Article 153 -- is it un-Islamic?

There are key articles in the Charter that can be, taken into context, contradictory to the Constitution of Malaysia, particularly Article 153 which promises a "special position" to the indigenous Malays (Bumiputeras).

By Aizuddin Danian

Malaysia's official religion, according to Article 3 of its Constitution, is Islam. That doesn't make Malaysia a Muslim nation; there is a find line between a theological state and a secular one. We've yet to make that cross over.
Having said this, it came to mind whether there are any articles in our beloved Constitution that are un-Islamic, in particular Article 153.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, but subject to the provisions of Article 40 and of this Article, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall exercise his functions under this Constitution and federal law in such manner as may be necessary to safeguard the special provision of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and to ensure the reservation for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak of such proportion as he may deem reasonable of positions in the public service (other than the public service of a State) and of scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities given or accorded by the Federal Government and, when any permit or licence for the operation of any trade or business is required by federal law, then, subject to the provisions of that law and this Article, of such permits and licences.
When you think about a Muslim Government in current times, you have to compare it against the Muslim Government of the Prophet Muhammad's time, namely his administration of Muslims and non-Muslims while he was alive.
Muslims are told to take the Prophet as an example (his sunnah); while the Holy Qur! anoften speaks in parables, the actions of the Prophet are how Muslims for all time should interpret as manifestations of what the Holy Quran prescribes in practice. For example, the Holy Quran mentions that Muslims must pray, but it doesn't teach us how to pray. The Prophet's daily prayers are the sample of how these prayers should be performed.
What about the Prophet's political sunnah?
The basis i'm dealing from is the social contract the Prophet signed and ratified with the people of Medina called, the "Medinah Charter". Some say that the Charter is one of the first of its kind, the first ever written state constitution.
The document itself, signed in 622, is an excellent socio-political compromise. The Prophet Muhammad had to get away from the religious persecution of Mecca, and the people of Medina, due to conflict between the native communities of Khazraj and Aws, needed a peace-maker. It was a match literally made in heaven -- the Prophet brought Islam and peace to the Khazraj and Aws by being the one person both sides could trust, and the Prophet was provided a base from which Islam could grow and flourish in the region.
There are key articles in the Charter that can be, taken into context, contradictory to the Constitution of Malaysia, particularly Article 153 which promises a "special position" to the indigenous Malays (Bumiputeras).
Therefore, the thesis is: Malaysia is a Muslim nation. However, its constitution is not in accordance to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Does that make the Malaysian constitution (parts of it) un-Islamic?Article 16 of the Medina Charter:
Those Jews who follow the Believers will be helped and will be treated with equality.
Article 17:
No Jew will be wronged for being a Jew.
Article 19:
The peace of the Believers (of the State of Madinah) cannot be divided. (it is either peace or war for all. It cannot be that a part of the population is at war with the outsiders and a part is at peace).
Article 30:
The Jews of Bani Awf will be trea! ted as o ne community with the Believers. The Jews have their religion. This will also apply to their freedmen. The exception will be those who act unjustly and sinfully. By so doing they wrong themselves and their families.
The example in this document set by the Prophet is molded on several principles:

Loyalty will be rewarded, treachery will be punished.

The minorities of the community (the Jews) are equal in rights to the majority from the point of view of the State.

Those that need help will be given help, regardless of their belief.

Let's transplant these principles into our locality:
Loyalty will be rewarded -- the modern day equivalent is citizenship and nationality. If you profess to be a Malaysian, that means you are loyal to your country. No distinction is made to your ethnicity, race or origin. If you are loyal (i.e. a citizen), then you will rewarded by the State. In 622, "protection" was the reward. In 2010, "equal opportunity" should be the reward -- its the only real protection we have against the ills of socio-economic hardship.
The minorities have equal rights to the majority -- this is where the Prophet Muhammad was at least 6 centuries ahead of his time; even the venerated Magna Carta does not protect the rights of all its people equally. If people like Ibrahim Ali and the ultra Malays have their way, then the Prophet Muhammad will be at least 1,500 years ahead of us.
Those in need will be helped, regardless of their belief -- race is the new religion. In 622, the Prophet laid the framework for religious equality: the State will help you if you are in need (and if you are loyal), the State will be "blind" to your religion when dispensing this aid. Fast forward to the 21st Century, and at least where Malaysia is concerned, is seems that there are many in our society who believe that "help" should be dispensed based on your race. If you're a Bumiputera, then "more" help should be made available to you.
The crux of the argument is that the resources ! of the c ountry will always be limited. To put it simply, there will always be only 100 cows to give away. While it may make sense to give a guarantee that 60% of the population will always have preference to 30 of those cows, this creates a vacuum where the herd has effectively become much smaller: after the "majority tax" the nation only really has 70 cows left to give away.
Considering the fact that these 70 cows need to be distributed evenly, its very possible that they won't be enough to feed everyone. What do you say to the starving people who couldn't get one of the 70 cows? Sorry, we know you're in need, but we've already reserved those 30 other cows, you can't have them (we'll give them to that other fellow instead, who may not need the cow to begin with but happens to be part of the privileged group).
The Prophet Muhammad was a pretty smart man. He knew that the Muslims needed the Jews, Christians and idol worshipers of Medina, just as much as they needed his unique peacekeeping talents.
The Malays of Malaysia need the Chinese, Indians and others, and vice versa. Its a symbiotic relation that only works when we're all equally vested and equally rewarded. While the early years of statehood required Article 153 (just like we required the Reid Commission to write our Constitution for us), i think the time has come that we use our own words to determine our own fate.
The sunnah of the prophet has shown us that equality and fairplay are the basic twin peaks of nation building. While i won't go so far as to say the likes of Article 153 in the Malaysian Constitution, PERKASA and the ultra Malay are un-Islamic for ignoring the sunnah of the Prophet, sometimes you just have to realize that the proof is in the pudding.

Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

In defense of Lee Kuan Yew: Don't be 'Bodoh Sombong'

Malaysian leaders including Mahathir slammed Kuan YewDinesweri Puspanadan, Malaysia Chronicle

For days now, the media has been filled with remarks and criticism channeled against Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor of Singapore, for his remarks about Malaysia during his interview with New York Times. Despite the fact that he actually shared many mind-striking thoughts, as usual, some Malaysians still chose to slam LKY and blamed him for 'trying to disrupt the unity' in Malaysia.

But lets call a spade as spade. Malaysia has experienced an 81 percent drop in FDI and is suffering from a disastrous deficit to the extent that subsidies have to be removed. Even neighboring countries which were not in the race before are picking up the momentum and registering higher FDI than us. Foreign investors and economists have warned that Malaysia needs to change its policies and be more flexible in order to improve its economy. Some even hint that Malaysia is going the way of Greece.

The latest QS Asian University Rankings 2010 shows that Malaysia's premier university was kicked out from the top 200 rankings, signaling a decline in the standards and international standing of Malaysian public universities. It is time to admit this bitter truth that we are not developing talents but making them leave for green pastures both economically and socially. Statistics on brain drain alarms everyone as the number of students leaving this country is beefing up each year.

The phenomenon of racism is rampant. Many do not hesitate to slam the Chinese and Indians by labeling them as 'Pendatang' whenever they speak up on the government's policies and call for equality. They are shut up with rusty and baseless rhetoric, the most popular being Article 153, 'Ketuanan Melayu' and 'Special Rights'. To our disappointment, those from the top right down to the bottom of the government who are barkin! g about this are clueless and constitutionally illiterate. Why refuse any transformation? Dont they know that implementing policies which surpass other ethnic groups are just another form of racial discrimination?

Freedom of speech and basic human rights are surpassed in the name of preserving unity among Malaysians. Where is the rationale if we do not have the right to talk, argue, and justify the issues and if we do so, draconian law like ISA used to 'mute' our voices?

Now, turning back to Lee Kuan Yew. With this current situation in Malaysia (and there still many not mentioned yet), do you still believe that he was wrong and his allegations were baseless?

Isnt it time to admit the truth that we are marginalized according to race and our basic rights are axed? Malaysia may seem to stand proud in the eyes of the world with skyscrapers and other landscapes but only we know the truth that some of these are failed white elephant projects. Beneath this fake pride, hardcore poverty, incompetent graduates, corrupted administration, and politicians with narrowed minds are engulfing this nation and hindering its growth.

There is nothing wrong in considering LKY's remarks with an open mind. Why dont we learn from Singapore instead of keep bashing them with baseless allegations? Are we better than Singapore in every aspect? Tepuk dada tanyalah selera.

Malaysian leaders seldom fail to introduce policies and slogans like 'Wawasan 2020','Malaysia Boleh', ' 1Malaysia', 'zero tolerance' - you name it. But without walking the talk. If Malaysians are still in denial and blame LKY as though he is bombarding us with 'false facts', then sorry to say that we will remain as jackasses and puppets who are only 'Jaguh Kampung'.

It does not require a person to study economics to be able to make sense of and analyze the contemporary status of Malaysia. What you need to do is to 'think'. Give a hit to that rotten brain and do the thinking at least now. It is better to be late than never. It is th! e time f or us to be humble and learn from successful nations how to move forward, rather than being 'Bodoh Sombong'!

'Buah Cempedak di luar pagar,
Ambil galah tolong jolokkan,
Saya budak baru belajar,
Kalau salah tolong tunujukkan'
Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

Nurul joins Nazri-Awang Selamat fray with 'Whos the boss?'

Nurul IzzahNurul Izzah Anwar

But the most significant was his definition of Whos the boss?, which in his case is the prime minister. I believe that the Real Boss of our nation is the rakyat and the Federal Constitution. If all members of the Cabinet under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak subscribe to this same belief, then Malaysians in general will benefit from clearer (and firmer) policies, a more sustainable environment for better ethnic relations, and a country where the rights of the many are held high above the interests of the few.


"I want Awang to know that I am always sure who my boss is. Its not (Lim) Kit Siang nor (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) because they are not prime minister of Malaysia, the chairman of BN or president of Umno. Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Tan Sri Abdul Aziz in his open letter to Awang Selamat.

Nazris open letter to Awang Selamat mentioned many things that caught my attention, which include: his courage in facing criticism by the opposition, his call for Utusan Malaysia to meet its KPI of increased readership and refraining from subverting the 1 Malaysia concept by promoting Ibrahim Alis narrow racism, his claim of his parliamentary civility that led to five opposition MPs crossing over and, finally, his closing remark of being a Malaysian first and Malay next.

But the most significant was his definition of Whos the boss?, which in his case is the prime minister.

I believe that the Real Boss of our nation is the rakyat and the Federal Constitution.

If all members of the Cabinet under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak subscribe to this same belief, then Malaysians in general will benefit from clearer (and firmer) policies, a more sustainable environment for better ethnic relations, and a country where the rights of the many are held high above the intere! sts of t he few.

First and foremost to living this belief is the commitment to a free media, which I urge the Najib administration to hold sacred.

So Utusan Malaysia has to decide if Najib, Ibrahim Ali or even Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is its boss.

So where Utusan Malaysia is allowed to choose who its bosses are, the government can only choose to satisfy its only boss, which is the rakyat.

Therefore, I call upon Nazri and Awang Selamat to support the call for a free media, as a show of loyalty to the real boss of the nation.

(Nurul Izzah Anwar is the MP for Lembah Pantai)
See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Anwar warns Najib's RM15 bil 1MDB could sink Malaysia

Anwar IbrahimWong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle

Amid growing concerns about the countrys wealth being wiped out by corruption, Opposition Leader
Anwar Ibrahim has warned against a whopping RM15 billion bond issued to 1Malaysia Development Fund Bhd, which was personally initiated by Prime Minister Najib Razak and has been linked to Jho Low a young millionaire friend of his wife Rosmah Mansor.

"Ever since 1MDB, which was formerly known as the Terengganu Investment Authority Berhad, was introduced by Najib, many questions arose on the role of 1MDB, its investments and related developments, particularly its link to PetroSaudi and millionaire Jho Low, Anwar, a former Finance minister, said in a statement on Monday.

'What is Jho Low's role in 1MDB, specifically in the redevelopment of the Sungai Besi air base? PetroSaudi only became public knowledge after it formed a joint-venture company with 1MDB with a capital of RM8.5 billion."

A close friend of Rosmah's son

Jho arranged Monaco holiday for Najib,RosmahJho Low aka Low Taek Jho has been in the headlines both internationally and locally for his extravagant lifestyle and wild parties with Hollywood celebrities such as Paris Hilton. He is a close friend of Rosmah's son from her first marriage,Riz Aziz.

Jho runs three funds and recently announced plans to make a major Hollywood movie in Malaysia within the next 12 months.

I have three funds one for entertainment, movies and fashion, another for real estate and hospitality and the third for general investment. I will be introducing foreigners to invest in Malaysias property and heavy industries, the Star ! reported Jho as saying.

But it is not in this sort of diversionary small investments that have sparked grave concern amongst the investing community, alarmed at the way the Malaysian economy has taken a turn for the worse.

Not only has foreign direct investment shrunk 81 percent in 2009, whistle-blowers have come forward on a shocking series of dubious mega-deals. These include the RM8 billion in losses at national airline MAS that implicates former premiers Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Badawi.

Najib himself is not unscathed and has been accused of delaying on a Letter of Intent to a Chinese construction firm CREC for a billion-ringgit double-tracking railway project in favour of another firm CHEC so that he can negotiate fresh terms and perks for himself.

The deal that may bankrupt Malaysia

But according to Anwar, 1MDB may end up the mother of all dubious deals, exceeding even the RM12.5billion Port Klang Free Zone flop.

He pointed out that 1MDB was allocated RM5 billion in 2009 via government bonds, and is expected to be issued another RM10 billion loan through state-backed bonds, for a grand total of RM15 billion in liabilities held by the company by 2013.

"This is four times the value of bonds issued for the PKFZ, which are valued at around RM3.685 billion," Anwar pointed out.

He compared 1MDB with ValueCap, which was armed with RM10 billion in 2002 ostensibly to rev up the stock market but it was so covertly run with little disclosure on where it invested its funds, there is widespread fear the money has been used to bail out crony companies.

Anwar said there was now speculation that the auditor handling 1MDB's accounts has refused to sign its financial reports especially because of a gaping hole in its balance sheet amounting to RM610 million.

"Why is it that 1MDB can gain unappropriated profit of RM121! .79 mill ion This becomes a question when it's non-current liability is only at RM4.39 billion and not RM5 billion as announced by 1MDB. What happened to the remaining RM610 million?," he said.

Slew of irregularities
Najib, Rosmah with Prince Albert during their recent holiday
Anwar also questioned why Other Income reported by 1MDB was so high, totalling RM439.83 million, when the bulk of its earnings should come from investments.

Also missing from 1MDBs accounts was the RM100 million set aside for Yayasan 1MDB, which was formed in January 2010, to carry out social welfare programmes, Anwar said.

He further questioned why the company wanted to apply for a RM37 million loan when its deposits in banks and other financial institutions are valued at RM782.12 million. If 1MDBs charter barred it from using its deposits to make payments, then how will it pay a separate sum of RM99.43 million already owed to other institutions, he asked.
Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

Perkasa slams Tengku Adnan, warns 'mistake' bad for Umno

Tengku Adnan(Malaysian Insider) - Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali intimated today that his Umno counterpart Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor should get the sack for allegedly misrepresenting his party president, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Tengku Adnan recently came out scathing of Perkasa that Umno will not back them in the next general election and that the right-wing group was corroding the partys non-Malay support.

He has since denied the statements following Najibs remarks on Friday that the party was not at odds with Perkasa.

If I as the Perkasa secretary-general made such statements that create trouble for Perkasa, my president Datuk Ibrahim Ali would sack me immediately, Syed Hassan told The Malaysian Insider today.

I dont know if the Umno president still wants to keep a secretary-general like this. This is not a small matter that can be forgiven as it involves the credibility of Umno, he added.

Syed Hassan questioned if Tengku Adnans statements reflected the position of the Umno president and the supreme council, as well as that of Najib as the BN chairman.

We are still asking if Ku Nans previous statement which was that Umno decided to alienate Perkasa represents the Umno president and supreme council, said Syed Hassan.

The same goes for his statement that the 13 BN component parties agreed to distance Perkasa. Was it the view of the prime minister, who is also the BN chairman? he asked.

Earlier, Ibrahim had challenged Tengku Adnan to clarify if his statement that Umno will not back the Malay rights group was his or the partys.

Ibrahim had pointed out that the Umno supreme council deliberates on such issues, with the party president Najib and not the secretary-general announcing its decision, prompting the Pasir Mas MP to ask if Tengku Adnan was toeing the party line.

! Syed Has san further chastised Tengku Adnan for humiliating Umno and remarked cynically that it was easy to issue denials.

As what I have said earlier, some Umno leaders should not simply open their mouth as lots of flies will come out. Tengku Adnans actions are embarrassing. It is easy to deny statements that have already been made, he said.

Yesterday, the DAP described Tengku Adnans apparent reversal of his previous stand on Perkasa as a confirmation of Umnos silent backing of the Malay group.

The opposition accused the ruling party of using Perkasa to restore Malay votes that were feared to be lost among conservatives who felt that Najib was pandering to the non-Malay communities.

Tengku Adnan, who is also the BN secretary-general, has now stressed that his statement did not repudiate Perkasa but was just an acknowledgment the Malay rights movement was causing the coalition to lose non-Malay votes.

He went a step further and said that he had never asked party members to sever ties with Perkasa, accusing its president Datuk Ibrahim Ali of blowing the issue out of proportion.

Perkasa claims to have a membership base of 300,000, of whom 80 per cent are said to be Umno members.

The group, backed by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had earlier warned the ruling party against snubbing it and claimed that the move would cost Umno at the ballot box.

Tengku Adnan has now reiterated Najibs points and said that Umno should not distance itself from any NGO, but should instead approach them to educate them on BN policies.

Using the Malay rights platform, Perkasa has opposed attempts by the Najib administration to roll back Bumiputera quotas, despite evidence that affirmative action policies have sliced the countrys competitiveness over the past four decades.
Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

LGE: Utusan Malaysia macam Mossad

LGE: Utusan Malaysia macam Mossad

Get the door, it's...

Get the door, it's... - posted by hahapants - tags:

PKR's Nik Nazmi takes on critic's canine analogy

Harakahdaily

PETALING JAYA, Sept 20: Parti Keadilan Rakyat's communication director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pic) has responded to criticisms of the party's election campaign, saying loyalty was still an important aspect for PKR which has been hit by a wave of defections since the 2008 election. The Seri Setia assemblyman was replying to a blog post, who commenting on the contest between PKR vice president Azmin Ali and supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim, said too much importance was placed on ‘loyalty’. “If I wanted loyalty, I would have gotten a dog,” the blogger wrote. Points taken, said Nik Nazmi, but stressed that the public wanted capable, visionary and upright leaders for the country. “A leader needs more than just loyalty to prove himself. But to narrow down loyalty to a dog is simply too much,” said Nik Nazmi, clearly displeased with the canine analogy. Nik Nazmi also agreed that the party had to go beyond loyalty but recent as well as past events since PKR's inception in 1999 were cause for concern. “We have lost senior leaders such as Chandra Muzaffar, Ruslan Kassim and Ezam Mohd Nor and many others throughout the years,” he cited, adding that there was public cynicism towards the party following the string of defections in the party. But he said PKR had suffered worse public perception which it managed to overcome. “Some were dismissing Keadilan's chances before 2008 saying that we were heading to the direction of Semangat 46 and that Anwar Ibrahim was irrelevant,” he said, referring to the now-defunct offshoot of UMNO led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. Nik Nazmi also lamented critics who failed to give credit to his party for implementing the one-member one-vote system, in which each of its 400,000 members can vote directly for their top leaders. “Surely this new system makes it easier for any member whether backed by the leadership or not to run for positions,” he opined. He also blasted those who questioned party de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's decision not to accept any nominations. “They branded Keadilan as an Anwarista party. But now they fault Anwar Ibrahim for choosing not to run as President of the party,” he wrote, describing critics as "comfortable armchair critics" for not understanding what loyalty meant to members who had struggled with the party through thick and thin.

Congrats Nazri for being the first in Cabinet to declare he is Malaysian first and race second – Ministers who refuse to make such declaration should

Congrats to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz for being the first in Cabinet to declare that he is Malaysian first Malay second in his open letter in reply to Awang Selamat of Utusan Malaysia (The Malaysian Insider).

Why it has taken more than six months since my challenge to Cabinet Ministers during the debate on the Royal Address in Parliament on March 18, 2010 to declare that they are Malaysian first and race second is really beyond me, as it demonstrates their total lack of support, commitment and political will to make Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia policy work and suceeed.

I had at the time posed three simple tests of 1Malaysia to determine whether all the Cabinet Minsiters were sincerely and seriously committed to Najib’s 1Malaysia, viz:

• Whether he or she agrees to the establishment of an Opposition-headed Parliamentary Select Committee on 1Malaysia;

• Is he or she prepared to declare that the basis of 1Malaysia is “ketuanan rakyat Malaysia” and not “ketuanan Melayu”; and

• Is he or she prepared to endorse the objective of 1Malaysia as defined by the 1Malaysia Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Roadmap to create a nation where every Malaysian perceives himself or herself as Malaysian first, and by race, religion or region second.

This is what I said in Parliament on that day:

“Are Najib, Muhyiddin and all the Umno leaders prepared to stand up and declare that they are Malaysian first and Malay second?

“I declare that I am Malaysian first and Chinese second. Is every Cabinet Minister prepared to make a similar declaration?

“How many Cabinet Ministers, including the DPM, have the 1Malaysia DNA and able to pass these three simple 1Malaysia tests?”

During the debate on the Royal Address in March this year, I had asked whether the Prime Minister has got his entire Cabinet, including the Deputy Prime Minister, with him on the same page on what 1Malaysia means.

This was because the utterances and actions of Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were most inimical to the realisation of the 1Malaysia slogan and concept, including:

• His defense of the racist “brain washing” and indoctrination on “ketuanan Melayu” by Biro Tata Negara despite criticisms and expose of its racist, divisive and seditious content for the past two decades;

• His attempt to mitigate the Nasir Safar outrage claiming that it could have been “a slip of the tongue” when Najib’s senior political aide labelled Indians and Chinese in Malaysia as “pendatang”, alleging that the Chinese came as beggars and the Chinese women as “prostitutes”; claimed that Umno was solely responsible in drafting the constitution sidelining the contribution of MCA and MIC; and issued the threat to revoke the citizenship of those vocal about the subject cap for SPM examination.

• His conspicuous silence at the JAKIM (Islamic Development Department of the Prime Minister’s Office) forum at the end of January for 800 civil servants tantamount to an insurrection against Najib’s 1Malaysia concept – with government speakers making inflammatory and incendiary speeches, blaming Christians for provoking Muslim anger by challenging the ban on the use of the word “Allah” and Umno/BN politicians for failing to defend Islam, with one speaker suggesting that a repeat of the May 13 riots was possible if the Christians, whom he accused of practising “extremism” did not “back down”, uttering the threat: “Who knows, there might be a Feb. 13?”

• His conspicuous silence when the racialist rantings of Umno executive secretary Datuk Abdul Rauf Yusoh at an Umno club function in London earlier this month was exposed; and

• His hamfisted attempt to aid and abet the inflammatory and incendiary campaign by Umno-controlled media like Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian, government television and radio stations, playing the race and religious cards to viciously and falsely paint Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Pakatan Rakyat Penang State Government as “anti-Malay” and “anti-Islam”.

During my speech in Parliament I posed two questions point-blank to Muhyiddin: firstly, was he aware that the Najib administration’s sincerity and seriousness about 1Malaysia was under great test in Penang because of the vicious and sustained exploitation of the race and religious card by Umno media and agents in the conspiracy to defame the Penang Chief Minister and Pakatan Rakyat Penang State Government as anti-Malay and anti-Islam?

Secondly, if the people of Penang regarded the 1Malaysia concept as fake and hypocritical, how could he expect the people of Sabah and Sarawak and the rest of Malaysians to have much confidence in the slogan?

I stressed that as Deputy Prime Minister, Muhyiddin should be in the forefront to secure the co-operation of all MPs and political parties outside the Barisan Nasional fold to make a success of the 1Malaysia campaign, on the ground that it is a national issue and not a party agenda unless the 1Malaysia concept was merely an Umno and Barisan Nasional gimmick.

I had also asked why the Najib Cabinet was full of Ministers who were quite skeptical about the 1Malaysia concept treating it as nothing more than political theatre not to be taken seriously?

I had asked: “Who are the Ministers in the Najib Cabinet who have the 1Malaysia DNA? I do not see anyone. No wonder neither Muhyiddin nor the other Cabinet Ministers comport themselves with any conviction that they are the standard-bearers of the 1Malaysia slogan and concept.”

Muhyiddin subsequently proved my criticisms right when on March 31, he responded to my challenge and declared that he is “Malay first” and then only a Malaysian.

He said: “I am Malay first! But being Malay does not mean you are not Malaysian. It is not a race issue.”

Accusing me of trying to drive a wedge between him and Najib, he said:

“The question of 1 Malaysia should not be brought up. When a leader talks about the interest of his own race, it does not mean he doesn’t support 1 Malaysia. 1Malaysia is based on the Constitution.

“How can I say I’m Malaysian first and Malay second? All the Malays will shun me and say that it is not proper.

“There is nothing wrong in leaders fighting for their own race. Don’t tell me Kit Siang does not fight for the Chinese?”

He even challenged me to declare that I was Malaysian first and Chinese second, until he was told by reporters that I had already made such a declaration – in Parliament during the debate on the Royal Address on 18th March.

And for six long months, not a single Cabinet Minister dare to declare publicly that he or she is a Malaysian first and race second, until Nazri today!

Although it has taken more than six months for Nazri to break ranks with Muhyiddin for the former to declare that he is Malaysian first and Malay second, in accordance with the objective of Najib’s 1Malaysia policy, it is better late than never.

With the example set by Nazri, all 1Malaysia-minded Ministers, should declare their stand to demonstrate to Malaysians that the 1Malaysia policy is taken seriously by Ministers themselves.

In fact, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and Sabah and Sarawak Ministers should rush to declare themselves to be Malaysian first and race second or be dropped from the Cabinet.

I would suggest that the last one of the four MCA Ministers and seven Deputy Ministers to make such a 1Malaysia declaration should be sacked from the Cabinet!

Explain this!

All eyes on Beng Hock's "suicide note" as inquest resumes

Malaysia Chronicle

The Teoh Beng Hock inquest has resumed, with all eyes on the purported 'suicide note' allegedly found in his sling bag by investigating officer ASP Ahmad Nazri Zainal.

Nazri, who took the stand, began by telling coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas about how he was informed that Teoh's body had been found on the 5th floor service corridor of the MACC headquarters in Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam. Teoh is believed to have fallen off the MACC's 14th floor office on July 15, 2009.

The MACC or Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission claims it was suicide but his family and his employers - the Selangor state government - are adamant there was foul play involved. Teoh had gone to the MACC to be interviewed as a witness in connection with a graft probe and was in good spirits as he was due to register his marriage on July 16. He and fiancee were expecting their first child, who has since been born.

Beng Hock's wallet

Meanwhile, Ahmad Nazri told the court he was informed of the case at 2.15pm on July 16 and reached the building at 2.45pm. He testified that he had found that the window on Level 14 was open about 15cm wide. The handle was missing and believed to have been broken off. Teoh's body was directly under that window. The forensics team arrived at 4pm.

About 5pm, an officer with the Selangor MACC told him that Teoh's sling bag was on a sofa in the office on the 14th floor of the building. In it was Teoh's wallet with his Mykad, cash and bank cards. Also found were a VCD, mineral water, computer accessories, note books and some pieces of paper. The black bag and the contents were tendered as exhibits.

D! r Pornth ip

Four government pathologists have concluded that Teoh died due to injuries from his fall. Dr Paul Vanezis, hired by the MACC, also said Teoh died from fall injuries but stopped short of saying whether it was suicide or homicide.

Popular Dr Pornthip - voted Thailand's most trusted personAfter a second post-mortem, Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, who was hired by the Selangor government to look into the forensics, has reiterated her preliminary view that Teoh did not commit suicide. She believes it was homicide.

In court today are Abdul Razak Musa, the DPP heading the MACC prosecution unit. Abdul Razak became notorious for his brutal cross-examination of Dr Pornthip last month. He was lambasted for his unprofessional conduct and ridiculed for his line of questioning. The video tape of his session with the Dr Pornthip has become a huge hit on the Internet.

Gobind Singh Deo is representing Teoh's family, while Malik Imtiaz Sarwar is acting for the Selangor government.

Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

Bila Guan Eng bertemu Imam Muda,UMNO meroyan lagi.....

Lim Guan Eng sambut hari raya bersama warga Gelugor,Penang.

cheers.


See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Rembau backs Zaid in surprise move

By Zefry Dahalan

REMBAU: In a surprise move, the Rembau PKR division has nominated supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim for deputy presidency in the coming party polls.

Previously, insiders told FMT that the division was set to nominate vice-president Azmin Ali for the number two slot.

During the division election and nomination process yesterday, both Azmin and Zaid's names were proposed, and following a brief selection process, the division elected to back the latter.

Zaid had received 72 votes while Azmin got 61. Yesterday, FMT reported that Azmin was leading the nomination race in terms of backing from other states.

Commenting on this, Rembau PKR chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, who was returned unopposed, said the selection was made in a democratic manner.

"We really practice democracy by giving each member present the chance to decide, he added.

Meanwhile, the division also nominated Anwar Ibrahim for president. He received 72 votes whereas his wife and incumbent Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail received 56 votes.

Anwar had previously said that he would not be contesting for any posts.

State chief ignored

For vice-presidents, Rembau nominated Dr Lee Boon Chye (Gopeng MP), Samsul Iskandar Mat Akin (Malacca PKR Chief), N Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai MP) and Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan MP).

For the youth chief post, the division nominated its chairman and Teja state assemblyman Chang Lih Kang for number two.

Rembau also raised eyebrows when it failed to nominate Negri Sembilan PKR chief and the party's sole MP in the state Kamarul Baharin Abbas for a supreme council member post.

The division opted to back Chuah state assemblyman Chai Tong Chai whose seat falls under Kamarul's parliamentary constituency.

Also read:

Azmin leads the pack

See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

PKR: Comments on Contest for No 2 Post

September 20, 2010

www.malaysiakini.com

Who has got the edge to lead PKR

PKR should take PAS as an example to follow. A contest is just a contest and the winner should be the one most preferred by the members.

Zaid closing in on Azmin in No 2 nominations

Chris: Well done, Azmin Ali. Even Permatang Pauh nominated Azmin, so there is no second guessing as to who Anwar Ibrahim prefers. All the cabangs (divisions) are free to nominate their candidates, and of course, this will be based on the majority of their members support.

Why do you think the majority of Sabah cabangs will nominate Zaid Ibrahim as their choice? Simple because Zaid enjoys more support from Sabah members. The number of nominations received will determine the popularity of that particular candidates among the members, and this will translate into votes during the election.

At the end of the day, a win is still a win, but I believe some sore losers will blame all this on cheating, phantom members, UMNO culture and so on.

Ronin: PKR should take PAS as an example to follow. A contest is just a contest and the winner should be the one most preferred by the members. After the contest, PAS closes rank. Anyway, all this is suppose to be for the rakyat and Malaysias future, not for personal agenda, power or money.

MW: Permatang Pauhs nomination for Azmin is revealing. Perhaps the rumours about Anwars tacit support for Azmin is true after all. I dont care either way even though I support Pakatan Rakyat. It is wishful thinking, but maybe miracles could happen. PAS and DAP will find a way to work together minus UMNO-lite (PKR).

Tg Harris: The choice of Azmin in Permatang Pauh is an indi! cation o f Anwars preference. We hope that other cabangs make their own choice based on the qualities of leadership of both candidates, not only to lead PKR, but to lead Pakatan to Putrajaya in the absence of Anwar if the political situation twisted that way, as a continency.

The crucial question is who has that edge to lead Pakatan to Putrajaya? Lets de-UMNO-ise the process of electing leaders lest we are back to square one. Avoid the ganging up and winners-take-all mentality. Lets have a grand debate between the two candidates for members to weigh and decide, not for the warlords to determine.

A Coward: If members of the party only follow their leaders without thinking on their own, the party will face a disaster and the development of the party will be unhealthy. This is what crony politics is all about. Crony politics is where you have a million members but only with one brain (usually an evil brain, at that).

The Sensibility: I hope Zaid Ibrahim will be given the chance. He has earned my respect. Unfortunately, it looks like Anwar is supporting Azmin. This shows Anwar has no foresight for PKR. If its his wish to return his obligations to his close comrade, then he isnt really a true leader he does not know how to distinguish the sacrifice he needs to make to ensure the partys vision is achieved.

I pray that Zaid Ibrahim will be elected as the deputy president as he has the respect of the public. You may have a popular leader within the party but if that person is unpopular in terms of public support, it would be no use clinging to the deputy presidents post as you will drag the party into oblivion.

I hope PKR members are wise enough to choose a righteous leader who can lead the party into the next general election.

Anonymous: Actually, the nomination process should be stopped once the candidates concerned have qualified to contest so as not to invite unnecessary interpretation of support or stre! ngth of each candidates.

CKS: I, too, think nominations should stop as soon as the minimum number is secured. That will be the true spirit of one man, one vote democracy.

CarL: Azmin has been consistent for 12 years and has not deserted the ship. Zaid is a proven turncoat. He knew he was a goner when Najib Abdul Razak takes over from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his fellow ministers wanted him out as well he did the next most sneaky thing: he went against his masters, pretended to be upset over the Internal Security Act (he does not fight for that now) and to all and sundry, he gave up his plump de facto law ministers post.

He then resigned from the party that had already kicked him out, said he was not going to join anyone, but later joined PKR, then got teary-eyed after getting hit with accusations and said he would take leave for six months, which he did not, and said he would never run for a post and did not want a post, but now he does. Trust this guy? I am not a supporter, but PKR members must see through this guy.

The Way I See it: I would have preferred the amiable Zaid to the stern mien and fiery bang tables-style of Azmin. Zaid possess a comfortable relationship with people in DAP, PAS, and even East Malaysians, which by the way, is more an asset to Pakatan Rakyat than to PKR. Azmin seems more comfortable within his party. Thats just the way I see it. Both are nevertheless good men with their own individual strengths.

PKR polls: Will capability trump popularity?

Rayfire: I do hope capability will be the measuring stone for most PKR members in selecting their future crop of leaders. Anwars time is almost over, literally. There is a need to reconsider the future direction of PKR in a whole new context, post-Anwar.

No doubt, the party was started in support of him but now we have greater concerns on the role of the party in the context of establishing a ! two-part y system in Malaysia. This requires leaders with great vision.
Party loyalty aside, do PKR members really think Azmin is the leader to bring them to greater heights or will Zaid fare better despite him being relatively a new member? PKR members will have to help the leaders set the priorities right.

From what I see, most of whom left UMNO to join PKR carry the same syndrome. They left UMNO but the UMNO mentality did not leave them. Do what is right for the nation, not for an individual. Otherwise, PKR will join the list of soon-to-be extinct parties such as Gerakan, MCA, MIC and UMNO.

The above are a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only Malaysiakini subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments.

Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

Karpal: We'll Win All 40 State Seats

Pakatan Rakyat is confident of capturing all 40 state seats in Penang in the next general election.

DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said the party had given its assurance to Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat in working together to win the state.

"Our challenge now is to ensure that we win all the seats and not allow a single one to be won by Barisan Nasional (BN)," he said in his speech at Pas' Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here yesterday.

Karpal said Pakatan Rakyat was ready to face the next general election, noting that the polls could be held after Chinese New Year.

He said in Penang, BN had no issue to exploit on Pakatan, adding that the state government possessed a good track record since March 8, 2008.

"The state government had, for more than two-and-a-half years, shown Penangites and Malaysians that Pakatan Rakyat is an alliance which will capture the nation in the next general election."

Pakatan Rakyat holds 29 seats in Penang while UMNO holds the other 11.

Malaysia's religious problems: The way forward

Pak Sako

"You are my brother and I love you. I love you worshipping in your church, kneeling in your temple, and praying in your mosque. You and I and all are children of one religion, for the varied paths of religion are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being, extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, anxious to receive all.

I love you for your Truth, derived from your knowledge; that Truth which I cannot see because of my ignorance. But I respect it as a divine thing, for it is the deed of the spirit. Your Truth shall meet my Truth in the coming world and blend together like the fragrance of flowers and becoming one whole and eternal Truth, perpetuating and living in the eternity of Love and Beauty."
Kahlil Gibran, A Tear And A Smile (1914)

Religious pluralism is a cornerstone for achieving harmony in societies with people of varied faiths. Yet in multi-religious Malaysia politicians shy away from discussing religious pluralism. It is difficult to get straight answers about their stand on or commitment to it.

Take for example the recently concluded panel discussion on 'National Unity through Religion, Law and Shared Values' at UCSI University in KL. It is unclear whether religious pluralism or religious bigotry were fruitfully discussed. The contents of the discussion are not made public enough. It can be gleaned from news reports that there were barely satisfactory answers to barely satisfactory questions.

What is conspicuous is that there is an excruciating lack of focus on the heart of the issue.

Here I refocus attention on what really matters.

Good values and spirituality should be the essence, not religion per se

I f a religious position is to be taken by any political party or any citizen that is founded on respect for religious beliefs and support for the freedom to practice any religion (or none at all), then this position should encourage living a life guided by a universal set of shared moral values and one containing aspects of the spiritual, whatever the religious or non-religious route taken. It follows that religion is a means towards these larger goals. This awareness is cardinal. Unity is achieved as a result of these common goals, not by having or propagating any particular religion.

What we should first abandon is the ambition to create a state of one mankind under one religion. We should not harbour false and childish hopes that only through one religion for all can we get people to step onto the expressway of righteousness and practice moral values, or that only thus can we lead everyone to the promised land of God-realisation, as if it is our duty and right. Such an aspiration is but a certain road to perdition.

Instead, we should be enlightened and courageous enough to consider accepting that people can take many valid paths towards goals of spirituality and right living.

We should be enlightened and courageous enough to consider admitting that no religion or belief system has a monopoly of or is exclusively privy to these moral values or steps to the ultimate blessings of God or heaven.

We should awaken to the fact that moral values and spiritual teachings are not exhaustively found in any one religion. The teachings of one religion can be instructive to adherents of another religion and vice versa.

We should be able to say that the choice of religion is a personal one; that in line with the right to freely practice one's religion as one shall practice it, religion and religious practices should not be imposed upon any individual such as by the authorities or the state, or by a society that has been so conditioned by state policy that it passively imposes religio! n upon i ts own members.

Should there be a public demand for religious guidance or for places of worship, then this shall be provided. In no uncertain terms should this be seen to imply consent for the imposition of religion or its practices by a righteous authority.

These are among the things that the so-called religious democrats should be forthright about, but are not.

This is what we should be striving for if we believe in a Malaysia that is just, free and harmoniously multi-religious, but are not.

There are serious obstacles to these that we are reluctant to come to terms with, but must.

Religious chauvinism as a disease to eradicate

These specific obstacles are almost never clearly enunciated. Here they are:

• The desire amongst members of society to preach their religions as better or superior alternatives to the religions or belief systems of others and thereby to seek to convert others to their own religion

• The related belief that non-believers are lowly, of unequal standing or blessing and their religions inadequate and contemptible

• The refusal or inability to approve the values or truths contained in other religions or belief systems regardless of their merit

• The related fear that this might shake one's faith in one's religion, or render one's religion comparatively less glorious, or disadvantage one's religion in the competition for religious propagation

• The myopia of "only one brotherhood through one way of God" that prevents the acceptance of all religious adherents under an umbrella of one humanity in which other belief systems are acknowledged as valid.

This condition and process, which can for brevity be termed religious chauvinism, is the eye of the storm in all the religious tensions and misunderstandings we have witnessed in Malaysia.

The mentality described is widespread and fairly entrenched. The psychology of insecurity and the politics shaping it are in! terestin g and worthy of separate examination.

But the implication is unequivocal. It clashes with the hopes of building a Malaysian society that is genuinely accepting (not merely tolerant) of a diversity of religions and cultures.

It means that lasting peace and unity amongst our people is to remain out of our reach so long as this is left to get out of control.

What remains to be done and a challenge to the politicians

It is for the preceding reasons that this matter must be urgently addressed. If a united Malaysia is in our interest, then an honest, open and peaceable national dialogue on this must commence. It should involve the issues mentioned here and others, such as religious propagation, its targets and the ethics of its methods.

Relegating religious talks of understanding to practically useless and toothless inter-faith panels behind closed doors is a cowardly act of evasion. Understanding and consensus must emerge from the majority the entirety of Malaysians.

We should also cease deceiving ourselves with superficial multi-cultural and multi-religious images and slogans that are purpose-crafted for international consumption or national celebrations. This lulls us into inaction.

To dodge discussion by offering excuses (e.g., "Malaysians are not ready for this") is an unacceptable denial of reality and maturity. To delay further is to permit more, avoidable conflicts. It is to shirk from the shared responsibility of nation-building.

We need to stop the factors that perpetuate religious chauvinism, remedy existing attitudes and inculcate multi-culturalism and multi-religiousness as the definite Malaysian way.

In view of this, to the politicians and policymakers of UMNO, MCA, PAS, PKR and DAP I put the following question:

Do you have the guts, will and conviction (i) to discuss the issue of religious pluralism! and big otry clearly and openly; (ii) to establish multi-culturalism and religious pluralism as a prime policy and encourage it amongst your supporters and colleagues within your political parties; and (iii) to act decisively to correct the problem of religious chauvinism and prejudice such as those highlighted here? - http://english.cpiasia.net/
See What Barisan Nasional Gotta Say?

Are local BN parties at par with their Semenanjung counterparts, and, should Sabah BN has different set of protocol to follow?

I wonder if the position of a local BN party is truly at par with the national BN party. I refer to the Daily Express report today:-

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=74657

If the statement of PM Najib has been taken heed, or respected, by the respective and relevant BN component party, then this statement of 'advice' or 'appeal' in the open should not have been raised in the newspaper; instead it should be appropriately presented in the follow-up BN internal iscussions and meetings, maybe more appropriately at the BN national level now.

Why do you need a Youth Head of Sabah BN to do this if there's already sincerity within the Sabah BN or BN to resolve the crisis amicably and peacefully?

The action of the Sabah BN Youth is also seen as protocol-wise not appropriate since they could simply write in to the BN office seeking for the clarifications or conveying their views within the BN discussion of the subject, instead of telling the whole world.

It's also interesting to know if the view of this so-called Sabah BN Youth Chief included the view of the LDP Youth too? Had the Sabah BN Youth held any meeting in deriving this stand?

There shall be some basic respect with regard to this matter. Datuk VK Liew, the Party Chief of LDP, by right should be talking to PM Najib who is the National BN Chief on any BN matters, and the Youth Head seems to have ignorant on this basic manner. Even if he has to raise the matter, it can only be done internally within the BN channel, and no others.

It's high time that Sabah BN observes the basic protocol as the Sabah BN has many of its components who are locally based, and the membership of these respective leaders are of the national status level. So they are both respectable locally, and nationally, and should be respected accordingly within the BN hierarchy.

Nevertheless, 'ketuanan' attitude must not be prevail in Sabah soil; and Sabah BN must unite at all levels regardless of rank and file if they want to ward off the oncoming Tsunami of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in Sabah soon.

Nazris replies to Awang Selamat's Alahai Nazri

Nazri AzizNazri Aziz


Awang is caught in the time warp of those days where government MPs do not only not engage them but hate and dislike them in all circumstances. Awang will never understand this because he is not an elected MP, put in the House by the voice of the people. Anyway did Awang ever think of how five PKR MPs could cross and be independents, if not for the civility shown by me to them as parliamentary affairs minister? The number of crossovers to the independent caucus has exceeded the single MP from Pasir Mas, this so-called Malay Hero worshipped by Awang.

I have read the comments by Awang Selamat on me in his column. I want to make some clarifications lest readers be misled into thinking what he wrote is correct.

Firstly, I am never afraid to be criticised by the opposition. I would like Awang to come to Parliament and see and hear for himself the vitriol and attacks I received whilst defending the Government on issues related to the Prime Ministers Office.

In my 33 years in politics, I was never spared by anybody who makes criticisms against me including the recent comments by Awang. I dont know about Awang himself, because I dont even know who he is. I hope he can be a man like me and prove that he is not scared of criticism by coming out in the open and not hiding behind the pseudonym that he uses.

I am also not anti-Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). To me, so far he is the best prime minister I have served. However, as an ex-premier, there is so much left to be desired.

Awang should get out of his time warp and face the fact that I am now in the government as a minister in the Prime Ministers Department and not vice versa. So it is Tun Mahathir who is criticising the Government and not the other way round.

Of course anybody, regardless of who criticises the government, will ! receive relentless attack in defence of the Government by me just as I had done in the past when Tun Mahathir and Tun Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) were the prime ministers.

Having said that, I want Awang to know that I am always sure who my boss is. Its not (Lim) Kit Siang nor (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) because they are not prime minister of Malaysia, the chairman of BN or president of Umno.

I am not too sure Awang knows who his boss is because he undermines the 1 Malaysia policy of the prime minister and promotes the narrow racism of (Datuk) Ibrahim Ali who is not even an Umno member. Awang should be asking himself the question he posed to me.

Being civil to the opposition is the right thing to do in a democracy, because just like me, they are also elected by the people. Of course, Awang is caught in the time warp of those days where government MPs do not only not engage them but hate and dislike them in all circumstances.

Awang will never understand this because he is not an elected MP, put in the House by the voice of the people. Anyway did Awang ever think of how five PKR MPs could cross and be independents, if not for the civility shown by me to them as parliamentary affairs minister?

The number of crossovers to the independent caucus has exceeded the single MP from Pasir Mas, this so-called Malay Hero worshipped by Awang.

Incidentally, Umno has never asked or needed for Ibrahim to help us but the association with him will only cause us to lose votes.

Tun Mahathir himself told us about his loss in Kota Setar Selatan seat a 90 per cent Malay majority parliamentary constituency in 1969 to Yusof Rawa, where it was reported that Tun said he didnt need Chinese votes. There is a lesson to be learned from this.

Of course, Awang will never understand because not only has he never offered himself as a candidate for the General Elections but readers dont even know who he is.

Politicians like me who has stood for four general elections and won clearly have ! to be ve ry careful in what we say and not be reckless like Awang. We need to muster all the votes regardless of race and we do not stay in the comfort zone as Awang does.

He can write and say anything irresponsibly and recklessly, knowing that he will never be punished by the voters.

That is why, Awang, if you asked what my agenda is, I think even school children will know that its to win the next general election and that Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) remains as prime minister of Malaysia.

I do hope that Awang also has the same agenda, unless of course his boss is somebody else. Finally I would advise Awang to stick to what he does and knows best and not try to meddle in national politics, of which he has shallow knowledge and zero experience.

He should concentrate in increasing his papers dwindling readership. It speaks volumes of their poor standards and performance when Utusan has to refer to the news report of the new electronic alternative media when it should be the reverse.

That will be his KPI and the measurement of his success in the field that he claims he represent well.

Mine is, of course, to win the Padang Rengas seat for Barisan Nasional in the next General Election regardless whether I am a candidate or not. Until then we shall see.

And yes I am a Malaysian first and Malay next. Does any bigot have a problem with that? - (Nazri Aziz is the Minister in the PM's Department)
Letter & Opinion From Joe Public

VIDEO Anwar Ibrahim: 1 Malaysia is for the rich to get richer

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Zunar launches his third book CARTOON-O-PHOBIA

CARTOON-O-PHOBIA was published right after Malaysiakini and I challenged the banning of "1 Funny Malaysia" and "Perak Darul Kartun" in the court of law, amid the greediness of the authority in seizing and banning publications that are not in favour with the ruling current administration.Will this latest book also be facing possible banned?

I hereby announce my latest political cartoon book, CARTOON-O-PHOBIA as my third book under Kinibooks, a subsidiary of Malaysiakini.

Previously, I have collaborated with the same publisher in publishing "1 Funny Malaysia" (2009) and "Cartoons On Tun… and Others" (2005).

CARTOON-O-PHOBIA features a collection of my political cartoons that appeared in Malaysiakini website from December 2009 until September 2010.

In addition, it also features unpublished cartoons and fresh artworks from my own website www.cartoonkafe.com .

Zunar

The idea to produce this book was consceived after my other publications, "1 Funny Malaysia", "Perak Darul Kartun" and "Isu Dalam Kartun" were banned by the government.

Upon banning in June last year, the grounds given by the Home Ministry were that the contents were considered "detrimental to public order" and can "influence the people to revolt against the leaders and government policies".

Hence, CARTOON-O-PHOBIA was chosen as the title to illustrate and reflect the fears of certain party to cartoons.

I am thinking of registering the term CARTOON-O-PHOBIA in the dictionary as a new word that carries the definition of "individuals or parties who are afraid of cartoons and use political power to act against cartoonist."

Personally, I think this book is sharper, solid and has more bite as compared to my previous books. The issues covered including the murder of Altantuya, the conspiracy against Anwar, the PM’s wife, the loss of jet engiens, the Scorpene that cannot dive, Sarawak, racism, corruption, waste of public funds, among others.


CARTOON-O-PHOBIA was published right after Malaysiakini and I challenged the banning of "1 Funny Malaysia" and "Perak Darul Kartun" in the court of law, amid the greediness of the authority in seizing and banning publications that are not in favour with the ruling current administration.

Will this latest book also be facing possible banned? Actually this never crosses my mind when I produce this book. I strongly believe CARTOON-O-PHOBIA has its own strength and meet the needs of readers.

But I am ready to face the consequences.

If this book can not be sold on the open market (due to the ban), I rely on support from readers. Only with the support of fans, readers and the people who care, the publishing of my cartoons and books can continue.

More than that, I have started the spark on a reform of political cartoons in Malaysia, and that should forever go on.

Because of that I hope the fans and readers will give full support to me by buying this book. It is also a show of support to my initiation of proceedings to challenge KDN in court which is expected to commence this October.

For these reasons, I hope the fans and readers will attend the launching ceremony which is to be held at 8 pm, 24th September 2010 at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, and will be officiated by former Chief Minister of Perak, Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin.

CARTOON-O-PHOBIA has 100 full coloured pages and and will be sold at a market price of RM25.00. It can also be purchased via online at or www.cartoonkafe.com.

Zunar aka Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque

Gede Toket Semok

Azmin leads the pack

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice president Azmin Ali has received the most nominations for the post of deputy president since divisional meetings kicked off last Friday.

The nomination process is a prelude of what is to come at the October-November party polls. More nominations mean it is more likely that the divisions' members are going to vote for who was nominated by their divisions.

Azmin has received a whopping 39 nominations up to 7pm today from the total 53 divisions that met since Friday, 24 more than his leading challenger, supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim, who has received 15 nominations so far.

The third contender for the No 2 post, vice-president and Perak PKR chief Mustafa Kamil Ayub has received seven nominations while the Cameron Highlands and Pokok Sena divisions gave both party elections director Fuziah Salleh and chief strategist Tian Chua one nomination each.

Divisions from seven states Kedah, Pahang, Sabah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Perlis met since Friday for their divisional polls which will end today before other divisions from other states commence with their respective meetings over the weekends for the next three weeks.

PKR amended its constitution to pave way for a direct election system, where 400,000 of its members can vote directly for the divisional and all 25 national posts including the party's top six.

Statistics show that Azmin received strong backing from Pahang and Kelantan, which is Zaid's homestate although the Kota Bharu division nomitated the former Kota Bharu MP and Umno law minister.

Azmin is also leading the nominations in all the states that met over the weekend.

17 divisions back Wan Azizah

Meanwhile, up to yesterday night, party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has garnered the support of 17 divisions across the country that have concluded their meetings.

There was also what party observers say an anomaly where PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim received one nomination from the party's Arau division despite making it clear that he will not accept any nominations and contest for any posts.

As for the vice-president posts, 13 candidates have so far qualified to contest with Shamsul Iskandar Akin, the current Youth chief, and Fuziah leading the race with eight and seven nominations each.

Both Fuziah and Shamsul are known allies of Azmin.

Should the nominations reflect the voting pattern at the party polls, Azmin's camp is set to consolidate their position within PKR and is likely to influence the party's future direction.

Najib’s failure to stand up and be counted to condemn extremism and extremists especially from his own camp will be the undoing of his 1Malaysia conce

Malaysians are witnessing the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, performing one of his biggest flip-flops in his 18 months at the helm of the country’s administration.

Najib’s attempt to distance or disentangle Umno from Perkasa did not last more than a week from the announcement of the Umno Secretary-General that Perkasa was eroding non-Malay support for Barisan Nasional to Najib’s Malaysia Day message expressing sadness at the rise of extremism in his 18 months as Prime Minister.

Most ironically, Najib chose the Yayasan 1Malaysia seminar themed “Living In a Multi-Ethnic Society” in Kuala Lumpur after the Malaysia Day celebrations in Sabah to perform the flip-flop – refusing to name Perkasa as the worst culprit responsible for the rise of extremism and scaring away foreign investors.

This is now followed by Tengku Adnan’s flip-flop today denying that the Barisan Nasional parties had agreed to keep a distance from Perkasa.

If Barisan Nasional parties had never agreed top keep a distance from Perkasa, are MCA and Gerakan national leaders to “eat their words” for publicly welcoming such a decision?

Just as an example, Bernama had on Sept. 11 quoted Gerakan President and Minister for 1Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon hailing Umno’s move to distance from Perkasa as reflecting “the liberal and moderate stand of Barisan Nasional component parties towards all races”.

What has Tsu Koon got to say with the backtracking by Tengku Adnan and denial that there is going to be any such Umno distancing or disentangling from Perkasa?

Yesterday, Tsu Koon said “all quarters should work together in making the 1 Malaysia concept and the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) a success instead of creating controversial issues which will not do any good to the country’s development”.

Just like the Prime Minister, Tsu Koon as the 1Malaysia Minister dare not take the bull by the horns and draw a line in the sand against the rise of racial bigotry and religious extremism mostly emanating from Umno and allied or outsourced organizations.

Najib, Tsu Koon and all the Barisan Nasional leaders should not be under any illusion and must realize that the failure of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to stand up and be counted to condemn extremism and extremists especially from his UMNO and allied or outsourced organisations will be the undoing of Najib’s 1Malaysia concept.

On September 10, I was in Shanghai for the World Expo together with Perak DAP State Assemblymen Thomas Su (Pasir Pinji) and Wong Kah Woh (Canning) and what was most impressive was the single-mindedness, unity of purpose and dynamism of the Chinese to take the spectacular achievements of the Chinese economy to a new height, surging past the Japanese economy to be the world’s second economic power to overtake that of the United States in the next two to three decades.

What concerned the Chinese was how China could compete internationally in contrast to the obsessive pre-occupation in Malaysia, which is the competition between bumiputras and non-bumiputras, Malays vs non-Malays regardless of how detrimental this is to the larger national and global challenge of Malaysia competing with the rest of the world and becoming an inclusive and sustainable high-income developed nation by 2020.

I met Malaysians who are working in China who are highly skilled, most talented and top professionals. I understand that the Malaysian diaspora in China is in the region of 100,000.

This pool of Malaysian disapora of talent and skills in China is Malaysia’s loss and China’s gain. Most of the Malaysians working in China I met would have Malaysia as their first choice to work but they have to go overseas for their talents, skills and expertise to get proper recognition.

What has Najib done in the past 18 months to bring home the Malaysian diaspora whether from China and elsewhere?

The answer is not only a sad “No” despite all the big talk about 1Malaysia, New Economic Model, Government Transformation Programme and Tenth Malaysia Plan but a further exodus of brain drain because of the failure of the Najib administration to take a stand against extremism and full commitment towards an open, accountable, competitive and just economy.

(Speech at the launching of the DAP Pasir Pinji service centre foodfair at Tou Mou Kong, Ipoh on Sunday, 19th September 2010 at 8.45 am)

Little spiderman

Call for RCI into why no action had been taken on earlier police reports as far back as 2005 against the lawyer brothers linked to the mass murders of

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon said yesterday that “All quarters should work together in making the 1 Malaysia concept and the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) a success instead of creating controversial issues which will not do any good to the country’s development”. (Malaysian Insider)

He said what was more important now was for all quarters to pay attention to improve the country’s economy and offer better service to the people, both in the urban and rural areas.

“If there are views or criticisms, the criticisms should be something constructive and positive and not something that could create disharmony among the parties.

As example he cited: “For example, a crime should not be linked to a racial issue because it will not do any good to anybody.”

The Umno newspaper, Utusan Malaysia has been most guilty of being negative, destructive and even downright irresponsible, mischievous and malicious in its campaign to undermine national unity and harmony in the country.

It is most deplorable that Utusan Malaysia had tried to politicise and racialise the heinous, gruesome and despicable mass murders of Datuk Sosilawai Lawiya and three others in Banting for its ignoble objectives, publishing the defamatory insinuation and double lies on Sept. 16 that DAP was siding with the mass murderers and had been silent on the mass murders either because the “Datuk” killer was DAP member or DAP “fights for the rights of a certain race only”.

In actual fact, DAP had come out with an unreserved condemnation of the mass murders of Datuk Sosilawati and three others when such terrible crimes came to light on Sept. 12, and in my first press conference in Kota Kinabalu on Sept. 15 on my return to Malaysia from the Shanghai World Expo, I had also denounced in the strongest possible terms the heinous, gruesome crimes of the mass murders of Sosilawati and three others.

What is the use of Tsu Koon preaching about 1Malaysia when he dared not denounce the gutter journalism practised by Utusan Malaysia?

I join the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak in congratulating the police for their efficiency in solving the mass murders of Datuk Sosilawati and three others.
The Federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin is on public record as saying that the police have established a strong case against the two lawyer brothers and six others over the murder of the cosmetic millionaire and her three associates, and expect to submit their report on the murders to the Attorney-General’s Chambers in the coming week.

Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political affiliation demands speedy justice to be meted out to the mass murderers who should not expect any mercy for their horrific crimes.

With the police halting evidence gathering at the farm in Ladang Gadong where the murders allegedly took place and Sungai Panchau where their bodies were believed to have been burnt and dumped, the time has come for the authorities to address the other public concern arising from the mass murders of Sosilawati and the three others.

This is the shocking police inaction over numerous police reports lodged against the two lawyer brothers linked to the Sosilawati mass murders going as far back as 2005, involving fraud, criminal breach of trust, missing persons and murder, and the public concern that Sosilawati and the three other victims would still be alive today if the police had acted efficiently and professionally on these police reports.

In yesterday’s Star, Comm Mohd Bakri was asked whether an internal investigation would be conducted on the lack of action on previous missing person reports before the high-profile murder of Sosilawati emerged, and he replied: “Let us focus on the murders first.”

With the police finalising their reports to the Attorney-General on the Sosilawati mass murders, focus must now return to the question whether Sosilawati and the three others would still be alive today if the police had acted efficiently and professionally on the spate of serious police reports against the two lawyer brothers and why there had been no police action to protect the public since the first police report against the lawyer brothers was lodged five years ago in 2005.

There can be no denial that the efficiency of the police action in solving the Sosilawati mass murders cannot undo the grave damage to the country’s investment climate caused by adverse national and international media reports of how serious and rampant crimes had been allowed to go unchecked – with foreign media reports speculating that up to 20 people both local and foreign could have been killed and their bodies dumped into a river based on 300 bone fragments recovered in Sungai Panchau.

An internal police investigation is completely inadequate, unsatisfactory and unacceptable to restore both public and investor confidence and I call for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to establish why no action had been taken on earlier police reports dating as far back as 2005 against the lawyer brothers linked to the mass murders of Datuk Sosilawati and three others.

(Media comments after the launching of the DAP Pasir Pinji Service Centre Foodfair at Tou Mou Temple, Ipoh on Sunday, 19th September 2010 at 9 am)

Submitted by: Glenn McClelland