INDIANS ANGER BEFORE DEEPAVALI

Malaysian Indians, a minority group which comprise less than 10% of the Malaysian population will be celebrating DEEPAVALI or DIWALI coming Monday are in anger over the arrest of a 6 year old daughter and mother of self-exile banned HINDRAF leader Waytha Moorthy (now reported been released) together with their 10 supporters for just trying to deliver a letter for to release of the ISA detainees to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at PutraJaya in conjunction before their joyous celebration.

But to their surprise, the Police had arrested them under the Societies Act.

It seems Malaysians, other than UMNOputras have no right to voice their concern and will have to abide with whatever the government do or says. The freedom of Malaysians have been deprived by this uncaring, ineffective, inefficient and corrupted Barisan Nasional government.

Looking at the sentiments on the ground, the Indians are really going to react and this time around, the BN government will have a fatal blow with much more people joining them in ANGER.

Their joyous Deepavali or Diwali have been ruined!!!!!!

Will the government ever learn their lesson that they are mere stakeholders of the rakyat and the PEOPLE'S POWER will finally decide their destiny.

ONG KA TING - UMNO A BULLY

Outgoing MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting last night ticked off the Malay-based UMNO as a bully at the expense of its coalition partners at is Opening Presidential Speech of the MCA Assembly which were witnessed by Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other component leaders.

MCA which is the second largest party in the Barisan Nasional coalition had attributed the party's losses in the March 8 General Elections for the bullying tactics and unconcern attitude of the UMNO leaders who dominate every decision made by the federal government although in principle it should a BN decision.

Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting stated that what was worrying the MCA was that although we have raised these issues - ranging from the Internal Security Act to the issuing of Government contracts and dominance of Umno in the ruling coalition - many times to be addressed by the Government, the solution has not been satisfactory and what the rakyat had observed were that when UMNOputras do anything wrong no action has been undertaken unlike a non-UMNOputras are immediately arrested and charged or detained under ISA.

This hardest hitting policy speeches made by outgoing MCA President Datuk Seri Ong was supported by many BN leaders and had sent shock-waves to the UMNO leaders. In reply, Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi disclaim such a claim that UMNO is a bully.

It is hoped that UMNO will immediately change their ways and respect the other coalition partners in their decision making together and take immediate action against UMNOputras who had created unrest and disharmony among the non-UMNOputra population.

Will UMNO finally change. Everyone doubt it.

news n pictures courtesy of Malaysiakini & the STAR

MUHYIDDIN - BEST TO HOLD UMNO GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON 16 DECEMBER

International Trade and Industry Minister and aspiring Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has once again claimed that the UMNO General Assembly should be held on 16 December 2008 instead of in March 2009 to avoid further problems with a prolong campaigning period for the UMNO elections. Tan Sri Muhyiddin made this call during his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebration at his home at Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Among the guest present were former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin had stated that this process will not affect the transition of power by PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in March 2009 but it is speculated by various parties that it seems that Tan Sri Muhyiddin's statement seems to indicate his eagerness to express the departure of UMNO President and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah after the UMNO General Assembly, so that the new leaders could occupy these positions immediately in the government.

In the meanwhile, PM Datuk Seri Abdullah had been quoted as saying that Tun Dr Mahathir seem to be acting as a Director of UMNO election machinery while deciding who will hold what positions in the party. PM Datuk Seri Abdullah stated that who is Tun Dr Mahathir to voice these statements since he is not a member of UMNO any longer ( Tun Dr Mahathir had resigned some months ago on his own accord).

It seems some of tussle is brewing in the UMNO.

news n pictures courtesy of Agendadaily

MCA POLL RESULTS - ONG TEE KEAT (PRESIDENT) & DR CHUA SOI LEK (DEPUTY PRESIDENT)

The official results announced at the MCA headquarters at 9.45pm confirmed that Ong Tee Keat and Dr Chua Soi Lek have been voted in as the party president and deputy president respectively at the party polls today.

The four vice-president posts were won by Deputy Finance Minister Kong Cho Ha, outgoing Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai, outgoing Wanita chief Dr Ng Yen Yen and the party’s Johor deputy chief Tan Kok Hong.

The 25 newly-elected central committee members are Lee Wei Kiat, Wong Foon Meng, Tan Chai Ho, Tan Cheng Liang, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Lee Chee Leong, Gan Ping Sieu, Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Lee Sing Chooi, Wee Jeck Seng, Gan Tian Loo, Dr Yeow Chai Thiam, Chong Itt Chew, Hoh Khai Mun, Ti Lian Ker, Liew Yuen Keong, Wong Mook Leong, Paul Kong Sing Chu, Edward Khoo Keong Hai, Teh Siew Kiong, Loh Seng Kok, Wong Siong Hwee, Dr Por Choo Chor and Loke Yuen Yow.

news n picture courtesy of Malaysiakini

SUARAM JOHOR BAHRU SECRETARIAT DETAINED UNDER ISA

It is reported that Cheng Lee Whee, a female volunteer at the SUARAM Secretariat in Johor Bahru was detained under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act (ISA) at 10.45 pm at the Seri Alam Police Station.

It is reported that her detention relates to her own police report with regards to the demolition of homes at Kampung Baru Plentong Tengah, Johor Bahru yesterday.

She is the 67 detainee still detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) so far.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

KHAIRY SHOULD BE ARRESTED UNDER ISA

It was reported that a MCA Youth leader from Perak, Ting Tai Fook had called upon the authorities to detain UMNO Youth deputy chief and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for making racist remarks and to question the government's stand in offering government scholarship to non-bumiputras. He made a same call against suspended UMNO Penang leader Datuk Ahmad Ismail who courted controversy recently by describing the Chinese community in Malaysia as mere squatters.

With the recent detention of persons under the ISA by the government who as claimed by them as a threat to national security, to detain these two persons would show the rakyat that no one is spared if they were to provoke racial disharmony.

Will the authorities detain Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Ahmad Ismail immediately or just treat UMNOputras as above the law - can say and do anything but nothing happens.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

HINDRAF - WHY THE BAN?

The Home Ministry has been reported as having banned Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) and had labelled them as a threat to "public order, peace, security and morality". This announcement was made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and had declared it an illegal organisation, a move that is an infringement on the basic human right to expression and contradicts the Prime Minister's previous commitment to opening up the democratic space and allowing more open discussion in the country among our multi-ethnical society.

HINDRAF from records have been trying to voice out the legitimate grievances of the consistent socio-economic marginalisation of the Indian community of which every Malaysian citizen is having full knowledge about.

The Indians were predominately working and living in the rubber and oil palm estates and with the expansion into the manufacturing sector by the government to keep in line with its 'vision 2020' which is to make Malaysia a developed country, these poor Indians were forced without proper guidance into the urban lifestyle. These had created various ill-effects which the BN government had refuse to consider seriously but had kept 'empty-promises' to look into.

It is proposed that the government should reconsider its ban on HINDRAF and respond to grievances of various ethnic groups by engaging in further discussion and working towards reaching mutually beneficial solutions, if Malaysia truly desires to become a democratic country of developed nation status, it must not suppress opinions of any interest groups, much less those who are already downtrodden upon and at wit's end.

picture from library collection

TAN SRI ZAKI AZMI - FOR CHIEF JUSTICE

It has been reported that the Conference of Rulers that is ongoing had endorsed the request made by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to appoint Tan Sri Zaki Azmi as the next Chief Justice although the Prime Minister had assured the rakyat that he will reform the judiciary.

Tan Sri Zaki who was recently appointed as a President of the Court of Appeal has direct dealings with UMNO and had served in many positions in the political party and government institutions, which undermines his credibility for being fair and to uphold justice.

At the same time, Tan Sri Zaki had also carried out illegal acts like marrying a second wife by dubious means and later unable to register it. This only came to light at the divorce proceedings at the Syariah Court. It was reported that during the courtship days, he had confess that he will remain with her forever.

Since there are various disputable factors, Tan Sri Zaki Azmi SHOULD NOT be appointed as Chief Justice to preserve the independence of the judiciary and in upholding justice.

The rakyat, the stakeholders should be allowed to vote the next Chief Justice on their respective candidate credentials.

MCA YOUTH - CREATE A DEPUTY CHAIRMAN NO. 2 POSITION FOR NON-MALAYS

The outgoing MCA Youth Chairman Datuk Liow Tiong Lai who is also the Health Minister at the MCA Youth wing’s 45th Annual General Meeting today had called upon the Barisan Nasional leadership to create a Deputy Chairman 2 position so that a non-UMNO member could be appointed and serve the non-UMNO coalition parties in their decision making.

This request was overwhelmingly welcomed by the delegates at the Assembly, a starting point in the reform of the Barisan Nasional leadership where every coalition partner would be well represented unlike now which seem to be totally controlled by UMNO.

In reaction, Education Minister and BN Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who attended the Assembly stated that the BN leadership will have to decide but appreciated such a move would create better relationship among the coalition partners.

Will the BN create such a position and accommodate MCA, the second largest coalition partners, request?

news n picture courtesy of Malaysiakini

MALAY RULERS - NEVER QUESTION THE SOCIAL CONTRACT

It has been reported that the ongoing Rulers' Conference had upheld that the 'social contract' that the rights of the Malays, Malay Rulers and supremacy of Islam will never be questioned which were agreed during the formation of Independence of Malaya should always be respected and abided by the rakyat.

After 51 years, do you feel this is a fair comment to be raised?

The time has come for Malaysians to realise that there is no superior class and every Malaysian need to be treated fairly and equally.

news n photo courtesy of Agendadaily

PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES REDUCED EFFECTIVE MIDNIGHT

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad announced today from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah that the Prime Minister Department has decided that petrol and diesel will be reduced and for petrol RON97 will cost 15 sen less at RM2.30 per litre, while petrol RON92 will be 10 sen cheaper at RM2.20, while diesel will cost 20 sen less at RM2.20 a litre effective midnight.

This is the third reduction since the 41 per cent hike in petrol price to RM2.70 (from RM1.92) on June 5. The price of crude oil has fallen from a high of US$147 to US$83.73 a barrel due to concerns over the global financial crisis.

The oil price adjustments may be decided outside the cabinet to speed up the process and make sure the benefit is passed down to consumers as soon as possible.

Malaysiakini : MCMC bans live telecast of MCA debate

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has banned the live telecast on ntv7 the debate between two aspirants MCA deputy president candidates, Donald Lim and Chua Soi Lek tonight.

The debate was scheduled to take place at the Nanyang Siang Pau auditorium in Kelana Jaya at 8.30pm tonight.

In a statement ntv7 claim that the debate will be recorded and submitted to the Censorship Board for approval for telecast at a later date while apologising to their viewers and all parties involved in the organising of this project.

It was also noted that ntv7 did not elaborate the reason for the ban.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Abuse of Power by The Deputy Prime Minister (MalaysiaToday)

An interesting article to read and ponder about: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/13687/84/

article courtesy of MalaysiaToday

MUKHRIZ - PEMUDA UMNO AND SHAHANIZA - PUTERI UMNO ON THE LEAD

The results of the UMNO Youth elections as of todate reveals that Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir has qualified his nominations, while Khairy Jamalludin has yet to qualify. But there are still many more divisional elections that have yet to be held.

At the Puteri UMNO elections, Shahaniza seems to be on the lead.

There seems to be an intense competitions since new faces are going to dominate the respective wings.

news n photo courtesy of Agendadaily

DATUK SERI ANWAR'S HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE ON 12 OCTOBER 2008

It was noted that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Open House for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration on 12 October 2008 was attended by a massive number of Malaysians.

Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHNhtnv8E5Q

Selamat Hari Raya wishes to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his family.

GERAKAN TO REMAIN WITH BN

GERAKAN President Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon reaffirmed that his party will continue to remain in the Barisan Nasional despite a majority of its members have demanded the leadership to break-away. Tan Sri Koh announced while speaking at the Annual National Delegates Conference at Kuala Lumpur today.

The Conference was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy, aspiring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Datuk Seri Abdullah is expected to step-down in March 2009.

During the same conference, PM Datuk Seri Abdullah was quoted as saying that BN will open its doors for direct membership while details were not available. It seems the BN has finally realise that a UNITED MALAYSIAN SOCIETY must be created if the BN and country want to continue to progress, which he claimed was raised at the recently concluded BN Supreme Council meeting.

Dr Koh Tsu Koon has urged Barisan Nasional and the federal government to expedite reforms in order to regain public support while bearing in mind the disastrous defeat in the March 8 general election which should not reoccur.

news n pictures courtesy of Malaysiakini

WILL UTUSAN MALAYSIA PUBLISHING PERMIT BE REVOKED

Of late, there are many quarters demanding that the Home Ministry to take stern action against the Utusan Malaysia for creating racial sentiments among the Malaysian society by suspending or revoking their printing permit.

Most are very spectacle about this since UMNO, the 'leader' of the ruling Barisan Nasional government owns this company.

The newspaper had been giving distorted news about the Prime Minister's and Muslim Cabinet members Hari Raya Open House at Putra World Trade Centre, where the HINDRAF supporters had appeared and handed Prime Minister with a card and teddy bear. The paper had quoted that this group had been unruly and noisy, making it to seem that they are trouble causes. The group had totally disagreed with this reporting.

What seem to appear is that Utusan Malaysia another UMNOputra company, feels it is above the law and could say and do anything and they are confident that no action will be taken against them.

Its time for the Home Ministry to take immediate action since various other non-UMNO papers have been punished previously for much smaller offences.

The rakyat, the stakeholders are watch whether the government will take any action and time will tell how the rakyat will react for their 'one-sided' actions.

MUHYIDDIN FOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT

It has been reported that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, International Trade and Industry Minister will officially contest for the Deputy UMNO President's position in the March 2009 UMNO elections. This was announced at a packed press conference in a Putrajaya hotel this morning.

It is also learned Tan Sri Muhyiddin has received the blessing and support of aspiring UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and it is believed that Tan Sri Muhyiddin is his team-mate.

So, its official that Tan Sri Muhyiddin will contest the Deputy Presidents post and vying to be the next Deputy Prime Minister.

PM DATUK SERI ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI : NOT WORRIED ABOUT LEGACY

MALAYSIA'S prime minister said on Thursday he does not care how people remember him after he quits in March, insisting his goal now is to speed up the economic and administrative reforms he started four years ago.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose term expires in 2013, announced on Wednesday he will step down before time to prevent a split in his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party.

The party is facing its worst crisis in history after a dismal performance in a general election in March.

Datuk Seri Abdullah, who was blamed for the losses, initially resisted pressure from party members to resign but gave in when it became clear that he could be ousted during party leadership elections in March.

'I don't think I need to talk about people remembering me,' Datuk Seri Abdullah told reporters when asked if he was concerned about his legacy. 'If they want to remember, they will remember. If they don't, they don't. I am not working with the view ... that I am doing this because people will remember me.'

Datuk Seri Abdullah said he will not defend his position as Umno president in the party elections. Instead, the post will be contested by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib, who is expected to win unopposed. The party's president automatically becomes the prime minister.

Datuk Seri Abdullah said his mission during the next five months is to continue with the reforms he started with much fanfare when he took office in late 2003. But his pledges to eradicate corruption, improve the bureaucracy and restore confidence in the judiciary have borne little fruit.

'I believe my mission is to provide dynamic movement to emphasize on development and human capital,' he said, adding that he wanted to improve educational standards, reduce the income gaps and establish a mechanism to resolve religious disputes that break out frequently in this multiethnic nation.

Datuk Seri Abdullah said he also wants to provide more democratic space for divergent views to be heard openly.

His record on this is mixed. Although Datuk Seri Abdullah is credited with allowing taboo subjects like race and religion to be discussed openly, his administration recently jailed a prominent anti-government blogger under a law that allows indefinite detention without trial.

The same law has been used to jail five ethnic Indian activists who led a massive anti-government protest last year.

Datuk Seri Abdullah refused to say if he will take on any advisory role in the government after resigning, but said he will remain the chief of a party division in the northern state of Penang.

News n picture courtesy of Singapore Straits Times thru AP

PM DATUK SERI ABDULLAH TO DEFEND DIVISIONAL CHAIRMAN OF KEPALA BATAS

Its been reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will defend his UMNO Kepala Batas Divisional chief post despite his announcement of his official departure plans in March 2009.

During a brief press conference today PM Datuk Seri Abdullah announced that he had no plans to take a holiday as he had much to do in the next five months.

There are even rumours that Datuk Seri Abdullah may even opt to remain in power since most Malaysians do not trust his words anymore. Datuk Seri Abdullah may be gauging whether he will garner the required 58 nominations, since it was widely reported that his current situation is not 'welcomed' by most of the divisional leaders. Will he change his mind and retain the president's position then?

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

NAJIB GOES FOR PRESIDENT, MAT TAIB VYING DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Since the official statement that Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not retain his president's position at the UMNO General Assembly due in March 2009, his deputy Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak has officially today offer himself for the No. 1 post as the President.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has also indicated that he will contest the President's post in the forthcoming March UMNO Annual General Assembly.

Since there are many candidates vying for the Deputy President position, it is rumoured that International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would also take a bold step to contest the president's post. As of now, Tan Sri Muhyiddin has indicated that he will run for the deputy president's position. We will know his stand tomorrow when he officially announces the post he will be vying in the UMNO elections.

It has been reported that UMNO information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib will offered himself as a candidate for the deputy presidency. Muhammad who joined the party in 1964 and was elected as vice-president and Selangor deputy state liaison committee head in 2004. He was forced to resigned as Selangor Menteri Besar in 1997 after being charged in Australia for holding currency worth RM3.8 million and subsequently was found not guilty. Muhammad was appointed a senator in 2006 by PM Datuk Seri Abdullah and appointed a Rural and Regional Development Minister.

Among those who have officially announced their deputy president candidacies are Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi , vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Pulai division head Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, son of former UMNO Secretary-General Tan Sri Mohamad Rahmat.

It is anticipated that many more will join the race in the next few days.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

ITS OFFICIAL - PAH LAH FINALLY QUITS AS PM & BN/UMNO PRESIDENT IN MARCH 2009

Press statement by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to announce his decision to step down next March 2009.

I have been in public service for over 45 years. I have served this country as a civil servant, and as an elected representative of the people. I have served as a member of government and feel blessed to serve in the highest office in the land.

I have seen this country grow from a small, poor nation into the modern, prosperous Malaysia that we live in today.

Despite our successful track record, for the past few years I have firmly believed that our nation is standing at an historic crossroads. We must reform some elements of our nation, we must evolve and mature, or we risk losing all that we have gained in over 50 years.

Throughout this time of reform and transformation, we Malaysians need to be united now more than ever before.

In all my years of service, I have always been guided by my conscience. I have always placed the interests of the nation above all else. It is with this in mind that I announce I will not stand for the presidency of Umno.

I do not want a divided party and governing coalition, but one that is united and harmonious. A united Barisan Nasional is vital in order for the country to face the global challenges ahead and for Malaysia to become a fully developed nation, with prosperity and fairness for all.

My current term as president of Umno ends in March next year. There are several initiatives I intend to see through before I leave office. These initiatives are important because they are necessary to move our country forward.

These initiatives are needed to regain our country's competitiveness. They are necessary to enable our nation and our society to face the challenges that the world has in store for us.

I ask all Malaysians to unite and join me in working towards making Malaysia a better place.

Reforming the judiciary, police force

First, our institutions need to be reformed and strengthened.

The judiciary needs to enhance its stature and credibility in the eyes of the public. Before I end my term, I will table a Parliamentary Bill to establish a Judicial Appointments Commission.

Such a commission will propose judicial appointments in a transparent and merit-based manner.

We also need a strong and effective anti-corruption body that can combat the cancer of corruption without fear or favour. Before the end of the year, I will table a Parliamentary Bill to establish the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with greater powers of investigation and enforcement.

The commission's oversight structure has been modelled after the successful ICAC in Hong Kong.

I also intend to complete the establishment of a Special Complaints Commission to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of enforcement agencies.

Second, I have long spoken about the need to ensure that the fruits of growth are more equitably distributed.In the recent budget, I explained the government's commitment to strengthening and enlarging the social safety net. We will speed up work on this front to help poor and disadvantaged Malaysians, regardless of background, race or religion.

I will also work to ensure that tangible results can begin to be enjoyed in Iskandar, as well as the development corridor initiatives around the country.

Third, I would like to see the government and BN renew their commitment towards building a united and harmonious nation. Society has seen an alarming decline in inter-racial and inter-religious relations.

BN convention

Various issues have cropped up which threaten to tear the very fabric of Malaysian life.

We need to tackle these issues head-on, through dialogue; deal with the issues constructively and even-handedly; ensure greater clarity and certainty for the people; and focus on the points that unite us, rather than the points that divide us.

For this reason, I will convene a BN convention early next year. This is a long-term effort that I hope to kick-start and continue to contribute towards.

I fully intend to see through my mission, and I am sure that my successor will carry on this agenda. I want to hand over to my successor a Malaysia that is capable of weathering the challenges of a dangerous global economy, a Malaysia not of rich and poor, of young and old or of the city or the kampong, not of south and north, and not of one religion or another but of unity and harmony.

This is not the time for infighting and narrow politics but for greatness, unity and cooperation.

article courtesy of Malaysiakini

Hope PM Datuk Seri Abdullah will see that every one of his ambitions above are fullfilled latest by March 2009 and it is also hope that he set the platform for a UNITED MALAYSIA - no longer Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazans, Ibans and others - where we will be able to live in peace and harmony forever.

PAH LAH QUITS IN MARCH, NOT SEEKING TO RETAIN AS UMNO PRESIDENT

Malaysiakini reported that it had received an sms informing that Prime Minister and UMNO/BN President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would be quitting in March 2009 and had indicated that he would not be defending the UMNO President's post, paving the way for the Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to contest and to succeed him, if he is able to defeat UMNO veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in the March 2009 UMNO General Assembly.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

PM DATUK SERI ABDULLAH TO RETAIN HIS SEAT

It has been reported that a special meeting held with his close UMNO supporters in the wee hours of this morning had finally concluded that Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is going to retain his UMNO presidency at any cost, dismissing speculation that he is going to call it quits as what was speculated by certain rival quarters.

With this anticipated announced revealed by Ruhanie, the former Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBC) chairperson, the presidential elections would be a straight fight between Pah Lah and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, MP for Gua Musang.

It was also reveal that this announcement will be made after meeting Barisan Nasional leaders after the BN Supreme Council Meeting scheduled this afternoon.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

SELANGOR UMNO YOUTH WANTS ACTION AGAINST HINDRAF SUPPORTERS WHO BARGED PM & MUSLIM CABINET MINISTERS HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE

Its been reported that Selangor UMNO Youth had made a complaint to the Home Ministry to prosecute HINDRAF supporters who had 'barged' the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Muslim Cabinet Ministers at the Putra World Trade Centre recently.

HINDRAF supporters who went to the open house to present a teddy bear and card to PM Datuk Seri Abdullah, had requesting for the release of their '5 leaders' M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan and K. Vasanthakumar, who are currently held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) at Kamunting for 2 years.

However, it was reveal that Datuk Seri Abdullah was reported as saying on Monday that he was told only one person from the group had wished him Selamat Hari Raya while their presence at the open house went against the principles of our multiracial society while insulting Islam and stern action should be taken against them, as quoted by the Selangor Youth chief, Abdul Shukor Idrus.

It seems UMNOputras are feeling threaten that an Open House paid by the rakyat and participated by peaceful disgruntled people are against any principles. Since a huge crowd attend this function, at most occasion not every person would bother to queue to wish but may opt just to eat the food and cookies and depart although it may be just termed 'ill mannered'.

This clearly shows UMNOputras, just to prove a point that their actions are justifiable are even prepared to treat a peaceful religious function of Hari Raya by politicalising it to their benefit. UMNOputras fail to realise that they are not above the law and their claim could be seditious in nature since it seems to create a sense of uneasiness among our multi-racial community. The recent disastrous March 8 general elections has shown that the Indian community is unhappy with the unfair treatment the community receives from the ruling government.

If the Home Ministry were to take any action against these peaceful disgruntled group, who according to them have made a prior formal request to attend the function and approval obtained, is an injustice and an abuse of power.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini n theSTAR

COUNCIL-APPROVED GIANT CUTOUT OF ANWAR AT BATU CAVES CRITICISED

A 12.2m high cutout of Opposition leader and PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in front of Wisma Keingat in Batu Caves which was put up since September 28 has been criticised by ruling Barisan Nasional representatives as idolatrous and a waste of public funds.

Its reported that Batu Caves Assemblyman Amirudin Shari who has obtained the relevant approvals to put the giant structure from Selayang Municipal Council claims that it was to show their appreciation to the Batu Caves residents for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

What surprises the rakyat is when Barisan Nasional puts up giant posters and cutouts of their leaders, it is never criticised as idolatrous and waste of public funds.

To overcome these problems, it must be gazetted that no party or persons are allowed to display any picture of their leaders at any part of the country since every leader is duty bound to perform his duties and the rakyat has paid them for accepting to carry out the responsibility.

Are BN representatives agreeable to this proposal?

news n picture courtesy of theStar

BARISAN NASIONAL LEADERS TO KNOW PM DATUK SERI ABDULLAH'S TRANSITION PLANS TOMORROW

The Barisan Nasional Supreme Council Meeting which will take place tomorrow at 3.30pm at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur where Prime Minister and BN Chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will brief Barisan Nasional component leaders on the leadership transition plan.

Will PM Datuk Seri Abdullah call it quits tomorrow?

A song from 'Clash: ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqH21LEmfbQ

ANWAR'S SODOMY TRANSFER - JUDGE TO DECIDE AFTER HEARING DEFENCE

The highly controversial sodomy trial of Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was heard today by Sessions Court Judge S M Komathy Suppiah while she ruled to dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the prosecution that she had no choice but to transfer the case to a higher court while deciding to hear the defence team's objections against the transfer notice submitted by Datuk Seri Anwar's leading lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah.

While much of this morning session was taken up by arguments on technical matters between the defence team and the prosecution, Judge Komathy nevertheless ruled that she would be hearing further submissions from Sulaiman after lunch on their objection to the transfer, while tomorrow morning, she would be hearing submissions from the prosecution as to why the matter should be transferred to the High Court.

Judge Komathy is only expected to deliver her decision after hearing both parties.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

THE BATTLE FOR THE UMNO DEPUTY PRESIDENT IS 'HEATING UP'

It is reported that many UMNO leaders are vying for the UMNO Deputy President position after the report that PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is UMNO President will decide in 2 days time whether he will retain his presidency. Rumours among UMNO leaders are that Datuk Seri Abdullah is under tremendous pressure to 'leave' since the failures in March 8 general elections, recent Permatang Pauh by-elections and on the status of the countries weak economy and administration.

Since it is tradition that the Deputy President would assume the position of Deputy Prime Minister, if there is a vacancy, the list of candidates would be many, since UMNO leaders are in the race to fulfill their political ambitions.

While the UMNO president's position will only face veteran politician, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or Ku Li, let be Datuk Seri Abdullah or Datuk Seri Najib trying to retain the position.

UMNO divisional elections will commence on October 9 while the general assembly will meet in March 2009 or earlier, December 2008.

But whatever the circumstances, UMNO elections has heated up and once the decision is know, it is expected to be immense.

photos courtesy of Agendadaily

PM DATUK SERI ABDULLAH TO DECIDE IN 2 DAYS

It was widely reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will decide in 2 days time whether he will contest for the UMNO presidency or vacate his position. Datuk Seri Abdullah informed while he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, after meeting the international advisory panel members for Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation that he will brief Barisan Nasional leaders at a BN Supreme Council meeting scheduled on Wednesday.

Will PM Datuk Seri Abdullah vacate his 'powerful' position under the current pressure when his duties and agenda are still unaccomplished?

It is anticipated that his deputy, DPM Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak would succeed him if he resigns.

But there are rumours that Datuk Seri Abdullah would contest the presidency.

news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

RPK AT PJ SESSIONS COURT ON SEDITION CHARGES

It was reported that Raja Petra Kamaruddin or RPK, the purported editor of MalaysiaToday, who is currently serving a 2 year ISA detention at Kamunting had appeared at 8.25am today at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court to face charges of Sedition over the article published in MalaysiaToday entitled 'Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell' which is alleged to have contained nine paragraphs of seditious words. RPK was formally charged on May 6, 2008.

The Court was informed that he had committed the said offence at his home at Jalan BRP 5/5 in Bukit Rahman Putra in Sungai Buloh on April 25 and if convicted, he can be fined a maximum of RM5,000 or jailed up to three years or both under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act.

The trial commenced with its first witness Harme Mohamed, an information technology expert from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, who informed the court about websites and how they operate.

It was also reported that a crowd of more than 60 supporters wearing T-shirts bearing 'release RPK and Abolish ISA' were at the compound of the Court as early as 8am. Among the crowd were his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, Lim Kit Siang and other Opposition politicians and bloggers.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini n the STAR, while photo courtesy of theSTAR

RAJA PETRA'S SEDITION TRIAL STARTS TOMORROW

RPK or Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who is currently under detention at Kamunting under ISA will be made available at Petaling Jaya Sessions Court tomorrow morning for the commencement of his Sedition trial in relation to 'sensitive' articles published in MalaysiaToday.

news n photo courtesy of MalaysiaToday

HOW MALAYSIANS WERE CONNED BY PAH LAH & NAJIB?

The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that he and his deputy Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak were swapping ministerial positions, Datuk Seri Abdullah taking over the Defense Minister while Datuk Seri Najib taking the Finance Minister 1.

Least Malaysians realise that the Ministry of Defense is currently undergoing negotiations with Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd for its RMAF’s Nuri replacement programme.

To the surprise of many, Defense Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi informed that the Ministry had already sent Eurocopter a Letter of Intent (LOI). When asked why Eurocopter was selected, Datuk Seri Abdullah informed that his Ministry would have “considered all the necessary specifications in the helicopters” before making a decision, but declined to elaborate further.

But what Datuk Seri Abdullah failed to disclose Malaysians was that, Kamaluddin Abdullah, the son of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah is the 'secret agent' for Eurocopter while Kamaluddin is trying to win the bid to lease helicopter to Police DiRaja Malaysia too.

The Eurocopter deal will mean Kamaluddin will get RM250 Million a year for the next 30 years but to finalise this deal, Datuk Seri Abdullah would need at least another 3 months.

It was further reported that Rosmah paid PM Datuk Seri Abdullah RM200 million from the commission of the submarine deal where Mongolian beauty, Altantunya Shariibuu, who was murdered by C4 was involved. But however, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denies he ever received RM200 Million from the total of half a billion Ringgit commission that were allegedly Razak Baginda received from the submarine deal.

In another report it was revealed that the 'missing' private investigator P Balasubramaniam, who had retracted suddenly his Statutory Declaration which implicated that Datuk Seri Najib knew and had an intimate affair with her and that Rosmah was also present during the place of murder where C4 was used, was met by Rosmah in the British Isle few days after the private eye went missing and paid Bala RM5 Million. To check the reliability of this fact, Malaysians in certain places can check on the validity of the timing to ensure that Rosmah was actually somewhere in the British Isle during the few days after the disappearance of Mr. Bala. Bala and his family are currently seeking Indian citizenships to avoid problems.

If these information could be confirmed to be true then we, Malaysians have been really conned and lied by these two top leaders - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

news and information obtained from Kickdefella (with courtesy)

J B JEYARETNAM - A TEARY FAREWELL

J.B. Jeyaretnam, or JBJ as he is well-known, aged 82, passed away of a heart failure on September 30 held his funeral service at St Andrews's Cathedral today was attended by more than 600 family, friends, relatives, opposition politicians and activists.

JBJ was well known in Singapore as a strong Opposition member even when the ruling government had tried their level best to incapacitate him with lawsuits and bankruptcy.

The will to serve Singaporeans kept him until his dying days. A great Statesman who Singaporeans will never forget.

JBJ was a first class honours law degree holder from Cambridge University and was married to Margaret Walker, a British while studying in London who also died in 1980 of cancer, a year before JBJ's parliamentary victory at Anson.

JBJ was cremated in Mandai and he leaves behind his two loving sons and four grandchildren.

news n photo courtesy of Singapore Straits Times

TAN SRI KOH TSU KOON - NEW GERAKAN PRESIDENT

It was announced that Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon was returned unopposed as GERAKAN President on the close of nominations today. Since the departure of Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik sometime in April 2007, Tan Sri Koh had been acting president.

However, the Deputy President is contested by first timers between Perak GERAKAN chief Chang Ko Youn and Federal Territories GERAKAN Youth chief Mah Woei Chyi.

For the three elected Vice Presidents position, it is expected to have a 10 -way battle including the current two incumbents Dr S Vijayaratnam and Dr Teng Hock Nam both defending their respective post while another incumbent and front runner, Mah Siew Keong is also defending his post. After the last party elections, he was appointed to the post by virtue of his position as Youth chief.

According to its Rules, the party president can appoint up to five vice-presidents.

The remaining seven nominations are outspoken former youth vice chief, S Paranjothy, Huan Cheng Guan, Dr Asharuddin Ahmad, G Parameswaran, Robin Loh Hoon Lai, Dr Lim Thuan Seng and Lum Weng Keong.

Party polls is on October 11.

Forty members are also vying for 18 elected positions in the party’s central committee.

GERAKAN has been in recent months in the fore-front since certain BN leaders especially from UMNO had undermined its president and its party. GERAKAN would also have to evaluate its partnership with BN since many of its members have express disappointment with the way BN is administered.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

WHAT WILL DATUK SERI ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI DECIDE ON OCT 9

Various speculations are been made as to the anticipated decision that Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is going to decide on 9 October 2008, the deadline set by him on this matter.

Will he seek re-election as UMNO President or will he decide to call it quits, are the questions in every Malaysian, especially UMNO leaders mind.

Datuk Seri Abdullah has been facing various issues of no confidence call by a BN component party, resign call by the former premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, quit by year end ultimatum from his own top UMNO leaders, and many more.

The greatest regret ever encountered by Datuk Seri Abdullah is the disastrous defeat in the March 8 general elections which saw the Opposition for the first time securing 5 States under their rule and capturing a third of the seats in parliament.

Various reasons have been given for this disastrous defeat,to name a few namely, uncaring, incompetency and weak administration.

Initially, Datuk Seri Abdullah had announced that he will hand-over power to his deputy sometime in 2010 but of late, there have been many criticisms levelled against this decision.

Further more, every effort to restore public confidence in his administration has also failed.

Most UMNOputras claim that to avoid a severe embarrassment in the nomination process, it would be best for Datuk Seri Abdullah to quit by October 9.

Will Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi QUIT?

MYKAD ISSUE IN SABAH - A UMNO CREATION

Once again Sabahans are faced by illegals obtaining MyKad through illegal and dubious means but made legal by the ruling UMNO leaders just to obtain their undivided votes at general elections.

Recently, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), once a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional government had exposed that a citizen had lost her citizenship rights and the National Registration Department (NRD), a federal government control body, had denied her the citizenship rights as per the Malaysian Constitution.

With this current exposure, it is expected that there may be many more others who are faced by the same dilemma, but do not have the right channel to voice their plight since Sabah is still considered under-developed.

A native senior citizen, Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin, 78, who had lost her MyKad to a pick-pocket on Febuary 12 last year at a supermarket in Penampang Baru, an outlying region of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah had lost her citizenship rights as provided by the Malaysian Constitution and to the surprise of everyone was replaced with a red permanent resident card by the NRD.

Since she is not an UMNO member, her plights had fallen in deaf ears by the ruling government.

Sabahans have been expressing their disappointment that a Royal Commission of Inquiry need to be established to investigate this 'UMNO made scandal' before the issue gets out of hand.

It is revealed that many Sabah BN component parties except UMNO have expressed their displeasure on the way this critical issue had been handle and if this issue is not addressed accordingly and immediately, the Sabah BN component parties may follow the footsteps of SAPP, which will be very detrimental to the ruling government to remain in power.

Will the ruling government dominated by UMNO do something?

ANTI-ISA ACTIVIST STORM PRIME MINISTER'S HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

The 'free RPK and abolish ISA movement and Hindraf supporters were seen at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at PWTC this afternoon.

The Prime Minister greeted them with a smile but hindraf supporters were disappointed that a huge greeting cards for PM was damaged by police.

Hindraf group was led by Waythamoorthy's wife, K Shanti and daughter,W Vwaishhnnavi. The wife handed a teddy bear to PM, while seeking the release of the 5 Hindraf detainees and not to arrested her self exile husband if he returns from United Kingdom under ISA.

It was further reported that PM is expected to brief BN leaders on his transition plans after Hari Raya since there were reports that certain component leaders had expressed disappointment that they were not made aware of this 'surprise' transition plans.

The Open House hosted by the PM was well received by the rakyat and on many occasion the PM was seen always 'smiling'.

news n photos courtesy of Malaysiakini

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

from:

MOHD KAMAL ABDULLAH

photo courtesy of Agendadaily