Umno is beginning to look better than PKR

(Malaysia Today 13/10/10) These shenanigans have got to stop. PKR is starting to look like a party of slime-balls and scumbags. Are they so scared of Nurul Izzah that they need to play dirty to disqualify here?

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Nurul fails in bid for PKR deputy presidency

(Free Malaysia Today) - Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar was unsuccessful in her bid for the PKR deputy presidency when she failed to get enough nominations.

She needed two nominations to pull through but had only one nomination to contend with.

Confirming the nomination results, PKR election committee member Wong Hoy Cheong said candidates must obtain at least two nominations but Nurul Izzah had obtained only one -- from Keningau, Sabah, at the close of nomination on Sunday.

The PKR Lembah Pantai division had nominated PKR central committee member Zaid Ibrahim for the deputy presidency.

Wong said according to the nomination list, three candidates will vie for the PKR presidency and seven for the deputy presidency.

He declined to disclose details.

Twenty-seven candidates have enough nominations for seven vice-president posts and 209 for 20 central leadership council posts, he said.

The list of those who qualified to contest party top posts are being filtered before their names are announced on Saturday, he added.

Besides Nurul and Zaid, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, PKR vice-presidents Mustafa Kamil Ayub and Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Zaid have entered the fray for the deputy presidency.

The party polls will be held from Oct 31 to Nov 21 while the national congress from Nov 26 to 28.

***************************************

PKR announced that Nurul Izzah obtained only one nomination. And since she requires at least two she is therefore not eligible to contest the party deputy presidency. What they did not announce is that she obtained another two nominations on Monday. So that makes three nominations that she obtained.

The party also announced that she received the one nomination as at the closing date on Sunday. Therefore, the two that she obtained on Monday, which the party did not mention, does not count.

But who decided that nominations close on Sunday? Was this a party supreme council decision or was it the decision of an individual or ‘committee’?

I suppose they will now say that the supreme council decided to give the mandate and sole discretion to one person or to the election committee. Therefore, whatever this one person or committee decides becomes ‘law’.

Alright then, if this is the case, was this ‘law’ gazetted? All laws must be gazetted before they become law. In other words was an announcement made informing everyone that the closing date for all nominations is Sunday and that all nominations received after this date will be rejected and will regarded as null?

A check with a few divisions reveals that they never received any gazette or circular from the party headquarters informing them that the closing date for nominations is Sunday.

Was it a ‘silent law’? Or did they expect everyone to read the minds of the people in the party headquarters? Mental telepathy maybe?

And when did they decide that Sunday is the closing date for nominations? Was this decided the following day, on Monday, after two more nominations for Nurul Izzah came in? In other words did they decide on the Sunday closing date on Monday when they realised that Nurul had received an additional two nominations and that this would therefore qualify her to contest the party deputy presidency?

I smell a rat here, a dead rat. And the smell stinks to high heaven. It appears like PKR is even dirtier than Umno. Now, even Umno is looking better than PKR.

These shenanigans have got to stop. PKR is starting to look like a party of slime-balls and scumbags. Are they so scared of Nurul Izzah that they need to play dirty to disqualify here?

Rules are fine. We need rules or else all hell will break loose and chaos will reign. But changing the rules, practicing unwritten rules, not informing players of the rules and then catching them unexpectedly, and moving the goalposts halfway through the game to win by fraud is just not on.

Play fair. Let Nurul contest. If she losses she must learn how to manage defeat. That would be a good lesson for her. And if she wins then it is the members’ choice. But disqualifying her because of a rule that no one knew about are things Umno does and not something that PKR should ape.

Sigh…I expect when ex-Umno people head PKR then we should not be surprised when they use Umno tactics in PKR. A leopard never changes its spots. So why should the ex-Umno people in PKR change their Umno habits as well?

I suppose we can always just sit back and watch PKR self-destruct. Then, come the next election, we can choose either DAP or PAS to vote for. Of course, there is always PSM or PRM in the event that DAP or PAS are not contesting in that particular constituency. Or we can persuade Gerakan to change its outdated and expired shelf-life leaders and then leave Barisan Nasional whereby we can all rally behind Gerakan as the new Third Force and multi-racial party like how it started out back in 1968.

I think I will go join Gerakan if they promise to revamp the party and change its leaders and leave Barisan Nasional to start life anew as a Third Force for all Malaysians fed up of both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

Related:

Azmin shocked that Khalid wants in (Malaysiakini 13/10/10)

Anwar dan Azmin berbincang di Jakarta (Ureka 12/10/10)

10th October deadline? Since when? Yesterday? (Haris Ibrahim 12/10/10)

Mengapa Khalid bertanding? (Ureka 11/10/10)

50 Putera members hold protest

NST (30/1/09): At least 50 members of Umno Youth and Umno Putera from the Federal Territory division demonstrated at Menara Dato Onn yesterday against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's probe into vote-buying in the party.

The protesters gathered about 8pm yesterday prior to the Umno supreme council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The protesters also carried placards decrying the Umno disciplinary board as "senile".

A few policemen stood by the entrance to monitor the situation.

50 stage protest outside Umno HQ

The Star (30/1/09): About 50 people gathered outside the Umno headquarters where the party’s supreme council was meeting to stage a protest against the Umno disciplinary council and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission’s (MACC) arrest of party members.

The group, said to be Umno Youth members, arrived at 8pm holding placards and banners at the main entrance of Menara Dato’ Onn and shouted their demands as party leaders arrived.

The placards and banners read: “Lembaga disiplin sudah nyanyuk,” “Jangan ambil hak ahli Umno” and “Kami menolak SPRM, boleh blah.” (Disciplinary board is senile; Don’t usurp Umno member’s right: We reject the MACC: butt out)

When Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi arrived at 8.35pm, the group presented a memorandum to him.

Among its contents was a protest against Umno disciplinary board chairman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen’s suggestion that the main wings of the party be abolished and on the alleged beating of Umno members during interrogation by MACC officers.

Zuraidi Abd Rahim, who claimed to be a delegate from Baling, said the group represented about 2,500 Umno Youth delegates nationwide.

He claimed that 39 party members in Pahang were called for interrogation by the commission, alleging that some of them were beaten.

“Two or three of them have lodged police reports,” he said, adding that the reports were attached to the memorandum.

Zuraidi said party grassroots were hoping the leadership would listen to their plea and make the necessary changes.

Azeez's words speak louder than action

Please go, Lah!

Please click the image
"Today we have a President of Umno, a Chairman of Barisan Nasional, and a Prime Minister. What we lack is leadership" - Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
Ku Li's speech at Umno Gua Musang EGM

Vet Khairy!

Barisan Nasional Youth Chairman, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said, it is important that all Barisan Nasional Youth candidates for the coming general election be vetted properly via the various channels.

He said the candidates had to be qualified to face the close scrutiny of the people (The Star, 22/1/2008).

Just two questions, why didn't Hishammuddin properly vet Khairy Jamaludin before he accepted him as the candidate for UMNO Youth Vice Head?

Will Khairy be vetted properly before Umno Youth accept him as one of Barisan Nasional's candidates in the coming election?

If only Hishammuddin was not lying, didn’t he the one who wanted Khairy ("Pak Lah jangan kacau")?

Hey Hishammuddin, did you not risk the future of this country?

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Muharram ghost tour

Ahirudin Attan said, "Not a good start for Muharram, not at all".

Who could deny that? Not only another girl has gone missing while the police are still at loss for clues about Nurin's abductor and murderer, but we are also haunted by list of other "ghosts".

"Oil for food" fake shortage, crime rate spiking up (Umno politicians included?), endless scandals in the police force (polis raja di Malaysia or Polis Diraja Malaysia?) and now sundry shops finding it hard to obtain flour. The list will go on and on.

As usual, a great length of all the factors listed by a few smart Alexs to justify the shortage. No one touches about the blatant monopoly by all those stinking rajas - raja gula, raja tepung, raja AP, all those criminals.

Wake up, economists!

Related:
Musa, mobilise your force....or get the fuck out of our face (Cik Gu Bernard)
Seen This Man? (Nuraina A Samad)
Nurin Alert For Nini.. (Nuraina A Samad)
Shahrizat: Everyone must help to find Sharlinie (The Star)

“We cannot waste any time, we must find this child. Not only to save her life, but also to send a clear message to the perpetrators – don’t think that in this country, you can do whatever crime or violent act you like”.

News about Sharlinie
Bloggers on Sharlinie
Don't use crime rate as poll gimmick (Malaysiakini)
Internal conflicts drive offenders to repeat crime, says psychologist (Bernama)
Lets Trade (Nazir Khan)

Please people of neighbouring countries, return our cooking oil, our, flour, our diesel and our young girls and take our leaders in return. They are the best in the world, please take them.

Pampered lives and price hikes (The Star)

Our politicians have preferred to downplay the escalating cost of living while trying to convince the people on the need to reduce subsidies. But the fact is, you cannot do both at the same time.

Sooner or later, we have to bite the bullet and face the reality of sharing the burden of subsidies. Elections or not, the Government will have to deal with the impact of oil price increases.

At the same time, the Government needs to work harder to stop wastage in projects that bring little benefit to Malaysians. Pride is one thing but if it serves little besides inflating our egos, then we should just save our money.

We also need to contain our cost of production and be serious in fighting corruption and mismanagement.

The campaign to convince Malaysians to be prudent and thrifty can only work if the Government also ends some of these abuses.

Delegates slam Indian anger over temple demolition

STS From Malaysia Today (8/11/2007): Many Umno delegates yesterday took issue with the reaction of the Indian community to the recent demolition of a Hindu temple in Selangor, calling on the government to take steps to stop the indiscriminate building of temples and shrines.

Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim of the Umno Women's Wing called for the enactment of a new law to govern the affairs of non-Muslims.

'There should be specific laws governing the setting up of places of worship. We now see places of worship all over the place, from under the tree to on the roadside,' said Datuk Kamilia.

She also warned other races 'not to play with fire' and undermine racial unity.

Another delegate, Mr Ahmad Kuris Mohd Noor of Selangor, said many small mosques on private land had also been demolished.

'Other races must also be willing to give way for the sake of national unity,' he said.

Last week, officers from the Shah Alam City Council demolished a Hindu temple sited on private land in Selangor, sparking anger among Hindus nationwide, including the head of the Malaysian Indian Congress, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

On Monday, he had called off his Deepavali open house celebration and asked his party chieftains to do the same as a sign of protest. He withdrew the decision a few hours later.

But the Works Minister is not holding an open house himself as a sign of respect for the death of his brother earlier this year.

After attending the opening of the Umno assembly yesterday, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu told reporters that he would be attending a national-level Deepavali open house hosted by the government.

'The Muslims have always accepted other religions in this country. But there are certain actions done by certain people. That is the problem.

'This has nothing to do with religion. This is something to do with the administration,' he said.

Meanwhile, the Selangor state government has clarified the situation relating to the temple demolition. In a statement yesterday, it said that the temple, a small mosque and several hundred squatter houses were demolished because they were sited on land belonging to a private company.

There were 1,121 squatters living on the land that the company wanted to develop. The state government had promised to build low-cost houses for the families and to provide land for a new temple and new mosque for free. Notice was given in 2005 to vacate the land. Most of the squatters did so, but some held out, resulting in the forced demolition last week.

Illegal temples are a major problem in Malaysia. The country has about 17,000 Hindu temples and shrines, most of which were built illegally.

Ms Norhamizah Mat Tahir of Umno Puteri (the young women's wing) also touched on the issues of race and religion, reprimanding non-Malays who carped on racial issues.

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Updates on latest Shah Alam temple demolition

Malaysian general election in March?

STS From Malaysia Today (8/11/2007): November and December are out. March is now being bandied about as the likely date for an early general election in Malaysia.

This new window - after Chinese New Year on Feb 7 - seems to be gaining traction among Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, who have taken into account several factors, including current voter concerns.

Excitement over imminent elections filled the hall of the Umno General Assembly on Monday when Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said: 'The political radar is getting clearer and the temperature is heating up.

'Our confidence in repeating our victory in the coming elections is well-founded.'

Just weeks ago, there was intense speculation that an election would be held by the end of this year, but some Umno leaders say current indications by the party leadership point to a date after the Chinese New Year, possibly in March.

All these dates, however, are still speculation because the decision to call an election depends solely on BN's chief, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

The government's current term ends in early 2009.

Those who have said the polls were imminent this year have tried to justify their prediction on the basis that the government would want a fresh mandate before fuel prices soar even higher.

The government has promised not to raise fuel prices at all for the whole of this year.

But it might have to raise prices by early January to reduce the burden of fuel subsidies. In the first eight months of the year, the government spent RM16 billion (S$6.9 billion) just to keep prices at current levels. That amount exceeds the RM15 billion for the whole of last year.

The last time the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG were raised in Malaysia was in February last year, when global oil prices hovered around US$61 (S$88). The global oil price hit more than US$98 a barrel yesterday.

In a closed-door briefing to party chiefs on Monday, Datuk Seri Abdullah devoted the bulk of his hour-long speech to his concern about the global energy crisis. He said the fuel subsidies at current levels are not sustainable as they eat deeply into government expenditure.

But Umno Youth leader Mukhriz Mahathir said the oil issue is just one factor the government would consider.

'I do not think we decide on an election date based on something that happens outside the country. We feel confident that we can address the issue,' he said.

Malaysia is also a net exporter of oil, and state oil firm Petronas is reaping a windfall from soaring prices, which must mean soaring tax revenues for the government as well. Every US$1 rise in oil price adds RM250 million to its revenue a year.

A December election date is also regarded as unlikely by others because of the annual flooding caused by the monsoon season.

Last December and early January this year, many areas in the staunchly Umno Johor state were inundated, along with wide swathes of Pahang and Malacca.

Said a political source: 'If elections are to be held this year, none of the Umno movers I spoke to have received instructions.' He was referring to the transfer of political funds for party buntings and T-shirts, and the booking of public meeting halls in constituencies.

Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo was more direct when asked on Monday about the polls: 'You can be sure it will not be held this year.'

A key issue that might delay the election until the Chinese New Year is this: Many urban Chinese voters are thought to be unhappy with the government's handling of the economy, the rising crime rate and issues of race and religion. Raising the oil price just before the Chinese New Year could thus be seen as a politically insensitive move, political leaders say.

Also, calling out voters after March would more accurately reflect the BN's practice in the past 11 general elections.

History has shown there has never been polls held before four years of a five-year term, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M. Kayveas.

Reasons cited for holding polls...

...this year

1. Government may need to raise fuel prices next year.

2. Inflation is expected to worsen.

3. Chinese support may drop due to their perception that the government is handling poorly the economy, crime rate, and race and religious issues.

4. Fear that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may resume his attacks on Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi when he recovers fully from heart surgery.

5. Stop opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim from taking part as an election ban on him expires only on April 15.

...next year

1. Datuk Seri Abdullah wants to make the ground sweeter by pushing big projects in mostly rural areas and raising economic growth.

2. Keeping with tradition as the Barisan Nasional (BN) has never gone to the polls until it completes four years of its five-year term.

3. Datuk Seri Abdullah wants to improve the government's record on fighting crime and corruption.

4. The annual end-of-year moonsoon season and flooding in the east coast.

Ku Li: Many issues are escaping Pak Lah’s grip

Malaysiakini (7/11/2007): Razaleigh also pointed out that while Abdullah’s speech had covered much ground, a crucial problem affecting the government was not addressed.

“He did not say a word on corruption,” said Razaleigh, who attributes the omission as an oversight.

“He probably has overlooked the issue... But yet, it was the burning question of the day.” (Full report)

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Archive for the 'Corruption' Category

Oil for Food Resurfaces

GANG WAR? - but within Police Force

Azimi: Don't set agenda for us

The Sun (7/11/2007): Leaders from other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should not set agendas on what Umno delegates should debate on in the party’s annual general assembly, said Umno Youth information chief Datuk Azimi Daim.

Citing a television station which had interviewed several non-Malay Barisan Nasional (BN) component party leaders, he said Umno had never set an agenda as to what should they say in their conventions.

Debating in the assembly today as a representative of the wing, Azimi, who was slapped with a warning by the party’s management committee for making extreme remarks in last year’s assembly, said: “It’s good enough that we did not give them guidelines (in their general assemblies).”

At last year's assembly, he was reported as saying “when tension rises, the blood of Malay warriors will run in veins”.

Azimi started his speech today by saying he would be cautious of his tone this time around after receiving the warning last year.

However, he defended his speech last year, saying it was exaggerated by “certain parties”.

“At the grassroots level, we have never fought. It’s just some leaders who want to be a hero of their own community who exaggerated the fact (of my speech). As a leader of the wing, our responsibility is to tell the truth and the aspiration of the people,” he said, to thunderous applause from the floor.

The Bandar Baru (Kedah) state assemblyman said the country has been stable because Umno had shared its political power with minority ethnic groups.
“No country in this world which is led by the majority race will also give positions and power to the minority race,” he said.

He also defended the move to wave the keris in the wing’s assembly by its chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

“Never in history has the keris eaten anyone,” he said.

At one juncture, acting speaker Badruddin Amiruldin reminded Azimi that his allocated time of 15 minutes was running out, Azimi quickly appealed to him: “Give me more time, I will help you to campaign in the coming election.”

Without hesitation, Badruddin replied cheekily and to loud guffaws from the crowd: “Teruskan (continue)."

On another matter, Azimi brought the floor's attention to the bottled water distributed to the delegates, with the brand TaHa (which Badruddin said referred to Tabung Haji), saying that it was manufactured by Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Spritzer Bhd.

He questioned why bottled water distributed by a Tabung Haji subsidiary could not be manufactured by a Bumiputra company, saying that if need be, he was willing to do the job.

Negeri Sembilan delegate Datuk Ismail Lasim drew attention to the fact that 90% of the 1.5 million qualified voters who had yet to register were Malays.

"We have to look at this matter seriously, especially within Umno, as this shows the young people are not concerned about the election," he said

'Abandon subsidy mentality, change ideology for benefit of country'

Malaysians – the Malays and non-Malays alike – should abandon the subsidy mentality and change their ideology to work for the benefit of the country, said Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

The Terengganu delegate, who moved the resolution on the president’s policy speech at the Umno general assembly, said the government spends RM40 billion a year to subsidise fuel and gas.

“If the amount is spent over five years, it would amount to RM200 billion which is the the 9th Malaysia Plan budget. We have to be ready to make changes, even if it takes 50 years. Little by little, we have to rid the culture and mentality of (depending on) subsidy, so the money (saved) can be used for better benefits,” he said.

Relating this to the economy, he said subsidies weigh down Malaysia’s potential to bloom economically.

Comparing Malaysia’s position in the region, he said China, India and Vietnam were moving up the rungs (of economic power) quickly and if Malaysia stuck to its old policies and strategies, she would be left behind.

“China is the fourth biggest economy and is expected to be third next year and be on top in 2050. We’re ahead of Thailand and Indonesia but the gap is fast closing and we have to pick up in our competition – do away with bureaucracy,” he added.

Ahmad Shabery received loud cheers and applause for his proposal to terminate all agreements with utility companies like Tenaga Nasional Bhd and independent power plants as well as highway concessionaires for toll.

“I have heard whispers from the people for Pak Lah (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) to review the agreements and remove them in the spirit of patriotism and Umno will support this.

“When electricity is cheap, we will attract foreign investors and this helps the country to be motivated to compete at all levels,” he said.

Ahmad and acting Permanent President Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin had the 2,523 delegates in stitches several times when the latter started reminding Ahmad of his 30-minute time limit.

“YB! Vertigo!” said Amiruddin, when Ahmad was talking about political leaders suffering from vertigo (a fear of height), cheekily referring to their being afraid of looking down from their positions of authority.

Ahmad Shabery made the reference to vertigo, when commending the open concept that the premier had practiced, as reflected in the Anti-Corruption Agency arresting wrong-doers shortly after the Auditor-General’s report was published.

Likening media coverage to a beauty pageant, he said, the media should look at the goodness of Umno candidates instead of just highlighting the negative aspects.

“When the media writes about negative issues, it is like they’re looking at the (bulges) in the bikini competition. The bikini comes after the parade, after the questioning when the candidates are judged not just on their physique but on their brains, when they undergo the question and answer session,” Ahmad added.

'Malays have changed in terms of values, thinking and attitude'

Selangor representative Datuk Ahamd Kuris Mohd Nor laments that the Malays have changed in terms of values, thinking and attitude, causing some of them to lose the passion to fight for Umno’s cause.

He said the Malay community should understand that what they have today is a result of Umno’s efffort and there is no other party they should support except Umno.

“We even receive support from other parties as this is the best formula to achieve the objectives of Vision 2020. We must find out why some Malays refused to support Umno and drastic action must be taken to overcome this problem,” he said.

Ahmad Kuris said although the New Economic Policy has closed the wealth gap between the Malay and Chinese communities, the Malays are still far behind in certain areas.

Wanita Umno representative Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim called for the enactment of a law to administer religions, other than Islam, and for regulations to be created to control the indiscriminate building of places of worship at all sorts of places, including under tree and beside the road.

During the debate on the Umno president’s policy speech, she said to defend Islam, it is crucial to amend Article 3 of the Federal Constitution to make Islam the official religion of the country by adding the word “official” to the clause, instead of just religion of the Federation.

“The amendment will stop people from questioning whether Islam is the official religion of the country,” she said, adding that there is a need for an Act to prevent non-Muslims from converting Muslims to other religions.

She said under the Federal Constitution, Article 11(4) prohibits Muslims from converting to other religions.

To strengthen the people’s unity, Kamilia said the wing proposed that the government draft an Act to help strengthen racial unity.

She said although some might say the Act would not by itself unite the people, it will help to ensure that whatever efforts by the government in this area will be better managed.

Prove your worth at international stage, GLCs told

Bernama (8/11/2007): Government-linked companies (GLCs) have been asked to prove their worth at the international scene rather than "taking shelter in the country's comfort zone."

Penang Umno delegate Senator Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said GLCs are being pampered by the government through capital injections amounting to billions of ringgit.

He said it was easy for GLCs to secure government projects worth billions of ringgit compared to Class "F" contractors who have to contend with the tender process and drawing of lots merely to get a RM50,000 project.

Debating the motion on the presidential address at the Umno General Assembly, Musa called on GLCs to prove their mettle in doing business overseas and make profits.

He criticised GLCs for failing to produce successful Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

He also called for the Federation of Malay Economic Bodies (Gabem), set up a year ago, be vested with executive powers to investigate and monitor GLCs' progress.

Umno overseas clubs alumni urge govt to revert to "Bahasa Melayu"

Bernama (8/11/2007): The Umno Overseas Clubs Alumni wants the government to revert to using the term "Bahasa Melayu" for the national language.

Its deputy chairman Datuk Mohamad Rais Zainuddin said the term "Bahasa Malaysia" did not exist in the Federal Constitution which said that "Bahasa Melayu" would be the official language of the Federation, and as such, its status must be protected.

A resolution to the effect was passed at the Third Malay Agenda seminar held here on Sunday, he told reporters on the sidelines of this year's Umno General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here Thursday.

"We fear there might be legal ramifications if Bahasa Melayu is not given the status accorded by the Constitution. It's not something that can be changed because of a consensus or a Cabinet decision," Rais said.

According to him, the alumni was also drawing up a plan which would act as a guide for the Malays to ensure continuity of leadership in future.

On Monday, Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin had said that the government's decision to use the term "Bahasa Malaysia" and not "Bahasa Melayu" for the national language was final.

Malaysia Indians in fight on faith

TVNZ (8/11/2007): It was supposed to be a day marking the triumph of good over evil, but Malaysia's Hindu followers ushering in Deepavali said they were in no mood to celebrate.

Just a week ago, city hall workers backed by riot police pulled down a squatter colony in central Malaysia and demolished a revered Hindu temple that sat in its midst.

A standoff ensued when Hindu devotees tried to halt the demolition, resulting in 14 arrests.

The 14, including four lawyers, were later released.

But the issue highlighted a growing racial and religious unease in Malaysia, this time among the small ethnic Indian community over a government-backed drive to pull down temples as illegal structures.

"The Indians are being marginalised in many ways," said an ethnic Indian stockbroker, who declined to be named.

"We lack both economic and political powers and the temple issue is very upsetting."

The unhappiness over the temple demolition boiled over in a recent threat - although it was quickly withdrawn - by the sole Indian minister in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet, who called for a boycott of Deepavali, the festival of lights.

"Many Malaysians, both Hindus and non-Hindus, are in protest mode with increasing signs of lack of proper respect for all religions in the country and especially after the insensitive and sacrilegious demolition of the temple," said opposition leader Lim Kit Siang.

"Such a backdrop makes Deepavali even more significant for it must be a day to fortify resolve for light to overcome darkness and good to triumph over evil in order to end the long list of injustices and wrongs in our nation," he said.

The incident follows recent reports of demolition of Hindu temples which have stirred outcry from the ethnic Indians, feeding minority communities' fears their rights are at risk among a largely Muslim population.

At a party assembly this week political leaders of the ethnic Malay majority told the nation's Chinese and Indian minorities to stop questioning Malay privileges or risk hurting race relations, a touchy issue in a country that has suffered race riots.

Abdullah, expected to call an election by early 2008, on Wednesday warned the country's dominant Malays and its Chinese and Indian minorities against playing with religious and racial issues.

"The harmony between the various communities and religions in Malaysia is not an optional luxury - it is a necessity," he told a meeting of his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the key party in the ruling coalition. "We have no other choice."

"Our calculation shows one temple being demolished in every three weeks," P Uthayakumar, a lawyer for the Hindu Rights Action Task Force, a Malaysian rights group, said.

"The UMNO government is not following the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of religion."

"There's a Tamil proverb which says never stay in a village which has no temple," he said.

British colonial rulers brought Indians and Chinese into what was then called Malaya to work in rubber estates and tin mines.

The plight of the Indians, mostly Hindus, underscores a deeper malaise: They account for just eight percent of Malaysia's 26 million people and own only 1.5 percent of the national wealth.

Most lack upward social mobility because of poor education and remain as labourers although some are losing out to cheaper foreign workers.

"It's a working class problem, there's a lot of school dropouts," said Baradan Kuppusamy, an ethnic Indian journalist specialising in Indian issues.

Ethnic Indians say a decades-old affirmative action plan put in place after deadly race riots in 1969 continues to discriminate against them.

The policy favours politically dominant Malays in state contracts, businesses, jobs, education and housing.

"There is no right at all in the first place," said a 35-year-old Indian businessman as he stepped out of a temple outside Kuala Lumpur.

"I have to get a Malay as a partner in order to get government contracts. Somehow we have to live with it." (Reuters)

AGM on Deepavali: 'PM only free this week'

Malaysiakini (8/11/2007): “It happened (that) the PM’s schedule is very tight, (he's) only free this week,” explained party secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad today. (Full report)

Khairy: Only the needy should enjoy subsidies

Click the image for full report
Courtesy of Malaysiakini

Day 2: Accolades all round for PM

Malaysiakini (8/11/2007): The poverty rate for Malays are three times worse off than the Chinese of this country. Even though the poverty rate of the Malays had decreased, it is still very high compared to the Chinese which stands at 0.6 percent. The per capita income for a Malay family is still lower to the Chinese which is 82 percent from their monthly RM3,160.

Malay poverty will not be solved by just shouting Hidup Melayu (Long Live Malays). (Full report)

Malays have right 'to reclaim lost privileges'

Malaysiakini (8/11/2007): “When we shout Hidup Melayu! (Long live Malays), it does not mean we are racist? No, we are not.” he pointed out.

“Their (unnamed BN component party) voice was an annoying one. I am disgusted to even mention the party’s name. Umno must not be swayed by the party’s insolence. Let them wither away,” he said. (Full report)

Umno sec-gen denies 'plot' against Dr M

Malaysiakini (8/11/2007): Umno secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad has denied there was a high-level plot to stop former premier and party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad from attending the Umno assembly last year as an elected delegate.

He dismissed such accusations as "rubbish".

“This is a rubbish report! It never cross our mind to stop a former prime minister (from attending our meet) - gila (insane),” he told reporters when met on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur this morning. (Full report)

'Don't question Malay rights'

Sabah Daily Express (8/11/2007): Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said basic matters relating to the sanctity of religion, beliefs and practices, Malay interests and the social contract between the communities should no longer be raised.

The Prime Minister said basic issues that were agreed upon at the time the Federal Constitution was drafted were non-negotiable.

"Umno does not engage in duplicity. We don't change our tune to suit the occasion or the audience. We're ready to seek intelligent resolutions and win-win outcomes when dealing with sensitive issues relating to race and religion," said Abdullah, who is also Umno President, when addressing the Umno General Assembly, here, Wednesday.

He said that for such issues to be addressed effectively, it was more appropriate to have these discussions behind closed doors.

"Sensitive issues must be handled objectively, rationally and maturely. Umno and its colleagues in the Barisan Nasional must never be ensnared by religious and racial issues raised by the opposition parties.

"We're the party that controls the government, we administer executive power. We should never allow ourselves to sink to their level," he said.

Abdullah said other communities in the country must appreciate the sensitivities of the Malays.

"We've been independent for 50 years. Now, those who are born in Malaysia are Malaysian citizens. They were born and have grown up knowing only Malaysia as their homeland. The time for championing parochial interests is over," he said.

Abdullah said that during the 2006 Umno general assembly where the media were allowed to provide live coverage of the proceedings, a small number of speakers had raised issues that had perhaps touched on communal sensitivities but the majority chose to tackle them from a national perspective.

"I believe that similar extremist sentiments are voiced by members of political parties that represent other communities. However, in the spirit of building a unified nation, the consensus of moderation and mutual respect outweighs extremist tendencies," he said.

Abdullah also explained that the act of unsheathing and kissing the Malay keris was part of the cultural heritage of the Malay people.

He said the keris was not a weapon to attack friends.

"But it's meaning has been twisted to spread fear among non-Malays, and the image of Umno and Malaysia has been smeared overseas," he said.

Abdullah gave the assurance that Umno would never breach the spirit of the understanding that had been agreed with the other communities at the time of independence.

He stressed that the harmony between the various communities in the country was not an option but a necessity.

"We have no other choice. Fifty years ago, our independence movement was successful because of the wisdom of Tunku Abdul Rahman and his colleagues who introduced the concept of power sharing," he said.

The Prime Minister also said that maintaining security was a responsibility of the Government, one that could be carried out more effectively with the support from the public.

"The Malaysian society is currently facing a number of fears, among them, crime as well as inter-religious and communal issues," he said.

He said the media played an important role in raising public awareness on how members of society could help maintain security. - Bernama

Get used to this - Umno Youth chief

STS (6/11/2007): Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein brandished the keris for the third year running at the party's annual youth assembly yesterday and told non-Malays to get used to his controversial act.

They should not see the Malay ceremonial dagger as a symbol of aggression but as one of unity and protection for all races, he argued.

'Take shelter under the protection offered by the royal Malay keris,' he said, addressing Malaysia's minority groups, saying they should not be afraid of shadows.

The 60-cm-long keris was carried into the hall with much fanfare at the start of the youth assembly and presented to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin on stage.

He unsheathed it and kissed it before raising it high to shouts of 'Hidup Umno' (Long Live Umno).

It was then sheathed and placed on a stand at the stage.

This is the third time in as many years that the keris was wielded in this fashion, although this year, the event was not televised live because of racial sensitivities.

Last year, the keris episode set the tone for the Umno assembly which sparked controversy after a few harsh speeches made the entire proceedings seem extreme.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin yesterday insisted that the dagger was a Malay symbol of dignity and honour and was also used by the Malaysian King at his coronation.

He went on to warn non-Malays not to get carried away with racial rhetoric and risk hurting the mutual respect among races in a country which was built with the sacrifices of the Malays.

'We have nodded in respect and agreement, and avoided strife. Do not misinterpret our silence as a weakness,' he said to loud cheers.

But for all his rhetorical flourishes, he also seemed keen to heed the call by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and his deputy Najib Tun Razak. They had urged delegates to tone down the Malay rhetoric, as race relations have become increasingly strained, especially after last year's assembly.

The bulk of the Umno Youth chief's speech was thus focused on multiracialism. He told delegates that they could choose to be confrontational, but at times, a wiser approach would be better.

'The honour of the Malays will still be preserved, harmony maintained and understanding reached,' he said.

The effort to tread the middle path was welcomed by Malaysian Chinese Association vice-president Chua Soi Lek, who was happy with Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's lengthy explanation about the keris.

'Most non-Malays know that the keris is not targeted at them,' he told The Straits Times, but added that the Malays should also know the Chinese are very sensitive about the display of an unsheathed keris.

But opposition Democratic Action Party leader Lim Guan Eng questioned the need to use a weapon of war. 'It seems that the leopard has not changed its spots,' he said.

Umno women's wing chief Rafidah Aziz, who is the Minister of International Trade and Industry, also opened her meeting on a note of conciliation.

'All Malaysians, regardless of descent, race or religion, have rights and a place in Malaysia,' she said.

Political analyst Karim Raslan said the messages coming from the top are clear.

'We have to let it trickle to the political mainstream and civil servants,' he said.

Most delegates, save for one or two, played it safe, although the handful who skirted close to the edge received the loudest applause.

Selangor delegate Ismail Ahmad was applauded for asking opposition party supporters to leave the country if they were not happy.

'These people, they come to a Malay area and they tell me that our country is not doing well and people are still suffering. Well, I will tell you - you can apply for citizenship in Singapore,' he said.

Extract:

...the keris was brought into the hall by a troop of men in ceremonial Malay attire minus the usual fanfare.

The keris had been the object of great controversy in the previous assembly and Hishammuddin looked a little tense as he and his Youth executive council stood on the stage. He knew that all eyes were on him.

But those expecting high drama were disappointed. Only those on the stage shouted "Hidup Umno!" a few times as Hishammuddin lifted the keris, held it skywards very briefly and kissed it.

Then, it was over.

Hishammuddin was a model of decorum compared to last year when he had been widely photographed with mouth wide open and eyes alight with fire as he held up the keris.