Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS DATUK M. SARAVANAN

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has come to the defence of the houseman who was caught reading a newspaper while on duty at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital Emergency Department, by Deputy Federal Territory Minister Datuk M. Saravanan recently.

I simply cannot understand why must the Health Minister himself came out with a statement of defence concerning such a trivial matter. Isn't this the job of the Director General, and surprising he has gone mute.

To me, the Health Minister's explanation is utter rubbish. Why has he to defend this houseman, when the houseman should know that he has patients waiting outside, to be called in to be examined, regardless of the medical status of the patients. Surely, they would not have come to the hospital if they were not ill.

And being just a houseman, it is duty first; not reading a newspapers, regardless of whether the newspaper was left by an earlier patient as explained by the Health Minister. If this very basic rule cannot be understood by the houseman, I do not know what will become of this houseman when be becomes a 'full fledge doctor'.

Please Mr. Health Minister, you have to set good professional examples for these houseman to follow. If you cannot teach them this basis rules, the next thing they will do is to sleep while in office.

I would like to congratulate Datuk Saravanan for raising this matter to the media, and certainly what he did will keep other houseman alert, and not to take the medical profession for granted. Datuk Saravanan had only performed his public duty.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

TAN SRI KHALID IBRAHIM SUES DATUK AHMAD SAID FOR LIBEL

The Sun, Monday, April 27, 2009 reports that Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim is suing MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan and the Government of Malaysia over statements that Tan Sri Khalid had abused his powers.

Datuk Ahmad Said had on February 21, 2009 remarked to the effect that the investigations into the alleged misuse of power by Tan Sri Khalid over the maintenance of his personal car, and the purchase of 46 cattle during Hari Raya Aidiladha, had found reasonable evidence to prosecute Tan Sri Khalid for misuse of power. Former Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo also found it opportune to ride along on the claim that Tan Sri Khalid did misuse his powers.

This will be an interesting case to watch, as it involved the boss of MACC, who in this instant was seen to have acted beyond his powers and function, by uttering a statement that ‘inferred a judgment’ over a case under his investigation, which rightly is the exclusive powers and functions of the Attorney General.

I am quite sure Datuk Ahmad Said knows the limits of his powers, and that his function is merely to conduct an investigation to determine the facts of a case. Should the investigation finds that there is a case to answer, it is then referred to the Attorney General office who will then decide whether to proceed with the case or otherwise. Certainly, it is not Datuk Ahmad Said who is to decide or to infer whether there is a case to answer or otherwise.

I am also watching keenly whether Tan Sri Khalid will take a similar action on Khir Toyo, who was the person to have blown the case out of proportion, and for MACC to have acted in a flash over this case. I am just wondering whether MACC would want to do the same for the many cases of abuse of power by Khir Toyo, that is presently being investigated by the Selangor state government.

And surely, if one were to dig into the affairs of each and every state governments, one will surely find some element of abuse by state officials and including that of the Menteri Besar. If we were to continue doing this, I am quite sure the MACC officers will not be able to get enough sleep.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Sunday, April 26, 2009

ARE WE SERIOUS IN SOLVING THE TRAFFIC WOES IN KL CITY

The traffic woes in the city of Kuala Lumpur is not a recent phenomenon. It had existed for more than a decade, and it gets increasingly worse by the day. It is no longer a joy driving in and out of the city during and after office hours. Highways were constructed within the city, hoping to be a solution to the traffic woes, but the long and massive traffic congestion remains a common occurence.

Just take a look at Jalan Ampang. The elevated highway that passes through Kampung Keramat and exits at MRR 11, was suppose to ease the traffic at Jalan Ampang. But the congestion still remains along Jalan Ampang, especially after office hours. Also, the elevated highway that crosses the junction leading towards Jalan Semarak-Jalan Kampung Baru, and exits in front of the IJN; certainly has not eased the traffic going towards Jalan Pekeliling. Just try driving along these routes at 8 am and 5 pm onwards, and you will understand what I mean.

Even the SMART Tunnel has not really been useful especially in the morning, where the congestion regularly occurs at the tunnel exit in front of the RHB Bank along Jalan Tun Razak. The congestion along Jalan Tun Razak would result in a traffic congestion inside the tunnel itself.

It seems that the newly installed PM Najib only realised the traffic woes in Kuala Lumpur just a few days ago, and I wonder what the minister and including the KL Mayor has been doing all this while? To allow the PM to take charge is just like a Brigade Commander having to take over the responsibilities of the Battalion Commander. The minister in charge and the KL Mayor in particular need to be awakened a bit.

One need to ask what has the minister responsible and the KL Mayor in the past have been doing, or saying to their bosses, knowing fully well that the traffic woes in the city is not a recent problem. The problem, I think is because ministers travel into the city sometimes with escorts, and are chauffeur driven, oblivious to the traffic around them. And worse still, most have their official car windows tinted, and sees virtually nothing outside.

I remembered that the former PM Tun Abdullah Badawi also did what PM Najib did i.e riding the KTM commuter train from Serdang to KL, supposedly to understand the plight of the commuters. And surely he had with him an entourage of ministers and officials. What was the outcome of the ride is not known, and the problem of a congested commuter ride still persist. KTM has tried ways and means to improve their services, but nothing really worked out.What I would like to suggest is for the entire KTM management to study the way the Indian railways operates, as the Indian railways is reputed to be the best managed railway service in the world. Even the European railways cannot beat the Indians in this regards.

And in terms of solving the traffic woes in Kuala Lumpur, one only need to go to Singapore to see how the country manages its city traffic so effectively and efficiently. And please do not do what Khir Toyo did i.e. to do a study visit to some of the finest cities in the world; spend a few million, and only to return with nothing.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

WILL THE RECENT CHANGES IN UMNO LEADERSHIP MAKE AN IMPACT ON MALAY SUPPORT?

I had in an article titled 'Reshuffling UMNO's party leadership' posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009, made an assessment of who among the UMNO leaders need to be changed, and in particular those in the position of the state liaison chiefs. I had rightly predicted that Muhammed Muhd Taib (Selangor), Mahadzir Khalid (Kedah) and Shahidan Kassim (Perlis) should be relieve of their post. However, I failed in my assessment on Mohamed Hassan (Negeri Sembilan), who retains the state liaison chief. He must be the lucky one, whom many sees him as a failed Menteri Besar.

I am surprised that some 'old guards' are being appointed to the Supreme Council. They include Rafidah Aziz who lost to Sharizad Jalil for the Wanita post, Ali Rustam who was found guilty of money politics and was barred from contesting the Deputy President post, and finally Sahidan Kassim who caused a stir for not being reappointed the Perlis Menteri Besar. Their appointment to the Supreme Council runs contrary to the desire of the top UMNO leadership that had all along been saying, that the party must be daring and bold if it is to affect change in the party.

I personally do not see any more reason for the three above appointees to make any effective and useful contribution to the party, because each one has a 'sad tale' attached to their name. A question that I need to raised is whether UMNO is so lacking in finding good leaders, that the party finds it hard to discard old faces? If this being the case, why then discard Muhammad Muhd Taib? What is so different between, say Rafidah Aziz and Muhammad Muhd Taib that the latter is being left out?

I am surprised too that former Federal Territory Minister Zulhasnan Rafique, having being dropped as a minister is now being relieved of the state liaison chief post. They say that this is 'double jeopardy', and personally I think UMNO has not been fair, because Zulhasnan Rafique has been seen to be doing well as a minister, and a person who is well liked among his constituents. The post of Federal Territory liaison chief is being taken over by Muhyiddin Yassin.

I would also like to comment on the appointment of the three Vice Presidents as state liaison chiefs. It appears odd that Shafie Apdal is now the state liaison chief for Kedah. I do not believe that UMNO Kedah seriously welcomes this appointment; and likewise Trengganu and Penang that now have Hishamuddin and Dr. Ahmad Zahid as their liaison chief respectively. This to me is another 'coup de grace' of sorts, and I am quite sure this will create unhappiness among state UMNO members over the appointment.

Tg. Adnan Tg. Mansor retains the party's Secretary General. Isn't this the same person that was involved in the 'Lingam tape' incident? And what makes him so indispensable, that UMNO feels strongly that he retains the post?

Muhyiddin Yassin has said that the party is only left with two more years to win back the support of voters (particularly Malay votes) that was lost during the last general elections. Will the above changes in leadership be effective enough to woo the predominantly Malay votes back to UMNO? Only time will tell.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, April 24, 2009

DOES THE PRESS HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO REPORT?

While reading the New Straits Times today (Friday, April 24, 2009), I noticed a small article on page 13, titled ‘Soldiers return from Lebanon’ placed at the bottom right of the page. The content of the article is so small that one could hardly noticed it.

As an ex-soldier, I believe the press has not fair to the returning soldiers who had just returned home from peacekeeping duties in troubled Lebanon. I dare say now that NST is really not interested in giving such a report any importance, because I think they view such reports has no news value. I may be wrong in saying this, but that is how I feel having to see such an article being place at an insignificant corner of a page.

I wish to compare this to a report made sometimes ago of a group of free-fall parachute jumpers who had returned home after a successful jump in the North pole, together with a Proton car. The group upon returning home were hailed as HEROES and were treated to a grand reception at the airport, complete with press and TV coverage and interviews. Of course, the leader of the group was a politician, and the jumpers were former Mat Rempits.

Here, we have a group of soldiers who were deployed in front line duties in Lebanon, and having to be separated from their families for more than six months, and are not quite certain of ever returning home, should there be an outbreak of hostilities between the warring factions in Lebanon. I am fully aware of the threats and difficulties faced by our soldiers on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, because I had a similar experience in Cambodia. There is no denying that peacekeeping duties is not an easy tasks to perform, and yet the Malaysian press finds that the return of our soldiers is not worth the news. It would have been better for the press not to have made a report at all.

My hope is that the Defence Ministry public relations office takes a serious note of this issue, and to portray a better reporting of our soldiers return from peacekeeping duties in future


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, April 23, 2009

RESHUFFLING UMNO'S PARTY LEADERSHIP

It was reported that a reshuffle in UMNO Supreme Council will be expected tomorrow (April 24), affecting those who are known supporters of the previous Prime Minister Tun Abdullah, and are presently holding influential positions in party. For a better word, UMNO termed this as a reshuffle, but in reality, it is a purge. One fully understand why this has to be done following a change of leadership, and particularly in politics, it is deemed extremely necessary.

I am told that even in the Armed Forces today, purges are also being done following a change of leadership, but in a highly subtle manner. Some commanders are also known to have brought along a selected entourage of subordinate staffs, wherever the commander is posted. Why have they to do this, to my mind is something out of the ordinary.

Rumours are abound that those UMNO leaders who are presently holding the post of state liaison chief, and are align to Tun Abdullah Badawi will be told to vacate the post. My guess is that Muhd Muhammad Taib of Selangor, Sahidan Kassim of Perlis, Mohamed Hassan of Negeri Sembilan and Mahadzir Khalid of Kedah will be the affected ones. Their chances of being selected as candidates for the next general elections, will also be in jeopardy.

I also believe that Chairman MARA and former Trengganu Menteri Besar Idris Jusoh and Malacca Menteri Besar Ali Rustam will also be told to vacate their post, though not immediately. Certainly, both will not be chosen as candidates for the next general elections. Also, Minister in the PM Department and a highly controversial and out spoken politician Nazri Aziz, and Johore Menteri Besar Ghani Othman will most unlikely be made a candidate in the next general elections.

Both PM Najib and DPM Muhyidin have time and again said that for the party to be 'reformed', serious and drastic changes has to be made, if the party is to survive the next election. And obviously, this will mean that changes to its leadership will be one that requires serious attention.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS THE ARMED FORCES

The Star April 22,2009 reports that the Malaysian Armed Forces had attained a five-star rating for year ending 2008. The star rating was introduced in 2007 and implemented by Mampu.

Out of 38 ministries and agencies rated last year, only one ministry i.e. Works Ministry and 5 government agencies attained the coveted 5 star rating.

I wish to congratulate the Malaysian Armed Forces for this sterling achievement, and hope that they will continue to remain high performers in the years ahead.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

MINISTERS, DEPUTY MINISTERS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILORS

Press reports cites that the Perak government will aution off all the Toyota Camry that were purchased by the previous PR government for its executive councilors, except the one used by former Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin, who is said to be buying the car for his personal use.

I deem the decision to auction off the cars by the present Perak state government to be rather 'childish' and smack of vengeance. I wonder if the present state government will also go to the extend of tearing down homes, scrape of roads, demolish bridges, nullify awarded land titles etc. that were approved by the PR government. Wouldn't it be better if the cars were to be retained by the state, to be used by eligible senior government officers, or as pool cars, or to be used as official cars by the newly appointed BN state executive councilors.

If this is to be the continued mentality and level of maturity of some of our politicians, I have little hope of ever seeing this nation progress on the scale of some of our ASEAN neighbours, in particular Singapore and Thailand. We endeavour to become a develop nation by 2020, and that is just 10 more years left. And yet our politicians deem it so vital to grapple over an issue as insignificant as selling cars, and to assume that what is good by the previous government, is certainly not good for the new government.

This country needs thinkers, progressive, dynamic and knowledgeable leaders that are well versed in running the government; more so now than ever before.

Former Works Minister Samy Vellu may be seen by many (me included) as to be arrogant, but he does get work done. He will be there, wherever and whenever a problem appears, and will be directing orders on the spot. One can call him an actor, a good one at that, but the fact still remains that he is able to perform as a works minister.

But please do not emulate discarded Rural Development Minister Muhammad Muhammad Taib, who aspires to be the Deputy Prime Minister, but with a level of thinking that is only good for the kampung folks. Have you all noticed anything worthy that he had done to improve the rural poor? And wasn't he the minister that was seen running around the villages in Trengganu promising lots of things, prior to the Trengganu by-elections. And has he fulfilled all the promises he made?

Politicians and especially ministers, deputy ministers and executive councillors have their responsibilities to the people that had voted them. The comfort of the office is not where they should be. They should be more often outside the office and on the ground, to be seen by the people and to be giving directions to his subordinates.

I was told that when Putra Jaya was being constructed, the PM, then Tun Dr. Mahathir constantly makes his unscheduled site visits, and that kept the contractors and the project management staffs on their toes. What Tun Dr. Mahathir did was to exercise his leadership, and a good leader is one that is often seen by his subordinates.

The above are some of the things that Najib should be looking at in determining the KPI's of all the ministries. And let us waits for the results of the KPI, six months from now.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

FROM AN ARMY OFFICER TO A MINISTER - A TRIBUTE TO MAJ GEN DATO JAMIL KHIR BAHAROM

I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to call on Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic Affairs, Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir Baharom on Tuesday morning. The appointed was initially scheduled for the first week of May. The sudden change of date of appointment took me by surprise, because I knew the minister being new in the chair, would be extremely busy with calls, meetings, visits etc.

I congratulated him for being appointed a minister, and to have shed off his army uniform so suddenly, must have been difficult for him. He is only the second serving military officer to be called to take on the post; the first being Brig Gen Dato Hamid Zainal Abidin (Retired). However, having to accept the appointment, Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir would have to retire from the Armed Forces, although he still has several more years of active service.

Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir is a highly popular figure in the Armed Forces, and he regularly features as a panel member in the religious TV programme ‘Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam’. He is a trained paratrooper, one of the earliest officer of the Armed Forces Religious Corps to have successfully recorded sufficient jumps, and to be awarded the paratrooper badge.

His appointment as a minister has made the Armed Forces proud. Certainly, there has to be some special qualities in Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir, that makes him the obvious choice of the Prime Minister, from among the many others.

Although the Armed Forces have lost an able senior officer, it is however a gain for the government. We, the retired members of the Armed Forces wish Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir well in his new appointment and hopefully, he will always remember that it is the Armed Forces that has made him to be what he is today…………... a government minister.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Sunday, April 19, 2009

POLITICS AND POLITICKING

When will politicking among our revered politicians end. We voted them not to start the blame game, digging into the faults of others, accusing one of 'derhaka' and getting the royalty into the muddle. The major issue that is affecting the people today is the 'bread and butter' issue, unemployment, murders, corruption that is rampant among civil servants, rising costs of living and many other social and economic woes.

And speaking about corruption, haven't you heard that a senior deputy public prosecutor was detained for alleged corruption recently. And this guy works for MACC. And a few days later, some policemen, immigration and forest department officers were arrested too.

What is happening to these people who are suppose to be good public servants, but are blinded by greed, thinking that they can become millionaires overnight. I suppose, some like the immigration officers must have learnt to be corrupt from their bosses. Remember, a few months earlier, the Immigration Department Director General (DG) and his deputy were both arrested for alleged corruption. And mind you, the DG had large sum of money kept in his house. Just wonder where are they now...........no news is bad news. Hope they don't disappear like PI Bala.

If one were to read the newspapers and listen to the news on TV and radio, not a day goes by without a reported case of murder, theft or rape. Even bus drivers are getting crazy these days, and the bus company does not even know that their drivers are persistent traffic offenders. Who do you blame in this instant.......the driver or the bus company? I think both, and for that reason, the operations of the bus company has to cease, until a thorough check is made to ensure that the remaining drivers are clean of any traffic or drug offences. Life is precious, and we could only sympathise with the families of those who have died in the recent bus accident, and will the bus company compensate the grieving families?

Another interesting personality that has been silent from the news is former Tourism Minister Azalina Othman. I am told that the staffs of the ministry celebrated her departure, and for good reason, I suppose. Now, will the MACC proceed to investigate her for alleged money politics, or have they decided on a 'no case to answer'?

And in Malacca, the opposition wants to table a vote of no confidence on the Chief Minister Ali Rustam. The reason being that he was found guilty of money politics, denied from contesting the party election, but is allowed to retain his post as the Chief Minister. Of course, the speaker of the state assembly threw out the vote, and Ali Rustam is save. But will he be save in the next general elections? My guess is that he will be ask to go into hibernation.

But it was even funnier in the case of Khairy Jamaluddin. Found guilty for money politics but allowed to contest in the party election and he won, mind you.! Had he not been found guilty, Khairy would have been a minister, and will get closer to realising his ambition of being the youngest PM, before he attains the age of 40.

In the case of Ali Rustam and Khairy, if this isn't selective punishment, what else can we call it?

Najib has set the 'tone' for all his ministers and deputy ministers to get into their job responsibly. Certainly, politicking is not what Najib wants of his ministers at a time when the nation is confronted with a serious economic problem. And Muhiyudin was even more direct when he said that the BN government has only two years to prove its worth to the people. Otherwise, BN will be history.

So please get cracking ministers and deputy ministers, as there are lots of work to be done, and stop un-neccessary politicking, for goodness sake.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

A YEAR AS A BLOGGER

I have been a blogger for almost a year now, and the more I write, the more I learn from the comments (for and against) made by my faithful readers. I had wanted to confine my writings initially to issues relating to the military. But I slow in getting 'up-dates' from friends within the service; hence I began writing about other issues that interest me, particularly social and political issues that is affecting the nation.

One particular issue that I wish to champion is the eradication of corruption in the Armed Forces, and to look into the social and economic well being of ex-servicemen, and to assist them in whatever way I can.

I thought that the Ex-Servicemen Association of which I am not a member, would be the right platform to champion the cause of ex-servicemen, but I am somewhat skeptical of their will and ability to assist. I may be wrong in saying this, but I succeeded in assisting a crippled ex-soldier obtained an increase pension as well as an ex-gratia payment, where the Ex-Servicemen Association could not assist when the association was approached in the first instant. I need not pay a single cent to seek the assistance from Army HQ, but it was only a letter from me that started the ball rolling. My letter would have gone into the dustbin, if it wasn't for the caring attitude of the officers that handled the case. For their assistance, I thank them all.

Fighting corruption and nabbing the culprit is not an easy thing to do. Even Tun Dr. Mahathir recognised this. There is now so much of talk circulating that armed forces personnel are into this 'trade' in alarming numbers. I was told recently that the modus operandi of the 'taker' is simple. Just handover one's car key to the 'giver', throw in the cash into the car, and then return the car key back to the 'taker'. That level of simplicity, that I find hard to comprehend.

Since there is already so much of 'market talk' regarding corruption in the armed forces, I think it is only appropriate that the armed forces come out with a policy to stop officers from having private dealings with contractors and business agents etc. other than in their official capacity. Certainly, to be seen with contractors and business agents on the golf course, and together on holiday trips abroad must be avoided at all costs.This seems to be the normal practice today, but if one is morally strong, this can be a way of reducing the perception that officers of the armed forces are corrupt.

I will not cease writing,.......not just yet. And only failing health will stop me from doing what I like most i.e. writing.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Saturday, April 18, 2009

MORE CAN BE DONE FOR EX-SERVICEMEN – A CHALLENGE FOR THE ARMED FORCES

Yesterday morning after a meeting with friends, I decided to hitch a taxi ride back to office, rather than take the usual LRT.

Upon getting into the taxi, the driver smiled and said that I looked familiar to him. I then asked the driver how long has he been driving a taxi. He replied that he has been a taxi driver for more than 15 years. I quickly looked at his photo pasted in the taxi permit placed at the dashboard, and said that the person in the photo looked like someone I knew when I was working in the Defence Ministry. He smiled and said that the photo in the taxi permit was him, and he too was in Defence Ministry prior to leaving the service. I looked at the driver again, and said that the white scalp cap that he adorns, and the long moustache and unshaven beard, made him looked so different from the photo. And sure enough, the taxi driver was the Regimental Quartermaster Sargeant (RQMS) at the Defence Ministry, whom I had on many occasions met when I was in the ministry in the 80's.

Upon alighting from the taxi and having paid him an extra fare, I began to wonder why has he at the age of 67 still be driving a taxi. And with him being a former RQMS, with a good hands on working experience in managing logistics, he could have been suitably employed in the simple management of logistics in the private sector. And with extra training and exposure in the private sector logistics management, he could be a better employee than those without a previous working experience. He could also be managing his own company by doing simple trading and supplies to the various government departments. After all, his previous employment as the RQMS in the army, is basically that of managing the demand, receipt and distribution of daily supplies and equipments for the various armed forces departments in the ministry.

The experience of a taxi ride with this former soldier has made me to realised that soldiers upon leaving the service should not always end up being a taxi driver or a security guard, but that they can do better, provided that they are counseled and offered the correct courses and training, prior to leaving the military service. And in this regards, PERHEBAT will be the prime agency to ensure that officers and soldiers are offered the correct training and courses to enhance their inherent skills to make them 'marketable' in the private sector, or to be able to fend themselves in managing small businesses.

The armed forces personnels are trained in a number of skills and expertise, to be able to operate, maintain and repair machineries, electronics, avionics and many other assorted equipments. Besides these skills, even sea divers from the navy and special forces units can be usefully employed in the oil and gas industry, for instance. And those who are welders, and with enhanced training and certification, will be the most sought people in the oil and gas industry, that fetches them a fat salary.

There are today many such experienced personnel in the armed forces with the aforesaid skills and expertise. But where are they upon leaving the military service? This is an obvious waste of talented, skilled and highly disciplined armed forces personnel that can be usefully employed into the various private industries upon them leaving the military service. But why isn't the armed forces making a serious effort to harness these skills and expertise, and help channel them into the correct post military employment? In this regards, PERHEBAT and LTAT in particular, need to do some serious soul searching, to ensure that these armed forces personnel upon leaving are better employed and successful in their post military employment.

Taxi drivers and security guards should be made the last of all employable jobs for armed forces personnel upon leaving the service. And this will be the primary challenge for the armed forces to ensure that this does not happen any more. Will the armed forces take up this challenge?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Friday, April 17, 2009

GRIEVENCE OF A NON BUMIPUTRA ARMY OFFICER

I recently received an email from a retired army officer who had served in a unit of a formation of which I was its commander. We had somehow lost touch of each other for more than 10 years, and it was a wonderful feeling to be in touch once again with an old acquaintance. He reminded me of some of his experiences with me, which I could easily recall. I can also recall having to instruct him to lay a demonstration for the visiting Colonel -in-Chief, HRH the late Raja of Perlis, of a pair of snipers in action, as well as an assault in a build up area. These are some of the activities that I miss, and I suppose most of the officers and soldiers of the unit that had come under my charge, have all left the army too.

The officer, who opted for an early retirement was frank and forthright in explaining to me the reasons for quitting the army early. He joined the army out of sheer love for the military service, and being a non-bumiputra, he was commissioned into a Ranger battalion. I recall, the battalion had a high percentage of soldiers from Sarawak and Sabah, and one particular company of that battalion served with me in Cambodia under its able commander Major Christopher Joseph.

When in Cambodia, I recall Major Christopher was a highly religious Christian, and is always seen with a bible during period of leisure. It was his company that was ordered to be deployed to Treng in the Rattanak Mondol district by the Deputy Force Commander in the early stages of our deployment. I defied the orders because Treng is the battle area between the Cambodian forces and the Khmer Rouge. I feared for the safety of the soldiers, and worse still, there was no written orders issued for the company to be deployed to Treng. The Deputy Force Commander had to fly in to my location to reprimand me for my defiance, but I argued with him, that unless I get a full written orders from the Force Commander's office, I will not deploy the company.

My argument with the Deputy Force Commander was known to the Force Commander who later visited me, and accepted my reasoning for my defiance. Had I done the same to a Malaysian commander, I would certainly have been court martialled. For my defiance, I was accorded a distinction for my service with the UN in Cambodia, after my return home.

Now getting back to the retired army officer, he claimed that being a Christian himself, he was deprived of his religious obligations to conduct catechism classes with other Sarawakian and Sabahan Christian soldiers and their families in the camp. He reasoned out that the church was some distance away from the camp, and that the soldiers were not able to take their families to church regularly, because they do not have their own transport; besides them being out on training and operations most of the time. He thought that the most convenient way for his Christian soldiers and their families to get together for catechism classes, was to have it in their private homes in the camp. The officer cited that the instruction to disallow catechism to be conducted in camp was from the Division Commander, of which a copy of the instruction is still in his possession.

The above aptly described the grievance of a Malaysian Christian officer, residing in a predominantly Muslim community, who felt that he was being deprived of one of his religious obligation. I am not fully aware of any documented instructions from army headquarters, forbidding officers and soldiers of the Christian faith from conducting catechism classes in their private homes in the camp. If there was one, it has to be properly explained, and an alternative offered to them. I believe, the Division Commander had issued the instruction based on his own interpretation, without reference to any standing instructions. I personally think that it was wrongful for the Divisional Commander to issue the 'forbidding instruction' unilaterally.

Examples of cases like this do not go well in appealing to non bumiputra of other faith to join the army, and I believe, this could be a reason for their reluctance and poor acceptance to join. As a Muslim and a commander of troops, I constantly remind myself to be tolerant and fair to my charges, regardless of their faith and race. I only see the uniform that they wear which is similar to mine, and not the colour of their skin. The only difference between them and me is the rank that I shoulder, and with the rank comes the responsibilities; not one of self interest, but one that is suppose to care for all of them. This is where some commanders have failed, because they view the rank as being a sign of being more superior than others, and their charges are suppose to remain subservient.

I suppose the issue raised by the officer as explained above, do exist in the army till this day. This issue has to be addressed carefully, least the army is accused of being intolerant and disrespectful of other races and faith. The Federal Constitution is clear with regards to the freedom and rights to practice other faith in the country. And the army being a closed society of men and women of differing faith and race, ought to be a sterling example of how tolerance should be practice among the whole Malaysian society.

CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

CDF – WHAT MAKES IT SO NECESSARY THAT HIS SERVICE BE EXTENDED

There has been comments from among some senior retirees of the armed forces, and including some from within the service, that there is no real justification for top senior officers of the armed forces to be given an extension of service exceeding their official retirement age. The top seniors officers that I am referring to are the three service chiefs i.e. army, navy and air force, and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

The practice of extending the service of senior officers of the armed forces is more often applicable to the CDF, and occasionally, to the three service chiefs. I am told that the present CDF is on an extended service, and is scheduled to retire early next year, while both the Army Chief and the Air Force Chief would also be retiring at about the same period next year. The Navy Chief who was appointed to the post last year, has several more years to serve, and should both the Army and Air Force Chief retire, the Navy Chief, will in all probability be the next CDF.

The argument against the extension of service of top senior officers is simply that the armed forces does not have a well defined succession policy that is transparent, ideal, justifiable and fair. I believe, there is already a policy defining that the post of the CDF can be assigned to either one of the three service chiefs, which hitherto has been dominated by the Army Chief, except on one occasion where the post was held by the Navy Chief. The ideal would be to have the post assigned to the service chiefs on a rotational basis. But this often cannot be done, because of the aforesaid reason.

I am not able to reason out why is it so necessary that the CDF be extended, every time one is appointed to the post. Is it because he has such an important work that he wants to accomplish, that requires him to be extended? Or is it to give him the extra mile, because his tenure to the post is deemed too short? Or is it merely for a compassionate reasons? Or is he so outstanding in his job that he is deemed in-dispensable?

Whatever be the reason, by extending the service of the CDF, it does not really help in the subsequent succession plan. More often, the successor to the post will in all probability be extended too, maybe for one of the reasons stated above, or for other unknown reason. And this process of succession will go on endlessly. If at all there are strong and justifiable reasons that a CDF should be appointed for a reasonable period, why not then make it a policy, that upon an officer being assigned to the post of CDF, he will remain in that post for a specified period e.g. 3 years maximum, regardless of his age. This will give each service the opportunity to plan for the next succession, since they are informed of the retirement date of the incumbent CDF.

It has been rumoured that cronyism is presently being practiced by some senior officers. It is a question of whom you know, and not what you know, that finally decides the promotion and the succession plan. They say that the reason for this is to protect the interest of certain officers even after they leave the service. If this indeed be the practice of some officer, I wouldn't be surprised that we will no longer have a dedicated and professional armed forces, but one that is build on cronyism and self interest.

Let us hope that the current corps of officers of the armed forces remains true to their profession, and not be subjected to the 'worldly temptations' that will destroy the outstanding image of the force, that has been meticulously build by officers of the past.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Thursday, April 16, 2009

A BIG NO TO THE SELECTION OF MINISTERS BASED ON ETHNICITY

I just wonder what sort of mindsets do some of our politicians have. Are they being voted in based on race, faith, or ethnicity? Or are they voted in to champion their voters that comprised of various races, professing different faith, and are composed varied ethnic groups?

I raised the above question because, I just could not understand the rational over a statement made by A Sarawak politician that he is disappointed that there is no ethnic Bidayuh representation in the new cabinet line-up announced by Najib recently.

I am of the opinion that this politician is creating an unusual precedence by placing one’s ethnicity as a pre-condition for the selection of cabinet ministers. The politician had in the first instant failed to realized that he was not elected as a state assemblyman, based on any one particular ethnicity.

Politicians ought to realize that racial issues today have not been well received during political campaigning. This being the case, it follows that ethnicity should not be the basis in the appointment for any appointment in government.

The Sarawak politician who propounded this idea is clearly being ethnic bias and radical; a proposition that does not go well in creating a one Malaysia that Najib has been talking about. And isn’t the politician aware that there are multiple ethnic groups in Malaysia, and is he suggesting that each ethnic group has a right of representation in the cabinet?

It would be best for the politician (which ever party he belongs) to first attempt to implement this grand idea in Sarawak first, and to see whether it is practically viable. And anyway, isn’t it the responsibility of the Taib Mahmud administration to be looking after the Bidayuh community in Sarawak? And what can a Bidayuh minister based in Kuala Lumpur do for his community in Sarawak?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

DR. AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI – MALAYSIA’S NEW DEFENCE MINISTER

YB Dato Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on Monday taken over the Defence Ministry, to the pomp and ceremonious welcoming display of military splendor. This is a sort of home coming to a familiar environment for Dr. Ahmad Zahid who is no stranger to the ministry. He was the Political Secretary to the then Defence Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib back in the early 90’s. As the new minister, he assumes a heavy responsibility to ensure that the Armed Forces remains well equipped and ready to perform its roles and responsibilities, in responding to the domestic demands of the country, as well as the meet the country’s obligations to serve the United Nations in a myriad of roles.

It is heartening to note that Dr. Ahmad Zahid has assured that he will continue the work left by his predecessors, and will at the same time be looking at issues affecting the moral and well being of soldiers. It is true that Malaysian soldiers are an easy lot to look after. Just take good care of their families, and one is assured of the soldier loyalty to the service and his work.

I would like to suggest that Dr. Ahmad Zahid seriously look into the affairs of PERHEBAT, LTAT and PBTM, as these organizations have a significant roles to play in attending to the needs and requirement of both the serving and non-serving members of the Armed Forces. There is still much that these organizations can do to alleviate the economic and social woes normally faced by soldiers upon their retirement, especially those without technical, limited managerial and administrative skills. Admittedly, each organization have a specific charter, function and role to play, but they cannot claim to disassociate themselves from the Armed Forces – that’s sacrosanct.

I was privileged to have met the current PERHEBAT Chairman, Admiral Tan Sri Ilyas Din (Retired) over lunch recently. The discussion centered upon how he wishes to place PERBEHAT on a level where the trainees upon having been trained at PERHEBAT, are ready to go into civilian employment, or have acquired higher level recognizable skills to go into private business. In other words, the trainees leave with an assured productive second employment, and that they are not merely trained without ever seeing the prospects of acquiring an employment. As rightly said by Tan Sri Ilyas, it is the end product that matters, and the success of PERHEBAT will be determined by having to know that all their trainees are usefully and securely employed upon leaving the center.

One important issue raised by Dr. Ahmad Zahid in his first day of office that caught my attention, was the mention that he would like to see the raising of army volunteer units at all parliamentary constituencies. This would mean having volunteer units in all 222 parliamentary constituencies, and if it is going to be a company strength each, that will be equivalent to 55 Infantry Battalions, totaling approximately 27,000 personnel, and this does not take into consideration the supporting combat, logistics and administrative units. This is a phenomenal number, and even getting volunteers to fill in the existing vacancies in the present volunteer organizations is difficult enough.

While the intension is noble, i.e. getting more civilians to be involved and committed to the defence of the country; however, the manner in which the proposal was made appears to have a political connotation. This may be in conflict with the status of the Armed Forces as an organization that is apolitical, and is not affiliated to any particular political outfit, nor has it any vested political interest. It would better serve the country for the existing volunteer organization (army, navy and air force) be restructured to meet national strategic requirements (within affordable budgetary constraints), as an effective second line defence forces. The structuring of volunteer forces to meet the sole requirement of parliamentary constituencies, may not fit well into the overall Armed Forces strategic requirements.

Another aspect that Dr. Ahmad Zahid may want to seriously look into is with regards to broadening the base of the country’s defence industry, with emphasis towards greater specialization, and the production of high value defence products. Admittedly, R&D costs will be excessive, and the ability to indigenously produce some of the country’s defence needs is the only option for the country to progressively attain its self reliance capability in defence equipment, especially at a time when the country has only eleven more years left to reach its aspired developed nation status.

It is now left to Dr. Ahmad Zahid to show the lead, to propel the nation’s defence industry capabilities, and to narrow the technological gap between us and some of our neighbours, and at the same time to bring the level of our Armed Forces to greater heights.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12 pm April 15, 2009

DEFENCE MINISTRY GETS DR. AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI AS ITS MINISTER

Sunday, April 12, 2009

KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN – MY PERCEPTION

I wish to come to the defence of Najib, for not selecting Khairy to a cabinet post despite him being elected the UMNO Youth leader. I based my defence of Najib on what I read, and the many discussions that I had with friend who are in politics, and well as those who are not.

Many have said that Khairy deserves to be appointed to a cabinet post, and by electing Mukhriz and the Deputy UMNO Youth Razali Ibrahim to a ministerial post, Najib is said to have breached party conventions. Some even claimed that Najib's choice of Mukhriz over Khairy is being influence by Tun Dr. Mahathir, and there is no official denial by Najib to this claim. But Tun. Dr. Mahathir had said that he did not influence Najib over the choice of his son.

I had from the outset. i.e. when Khairy was throned the Deputy UMNO Youth through some 'devious process', wondered who was this young person who suddenly shot to fame. The name Khairy was not known to most outside UMNO. And I thought in politics, one has to go through a rigorous 'step-step-step' process before finally reaching the top of the mantle. This sudden shot to fame must have puzzled many, but I suppose in UMNO it is quite acceptable, especially having to please the boss. And I could remember that Khairy was booed by some delegates when he won the Deputy UMNO Youth post uncontested. And so it was not surprising when he was booed again, when he won the Youth leader's post in the last party elections.

I do believe that family patronage did have a hand in propelling Khairy to sudden fame, during the Abdullah administration. Some says that he had enormous powers in the previous administration, being the son-in-law of the then Prime Minister, and losing the Kuala Trengganu by-election is said to be attributed to Khairy for the poor choice of candidate. Now that his father-in-law is no longer the PM, Khairy is slowly being brought down to the level of an ordinary UMNO member, despite him being the UMNO Youth leader.

If Khairy suddenly feels down-trodden, and is no longer revered as the future youngest Prime Minister, he himself is to be blame. He has set his ambitions in politics too high, and that may have offended other aspirants as well. He moves with an 'air of authority', and this too have offended may elders in the party. Khairy may not have realised this, and nobody dares to place a check on him. But this are the little failings in Khairy that one sees, but I suppose he will change as he gets a bit older and becomes more matured and wiser as an aspiring politician.

I would not want to speculate whether Tun Dr. Mahathir did have a hand in ensuring that Khairy is left out, nor do I wish to speculate that Najib is beholden on Tun Dr. Mahathir; hence the choice of Mukhriz over Khairy. But one thing is certain, that Tun Dr. Mahathir has been a consistent critic of Khairy, and more so of his father-in-law. And this relentless criticism must have influence Najib to be careful in the selection of his cabinet ministers, least he wants himself to be the latest target of criticism by Tun Dr. Mahathir.

There no doubt that Tun Dr. Mahathir still has a strong following in UMNO. And does the return of former Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharom into Najib's cabinet, be seen as wanting to strengthen the power base of Tun Dr. Mahathir in UMNO? And with Mukhriz firmly rooted in a ministerial appointment, he can also act to check the power base of Khairy.

Interestingly, Tun Abdullah Badawi has been rather quiet over the Khairy issue. And I believe that it will be best that he gets away from making any comments that might create further divisions in UMNO Youth and the party.

As for Khairy, age is on his side, and there is little need for him to be in a hurry. He has now been given a special task by Najib to look into the affairs of the youth movement and party, and more importantly to rebuild the marred image of the party (and including that of himself ) that is being clouded by the scourge of corruption. And if this is to be Khairy's main responsibility, it is indeed a monumental task, and he has less than three years to do it.

And will Khairy succeed in his tasks? Only time will tell.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8 pm on April 12, 2009

SAMY VELLU AT IT AGAIN

My once favourite minister Mr. Samy Vellu is at it again, and as usual for the wrong reason. There are talks that he wants to pull out his MIC MP's that have been appointed into Najib's cabinet. I am told that he will be raising this matter at the MIC Central Working Committee due this coming Thursday. And if this talk is true, I challenge Samy to do it.

Some says that he was disappointed not to be made a cabinet minister, while former Penang Chief Minister and Gerakan boss Dr. Koh is made a minister. Samy must have sensed that Najib does not need him any longer (so do I), and he thinks that being a BN component party leader, he has the right to nominate himself to a ministerial post.

In the first instant, Samy ought to seriously think whether his recent election to the party president for the eleventh time is truly the members choice or otherwise. From what I gather, there is growing resistance and an apparent disgust at his leadership. Losing the general election in his very own backyard is obvious proof that the people no longer wants him. But in a party election, manipulation and trickery can change outcome.

Samy had talked about reforming MIC after the disastrous March 8, 2008 General Elections. But the reforms that he is thinking about, I am told is one that suits his idiosyncrasy. And has the image of MIC change for the better?

I like looking at Samy's facial expression when he talks, and the words he utters in Malay. I just wonder whether he is a politician or a school teacher. I always have the impression that politicians are synonymous with patience and politeness. But does Samy have patience and politeness when he talks?

I have hundreds of loyal Indian friends who refused to to be associated with MIC, because of the sight of Samy. The taxi drivers that I meet daily on my travel to work, will just shake their heads at the mention of Samy's name. The say that Samy have grown so powerful that the very moment he opens his mouth, the people around him will meekly bow their heads in complete obedience. And didn't Tun Dr. Mahathir once remarked that Samy does not tolerate opposition in the party?

If Samy does pull out his MIC MP's from their ministerial post, will the party remain a component of the BN, or will he take the party out? Or will he dare take the culculated risk of joining Pakatan Rakyat (PR)? And will the Indians in PR admits Samy in their midst?

Whatever decision that Samy takes in trying to appease his wounded personality, these are extreme decisions that Samy has to seriously weigh first. And if Samy really has the interest of his community at heart, I think neither pulling out his MIC MP's out of the cabinet, nor taking the party out of BN, nor joining the PR will do Samy and the Indian community any good.

And if he does take any one of those decision, Samy is doomed, and with it, his entire 'kingdom' that he had build for more than three decades will come crumbling down. Will Mr. Samy dare take this challenge? I doubt he will.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 5 pm on April 12, 2009

IS MUSA AMAN A RECALCITRANT?

Sabah UMNO Youth leader and the state Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister Japlin Akin (no cousin of Charlie Chaplin), was detained for questioning for three days by MACC Thursday last, together with businessman Limus Jury for alleged corruption. Both have now been released on bail. And it was also reported that Japlin is a strong supporter of newly appointed national UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin. Does one smell a link here?

Japlin Akin was one of those found guilty for money politics by UMNO's Disciplinary Committee in the lead to UMNO General Assembly last month, and was slammed with a 3 year suspension from UMNO. However, the leaders of UMNO Sabah, and the Chief Minister Musa Aman in particular, finds no valid reason for Japlin to be relieved of his political appointment, despite a 3 year suspension.

I just wonder what standard is UMNO Sabah applying for those who have been found guilty of corruption by the party, and isn't this an insult to the position and integrity of members of the Disciplinary Committee?

I suppose Musa Aman who himself has a string of corruption charges filed against him in the past, appears more willing to ignore and discard the party's Disciplinary Committee's decision, rather than to act against a proven party offender. Musa Aman has indeed made an unusual and dangerous precedence by not acting on Japlin, and this does not auger well for the party. By ignoring the decision of the Disciplinary, Musa Aman clearly shows that he is in total defiance of his own party ethics and rules. And it will not be wrong for one to say that for Musa Aman, it is his own political interest that come first, and not that of UMNO's interest.

Now that MACC has come down on Japlin, will this be the beginning of a much wider investigation into the 'mysterious affairs' of UMNO Youth? I have been told that Khairy's sudden surge in votes during the election for the top UMNO Youth post in the last party election, was attributed to the support of Sabah's delegations. Questions are now being raised as to whether Japlin had a hand in the sudden shift of allegiance to Khairy. And speculations are rife that lots of cash had been doled out to appease the Sabah delegations. And could this be the reason why Khairy had been sidelined by Najib? One wonders.

The 'Japlin and Musa Aman affair' has only brought shame and disrespect to the solemn pledge made by Najib for a clean government, and to curb the scourge of corruption in UMNO. And by ignoring Najib and the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, Musa Aman has destroyed the image of a 'new UMNO and a clean government' that Najib wants to build. And if Musa Aman wants to show that he is the absolute power behind UMNO politics in Sabah by willfully acting as he wishes, he then does not deserve to be an UMNO member.

The question being asked now is whether Najib will be bold enough to act on Musa Aman for being a recalcitrant? This will be the litmus test for Najib, while UMNO and the ordinary people watches.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.20 pm April 11, 2009

Saturday, April 11, 2009

A DILAPIDATED ARMY COMBAT TRAINING CENTER (PULADA) – A SHAME

I was in Johor Bahru a few months ago, and on my way to Kota Tinggi, I decided to stop at PULADA, the army's once prestigious jungle warfare training center. My reason for stopping at the training center was to catch a glimpse of an old friend and canteen operator Mr. Goh Da Dee. They say that PULADA is synonymous and is as old as Mr. Goh, and if one wants to know the history of the training center, just ask Mr. Goh.

PULADA is a legacy of the British, constructed in the late 40's or early 50's, and was the home of the British Commando Regiment. Besides, it was also a center for jungle warfare training and to acclimatise British soldiers that had recently arrived from the UK, to the Malayan enviornment. If one were to read the book on the infamous General Aidi Amin, he was said to have been send by the British for training at the center.

I had not been into PULADA for almost a decade, and was anxious to see the training center that I had served twice as a staff, once again. As I drove pass the Guard Room, I felt that I was still in the 70's, when I first attended my All Arms Tactics Course. In other words, many things have not changed. Most of the wooded buildings are in a dilapidated state, and if there was any new structures being added, their designs are certainly not contemporary, but ones that fits into the era of the 80's.

I remembered that in the late 80's, there was talk that the center was to be handed back to the Johore government, and PULADA was to be moved to Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. Hence all development plans for the center had to be shelved. That was more than two decades ago, and PULADA has still not moved. Now they say that PULADA will remain where it is, and grand plans to rebuild the center is underway. But my hunch says that this grand plan, if ever there was one, will never materialised .

The problem with army is that they are highly inconsistent in planning, and when there is a change in the leadership, the planning and priorities changes. I dare say that whims and fancies rules, and the attitude that “I know better what to do then others”, reigns the day. This inconsistency is even more obvious and rampant in the purchase of equipments for the army, and I prefer not to dwell more of this subject, least I may offend the leadership.

I did describe my horrific visit to PULADA to a friend of mine who had served with me in PULADA, and his simple answer was, “just cancel the purchase of the third regiment of MLRS worth 2 billion and throw it into PULADA”. That simple answer strikes me to be true, and rebuilding a modern PULADA does not even cost half that of the third regiment MLRS. And does the army really need three regiments of MLRS in the first instant?

Training is an essential part of a soldiers (officers included) career development. PULADA essentially does that. And if one were to make a comparison of PULADA with that of the training centers build for the civil service, PULADA could easily be described that of a chicken coop. And if I, an army retiree felt the shame and humiliation of seeing the dilapidated state of the once prestigious jungle warfare training center, I honestly not know what the army officers of today feels about the center. I hope the answer is not puzzling.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11 pm on April 10, 2009

Friday, April 10, 2009

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE?

Newly appointed Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak had just named its new cabinet that is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. Dubbed as ‘Team Malaysia’, Najib said, “the new cabinet is not only a new team with a new face, but also a new approach to administering the country better in a more responsible and transparent manner that focuses in the people”.

The concern of most Malaysians has been the prevalence of corruption, and the role of cronies and family members in business and the affairs of government, that pervades the Abdullah administration; a repeat of which Najib has to avoid in his new administration. Tun Dr. Mahathir, a severe critic of former PM Tun Abdullah, had remarked that the new cabinet seems to be clean, with some notable ministers that are known to be corrupt have not been listed.

To all Malaysians, let us give the new Prime Minister and his cabinet a chance to make good their pledges. And in this trying period of the global economic downturn, it is incumbent upon us to support any course that the government takes, that is deemed beneficial to the nation and its people. To criticized the government now will not be just and fair, and Najib will need the unequivocal support of the people to realize his pledge of a one Malaysia.

The Armed Forces too in the coming months will also see a change in its leadership; though not through an election of any kind. I am told that the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is due for retirement, and the post is likely to be taken up by either one of the present serving service chiefs. Since the post was created, the CDF has been dominated by the army, and only once held by the navy.

The British, and similarly the Australian Armed Forces, I believe appoints the CDF on a rotational basis. The MAF recognizes that the post of CDF is a tri- service post; meaning that it can be held by either one of the service chief i.e. army, navy of air force chief, and supposedly on a rotational basis. However, in practice, this does not seem to be so, and I am also made to believe that the final selection to the post will eventually be decided by the political masters.

There has been some argument from among the three services in the past, with regards to the rightful appointment of the CDF. The army would claim that the post is rightfully theirs since the army constitutes the largest of the three services. The other two services i.e. navy and air force will likewise say that numerical strength alone are no longer the criterion. The high value assets and technological sophistication of the equipments held by a modern air force and navy that requires precise management, raises greater importance against just the numerical strength of the army.

The other argument that the war of today will not be fought by just one particular service, but will be joint in nature i.e. the combined forces of the army, navy and air force. And this gives greater justification that the CDF can be from either one of the three service chief, and certainly not predominantly from the army.

I am told that there is no clear succession to the post of the CDF today, because the current Army and Air Force chiefs are also expected to retire, at about the same time as the CDF. That leaves the Navy chief, but they say that he lacks the seniority as the chief.

And assuming that either the Army or Air Force chief is appointed, their service will have to be extended pass their official retirement age i.e. 58 years. And if this is the choice of the government, who then will be chosen from among the two……army or air force chief? Or will it be the Navy chief despite his lack of seniority? We will have to leave the final choice of the new CDF to the new Defence Minister, YB Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7 pm on April 10, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

WILL NAJIB'S 'REFORM CABINET' APPEASE TO THE PUBLIC?

I had in an article posted on Thursday, April 2, 2009, reasoned out as to who would be the likely candidates to be part of Najib's 'reformed cabinet', as well as those who would be told to take the exit door. Though the list is not all that accurate, I am pleased to note that those whom I had expected not to be named are almost perfect, and they are Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Azalina Othman, Noraini Ahmad, Syed Hamid Albar and Nor Mohd Yacob.

I also did not give Khairy Jamaluddin a chance for obvious reasons, but I least expect Muhkriz to be made the International Trade & Industry Deputy Minister. I do however believe that the choice of Muhkriz is favourable, as he has the charisma and is said to be clean. I do expect some disgruntlement among UMNO youth, and to add greater insult to Khairy, his deputy is also made a Deputy Minister. Where then lies the future of Khairy, and was Tun Dr. Mahathir instrumental in the choice of Muhkriz, and dumping Khairy?

I had however failed in my predictions of the four top UMNO leaders i.e. Muhyiddin, Ahmad Zahid, Hishamuddin and Shafie Afdal, but the position offered to them are fairly significant.

Ahmad Zaid whom I thought would have been better at Education Ministry, is now the new Defence Minister. He is no alien to the ministry, for he was in the 80's the Political Secretary to Naijb. One knows him for his fiery speeches during his days as the UMNO Youth leader, but one can be surprised at his gentle demeanor if one gets to know him. I know, the Armed Forces will only be too pleased to have Ahmad Zahid as their new minister.

I also believe that Shafie Afdal fits well as the new Rural & Regional Development Minister. He now has every reason to move more frequently to the interior of Sabah and Sarawak where rural development is most needed. Having served in the two East Malaysian states many times, I am of the opinion that rural Sabah and Sarawak deserves more attention than their counterpart in the peninsular. And both the state governments has not done enough for the rural folks for last four decades.

The Armed Forces should be proud to have its Religious Corps Director Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir appointed the Religious Affairs Minister. This will be the second time an army general is appointed to the post; the first being Brig Gen Dato Hamid Zainal Abidin.

Finally, I am pleased that Najib retains Rais Yatim, the old crusader. He has been an outspoken critic against money politics during the last UMNO general assembly, and to lose him at this stage will not be wise. Being sort of an 'elder' in the cabinet, his experience in government can be fairly useful to the younger generation of ministers.

The days ahead for Najib and his newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers will be a challenging one. Najib has set the tone on the conduct of his minister/deputy ministers, and how he wants the government to be managed. The Najib's administration has another 3 more years before the next general elections. And the sooner they get down to prove their worth, the better chances they have in turning the tables on the opposition, who are poised the take on the BN challenge.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.30 pm on April 9, 2009

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

IT’S TWO BUKITS FOR PR AND ONE BATANG FOR BN

It was an exciting Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for me. And I had earlier predicted a sure win for PR at Bukit Gantang, and a win for BN at Batang Ai. And that makes it one – one, a draw. But I was a bit doubtful as to which party wins at Bukit Selembau. And if either one party wins, it will be two - one. That was what I predicted the final tally to be, and it could go either way; BN or PR.

It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.

To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.

Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.

Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.

The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.

BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.

And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.

The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?

I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009

IT’S TWO BUKITS FOR PR AND ONE BATANG FOR BN

It was an exciting Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for me. And I had earlier predicted a sure win for PR at Bukit Gantang, and a win for BN at Batang Ai. And that makes it one – one, a draw. But I was a bit doubtful as to which party wins at Bukit Selembau. And if either one party wins, it will be two - one. That was what I predicted the final tally to be, and it could go either way; BN or PR.

It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.

To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.

Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.

Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.

The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.

BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.

And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.

The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?

I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF A MUCH LARGER MACC INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEFENCE MINISTRY?

NST Online dated April 7, 2009 reports that MACC had on Friday, April 3, 2009 arrested a 54 year old CEO of a company for allegedly subletting a Defence Ministry contract for RM 1.3 million. The contract for the supply of defence equipment was worth RM 41.5 million.

From the report, one can presume that the company that was originally awarded the contract is either a bogus company, or a company with close link to officials involved in awarding the contract. One can also presume that the contract was awarded through direct negotiations.

There must have been similar cases like this in the past that had gone un-noticed. This is the easiest way for one to get exceedingly rich quickly, and it cannot be done without the connivance of unscrupulous insiders in the ministry.

MACC has to come down hard on those involved, and one ought not to be surprised that the trail may lead to some senior officials in the ministry. It is unlikely that junior officers are involved because of the high contract value, and it will not be surprising too that this may just be the tip of a larger MACC investigations on the ministry.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 4 pm on April 7, 2009

Monday, April 6, 2009

THE THREE BY-ELECTIONS – WHO WINS AND WHO LOSES?

In a few hours from now, eligible voters for the Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai by-elections will cast their votes. The results of the last ten days of intense campaigning by the two main political parties i.e.BN and PR will finally be known by late evening of 7th April. Political observers have given little hope for any one of the independent candidates winning the by-election in the contested areas. Some are likely to lose their deposits. But their participation can be telling on the outcome of the majority votes to be won by winning candidate, especially in Bukit Selembau.

I have somewhat lost interest in monitoring the three by-elections, unlike the two previous by-elections, since the 'political crisis' in Perak erupted. I felt that the voters of Perak have lost their rights to choose their own government, and that elected representatives today; be they state or federal representatives, can no longer be trusted to remain loyal to their voters. Defectors to me no longer represent the people that had voted them in. In fact, they have betrayed the voters trust; hence they don't deserve to remain elected representatives, let alone to claim that they are elected representatives.

I feel that the peoples interest in the three by-elections has been over shadowed by events of the recent UMNO general assembly. This has somewhat given the opposition an edge in making their presence felt early in the areas affected by the by-elections, while UMNO is too busy sorting themselves out for the general assembly.

What BN lacks in their early preparation, the party edges PR in its campaigning effort, since the former has the full force of the media (electronic and print), and some government agency to act as their 'proxy' in the campaigning. There is a total blackout of any good news reporting of the opposition by the mainstream media. And if the BN is to believe that they have succeeded in neutralising the opposition by this means, they are totally mistaken. In fact, it has angered people more, and the results of the two previous by-elections is sufficient proof.

It is hard to predict the outcome of the three by-elections, but from what I gather, the fight will be stiff, except for Batang Ai, which is most likely to favour the BN candidate. In the case of Bukit Gantang, PR candidate Dato Nizar Jamaluddin is hard to beat, and is the sure favourite to win with a sizable majority. Bukit Selambau has a 50-50 chance for both the BN and PR, and there seemed to be no clear favourite.

And one should not take Samy Vellu's assessment to be the gospel truth, and I am told that his presence at Bukit Selembau will have no bearing on the MIC's candidate chances of winning. And what about Tun Dr. Mahathir's presence at Bukit Gantang? Will it garner support for the BN candidate?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.00 pm on April 6, 2009

Sunday, April 5, 2009

THE UGLY SIDE OF MALAYSIAN POLITICS

Politics knows no limits. And if ‘poison’ can be used to shut out an opponent, politicians and their supporters from both the political divide, will not hesitate to use it. This is exactly the scene at the on-going by-elections in Kedah and Perak.

In a desperate attempt to win votes, supporters of a political party have began circulating in a booklet, the Elizabeth Wong’s story in an effort to demonize the political party of which she belongs. What has Elizabeth Wong’s story got to do with the by-elections? Are the people involved in the publication of the story got nothing better to do, than to undertake this despicable act of ‘fitnah’.

If those involved are Malays of the Muslim faith, they ought to know that ‘fitnah’ in Islam is serious, and I would like to challenge these people to come forward to show their filthy and ugly faces. Otherwise I would say that they are nothing by cowards, hiding behind some politicians, who are themselves stinking cowards.

Acts like this has to stop, because it is setting a bad example to others, and reflects the disgusting level of political maturity, and the ugly side of Malaysian politics. I appeal to the authorities to investigate the ‘perpetrators’ of this act, and to come down hard on them, regardless of their political affiliation.

Malaysians have had enough of money politics, and now this despicable and ungentlemanly act of humiliating others for one’s own political gains. Will this be the future on Malaysian politics, and are we to tolerate this?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 17.30 pm on April 5, 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009

WILL NAJIB FULFILL HIS PLEDGES?

TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMED...........welcome back to UMNO. And I believe, there will be some within the party who may feel uneasy with Tun Mahathir back into the party. These are the people who virtually told Tun Mahathir to shut up, when he began criticising Pak Lah for the latter's supposedly failures.

One name that I could remember well is the 'minister in-charge of parliament' Nazri Aziz. He was extremely vocal of Tun Mahathir, and I think he did that in a show of loyalty to Pak Lah. I don't blame him for that, because that is what all politicians should do, if they want to be secured in the job. The Malay saying 'cari makan' is apt to describe the action of Nazri Aziz.

Most seemed to say that Tun Mahathir will be a towering figure behind Najib. In a way, Najib should be pleased to have a mentor whom he can look back for advice in time of need. Some even say that Najib will act subserviently to Tun Mahathir, and if this is to happen, then there will surely be resistance within the party from those who are particularly not so fond of Tun Mahathir. I think, Tun Mahathir should avoid being seen to have influence over Najib; just like the 4th Floor boys during Pak Lah's era, which Tun Mahathir himself was extremely critical.

I read that Najib will have nothing of the 4th Floor boys that Pak Lah had relied upon as his 'advisors' in managing the state. Najib ought not to trapped in a similar situation, knowing that all his siblings are doing exceedingly well in the corporate world. They should not be seen in the corridors of Putrajaya at all; least that they be accused of seeking patronage and favour from Najib over their business dealings.

I have been told that during the time when Tun Hussein Onn was the Prime Minister, he refused to allow any of his relatives to see him at his office. Even if they do get to meet him at his house, asking for business favours from Tun Hussein will be the last thing that he wants to hear. I do not know whether Hishamuddin knows this, and if he doesn't, just ask the older relatives of his father, to confirm this.And I do not know whether Hishamuddin is anything like his late father or his grandfather Onn Jaafar, who led a simple life, devoid of the ills of politics today. Certainly money politics wasn't heard in those days.

Najib had made many pledges in his acceptance speech broadcast over TV. He has set the peoples interest first before self, and by saying that, he had pledge the most difficult thing to do. Many would argue that even if Najib succeeds in fulfilling all that he had pledged, they doubt others, especially his ministers and deputy ministers, will be able to do what he does.

This will be the biggest test for Najib, and the only possible way of ensuring that his pledges are fulfilled, Najib has to be firm on his fellow ministers and deputy ministers. Can Najib do this, or will he allow a government to conduct itself on 'auto pilot', as was the case of the Pak Lah administration, of which Najib was part of it.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8.40 pm on April 4, 2009

Friday, April 3, 2009

EZAM BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT

UMNO has once again unleash Ezam Md Noor to campaign for UMNO/ BN in the up-coming by-elections in Perak and Kedah. I am not quite sure whether he will be wanted in Batang Ai in Sarawak, because he is not known there. Furthermore, rural Sarawak is rather skeptical of outsiders and to win them, one has to speak and understand their language.

Wasn't Ezam the person who claimed to have boxes of incriminating documents of corrupt practices by UMNO/BN top leaders? And to be welcomed back by Pak Lah in a much publicised media frenzy into UMNO's fold, must have forced him to conveniently stash the boxes in some secret vaults, only to use it again when he is no longer wanted by UMNO. What a desperate guy this fellow is.

Ezam will once again adopt a campaign strategy that focuses on stale issues to incriminate Anwar Ibrahim. And if Ezam calls Anwar a liar, the former is no better. Ezam had failed to swing voters allegience to the BN in the Permatang Pauh and Kuala Trengganu by-elections by employing the same campaign strategy. And what assurance does he now have, that makes him think he can do better this time. He seems not to have understood that voters are sick of listening to his speeches that speaks of nothing else, except to bad mouth others.

And is UMNO at a loss of able and experience campaigners to challenge the opposition in the by-elections? Get the Oxford trained guy to campaign, and who knows he might be the winning formula for UMNO. Well, Norza is currently not holding any party post. Why don't he be used to campaign. The least is for people to get to know Norza better, and if he does well, people may forgive and forget all the troubles that he has been through, and UMNO may want to reward him.

The mood and desire of the voters has changed dramatically these days. An assurance of a real and positive change to their livelihood is what these rural voters wants, especially during this period of economic uncertainty. Bread and butter issue comes top of the list. Serious attention should also be given to assuring job security, and issues affecting health care, raising standards of rural education, combating crime and drug usage among youth, and ways of negating the ever rising cost of living that is affecting the rural folks, and many other social and economic issues.

What about Ali Rustam? They say he is a popular politician and would have been UMNO's Deputy President if he was allowed to contest in the recent party elections. His popularity could be a pulling factor during this campaigning.

Finally, UMNO/BN has the full force of the print and electronic media, and without Harakah and Suara Keadilan in circulation, the world of media reporting for the by-elections is entirely UMNO's. As was the case in past general elections and by-elections, TV3 seemed the most active propaganda machine, sometimes taking the entire day of 'election campaigning'. Were they successful in winning the voters allegiance in support of UMNO/BN, is something that most are not quite sure about. And if the past two by-election results were to be taken as a measure of success or failure, than TV3's campaigning efforts was certainly a total flop.

We are now beginning to hear promises of development being mentioned, should a particular candidate wins. What these developments are is quite hazy, and I would regard them as mere rhetorics. If resurfacing a village road, or constructing a new bus terminal, or building a new hyper market, or building a stadium are termed as development, then I would say that the candidates are talking rubbish. These issues does not in anyway contribute to improving the livelihood of the rural folks, but it will only enrich contractors who are cronies of politicians.

But if one were to say that they will introduce new agriculture technology, or build more clinics, or improve the water and electric supply into all areas, or create small industries to generate job opportunities, then these issues are likely to draw the attention of voters. Whether the projects will be implemented or not, will be left to the winner to resolve. This has always been the case in all elections. Lots of promises made before the election, but only to see it wither after the election.

Both the BN and PR have gone through two highly strung by-elections in the past few months. They should know what are the issues that attracts voters attention that can be translated into votes. Certainly Ezam's ways of campaigning, the way he did in the past two by-elections, will not be one that is likely to achieve any success...........and I think, UMNO knows this too well.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9 pm on April 3, 2009

Thursday, April 2, 2009

WHAT WILL BE NAJIB’S CABINET LINE UP ?

Tomorrow, April 3, 2009 at 10 am, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak will be sworn in as the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia, in a ceremony to be held at the Istana in Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of the King, thus ending all speculations and rumours regarding the succession to Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Never has Malaysians been so divided in their choice as to who they prefer as the next Prime Minister after Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Even from among the ranks of UMNO itself, there has been uneasiness and uncertainty as to the choice of Najib, who had over the last few years been severely criticized by the opposition for allegations of corruption, sexual escapade and even murder. Such allegations though not brought before the courts has somehow affected Najib’s standing in the eyes of the Malaysian public.

It is only Najib who knows the entire truth, and he cannot lie when he is brought to face the Almighty in the hereafter. That will be everybody’s fear, but how many amongst us really fear the hereafter?

And any amount of swearing by Najib will not convince anyone with a fixed negative perception of him, that he is innocent of all the allegations. It is for this reason that many have suggested that Najib clears himself of all allegations first, before he becomes the Prime Minister. Some have even suggested that Najib brings to court those who deliberately demonized him. But Najib had all along preferred to be defensive with his ‘enemies’, and this has made them even bolder.

I think, the most challenging task for Najib upon his succession as the newly anointed Prime Minister will be the choice of his cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. I believe Muhyiddin Yassin is the obvious choice as the Deputy Prime Minister, and for Najib to disregard this choice will incur the wrath of many from within the party. This is the least that Najib wants to be burdened with at the start of his premiership.

I also believe that Najib would want to ensure the highest level of loyalty from among his most senior party leaders, especially those who were elected to the three posts of the party’s Vice President, and the Deputy President.

To ensure loyalty and unbridled support, I believe all the four senior party leaders i.e. Muhyiddin Yassin, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishamuddin Hussein and Shafie Afdal, to my mind will be offered the ‘command’ of important ministries such as Finance, Defence, Home Affairs, Education, Foreign Affairs and possibly International Trade.

Allow me to hasten a guess as to how I think Najib’s would want to ‘deploy’ his four top senior party leaders, and with himself as the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. The four others as follows:

1. Defence - Hishamuddin Hussein
2. Education - Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
3. Home Affairs - Muhyiddin Yassin
4. International Trade - Shafie Afdal

It is most likely that Rais Yatim, through having lost in his bid for the Supreme Council seat will retain his Foreign Ministry portfolio. He articulates well in the international arena, and to replace him now will not be a good for the country.

I also sense that several ministers will lose their job as they are seen as non performers. My intuition tells me that the likes of Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Azalina Othman,Noraini Ahmad, Mohd Noor Yacob and Syed Hamid Albar will be told to take their leave.

It will also be interesting to see whether Najib will offer Shahrizat Jalil and Khairy Jamaluddin a ministerial post; they having won the Wanita and Pemuda top post respectively. I have my qualms concerning Khairy because of the controversies surrounding his qualification as a candidate for the Pemuda, despite being found guilty for money politics by the party’s disciplinary committee. And he is also not a popular person among the grassroots, as seen during the recent UMNO General Assembly.

One person that I have my highest regards is Mustapha Mohamed who won the highest vote for the Supreme Council. He should be considered for an important cabinet post; like taking over the post of Finance Minister. This will relief Najib of the post, and to allow him to concentrate on his Prime Minister’s portfolio which is ever encompassing.

In deciding his final line up of his cabinet, Najib must be weary of those who are known to have been involved in corruption in the past, and they should not be considered at all, if Najib is indeed serious in wanting to eradicate corruption among his ministers.

We have heard how power have corrupted politicians, and the Khir Toyo's on-going case is one obvious bad example. There are still many others, but time will tell the extend of corruption that has permeated the ranks of ministers and politicians in the past.

The nation demands the best of its ministers, and Najib has in no uncertain terms promised that his priority lies in the people first, before self. And will this promise be kept?


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11 pm on April 2, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

KHIR TOYO'S PNSB BANK

More revealation on Khir Toyo in the on-going Selcat hearing. This guy who was Selangor's Menteri Besar certainly thinks that Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) is his personal bank, and he can just withdraw any amount he needs for his personal use. And how stupid could PNSB be, to allow Khir Toyo to take whatever he wants. Isn't this robbery in broad daylight?

Mind you, in 2004, Khir Toyo was on an all expense paid holiday to France and Morocco with his family and including a maid, and the bill came up to a stunning RM 1 million. It wasn't enough that his wife and including other members of Balkis had a jolly good all expense paid holiday trip to Disney land and Australia, paid for by Khir Toyo's PNSB bank. You know how many poor and hungry families can be fed with the amount of money he and his family spend on holidays? Khir may not have noticed beggers running around in Klang, and I don't blame him for that because he could hardly see anything outside his heavily tinted car windows.

Enough is enough Mr. Khir Toyo, and how are you going to answer all these misdeeds of yours to the people of Selangor, and including my kampung folks from Ulu Langat? And shame on you for having brought out a trivial case on Khalid Ibrahim. At least Khalid Ibrahim did not steal the cows and eat it all himself. He gave it all to others, and this is a gracious and honourable act; not thievery.

For all the misdeeds that you and your wife had done, you deserve to loose the UMNO Youth party elections recently. And you don't even deserve to be elected the ADUN of your constituency. Certainly, the voters of Ulu Langat no longer needs you, and should you decided to visit us, we will be pleased to present you with a broom.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.10 pm on April 1, 2009