Friday, October 31, 2008

MORE QUESTIONS NEEDED IN THE ALTANTUYA CASE

So the verdict is out......Abd Razak Baginda is acquitted of abetting the murder of Altuntuya Shaariibuu in 2006 by the Shah Alam High Court today (Oct 31,2008).

And what about the other two UTK officers i.e. Azilah and Sirul? Their fate remains uncertain, and the court has directed them to enter their defence to the charge of murder. Should they be found guilty, their fate is sealed and only death by hanging awaits them.

But to the man on the street, there still remains many unanswered questions.

1.Who was the person that ordered the two UTK officers to murder Altuntuya? Many believe that the two would not have performed the murder without specific orders from someone. And who could that someone be? Why was there the need to murder Altuntuya if her presence here was merely to ask for her commission, purportedly promised by Abd Razak Baginda. To execute a murder would mean that there is something much 'larger' than just the commission. And obviously, the UTK officers would not just simply blow up Altuntuya for free. There must be big money involved in this job, and who is the paymaster? Even a butcher is paid a fee.
2.Who was the person that authorised the C4 explosives used to blow up Altuntuya? I do not believe the UTK officers could just walk into the store and pick up the C4. There must be someone responsible for it, and surely the explosives must have been kept in a safe at a protected place. Most probably in an ammunition dump, and getting out explosives from the ammunition dump will require authorisation, unless the UTK officers had the keys to the ammunition dump.

It was reported that the prosecution will recall several witnesses and including the Private Investigator Bala. And again, his disappearance after retracting his Statutory Declaration is a mystery. I could not believe that he can be let off without any surveillance from the authorities. And yet he is an important witness in the murder case. This does not sound right.

Let us not question the judgment made by the High Court, although some may argue that the judgment is flawed.

And as for Abd Razak Baginda, I wish him all the best. And my brotherly advice to him is not to look back to the agonising years in prison but to look forward, for there are still many wonderful days ahead for you to savour.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.07pm on Oct 31,2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

BAD EXAMPLE BY TOP CIVIL SERVANT

I just could not believe that the Finance Ministry Secretary General has the audacity to absent himself from attending the Public Account Committee (PAC) hearing on the purchase of the Eurocopter helicopter for the RMAF, and instead dispatched a subordinate officer to attend on his behalf. Because of this, the PAC had to defer the hearing to an alternative date.

Is the example shown by the Secretary General worthy of emulation? And can the PAC accept whatever excuse that the Secretary General has given without question?

Clearly, this is an example of a top civil servant of a government ministry who obviously does not understand his priorities. I believe he has been forewarn to attend the hearing that is of extreme public importance. And for him to ignore the call to attend the hearing is outrageous and smacks of arrogance.

Chairman of PAC, Azmi Khalid is partly to be blame as well. What had stopped him from summoning the Secretary General himself upon realising that the latter is absent? I am quite sure the Secretary General can be reached easily by his hand phone? And what is so important that the Secretary General cannot make himself available for the hearing?

I was in the military before, and I cannot imagine absenting myself from and important meeting where my presence is personally required. I can only be excused if I am sick, and with a medical report to proof.

Certainly, the Finance Ministry Secretary General has a lot to answer, and the example that he has set is certainly one that ought not to be followed.

INSTITUT JANTUNG NEGARA - CONGRATULATIONS

I was at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) this morning to undergo a blood test, and I observed that there are some positive changes that IJN is going through. I believe this has something to do with the on going expansion works to the IJN, that I suppose will see improved services and an increase in IJN’s capacity to handle the ever growing number of patients.

But what strikes me most the moment I arrived at the steps of IJN is the reception that I get from the reception staffs dressed in blue. They all gave me a broad welcoming smile, wished me and asked if I needed any assistance. This I thought is something unusual, for over the last ten years of being a regular visitor to the IJN, I have yet to received such a warm and generous welcome from the reception staffs.

The warm reception that I get did not end at the steps of the IJN. As I walked into the hospital, I was received by many more smiling faces by those dressed in blue. They offered me a seat, gave me free newspapers to read, and I know that I am not the only person to receive such warm treatment. Even the staffs manning the counters were all smiles.

For the warm treatment that I and many others received at the IJN by those dressed in blue this morning, I wish to congratulate the management of IJN for having trained the reception staffs so well, and hopefully the standards set by your reception staffs will serve as an example to other hospitals to emulate.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 2.20pm on Oct 30,2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

WILL UMNO SURVIVE THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS?

How often does one get to receive a birthday greeting message via email? As for me, having to receive one on Monday from a very old friend, is for the very first time. How on earth did he know my birth date and what makes him do it? I hardly meet him, not even once a year, but the thought of him sending me a birthday greeting message must have been for a very special reason, which I am yet to ask him.

Normally, my birthday is being remembered by my daughter who would then remind my wife to cook something special for dinner. Personally, I don't really care much about birthdays, because as a child, there was never an occasion where I got to celebrate my birthday.

However, the children today are more fortunate. Most parents, especially those living in urban areas would normally want to share their children's birthday with friends, neighbours and including the child's classmates. This is already becoming a trend nowadays, that I thought this is good for the development of our children's social upbringing.

My 11 year old grandson don't need to be reminded of his birth date. Instead, he will remind us of his birthday well ahead, for the simple reason that he wants to be sure that his birthday is properly organised and is well attended by his classmates and neighbours. He makes his own invitation cards, and that saves the mother some money from buying cards and stamps.

I watched the prime news on TV3 last night, and the PM's announcement to defer the purchase of the most controversial Eurocopter helicopters for the RMAF. This must have shocked some interested parties. And I am quite sure the RMAF will be disappointed too, as they will now have to continue to fly the aged Nuri helicopters, which has now been referred to as the 'flying coffin'. I doubt very much if any of our politicians would want to fly in it now, given its past 'reputation'. Let us hope nothing untoward will happen to the remaining helicopters until it is replaced....when....only the PM knows.

I was surprised that the PM had also mentioned the actual price for the purchase of the Eurocopter helicopters which was RM 1.4 billion and not RM 2.3 billion as widely reported. By stating this new figure, it gives rise to lots of speculation and varying perception by people who knows very little about the actual business transaction between the government and the agent of Eurocopter. It can be reasonably assumed that a price difference of almost RM 1 billion can conjure up lots of negative speculation and perception by the public. The government has to be blamed for this, as the deal itself is not transparent to the taxpayers. Had this issue not been raised in the media, I am quite sure the deal would have gone through, and there will be many smiling faces marching to the banks.

The talk of money politics in the ongoing UMNO divisional election and the nomination for top party post for the the up coming general assembly, has not withered; rather it has gotten worse. This sentiment is being voiced by the likes of Tengku Ahmad Rithueedeen and Dato Shahrir Samad, who are both senior UMNO members. Earlier, the same sentiment is also being mentioned by Musa Hitam and Tun Mahathir in his blog.

As at this morning, I have heard of a complaint by one UMNO division in the Federal Territory that there was indeed money politics in the election of its divisional chief. Members were said to have been paid some amount of money to vote for a certain candidate, and at the final count, the incumbent divisional chief who had every chance of retaining his post, eventually lost to his challenger. If this complaint is true, we can now expect to see larger amount of money being circulated by candidates during the up coming UMNO elections scheduled March 2009.

If there is no will by UMNO leaders to stop the scourge of money politics during the March UMNO elections, it will surely spell the demise of the party in the 13th General Elections scheduled in 2012.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.07pm on Oct 29,2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

OVERSEAS SPENDING – WHO REALLY CARES!

Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Abdul Hakim Borhan is reported to have spend RM 1.3 million of public fund for 11 overseas trips that he made since 2006. Can some one tell me how many hungry families can we feed with the amount spend by Abdul Hakim? And I just wonder whether Bandaraya benefits anything at all from the visit.

I personally view this spending as a blatant ignorance and refusal by a top civil servant to appreciate that the amount can be used for more beneficial purposes, and he certainly would not care less where the money is coming from.

I am quite sure Abdul Hakim did not make the trip overseas alone. Like all top government servants, an overseas trip will normally be accompanied by a junior officer or an assistant, and this adds to the overall costs. Sometimes the accompanying officer merely acts as an ADC to the boss, and to make sure that all the luggages are well packed before boarding the aircraft.

A few months ago, I was asked by a friend to accompany him to KLIA to receive a VVIP returning home from an overseas trip. Upon getting into the VIP arrival lounge, I could see that the room was already getting crowded, and at once I knew that the VVIP is a politician. Some who knew me was pleasantly surprised to see me in the crowd, but I had to tell them that I have nothing to do with the VVIP, but had come to accompany a friend.

When the VVIP appeared at the arrival lounge, I could see that he was accompanied by no less than half a dozen people, including a number of stern looking bodyguards that walked besides the VVIP. Suddenly, a group of people rushed towards to the VVIP, and the customary hand kissing started. I am quite sure the VVIP himself does not know all those that had kissed his hand that day, but I am told that a person need to kiss the hand of the VVIP more often, before he is finally known to the VVIP.What a strange thing to do for some desperate people, who wished only to be known to the VVIP.

And if Abdul Hakim had spend RM 1.3 million for the many trips he made since 2006, I just wonder how much was spend for this one trip that the VVIP made, including his entourage. Actually, if we were to ask anyone of them as to the amount they spend for the trip, the obvious answer will be 'I do not know', and this is simply because the money spend is not theirs.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.52 pm on Oct 27,2008

KHAIRY DEBATES MUKHRIZ?

It was reported that Khairy Jamaluddin has thrown a challenge to Mukhriz Mahathir to a public debate, with the former saying that ' the debate could be used as a platform for them to explain their vision, stand and plans that would be implemented if they were to win the post (UMNO Youth Chief)'. Mukhriz Mahathir however does not want to be drawn into a public debate with Khairy and other candidates vying for the UMNO chief post saying that 'this (UMNO elections) is like a family contest; therefore it is not necessary to draw external attention'.

I remembered that during the March 8 General Election, PKR's Badrul Hisham Shaharin who was Khairy's challenger for the Rembau parliamentary seat had also thrown a challenge to Khairy for a public debate, which the latter had conveniently refused. No reason was given, but I assumed Khairy had cold feet and must have read well the consequences, if he was judged to have lost the debate.

This time around, Khairy has developed enough courage to call Mukhriz for a debate, but for the wrong reason.

What is Khairy trying to achieve by calling for the debate? Is he already feeling the heat that his chances of winning through a popular vote is slipping? If it was him that had secured more nominations than Mukhriz, would he want to call for the debate? I sense that Khairy is not too comfortable with the nominations that he has received, which he thought could have been more. I am told that he has tremendous amount of resources and a well greased 'election machinery' that goes around the country to muster support for him. Obviously, the results of the nominations so far indicates the contrary.

And with the third candidate i.e. Khir Toyo joining the fry, this will further complicate the winning chances of Khairy, and he knows this. Khairy will need to draw new winning strategies, and a lost would certainly spell disaster to his political career, which he can ill afford.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.04pm on Oct 27,2008

Friday, October 24, 2008

AN EVENTFUL WOULD BE GATHERING OF RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS

Yesterday Oct 23,2008, I was invited to a meeting held at the Old Putra Association, Subang, that was attended by several retired officers of the Armed Forces who had undergone military cadet training at the Federation Military College (FMC) over various period from 1957 to 1966.

FMC which was established on 17th December 1953 at Port Dickson by the British administration, serves as an institution to train and prepare young Malayans regardless of race as commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, which was than predominantly Army. Besides being a source of recruitment for officers of the Armed Forces, FMC also serves to prepare young Malayans for entrance into higher institution of learning, to later become leaders in either the Public or Corporate Service. Hence, FMC's motto 'Serve to Lead' which holds good till this present day, is still relevant and highly appropriate.

Post independent Malaya saw the rapid growth of the Armed Forces to confront the challenges posed by the resurging communist menace that threatened the very core of the Malayan society. A new officers training complex had to be build, and it was in 1961 that finally witnessed the occupation of FMC to its new complex in Sg. Besi, Selangor. The renaming of FMC to Royal Military College (RMC) only occurred in December 1966.

The meeting that was called to session on Thursday 23, 2008, was aimed at organising, to bring together all those who were trained as cadet officers at FMC from 1957 to 1966 to a social gathering; not only to reminisce the past, but more importantly to 'rejuvenate' the espirit de corps that had kept the officers tightly together while in service. Someone remarked at the meeting 'that as we get older, we should endeavour to get even closer'. That remark sums up very well the spirit of the proposed gathering.

The meeting was chaired by Maj Gen Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (Retired) former Chief of Army Logistics, and those present include notables like Gen Tan Sri Abd Rahman Hamid (Retired), the first FMC graduate to attain the coveted post of Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Datuk Abd Kadir Nordin (Retired) a recipient of the gallantry award PGB, Laksda Dato Yaacob Daud (Retired) former Deputy Chief Royal Malaysian Navy, Maj Gen Datuk Baharudin Kadir (Retired) former Armed Forces Chief of Personnel Staff, Brig Gen Dato Mustafa Khalil (Retired) former Assistant Chief of Army Personnel, and several others.

The meeting had decided that the main event i.e.dinner be held at Raintree Club, Jalan Ampang on 19th December 2008 (Friday), to be preceded by golf a day before. It was also proposed that a Majlis Tahlil be held at Masjid Bukit Damansara on the evening of 18th December 2008 (Thursday).

The guest of honour dinner and golf will be DYMM Raja of Perlis who was a cadet officer at FMC in 1963, before proceeding to complete his officer training at RMC Sandhurst, UK. Attendance to the event will include spouses and it is expected that more than 300 guests will attend. The more the merrier I suppose..

The meeting had also called for the setting up of various organising sub committees to set into motion the preparation of the entire event.

Organising an event of this nature is certainly no easy mean, since the organising members are all retirees. It would have been different if all were still in service, where the resources to help organise such an event are plenty. But with the spirit shown by those attending the meeting, I do believe this up-coming event of Armed Forces retirees will be a successful one.

I wish not to forget to mentioned a special recognition to Lt Col Dato Nawawi Mat Desa (Retired) the Secretary, who in his unselfish ways has shown willingness and grit to get this event organised to the best of his ability. I have known him well enough to understand his penchant for work, which is indeed remarkable.


CURSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.46am Oct 24,2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

CORRUPT THE CORRUPTED

CORRUPTION is the much talked about word today, and I am sick of it. Not a single day passes without something being written in the mass media about corruption. Even senior politician Dato Seri Rais Yatim has openly claimed that UMNO is rampant with corruption, and a similar sentiment is being voiced recently by veteran politician and former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam.

If this is the view of the aforesaid reputable senior UMNO members themselves, clearly UMNO will sink, and will remain sunken deep in the belly of the ocean, if no serious step is taken to stamp this rot. I do not believe UMNO members care to heed the stern warning issued by the head of UMNO's disciplinary committee any more with regards to corruption during the election period. If the warning was heeded, certainly Dato Seri Rais Yatim would not have made such a statement.

And just look at some of the party members who have named themselves as candidates vying for a position in the party heirachy. We have one who was found guilty of money politics before and was served with a suspension. Another had a criminal record of trying to bring out undeclared amount of cash from a foreign country, and one is charged for sexual misconduct. We therefore have the likes of criminals, cheats and sex maniac in UMNO, and these are the people whom UMNO members feel fit to lead the party and bangsa Melayu. And as a Melayu, I am ashame and disgruntled, and don't the members feel the same as well?

Tun Dr. Mahathir had on several occasion sounded the warning for UMNO to be extremely careful in electing its leaders. If you elect RUBBISH, it is RUBBISH that not only UMNO will get, but that same RUBBISH will infect the whole country. Is this the sort of leaders that you want for our country and our future generation?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.34 pm on Oct 23,2008.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

VOICES OF DISSENT STILL BEING HEARD IN UMNO

As Pak Lah’s rein draws closer to an end, voices of dissent among top UMNO politicians gets bolder and louder. Pak Lah who is known for his elegance silence and has avoided serious controversies throughout his five year tenure as Prime Minister of Malaysia, has now joined the chorus in speaking out against those whom he claimed to have caused disarray and uncertainty in UMNO, over his plan for the transfer of power to his deputy in March 2009.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who has been seen to be leading the charge to get Pak Lah to hand over the party leadership originally in June 2010 and later in March 2009, is once again voicing dissent that the transfer of power should be brought forward to December 2008, i.e. the original date for the UMNO general assembly and elections.

Pak Lah’s recent outburst at what he sees as unwarranted statements by Tun Mahathir Mohamed whom he accused of meddling into the affairs of UMNO, and Muhyiddin Yassin’s persistent claims for a speedy transfer of power, has further alienated Pak Lah of support from senior minister Dato Seri Rais Yatim.

Rais Yatim had openly declared that there was nothing wrong for Tun Mahathir to comment on the on goings in UMNO, in particular with regards to the election of UMNO leaders in the upcoming party elections, even though Tun Mahathir is no longer an UMNO member; thus hitting Pak Lah hard below the belt.

Rais Yatim too has come out with a serious allegation that money politics is still rampant in the on going divisional party elections. He revealed that he too has been approached for contributions to secure delegates votes during the party elections in March 2009.

As of now, UMNO members has given Najib a clear run for the top UMNO post and a challenge from Tengku Razaleigh is fast fading. However, Najib is burdened by accusations of corruption, abuse of power and even murder which he and Rosmah vehemently denies.

More recently, a police report alleging Najib of corruption in the purchase of the Eurocopter, has been launched by PKR Badrul Hisham. I am quite sure there will be more allegation of corruption and abuse of power by Najib and the Ministry of Defence in the days to come. I have so often heard from businessman and contractors say that Ministry of Defence is where the money is, and with good network and contacts, contracts can come easy by a stroke of a pen. I suppose, this is the price that Najib has to pay for being a politician, and what more now that he is nearing the pinnacle of his political career.

Pak Lah’s, political career which comes to an end in March 2009, has another 5 months to wrap up all that he has pledge to do. He claims that he has a number of unfinished work to do, but will the 5 months available to him be sufficient to complete the unfinished work? What if he is not able to complete his work? Will he be requesting for additional ‘injury time’ and thus keeping Najib and Muhyiddin in a lurch? These are worrying questions to an uncertain future of UMNO.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 14.20pm on Oct 22,2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MCA - CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

The just concluded MCA Annual General Assembly saw a change of leadership in the party, that is set to shape the future of MCA, and in particular its role and contribution to the BN coalition, that had in the post March 8 general elections saw the party mired in controversies unprecedented in the history of the BN.

MCA, for better or for worse, have chosen YB Ong Tee Keat as its President and the controversial former minister Chua Sooi Lek as its Deputy President; the latter's surprised win is an indication that his past promiscuous sexual escapades is now forgiven, and that it is the party's interest that really matters.

I would add that MCA has shown itself to be tolerant of Chua's past, and that private and personal matters should not in anyway deprive a member of his/her opportunity to hold important post in the party. Chua had himself accepted full responsibility for his promiscuous act, and had graciously sought an apology from party members.

Ong and Chua certainly has challenging tasks ahead, to place the party back on track and to win members confidence that was badly battered during the last general elections. MCA like UMNO, has not only to think of wooing its members, but more importantly the community at large. Time is not in their favour, and any factional infighting within the party, though mild by UMNO standards, has to be resolved before the next general election scheduled in 2012.

Ong and Chua will also have to heed the concerns raised by MCA's outgoing President Ong Ka Teng in his speech at the General Asembly, which was attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

Ong Ka Teng's concerns hinges on the relationship of MCA with UMNO, which is perceived as one of unfairness and lack of consultation. He points out that UMNO had deliberately or otherwise, excluded MCA and other component parties from BN's decision making process, thus relegating the component parties to mere followers.

Ong Ka Teng further claims that under Abdullah Badawi's regime, the power sharing formula that has kept the component parties intact 'are just rhetorics', and UMNO leaders recently are fond of speaking louder than they normally would. I think the UMNO party election fever have infected them hard.

The issues raised by Ong Ka Teng and several more, are deemed of grievous concern to the viability of BN, and if Najib who is likely to be the next PM in March 2009 remains oblivious to these concerns, I see little hope of the BN emerging winners in the next general elections.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 6.59pm on Oct 19,2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

SINGAPORE’S SUCCESS – MALAYSIA’S FAILURE

A few days ago, I received an email of an article, purportedly written by a Malaysian bumiputra, that raised some of the reasons that have made Singapore highly successful, as compared to Malaysia. Upon reading the article, I note a lot of sense in the article, and it is for this reason that I wish to share with the readers the issues discussed, and for the readers to make their own judgment.

This article comes at a time when our leaders and politicians alike are in a quandary as to how to resolve the myriad of issues affecting the country today i.e. from party squabbles to economic, political and social woes that is likely to affect the country any time soon. The salient issues discussed in the article are as under:

Singapore’s success

1. Practises corrupt-free meritocracy and attracts the best brains of the country, as leaders.
2. Singapore’s politicians, and especially its cabinet ministers consists of incorruptible, dedicated and highly intelligent technocrats.
3. Any significant achievement in development comes without fanfare and self praise.
4. Actions taken by the government is targeted for the well being of the people, and is not meant to satisfy a few.
5. Instruments of government are not politicised. Politisation if any, is guided by national interest, and not self interest.
6. Able to eliminate corruption and lackadaisical attitude towards work.
7. Established correct priorities in its pursuit to achieve what is best for its people. Have the best universities in the region, excellent health care, sparkling clean environment and an efficient public transport system.

Malaysia’s failures

1. Malaysia’s affirmative action had only caused considerable brain drain.
2. Politicians too preoccupied with its ‘Melayuness’ and the illusory ‘Ketuanan Melayu’.
3. Engross in useless mega iconic projects that does not bring real social and economic development, and that has no direct benefit to the masses. The various ‘development corridors’ launched by the government recently are example.
4. Political parties embroiled themselves in racial politics and with UMNO’s paranoia at losing political power.
5. Wealth is distributed to a selected few. Cronyism and nepotism is obvious and rampant.
6. Corruption, the root of all evil, is prevalent right up the highest level of government. Recent arrest of high level government officials are cases in point. This includes recent allegation of corrupt practises by top level politicians and ministers.
7. Has one of the most unwieldy cabinet and the quality of parliamentary debates speaks of the level of intelligence of its parliamentarians.
8. UMNO’s vested interest only benefitted a few and not the whole nation. Political patronage is a norm if one is to be successful in securing government contracts.
9. Development projects are aimed at enriching cronies.


Readers may agree or disagree with the above, but the fact remains that we have been left behind by our neighbour in all aspects of our daily lives. The question now is, can our new leaders of the post Abdullah Badawi era make changes that can narrow the gap between us and our closest neighbour? To this, we all have to wait and see.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.15 am on Oct 18,2008

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

EUROCOPTER – A WHOPPING RM 1 BILLION IN PROFITS!

While the alternative media and including the blogs, is filled with stories relating to the ‘fouled’ purchase of the Eurocopter by the Ministry of Defence; the mainstream media chose to ignore the story, supposedly on grounds that it is too insignificant for the Malaysian taxpayers to have any knowledge of it.

The letter that was written by Capt Zahar Hashim (Retired), that first appeared in Malaysia Today and in several other blogs is stunning, and it lays bear the devious and cunning acts of person(s) in authority and power, to willfully cheat the government merely to satisfy their lust for money. Capt Zahar’s exposure of such devious and cunning acts by Mindef officials is brave, and should serve as a trend setter in our efforts to eradicate corruption at the highest level of government, whoever the person(s) may be.

If the previous allegation that the commission derived from the purchase of the French submarine was RM 500 million (or was it US 500 million), this time around, I suppose the Eurocopter deal would reap a commission exceeding the aforesaid amount. This is certainly good business, and little wonder, the Mindef Officer who was reported have issued the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of the Eurocopter was in such a hurry. Who actually is to gain by this hurried deal? Could it be the officer that signed the LOI, or could it be his superiors, or could it be some ministers?

There has already been too much of talk of corruption and dubious practice in the award of contracts by Mindef, and I wish not to dwell too much on this, for it has already become a ‘house-hold’ word among the many contractors that deals with Mindef. I have also been told by some contractor friends of mine that foreigners now gets ‘goose-flesh’ the moment they talk about doing business with Mindef.

And in the festivities and joyous mood surrounding the UMNO elections, nobody seemed to really care about what is happening to the country. 'The economy is doing well', they say, 'and that we have enough reserve to cushion the impact of a financial crunch'.

While Singapore, the most developed country in the region has declared itself to be in recession now, Malaysia on the other hand ‘is assured of the 5% growth and is on track’, say the new Minister of Finance.

Politicians can say anything they wished now, but they ought to remember that it is the people that has the final say.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.35pm on Oct 15,2008

Monday, October 13, 2008

TECHNICAL ERROR IN SUBMISSION OF ARTICLE

To all my readers, there is a technical error in the submission of my latest posting dated Oct 13,2008. The article is incomplete and kindly ingnore it. Regards.
Parliament is convened today Oct 13,2008, after a sort recess for the month of Ramadhan. It also marks the official admission of Anwar Ibrahim as an elected parliamentarian, after a absence of almost a decade, and to hear him speak as leader of the opposition for the very first time.

I was eagerly waiting to listen to the debate on the budget which was presented by the PM, Pak Lah who was then the Minister of Finance earlier before the month of Ramadhan. Unfortunately, the debate did not materialised, but rather it was 'hide and seek' game in search of the whereabouts of Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and other finance ministry officials. Their 'disappearance' from parliament on the very first sitting that was to debate the budget, is mind boggling.

I am now wondering whether these elected government parliamentarians are indeed serious to perform their obligations as the people's representative in parliament, or are they elected merely to seek positions in government, and once that is achieved, they play 'hide and seek' to the people that had voted them in.

The budget is an all important national issue to be debated, and it has become more important now in light of the troubling financial and economic crisis looming across the globe. Our country will not be spared of this looming crisis, but surprisingly, our leaders think otherwise. Read the recent statement made by our PM. who say that the country can weather the crisis because our

MORE REVEALING ARTICLES ON NAJIB

Three revealing articles aimed at discrediting the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Abd Razak has appeared in RPK's Malaysia Today. The articles are:

1. Abuse of power by the DPM - Saturday 11,2008
2. Eurocopter - Sunday 12,2008
3. Dosa dosa Najib semasa menjadi MB Pahang - Saturday 11,2008

And if one cares to browse through the internet these days, one will find endless articles written on Najib in the blogs. There appears to be systematic scheming to discredit Najib, at a critical time when he is at the verge of winning the presidency of UMNO.

But upon reading the above mentioned articles, one is consumed by the extend of details written, which seems to suggest Najib's implication over a myriad of issues, ranging from corruption, abuse of power and including his past sexual escapades. For those who do not know Najib, the contents of the three articles is enough to influence people into believing that has been written are true.

I do not wish to make comments on the three articles, but would leave it to all readers to make their own individual judgment. And let us all wait, what will be Najib's reaction to the three articles.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.05pm Oct 13,2008

Sunday, October 12, 2008

THE COVETED NUMBER 2 SPOT

Is UMNO scrapping the bottoms, was the response I get from friends who attended my Hari Raya gathering last night, to the news that the trio, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Dato Seri Ali Rustam and Dato Nur Jazlan are all vying for the No. 2 spot in the UMNO elections. One even said that UMNO has gone crazy, and I am also reminded of a cynical remark made by Tun Mahathir of the candidates for the No. 2 spot.

I am in no position to say anything of the candidates, but from what I gather, the trio does not seemed to have the credentials expected of being the second most powerful man in the government. Again, I am reminded of a poem by the Mufti of Perlis, Dr. Asri, implying the need for us to be extremely careful in selecting our leaders...by not selecting a thief for a robber (or something to that effect).

When I joined the military, the first thing that was drummed in us were the prerequisites of a good leader. But I am told that the prerequisites of a military leader is quite different from that of a national leader, especially ones that are upheld by UMNO politicians.

Integrity is one prerequisite that most military leaders would want to uphold dearly, but what can we say of this trio? Certainly, one of them is said to have bluff his way to escape arrest by the Australian police some years back. Do you think this guy has the integrity to become the country's number two leader? I will just spit at him if he does become the number two leader of my country.

Knowledge is another essential prerequisite. A military officer strives to learn as much as he can of his profession, because he is a teacher, leader and an example to his troops. A military officer must be seen to know more and better than his subordinates. He is being watched constantly, and never ever be caught for saying that 'I do not know', in the presence of his subordinates.

I have this unsettled feeling that the trio does not know what it takes to be the Deputy Prime Minister, or are they doing it in jest? Can one imagine the trio speaking and articulating in an international forum like the UN General Assembly, and without a prepared text please? Can one imagine the trio facing the BBC in the Hard Talk session, or an interview with Ritz Khan in Aljazeera? I am quite sure, spittles will appear out of their mouth.

I would like to seriously appeal to UMNO members to be more realistic in selecting their leaders for the number 2 spot, as the future of the country lies in their hands. Selecting leaders based on popularity, just because they have the correct 'resources' to please members, isn't right. Put on your thinking cap, and for goodness sake...THINK..THINK and THINK.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

MAT ZAIN HAMZAH - A NAME TO REMEMBER

Retired senior police officer, Mat Zain Ibrahim has come forward with some astounding revelation concerning the investigations on the 'Black Eye' incident of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. Mat Zain is the police officer who was empowered by the then IGP Rahim Noor to fully investigate the incident, that was to placed the latter himself to a short term sentence in jail.

The revelation is astounding because it puts to test the credibility of the judiciary, and in particular the Attorney General,Abd Ghani Patail who was then the Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor, and the police over the manner the investigation was administered and presented during the trial of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. However, Mat Zain did not specifically mentioned the roles of IGP Musa Hassan, who was then the police Senior Investigating Officer, in fabricating the investigation report made by Mat Zain. Hence, as of now, there is nothing to suggest that Musa Hassan is directly implicated.

We ought to congratulate Mat Zain for his bold and fearless action by revealing the truth for all to know. Any right minded person with the sense of conviction would have done the same, because why should one be protecting a liar and a schemer, who will bring shame and disrepute to the esteemed judiciary and attorney general's office. And hasn't the Malaysian judiciary been under severe criticism in the past, and made worse by the Lingham correct..correct..correct case?

But the lingering question still remains i.e. how many people would want to do what Mat Zain did, more so if they are still holding office? I am quite sure there are many who are privy to the scandals, thievery acts of corrupt officials within and outside the government, but are too timid and reluctant to come forward, for fear of reprisals from their superiors.

With Mat Zain's revelation too, Anwar Ibrahim's repeated accusation of 'corruption' in the judiciary,the police and of some politicians my have some truth. And this turn of event will most certainly emboldened Anwar.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.06am on Oct 10,2008

'UMNO MUST MAKE CHANGES TO STAY IN POWER' SAYS NAJIB

'UMNO must make changes to stay in power' says Najib (NST online 10 Oct 08). And I wonder how many in UMNO knows what the changes are going to be, and whether they are sincere and willing to accept changes. This will be Najib's greatest challenge when he is elected to the post of UMNO President, and subsequently becomes the PM.

In fact, Najib need not think of what the changes are going to be. My advice is for him to read what is already written for him by going to the blogs; one of which is found in the Star dated Thursday 9th 2008 titled '10 things UMNO must do' written by P. Gunasegaran, and the other, an article by Kadir Jasin who had listed some advices for Najib to heed. I do not know whether Najib is internet savvy, but I suggest he better do now. Merely reading and listening from the mainstream media (both print and electronic), or from his 'learned advisors', who ever they may be, will give Najib only a one sided perspective, and this for obvious reasons. And I wonder what will become of the mainstream media if PR does take over?

Najib must get cracking now, regardless of the outcome of the elections. He has to start exerting his 'authority', and to let the people in UMNO knows that the change of leadership is gradually taking shape. Najib should not be overly concern of what Pak Lah has to say anymore, because he (Najib) clearly has the support of the UMNO's leadership. This may sound hard on Pak Lah, but this the reality in politics, if indeed Najib is to honour what he has said, as I have reflected above, in the very first sentence to this article.

Najib must have realised by now that the people; I mean UMNO people, are beginning to surround him like vultures. This happens every time there is a change of leadership. But Najib must remain conscious and weary of their intentions and motives. Most, I am sure are around Najib merely to show their faces, with the hope of being recognised as a loyal supporter, and they will be shoving through the crowd just to get to kiss the hand of Najib. And I am quite sure by now, the many so called loyal servants of Pak Lah is beginning to fade away, and I am not surprised that there will only be a handful left to greet Pak Lah at the airport or during functions. Didn't Tun Mahathir once said that the moment he left office, the UMNO crowd that usually surrounds him begins to get less, and the hand kissing slowly ceases? This is loyalty, by UMNO's definition.

The other challenge that Najib must act now, rather than wait, is to get the component parties in the BN together again. UMNO cannot be alone to form the government, and it has to get the support of its 'friends and allies' together. UMNO must recognised this, and to get PAS to be with them as a show of Malay solidarity is an impossible proposition, given the bad experience of the past, that PAS had with UMNO.

A lot has been said about Najib, adverse or otherwise, and the time left for Najib to undo the 'legacies' of Pak Lah is at a premium. Surely, with his long experience in politics and government, he can prove himself to be a worthy leader which all Malaysians eagerly awaits; and certainly NO to the 4th Floor boys please.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.33am Oct 11,2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

ANWAR - PLEASE GIVE NAJIB A CHANCE

The announcement by Pak Lah yesterday October 8, that he will not contest the top UMNO post in the up coming UMNO general assembly, and to make way for Najib to contest and hopefully to head the government, has come under criticism from non other than Anwar Ibrahim.

The brunt of the criticism is obviously directed at Najib, even before anyone can positively say that he will become the next PM. How sure is Anwar that Najib is the PM designate? And was Anwar absolutely sure that Pak Lah will not contest, prior to Pak Lah's official announcement? I do believe that Anwar was himself surprise that Pak Lah had decided to quit. With all the ongoing speculations and uncertainty surrounding the yet to be concluded UMNO elections, it is therefore grossly unfair and unjust for Anwar to make such drastic criticism against Najib.

While Anwar feels emboldened by his recent success in Permatang Pauh, and Pakatan Rakyat's surprised win in the March 8 general elections, he has yet to prove worthy of is words and promises. His much talked about endeavours to form a Pakatan Rakyat government on September 16 had proved nothing. He keeps on repeating that he has the numbers to form a government, but still nothing happens. There was also talks that he might attempt to meet the King, but I suppose he failed because the gates to the palace was locked.

I, and many others are indeed disappointed and felt cheated by Anwar's rhetorics, and anything that he says now must be taken with a 'pinch of salt'. As I had mentioned in my previous article, one can only call wolf once, but if one does it the second time, nobody will ever listen, and Anwar must know this.

As a concerned citizen with 3 small grandchildren, I plea to Anwar to be more rational and considerate to others, even if it is your enemy. Don't our religion teaches us this? Allow the new UMNO leadership to take shape. Let them be settled in their new appointments. Give them a bit of time, and after all this is done, and if you think they are still worthless by your standards, please speak up.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 6.27pm Oct 9,2008

PAK LAH - THE LONG AWAITED DECISION IS FINALLY KNOWN

The long awaited decision is finally known i.e. Pak Lah has conceded not to contest for UMNO's Presidency in the up coming party election scheduled March 2009, and will remain PM until that time, before he finally hands over to his present deputy, Najib Tun Razak. Pak Lah claims that there are a number of unfinished work to be done by him, from now until he relinquish his job in March next year. Whether he could effectively implement the unfinished work within the next 5 months, is left to be seen. But what is more important is whether Najib (or whosoever takes over as PM) wants to seriously continue with what is left by Pak Lah. We have seen what had become of the projects left by Tun Mahathir soon after Pak Lah took over as PM, and the same can happen this time around. What guarantees does Pak Lah have......virtually nothing.

With this development, Najib is now placed in a predicament i.e. should Tengku Razaleigh insist upon his bid for the number one spot by securing enough nominations, which will then force Najib to challenge the former's bid. However, should Tengku Razaleigh decides not to contest, and assuming that there are no other contenders for the number one spot, then can we only say that Najib's position as the PM designate is firmly secured.

However in politics, and in particular the party elections, nothing is firmly decided until the very last moment. What if out of the blues, some aspiring and ambitious senior UMNO member decides to adopt the 'shock and awe' rhetorics of US President George Bush, and throws in his challenge for the number one party post? Realistically, there is nothing to stop, Muhyiddin Yasin, Rais Yatim, Ali Rustam or even for that matter, Muhammad Muhammad Taib aka Mike Tyson, to suddenly declare himself a candidate for the number one spot. Isn't this exciting, if this is to happen, because it is well known that Ali Rustam and Muhammad Taib are the two closest allies of Pak Lah.

With regards to the number two post, and in the absence of an official announcement from any of the potential candidates, the fight therefore is left open to all three Vice Presidents, as well as to any aspiring party member. We have seen how an 'obscure' party member from Johore had voiced his intention to bid for the number two post. And there is nothing sinister or odd about this challenge, since the talk in the party has always been to draw young blood into the party's leadership. And wasn't Najib thrown into the party leadership at an early age?

This year's party elections, which will culminate in the general assembly scheduled in March 2009, will determine the new line up for the party's leadership, which includes members of the supreme council, Vice President, Deputy President and finally the President. Other equally important party posts that will see intense lobbying will be the UMNO Youth chief and Wanita UMNO posts.

In the case of the post of Wanita UMNO chief, it is unlikely that the incumbent chief, Rafidah Aziz will be challenged. Rafidah like Pak Lah, has made it known that she wish to retain her party post till March 2009, and to hand over to Sharizat thereafter. This request by Rafidah may appear unusual, but in Malay politics, compromise and not to offence others, is an honourable thing to do. However, it is also rumoured that the former Puteri UMNO chief, Azalina Othman (who is not recognised a Wanita member, although she is physiologically and physically a wanita) has been persuaded by her supporters within Wanita, to throw her bid for the Wanita UMNO's top post. Should this happened, Rafidah like Najib, will be forced to contest, and this challenge could be an exciting one i.e. youth versus age.

With all this maneuvering and lobbying by candidates and its supporters that precede the elections, the major concern will be on ensuring that the party members abide by party discipline, particularly money politics, also known as bribes to others outside politics. This has been an apparent weakness in UMNO, and despite repeated warnings by the party's disciplinary chief, money politics is not likely to be undone in UMNO. And wasn't Tun Mahathir deprived of being nominated a representative of his division to the previous general assembly because of a mere RM200? I hope this time around, UMNO members worth are more than that.

With Najib being the most likely person to be hailed the 6th PM of this country, the kissing of Najib's hands by party members is set to begin in earnest and for this, former Perlis MB, Sahidan Kassim had shown them the way. But please don't you also forget to kiss the hands of Rosmah.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 0600hrs Oct 9th 2008

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

LCPL MAAROF BIN AHMAD NEED SUPPORT AND CARE

Last month, I posted an article regarding a disabled soldier who seek support and care from the Armed Forces. I had mentioned in the article that I will be writing to the Chief of Army to inform him of the soldier’s plight, with the view that something could be done to assist the soldier. I had also copied the letter to the President of Ex Serviceman Association. The text of my letter is as under:

1. Foremost, I wish to take this opportunity during the auspicious month of syawal to wish you and the family Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and may Allah s.w.t grants you prosperity and good health.

2. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of a case of a disabled retired soldier whom I visited during my voluntary work with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, in distributing food staffs to the poor and deprived residents at Pandan Perdana. Distribution of food is routinely done by the society, especially during the month of Ramadan.

3. I now wish to relate to you the story as told to me by LCpl Maarof bin Ahmad (139929), the disabled retired soldier, who seek proper care and attention from the Army, following his discharge in 1992 due to his permanent disablement, caused while he was in service.

4. LCpl Maarof bin Ahmad had undergone recruit training at Pusat Latihan Askar Wataniah, Ipoh in 1976, and upon completion of training, he was absorbed into the regular Royal Military Police, but retaining his Askar Wataniah status. He was first posted to 1st Company Provost based at Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur. His last posting prior to being discharged was at Markas Staf Stesen, Batu Cantonment, Kuala Lumpur.

5. In 1991, while on duty, he slipped and fell in the washroom. He was conscious after the fall, but felt a severe pain and numbness in his back. He was taken to the clinic in the camp, and was given three days medical leave. Upon completion of leave, he was referred to Kinrara Military Hospital where he was placed under observation and treatment for 5 months. He was thereafter referred to General Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GHKL) for a further 12 months, before being finally discharged, disabled and without any hope of a total recovery. Throughout the period he was in hospital totaling 17 months in all, he did not received his salary, supposedly on grounds that he was a non mobilized Askar Wataniah soldier, or for some other unknown reasons.

6. Being disabled and confined to the wheel chair, he was finally discharged from military service in 1992, without knowing whether he was to receive any form of monetary compensation for his 16 years of active military service (1976 – 1992). Neither has anyone from the Armed Forces Record and Pension office, made any attempt to contact him, to explain and resolve his financial predicament. And each time he called the AF Record and Pension office, the reasons they gave was firstly, that he was a non mobilized soldier; secondly, his documents cannot be traced; and thirdly, that his injury was not attributable to service.

7. Last year (2007), and after a wait of 16 years, he received from Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran a payment of RM 21,000, being his unpaid salary and allowances. He is also paid a maintenance allowance of RM 99.71 sen, monthly (not a pension) that will cease upon his death.

8. From the information that I had gathered above, I sense a failure and neglect on the part of those responsible to seriously look into the predicament of the above said soldier. Hence, there appears to be more questions than answers to the plight of this soldier, as under:

a. Why has it taken more than a decade to resolve the soldiers financial predicament?
b. Why has there been no attempt by anyone to visit the soldier, and to explain what all is being taken to solve his problems?
c. Knowing that the soldier is disabled and confined to the wheel chair, why has he been left out from receiving any contribution (monetary or otherwise) during Armed Forces Day celebrations.
d. Is the Armed Forces convinced that the monthly financial allowance of RM 99.71 sen that the soldier receives is appropriate? He has six children, of which only one is working as a factory worker. His wife is also a factory worker who has to bear almost all the costs of maintaining the house. Therefore, is the amount that he receives is grossly unfair and unjust.
e. Where has the Armed Forces welfare organization gone wrong, for not knowing the existence of this disabled and chair ridden soldier?
f. Is it because of his status as a non mobilized soldier, that he deserves to be treated like a discarded tin can?

9. For your information, the soldier is a life member of Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia (PBTM) bearing membership number 2407. He had approached the association for assistance, but it was all in vain. This is quite usual of PBTM that is morally bankrupt to assist, let alone care for ex-servicemen. An article about his plight appeared in NST, August 1, 2008 and Harian Metro, August 4, 2008

10. Having met the soldier, I think he deserves better care and treatment from the Armed Forces. I know that it is not the desire of the Armed Forces to neglect this soldier with a 16 years service record, for so long. But having known about his case now, it is unjust that he remains in virtual neglect, unnoticed by the Armed Forces.

11. I do hope that you in your capacity as the Chief of Army will seriously look at the plight of this soldier, and to do the needful. Should you want to get in touch with the soldier, he can be contacted at his hand phone number 017 6235113. His lives in a low cost flat at Pandan Perdana, whose address is house number A 205, Jalan 3/2, Pandan Perdana Flats.

Thank you.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

THE NATION AWAITS

On Wednesday 8th October, Malaysian of all races eagerly awaits the announcement by Pak Lah to the question whether he will seek to contest for the top party post, or to denounce his candidacy and hand over his post in government to his deputy, Najib. There has been various speculations, but most have anticipated that Pak Lah will finally concede to the demands of his party members to quit honorably.

Many had questioned why must it take too long for Pak Lah to concede, despite having brought UMNO and BN to a disastrous general elections last March? Isn't the results a clear indication that the people have turned their backs against him, and his leadership is no longer tenable? Someone did say to me that if it was Japan or Korea, the PM would have performed the harakiri, rather than face the shame of his failure. But, this certainly will not be the choice in this country.

Six months have passed since the March 8 general elections, and has there been any visible improvement brought in by Pak Lah? Certainly not,because six months is rather short to institute changes. And furthermore, throughout that period the ramblings within UMNO and BN must have made it extremely difficult for Pak Lah to focus on his job to govern.

Bringing in lost candidates like Sharizat to Putrajaya, and appointing recycled politicians like Muhammad Taib a minister, did little to improve the image of Pak Lah's administration. And discarding Rafidah Aziz, an exceptional long serving minister who had won her elections, must have angered many, particularly among the UMNO Wanita. Wasn't Rafidah visibly angry at not being made a minister? And what was it so special and unique in Muhammad Taib, that Pak Lah just cannot be without him?

Should Pak Lah concedes tomorrow (Oct 9), there will be many who will not be too happy either. Surely, for those who have had the patronage of Pak Lah will be the losers. And when one talks about losing in politics, it is closely linked to lost of positions, privileges, favours, and most importantly, money.

And what then would be the fate of Pak Lah? Will he continue to be actively involved in UMNO, and be made an advisor to the government of sorts? Or would he prefer to leave politics, and to go on a long honeymoon with Jeanne Danker, which he deserves? Or would he turned himself to be a blogger, following the footsteps of his predecessor Tun Mahathir? Certainly, there a many choices for Pak Lah to do after his retirement, and if I could suggest, he can start by writing a book, and the title should read 'Trials and tribulations of my leadership'.

Monday, October 6, 2008

WHEN WILL CORRUPTION EVER STOP?

DAP's Lim Kit Siang has said that he will be raising the issue concerning the purchase of the Eurocopter helicopter for the RMAF in the up coming session of parliament. The official announcement for the said purchase was made by Pak Lah, immediately upon having taken over the Defence Ministry from Najib.

It was rumored that his (Pak Lah) son Kamarudin had a hand in the deal, and if that is proven to be true, Lim Kit Siang therefore has every reason to expose this selfish plot that smacks of nepotism and cronyism to all Malaysians. Pak Lah himself who had recently claimed that the reason why SAPP Yong Teck Lee had been critical of the BN was because he (Pak Lah) could not satisfy Yong's 'personal greed'.

Now, in the case of the Eurocopter, and assuming that son Kamarudin was indeed a party to the deal,can we not claim that Pak Lah is himself guilty of wanting to satisfy his very own personal greed, as well as the greed of his family member? The guilt will remain with Pak Lah, if he opts to remain silent, and with that, the accompanying stigma of him being corrupt.

The Ministry of Defence had over the years, spend millions on large equipment purchases which are brought in from overseas. Undoubtedly, there will be someone who will make it rich; some merely by acting as intermediary or agents, and others who are in the position of authority to approve.

Granting of profits and commissions, I am told are quite normal in any business transaction. However, what is unusual is the manner in which contracts are being awarded. This so-called 'direct negotiation' is so commonly practiced by a number of ministries, that one begins to suspect that there is the element of corrupt practices involved. Price murk-ups to such exorbitant levels has also been observed, merely to cater for the lust of some crocked and damningly corrupt government officials. The practice of awarding contracts by 'direct negotiation' is still rampant in some ministries, even at this very point of time.

By the way things are going, I do not believe that we can totally eradicate corruption, in our midst. And of late, I am particularly concern to see the increase in the number of senior government officials being caught for corruption and what is worse, they are all Malays of the Muslim faith. I am ashame....utterly ashame for my race and religion.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Sunday, October 5, 2008

THE BATTLE WAGES ON

The battle for the post of UMNO's Deputy President is no longer to be a two cornered fight, but has now attracted other aspirants to join the fry, namely, Datuk Mohd Ali Rustan, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib and Dato Seri Rais Yatim. I personally view this as an interesting development in the propagation of a healthy and vibrant democratic electoral process in UMNO, which over the years has been relegated to an election based of patronage and money politics.

Although UMNO has been divided in the manner in which the post of the two most senior positions i.e. President and Deputy President should be contested, many had openly criticised the way in which the two incumbents i.e. Pak Lah and Najib had worked out their succession plan. Veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who is himself a contender for the Presidency, has said that the two top posts 'should not be exclusive to the incumbents'. This had also caused dissatisfaction among the BN component parties who felt that they ought to be consulted to the change of leadership. Other UMNO big-wigs have expressed similar views, demanding that the right to elect the President and Deputy President be left to the grass-roots. Whatever be the choices, the conduct of this year's UMNO elections will be closely watched, and should serve as an example for future elections.

The three new contenders have established themselves in UMNO, and certainly are no pushovers. What its important is whether they have the correct credentials to this 'awe inspiring' post. Popularity alone isn't enough, and the examples of statesmanship which has been shown by both Pak Lah and Mahathir should form the 'basis of choice' during the elections. As an outsider in politics, I am certainly able to pick up the strength and weaknesses of Pak Lah and Mahathir, and to make a reasonable choice as to who among the vying contenders is ideally suited for the post.

As I have declared in my earlier posting ' Zahid vs Muhyiddin – Who Wins', I do not know both Zahid and Muhyiddin well enough, and my assessment of them is based on what I have read and heard of them. Likewise, my assessment of the three new contenders is based on the same knowledge. And of the three new contenders, my bet is on Rais Yatim as the most suitable, based on his long experience in state and federal positions, as well as his outstanding command of both the Malay and English language. Having a PhD in law is a huge credit to Rais, and this makes him well ahead of Mohd Ali Rustam and Muhammad Taib in their academic prowess; the latter having claimed that he could not understand English in the 'Australian airport episode' some years ago.

So clearly, this now leaves Zahid, Muhyiddin and Rais by my own judgment And who among this three will win the coveted post of UMNO's Deputy President is best left to your individual judgment.

And with this new development, what is therefore the position of Najib in the whole scheme of things. Will he now position himself for the top post, and to be contending against Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, assuming that Pak Lah decides to throw in the towel? And if Pak Lah so decides in a few days time to bid for the post, what will happen to Najib then? Will we see a three cornered fight for the post of President, or will Najib be contend to just contest for the Deputy President? These are indeed puzzling questions to a puzzled UMNO.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, October 4, 2008

RACE RELATIONS – WHERE ARE WE HEADING?

Upon viewing NST online this morning (Oct 4th 2008), I came across an article titled 'Racial harmony has to begin with the young' in the column by Johan Jaafar. The more I read, the more I believe in what he has written. It is truly the best, honest and sincere article that I have ever read on race relations, and at once, my thoughts takes me back to my wonderful childhood days.

From Johan's article, I somewhat have a similar experience as a child. If Johan had the Chinese families and their children as his friends, I had Indian families and their children as my neighbours and intimate friends throughout my schooling days.

I started school prior to independence, and I was enrolled in an english school in Kuala Lumpur. In that sense, I was more urban than Johan. The class had no more than 30 pupils, and I can recall that there were more Chinese students than Malays and Indians added together. I certainly don't remember anyone taking about race and religion in school. We played, ate and walked home after school together.

My house was about 4 kilometers from school, and walking home in the afternoon after school those days in groups, was a wonderful experience. It wasn't hot like it is today. There were lots of trees that lined the street, and that provided us the shade as we walked home.

I remembered having to punch a punjabi student after school, not because of his race or religion, but because he bullied my younger brother. Honestly, I wasn't the hero type, but somehow having to come to the defence of my younger brother, I was compelled to develop enough courage to ward off the bullying of my brother.

On another occasion, I almost fought with an Indian student because of an argument that I had with him earlier. Although I waited for him outside the school, I somehow did not have the courage to punch him because he was much larger than me. I only managed to threatened him, and fortunately he walked away. Had he accepted a fight, I know I would have been trashed to smithereens.

The Indian friends that I had as my neighbours, are still today my close friends. In fact, they all treat my aged mother as their mother as well. This is because as kids, they would frequent my house and ate together with us. Likewise, I would just go to their house and walk into their kitchen and eat whatever I could find. They all have never failed to call me and wish me during Hari Raya, despite them being all over the country. Some have even migrated overseas.

Although I have lost contact with my Chinese classmates, I have somehow been in close contact with some of my juniors who had known me, because I was a prefect in school. And each time we meet at the yearly Old Boys Association dinner, it is truly a heart warming experience. Jokes and laughter will fill the room, and nobody talks about politics, let alone touch upon the issue of race and religion.

When I joined the Armed Forces, my intake had a number of Chinese and Indian cadets. They all are in touch with me till today, and I have a complete dossier of their whereabouts, of those who are still alive. I would be their reference, should they want to know the addresses of so-and-so. And certainly we don't talk about race and religion. And I could proudly say that the Armed Forces is the most racially integrated organisation in this country; a reflection of what a truly Malaysian society should be, and seriously something that the politicians can learn from.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, October 3, 2008

WILL KHAIRY BE THRONED THE NEXT UMNO YOUTH CHIEF?

The last article that I wrote was regarding the challenge for the post of UMNO Deputy President between Muhyiddin and Zahid Hamidi, whom I thought are the two best candidates for the post. In this article, I will try to assess the candidates for the post of UMNO Youth Chief, notably Khir Toyo, Mukriz Mahathir, Khairy Jamaludin and Zahidi Zainal Abidin..

The post of UMNO Youth Chief is said to be critical and is all important, because it is suppose to moderate and shape the future of UMNO, and a strong voice in influencing policies that affects the Malay community in particular. However, over the last few years, and particularly under the current leadership, UMNO youth is not what it is suppose to be. Rhetorics and playing the echo of its leaders, is prominently displayed. The keris wielding rhetoric is an excellent example, and when challenged by BN component parties, the howling and screaming antics suddenly died down to mere whimpers. I suppose the keris wasn't sharp enough, or was it the fear of the sight of blood flowing from the keris?

Let me now give you my frank asessment of each candidate, based not on knowing them personally, but on the things that I read, hear (rumours or otherwise), and the closest I could get, is to hear their voices and actions on TV, and the internet.

Khir Toyo
He was a surprise choice of MB Selangor upon the departure of Abu Hassan Omar. He must have attracted the attention of Tun Mahathir who was then the PM, as having the pre-requisite qualities of a state leader, though he was young and inexperience. He proved capable enough to head the state government for two terms, and was devoid of serious controversies that could mar his standing as a state leader.

I am told that he is quite passionate, patience and humble; traits that he must have acquired as a trained dentist. His personal traits is also reflected in his writings that I read from his blog. He tries to avoid controversies, and he uses words of moderation. The negative side of him, I am told is that he practises parochialism, and favouring those with Javanese inheritence, for which he denies.

A plus point for Khir Toyo is that he has acquired enough experience in government, and is credited to have brought the state of Selangor to great heights. The state today is undoubtedly one of the most prosperous in Malaysia.

Mukriz Mahathir
A chip of the old block. Charismatic and speaks his mind. Mukriz is untested in turbulent times, and certainly lacks the experience to lead. He has been a follower of sorts, but he has the advantage of a mentor i.e. his father Tun Mahathir who could be useful to motivate and guide him. Though not as astute as his father, he has developed the passion to challenge, and to cast away the follower mentality.

He seems to be well like, and I suppose the legacy of his father could be a strong point to usher him to the top post. Certainly, he has to rely heavily on the support from members of his home state, and from the support that he garnered during the last elections, his chances seems good. One ought to remember that Mukriz is also the President of Ansara (the association of former MARA students), and I am told that members of Ansara within UMNO youth, has strong influence over the youth. Sadly, he has not acquired the oratory skills and the wit of his father.

Khairy Jamaludin
Am told that he is a graduate of Oxford University, and the son of a diplomat. Being the son of a diplomat, he would have very little exposure to be schooling in this country. He therefore cannot recall his local schoolmates, some of whom may have excelled in their respective profession.

His involvement in politics is only recent, and to be made the undisputed Deputy UMNO Youth leader in double quick time, is a stange phenomena in UMNO politics, particularly under the Pak Lah's leadership. This is where the trouble begins for Pak Lah's administration. Being a smart alex alone is not enough in politics. One has to read the book titled 'The Reluctant Politician' relating to the second Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Ismail, to fully grasp the traits of what a politician should be...honest, sincere, firm, hardworking, and most importantly, incorruptible. Sincerely, I do not know whether Khairy has these traits.

However, one things is for certain. His antics during the by-elections, prior to the PRU 12 shows his immuturity in handling crowds from the opposition.He acted like a gangster, and only to wither away when challenged. I recall during the last general elections, he was challenged to a debate by his opponent Badrul Hisham in Rembau, but that challenge was not taken. If indeed he is smart and brilliant, he would have willingly accepted the challenge.

He claimed to have special patronage being the son-in-law of the Prime Minister. This was a discredit to his character, and for all that has been said about him (bad or otherwise), within and outside the circles of UMNO, may prove to be correct.

Zahidi Zainal Abidin
Sincerely, I know the least about Zahidi. Hence, it will be wrong for me to make any assessment of him. I have tried to get some information regarding Zahidi from friends, but the answer I get is that more of Zahidi will be known in a few days time.

Finally, for those who read this article, many agree or disagree with my assessment of the three (minus Zahidi) individuals likely to contest for the UMNO Youth post. I would appreciate if new known inputs concerning the individuals be made known to me in your comments, so that I could reassess and make my final judgment as to who is favoured to win the contest.

ZAHID VS MUHYIDDIN - WHO WINS

Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is to officially announce his candidacy for the post of Deputy President of UMNO, that is also likely to be contested by Dato Muhyiddin Yasin. Although many may argue that Muhyiddin, who is a much more experienced politician, and having held state and federal positions, is definitely the preferred choice over Zahid. However, for people who have known Zahid, he was once the rising star in UMNO, and who as the UMNO Youth leader than, was notable for his speech at one of the general assembly, alleging the leadership of practicing cronycism etc. etc. That speech he made was a 'curse' to him, and many thought that his political career would have ended. But politicians are noted to have the audacity to rise and fall, and certainly Zahid is one of those who fell and rose.

In wanting to announced such a challenged, Zahid must have made his calculations and considered various winning strategies, knowing that Muhyiddin is himself an exceedingly strong contender. I know for sure that the entire Johore UMNO is supportive of Muhyiddin, and this stems from the fact that Johoreans are by nature parochial. I also believe, that the Perak UMNO will not fail Zahid, and if ever they want to see the first Perakean Deputy Prime Minister, it has to be Zahid.

Muhyiddin and Zahid are definitely top notch politicians in UMNO, and personally I have difficulty in making a choice myself. Both are seen to be people friendly, and they have an appeal for the masses. I also noticed that both have not been exceptionally critical of the opposition leaders during their campaigning, especially of Anwar Ibrahim. This augurs well for bi-partisan politics, and if this is to be their approach towards politics, I believe partisan politics which has dominated Malaysian politics, will be a thing of the past.

I will leave it to UMNO to decide, and surely the best of the two will come top.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

MORE REVELATION ON THE ALTANTUYA CASE

Sheih of Kickdefella fame, seemed to have taken over from RPK, with his latest sensational reporting on the Altantuya case. Some of what was revealed by him can even startled a sleeping elephant. And for people like me, my curiosity to believe or not to believe is muddled, and the sense of fear begins to set in me. I too believe that most Malaysian upon reading Sheih's revelation, would be stunned as well.

Let me list down the startling news that Sheih has written in his blog, that is closely linked to the Altantuya case.

1. Najib's wife Rosmah, is said to have met Private Investigator, Bala (remember the person that made the statutory declaration and later withdrew it) in the British Isle, and paid him RM 5 million,for reasons that is not clearly stated by Sheih.
2. Najib is reported to have written letters to the Ambassadors of France, Italy and the UK in Malaysia, requesting them to facilitate the issuance of visa for Altantuya to enter the countries from Kuala Lumpur.
3. It was reported that a Malaysian diplomat had seen Altantuya in Najib's overseas entourage. However, no mention is made of the country where Altantuya was seen.
4. Rosmah is said to have paid PM Abdullah a staggering sum of RM 200 million from the commission received for the purchase of the submarine for the RMN.

My hope is that the above reports are untrue, and if there is even the slightest truth in the report, this is bound to be the greatest scandal in the history of this country. And if this story is not handled properly by the relevant authorities, I know for sure, the country is doomed.

ASK THE MIRROR SAMY!

MIC President and discarded Works Minister, Dato' Samy Vellu was reported to have asked the Selangor government to apologised for the demolition of the Hindu temple in Ampang (NST 1st October). Incidentally, Samy is a favourite of mine, and I always admired his antics, and at times his comical outburst which could have won him an Oscar Award, if he was to go into acting. Sadly, his statement regarding the Hindu temple comes a bit too late, and although he is still MIC's President, I wonder how many of the party members listens to him. Definitely, the many Indian friends that I have, says that they have lost touch of Samy.

Samy had been a minister for umpteen years, and was supposedly to represent the Malaysian Indian community.I would just like to ask Samy whether he is convince that he has done all he could to improve and uplift the economy and social standards of his community? My guess is certainly not, and isn't that one of the reasons why he lost his Sg. Siput parliamentary seat in the March 8 general election, and the trouncing of MIC? The Indian community is just fed up of Samy, and he ought to realise this.

If Samy says that he has done so much for the community, why not asked him to take a walk in the estates across the country...and not driving in his Mercedes please. Is he convince that the Indian estate workers are well housed, their children attend proper schools, are provided with proper medical and health care, and are paid well and not living in abject poverty? And in the urban areas, why has the youth turned into gangsters and rowdies? There must be reasons for this.

When Hindraf was brewing, Samy was then still a minister. Did he understood fully the causes that led the Indian community to revolt? To please his political masters, he willfully ignored the demands of his community. He had failed to exploit the situation to his advantage; not by howling curses and carrying anti government placards, but as a sensible and sincere negotiator and moderator to the whole episode. As a self proclaimed leader of the Indian community, Samy had failed to understand that in every angry person, there is a tint of softness and rationalism in them. He should have humanely caress them, and I am sure senses would have prevailed.

It appears that greed in Samy has not withered either. The report in Malaysia Today of Samy trying to take advantage of his grand position in MIC by purchasing a piece of state land in Petaling for RM 3.8 million, and noting MIC as the trustee, and a person named Samy as the beneficiary. What a cheat this Samy is, and at the expense of his poor community.

All said, my final word to Samy is for him to look in the mirror and ask " Hey mirror on the wall, have I been right by asking the Selangor state government to apologise for the temple demolition?" I bet the mirror's answer will be " Hey Samy, it is you who should apologise to the Indian community for failing them for umpteen years".


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

PLEASE LOOK IN THE MIRROR SAMY!

WINNING THE HEARTS OF THE MASSES – A VIEW

Over the last few days, Malaysian have been fed by the media with some 'sensational news' that reflects clearly, the uncertainties that plague the nation today. The BN government headed by PM Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi aka Pak Lah, is himself being challenged by members of his own party UMNO, to quit early as President in favour of his deputy. A lost of confidence towards his leadership has been brewing since the disastrous March 8, 2008 general election which saw the BN being humbled in five states, and almost losing the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur to the opposition party. Never has the BN been so badly defeated in its 50 years of governing the country, and surely the blame has been on Pak Lah who has yet to be awakened from his slumber.

BN's component parties, namely Gerakan, MIC, MCA , UPKO, SUPP are in many ways not too happy with Pak Lah, and in particular his poor handling on issues relating to race and religion. With UMNO in turmoil, coupled with the dissatisfaction that is heating up within and among BN's component parties, Pak Lah now seems to have lost his sense of control of the parties and government, which now appears to be sliding deeper into political oblivion.

Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Rakyat (PR) that had failed to take over the reign of government from the BN last September 16th, 2008, is also immersed in problems, stemming from sexual misconduct and corruption by his party members in Perak. Anwar is himself saddled with the alleged sodomy case, which if found guilty by the courts, is grievious enough to end his political career, and with that goes his ..Lawan Tetap Lawan.. slogan. Anwar, in the eyes of many certainly has lost credibility on his failure to take over the government, and calling wolf the second time, may not garner the trust that many had in him previously.

Similarly like the BN, PR too has problems of its own. PR component parties has yet to prove itself to be cohesive and united in its challenge to the BN government. Differing statement uttered by leaders of the PR component parties concerning the party, reflects a sense of uneasiness within the parties, and among its leaders.I believe, PR has yet to find an ideal unifying factor that can harness the parties together, and to remain absolutely loyal to its leaders. This is where Anwar has to work upon seriously, if he aspires to make PR credible enough to challenge the BN leadership.

Whatever be the problems confronting the BN and PR today, the losers will surely be the masses i.e.the ordinary people, who in the last general elections have proven to be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of the elections. Clearly, party members, especially the BN and UMNO in particular, are no longer a decisive factor to determines whether the party wins the elections. This is because the spirit of commodaire and absolute loyalty among UMNO members towards the party and its leaders, is only superficial and not deep rooted. UMNO members has for too long been spoon fed, and without a promise for rewards, they will willingly abandoned the party, and this was exactly the case during the Permatang Pauh by-elections.

It is now time for both the BN and PR to focus their attention on winning the hearts of the masses. Do not promise them the sky and the heavens. Character assassination, swearing, slandering and bad mouthing others have to cease, as this has proven to have a negative impact. The masses no longer wants to hear issues that does not affect their daily lives, such as the promise of a multi million development project coming their way, that will see fruition only in ten years time. What is needed are quick impact projects in which the masses themselves are involved, and the returns being given back directly to the masses.

To our leaders from both the BN and PR, the masses today are no longer fools. They hold the trump card, and winning them has its rewards.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION