Malaysia a.k.a Zimbabwe???

How we shudder to think how low we have become!!!!! Fighter engines lost, National Annual Budget almost thrown out, non attendance during crucial vote by parliamentarians, money siphoned out of the country to personal bank accounts overseas or just for jollies while abroad and so so much more!!!! Indeed Malaysians such as myself are now more matured and more 'connected' via the world wide web. All these improprieties were an open secret before, talked about in coffee shops and social gatherings. (No wonder the authorities have now banned innocent parties at homes and teh tarik sessions at kopitiams or kedai mamaks!!! Lest you run the risk of getting arrested!!!) However with the web we begin to know more and more, slowly but surely the cracks and breaks are beginning to show. There isn't a need now to gather and talk about these improprieties, we have the web, we can talk and discuss it without having the fear of being physically abused (still run the risk of being arrested though but so be it!!!)
The country is spiraling down to depths never before imagined possible. Once we were even called as one of the Asian Tigers but now look at us?? Where are we now?? Leaders now compare us to countries like Vietnam and Cambodia for goodness sakes!!! Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have progressed by leaps and bounds for example economically. While we in Malaysia sadly lag behind.
Is Malaysia becoming another failed state like Zimbabwe??? Are we going to end up like Nigeria?? Both countries rich with naturally resources however the ruling elite in both countries are robbing it's citizens blindly!!!! Without an iota of guilt leaders in both countries enrich themselves. Are our current leaders doing the same?? As I said it was an open secret before but not anymore, we Malaysians are now screaming and demanding for JUSTICE!!! True we have not come to those dangerous low levels yet but one can clearly see we are heading that way for sure!!! I have seen it with my own eyes, I have experienced it myself being in Nigeria for a couple of months working. I can tell you now my fellow Malaysians we don't ever want to live in such conditions.
Yes, things are still bearable now, we can still eke out a living, support our families and save for the future of our children. However if we continue to turn a blind eye to whats happening to the country presently, continue to say to ourselves 'what can we do?' We only have ourselves to blame if we end up like Zimbabwe or Nigeria or any other failed state in the world today. We must and have to continue to hound our present leaders for accountability and justice. Individually, sure we count for nothing. But collectively we can change, we can make a difference. In the end it's up to us the Citizens of Malaysia (responsible citizens that is) to form our own destiny. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

Parliamentarians or Just Mere Blood Suckers???

Once again the BN Parliamentarians have shown and exhibited their sheer arrogance, ignorance and contempt to the rakyat who have put them in the August House as their representatives!!!! Let this be a lesson to all Malaysians on who we actually choose to represent us in Parliament. True the opposition attendance was at 78% but this is due to several members being barred from attending. However non of the BN representatives have been barred and still their attendance only stands at 50%. What happened to the other 50% one begins to wonder?? Taking things for granted is the only logical explanation to this fiasco!!! Even Najib himself has to be accounted for this embarrassment. Is it not his budget?? How could he be attending a social dinner when HIS OWN BUDGET IS BEIND DEBATED AND VOTED????? This goes to show that Najib himself is not serious with his own budget!!!! Open your eyes my fellow Malaysians!!! Is it not clear that where these BN representatives stand or what they represent and what they stand for???
On another note, the speaker of the Dewan is supposed to be impartial or non-partisan. To openly come up with a statement that the opposition had behaved in an ungentlemanly manner in trying to beat the bill without the presence of the BN Parliamentarians is uncalled for!!! It is their responsibility to be present on such at important bill to be passed being the budget of the country no less. Again we are confronted and faced with an open fact that the Speaker is indeed biased, he himself should 'cermin diri' before making any statements. Impartiality is PARAMOUNT if one is the Speaker of the Dewan, he holds court to ensure impartiality and fairness among parliamentarians.
It is so unfortunate for us as Malaysians as we can all see that impartiality and fairness is far from present be it within the August House or even the Main Stream Media. Little or nothing has been mentioned on the follies or shortcomings of the Barisan Government, however every little thing regarding the opposition is broadcasted far and wide, and this without the opposition being allowed to defend themselves. How long are we expected to swallow this nonsense as Malaysians on Allah Ta'ala knows!! May Allah save us all!!!!!

Bahasa Malaysia??? English??? Mandarin???

Is the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on talking terms???? One says Bahasa Malaysia is supreme while the other says we should diversify and learn Mandarin no less!!! Both are sending confusing signals to the general public with their statements. I might add that these are the top two leaders of our country???? sheesh!!!! Are they not talking to each other??? Shouldn't their statements as the top two people in Malaysia be at least along the same lines or school of thought??? The Prime Minister is advocating that we should learn Mandarin to better understand the diversity of our own country, crowing about Malaysia having the most Chinese Independent Schools outside China. While on the other hand we have our Deputy Prime Minister who also happens to be the Education Minister saying that Bahasa Malaysia is supreme!!!!
Lets first talk about the standard of English. The level or standard of English in Malaysia has dropped dramatically, I know this for a fact as I used to monitor junior officers in the navy attending their diploma courses at UTM Skudai, Believe it or not 95% of them couldn't even string a complete sentence in proper English!!! These are the officers who are now in middle management in the Royal Malaysian Navy. Papers which they were required to write were more like gibberish. I used to stay up late helping as many of them as I could with their reports, papers and course work. Most of them have obtained their respective diplomas but I just wonder how they attained their diplomas with such poor standard of English!!! Some may say that I'm only an SPM holder so who am I to comment or even worse condemn diploma holders. Well to each is own and this is just my opinion.
Bahasa Malaysia is indeed important as it reflects our country. We are after all called Malaysians. Having a good command of Bahasa Malaysia is also very important more so now with the current turn of events (ie. an affidavit being thrown out for being in English in one of Anwar Ibrahim's many court cases). Fair play Bahasa Malaysia must and should be given attention in schools but not at the expense of forsaking English or Mandarin or even Tamil for that matter. I am one of those who fully support the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (pretty obvious now). Maths and Science being taught in is so much easier to understand as the terminologies are precise and to the point. Having the ability to speak,read and write both in Bahasa Malaysia and English is a great advantage. Just ask anyone of many Malaysians working or earning a living overseas (like myself). Some Englishmen even admit that I am able to speak better and proper English compared to themselves. I for one have benefitted both professionally and financially being able to speak and write good English. Why are we denying this to our very own children??? They are the future of this country are they not??? Would we want them to resent us for denying them the ability to speak and write good English, Mandarin or even Tamil just because political pressure, political popularity and political relevance is more important???
In as far as Mandarin is concerned, even the Prime Minister has admitted that his own son is learning Mandarin. His son is learning Mandarin in Georgetown University no less, Georgetown is one of the most prestigious Universities in the United States located in Washington DC. Realizing the the emergence of China as a global economic force it only makes sense for us in Malaysia to consider Mandarin or Tamil/Hindi as a third language. India is not far behind compared to China so is it not prudent to have a second if not a third language as well??? Why oh why aren't our leaders thinking of the future??
One just hopes that the Prime Minister in saying or advocating that Mandarin is important is not just mere talk. Saying it just because he was in the presence of a chinese audience (at the Chong Hwa 95th Anniversary Dinner last night). To both leaders of the country (PM and DPM) do talk to each other and come to an understanding and implement something worthwhile for once. For the sake of our children and for the sake of the future of Malaysia

Closet Racist

I am so touched and angry after reading what RPK has written in his latest posting. I face these same Malaysians day in and day out. Yes, CLOSET RACISTS!!! They are the ones who shout and scream when things don't go their way or decisions are made against them. All the time using race and or religion as their basis of argument. I myself am a chinese muslim. I converted 15 years ago and consequently married my wife 14 years ago. I converted on my own free will with not much objection from my family, although my late father was a little disappointed in me. I had to prove to him most of all that I converted not only to get married but it was what I wanted to do and it was because I wanted to live the rest of my life the muslim way. I achieved what I set out to do through the way I lived my life. Never did I disrespected my father in any way till his last breath. I still dream of him smiling at me which to me is a sign.
As for these closet racists shouting and screaming when things don't go their way all I can say is grow up!!! It's people like RPK who truly want to see 1 Malaysia where race and religion is not a factor. I have served my country in the navy for 16 years of my life as an officer, never have I favoured anyone based on race but on merit. I had to leave as I was being personally persecuted by senior officers who didn't like me for firstly being Chinese (although a muslim) and because I was doing my job well. Mind you the the decision to leave was of my own free will, no one forced me to do it. I decided to do it myself and Alhamdullilah I am better for it. Working now in a foreign land with a foreign company run by foreigners. My work is appreciated and I am paid very well.
We Malaysians are at an important cross road. The road we take as a nation will determine where we will be in the next couple of years. Think and decide what we want for our children. I for one don't want my kids to face or go through what I myself went through. We have to decide, not PM,DPM or any ministers. We are their boss, they exist only because we put them there. Wake up Malaysia!!! Time to make a decision and be brave enough to stand by it. END TO RACISM IN MALAYSIA!!!! I make this call to all TRUE MALAYSIANS!!!!!

Zambry - Grow Up for Goodness Sakes!!!

The political impasse has everyone confused not only in Perak but also the whole country. No one knows who the real Menteri Besar is. Everyone has their own opinion and reasons to back their stand. It is the courts now which has to determine who is the real and official Menteri Besar. It is the courts now which has to decide if His Royal Highness has erred in his decision to elect you Datuk Zambry. Under the constitution even His Royal Highness has to obey the rule of law. By saying this I am in no way disrespecting or dishonouring or disregarding His Royal Highness. In fact I have the highest respect for the royal institution in Malaysia being an ex naval officer who has served King and Country for 16 years of my life.
Your so called statement saying Nizar has no right to meet with His Royal Highness is not only wrong but just shows and indicates how IMMATURE, INSECURE and CHILDISH you are!!!! Every Malaysian has a right to meet with his Royal Highness!!! It is up to His Royal Highness himself to decide if he wishes to grant and audience with Nizar or anyone else for that matter!!! Who the bloody hell are you to say that he has no right????
True you have been conferred the title of Menteri Besar by His Royal Highness. I have my own opinions on that. However the title of Menteri Besar does not give you the right to say that Nizar can't REQUEST an audience!! I repeat REQUEST AN AUDIENCE!!!! You may have a Doctorate and a string of degrees, however your statement is devoid of maturity and understanding of the word REQUEST. I for one can only come to the conclusion that you are afraid and scared if the request is granted. Why are you fearful if you are in the right??? Why be worried if you know and truly believe you are indeed the TRUE MENTERI BESAR OF PERAK???
In my humble opinion a true statesman who is confident of his own position would simply say or state 'Nizar can, if he must request and audience, whether or not it is granted depends on His Royal Highness'. Your statement however just implies how dowright childish you are. Like a little kid who has wrestled away a toy and doesn't want to share!!! So for Fucks Sake GROW UP and be a leader. Grow up and think before you open your mouth. You are a Menteri Besar (or so you think) your responsibility not only lies in governing the state but also includes leading by example. If this is how you act and behave I have nothing but shame and disgust to have a leader such as yourself!!!!!

Where the buck stops - A. Kugan Torture

As a former Naval Officer in the Royal Malaysian Navy I truly believe that officers are responsible for the actions of their men and or chargers. Mind boggling, shock, unbelievable are just some of the words which come to mind when reading the second autopsy report. How could such a thing happen??? What hypocrites our leaders are more so in the police force. They shout and rave at the atrocities of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Subjecting suspects to torture is inhumane they say. Often just jumping on the bandwagon for publicity, popularity and support. Where are these UMNO/BN Youth Leaders when there is clear evidence that it's happening in our own backyard???? Why aren't they baying for blood???
Suspending and relocating the police personnel involved IS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! Heads have to roll for this!! Responsibility lies with the officers not only at the police station but right to the top. To this day no comments have been made or no mention of any further actions taken albeit there have been statements that a decision will be made on the case at the end of the month??? Does it take that long when the evidence is clear and rock solid???
No need to get into details of the torture Kugan must have gone through prior to his death. WE have all read it. All we want to know now is what is going to be done!!! If the police still intend to 'pussyfoot' themselves out of this mess I for one will keep harping on what is to be done. I am nobody but I am a Malaysian Citizen!!! I will never let this lie!!! I will keep on writing till justice is done. I'm sure I won't be alone in voicing my discontent and dissapointment of PDRM. WHAT A SHAMEFULL DAY TO CALL OURSELVES MALAYSIANS!!!!

The new Zimbabwe - Malaysia

If you have never been to Africa don't fret, the climate here is similar to that of most countries in Africa (Zimbabwe and Nigeria). However what brings similarity between Malaysia and Zimbabwe or Nigeria is the political climate!! I have never set foot in Zimbabwe however I was in Nigeria. If we are not careful or continue to allow the current situation in our country to manifest and fester,rest assured WE WILL BECOME ANOTHER FAILED AFRICAN STATE the only difference is that we are in the Far East. Mugabe has successfully run a prosperous country to the ground. From a country who used to export food, Zimbabwe now is forced to import food to support it's own people. Nigeria is the 5th or 6th biggest oil exporter in the world, however one only needs to go down south to Port Harcourt in particular where one can witness how a nation's wealth in terms of natural resources is squandered and only benefit the rich and politically well connected. Even our palm oil industry has Nigeria to thank. The first seeds of our very own 'kelapa sawit' was imported from Nigeria.
Can we not learn from these failed states in order not to let it happen to ourselves?? Or are we just so proud and ignorant to think that we will never end up as such. Complacency is the mother of all failures!!! Our so called leaders continue to haggle and squabble for power when they fail to understand that their existence depends on us the electorate. Day in and day out we read and hear law suits being filed left right and centre. Why is it that no one has heard the pleas and cries of the electorate themselves one wonders??? Each and everyone seems to think they are right and everyone else is wrong.
Is it not the duty and responsibility of an 'ELECTED' Leader to listen to his constituents?? The police, judiciary and MACC seem only too keen to serve one particular party. So obvious and blatant are their actions where investigations and questioning Pakatan Rakyat party officials are swift and carried out without delay. However cases which involve UMNO/BN in particular these same authorities drag their feet. The case of A.Kugan is a perfect and glaring example when even after the damning 2nd autopsy report nothing seems to be getting done. I weep for the family of A.Kugan who only want to see justice done, but alas justice may not prevail. There are of course many other cases to mention but we all know that the end result is the same.
If we THE RAKYAT continue to allow this we only have ourselves to blame and no one else!!!!!

Allah or God works in mysterious ways

Allah or God depending on your religion and to whom you pray works in mysterious ways. I join the chorus of rakyat who are conveying their condolences to the immediate family members of the MP of Bukit Gantang YB Hj Roslan Shaharum. Semoga Allah mencucuri Rahmat ke atas roh Allahyarham.
BN/UMNO must be rueing their bad luck (karma maybe????), after dodging the bullet of a possible state wide election now they are now faced with a by-election in Perak. Everybody says its a referendum of the legitimacy of the BN government in Perak (well at least in blogsphere almost 99% seem to think so). I am one of that 99% I must say so myself. To a certain extent it will prove to be a back breaker to both BN/UMNO and PR. In other words the electorate in Bukit Gantang now holds the key to the State Government of Perak. The result may not change or alter the balance or shift the balance of power in the Perak State Government,however the result will certainly prove once and for all which party the rakyat really wants!!!! and trusts!!!!
Already calls are being made that Nizar and Zambry contest the seat in Bukit Gantang, indeed if Nizar does accept the challenge (which I think he will) Zambry on the other hands has all to gain and everything to lose. Will he risk putting his reputation at risk??? After all he only won his seat in Pangkor with a minimal 15 vote majority!!!! And that is where he was born and raised I might add. Being a educated man my guess is he will definitely not risk it. After all he already is the MB Of Perak. He will definitely not risk putting his reputation at the hands of the rakyat. Esspecially now when the tide is so against him (although the Main Stream Media seems to think and convey otherwise). Doesn't Allah or God work in mysterious ways??? :-)
The whole country isn't happy with what has happened in Perak. Quite a huge percentage does seem to think that Nizar is wrong to defy His Royal Highness but in his defiance the same huge percentage also doesn't agree to what His Royal Highness has decided. Whether or not it was within His Majesty's right to rule as such according to the letter of the law it is now evident that THE RAKYAT would have wanted the decision to be put in their hands. Aren't we living in a democratic country????
Now Perak is faced with a by-election which NO ONE CAN DODGE. The Election Commision does not have any choice what so ever but to hold elections within 60 days. As previously mentioned this by-election can be a back breaker to both BN/UMNO and PR. Who has more to lose?? Even the Royal Palace will definitely be keen to know if what has been decided was indeed for the good and welfare of the people of Perak. Now it is in the hands of the Rakyat, so much is at stake. For BN losing Bukit Gantang will be a slap in the face delivered at the hands of the rakyat. For PR losing will only mean that they have to buck up and forget about using the party hopping strategy. The right to rule does not belong to any one party. The right to determine who governs belongs to the people. We the rakyat decides not Najib, Anwar or any other politician.

CRIMINAL INCITEMENT FOR ALL TO SEE!!!!!

“If you see the illegal government coming, I order you as deputy Youth chief to do what is necessary,” he said.

Later, when pressed on what is “necessary” by reporters, Khairy said that as the Ipoh police chief had assured him that they would not allow the PR men to enter the premises, Umno Youth would stand down.

“I hold him to his promise. But if they are not able to deliver, then I cannot guarantee their actions due to their anger,” he said.

Statement from a youth leader?????

How can a youth leader said to be well educated issue such a statement??? Is this how a good leader leads his followers??? Well, in Bolehland I guess thats the standard of leaders that we have. How sad and disappointing. Shouldn't he instead be ensuring that his followers or members abstain from causing trouble and abiding by the law??? Instead we the peace loving members of the public are once again faced with the prospect of violence.

Sure he has the right to voice his opinions on the current standoff in Perak but to incite and order his followers to do what obviously is against the law cannot and should not be tolerated!!!! How can BN say or preach to the public that they are willing to change when statements like these are issued in public??? It is as if his youth wing is above the law and can do anything they like if they feel the police do not what they want or wish for. Where is his integrity??? Where is his sense of responsibility????

One can only say that yet again the integrity of the police will be put to the test. If they the police do practice double standards it will be there for all to see. We the peace loving rakyat in Malaysia are time and again fed with 'bullshit' from many leaders of the ruling government that no one is above the law. However saying and doing are two different things.

Political mileage is the only thing that comes to mind as we witness the non stop flow of statements of anger and hate being poured out by our 'so called leaders'. Jumping on the 'Derhaka kepada Raja Bandwagon' seems to be the current way to get oneself in the limelight.

If this is not considered CRIMINAL INCITEMENT FOR VIOLENCE then we the Rakyat of Malaysia do live in a police state!!!!

Fresh Elections, Make it so PR!!!!

Mulling and thinking about it won't change matters at hand. Swift and positive actions makes all the difference!!!! The past 10 months have shown that PR have been running the Perak State Government with dignity and honesty. Sure hiccups and problems have cropped up but that it inherent in any organisation. So long as these problems are sorted out amicably which I truly beleive have been anyway. 10 months is too short a duration to gauge the performance of the PR coalation. Hell we gave BN 50 years and look where we are now???? What is a mere 10 months compared to 50 years???
The only way to sort out the current problem is to dissolve the State Legislature and seek a new mandate from the Rakyat. Once and for all THE RAKYAT DECIDES!!!! Not political parties and certainly not individual politicians either from PR or BN. Time and again I for one have always insisted that we select our representitives and their existence is purely in the hands of THE RAKYAT who elected them not vice versa!!!! That is TRUE DEMOCRACY, however this is not what we are witnessing now.
We, the rakyat insist and demand fairness and equality from our elected representitives. These elected representitives need to get their priorities right. The country is faced with an economic crisis which will noly get worse in time to come. However what we see and read in any media now is personal battles being fought among individuals and political parties. Meanwhile Joe Blog on the street is wondering where the next pay check is coming from. All over the country the rakyat is facing retrenchments and loss of income. Yet nothing is done to aliviate these problems. Sure, announcements have been made about stimulus packages but where is it being channeled to one wonders??? Has the government detailed how it is being spent or who benefits from these stimulus packages?? Is it not the government's responsibility to detail how THE RAKYAT'S MONEY IS BEING SPENT?????
Back to the topic at hand, this fiasco needs to be nipped in the bud and sorted out IMMIDEATLY!!! Disolve the State Legislature and let us THE RAKYAT decide who we want to represent us!!! The current economic crisis needs to be tackled immediately. I am sure I speak for many Perakians and Malaysians in saying that all we want is our future and our childrens future to be secure. However in current circumstances where we see is nothing but power hungry politicians jostling for positions of power with little regard for THE RAKYAT who put them there anyway!!!
I personally urge Yang Berhormat Menteri Besar Perak to seek an audience with His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak to obtain his blessings for the dissolution of the Perak State Legislature paving the way for a State wide election. Only then can our elected representitives tackle the problems at hand.

Greed,Selfishness & Self Preservation

The drama continues in Perak with the announcement by the Election Commission that there will be no by-election for Behrang and Changkat Jering. One can only watch in disbelief with what is happening and going 0n Perak. Again at the centre of this whole fiasco are the two Assemblymen from Behrang and Changkat Jering. Much hinges on what they decide to do in the next few days. Lets consider the consequences of their impending actions:

a. Both decide to quit PKR - Automatically both are considered independents belonging to no political party.This does no good to BN/UMNO/Najib as it will give the opportunity for MB of Perak to dissolve the State Assembly and call for a snap election at state level. Remember MB of Perak has already been given consent and blessings by His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak for by-elections to be conducted if required. There is nothing stopping MB of Perak to ask for the dissolution of the State Assembly for a new mandate from the Rakyat.

b. Both decide to join UMNO - Their credibility which is now in question will be cemented and confirmed. Both can kiss their chance of being re-elected in the same constituents goodbye any chances of redemption will be all but gone as THE RAKYAT WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER!!!!! Furthermore both will be watched like a hawk and if their charges of corruption suddenly dissapears or court dates keep being postponed it will be confirmed to all and sundry that a deal was made and both succumed to greed,selfishness and self preservation. Here again this will be detrimental to UMNO/BN's reputation and will further alienate the electorate which it hopes to win back. Here again this option if taken gives MB of Perak the opportunity to request an audience with His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak requesting his blessings for the dissolution of the State Assembly.

c. Both stay with PKR - Damage has already been done, no point crying over spilt milk. Wether or not they were offered or enticed by UMNO/BN/Najib, both can still salvage some pride and honour by doing the right thing and serve respective constituents as best they can. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. They can put this behind and look ahead to serve their contituents as best they can. Gaining back the trust lost among Pakatan Comarades and The Rakyat will be a challenge but with honesty,hardwork and sincererity all will be fine.

These are 3 possible scenarios which I can think of. I am sure there are and could be more, however all 3 scenarios do not bode well for UMNO/BN/Najib. Support for Najib can be seen to be dwindling by the hour as his desperate attempts to lure PR Assemblymen in Perak continue to backfire (that is if its true he is in the midst of luring them). Both scenario A & B will force a state level snap election which he really wants to avoid. BN/UMNO/Najib knows they can't and won't win no matter how hard they try to gerrymander the election. The old school of thought of giving and promising goodies for votes and support is long gone (Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu by-elections are proof of this).

At the end of the day again we The Rakyat hold the key. BN/UMNO still fail to realise their existense depends on us and not vice versa. Until they learn to accept this fact BN/UMNO continue to dig their own graves.

Daulat Tuanku!!!!

If what is reported on Malaysian Insider is true our beloved Sultan Perak has once again proved that he has his rakyat at heart. By Elections it is for Behrang and Changkat Jering!!!! By the looks of things those two Assemblymen are caught between a rock and a hard place. Too bad for them for wanting or intending to barter a better deal with BN/UMNO. Losing their seats and banned for 5 years to boot!!! This is what they deserve for their selfishness and greed. They have no moral standing and despite their many efforts to say that they represent their constituents their actions proved otherwise. Dissapearing for 5 days without any word and making lame excuses of being sick is akin to a schoolboy trying to get out of being in trouble for playing hookie/truant.
The next thing for PR to do is to get it right this time. Which is to select the right candidate to stand for the forthcoming by-elections. Not withstanding the possibility of the by-elections being blocked by the courts this will most likely be the Waterloo for BN/UMNO/Najib. Time and again BN/UMNO/Najib underestimate the intelligence of the rakyat. BN/UMNO are still adamant in their ways of misusing the main stream media for their own benefits and interests. Lopsided/one sided reports are the norm day in and day out. One even wonders how the Anchormen/women can live with themselves delivering such one sided reports. BN/UMNO are so out of touch with the current electorate, they don't understand that most if not all voters have had some form of exposure overseas where reporting is fair. Where both the ruling and opposition parties are given equal opportunities to voice their differences. That is the real form of Freedom of the Press unlike here in Bolehland where the Main Stream Media is held at ransom or threatened of losing their licenses if they don't do as their told.
Anyway back to the by-elections. RPK has already pledged 30k, a person who commented on Malaysia Today has even promised to fast 2 weeks in order to pledge 100ringgit for a the PR warchest. My pledge to this worthy cause is 1 thousand ringgit. We the rakyat may not be able to match the mighty war chest of BN/UMNO but every little bit counts in order to realise our dream of a fair and just government not only for ourselves but for our children and granchildren. For too long we have been hoodwinked and taken for a ride by BN/UMNO who have been milking the vast richness of our nation to line their own pockets. Let it stop now. Lets all do our bit to further chip away the mosntrosity which is BN/UMNO.

CHECKMATE BN/UMNO!!!!!

The drama continues. Just when the speaker announces that letters of resignation have been faxed and received one of the missing PKR Assembymen emerges. Whats more he even denies speculation of defection to BN/UMNO. Why the sudden emergence one wonders?? All I can say is that BN/UMNO/Najib have no choice but to let them go if at all they were kept under wraps by BN/UMNO. As in my previous posting mentioning that all bets are off and the gloves have come off BN/UMNO will never run the risk of contesting another by-election so soon after the KT Debacle. They know the mood on the ground, they know the rakyat is in the mood for change. The UMNO General Assembly is just too close for Najib to run the risk of losing another by-election. Pakatan Rakyat has check mated them once again!!!!
What would make matters worse if the Menteri Besar of Perak dissolves the Perak State Government with the blessings of His Majesty the Sultan of Perak. Najib with his intelligence sources will definitely tell him that BN/UMNO will be annihillated if a snap election at state level is conducted. Better to withdraw now and hold on to whatever is available or left than to run the risk of losing it all in Perak. Further to that losing big in Perak will only diminish whatever influence Najib has left in his own UMNO. The power struggle is not only centered in Perak mind you it is also has far reaching consequences for the UMNO warlords ie. Najib so close to the UMNO General Assembly.
Contesting a state level election would be equated to self destruction or suicide in political terms for Najib. Whats the point of getting two Assemblymen to defect and still not wrestle the state from Pakatan Rakyat?? The worse case scenario for UMNO/BN is if the Perak State Government is dissolved paving the way for a state level election the spectre of losing what he has now is much to great for BN/UMNO to comprehend more so Najib and his bretheren. BN/UMNO have no choice but to BACK OFF.
Still, matters are not really settled! Rumours are strife with the absence of 3 UMNO Assemblymen not attending a briefing with Najib. If this is true the possibility of a further 3 defections would hurt Najib badly more so when he has just assumed Tajol Rosli's position as Head of UMNO in Perak. So the drama will indeed continue and there will be more surprises I'm sure. Lets just sit back and enjoy the show as it has only just begun!!!!!

Rebranding??? Paradigm Shift???

Barisan Nasional and UMNO REBRANDING???? PARADIGM SHIFT???? Yeah right!!!! With what is happening now it doesn't look like anything has changed or ever will. Desperation, power,position and money is all that matters to Barisan Nasional and UMNO at the moment. Losing Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu has just added salt to the wound of the General Elections concluded in March '08.
The last couple of days has indeed been a roller coaster ride for both UMNO/Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat. Crossovers and Missing Assemblymen fill cyberspace with all sorts of comments and theories. What does it mean to the men and women on the street?? How does this affect us the Rakyat?? Time and again we are taken as fools by the powers that be that is Barisan Nasional and UMNO. Time and again we are fed with lies and lopsided or one sided news in the main stream media. How can they say they are in the midst of Rebranding or going through a Paradigm Shift?? Do these people think we are that stupid???
First lets talk about the crossover. It is clear that Perak is in turmoil. The power struggle has long been on since the lost of Perak to Pakatan Rakyat. Wheelings and Dealings have been going on but to no avail (as far as BN/UMNO is concerned). However since the crossover by the Honourable Assemblyman from Bota all bets are off. There is a no holds barred bare knuckle fight going on as you read this. WIN AT ALL COST is the Battle Cry from BN/UMNO!! They can't afford another state or parliamentary seat to be lost to Pakatan Rakyat. Hence the dissapearence of 2 Pakatan Rakyat Assemblymen. Whether or not they chose to stay or leave is anyone's guess. People like you and me can only wait and see. If is does happen nothing changes, Pakatan still holds on to Perak albeit by only 1 state seat. Be it as it may I speak for myself in saying that if these 2 crossover to BN/UMNO then there should be a snap state election!!! Let the rakyat choose who is to govern Perak. Let us be the judge as to who should represent us. After all it is our money that they are spending, it is us the Rakyat that they are representing. Their existence is determined by us The Rakyat!!!! Not vice versa!!!! Until BN/UMNO accept or realise this they are only signing their death certificate!!!
Secondly, I was so shocked to read that Datuk Zahid Hamidi announced that 300k will be channeled to each and every UMNO state assemblyman as soon as possible with an added promise of 1 millon in the form of projects. ONLY TO UMNO ASSEMBLYMEN!!!!! This coming from the Federal Government!!!!! If this isn't daylight bribery I don't know what is??? The Federal Government persists in it's efforts to make fools of us The Rakyat. What Rebranding or Paradigm Shift are they talking about??? Should it not be that this infusion of money be directly channeled to the State Government??? Yeah, I understand Perak is governed by Pakatan and not BN, however at the end of the day is it not the people of Perak who should be benifitting not just only areas where the Assemblymen of UMNO represent???? How on earth can BN say they are rebranding or changing for that matter when they blantantly flaunt that only UMNO/BN areas will get support from the Federal Government no less!!!! OUR MONEY!!!! Yet again they the BN Government chooses not to take care of all Malaysians but only people who support them!!! What utter bullshit!! The money should be channneled to the Perak State Government, not only to the UMNO State Assemblymen. If however the Perak State Government doesn't disburse it fairly and squarely as they should only then those idiots in the Federal Government have something to stand on to say that Pakatan is not doing the right thing. Then again I guess it's just too hard for the BN Federal Government to give money to a Opposition Held State.
So its people like you and me who suffer at the end of the day. The rakyat who are not in the UMNO held constituents. How on earth are we to beleive that BN/UMNO are Rebranding when they keep doing things like this. At the end of the day it's Power, Money and Postion which matters most to BN/UMNO. This is just testament to the fact. I am just a Malaysian nothing more nothing less, wanting good governance, fairness and equality for all. I don't see this happening if Malaysia continues to be governed by half wits from UMNO/BN.

Absence of a Credible Leader

Much has been said and analysed about the current political atmosphere, more so about UMNO's loss in the Kuala Terengganu by election just passed. I am an avid follower of political blogs and am unashamed to admit that I trust Malaysia-Today than any other form of media. I don't obviously read accept what is published on the other hand I would safely say I am one of the countless concerned Malaysians who hunger for the truth.
UMNO in it's present form is still very much relevant however it is the absence of a credible leader which is sadly missing. The current crop of leaders have too much political baggage and skeletons in their closets to ever gain the trust of the rakyat now or ever. No need to name names as we all know who they are. They speak volumes in terms of paradigm shifts and changes which needs to be made but all are nothing but much talk and not much more. We the rakyat have yet to see any credible change or paradigm shifts which has been promised.
Promises upon promises have been made but until something tangible is done men and women of all walks of life will never be able to trust what comes out of their mouths.
I belong to the 35 to 45 age group of the rakyat and we represent the bulk of the population of Malaysia. We are not blinded by empty promises or threats any longer. We understand and demand true democracy, equal opportunity, meritocracy, good governance and transparency in administration. No longer are we hoodwinked into beleiveing what is being published and broadcasted in the main stream media. It's an open secret how the upper echelon of government officials live. Living a lap of luxury with not an ounce of iorta of how the other half lives. All they are concerned about is feathering their own nests.
It is not a total revamp of policies that is needed but a total change or personality which is required URGENTLY!!!!!! However we will never see the light of day of such a thing happening as these individuals are addicted to power and money. They live and breathe power and money. They can't live without it. Thats how bad it is and it will only get worse.
So at the end of the day we the rakyat are stuck between a rock and a hard place as these people will never vacate their present positions for fear of losing power, money and most important of all fear of being prosecuted for all their sins to the rakyat (people like you and me). So long as these individuals use GLCs like their own piggy bank leeching every ringgit and sen from us, the rakyat. we the rakyat will suffer till the day they cease to exist. One wonders why GLC's like Petronas and Khazanah Nasional don't make their accounts public??? As GLCs, we the rakyat are also share holders to these companies and have every right to know what is the annual profit or loss!!!!! Unless of course there is something to hide.
There is no one in sight which can carry the responsibility of leading and managing the country to it's capabilities within UMNO or Barisan Nasional, unless of course these individuals are being held back due to lack of support or influence. Which is more than likely the case. Personally, and I speak for myself ofcourse the rakyat has no other choice but to give and lend our support to alternate parties such as PKR, PAS AND DAP to get us out of this rut. Who is to say that the alternative parties will not be the same as UMNO or Barisan Nasional?? We will never know until they are given the opportunity to govern and prove themselves. Up to this day the five states under the Pakatan Rakyat have proved to be doing well with some hiccups here and there. What would you expect from a flegdling government still coming to terms with governing the 5 states formerly under the Barisan Nasional. Mistakes are inherent to any organisation or government, however it is the ability to learn from mistakes made which makes the any organisation or government credible and trustworthy.
A statement from RPK saying that we Malaysians are indeed a patient lot is all but true. However it is the ABSENCE OF A CREDIBLE LEADER within UMNO and Barisan Nasional which makes level minded Malaysians such as myself to lend our support to Pakatan Rakyat.