari pesisir pantai Timur Laut. Ini menyebabkan banyak kaum Melayu menumpu ke kawasan Barat Daya yang mana Balik Pulau merupakan salah satu kawasan majoriti berpenduduk Melayu.

Situasi tersebut sekali gus menjawab kenapa kaum Melayu hampir tidak memiliki tanah di daerah Timur Laut.

Ini dibuktikan dengan statistik terkini yang menunjukkan hanya 1.16 peratus kaum Melayu memiliki tanah di daerah tersebut, berbanding kaum bukan Melayu sebanyak 19.84 peratus. Peratusan lain tanah dimiliki oleh syarikat, agensi dan kerajaan negeri.

Faktor yang menyebabkan kaum Melayu kurang mampu memiliki tanah di daerah tersebut adalah kerana harga tanah yang terlalu tinggi. Jika ada pun kaum Melayu memiliki tanah yang 'sekangkang kera' itu, ia adalah tanah yang diwarisi daripada datuk dan nenek moyang mereka sejak ratusan tahun lalu.

Untuk memiliki tanah baru adalah mustahil bagi kaum Melayu Pulau Pinang memandangkan ada tanah terutama di Georgetown berharga RM400 sekaki persegi.

Ini menyebabkan kaum Melayu tidak ramai yang tinggal di daerah tersebut yang juga merupakan pusat komersial utama di Pulau Pinang.

Jika diteliti dari aspek ekonomi, memang satu kerugian besar kepada kaum Melayu yang tidak mampu membeli rumah dan tanah di daerah tersebut. Ketidakmampuan itu juga adalah kerana harga rumah yang terlalu mahal dan tidak mampu dimiliki oleh kaum Melayu.

Rata-rata seunit rumah bertingkat iaitu pangsapuri kos sederhana dan pangsapuri mewah ditawarkan pada harga antara RM300,000 hingga RM500,000 seunit. Malah, ada yang menjangkau harga melebihi RM1 juta seunit. Rumah atas tanah pula seperti rumah berangkai, rumah teres dan banglo pula ditawarkan pada harga yang lebih mahal, iaitu melepasi tujuh angka.

Harga yang terlalu tinggi itu bukan sahaja menyebabkan kaum Melayu tidak mampu memilikinya, malah kaum Cina juga begitu. Ini kerana kebanyakan penduduk Cina yang kaya dan profesional kini lebih suka berhijrah ke luar negara.

"Saya ada banyak kawan berketutunan Cina yang bekerja sebagai jurutera di kilang-kilang di sekitar Bayan Lepas berhijrah ke luar negara, khususnya Australia," kata seorang penduduk, Fatimah Ariffin yang telah bermastautin di Pulau Pinang sejak 21 tahun lalu.

Faktor semakin ramai golongan profesional Cina dan kaya raya berhijrah ke luar negara diakui oleh Pensyarah Kanan Pusat Kajian Sains Kemasyarakatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk.

Faktor berhijrah ke luar negara dan mempunyai anak yang sedikit dalam kalangan penduduk Cina menyebabkan jumlah penduduk majoriti Pulau Pinang hari ini adalah kaum Melayu.

Sumber daripada Jabatan Perangkaan Negeri Pulau Pinang menunjukkan Statistik Penduduk Pulau Pinang Bagi Tahun 2009 adalah 44.89 peratus penduduk bumiputera, manakala penduduk Cina sebanyak 44.27 peratus.

"Sungguhpun majoriti penduduk Pulau Pinang sekarang adalah kaum Melayu, tetapi jumlah mereka di bahagian pulau masih tidak dapat mengatasi jumlah penduduk Cina.

"Ini kerana orang Melayu tidak mampu membeli rumah yang terlalu mahal di pulau terutama di daerah Timur Laut. Ia sekali gus memaksa mereka memiliki hartanah di Seberang Prai.

"Mereka (orang Melayu) hanya berulang-alik dari seberang ke pulau untuk bekerja. Selain itu, kebanyakan kaum Melayu di daerah ini adalah kakitangan kerajaan. Dengan gaji kakitangan kerajaan, mana mereka mampu membeli rumah di sini," katanya.

Menurutnya, kaum Melayu juga didapati lebih selesa tinggal di tanah besar kerana selain faktor harga rumah yang jauh lebih murah, mereka juga boleh memiliki rumah atas tanah seperti rumah teres, rumah berangkai atau banglo.

Katanya, faktor keselesaan hidup di rumah atas tanah turut mempengaruhi kaum Melayu berpindah ke tanah besar.

Keadaan itu juga katanya membuatkan kehadiran orang Melayu di daerah Timur Laut tidak ada kesan untuk mewujudkan satu kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Melayu di situ.

"Dari aspek politik, apa yang patut wakil rakyat Barisan Nasional buat adalah mempertahankan kerusi yang sedia ada. Ini kerana kajian mendapati agensi amanah yang dianugerahkan tanah untuk bumiputera di daerah itu tidak mempunyai tanah yang cukup untuk bawa masuk orang Melayu (pengundi) ke Timur Laut," katanya.

Beliau juga berkata, kebanyakan tanah milik agensi amanah bumiputera pula terletak di kawasan yang tidak strategik sekali gus gagal menarik minat kaum Melayu untuk menetap di situ.

"Orang lebih suka tinggal di kawasan yang ada aktiviti ekonomi yang aktif. Kawasan seperti itu pula banyak terletak di pusat-pusat komersial di tengah bandar, sedangkan tidak ramai Melayu mampu tinggal di bandar.

"Keadaan ini menyebabkan lama kelamaan kehadiran orang Melayu di bandar dengan sendirinya akan terhakis," katanya.

Agak menakutkan melihat nasib orang Melayu di Pulau Pinang hari ini kerana di bawah kepimpinan kerajaan DAP sekarang, agensi amanah yang ditubuhkan untuk menjaga kepentingan kaum Melayu di negeri itu menghadapi kesukaran untuk menjalankan projek.

"Projek-projek yang dijalankan oleh pihak swasta pula semuanya lebih menjurus kepada meraih keuntungan yang berlipat kali ganda. Ini menyebabkan mereka hanya mendirikan projek pangsapuri mewah yang berharga lebih daripada RM300,000 seunit.

"Pada harga itu, tentulah orang Melayu tidak mampu membelinya. Lama kelamaan juga, orang Melayu dengan sendirinya akan berpindah ke seberang, sekali gus menghakis pemilikan hartanah di bahagian pulau,"tambahnya.

Azeem menegaskan, oleh kerana faktor yang menolak orang Melayu keluar ke seberang adalah ekonomi maka meningkatkan pencapaian ekonomi kaum Melayu perlu menjadi agenda utama pemimpin Melayu hari ini.

"Selagi orang Melayu tidak ada kuasa ekonomi dan kuasa beli sebagaimana kaum Cina, maka selagi itulah orang Melayu Pulau Pinang akan ketinggalan dan terus terpinggir," katanya.

A Gopeng PKR member’s report on voting day

By Haris Ibrahim,


On 17th November, gc sent in the following comment to my ‘Masa sudah sampai untuk era Baru…’ post.
‘sir, i want to write a report on last week saturday MPP pkr election which i attended . I have many copies of how the cheating is done by Azmin and shamsul. Email me and I will take scan of all the slips and write u a report on how they pursue / force / suggest / encourage me to vote for the inetrested personnels. Also while i am crossing X the person will watch me cause I ignore to listen to the cawangan way of voting their choices. And also I am not allowed to put inside the ballot box. One man standing there will take from me and he isolated the Parts and put inside the box in front of me. BUT he sees inside to whom I cross X’
I e-mailed gc that same day to say I was awaiting his report and accompanying proof.
The next day, gc e-mailed me his report with copies of documents which he believed supported his contention.
The report, however, was anonymous.
I e-mailed gc the next day as follows.
“Thank you for responding and sorry for this late reply.
I understand your concerns about being identified.
However, I would need to verify that you are indeed a member of PKR of the Gopeng division.
Otherwise, I would not be able to publish your disclosure.
I will not reveal your identity,but  I need to verify for myself.
Could you scan your membership card and send it to me?
You have my assurance that I will not disclose your details should I publish your disclosure at my blog.
If you choose not to, I will understand.
Please understand also that in those circumstances, I will not be able to publish your expose”.
gc responded with a photograph of his PKR membership card.
I reproduce gc’s report, with his photographic evidence, unedited.
____________________________________________
13 Nov 2010
cabang gopeng, perak
1.  I traveled 545km to Ipoh to vote at my cabang for MPP.
2.  Three people went for voting as we are members of PKR.

3.  A week earlier at night 3 people in car came to house and invited to come for voting and also gave slips “senarai pencalonan MPP 2010 “ of their choice and ask to follow the X cross marks. Although they never sound to be forcing but it was merely a suggestion and recommendation.

4. On 13 November 2010, we went to PKR office. We saw a big banner of ONLY Azmin and Putrajaya.

5. Ladies and men came to us after saw us holding blue pkr membership card. They almost had same slips. We told them we already had the slip which matches with their choice.

6. They pursue / suggest / encourage us to vote for their interested personnel. They have same dialogues “ Ikut saja pangkah ini semua “.

7. We showed  pkr blue membership card to register . Each got one small piece of paper with a number.

8. Again almost  4 other people approached us and gave the same slips and ask to follow the guideline given.

9. One guy showed us a big poster of how the balloting paper looks like and how to vote. choosing 1, 4 and 20 people and the rules. The poster had white tape censor zaid .

10.  We went to second floor. Gave small piece number and took the balloting papers.

11. We sat on sofa waiting for empty table.  I saw many voters “copy paste” from the slips and there is 2 ladies guiding them easily.

12. There are  4 long tables. Each table got 2 chairs.  Two ladies monitor two tables. These ladies every busybody and sees to whom you cross. They are happy as long as you keep the given suggestion slips side by side and do “copy paste”.

13. Also while I am crossing X the person will watch me cause I ignore to listen to the cawangan way of voting their choices. And also I am not allowed to put inside the ballot box. One man standing there will take from me and he isolated the paper parts and put inside the box in front of me. BUT he sees inside to whom I cross X.

14.  Many in 2nd floor curious and showed grumpy face because we never put the slip side by side with ballot paper and refer and cross. Something like copy from slip and paste in ballot paper. We slowly and carefully choose our own preferences.

15. The paper is new and don’t have zaid’s name.

16. One man collects the paper and drops into box. The box is covered and NOT transparent. This man opens the MPP and AMK paper and sees who we vote for.

17. Two of us did NOT cross for azmin or mustaffa but  I crossed for Chegubard. We also did not vote for anyone from the slips recommendation including nurul izzah except for one Chinese ADUN . I vote for  Chan Ming Kai because he deserves . He is very good adun for simpang pulai. Some sort like hannah yeoh.

18. It was totally disgusting and no privacy.

19.  We are cowards. They know our house. They can do anything in case they lose.

20. The only daring thing 3 of us did was did NOT follow the recommendation slip.

21. While we walking back to car, one PKR man came and said his name not in the “wanted /demanded” list.  He said pkr played dirty game as cowards scared to lose.

22. Finally Azmin and Shamsul controls the cabang Gopeng.

My main purpose to travel 565km is to vote for Zaid  But since news come out he quit. I had double mind to go or not to. But we went to see ourselves on the criminal breaches of trust happened in pkr voting.


I pity mustaffa’s people whom cannot get privileges in the pkr office. One guy came and give name card of mustaffa and yahya sahri. He did not speak anything but give and walked away. But since mustaffa is not my choice . I reject him too after watching news he said he supports anwar. He only complains but never withdraw from election.

Now I regretted voting for chegubard because he too complains but never withdraw from election. It looks like Mustaffa and Chegubard just like to talk to walls but NO reaction when there is action.

3 of us don’t support the individuals in party but as raja petra said we hate BN . So the alternative choice is PR. But that does not mean we love PR.

My personnel observation PSM is good. PSM also has many youngsters famous for JERIT.
Why we choose to be member of pkr ?

Cause PKR was nearest and available via eyes. Although PAS is in the 12^th general election voting for my place and we vote for PAS but this PAS we don’t even know where the office. DAP – never came to mind.
Why do I need to be a member in a party?

Cause I thought of supporting the PKR and increase their strength with high membership.
Am I glad with pkr till today ?

1. I am super happy with ADUN Chan Ming Kai although my place is under BN.
2. pkr elections involves members to vote.
3. Some good pkr members around Malaysia serving rakyat.

Do I regret now for becoming member of pkr?

No. nothing to regret cause it is just some money and power corrupted people spoils the party. In fact PAS and DAP also the same. To be surprised BN also has good candidate like YB Devamany of Cameron highlands.
Therefore, I will not quit pkr.  We need to conquer putrajaya.
I do not like anwar since he was menteri pendidikan. I also don’t like azizah from year 2000.  This pkr is not about his family but the work for rakyat. But now ever since last 2 weeks the hindraf memorandum squashed at anwar’s house made me angry so I also never vote for nurul . But for azmin and samsul , I only get to know his dirtiness this year 2010.

Winter Time In PKR

From Malaysian Insider
By Muaz Omar

As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak contemplates whether to call for a snap election, much of the focus is being centred on the fulcrum of the opposition coalition.

PKR, the biggest opposition party up until three of its MPs quit the party, has taken heavy body blows in the media recently.

Mainstream and alternative, print and electronic media have accorded massive coverage on the historic direct elections which give the right to each member to choose their leaders from the division right up to the central leadership.

The overwhelming media interest about the goings-on within the party soon zoomed in on the hotly-contested deputy president’s post vacated by veteran politician Dr Syed Husin Ali.

This extensive coverage of the party election is being fuelled by the fact that PKR is often viewed as the glue that binds the Pakatan Rakyat component parties.

When the opposition coalition dented BN’s two-thirds majority and captured five state governments (prior to BN recapturing Perak) in the 2008 general election, there was a real possibility that BN’s almost unchallenged political dominance may actually fall.

Hence, PKR’s leadership transition is of great importance to national politics as Pakatan Rakyat’s prime minister nominee originates from the party in the form of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

With Anwar’s sodomy trial entering its mature phase, the deputy president will ultimately hold the reins of the party should the courts decide against Anwar.

Anything concerning Anwar, personal or political, is bound to create extraordinary buzz in the domestic and international media.

It is also coupled by the fact that this is the political platform that Anwar hopes would enable him in partnership with Pakatan Rakyat’s allies to topple BN.

The other factor is the personalities vying for the deputy presidency.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali and the party’s former Federal Territories chief Datuk Zaid Ibrahim are considered political giants in one of the youngest political parties in the country with a meagre membership numbering some 500,000 people.

When Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin took on Datuk Seri Ali Rustam (until he was barred due to money politics) for Umno’s deputy presidency, it created a contest that political pundits, columnists and journalists hotly observed.

However, Azmin Ali vs Zaid Ibrahim is far juicier and, frankly, both of them have far more quality than the Umno contestants.

However, as it turns out the deputy presidency contest has not been as friendly as many party leaders had hoped for.

Azmin, the reserved but charismatic and well-known grassroots leader, went about building consensus and alliances among party leaders at the central, state and divisional leadership.

On the other hand, the effervescent but erratic and outspoken Zaid went on a media blitz using his liberal background to maximum effect in his efforts to charm party members.

One would think that the liberal Malays, NGO-oriented and non-Malays within the party would have an affinity for Zaid, and on the other hand grassroots Malays, who form the bulk of the party members, would associate themselves with Azmin.

As the campaign went on, Zaid used every opportunity to be on the front pages of the print and web media to highlight his take on issues concerning the party but his strong words only enabled him to create enemies within the party rather than build alliances.

He has poured scorn publicly on Azmin, Syed Husin, president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and finally Anwar himself.

nevitably, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back; Zaid was immediately viewed as a persona non grata within the party.

He has also managed to turn off those initially backing him — the NGO-aligned leaders and also influential grassroots Indian as well as Chinese leaders in the party.

Azmin, on the other hand, cranked up his meetings with state and divisional leaders as well as members throughout the country.

As a senior member of the party, it has been a whirlwind tour of sorts but something that isn’t new to him for the last 12 years ever since the Reformasi period.

At the same time, he has kept a low profile when it came to the media, opting not to counter Zaid’s accusations publicly but preferring to address the issues directly with party members.

As someone who can be an elite bourgeois and a grassroots man depending on the necessity, Azmin has played his cards almost to perfection.

Zaid’s first-day lead on the back of votes from his home state of Kelantan soon dwindled as the election period went on.

It also served to switch Azmin’s campaign machinery into overdrive and Zaid’s well-funded machinery found it hard going and by the first weekend, the lead had turned into a deficit for Zaid.

Zaid was banking heavily on Sabah to deliver him the votes but as the results rolled in, it was evident that Azmin’s week-long campaign for the Batu Sapi by-election followed by extensive groundwork had caused a breach in Zaid’s so-called fixed deposit.

When the numbers were turning out against him, Zaid went on another round of media blitzkrieg using pseudo-liberal bloggers and a particular web media to denounce the credibility of the party election.

Every single problem in the voting process — delays in the polls and vote counting — has been heaped on Anwar and Azmin.

After leaping over the party ranks in record time from supreme council, political bureau (which he then took six months’ leave due to disagreement with the party leadership), Hulu Selangor by-election candidate and FT chief, Zaid topped it all of by offering himself for the deputy presidency.

Zaid would have become a big leader for PKR and Pakatan Rakyat in the immediate future but he has built himself up as if he is bigger than the party which turns out to be a major turn-off.

His personality and probably his loud mouth finally got the better of him.

He cracked and called it quits from the race and the party, citing Anwar and Azmin as the source of all the party’s problem.

Party members were largely unhappy with the manner that Zaid and certain leaders handled the outcome of the party elections.

These gung-ho leaders instantly go to the media to voice their displeasure rather than go down to the ground to canvass for votes.

Party members have also been distracted with the writings of infamous bloggers like the Groucho-Marxist Hishamuddin Rais, self-proclaimed liberal Haris Ibrahim and demonstration activist Mat Saman Kati who have made it their personal vendetta to attack Anwar and Azmin.

Zaid’s ill-advised action to quit the party and lead a “Third Force” with the backing of bloggers such as Haris will only be seen as an attempt to undermine PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.

Chandra Muzaffar, Ezam Mohd Nor, Lokman Noor Adam and many other turncoats have failed in this aspect and Zaid is no more important to PKR than those three prior to them leaving the party.

Those who have been long in the party know that the dynamics of the party is one that is open, progressive and fluid.

It is surreal how an ordinary member of the party can have a major say in the leadership of the party and the openness within the party on the right to dissent has given unnecessary advantage to its enemies in Umno and BN.

Even though the party is understaffed and ill-equipped to undertake this gargantuan task, the leadership was adamant that this democratic process had to go through for the long-term benefit of the party.

No party that opened itself up will be able to avoid being subjected to the most minute scrutiny to the extent that criticisms become very personal and emotional rather than objective in nature.

PKR was prepared to go through this and the valiant effort of the leadership and the secretariat must be commended.

It may be a cold and blustery winter at the moment but spring beckons around the corner for PKR, as will the general election.

End trigger-happy shootings, lawmakers tell IGP

The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers have demanded newly-installed Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to end indiscriminate fatal police shootings instead of “frolicking” at mock casinos.

Police had shot dead a 15-year-old suspected robber on November 13, just seven months after 14-year-old Aminulrasyid Amzah was gunned down by the police in Shah Alam on April 26.

“The top priority is to end cases of indiscriminate police shootings, reduce the crime rate and make people feel safer,” DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang told The Malaysian Insider today.

“These are the things that should receive the focus of the new IGP instead of going on a frolic having a mini casino,” he added.

Yesterday, the families of two of the three youths shot dead on November 13 after being suspected of robbing a petrol station claimed the trio were killed by the police in cold blood.

Muhammad Shamil Hafiz Shapiei, 15; Hairul Nizam Tuah, 20; and Mohd Hanafi Omar, 22, were killed by the police after a reported high-speed car chase in the early morning of November 13 in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

The families’ lawyer, N. Surendran, described the shootings as a “gangland-style execution”, pointing out that the gunshot wounds showed that the victims were shot at close range and not in self-defence as the police had claimed.

“All three were shot in the head and chest with bullets exiting lower,” said Surendran.

Selangor acting police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan, however, has reportedly defended his officers’ actions by describing the three suspected robbers as “seasoned criminals” who were allegedly involved in at least three armed robberies in Selangor last week. He claimed that the police shot the suspects in self-defence as they had allegedly rushed to attack the policemen with machetes after the pre-dawn car chase.

Today, Lim accused Ismail of mixing up his priorities and failing to end a police “culture” supporting a shoot-to-kill tendency.

“If shooting is necessary and unavoidable to protect policemen’s lives, standard operating procedures must be followed so as not to kill but to maim. It would appear that with the change of IGP, there is no change in the police culture as such. There should be a total overhaul of police standard operating procedures in such cases,” said the veteran DAP leader.

“Yesterday, the media reported police having mock casinos. This is the wrong set of priorities,” he added.

Ismail, who replaced Tan Sri Musa Hassan as the country’s top cop on September 13, reportedly set up a mock casino at the Cheras police college in a bid to train policemen on nabbing gamblers.

Policemen are reportedly taught various gambling games available in casinos and other entertainment outlets.

PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar echoed Lim’s views and said that Ismail must assure the public that it was safe from indiscriminate police shootings.

“The new IGP needs to bolster public confidence that the police will not simply shoot indiscriminately,” said Mahfuz.

He also pointed out that Ismail should train his men on various procedures to be followed in shooting cases instead of card games.

“Training should be given on how to shoot, in which circumstance, what must be done before the shooting, the criteria for a suspect who can be shot, mental training… not training on gambling,” said the Pokok Sena MP.

Mahfuz also called for a thorough probe into the families’ complaints.

“A complete investigation should be done to check if the people who were shot were really suspected robbers, and to see if the shots were fired not to kill but to apprehend them,” he said.

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar supported Mahfuz’s points and further demanded for the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

“The shooting is deplorable,” said Nurul Izzah.”I call for immediate investigations and reiterate the need of the IPCMC in its entirety,” she added.

The IPCMC was proposed by the Royal Commission on the Enhancement of the Management and Operations of the Police in 2005 but the government rejected the proposal on the grounds that its powers were too broad. In place of the IPCMC, the government last year established the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC) to investigate not only the police but other enforcement agencies.

The commission has, however, not been called upon to investigate Aminulrasyid’s shooting or other fatal police shootings.

The PKR vice-presidency contender also lambasted the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) for saying today that negative public perception of the police was a new “crime” that should be curbed immediately.

“What’s worse is MCPF’s latest comments, which sidesteps the readiness to take stock of the problem and ownership in providing solutions,” said Nurul Izzah.

Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said a report on the incident was necessary to ascertain the facts of the case.

“It’s better for us to get the report,” said Shafie.

Echoing PR leaders, Umno’s Johor Baru MP Datuk Seri Shahrir Abdul Samad also said that an open investigation should be conducted.

“I reckon since the parents made the complaints, there must be an investigation,” said Shahrir.

“As with Aminulrasyid’s situation, I don’t think there will be any cover up,” he added.

Besides Aminulrasyid, a second case involving the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Mohd Afham Arin in Johor Baru on October 20 last year has also surfaced after the victim’s mother recently demanded an independent commission to investigate the case.

According to human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), 88 people died in police shootings last year.

The NGO also claimed that not even one police officer has been held accountable and that the high number of deaths in 2009 was “alarming”, considering that there were only 13 such cases in the previous two years.

More Pressure On PKR To Stop Polls

PETALING JAYA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The PKR leadership is under increasing pressure to halt polls for its central leadership.

Sunday, a group of about 500 party members held a peaceful assembly outside the party's headquarters to urge PKR's leaders to call off the polls.

The group, which came in 14 buses from Johor, Selangor, Penang and Perak, also asked the party's senior leaders including PKR's adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, vice-President Mohamed Azmin Ali the party's secretary-general to resign.

The assembly, which started at 4.30pm and ended one hour later, was led by PKR's former deputy secretary-general S.Jenapala Perumal, with most of them carrying banners demanding Anwar's resignation.

While the assembly was going on, no representative or PKR leader came forward to calm down the situation and the entrance door to the party's headquarters was also locked.

However, PKR's Election Director Fuziah Salleh, who is also Kuantan Member of Parliament, and PKR's Strategic Director and Batu Member of Parliament suddenly appeared out of nowhere to calm down the situation when the assembly was about to disperse.

Before moving away from the scene, Tian Chua managed to speak to B.Rajandran, the candidate for deputy head of the Selayang division, telling him that all outstanding problems should be resolved through party channels.

Speaking to reporters later, Rajandran said he was not satisfied because the leadership of the party was not serious in handling the problems as raised by the grassroot members.

Pro-ISA group disrupts anti-ISA forum

That’s bad. No, pathetic. Who is really behind them? And what’s the point of the protest? They are not going to convince anyone – unless their aim is to stifle freedom of expression.
The protesters should be free to hold their own event anywhere else – Speakers’ Square, perhaps? Why disrupt others from speaking out against the ISA? Read more

Asylum seekers: Britain has let us down

Police: Suspicious bag found in Namibian airport was a 'test device'

(CNN) -- A suspicious piece of luggage that was about to be loaded onto a flight in Namibia was a "test device" from a U.S. company that sells products designed to test security, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said in a news conference Friday in Hamburg, Germany.

Namibian Police on Friday warned that whoever is responsible for planting the device among the luggage of an Air Berlin flight Wednesday would be severely dealt with, warning that Namibia was not to be used as an unauthorized testing ground for aviation security.

"The preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspicious parcel does not contain any explosive substances; however, it is an explosive simulation training device, manufactured by an American-based company, 'Larry Copello Incorporated,' " Lt. Gen. Sebastian Ndeitunga, Namibia's top policeman, told reporters Friday at a news conference in Windhoek, the capital.

The device is a training aid to help screeners identify explosive devices, Larry Copello, founder and CEO of Larry Copello, Inc., told CNN Friday. Copello described the device as "non-hazardous ...not a threat to anyone."

Copello said his company sells such devices to law enforcement agencies, governments and corporate clients, but did not know to whom this particular device was sold. He learned of the Namibia incident on Thursday when the FBI called him. He said he is cooperating with the investigation.

An official with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Friday that they are working with German and Namibian authorities to determine the origin of the device and the reason it was to be transported on the plane.

"We applaud the vigilance of the aviation security authorities who discovered the device and took quick action to ensure that it did not pose a threat to the aircraft and passengers," the TSA official told CNN.

The discovery of the bag at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia delayed flight 7377 to Munich, Germany, on Wednesday and raised security concerns, a spokeswoman for the airline, Air Berlin, said Thursday.

De Maiziere said he believed the device was from a U.S.-based company, but did not know which company. He said no one was warned in advance about the test device. The bag contained a functioning electronic clock with wiring attached, but no explosives.

"Air Berlin has confirmed that there was no explosive material in the laptop bag found in Namibia," Sabina Teller, a spokeswoman for Air Berlin, told CNN. "The luggage was found in the airport, at no point was on the plane. It had no luggage label, so it was impossible to know where it was going, which company it was supposed to fly with or who it belonged to," she said

De Maiziere said authorities are investigating the bag's origin and its intended destination.

After the bag was discovered, the flight's 296 passengers and all bags were given additional security checks. The plane later landed safely in Munich after a six- or seven-hour delay, Air Berlin spokeswoman Silke Manitz said.

Germany raised its threat level Wednesday, saying concrete evidence had emerged of a possible attack planned in Germany later this month. It said there was evidence of persistent efforts by Islamists to launch an attack. A senior German counterterrorism source told CNN on Thursday that the German Interior Ministry warning was linked to recent threats to the country from al Qaeda in Pakistan.

Interior Minister de Maiziere addressed the threat level Friday by reiterating that people should go about their lives as usual.

Indian Actor Kamal Haasan Disagrees Tamil Movies Spark Violent Acts

By Santhiran Munisamy

PORT KLANG, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Leading Kollywood actor Kamal Haasan and film director K. S. Ravikumar have debunked a belief that excessive violent scenes in Tamil movies had a bearing on violent acts committed by Indian youths in Malaysia.

They vehemently disagreed with some Indian-based political parties and non-governmental organisations in the country that such a link existed, dismissing it as a wrong perception.

According to Kamal, what was featured in Tamil movies was a general reflection of what happened in society.

"Violent conduct is widely reported on the daily life of the people in Tamal Nadu, particularly in rural areas, and we, via the movies, attempt to highlight the social problems," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here.

Kamal, 56, and the crew of his latest movie, 'Manmadhan Ambu', made a one-day stopover in Malaysia and boarded cruise ship Virgo at Glenn Cruise Terminal, Pulau Indah here, heading to Singapore to attend the grand audio launch of the movie which is expected to be released late next month.

"It's our obligation and responsibility as key players of the industry in highlighting the matter, and we will continue to do it," said Kamal, who has won several Indian film awards.

After making his debut in 1960 as a child artist in 'Kalathoor Kannammaa', he went on to star in more than 150 movies, in almost all the major Indian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

Kamal further defended Kollywood movie producers by saying that Tamil movies were "mirrors" which reflected incidents, occurences and behavioural patterns of people going about their daily life.

"It's like a mirror which reflects on the plus and minus points of each one of us. It's up to them to correct themselves by adjusting themselves while looking at the mirror...it's as simple as that," he said casually.

On a serious note, Kamal said violent conduct was an international phenomenon and not confined to a particular community or country, adding that actors like him and directors were not portraying non-existent violence.

His advice to youths? Kamal said he was not in favour of giving advice to anyone for, as a youth before, he did not appreciate such advice.

"Rather than advising them, they should be encouraged to adopt the lifestyles of successful people, such as Mahatma Ghandhi, who himself had said his life itself was a message to the people.

Asked on the possibility of talented Malaysians being given opportunities to appear in his movies, Kamal said: "Definitely".

He said the matter was even discussed during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's visit to Tamil Nadu early this year.

"We had discussion over the matter but so far, no significant progress has been made. But I can give my word that talented Malaysians will definitely be featured in my movies," he stressed.

In April, Kamal had a discussion with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia here to explore ways for both countries to cooperate in producing films in the near future.

Meanwhile, Ravikumar, who is directing Kamal's latest movie, said those blaming Tamil movies for violent conduct of some youths in Malaysia, were ignorant.

"There are so many factors to this social problem and blaming the movies is something really wrong," he said, noting that movies from the US and South Korea, in particular, depicted far more excessive violent scenes.

"For me, these people are getting their facts wrong... every individual has a perception on these matters. Violent scenes in Tamil movies are still at acceptable level," added Ravikumar.

He advised moviegoers to look at the "beauty" (positive aspects) of the movie in totality, rather than just picking on the negative elements.

"People like me, have a social responsibility in moulding our society, especially our youths, irrespective whether they are in India or other parts of the world.

"Therefore, youths should take the positive aspect of each movie," said the much-acclaimed movie director.

Dr M cautions KLCI rise not an indicator of healthy economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad threw cold water today to the belief that the rising Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) indicates a healthy economy, saying it is mainly due to foreign funds buying cheap stocks for short-term gains.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) was at 1,502.73, up 6.08 points, at 3.30pm today. It has been rising steadily in the past few weeks to breach 1,500-point mark.

“Some people believe that the rise of the KLCI is an indicator of the healthy state of the Malaysian economy. This may be true but let me throw some cold water in the belief that the index indicates that the economy is doing very well,” the former prime minister said in a posting in his popular www.chedet.cc blog today.

He admitted the local economy was doing well but doubted it was “enough to push the KLCI to record highs”.

“What is happening is that a lot of foreign money is coming in to buy Malaysian stocks. In itself it is not bad.

“It is also a kind of foreign direct investment (FDI). But this kind of FDI is not about setting up industries to produce goods for export. The latter will not be easily liquidated to take the invested capital out. The plants which are set up cannot be easily sold. The investors will have to manage them through good and bad times to get a return on their investments,” Dr Mahathir (picture) said.

The plain-speaking politician pointed out that FDI in stocks and shares can be sold any time and the proceeds taken out, saying that just “as increases in investments push up share prices and the KLCI, rapid or massive divestments will push down the share prices and index”.

He noted reports the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States was pumping US$600 billion (RM1.86 trillion) into the US economy with part of the money possibly being invested in stock and shares of developing countries, similar to previous episodes of hot money flooding stock markets around the world 12 years ago.

Dr Mahathir recalled that in 1997-1998, foreign investors pulled out their investments and the KLCI dropped from 1,300 to 262.

“Naturally, a lot of local investors lost money. They could not meet margin calls nor raise money to augment collaterals for their bank loans. The banks found themselves burdened with large numbers of non-performing loans and had to face the threat of bankruptcy.

“Should the banks collapse the economy of the country will go into a tailspin. It did in 1997-1998. It will happen again should the foreign investors dump their Malaysian shares to take profits from capital gains,” he added.

He bluntly said that foreign funds, especially from the US coming in to invest in Malaysia’s stock market at this time, must be considered as hot money.

“I would not be surprised when the KLCI peaks the foreign investors will dump their shares and collect capital gains. The share prices will fall rapidly and Malaysians who had chased the shares on their way up will be asked to meet margin calls. If they fail they will lose a lot of money.

“I hope I am wrong. But sometimes my predictions about money and markets have proven to be right,” Dr Mahathir said, declaring that he only owns 200 Malayan Tobacco shares bought before he became the education minister in the 1974.

“I have nothing to gain or to lose, but the country and the stock market investors will lose,” he added.

Current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is betting on a RM1.4 trillion 10-year programme to lift the country to a higher-income nation under the Vision 2020 plan mooted by Dr Mahathir in 1991. However, vociferous sections of the dominant Malay community want the government to guarantee they still have a mandatory 30 per cent equity in all business ventures, a policy that has kept many investors away.

How SYABAS is stealing billions of our money from under our noses

Here’s a basic simple write-up. If you can afford the time, do swing by a briefing:

Date : Saturday, 20th November 2010
Time : 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Venue : Bilik Gerakan, 1st Floor, MBPJ Headquarters, Jalan Yong Shook Lin

In 1997, the Barisan Nasional state and federal governments began privatising the water industry in Selangor. Then Menteri Besar Muhammad Taib chose the treasurer from his Umno division, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail to be the main beneficiary of this privatisation exercise.

By 2010, the amounts of losses generated by leakage and corruption in the private water companies have now run into the hundreds of millions. Amongst the many questionable financial practices found in the private water companies are:

1. An audit report on Syabas showed more than 72% of contracts, worth RM 600 million in total, was awarded to companies chosen through direct negotiation not by open tender process. Also, RM 325 million was found to be ‘missing’ in discrepancies between Syabas’ public accounts and the records of contracts awarded from 2005 to 2007.

3. In June 2005, Syabas contravened the terms of their concession when they imported RM 375 million worth of pipes from an Indonesian company instead of sourcing them locally. The Indonesian company was owned by Tan Sri Rozali Ismail, the CEO of Syabas.

4. Tan Sri Rozali Ismail’s salary is RM 5.1 million a year or RM 425,000 a month.

5. The four water companies have a combined debt of RM 6.4 billion. The federal government has given Syabas a soft loan of RM 320 million. The total interest on this 20 year loan is RM 250 million, and Syabas will not be required to pay a single sen of this amount. Instead, this cost will be fully borne by Malaysian taxpayers.

In light of this appalling financial mismanagement, the Selangor state government has prevented Syabas from raising water tariffs by 37%, and is now endeavouring to reacquire all water concessions from the private water companies. Their goal is to eliminate the element ofprivatised profit and socialised losses, stop the corruption and leakage, and ensure quality delivery of water at affordable rates. This move requires public and support and pressure to succeed.

Al-Qaeda branch warns France

The leader of al-Qaeda's North African wing has demanded the withdrawal of French forces from Afghanistan in return for the safety of French nationals kidnapped in Niger.

Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud, of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb [AQIM], made the comments in an audio tape aired by Al Jazeera on Thursday.

Five French nationals and two Africans - employees of French companies Areva and Vinci - were kidnapped in Niger on September 16.

Abdel Wadoud also said that any negotiations over the release of the hostages should be carried out directly with al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden.

"The summary of the message is very clear," he said in the broadcast.

"You will not find security anywhere until we also have security and safety in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, the Maghreb and so on.

"If you don't stop intervening in our affairs and the oppression of Muslim people, and if you want peace for your citizens that we hold hostage, you must withdraw your forces from Afghanistan as soon possible according to a set timetable that you will announce publicly.

"If you reject this offer, you will be held responsible in the eyes of your people."

French reaction

France said on Friday it was working to authenticate Abdel Wadoud's message. Bernard Valero, the French foreign ministry spokesman, told the AFP news agency that the recording "is being authenticated now".

He said that France was "fully mobilised" in an effort to secure the release of the five French hostages along with the Togo and a Madagascar nationals.

"For this kind of complex and delicate situation, discretion is an important part of our activity," Valero said.

Herve Morin, who was closely following the hostage crisis until losing his defence portfolio in last week's cabinet reshuffle in France, said that the reference to Bin Laden was new.

"Withdrawing French troops from Afghanistan is a kind of classic, traditional demand for all kinds of attacks," he told France Info radio.

"What's new is the reference to bin Laden. Generally, and particularly with AQIM, it's more of a franchise."

Last month AQIM offered to release the hostages in exchange for a repeal of the ban on the face veil in France, the release of fighters and €7m [$9.88m], according to a report by Al Arabiya television.

Bin Laden had said in an audio tape also aired on Al Jazeera last month that the kidnapping was prompted by France's unjust treatment of Muslims.

Source:Al Jazeera and agencies

Tamil school near KLCC Twin Towers but still in 1924 colonial workers quarters. UMNO, PKR, DAP and PAS cheats Indian via Tamil newspaper propaganda.

The St. Joseph Tamil school in Sentul was made to operate in 1924 in a colonial master’s house.

While One Malay-sia has grown leaps and bounds as evidenced by the KLCC Twin Towers which is within sight of this school, this Tamil school remains in dilapidated conditions. After being eaten by white ants, this school building poses a danger to it’s 168 children. But never mind under the One Malay-sian UMNO regime, because the children are merely from the poor and working class Indian community. (see picture below in MN 19/11/10 at page 18).

And on this very same page Malaysia Nanban reports of dilapidated Mentakab and Lanchang Tamil schools. And in the front page of this very same Malaysia Nanban today the UMNO/BN Johor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Gani Osman’s wayang kulit mega ceremony opening the site of the Mount Austin Tamil school and posing in colour photos with his MIC Indian mandores all garlanded.

And the Menteri Besar’s kosong announcements of funds for this Tamil school new site.

We have never read reports of a grand propaganda school site opening ceremony of a Malay, Chinese, Orang Asli, Kadazan or Iban school. Why this kosong propaganda only for Tamil schools? Because this proposed St. Austin Tamil school may not take off in the first place but UMNO would have created the impressions and perception and created the feel good feeling among the Indian poor? But no more though after the 25th November 2007 Hindraf Rally.

Even the opening of a five star hotel entrance looking Chinese school hall, or any of the elite 99% Malay muslim MRSM schools, is never similarly publicized.

Why all these kosong propaganda only for Tamil schools? So that all the rest of the 523 Tamil schools nationwide could be made to remain in dilapidated conditions and with the view to be systematically ethnically cleansed!

Section 28 of the U.N Convention on the rights of the child provides for compulsory and free education. But Najib Razak’s One Malay-sia systematically intends Tamil Schools to remain this way as part of the UMNO racist and religious supremacist agenda.

And to add insult to injury the opposition PKR, DAP and PAS state governments of Selangor, Penang and Kedah are following UMNO/BN by their one by one, land here and land there, and kosong peanuts cash aid for this Tamil school and that Tamil school through their MP, EXCO ADUN and Councillor Indian Mandores.
The latest being the Kapar Indian MP and Exco mandore’s kosong RM 50,000 cash aid (that is if and when they receive it in full) for the Kapar Valambarosa Tamil school. (TN 19/11/2010 at page 4).

The world’s only basement Tamil school and another Tamil school in a combination of shipping cabins and plantation workers quarters ie the Assad Tamil school and the Batu Kawan Tamil schools.

Despite nearly three years of taking power in Selangor, Penang and Kedah even the Anwar Ibrahim led supposedly multi racial PKR, DAP and PAS led states have refused to grant state land to all it’s 98, 22 and 54 tamil schools respectively despite having 100% powers to do so. Simply because PKR, DAP and PAS would lose Malay muslim votes which UMNO would exploit when land is given to these Tamil schools. In conclusion neither UMNO/BN nor PKR, DAP and PAS intends to grant a permanent solution to all 523 Tamil schools in Malaysia.

Where is the change when compared to the previous 50 year old UMNO regime?

P. Uthayakumar

BN admits two-thirds unlikely, regaining states possible

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Barisan Nasional leaders have conceded that they would likely fail again to regain its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the coming polls but are confident of wresting a few states back from Pakatan Rakyat.

The leaders told The Malaysian Insider that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s prediction in a Bloomberg report yesterday was not off the mark, but claimed that the former premier’s remarks were likely made to encourage BN and stop its leaders from being overly lax and comfortable in their places.

When contacted, many predicted that BN was slowly making inroads with voters and that several factors showed that the ruling coalition could likely recapture states like Kedah, Selangor and even Kelantan, a known PAS stronghold for decades.

When contacted by The Malaysian Insider, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas said that BN would not face much difficulty in recapturing most of the states it had lost in Elections 2008, save for one state.

“I think it is more than just two states that we can recapture, maybe except for one, but the others will return to BN,” he said, but did not reveal which state he was referring to.

Kayveas predicted that it was highly likely that status quo would be maintained in parliament where BN would still be in power but without holding its customary two-thirds majority.

“I believe BN’s seats in Parliament will increase but probably not to the level of a two-thirds majority. This is because in any politically mature society, obtaining two-thirds majority is uncommon.

“Look at the political scenarios of other countries these days... but because we have been so used to having two-thirds majority for so long (since Merdeka), we assume that BN will continue to have it,” he said,

He added that it was a sufficient for BN if the ruling coalition managed to secure at least 50 per cent or up to 65 per cent of seats in Parliament, just like it had after Elections 2008.

“To me, if this performance is maintained, it is already a satisfying victory for any government,” he said.

Kayveas was among one of the many top BN leaders who were badly defeated in the March 2008 general election.

In an interview with Bloomberg this week, Dr Mahathir said BN was capable of wresting one or two states from PR in the 13th general election because, he said, the opposition was in disarray.

However, he added that BN would likely fail to regain its two-thirds majority in Parliament, which would enable them to rule the country with a comfortable majority.

Dr Mahathir’s prediction comes on the heels of intense speculation that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also BN chairman, would be calling for snap polls as early as the first quarter of next year.

In the Bloomberg report, the country’s longest serving prime minister also described Najib as a “vast improvement” over his predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah agreed with Dr Mahathir’s assertion but claimed the veteran leader had made his remarks as he did not want BN component parties to be too comfortable and overly happy with the recent positive changes in voter sentiment.

“I view this as a moderate and careful statement,” said the Deputy Higher Education Minister, adding however that BN was confident of its chances in recapturing two states.

The two states, he said, were Kedah and Selangor.

“Despite this, I am not saying that we cannot recapture Penang and Kelantan... the opportunity is there but the confidence would come from our chances in Kedah and Selangor,” he said.

The Temerloh MP however claimed that BN could still regain its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority and listed out three factors that would influence this – the ongoing troubles in PKR, BN’s improved popularity and Najib’s policies.

“On BN’s increasing popularity, I find that Umno, as the core party, has begun recapturing Malay support while the other BN component parties have also managed to settle all their internal issues. There is also the upcoming BN charter that will be passed during our convention next week.

“All these will return the people’s confidence in BN and we will regain our two-thirds majority in Parliament,” he claimed.

Umno Information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan thanked Dr Mahathir for his remarks, describing it as a “reminder” to BN leaders to work harder.

He added however that despite Dr Mahathir’s prediction, BN would continue working towards regaining its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority and trounce PR in all states.

“We do not know when the elections will be called but the increase in voter support towards us was proven in the Galas, Batu Sapi, Hulu Selangor and Bagan Pinang by-elections,” he said.

Ahmad added that while BN should delight in PKR’s troubles, it would not bank on the weaknesses of other parties to strengthen its own voter support.

“Our strengths should not be because of the weaknesses in other parties but in our own capabilities,” he reminded.

When contacted, MCA central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker also agreed with Dr Mahathir’s prediction, pointing out that recent events had shown a shift in voter support towards the BN.

He told The Malaysian Insider however that there was still a “leftover sentiment” from the March 2008 general election, which would likely result in BN’s failure to recapture its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the next polls.

“However, there is definitely a shift and the people are slowly beginning to realise that PR, as an alternative government, is not very feasible. Their flaws and weaknesses are very glaring of late,” he said.

Central among the many weaknesses in PR that would likely benefit BN, said Ti, were the ongoing leadership issues plaguing PKR.

“It is PKR that provides the comfort level for all three parties in PR, especially to sway the votes of the fence-sitters, but today that comfort is slowly diminishing and PKR has shown that it is not a serious party. It is not a force to be reckoned with,” he said,.

Ti also agreed that BN could possibly score a surprising win in states like Selangor, Kedah and even Kelantan, come the next general election.

For Perak and Penang however, he said the sympathy factor towards PR would be too difficult to secure a BN win.

“Selangor is quite possible because it is a commercial center and people will realise that at the end of the day, BN is still the rightful and correct government.

“For Kelantan, it is hard to say but (Mentri Besar) Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has been around for too many years and there are many issues that have been swept under the carpet and are now resurfacing.

“In Kedah, it is possible because the PAS government there has shown that it is more extreme that Umno in many ways,” he said.

In Perak, Ti noted that PR could still bank on sympathy votes due to the infamous power grab by BN last year.

“It will take some time to convince. Similarly in Penang, the Chinese community there still support (Penang Chief Minister Lim) Guan Eng... it is the sentiment towards DAP as the underdog,” he claimed.

MIC Central Working Committee member S. Murugessan warned that Dr Mahathir’s prediction should not be treated lightly, in view of the political tsunami in the 12th general election.

“Whatever one might think about Dr Mahathir’s political legacy, one has to give due weight to his political predictions.

“He predicted that BN might lose its two-thirds majority during Elections 2008 but most dismissed him easily.

“BN should take his assessment as a starting point and start working from there.

“If BN can deliver on its promise of good governance & show its willingness to listen to the people, then the votes will come in naturally,” he said.

Zaid to quit on Dec 16 in mockery of Sept 16

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid - Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: PKR maverick Zaid Ibrahim will officially quit his party on Dec 16, in a move to mock the failed Sept 16 "coup" engineered by supremo Anwar Ibrahim.

The resignation letter effective on the stated date was submitted to the party headquarters this morning.

"If Anwar loves Sept 16, I, on the other hand, love Dec 16," Zaid said in jest to a packed press conference at his house here.

He said the formation of a new party was also in the pipeline, but this would depend on the support he would receive after he formally quit PKR.

The former law minister is quitting from the party after a disastrous fallout with PKR's top leadership.

Zaid, once hailed as a possible successor to Anwar, claimed irregularities in the ongoing party polls where he had contested for the deputy president's post against vice-president Azmin Ali, who is said to be favoured by Anwar.

The former PKR Federal Territories chief subsequently resigned from all party posts after withdrawing half way from the race. He claimed that the so-called “Anwar-Azmin cartel” had engineered malpractices in a concerted effort to undermine his chances.

The party's top echelons, however, flayed Zaid as a "Trojan Horse" sent by Umno to sabotage the party. He is also chastised as a "sore loser" who received special privileges but turned his back on PKR when things were not going his way.

PKR thrives on politics of spin

But not the one to take a punch hands down, Zaid said the accusations were typical of PKR which “thrives on politics of spin and defamation”.

He claimed the leaders were suffering from an inferiority complex, and thus needed to discredit others for their political survival.

Upon hearing his announcement to quit, Anwar merely gave a cold response, saying "Zaid can go".

"They said my popularity will be impaired if I fight against Anwar in the party and I realised this. But popularity was never my primary consideration for joining the party.

"I am sure that they are happy (now) because Anwar said that Zaid can go. (PKR deputy president) Syed Husin (Ali) and Azmin are surely happy," Zaid quipped in response to Anwar.

"I joined PKR along with my children and became a life-time member, paid the high fee, because at that time I thought that this was the party which fought for the truth, which practised transparency; a new hope for the people.

"I''m truly disappointed by the accusations. I have not formed a new party nor had I plan anything prior to this. I am a PKR coordinator although Anwar said I was never a coordinator. No problem ... coordinator or clerk, it''s okay."

His intention to quit triggered talks of a possible cooperation with a political "third force", but Zaid denied the speculation, saying he would focus on his original struggle which is not far off from the opposition.

"I will continue to struggle for truth but without a party that is rife with problems. I will always be friendly to the opposition," said Zaid, adding that he was gearing up for snap polls which may be called in the first half of next year.

He said should support for him grow, he would consider starting up a new party that would work closely with Pakatan Rakyat in a relationship based on issues.

"After this, I plan to see my supporters nationwide. If we have the resources and support we will form the new party... I want it to be a party that is democratic, less problematic and one that truly represents the people''s interests," he said.

However, Zaid, once a Kota Baru MP, said if the idea of setting up a new party did not work, he would contest as an independent candidate.

"People say politics is a lonely business so I will need friends.”

Polls fraud: Now there's 'photographic proof'

By B Nantha Kumar - Free Malaysia Today,

PETALING JAYA: Mired in allegations of electoral fraud and phantom voters, embattled PKR Kota Raja division now faces a fresh round of “photographic proof” of malpractice during the recent party polls.
Despite “attacks” by members and media, division chairman and Selangor state exco member Dr Xavier Jayakumar has adamantly denied any malpractice, claiming that the alleged 150 “dubious” names found on the electoral list were a “technical error” .
Yesterday, however, FMT, which broke the news on the phantom voters, received three photographs from the PKR headquarters which appeared to confirm fraudulent manipulation by Jayakumar's camp.
In one of the photographs, Jayakumar's personal assistant, P Sabastine Rao, was clearly seen marking a ballot paper on behalf of an Indian woman.
Rao was also without any identification card that authorised his presence in the polling station. In the photograph, he was only wearing a card that showed him as being on Jayakumar's team.
The PKR central election committee confirmed that Rao was not a designated official on duty in the Kota Raja election.
Meanwhile, a second equally clear photograph placed another of Jayakumar's known “strong man”, Palanisamy, in the polling hall during last Sunday's presidential elections. Palanisamy was photographed “helping” an old man cast his ballot.
The third photograph, however, was a little blurred. This photograph (see below) revealed a person who looked like Jayakumar inside the polling hall during the casting of ballots. The photograph showed him checking the electoral list.
No cleanup
Meanwhile, party insiders described the ongoing vice-presidential race, for which Jayakumar is contesting, as a “sham”, saying that voters in the divisions were being manipulated.
Said one insider: "I am surprised with the current situation in PKR. Almost all divisions have problems.
"PKR leaders are focused on pursuing their dreams at whatever cost. What they want now is positions in the party.
"They would do anything to achieve their dreams."
Citing malpractices in the Kota Raja division, the insider said that despite complaints, the party central council is refusing to act.
"When is (secretary-genaral) Saifuddin (Nasution) going to take action? What else does he want?
"Now we have given them strong evidence of fraud in the election. If PKR is still reluctant to act, then we will not hesitate to get out of this party," said the insider.
The Kota Raja polls last Sunday placed voter turnout at 654, compared to the 1,294 members who had turned up for the divisional polls which saw Jayakumar's controversial win as divisional chief.
PKR members in the division who are allegedly aligned to Zaid Ibrahim are believed to have boycotted the election following his withdrawal from the race for the party's No 2 post. Zaid also confirmed that he was quitting the party in two weeks' time.

Snap polls: March 2011 or later?

By Teoh El Sen - Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat leaders in charge of preparations for the 13th general election are speculating that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak will disolve Parliament and call for polls in March or after July 2011.

Whatever the case, all three coalition members – PKR, PAS and DAP – are confident of their readiness to meet the challenges of snap polls.

PKR central elections director Fuziah Salleh believes that the general election will most likely be in March because it would be three years since the historic 2008 polls.

"If he (Najib) calls for election before the third year, then according to the law, first-term MPs, even BN (Barisan Nasional) ones, would not be able to get their pensions. I don't think Najib would risk that," said Fuziah, the Kuantan MP, adding that PKR "was confident" that it will be ready by March.

Her colleague in PAS, however, thinks that Najib will not call for national elections before July.

PAS elections director Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman opines that the general election would most likely be held between September and November 2011.

"It may even be called in 2012. The reason it won't be before July is that the government would want to go through with the re-delineation of constituencies first, which would probably take place in March and the whole process would only be done by July," said Abdul Halim, the Pengkalan Chepa MP.

Echoing Abdul Halim's view, DAP national election preparation committee chairman Tan Kok Wai said the party was “ever ready” for the polls.

"As for the DAP machinery, we've been through 10 elections since 1969 and we have veteran members who know what to do.

"When the time comes, it won't be much of a hurdle," said the Cheras MP.

He said DAP's immediate work now was to help register the 4.2 million unregistered voters. There are 16.2 million eligible voters.

"We will be going into this last lap in the next three months," he added.

Ongoing process

Meanwhile, Fuziah said she would soon be distributing "election kits" to members and begin leadership training programmes.

She said the election kits comprised a step-by-step manual for elections while the leadership training programme focused on campaign management.

"We already have four to five leadership trainings per month which focus on how to manage a campaign. To me, a good campaign manager is as good as a candidate," she said.

Fuziah added that the party was undertaking an ongoing process of picking and vetting candidates who have the right leadership qualities such as having a service-oriented mindset and good strategic skills.

These new candidates would be compared to incumbent MPs and assemblymen whose performances are being tracked by a Key Performance Indicator committee.

Abdul Halim, on the other hand, said PAS would be only half (50%) prepared if polls were called in March.

"If the general election is in July, we will be 90% ready but if it happens in September, we will be fully prepared.

"We have asked each ballot box unit (UPU) to collect funds since early this year and we've been constantly conducting training that teaches members the electoral rules, strategies and the technicalities of an election," he said.

Abdul Halim added that the strategy of wooing non-Muslim supporters through the PAS Supporters' Congress was already in place and a few of these members were expected to be chosen as candidates.

Sarawak factor

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) has reportedly begun holding high-level meetings.

Today, the BN's management committee will meet while its supreme council meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

On Nov 28, BN will hold its national convention where topmost on the agenda is the 13th general election.

While Najib, who is also Umno president, has called on party members to gear up for the polls, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has reportedly said that the general election was "just a few months away".

But BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor quickly quelled media excitement when he said that a "few months" could mean anything from "one month to two or 30 months".

Regardless of the number of months, Najib will also have to take into consideration Sarawak, which must hold its state polls by June 2011.

In Kuching, rumours are rife that Najib will convince Chief Minister Taib Mahmud to hold simultaneous elections.

There are indications that Taib is preparing to call for state election.

The latest has been the move to publish a White Paper to control “undesirable” activities by the opposition, media and non-governmental organisations which the state government believes will "jeopardise unity and security in Sarawak".

Kuching-based political analyst, Stanley Bye Kadam Kia, speculates that Taib will call for polls in early April .

The senior lecturer with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak believes that Taib would want to hold the state polls in early April for several reasons.

In his column in Sarawak Update, Kadam Kia noted that in the “last state election, polling was timed such that the BN could celebrate its election victory on the same day the CM celebrated his 69th birthday".

The first week of April, he noted, would be a “good time” to call for state election.

"April is a month of rejuvenation. The weather in Sarawak at this time of the year is favourable for campaigning and soliciting for votes, and, above all, it is also a time of celebration for the BN people.

"On March 26, 2011, the BN or Sarawak will celebrate Taib’s 30th anniversary as the CM of Sarawak. I foresee that there will be a lot of cake-cutting ceremonies to mark the occasion. The BN could use the ‘cake-cutting ceremony’ as a new technique for canvassing votes," he wrote.

'Only BN members, and not friends, can vote'

By Rahmah Ghazali

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional key leaders today achieved a consensus that only BN members, and not allies or associates of the ruling coalition, have the right to vote in the coalition.

Speaking to reporters after attending the BN management committee meeting at Umno headquarters here, MCA chairman Chua Soi Lek said: “We reached a consensus that we can accept friends of the BN. The only question is, what will be their role.

“Will they be allowed to attend BN meetings at state level or only at convention?”

"Generally, we all agreed that they will not be given voting rights in BN. Only BN members can vote," Chua said.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and BN deputy chairman Muhyiddin Yassin.

Chia said the issue would be discussed tomorrow at the BN supreme council meeting which will be chaired by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

The BN's decision to amend its constitution by allowing direct BN membership has spawned fears among BN partners that their respective parties will be sidelined in future elections.

Many argued that BN members would be allowed to contest under the coalition's ticket without having any association with any of the component parties.

Currently, only members from the 13 BN component parties are allowed to vote on coalition matters and to contest in the elections.

No Cabinet reshuffle

Chua was also asked whether a Cabinet reshuffle was discussed at today's meeting.

Without confirming or denying that a reshuffle will be held soon as reported by the media, he said: "A Cabinet reshuffle is never discussed in BN (meetings).”

Speculations are rife that a Cabinet reshuffle would be announced next week or early December, with four ministers dropped.

They included Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Youth and Sports Minister), Shaziman Mansor (Works Minister), Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister) and Dr Ng Yen Yen (Tourism Minister).

Meanwhile, there is also speculation that Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin will be brought into the Cabinet as a deputy minister.

However, Najib has dismissed the allegations, saying that no such decision has been made.

Indians should not rely on short gains

By FMT staff

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian community must learn to dispel the feeling of discontentment, the Malaysian Indian Voice adviser R Kengadharan said today.

"The community must never rely on short term gains. As a community it must never shy away from the feelings of inefficiency, weaknesses and disappointment. Instead it must explore ways and means to overcome shortcomings," he said in a statement.

In pursuit of these goals, he said there was a need for the community to take drastic and decisive action.

He said the Malaysian Indian Voice, which is part of the larger outlawed Hindraf movement, would organise a grand Deepavali open house at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam at 7pm on Nov 27. It is to inspire and encourage the community in general, and the youths in particular, to achieve success and fame.

The event will also mark the third anniversary of the Hindraf's unity rally which ended, with five of its leaders, including Kengadharan, jailed under the Internal Security Act three years ago.

"Through this gathering we hope to inculcate, introduce and share values and principles regarded essential for the progress of the Indian community in Malaysia.

"The success of the Indian community here must necessarily be made through sacrifice, contributions and collective effort. The community must posses and acquire knowledge and skills to move forward and have a competitive edge," he said.

He said the event would also be used to call on the Indian community, especially youths, to be more vigilant and not to divorce themselves from the masses.

"No one Indian should stand above the other. The open house will help raise political consciousness. In essence, we are advocating a correct leadership which is from the masses to the masses," he said.