Sabah now no longer poorest state, says Najib

LAHAD DATU: Sabah, which for the most parts was governed by the Barisan Nasional (BN), experienced major changes in its development and economic landscape since it attained independence through Malaysia in 1963, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said.

He said compared to before, Sabah now was no longer the poorest state in the country and in fact had huge potential to surge forward.

"Then (in 1963) probably more that 70% of the people could be said to be poor, hardcore poor and destitute. However, Sabah now is no longer the poorest state in the country.

"According to statistics, the average per capita income of Sabah now lies in the middle when compared to the richest and poorest states," he said when launching the Mini Estate Sejahtera (MESEJ) project at Kampung Nala, Tungku, about 60km from here, today.

Najib said this was the outcome of the national development agenda which was clear and effective and now included the National Transformation Programme that would bring about a brighter change for the future of the people.

"We launched the National Transformation Programme because we wanted to change everything, like this Kampung Nala (which previously was only a mangrove swamp).

"We will not stop here… we will continue until we completely eradicate hardcore poverty. Before, there were about 30,000 people in Sabah who were poor but now there are only about 7,000 (still poor)," he said.

Najib said although there were some people who were still poor, the success of the BN government in tackling poverty could not be understated.

"Just look at this Kampung Nala, the value of each house provided is more than RM42,000 and this does not include the land value, electricity and water supply, which will raise the value to more than RM60,000. And all these we are giving for the free to the participants of the (MESEJ) project.

"They (participants) did not pay a single sen…which government in the world has a programme like this?" he said.

Close relationship

The prime minister said the project was made possible because of the close relationship between the federal and state governments.

"In this context, Felda (the Federal Land Development Authority) made a contribution of RM22 milion to translate the MESEJ project in Nala a reality and each year Felda allocates RM50 million to the Sabah government to help uplift the welfare of the people of Sabah," he said.

Besides this, Najib said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also implementing various development programmes throughout Sabah.

"For this year alone, a total of 15,455 houses (under the housing aid programme) and 458km of road will be built throughout Sabah while more than 68,000 homes will get piped water (under the rural water supply programme).

"Additionally, various state government projects including 50 MESEJ projects to be implemented throughout Sabah will certainly help raise the people's living standard," he said.

As such, Najib invited the people of Sabah, especially in the Tungku area, to be solidly behind the Barisan Nasional at the next general election for continuity of development for their own benefit.

-Bernama

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In Response to the lovely Lisa Lee (updated)

Early one morning three years ago, a very charming blogger left the following comment on my blog after I had gone to bed. She made some pertinent statements about Malaysian politics that prompted me to respond at length. I feel this exchange deserves to be upgraded to a blogpost in its own right rather than left in the comments section... (thanks for inspiring this post, Lisa :-)...

Lisa Lee said on Jan 17, 2009 @ 4:32 AM MYT:

Honestly, I do wonder if BN will ever lose control? Because the livelihood of many will be affected. Peace and harmony is my hope for Malaysia.

The thought of BN losing may impact so many people and for this reason, I hope peace prevails. Desperation sets in and who knows what may happen.

Having said that, I hope that Pakatan Rakyat would be a strong cohesive Opposition. Maybe not take over in this sitting but next election, consolidate their hold in Malaysia.

I do hope that Malaysia will be like USA (Democrats vs Republicans) and England (Labor vs Conservative) - in a sense that we will have a strong two party system to have the check and balance there.

Can you share your views on this? I like to learn from you. TQ :)

My dear Lisa,

Imagine you're a princess adopted as a baby by pirates who slaughtered your parents, ransacked the palace, and set themselves up as the new government of the land. They spared your life because you were cute and harmless and posed no threat to them (even pirates must have some vague memory of almost-forgotten human feelings). In fact, the pirate king saw that you were destined to blossom into a true beauty and fancied he could acquire royal status by marrying you once you were of age.

In other words, you grew up knowing no other authority apart from this band of brigands who began to dress quite well and were soon able to pass themselves off as "respectable folk." Nobody dared inform you who your real parents were and as time passed you came to regard the pirate king as a beloved uncle and trusted him implicitly. After all, he did possess a sort of rakish charm and was actually quite a clever chap (though some might call it "rat cunning"). He told you stories about how he had heroically rescued you from the evil clutches of an ogre and now you owed your life to him and were duty-bound to wed him.

One day, walking through a forest, you chance upon a humble cottage and out of curiosity decide to find out who lives there. As you approach the cottage, the front door swings open and a smiling old man steps out to offer you a cup of tea. You accept and soon find yourself engaged in deep conversation with this mysterious hermit of the woods, who reveals the truth of what happened to the land when you were just a newly born.

The old man shares with you a secret that forever changes your destiny. He was the loyal adviser to your biological parents, the King and Queen of this land, who were cruelly murdered by the marauders. He managed to escape the massacre and fled to the forest along with a handful of others who have long awaited the day you were old enough to rule the land as the rightful Queen. For years this band of survivors have lived in hidden caves, dreaming of the day when they would be strong enough to reclaim the land and liberate it from pirate dominion. He concludes by asking you if you are ready to take your place as the leader of these true patriots who desire to see the end of pirate misrule and justice restored.


Now, this is your current dilemma, Lisa. Having known no other form of government apart from the piratic (and parasitic), can you remember what true leadership is all about? Pull the wool from your eyes and you will see that for decades the Barisan Nasional has attracted mostly those seek to aggrandize and enrich themselves at the expense of the land and of the people. They care little for the sufferings of the common folk and even less for the health and well-being of the land itself, having inherited the rapacious tendencies of their pirate ancestors who understood only rape, pillage and plunder.


In the name of greed, these self-serving parasites continue to destroy the landscape through mining, logging and insensitive "development." They support those who share their own destructively uncreative urges - namely, ruthless businessmen with megalomaniacal tendencies - while suppressing, through barbaric and repressive laws, all those who desire to see the wealth of the land equally and wisely shared.

In effect, dear Lisa, the simplistic scenario I have outlined is a parable for the sort of misgovernance we have been subject to on this planet for countless generations - a top-heavy Humpty-Dumpty sort of power structure wherein the most aggressive and unprincipled amass the greatest amount of wealth and then proceed to hijack the processes of government via almost absolute control of the mass media, education and financial systems, even religious institutions (I mean especially!).

However, the time has come for those who truly love the land - and I mean Planet Earth - to reclaim our sovereign power as conscious individuals, liberating ourselves from generations of inherited robotism (living our lives according to factory defaults) and fatalism (believing it is our lot to suffer in this "vale of tears").

We must think globally (nay, universally) and act locally. So in Malaysia our foremost duty as true patriots is to remove Barisan Nasional completely from power - because they have abused the power entrusted them for too many generations.

In the most basic terms, BN must not retain control of the police force, the national purse, and the mass media. Those are the mechanisms by which they have ruled us through fear and greed - a powerful combination of intimidation and bribery. Any population subject to such misgovernance eventually becomes infantilized, demoralized, and dehumanized.

Ultimately, we shall be turned into a nation of human robots while our energy and spirit are vampirically depleted by an elite cabal of demonically possessed humans devoid of compassion and empathy... UNLESS we succeed in booting out these piratic and parasitic entities and replacing them with open-minded, open-hearted leaders who genuinely believe that being a public servant means precisely that - you serve the public, not private interests!

There isn't a single individual in Umno/BN I can name as somebody I love, respect and trust.

On the other hand, there are many in the various component parties of Pakatan Rakyat I wholeheartedly applaud and support in their candidacy to lead and govern. Among these I would unhesitatingly name Anwar Ibrahim, Wan Azizah, Mat Sabu, Azmin Ali, Syed Husin Ali, Sivarasa Rasiah, Tian Chua, Chegu Bard, Elizabeth Wong, Khalid Ibrahim, Guan Eng and Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Teresa Kok, Teo Nie Ching, Charles Santiago, Tony Pua, Hannah Yeoh, Tok Guru Nik Aziz, Abdul Hadi Awang, Husam Musa, Mohammad Nizar, Mohd Prasad Hanif, Dr Nasir Hashim, Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, and S. Arutchelvan (I may have omitted a few others but these are the ones that immediately spring to mind).

Apart from the professional politicians, we now have the Barisan Rakyat - a loose coalition of public intellectuals and true patriots led by none other than Raja Petra Kamarudin consisting of popular figures (mostly bloggers and columnists) like Haris Ibrahim, Bernard Khoo, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Art Harun and Azmi Sharom; and politically aware citizens like Vijay Kumar Murugavell, Duke Cheng, Ee Chia, Danny Chua, Boom and Rodi, and countless others (including myself). And, don't forget, there are outstanding political figures like Zaid Ibrahim and Din Merican who will certainly play a significant role in reshaping the new Malaysia once the country is free of this stubborn and debilitating disease called BN.

Lisa, the only people who will be terribly upset when BN loses control of the police and Petronas are an overfed coterie of fat-cat capitalists who have enjoyed more than 30 years of monopolistic access to the nation's resources and established huge empires based on political patronage. The competent managers amongst them will be able to adapt and continue doing well under a new government - so long as they genuinely serve the public good. Those who have corruptly made their money as crony rent-seekers will either be allowed to retire in comfort (if they donate a fair portion of their ill-gotten gains to charity) or face a therapeutic spell in prison.


When Pakatan Rakyat takes over as government, it will not exactly be a one-party management. Since Anwar invited DAP and PAS to join PKR as equal partners, there will effectively be at least three different political ideologies - many more if you include a few independent parties from Sabah and Sarawak, plus the remains of Gerakan and PPP - working together (preferably in perfect harmony and hopefully with minimal friction) towards one common goal - the rescue of Malaysia from the economic and ethical doldrums and the creation of a healthy national ethos in which every citizen regardless of skin color, culinary preferences and creed can at last feel a sense of belonging - and therefore a sense of authentic pride.

It remains to be seen whether Umno will survive as the Opposition. Without its reactionary and dangerous Ketuanan Melayu agenda - and suddenly deprived of the chance to carry on robbing the nation - these descendants of pirates will almost surely disintegrate as a political party. Those individuals amongst them with any intelligence and ability whatsoever will swiftly realize that the horse is DEAD - kaput, finito, expired - and proceed on foot till they reach the next oasis where they will rest and reassess their lives and, insyallah, come to their senses and become decent human beings.

No, Lisa, we don't want Malaysia to become like America or Britain where the illusion of democracy, not the real thing, prevails. We don't want a Tweedledum and Tweedledee type of two-party system (like the Donkey and Elephant parties or the Tories and Whigs). In fact, we don't want to be obsessed with government and politics any longer than we need!

What we want is a clean, efficient administration that will work quietly and with minimal histrionics to ensure that everyday life just keeps getting easier and pleasanter for more and more of the population. Ultimately, the government of a country ought to be just like the plumbing in your house - we don't want to be distracted by it or even notice it. A properly designed plumbing system carries out its functions unobtrusively, without complaint, and with negligible maintenance problems. Indeed, the plumbing in a well-built house ought to last at least a hundred years!


With government out of the way and internalized, we will at long last become a nation of self-governing individuals with nothing to stop us from each fulfilling our true destinies as free citizens and achieving our maximum potential as evolving humans.

And, take my word for it, Lisa dear. It's NOT going to take another two generations. Perhaps two terms under a new, enlightened government!

[First posted 17 January 2009]

Some rights reserved © Antares/Magick River You may borrow and/or modify content for your own blog but please credit and backlink, thanks.

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AHLI UMNO/APCO SABOTAJ PARTI SENDIRI. SILAKANLAH!!!

Dalam pilihan raya lalu lebih dari 1 juta ahli UMNO keluar parti semasa mengundi.. Kali ini bagaimana?

Saya telah diberitahu oleh rakan-rakan dalam UMNO yang parti itu akan membawa Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin, Pengerusi jawatankuasa disiplin parti, ke setiap negeri melalui badan-badan perhubungan UMNO setiap negeri. Tujuannya ialah untuk memantau permasalahan yang besar didalam UMNO dalam pilihanraya umum nanti, iaitu sabotaj oleh ahli-ahlinya sendiri.

Saya telah banyak menulis tentang kerapuhan sokongan ahli-ahli UMNO terhadap partinya. Tidak pernah saya terlupa dalam pilihanraya 1999 dan 2008 begitu ramai ahli-ahli UMNO telah mengundi parti-parti pembangkang dan itu merupakan satu perkara yang begitu normal dalam UMNO sekarang ini. Parti itu sedar yang ia tidak boleh mempercayai ahli-ahlinya apabila sampai waktu pilihanraya.

UMNO ini merupkan satu parti besar tetapi masalah menguruskan ahlinya pun besar. Ahli-ahli UMNO sekarang bukannya seperti dahulu, hanya mengikut lenggang dan tari pemimpin mereka. Sekarang mereka lebih kritis dari dahulu. Dalam pilihanraya yang lalu lebih dari 50 peratus (1.6 juta) ahli-ahlinya telah bertukar haluan dengan mengundi parti-parti 'alternative'.

Jika semua ahli UMNO itu menyokong partinya, masakan ramai calon UMNO telah rebah bergelimpangan dalam pilihan raya yang lalu kerana ditolak oleh pengundi-pengundi termasuk oleh ahli-ahlinya sendiri. Inilah masalahnya jika sebuah parti itu terlalu bergantung kepada jumlah ahlinya. Banyak parti di dunia ini termasuk di negara kita ini, berjaya tanpa ahli yang ramai. DAP hanya mempunyai 135 ribu orang ahli sahaja tetapi undi yang diperoleh parti ini dalam pilihan raya yang lalu melebihi 2 juta orang.

Yang penting b! agi ses ebuah parti politik terutamanya yang memerintah ialah kemampuan untuk menggubal dasar yang dihormati bukan sahaja oleh ahli-ahlinya tetapi oleh pengundi yang ramai. Selain dari dasar yang sempurna, dasar itu mesti dilaksanakan dengan baik tanpa tercemar dengan isu rasuah dan isu salah guna kuasa yang keterlaluan.

Sebaliknya UMNO memilih untuk menjadi parti yang besar ahlinya sehinggakan sampai ke hari ini ahli-ahlinya melebihi 3.2 juta orang. Kita faham kenapa UMNO memilih untuk mengambil keahlian yang ramai. Tujuannya ialah untuk mengharapkan yang kesemua ahlinya akan mengundi parti itu dalam pilihan raya. Tetapi jika lebih dari 40 peratus orang Melayu menyertai tanpa tapisan maka parti itu akan disertai oleh ramai yang tidak ada perjuangan.

Tugas yang diberikan kepada Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin itu bukan kerja mudah kerana perasaan tidak puas hati ahli-ahli UMNO terhadap kepimpinan sudah menyeluruh dan tidak ada cara untuk memantau perasaan dan tindakan individu ahli dalam peti undi itu. UMNO telah mengabaikan perasaan ahli-ahlinya dan hanya mahu melakukan pembetulan sesudah penyakit 'sabo menyabo' itu sudah mengalir  dalam sanubari mereka. Dulu-dulu kritikan ahli-ahli yang sedar dianggap sebagai membangkang dan itulah yang saya hadapi semasa dalam UMNO dahulu.

Ahli-ahli UMNO nampak jelas bagaimana pemimpin-pemimpin yang mentadbir dan berjuang dalam parti hanya sambil lewa sahaja dan mereka tidak ditunjukkan tauladan yang baik oleh pimpinan mereka di setiap peringkat. Pemimpin UMNO ada satu sikap kepimpinan yang meminta ahli-ahlinya, 'do what I ask you to do, don't do like what I do'.

Saya bercakap dan berhubung dengan rakan-rakan saya yang ramai dalam UMNO setiap hari dan saya merasakan apa yang mereka rasa. Mereka merasakan mereka telah menjadi orang tawanan kerana mereka terpaksa mengangguk kepada perkara yang mereka tidak yakini. Mereka tidak dapat hendak berfikir kerana mereka dimainkan dengan perasaan rasis yang menebal. Mereka dimin! ta untuk percaya yang hanya UMNO boleh menentukan nasib masa depan orang Melayu.

Tetapi nasib mereka masih juga dalam keadaan yang sama; dari dahulu hingga sekarang. Lebih dari 5 dekad orang Melayu dijanjikan dengan kemajuan bangsanya tetapi tidak juga maju. Mereka dijanjikan bulan dan bintang oleh UMNO yang baru ini. Mereka tahu yang pimpinan UMNO merupakan kepimpinan yang 'clueless' dan tidak tahu untuk mengatur kemajuan bangsanya dengan baik.

Ramai dalam kalangan ahli-ahli dan penyokong UMNO, terutama dalam perkhidmatan awam juga sangat marah dengan apa yang berlaku dalam isu SSBA yang diluluskan oleh kabinet Najib. Penyelarasan gaji dilakukan oleh SPA sahaja, tidak seperti dahulu. Dahulu ada Suruhanjaya DiRaja diwujudkan untuk melakukan penyelarasan gaji kakitangan awam.

Sekarang itu dipertanggungjawabkan kepada pihak yang berkepentingan. Itulah sebabnya terdapat setengah penjawat awam hanya mendapat kenaikkan gaji kurang dari RM10 dan ada yang naik gaji mereka sehingga RM8000 kepada RM20,000 sebulan. Apa maknanya ini?

Mampukah Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin memantau perasaan semua ahli dan penyokong UMNO ini dalam peti undi dalam PRU nanti? Justru itu, UMNO sepatutnya menumpukan kepada masalah yang sangat besar dalam parti itu terlebih dahulu dari menuding jari kepada pihak pembangkang dalam semua hal.

Tetapi yang kita tahu sekarang, UMNO mengakui bahaya yang mereka bakal hadapi tidak lama lagi. Itulah sebabnya orang seperti Tengku Rithauddin kembali penting untuk memantau gerak laku ahli-ahlinya dalam pilihan raya nanti. Perkara yang terbesar yang akan dihadapi oleh UMNO ialah masalah calon yang bakal diturunkan nanti. Semuanya merasakan mereka ialah 'winnable candidates' dan tidak ada siapa yang tidak 'winnable' dalam kalangan pemimpin-pemimpin di bahagian masing-masing.

Dalam kata lain UMNO dan pucuk pimpinan sendiri tidak percayakan ahli-ahlinya yang ramai itu. Keadaan itu akan berlaku lagi kali ini kerana perebutan untuk menjad! i calon dan banyak hal yang lain. Jika ahli-ahli UMNO sendiri memangkah pembangkang, apa yang kita hendak sokong sangat UMNO ini?  -Aspan Alias.

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Election affects economy — Lim Sue Goan

FEB 17 — Bank Negara recently said in a press release that Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011 and for the full year, the GDP expanded beyond market expectations by 5.1 per cent with growth underpinned by domestic demand.

However, the Europe debt crisis is very likely to deteriorate this year and the general election would affect the economy, possibly forming a different scenario.

Bank Negara believes that due to the decrease in foreign trade, the 2012 economic performance depends on domestic demand, particularly the private sector.

Domestic demand is mainly supported by three pillars, namely personal, family and business spending. As the next general election is expected to be approaching, the government has been distributing money since the end of last year, increasing the public spending from 21.7 per cent to 23.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The government spending this year will be expanded. In addition to introducing more people-friendly policies, it will also allocate RM1.49 billion to develop Kuala Lumpur. Besides, the pay for 1.4 million civil servants will also be increased. It is estimated that the expenditure will keep increasing by billions per year.

Putting money into the market can indeed keep the economy active. But the government has to restrain its spending after the general election, which is expected to be held in June. Therefore, public spending would slow down in the second half of the year.

According to the government's Economic Report, the total federal government debt increased from RM407.1 billion in 2010 to RM455.7 billion in 2011. However, the DAP claimed that the amount did not take into consideration additional RM96.9 billion of "contingent liabilities", and the expanded figure would then constitute 65.2 per cent of GDP.

Regardless whether the accusation is true, the federal government debt is on the rising trend. In addition to the enormous civil service welfare spending, the government also plans to spend RM172 billion on the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley initiative, including RM50 billion for the My Rapid Transit (MRT) project, RM26 billion for the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD) and RM5 billion for the 100-storey Menara Warisan Merdeka. It is gradually not feasible to stimulate the economy with spending.

Meanwhile, business spending is supported by service and manufacturing sectors. It is estimated that exports to Europe and the United States would decrease by 15 per cent. If Greece were to default and affect European banks and the world economy, the private sector expenditures would then be not optimistic.

Some businesses said that since the date of the next general election remains uncertain, many large-scale business plans and projects have been temporarily shelved. They are also worried that the economy will turn worse after the election.

If private sector is afraid to invest, the economy will then lose the engine to move forward.

Meanwhile, the total household debt has reached RM581 billion as at end-2010, accounting for 76 per cent of GDP, and ranked the second highest in Asia. Many families spend nearly half of their income on repaying debts.

Bank Negara has instructed banks to implement the Guidelines on Responsible Finance to prevent household debt from collapsing banks. A few banks have also raised credit card interest rates and late repayment penalty since March 1, 2012.

How are consumers going to consume when it becomes more and more difficult to obtain bank loans? Inflation also affects spending. And last year, inflation reached 3.2 per cent, showing that prices remain high in the country.

If something happens to the three main pillars of domestic demand, many housing projects might be affected and the burst of the real estate bubble would mean a hard landing for economy.

Therefore, the national economy this year is full of variables, which are affected by the general election. — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

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Back on your own feet — Tay Tian Yan

FEB 17 — My friend Karim recently attended the World Economic Forum in Davos and came back with a story to tell.

Although Davos is only a pocket-sized town in Switzerland, it is nevertheless elegant and culturally rich, and makes a perfect venue for the global forum.

In the past, European politicians and business tycoons attending the forum used to be swelling with confidence and pride, but not this year under the weight of the European debt crisis.

The crisis has effectively suppressed the confidence level of many a European, while the bleak outlook of the single currency robs every optimism towards the future.

During the forum, European participants slammed the financial system, grumbled about their politicians and felt disgruntled at the social system, as they voiced their woes over their predicament.

Having heard this, a Korean participant stood up and said: "I guess you know the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Our situation back then was very much worse than what you are now experiencing. Our national debts ran high, banks collapsed one after another, as millions lost their jobs overnight.

"Our department stores refrained from playing Christmas songs during the festive season so as not to incite the consumers. Some families went into bankruptcy and parents had to send off their children in tears into custody.

"We were down but not out. We were soon back on our feet again."

During the Asian financial crisis, the Koreans took out all the jewellery they had at home to donate to their country as they tried to help their country pull back from the brink of collapse.

Today, people from Greece and other European states take to the streets to vent their anger, looting shops and destroying public properties that stood in their way.

South Korea managed to free itself from the scourge of the crisis not simply on the money donated by its people, but the resolution of its people to turn their country's fate around.

The Koreans positively adopted the changes, while the government and large corporations embarked on prudent belt-tightening measures, liberalisation and enhanced efficiency while encouraging the public to invest and compete.

Korean companies restructured and reinvented themselves as they jacked up their competitiveness, productivity and R&D capacity, resulting in the emergence of truly world-class branding.

Within a couple of years, South Korea settled all the debts it had owed to the IMF as the integrity and health of its financial system got fully rehabilitated.

The Korean economy took off for a second time, and Korean products have since taken the world in a big way, from smartphones, electrical appliances, cars to soap operas.

Their uncompromising spirit should be emulated not only by the Europeans, but also Malaysians who are stuck in the middle of the development spectrum. — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

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Sign petition to demand Curtin University revoke Rosmah' doctorate

Today all Malaysians must stand up and stop putting up with trash.
FLOM is a nobody and we should let her know that once and for all.
Calling all Malaysians, Australians, Curtin and WAIT (former name of Curtin) current students and alumni from Curtin's campuses in Australia, Singapore and Malaysia to sign this petition to demand Curtin University revoke Rosmah Mansor's honorary doctorate.

Rosmah Mansor, the wife of current Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters for "her dedication to early education" and the "advancement of women" by Curtin University. Further details can be found at Curtin's media release: http://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/curtin-award-recogn! ises-wif e-of-malaysian-prime-minister/

We strongly disagree with Rosmah being given this distinguished award. We want Curtin Univerity to revoke Rosmah's doctorate, as per Section 5.3 in its Honorary Awards and Procedures Guidelines.

We deem Curtin's reply on 16 Feb as unsatisfactory (found here https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=341479882562770). It does not explain or convince us why Rosmah is worthy of such an award. We would like Curtin to revoke Rosmah's honorary doctorate on the basis that there's insufficient evidence as to how she was found worthy in the first place.

Curtin's Honorary Awards Policy and Procedures: http://policies.curtin.edu.au/policies/viewpolicy.cfm?id=33040871-ffc3-11dc-b853-253dc30d60f2

In Section 5:3 Revocation of Award: The Council may, at its sole discretion, revoke an Honorary Award if the recipient has engaged in activities which have brought disrepute to the University; or whose continued association with the University would bring disrepute to the University.

Further info on our page: https://www.facebook.com/BoycottCurtin

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No reprieve for SUPP as Taib snubs Chin again

The 'power play' between Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is drowning Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP).

Chief Minister Taib Mahmud is making it known that he dislikes Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) new president Peter Chin.

In the latest incident, Taib snubbed Chin, not once but twice and in full view of hundreds of guests attending a Chinese New gathering jointly hosted by the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and its president Wee Kok Tiong last week.

Taib was the guest of honour and Chin was invited in his capacity as SUPP president and federal minister. Chin, who is Miri MP, is the Minister of Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

According to a guest who attended the function, when Taib entered the hall he shook hands with a row of guests who had stood up to welcome him.

But when he reached Chin, he paused. It was Chin who offered his hand and after a discernible pause Taib gave his hand but it was "not a friendly handshake as he did not look at Chin".

No words were exchanged between the two leaders.

To add salt to the wound, Taib also refused to acknowledge Chin's presence when he addressed the gathering.

Even when he was seated it was obvious to those present that Taib was determined to ignore Chin although the latter was seen making conciliatory efforts. Taib, who was seated in the centre between Chin and Wee, focused his attention on the ACCI president.

The last time Taib snubbed Chin was when he failed to attend the Chinese New Year open house jointly hosted by Chin and the party.

It was the first time Taib had failed to attend the party's CNY open house held on Jan 23 in Kuching.

Najib's 'eyes and ears'

Although Taib gave "age" as his reason for not attending, his Chinese New Year visits to other influential community leaders and rich businessmen in Kuching, Miri and Sibu invalidated this excuse.

Taib's anger with Chin can be traced back to the later's sudden decision to contest SUPP's presidency.

Chin had previously never shown any interest in the post and had in fact expressed his desire to step down and pave the way for the younger leaders.

Chin's entry surprised everyone including Taib who had wanted former SUPP deputy secreatry general Wong Soon Koh to take over from George Chan who stepped down as president.

Initially, Wong was poised to be the next president, but Chin's announcement of his candidacy stifled plans that Taib had for SUPP.

Chin was eventually elected unopposed after Wong and six other elected representatives boycotted the triennial delegates conference (TDC) citing irregularities in SUPP branch elections and TDC.

The six elected representatives are Tiong Thai King, MP for Lanang and five other assemblymen – Lee Kim Shin (Senadin), Ranum Mina (Opar), Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden (Simanggang) and Johnichal Rayong (Engkilili).

Chin's late entry has been attribute to the 'wisdom' of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

Sources here said Najib wants Chin to be his "eyes and ears" and and to keep tabs on what Taib is doing in the state.

All this while, the Chinese have been unhappy with Taib.

They've alleged unfair treatment over business opportunities and government contracts and in education, scholarships. They have also accused the government of land-grabs, rampant corruption and abuse of power.

No indications from Taib

They claimed only Taib's cronies and family members benefit.

SUPP, under Chan who was a former Deputy Chief Minister and related by marriage (Chan's daughter married Taib's son) to Taib, was too 'close' to the CM.

Chan's 'closeness" to Taib was capitalised on by Sarawak DAP when it flogged its election slogan:"You vote SUPP, you vote Taib".

The 'closeness' resulted in SUPP losing 13 out of 19 seats to the opposition in last year state election. Chan himself lost his Piasau seat to a DAP greenhorn.

Political observers here said Najib is worried that his hold on Putrajaya may be affected if SUPP loses its seven parliamentary seats.

In the last parliamentary elections in 2008, SUPP lost one seat in Bandar Kuching. In a by-election in 2010, it lost its Sibu seat. Both seats are now held by DAP.

The five other seats – Stampin, Sarikei, Miri, Lanang and Serian – are mixed constituencies.

Najib had hoped that Taib would step down before the general election so that raging allegations against Taib won't be flogged by the opposition as they did in the state and by-elections.

Taib had promised Najib that he would go soon after the state election, but until now there is no sign that Taib is aiming to step down.

It is as such obvious that when Najib opened the SUPP's triennial delegates conference, it was to endorse his man Chin. Taib's refusal to attend was also a sign that he was unhappy.

Meanwhile Taib has gone on to reaffirm his support of Wong.

Wong asserts 'closeness'

In the latest round of appointments, he accepted Wong's nomination of Suzanne Lee as SUPP's fifth political secretary in the state administration. Until Chin's team was elected, Lee was the party's Wanita chief.

Said Wong: "I have recommended her because she is SUPP Wanita chief. She is the most suitable candidate."

Lee's appointment is Wong's way of showing his objection to the legitimacy of Chin's leadership and his 'closeness' to Taib.

With the appointment of Lee, Wong has reminded the Chinese community that he is their leader and has Taib's trust.

He has made it known that he is able to negotiate with the federal government for the allocation of RM100 million to the Chinese schools and education.

Chin, meanwhile is least worried or so say his aides. He's dismissed Taib's lack of respect for him.

Taib support BN club

According to his aides, Chin is more worried that his party is facing an uphill task in defending the five parliamentary seats and in recapturing the Bandar Kuching and Sibu seats which the party lost to DAP.

The task is made more difficult by the internal problems in the party and Taib's divide and rule policy towards SUPP.

Chin believes only Najib can help save the 52-year-old party which is facing the possibility of deregistration.

Assuming that Registrar of Societies (ROS) says that Chin was legally and properly elected, it will be difficult for Wong and his team to return to the party after so much water under the bridge.

In such a scenario, they may be forced to quit the party and as one observer puts it: "The BN Supporters Club is there waiting for them.

"I believe this is what Taib wants," said the observer, pointing out that the BN club was formed by the five expelled Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party leaders.

Taib has openly expressed support for the formation of the club.

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Media blackout

On 15/12/11  Star printed "Utusan wins court case"  (page 36)  BUT has no guts to publish this news: 
  
Court rules Utusan GUILTY of defaming Guan Eng 
  
UPDATED @ 07:01:27 AM 15-12-2011 
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal 
. 
  
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The High Court today foundUtusan Malaysiaguilty of making "malicious", defamatory and untruthful statements against Lim Guan Eng, and ordered the Umno daily to pay him RM200,000 in damages and RM25,000 in costs. 
Justice G.V Varughese, in an hour-long judgment delivered in Penang, outlined seven paragraphs in an Utusan article titled "Kebiadapan Guan Eng" in which the paper had "maliciously defamed Lim (picture), and made him and the DAP look as if they are anti-Malay and anti-Islam." 
"The judge ruled that the defendant showed selective vendetta against DAP and the plaintiff," Lim's lawyer Jagdeep Singh Deo told The Malaysian Insider. 
"The ruling stated that Utusan had shown disdain for the highest standards of responsible journalism," added Jagdeep. 
The lawyer said, among other things, the article had accused the Penang chief minister of "attacking Malay institutions, being racist, being opposed to Malays, demolishing Malay stalls and villages, and cancelling the state's Maulidur Rasul celebration." 
"The learned judge, after listening to witnesses brought in by both sides, ruled that Utusan's allegations were malicious and not factually true," added Jagdeep. 
Lim, who is also Bagan MP and Air Putih assemblyman, filed a suit against Utusan for publishing allegedly defamatory words in the article. 
In his statement of claim, the Penang CM said the words used, among others, were meant to portray him as a racist who objected to anything related to Malays. 
In an immediate response, Lim said that Utusan should take heed of this incident and avoid slanderous reporting in the future. 
  
  
SADLY, Yang Ariff Judge Varughese better get ready to pack up and be transferred to Timbuktu!!  God bless him though!

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Hisham: Extradition of Iranian depends on the law

KLUANG: Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the extradition of the Iranian suspect believed to be involved in a series of bombings in Bangkok is largely dependent on the law.

He said the extradition process was also contingent upon a request from the Thai authorities and Malaysia was prepared to cooperate fully in the situation.

"For the time being the Iranian man is still in detention here. The extradition process is largely dependant on the law," he told reporters after a meet the people session in Kampung Orang Asli Pengkalan Tereh, here today.

Hishammuddin, Sembrong member of parliament, said the Malaysian authorities were in close contact with Thailand and Iran to sort the matter out.

He remarked that no country in the world was safe from the threat of terrorists in this global age and that the nation's authorities were on the constant look out to ensure national security.

Malaysian Immigration detained the Iranian, Masoud Sedaghat Zadeh, 31, about 3.30 pm on Feb 15 at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal while he was in transit from Bangkok the previous night, enroute to Iran.

He was detained on suspicion of being involved in an attempted bomb attack in Bangkok on Feb 14.

Bernama

Also read:

Police probes Iran suspect's past visits

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Rosmah, Curtin controversy hits Australian papers...

Australia's major news outlets today gave full-fledged reports on the widespread criticisms against the Perth-based Curtin University for conferring a honorary doctorate of letters on Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Malaysian prime minister.

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), The AgeWA Today all highlighted reports that a campaign has been called to boycott the university, with students pouring scorn online.   
The two Fairfax Media-owned major dailies mentioned a photo of the university degree being torn up. Malaysiakini's check found that the photo has been widely circulated on Facebook, including on the university's page.


The online news portal WA Today, also owned by Fairfax group,  reported that a video of a degree being burnt "in disgust" was posted on YouTube.

However, the authenticity of the documents cannot be independently verified.

"The award prompted a flood of outraged comments on Curtin University's Facebook page, many claiming the university's reputation had been tarnished," read the SMH report.

"A Facebook page, titled 'Boycott Curtin University Until Rosmah Mansor's Doctorate Revoked', has 1,697 'likes,' and hundreds of posts," read the WA Today report.


The SMH also quoted a critic who described Rosmah as only entitled for "a doctorate in shopping" for living a lavish lifestyle

"I would agree to give Rosmah a doctorate in shopping only. I am ashamed now to be a graduate of Curtin," read the newspaper's quote.

The three newspapers also described Rosmah as a having a reputation as a big spender, while elaborating on her A$ 100,000 spending at one Sydney fashion boutique in January, the US$ 24 million diamond ring and the US$ 200,000 designer handbag.

All the accusations have been denied by Rosmah.

The WA Today reported Malaysian students of pointing out Permata as a government- funded project that is fraught with corruption and over-spending issues.

"This would be the equivalent of Julia Gillard's partner using Australian taxpayers' money to set up day-cares all over Australia and receives an award from a foreign university for his philanthropical work," the paper quoted an open letter written by a former student.

Curtin University yesterday apologised for referring to Rosmah as first lady of Malaysia, but defended the award to Rosmah as she had done a "distinguished service" in early childhood learning.

After days of bombardment by Malaysians on its Facebook page, the Curtin University today suspended comments on its Facebook wall.

"Due to continuing infractions of our terms of use and Facebook's terms and conditions, and the risk of breaching both the Defamation Act 2006 and the Commonwealth Criminal Code, we have unfortunately no choice but to temporarily suspend comments on this wall," it said in a Facebook posting.

The suspension comes after repeated warnings to netizens to be civil when commenting on the university's honorary doctorate award to Rosmah.

Curtin gantung komen tentang Rosmah di FB

Selepas Facebook Universiti Curtin menjadi sasaran hebat rakyat Malaysia, institusi pengajian tinggi tersebut telah menggantung komen di dinding Facebooknya.

"Disebabkan pelanggaran berterusan terhadap terma penggunaan dan syarat serta terma Facebook, dan risiko pencabulan Akta Fitnah 2006 serta Kanun Jenayah Komanwel, maka kami tiada pilihan kecuali menggantung sementara komen di dinding ini," katanya dalam satu pos di Facebook.
Penggantungan itu dibuat ekoran amaran berkali-kali terhadap warga siber ketika membuat komen tentang anugerah ijazah Doktor Kehormat Persuratanan universiti itu kepada Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, isteri Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

Menurutnya lagi, terdapat begitu banyak serangan peribadi, tuduhan mengenai aktiviti ciminal, dan kebencian yang disebar, dan pihaknya perlu mematuhi Akta Fitnah 2006 untuk membuang kandungan seperti ini.

Walaupun pengguna tidak lagi boleh memberi komen terus di dinding Facebook Universiti Curtin, tetapi komen boleh dibuat di posting universiti berkenaan.

source:malaysiakini

cheers.

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Rosmah, Curtin controversy hits Australian papers...

Australia's major news outlets today gave full-fledged reports on the widespread criticisms against the West Australia-based Curtin University for conferring a honorary Doctorate of Letters on Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Malaysian prime minister.

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), The Age and WA Today all highlighted reports that a campaign has been called to boycott the university, with students pouring scorn online.
The two Fairfax Media-owned major dailies mentioned a photo of the university degree being torn up. Malaysiakini's check found that the photo has been widely circulated on Facebook, including on the university's page.

The online news portal WA Today, also owned by Fairfax group,  reported that a video of a degree being burnt "in disgust" was posted on YouTube.

However, the authenticity of the documents cannot be independently verified.
"The award prompted a flood of outraged comments on Curtin University's Facebook page, many claiming the university's reputation had been tarnished," read the SMH report.

"A Facebook page, titled 'Boycott Curtin University Until Rosmah Mansor's Doctorate Revoked', has 1,697 'likes,' and hundreds of posts," read the WA Today report.

The SMH also quoted a critic who described Rosmah as only entitled for "a doctorate in shopping" for living a lavish lifestyle

"I would agree to give Rosmah (right) a doctorate in shopping only. I am ashamed now to be a graduate of Curtin," read the newspaper's quote.

The three newspapers also described Rosmah as a having a reputation as a big spender, while elaborating on her A$ 100,000 spending at one Sydney fashion boutique in January, the US$ 24 million diamond ring and the US$ 200,000 designer handbag.

All the accusations have been denied by Rosmah.

The WA Today reported Malaysian students of pointing out Permata as a government-funded project that is fraught with corruption and over-spending issues.

"This would be the equivalent of Julia Gillard's partner using Australian taxpayers' money to set up day-cares all over Australia and receives an award from a foreign university for his philanthropical work," the paper quoted an open letter written by a former student.

Curtin University yesterday apolog! ised for referring to Rosmah as first lady of Malaysia, but defended the award to Rosmah as she had done a "distinguished service" in early childhood learning.

 Curtin gantung komen tentang Rosmah di FB

 

Selepas Facebook Universiti Curtin menjadi sasaran hebat rakyat Malaysia, institusi pengajian tinggi tersebut telah menggantung komen di dinding Facebooknya.
"Disebabkan pelanggaran berterusan terhadap terma penggunaan dan syarat serta terma Facebook, dan risiko pencabulan Akta Fitnah 2006 serta Kanun Jenayah Komanwel, maka kami tiada pilihan kecuali menggantung sementara komen di dinding ini," katanya dalam satu pos di Facebook.
Penggantungan itu dibuat ekoran amaran berkali-kali terhadap warga siber ketika membuat komen tentang anugerah ijazah Doktor Kehormat Persuratanan universiti itu kepada Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, isteri Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

Menurutnya lagi, terdapat begitu banyak serangan peribadi, tuduhan mengenai aktiviti ciminal, dan kebencian yang disebar, dan pihaknya perlu mematuhi Akta Fitnah 2006 untuk membuang kandungan seperti ini.

Walaupun pengguna tidak lagi boleh memberi komen terus di dinding Facebook Universiti Curtin, tetapi komen boleh dibuat di posting universiti berkenaan.
source:malaysiakini
cheers.

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Curtin University slammed over Rosmah award

KUALA LUMPUR: An Australian university has faced online criticism since it gave an honorary degree to the Malaysian premier's wife, who has been ridiculed over reports of her excessive shopping sprees.

Western Australia's Curtin University on Friday suspended public comments on its Facebook "wall" after days of verbal attacks over the award from users in Malaysia and Australia.

The university awarded Rosmah Mansor, wife of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, an honorary degree on Saturday for what it said were her contributions to early-childhood education.

Rosmah is a controversial figure in Malaysia, where she is routinely portrayed by critics as out of touch with ordinary Malaysians amid reports of her extravagant tastes, and web users have pounced on the affair.

"How much Rosmah paid for this PhD?" one Facebook user wrote on the university's page, before submissions were blocked.

Another admonished the school to "Get your fact(s) right before giving out your cheap toilet certificate."

Several Curtin degree-holders pledged to tear up their own certificates in disgust, while a separate Facebook site called "Boycott Curtin University till Rosmah Mansor's Doctorate Revoked" also was set up.

Rosmah has faced ridicule in Malaysia's independent online media over her alleged shopping exploits at a time when many Malaysians are concerned about inflation.

Recent accusations include reports that she spent tens of thousands of dollars on clothes from an Australian designer and bought a $ 24 million diamond ring and a $ 200,000 designer handbag.

She has denied the accusations.

Curtin vice-chancellor Jeanette Hacket defended the degree award in a statement on Facebook, saying Rosmah "was recognised as the founder and driving force behind" early childhood centres in Malaysia.

But the school said Friday it had "no choice but to temporarily suspend comments" on its Facebook wall.

It cited "continuing infractions of our own terms of use and Facebook's terms and conditions, and the risk of breaching" Australian and Commonwealth defamation codes.

Rosmah has responded by saying her critics might be "jealous" over the degree.

"I don't want to handle personal petty issues. It is all out of frustration. It is all out of… I don't know… Maybe jealousy," she said.

- AFP

Also read:

Curtin University stands by Rosmah's award

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Honest Change is good

We want PR not because We Love PR, We just want a CHANGE ! Actually we will vote PR because We Still Love BN.  After all it was started by great and honest leaders of the past. Its for the good of BN that we vote for PR and for better future for the people at the same time. What happens, when PR become New Government: We have a New Goverment with Less Experience in COR RUPTIONS and SCANDALS..... good for people  We have a STRONG and RICH Opposition with 50 years Experience in CORRUPTIONS and SCANDALS.  They know the ins and out of corruption and scandals, so they can better check the PR government........ also good for people and for BN BN will do their BEST to EXPOSE those who CORRUPT,because BN has 50 years of experience in CORRUPTIONS Final Result: RAKYAT MENANG  TWO  party system is........... BORN        We vote for CHANGE....... because we LOVE................ MALAYSIA  "The world is a DANGEROUS place not because of people who do EVIL, but because of good people who look on and DO NOTHING ABOUT IT"Albert Einstein   Al! l (inclu ding former) Malaysians must know - By Dr. Azmi Sharom If you have already watched this (and I'm not surprised at all), just pass it on.... Dr. Azmi Sharom- All Malaysians must know. Malaysia has never been an Islamic State as our Constitution is very specific on it. It was the Mental Mamak (our equivalent to Singapore 's MM) who lied all the way when he declared Malaysia as an Islamic Country and therefore State in 2001. Lim Kit Siang immediately corrected him but he being the person he is insisted that he was right. Jokers like Ling Liong Sik, Samy Vellu and Lim Keng Yaik of course did not object and quietly agreed with him and so did the other BN leaders. This mamak has damaged our country through and through. MM also passed the Syariah Law in Selangor in 1995 with the help of MCA, MIC, and Gerakan. Ask MCA, MIC and Gerakan why they support an Islamic State and passed laws to support it, and now complain that DAP is supporting an Islamic State, when DAP has never ever agreed to do so.. The evidence is beyond doubt, it is in the public domain, ask them, the shameless ones, do they have an answer? Worth listening to this recording. Our constitution is the most altered, amended, and modified constitution in the whole wide world. We must never ever let UMNO get back their 2/3rds majority ever again. If they do, then our country will go to the dogs. UMNO will again start changing the constitution like there is no to-morrow. It will be changed to suit UMNO, just like they changed the constitution/rules/laws to allow for gerrymandering of the consituency, where a rural constituency with an e! lectorat e of 5,000 voters is entitled to vote for one MP/DUN, whereas in urban localities, an electorate of 100,000 can only vote for one MP. What sort of democracy do you call this? Can someone out there enlighten me. Whether you're pro-BN or pro-opposition, please, do not, in your wildest dreams ever allow UMNO their 2/3rds majority. Don't ever let Malaysia go the way of Zimbabwe , Somali, or Myanmar . An interesting speech by Dr. Azmi Sharom; an Assistant Professor of Law at UM. He explains the CONSTITUTION: the Malaysian supreme law. Listen to this, it's interesting and refreshing. For people who think that only BN can govern properly. Think again. Once BN gets back their 2/3 in Parliament they will start amending the Constitution. Then we won't have the Constitution that protects ALL. Educate yourself about what the supreme law of the land says. Then vote wisely. Please spread this like wildfire...make it one of the most viewed. You will help educate people about our law. ********************************************************* http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/11/focus/13632347&sec=focus

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MCA-DAP debate: Honesty wanted

PETALING JAYA: MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng must be more honest and open with themselves when they face off in the much-anticipated debate tomorrow, analysts say.

They said that both Chua and Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister, would likely skirt around touchy issues in the current political climate.

"What I would like to see is what we are not likely to see – honesty on the part of both politicians," said political scientist Ong Kian Ming of UCSI University.

He said that an uncomfortable truth, for both parties, is how much bigger and more powerful DAP is within Pakatan Rakyat compared to MCA in the Barisan Nasional (BN).

"MCA, the second largest party in BN, is obviously constrained because it is (playing) second fiddle to Umno. The reality is that DAP has more MPs and state assembly representatives than MCA.

"Given the DAP presence in Sabah and Sarawak, it now has 29 MPs and 83 assemblymen whereas MCA has 15 MPs and 32 state representativess," Ong said.

"Chua would not like to acknowledge it (DAP's political strength), but at the same time, Guan Eng may not want to publicly admit that the more powerful DAP is, the more afraid Malay voters are to support Pakatan," he added.

Ong said DAP, which is likely to continue growing, is now doing all it can to shed its "Chinese chauvinist" image, though he noted that MCA is not harping on this issue as it is Chinese-based itself.

Political impact

However, he said that the debate was something that everyone wants to see and is an "important part of the normalisation of the democratic process in Malaysia".

"What people want is more exchanges of ideas during debates between our key national leaders. The Malaysian political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. So this is good," he said.

Ong also said that he expects Chua to focus more on the political impact of the Chinese vote (for or against the BN), while Lim would try not to talk solely about one particular community.

"I think the challenge for Chua is to convince the audience, who will primarily be Chinese, that MCA is still relevant to them. For Lim, his challenge would be to not speak only about the Chinese community," he said.

Ong said that it remains to be seen what the audience will take away from the debate, though it may not necessarily bring about any solid outcome.

"Debates are about winning over votes, but hopefully by trying to argue from a certain political position, we may have something substantial which would have some bearing on policies. And people want them (Chua and Lim) to be accountable for what they say during the debate," Ong said.

Meanwhile, political observer Khoo Kay Peng said that both MCA and DAP must face their fears and openly talk about their respective relationships with Umno and PAS.

"They should be talking about how to do away with racial politics and how MCA can represent all Malaysians. And DAP should be talking about its difficulty in managing PAS and its extremist views," he said.

Misplaced topic

Khoo also expressed disappointment at the topic of the debate – "Is the two-party system becoming a two-race system?" – saying that "it's not something you can debate intellectually".

He said that the topic was "misplaced and will not bring out anything substantial or beneficial," adding that "race polemics is not going to help" anyone.

"Are they trying to imply that if the Chinese voters were to vote against the government, they would not get any government representation? Like how MCA threatened to stay away from government positions if it does worse than in 2008?" said Khoo, adding that the topic was slanted towards the MCA.

"MCA should be looking forward and should be asking itself why are the Chinese voting against the government. MCA should work towards something the Chinese can accept, even if it is a choice of whether to remain in the BN or move forward."

"You can't say it will lead to a two-race system as BN does not enjoy the full support of the Malays and the opposition does not have the full support of the Chinese," Khoo said.

He said the debate should touch on the economy and how Malaysians should unite with better governance.

The debate, which will be in Mandarin, will take place at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from 5pm to 6pm. It will be carried live by Astro AEC.

The debate is part of the forum on "The Chinese at a political crossroads in the next general election" which will be held earlier in the morning.

Also read:

More seats for Chua-Lim faceoff

At crossroads – MCA or Chinese community?

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No reprieve for SUPP as Taib snubs Chin again

KUCHING: Chief Minister Taib Mahmud is making it known that he dislikes Sarawak United Peoples Party (SAPP) new president Peter Chin.

In the latest incident, Taib snubbed Chin, not once but twice and in full view of hundreds of guests attending a Chinese New gathering jointly hosted by the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and its president Wee Kok Tiong last week.

Taib was the guest of honour and Chin was invited in his capacity as SUPP president and federal minister. Chin, who is Miri MP, is the Minister of Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

According to a guest who attended the function, when Taib entered the hall he shook hands with a row of guests who had stood up to welcome him.

But when he reached Chin, he paused. It was Chin who offered his hand and after a discernible pause Taib gave his hand but it was "not a friendly handshake as he did not look at Chin".

No words were exchanged between the two leaders.

To add salt to the wound, Taib also refused to acknowledge Chin's presence when he addressed the gathering.

Even when he was seated it was obvious to those present that Taib was determined to ignore Chin although the latter was seen making conciliatory efforts. Taib, who was seated in the centre between Chin and Wee, focused his attention on the ACCI president.

The last time Taib snubbed Chin was when he failed to attend the Chinese New Year open house jointly hosted by Chin and the party.

It was the first time Taib had failed to attend the party's CNY open house held on Jan 23 in Kuching.

Najib's 'eyes and ears'

Although Taib gave "age" as his reason for not attending, his Chinese New Year visits to other influential community leaders and rich businessmen in Kuching, Miri and Sibu invalidated this excuse.

Taib's anger with Chin can be traced back to the later's sudden decision to contest SUPP's presidency.

Chin had previously never shown any interest in the post and had in fact expressed his desire to step down and pave the way for the younger leaders.

Chin's entry surprised everyone including Taib who had wanted former SUPP deputy secreatry general Wong Soon Koh to take over from George Chan who stepped down as president.

Initially, Wong was poised to be the next president, but Chin's announcement of his candidacy stifled plans that Taib had for SUPP.

Chin was eventually elected unopposed after Wong and six other elected representatives boycotted the triennial delegates conference (TDC) citing irregularities in SUPP branch elections and TDC.

The six elected representatives are Tiong Thai King, MP for Lanang and five other assemblymen – Lee Kim Shin (Senadin), Ranum Mina (Opar), Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden (Simanggang) and Johnichal Rayong (Engkilili).

Chin's late entry has been attribute to the 'wisdom' of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

Sources here said Najib wants Chin to be his "eyes and ears" and and to keep tabs on what Taib is doing in the state.

All this while, the Chinese have been unhappy with Taib.

They've alleged unfair treatment over business opportunities and government contracts and in education, scholarships. They have also accused the government of land-grabs, rampant corruption and abuse of power.

No indications from Taib

They claimed only Taib's cronies and family members benefit.

SUPP, under Chan who was a former Deputy Chief Minister and related by marriage (Chan's daughter married Taib's son) to Taib, was too 'close' to the CM.

Chan's 'closeness" to Taib was capitalised on by Sarawak DAP when it flogged its election slogan:"You vote SUPP, you vote Taib".

The 'closeness' resulted in SUPP losing 13 out of 19 seats to the opposition in last year state election. Chan himself lost his Piasau seat to a DAP greenhorn.

Political observers here said Najib is worried that his hold on Putrajaya may be affected if SUPP loses its seven parliamentary seats.

In the last parliamentary elections in 2008, SUPP lost one seat in Bandar Kuching. In a by-election in 2010, it lost its Sibu seat. Both seats are now held by DAP.

The five other seats – Stampin, Sarikei, Miri, Lanang and Serian – are mixed constituencies.

Najib had hoped that Taib would step down before the general election so that raging allegations against Taib won't be flogged by the opposition as they did in the state and by-elections.

Taib had promised Najib that he would go soon after the state election, but until now there is no sign that Taib is aiming to step down.

It is as such obvious that when Najib opened the SUPP's triennial delegates conference, it was to endorse his man Chin. Taib's refusal to attend was also a sign that he was unhappy.

Meanwhile Taib has gone on to reaffirm his support of Wong.

Wong asserts 'closeness'

In the latest round of appointments, he accepted Wong's nomination of Suzanne Lee as SUPP's fifth political secretary in the state administration. Until Chin's team was elected, Lee was the party's Wanita chief.

Said Wong: "I have recommended her because she is SUPP Wanita chief. She is the most suitable candidate."

Lee's appointment is Wong's way of showing his objection to the legitimacy of Chin's leadership and his 'closeness' to Taib.

With the appointment of Lee, Wong has reminded the Chinese community that he is their leader and has Taib's trust.

He has made it known that he is able to negotiate with the federal government for the allocation of RM100 million to the Chinese schools and education.

Chin, meanwhile is least worried or so say his aides. He's dismissed Taib's lack of respect for him.

Taib support BN club

According to his aides, Chin is more worried that his party is facing an uphill task in defending the five parliamentary seats and in recapturing the Bandar Kuching and Sibu seats which the party lost to DAP.

The task is made more difficult by the internal problems in the party and Taib's divide and rule policy towards SUPP.

Chin believes only Najib can help save the 52-year-old party which is facing the possibility of deregistration.

Assuming that Registrar of Societies (ROS) says that Chin was legally and properly elected, it will be difficult for Wong and his team to return to the party after so much water under the bridge.

In such a scenario, they may be forced to quit the party and as one observer puts it: "The BN Supporters Club is there waiting for them.

"I believe this is what Taib wants," said the observer, pointing out that the BN club was formed by the five expelled Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party leaders.

Taib has openly expressed support for the formation of the club.

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