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.

The Next Step

9 months have passed and all is well in the 5 states which have been wrestled away from BN. Pakatan Rakyat states have been managed pretty well thus far. However this is not the time to be complacent. There have been problems but I assume these problems are inherent to any new organisation. Changes in structural and financial management take time however changes which can be seen are evident and most of the outcry or rants are from supporters of BN who feel they have been left out. Which is not true considering what has been done. The only difference being they (BN) supporters or strongmen or should I say warlords don't have the final say in whatever they want to do in times past. It is however still very sad to see the Main Stream Media still nit picking and highlighting every possible mistake however miniscule it might seem just to hit out at the Pakatan Rakyat governed states. We all know this doesn't happen to any of the BN held states. Sooner or later BN will realise that we TRUE MALAYSIANS are wiser now than ever before. We want to see more transparency and good governance for the good of the nation and for the future of our children and grandchildren. No longer are we hoodwinked in to beleiving whatever is being fed to us by the Main Stream Media.
What is the next step then? In my humble and insignifican opinion Pakatan needs to strive and work harder than ever in the coming months if not years to come to form a solid foundation of good, honest and transparent managment in order to gain the trust of many more Malaysians. This will include the continued liberisation of PAS. I am a muslim convert and seeing the improvements made in terms of the beliefs in PAS has improved immensly. No longer can anyone say that PAS is hell bent on the implimentation of an islamic state here in Malaysia. Although I do believe some in PAS still want this to happen I am very sure others in PAS know very well it will never happen. Malaysia is a multi ethnic and multi religious country, our parents and grandparents have long taught us the values of respecting one another irrespective of race and religion. It is BN now who are still harping on religious and race issues as they still beleive we can be divided and ruled. Even in the times of Rassullah S.A.W religion is freedom of choice. To impose is not a 'true' teaching of islam. Islam is a way of life, I chose to be a muslim not because of marriage, I chose to be muslim because I beleived in the way of life of being a muslim. I still proudly and firmly profess that I am chinese but muslim by religion. I teach my children respect of other races and religions as we are humans.
The continued liberisation of PAS and good and honest governance is THE NEXT STEP!!!!!! I firmly beleive PAKATAN RAKYAT will achieve in goals in time to come. My only hope is that our trust in PAKATAN RAKYAT is not betrayed. Keep up the good work!!!!

Still Race Based!!!!

Confused is the general feeling I would say among the rakyat who pulled together to vote for change. Our votes certainly proved to be the telling factor in determining the unexpected results in the last General Elections. We wanted an end to race based politics, all we want is good governance and equality for all. Now more than ever we should be looking at merits not the color of our skin. I still don't understand why in the Barisan Rakyat held states there is still bickering and lobbying for fair representation in terms of race!!!!!! Should it not be based on merits and capabilities???
All three opposition parties which have finally closed ranks to deny BN a clean sweep. Their campaign was based on equality for all irrespective of race. Why now do we see bickering and haggling among themselves on who should get what position and the number??? Selangor is a prime example, how come everybody now is haggling that each party should have a fair representation in the state exco??? Maybe I'm naive in the study of political science, but I sincerely feel that the elected Menteri Besar of every Barisan Rakyat held state elect his state exco members based on merits and capabilities. Not based on which party he or she belongs to. Did they not campaign that if elected that everyone will be treated as Bangsa Malaysia and not as an individual race??? Did they not promise the wealth of our beloved Malaysia will be shared by all and not but a select group?
Sure, the electorate might to a certain degree question and ask for representation according to the party that he or she has voted for. However at the end of the day I sincerely feel if we the rakyat are not taken for a ride and are treated with respect and our worries addressed we would not complain or grumble.
The onus is on the Menteri Besar of each and every Barisan Rakyat held state to ensure the electorate that no one will be left out or left behind irrespective of who is elected to the state exco. This bickering and haggling has and must be stopped lest the Barisan Rakyat ends up like BN.
We the electorate on the 0ther hand must also trust the capability of the personality that we have voted for to bring about the change that we have long been denied. It is not an easy proposition to face but if we really want Bangsa Malaysia to be a reality we have to work towards it. Meaning our elected representatives MUST allay our fears and put an end to race based politics. We too must give them a chance to prove themselves. It is still much too early to be saying that they or no better than BN. They have barely started work.
On the other hand PKR/DAP/PAS must come to terms and respect each other. No one party would have been able to achieve this famous victory on it's own. In collaboration all three parties have achieved this victory. All I hope now is that this bickering and haggling about fair representation according to race/party stop and the focus on fulfilling their campaign promises be carried out as a combined entity.

Relevance of BN

It's a whole new world as far as Malaysia is concerned. For most people like me it is both scary and exciting. The prospect of a paradigm shift in Malaysian politics is long overdue. Race based politics is dying and more and more Malaysians are warming up to the idea of one nation one race, THE MALAYSIAN RACE (BANGSA MALAYSIA).

BN however is still harping on the same issues and are trying to stay relevant. UMNO,MCA and MIC are still in denial. It is really mind boggling that the top echelon of each component party still do not realize the main reason for their defeat.

What the electorate wants is good governance,fairness,equality,transparency,justice and peace. The idea of championing one particular group and or race is irrelevant. Representation by race is obsolete. The electorate has shown that it matters not if the individual is Malay,Chinese or Indian or from which party he or she is from. What matters is that he or she is able to champion the rights of all. Sure most would argue that the votes and victories garnered by BR were mostly protest votes but at the end of the day, protest or not it still represents the fact that the electorate has had enough. They want, in fact demand fairness and equality for all irrespective of race and religion.

Which brings up the question of the RELEVANCE OF BN. How are BN and her component parties are to stay relevant?? Surprisingly a smaller component partner (GERAKAN Perak) has raised the idea of an AMALGAMATION of BN and her component parties. Much like PKR which represents all races. Although some may argue that the percentage of malays is high in PKR it matters not. The fact remains PRK is still based as a multiracial party representing all races. Postmortems are well and good but to do it individually by each component party is of no use. It may yield results in answering why the electorate shunned UMNO,MCA,MIC and GERAKAN at the polls. Nonetheless if BN and her component parties do not collectively conduct a postmortem the end result will be the same which will be loss of support.

A two party system in Malaysian Politics is still a long way off. The fact remains however that WE as a nation have finally taken the first steps toward such a scenario. It is in fact a coming of age for the country, one which is overdue. With these first steps taken BN and her component parties need to EVOLVE and CHANGE with the times and not vice versa. Questions will be raised by the electorate on the relevance of BN and as such she will be no longer relevant in the next General Election.

Sour Grapes and Irresponsible Leaders

The General Election has come an d gone and now that the dust has somewhat settled we are beginning to see the true colours of the winners and losers. Heartiest congratulations to PAS/DAP/PKR, the rakyat have now given you the mandate in 5 states and KL. All you need to do now is walk the talk. Do remember who put you there and what it has taken for you to get there yourself. The promise of equality, fairness and good governance in which you have trumpeted throughout your campaign have given us, the rakyat, a semblance of hope that we are indeed 'Malaysia, Truly Asia'.

To the losers, I truly hope that this is an eye opener. It's high time BN take stock of where they stand and come to terms with the fact that they are now dealing with a new breed of electorate. An electorate which has grown and matured. An electorate which can think for themselves and which cannot be blinded by mere promises of luxury and money.

The last couple of days have seen BN leaders react irresponsibly, with statements which are both grossly racial and worse inciting racial disharmony. The protest which was held in Penang yesterday if proof enough that BN Leaders in Penang are spiteful, irresponsible and self serving. I pray and hope that they don't speak for all malays in Penang. The call for retracting all projects funded by the Federal Government in Penang solely because it is now run by DAP is so childish. Kudos to the former Chief Minister (Tan Sri Koh Soo Khoon) in saying that these projects should be carried out despite Penang being governed by DAP.

The onus is now on BN to prove that they are better managers and prove to the electorate that rejected them that they are more capable. Playing the racial card is both obsolete and selfish. I was shocked and disappointed when seasoned MCA/GERAKAN leaders such as Chua Jui Meng and Lim Keng Yaik came out with statements which were biased and racially inclined. We are a nation that is growing and maturing. Racial and religious statements are no longer well received nor accepted by the vast majority who want equal rights and justice for all under the Malaysian sun. We want to live in peace and harmony with all our brothers and sisters in Malaysia. We have proven it by the results of the just concluded general election.

Transparency,Accountability, Good Governance, Fairness and Equality is what we the rakyat demand. Nothing more,nothing less. If DAP/PKR/PAS are able to deliver, so be it. On the other hand if BN are of the impression that they too are able to deliver, the onus is on them to prove it. BN still holds a simple majority in Parliament. They are still in the position to prove that they are able to deliver what the rakyat demands.

However their leaders need to take responsibility in ensuring that race and religion is an issue which cannot and must not be used to further their ambitions. WE the rakyat are of course proud of our ancestry and diversity. It is what makes us as Rakyat Malaysian unique. While we are proud to say that we are Malay, Chinese, Indian,Kadazan, Iban,Dayak and so on we still call ourselves Malaysians. WE the rakyat don't want anybody to be marginalized. All we want is fairness and equality for all.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

Kudos to the people of Pakistan!!! We are seeing and have seen lots of changes around the world. Democracy in the true sense of the word has been proven to be alive and well. It started with Australia where John Howard was replaced. We then saw how Gordon Brown seeing how little support he had declined to call for an election after taking over from Tony Blair. Now the people of Pakistan have spoken loud and clear through the ballot box that Musharaf's days are numbered. In America Barrack Obama is slowly but surely pushing Hilary Clinton aside to be the Democratic representative in the upcoming US Presidential Election. It just goes to show that we the people, the rakyat have the power to determine who our leaders should be. We can do it, we should do it, WE MUST DO IT!!! For the sake of our children and future generations.
Time and time again we learn of the many discrepancies and corruption being practiced by the present government. True we get these news from the internet or alternative news sources. However when it comes with documented proof how can we not believe it's true. Corrupt officials blatantly show off how powerful they are and miss use their authority for their own benefit or for the benefit of their family, friends and cronies. In every corner of the country these 'insects' and 'leeches' are thriving at our expense. Who can we blame but ourselves for our lot in life now.
Publicly as well we see how the police have got their priorities wrong. Being used as an instrument by the powers that be for their own benefit. All this while the crime rate is as high as I've known it to be. It's happening before our very eyes but as individuals we are powerless. Collectively however we can determine our future. A better future not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren.
This is the most opportune time for us to make a change. The present government wants a new mandate. They need us to stay in power. Isn't it clear now we determine whether they live or die (politically speaking that is). We whine and complain they aren't doing enough to ensure our future but when it's time to determine who should lead us we still pick the same people over and over again. We the rakyat can blame no one but ourselves.
I for one have confidence in our ability to think as Malaysians. I have confidence that the rakyat now have a mind of their own and are a more enlightened lot thanks to the internet and various alternative news sources. No longer are we mislead by the powers that be akin to being led by a bull from the nose. Let us all act collectively. BERSIH has shown we can do act as one, despite all the roadblocks and water cannons more than 40,000 of us showed up to show the present government we want a change. This number would have swelled to over a 100,000 if not for the brutal attacks of our very own police force.
The time is now. Come March 8th I beg all reasonable and level headed Malaysian to choose wisely and tick the right box.

WE ARE THE BOSS!!!

Returning home has always brought a smile to my face. Due to my nature of work I travel very often from time to time. However this homecoming is rather sweet. To learn that Parliament is dissolved and that the General Elections is just a few weeks away brings a new hope for a new beginning. I had the same feeling 4 years ago, however it's so sad to see how things have deteriorated. Crimes rates are higher than I've ever known it to be, the economy is struggling despite the rosy picture being portrayed and worst of all race relations are at it's lowest ebb.
How things can change in such a short time is bewildering. More so when the change is for the worst and not for the better. Surfing the many blogs, the general feeling is the same. WE WANT CHANGE!!!. I couldn't agree more. Of course I do understand that no one is perfect, however taking into consideration the state of the nation our leaders have taken us nowhere!!! However it is up to us, the rakyat, to determine who represents us for the next term. Currently our leaders don't realize or should I say have forgotten that we are their boss, we are the ones who pay their salaries and they are the ones who should be working for us. Not the other way round. I know I am merely echoing the call for change which is being demanded by concerned and discerning Malaysians.
The need for change is ever more needed here and now. As I have said before, we the public are the BOSS. We determine who will lead us, we are the ones who determines our own future and the future of our children. Vote wisely and vote carefully is all I can say to my fellow citizens.