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
Tuesday, 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 Defectors to me no longer represent the people that had voted them in.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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