UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin is back in the news. This time echoing what PM Najib has to say about the Perak fiasco, blaming it all on the opposition, and saying that the BN does not fear of a fresh elections in the state. Khairy had also called Anwar Ibrahim a hypocrite; supposedly being the 'villain' that had started the ruse of a massive crossover of BN parliamentarians to the opposition, hoping for a change of government from BN to PR. This, to the delight of the BN government, did not materialised.
Khairy has been in limbo since Najib had not listed him for any ministrial appointment, but had assigned him to concentrate his efforts at strengthening the UMNO youth wing. How far has he succeeded in his newly assigned role is yet to be known. And from what I gather from UMNO insiders, Khairy is now operating like a lame duck, since having lost the usual pair of 'clutches' from his father-in-law.
With regards to the opposition's call for a fresh elections in Perak, as the only way out of the political impasse in the state, leaders of the BN component parties have been divided over this call. They seemed not to be able to reached a consensus, but rather voicing a differing in opinion, thus reflecting a division within the BN. Consensus, that has been the hallmark of the BN success, seemed to be thinning out, and this is not a good indication.
While most UMNO leaders seemed to agree that the party is not afraid of a fresh elections, they however have placed a caveat i.e. that a fresh elections will be costly for the government. I just wonder if the by-elections in Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Batang Air, Bukit Selembau and Bukit Gantang were not costly. One knows that the amount of promises made, and the instant financial handouts during these by-elections must have costs more than the actual costs of running the elections. Now, who should be blamed for this unnecessary outlandish spendings? The BN or PR?
Even Tun Mahathir had said that the BN winning the fresh elections in Perak is a foregone conclusion. Is it because of this that the BN leaders are divided, or have they reached a consensus that a fresh elections is out of the question? Tun Mahathir's direct statement must have embarrassed BN leaders, and had placed them in a quandary.
In the case of the PR, the party has been consistent in wanting a fresh elections. I suppose, winning or losing does not really matter for them any more. And even if they lose, it will only be a measure of the the party's popularity by the people, which calls for renewed strategy in the future. And if they win, sustaining their popularity will not be that easy, as the myriad of demands of the people keeps ballooning.
Now, Thursday, May 21th 2009 will be a day for reckoning for Nizar, and the nation awaits the outcome to be announced by the Court of Appeal. Earlier, the date was set for Monday, May 18th 2009, and with this change of date, both Nizar and Zambry's hearing will be conducted on the same day.
I do not wish to place my bet on any one of them, but my only hope is that the court's decision will be one that will best serve the people of Perak; not that of Nizar or Zambry.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Showing posts with label perak crisis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perak crisis. Show all posts
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WHAT NEXT FOR ZAMBRY AND NIZAR?
Wow......Zambry is reinstate the Menteri Besar of Perak in double quick time. The Court of Appeal judge must have worked feverishly to grant a stay of the High Court judge declaration on Monday 11, that Nizar is the lawful Menteri Besar of Perak.
I am no lawyer to comment on the intracacies involved in Zambry's application to the Court of Appeal, that had granted him back the Menteri Besar post, but speaking as a layman, this case is what one would term as 'a comedy of error'.
I was informed about this new turn of event by one of my blog viewer via the sms. I initially thought that he was joking, and my reply to him was that, “I am fortunate not to be from Perak”. When I got to the office, I noticed one of the staff, a thoroughbred Perakian, looking remoseful. I asked him what is wrong? He replied, “What is the palace doing? Are they not concern with what is happening in Perak? Why have they not arbitrate the political crisis looming in Perak today, that is not benefitting the people of Perak?”. I did not answer him, but quietly walked away, fearing that he will shower me with more questions.
Obviously, the Zambry vs Nizar case will not be ending soon, since the matter is now in the hands of the court. I do not wish to preempt what would be the judgment on Nizar's appeal application to the Court of Appeal that will be decided on Tuesday 18th, 2009. But judging by the manner at which the Court of Appeal had decided on Zambry's application in double quick time, my honest guess is that Nizar has little chance of winning. I wish this is not true, because I believe, like many else do, that the only sensible and honourable solution to the Perak political impasse, would be to allow the people to decide through the ballot box. By this way, democracy is restored, to the satisfaction of not only Perakians, but to all Malaysians. Isn't this too much to ask?
It is quite apparent that the treatment accorded by the police to Zambry is quite different to that of Nizar. Just look at the picture of the smiling Zambry being escorted by a policemen to his office, as shown in the New Straits Time today. Compare this with the picture of Nizar at the gate of the State Secretariat building, and being disallowed into his office on Tuesday morning. Isn't this a shame, and I dread the day when the opposition wins back the control of the state.
Much has been said about the conduct of civil servants towards Nizar, that clearly favoured Zambry. As civil servants, they have to remain apolitical, and this clearly was not observed. Just look again at the manner in which the Speaker in his honourable robe, was dragged out of the State Assembly. Can any right thinking person say to me that the act was justified. I say it was certainly not justified, and only persons with an insane mind would do that.
My honest appeal to all assemblymen in Perak is to use more of their brains, and less of their brawns. Elected assemblymen are referred to as the Yang Berhormat, and let not their personal act shows otherwise.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I am no lawyer to comment on the intracacies involved in Zambry's application to the Court of Appeal, that had granted him back the Menteri Besar post, but speaking as a layman, this case is what one would term as 'a comedy of error'.
I was informed about this new turn of event by one of my blog viewer via the sms. I initially thought that he was joking, and my reply to him was that, “I am fortunate not to be from Perak”. When I got to the office, I noticed one of the staff, a thoroughbred Perakian, looking remoseful. I asked him what is wrong? He replied, “What is the palace doing? Are they not concern with what is happening in Perak? Why have they not arbitrate the political crisis looming in Perak today, that is not benefitting the people of Perak?”. I did not answer him, but quietly walked away, fearing that he will shower me with more questions.
Obviously, the Zambry vs Nizar case will not be ending soon, since the matter is now in the hands of the court. I do not wish to preempt what would be the judgment on Nizar's appeal application to the Court of Appeal that will be decided on Tuesday 18th, 2009. But judging by the manner at which the Court of Appeal had decided on Zambry's application in double quick time, my honest guess is that Nizar has little chance of winning. I wish this is not true, because I believe, like many else do, that the only sensible and honourable solution to the Perak political impasse, would be to allow the people to decide through the ballot box. By this way, democracy is restored, to the satisfaction of not only Perakians, but to all Malaysians. Isn't this too much to ask?
It is quite apparent that the treatment accorded by the police to Zambry is quite different to that of Nizar. Just look at the picture of the smiling Zambry being escorted by a policemen to his office, as shown in the New Straits Time today. Compare this with the picture of Nizar at the gate of the State Secretariat building, and being disallowed into his office on Tuesday morning. Isn't this a shame, and I dread the day when the opposition wins back the control of the state.
Much has been said about the conduct of civil servants towards Nizar, that clearly favoured Zambry. As civil servants, they have to remain apolitical, and this clearly was not observed. Just look again at the manner in which the Speaker in his honourable robe, was dragged out of the State Assembly. Can any right thinking person say to me that the act was justified. I say it was certainly not justified, and only persons with an insane mind would do that.
My honest appeal to all assemblymen in Perak is to use more of their brains, and less of their brawns. Elected assemblymen are referred to as the Yang Berhormat, and let not their personal act shows otherwise.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, May 11, 2009
NIZAR 'CROWNED' THE LEGITIMATE MENTERI BESAR BY THE HIGH COURT
I was in town at around 4 pm today, and received a call from a friend from Sabah. Before I could say hello to him, he said, “we have won”. I at once knew that he was referring to the judgment by the High Court that Nizar had won his case, and is legally the Menteri Besar of Perak. This Sabahan friend of mine, though being an UMNO member, wasn't inspired by the nature of the BN's takeover of the Perak state government, which he said was likened to a thief that had broken through the rear door of a house, and claimed that all that is in the house belongs to the thief. And I believe, many in UMNO today felt the same.
Personally, the High Court's decision that favoured Dato Nizar came as a surprise to me, and I suppose to many others. Reading and listening to the mainstream media's comments concerning the case, gave little hope for Nizar, and even Zambry's comments on the May 7th fracas in the Perak State Assembly had made the opposition look like the villain to the entire ugly episode. But if one were to view the comments in the blogweb, a majority had been rather adverse towards Zambry, and one is not surprised that Zambry has been referred to by many unsavoury names by the bloggers.
With the decision of the High Court today, Zamby's administration will be remembered as being the shortest to have administered a state government i.e. 3 months. What is more hurting for Zambry, is that he and his 6 exco members had been ordered by the court to vacate their offices; a scene reminiscence of what exactly happened in February this year, when Nizar and his exco members were told to vacate their offices. It's tit-for-tat I suppose. This High Court decision too will impact upon the decision made by the palace, that had favoured Zambry's appointment.
Now, what about the official residence of the Menteri Besar and his official car? Will Zambry decide to vacate the official residence, and surrender his official car voluntarily, or will he be told by the State Secretary to do so? Now, what if the State Secretary refuses to take the instructions from Nizar? Will this tantamount to disobedience, and to face a possible sacking by Nizar? And what about the police and the local council authorities that had not been too kind to Nizar, when he was ousted as the Menteri Besar. Will Nizar be mean enough to retaliate against them? My only hope is for Nizar to be sensible enough not to overact, or to bear any malice towards Zamby.
The next few days will again see a flurry of activities in Perak, especially with regards to how Nizar would take Perak out of this political uncertainty. It is unlikely that Zambry will allow Nizar an easy time at governing the state; although Nizar is officially the head of government, but without even a simple majority in the state assembly.
I think, the only choice left for Nizar is to seek a dissolution of the state assembly from the palace, and to call for a fresh state election. Will this be Nizar's last course of action, and will the palace gives in to Nizar's request this time? Or will Zambry tries to call for a vote of no-confidence on Nizar, as a means of legitimising his appointment as the Menteri Besar again?
I personally see that there is no other option, except to allow the people of Perak their rights to elect a legitimate government of their choice, and at whatever the expense.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Personally, the High Court's decision that favoured Dato Nizar came as a surprise to me, and I suppose to many others. Reading and listening to the mainstream media's comments concerning the case, gave little hope for Nizar, and even Zambry's comments on the May 7th fracas in the Perak State Assembly had made the opposition look like the villain to the entire ugly episode. But if one were to view the comments in the blogweb, a majority had been rather adverse towards Zambry, and one is not surprised that Zambry has been referred to by many unsavoury names by the bloggers.
With the decision of the High Court today, Zamby's administration will be remembered as being the shortest to have administered a state government i.e. 3 months. What is more hurting for Zambry, is that he and his 6 exco members had been ordered by the court to vacate their offices; a scene reminiscence of what exactly happened in February this year, when Nizar and his exco members were told to vacate their offices. It's tit-for-tat I suppose. This High Court decision too will impact upon the decision made by the palace, that had favoured Zambry's appointment.
Now, what about the official residence of the Menteri Besar and his official car? Will Zambry decide to vacate the official residence, and surrender his official car voluntarily, or will he be told by the State Secretary to do so? Now, what if the State Secretary refuses to take the instructions from Nizar? Will this tantamount to disobedience, and to face a possible sacking by Nizar? And what about the police and the local council authorities that had not been too kind to Nizar, when he was ousted as the Menteri Besar. Will Nizar be mean enough to retaliate against them? My only hope is for Nizar to be sensible enough not to overact, or to bear any malice towards Zamby.
The next few days will again see a flurry of activities in Perak, especially with regards to how Nizar would take Perak out of this political uncertainty. It is unlikely that Zambry will allow Nizar an easy time at governing the state; although Nizar is officially the head of government, but without even a simple majority in the state assembly.
I think, the only choice left for Nizar is to seek a dissolution of the state assembly from the palace, and to call for a fresh state election. Will this be Nizar's last course of action, and will the palace gives in to Nizar's request this time? Or will Zambry tries to call for a vote of no-confidence on Nizar, as a means of legitimising his appointment as the Menteri Besar again?
I personally see that there is no other option, except to allow the people of Perak their rights to elect a legitimate government of their choice, and at whatever the expense.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, May 10, 2009
WILL THE HIGH COURT DECISION BE HONOURED?
In the next few hours, i.e. Monday 11 at 2.30 pm, High Court Judge Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahim will deliver his decision as to who is the rightful Menteri Besar of Perak. Will it be Zambry or Nizar? And will the decision be accepted by all and sundry, or will there be further appeals?
Most have expected that the sitting of the Perak State Assembly should have been deferred to a date after the decision by the High Court; thus avoiding the pandemonium that had marred the Perak State Assembly a few days ago. Why had Zambry been so insistent in calling for a sitting of the State Assembly, knowing fully well that his position as the Menteri Besar is still a subject of a court's decision, is indeed mind boggling. What if the court rules that Zambry appointment as the Menteri Besar is null and void? Will the palace accepts this decision, and since Nazir does not have the majority, will the palace cede to Nizar's request to dissolve the State Assembly? What ever be the decision of the High Court this Monday, Malaysians, I believe do not expect to see a repeat of what happened to the Perak State Assembly on Thursday last.
In an unprecedented move, PM Najib is reported to have offered to co-operate with the opposition, to seek an amicable solution to the political stalemate in Perak. I wonder if the opposition would accept the offer, at a time when both parties seems beyond reproach and amendable. If indeed, PM Najib is sincere in his offer, the opposition should be wise enough to take this opportunity, in order to cast off itself as being the sole cause of the May 7, fracas. This was certainly the views of all main stream media.
Certainly, it will be a most difficult decision for the opposition to make, since they had all along believed that they were illegally robbed off their 'rightful ownership' of the state government.
Let us hope that the decision by the High Court tomorrow is one that will pacify all contending parties. What is more important now is bring back the sanctity of the august Perak State Assembly, and for elected representatives of both the political divide, to honour and to perform their sworn duties to their electorates. Continued factional political infighting will certainly not do any good for the state.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Most have expected that the sitting of the Perak State Assembly should have been deferred to a date after the decision by the High Court; thus avoiding the pandemonium that had marred the Perak State Assembly a few days ago. Why had Zambry been so insistent in calling for a sitting of the State Assembly, knowing fully well that his position as the Menteri Besar is still a subject of a court's decision, is indeed mind boggling. What if the court rules that Zambry appointment as the Menteri Besar is null and void? Will the palace accepts this decision, and since Nazir does not have the majority, will the palace cede to Nizar's request to dissolve the State Assembly? What ever be the decision of the High Court this Monday, Malaysians, I believe do not expect to see a repeat of what happened to the Perak State Assembly on Thursday last.
In an unprecedented move, PM Najib is reported to have offered to co-operate with the opposition, to seek an amicable solution to the political stalemate in Perak. I wonder if the opposition would accept the offer, at a time when both parties seems beyond reproach and amendable. If indeed, PM Najib is sincere in his offer, the opposition should be wise enough to take this opportunity, in order to cast off itself as being the sole cause of the May 7, fracas. This was certainly the views of all main stream media.
Certainly, it will be a most difficult decision for the opposition to make, since they had all along believed that they were illegally robbed off their 'rightful ownership' of the state government.
Let us hope that the decision by the High Court tomorrow is one that will pacify all contending parties. What is more important now is bring back the sanctity of the august Perak State Assembly, and for elected representatives of both the political divide, to honour and to perform their sworn duties to their electorates. Continued factional political infighting will certainly not do any good for the state.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, February 23, 2009
WHAT AILS THE NATION?
Isn’t Perak in a dilemma? Having two Menteri Besar’s (MB) and not knowing which one of the two is a legitimate MB? If we say one is legitimate, then the other must be illegitimate. The latter sounds obscene isn’t it?
There has never been such a confusion in the state, and although BN/UMNO does not want to openly admit the predicament they are in (which was their own creation), they are now forced to dispatch their lawyers to the UK to seek advice from the Queen’s Council on how to deal with the constitutional deadlock facing the state. I thought we have our experts on constitutional law and why go to the UK? What if the QC decides on an opinion that favours the PR? Where else will the UMNO lawyers go?
Legal experts within the country has been divided in their opinion with regards to the issues affecting the state government and the controversies surrounding the appointment of Dr. Zambery as its MB. I don’t believe these controversies will come to an amicable end that soon. We can expect a long legal tussle that may take years to resolve, while the state goes into ‘free fall’ and it is the people that will eventually suffer. Common sense is thrown out of the window, while the power grabbers still insist that they are the rightful rulers of the state.
It was told of a report in a Malay daily that Abdullah’s favourite son-in-law Khairy had urged the appointment of a new speaker for the Perak state assembly to resolve the political impasse. If the report is true, I would say that this is about the most stupid thing ever uttered by an UMNO youth leader. Does he not understand the formalities involved in the appointment of a speaker? And even if they bulldoze through the appointment (like they did in taking over the state government), don’t he know that BN/UMNO voting rights in the assembly will be further reduced, since a speaker has no voting rights? Why not try and do what Khairy has said, if UMNO truly believes in Khairy’s words.
The country has seen enough of the politicking among politicians that has been going on following the Perak constitutional crisis. Not satisfied, there are now attempts to stir the Selangor and Kedah state government with issues of corruption and crossovers. While all this is going on, the real issues affecting the nation takes a back-seat.
And with the UMNO general assembly due within a month’s time from now, I really wonder if our honourable UMNO ministers will have the time to concentrate and be serious enough to tackle the worsening issues threatening the nation today, most importantly the ‘bread and butter issue’.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.30pm on Feb 23, 2009
There has never been such a confusion in the state, and although BN/UMNO does not want to openly admit the predicament they are in (which was their own creation), they are now forced to dispatch their lawyers to the UK to seek advice from the Queen’s Council on how to deal with the constitutional deadlock facing the state. I thought we have our experts on constitutional law and why go to the UK? What if the QC decides on an opinion that favours the PR? Where else will the UMNO lawyers go?
Legal experts within the country has been divided in their opinion with regards to the issues affecting the state government and the controversies surrounding the appointment of Dr. Zambery as its MB. I don’t believe these controversies will come to an amicable end that soon. We can expect a long legal tussle that may take years to resolve, while the state goes into ‘free fall’ and it is the people that will eventually suffer. Common sense is thrown out of the window, while the power grabbers still insist that they are the rightful rulers of the state.
It was told of a report in a Malay daily that Abdullah’s favourite son-in-law Khairy had urged the appointment of a new speaker for the Perak state assembly to resolve the political impasse. If the report is true, I would say that this is about the most stupid thing ever uttered by an UMNO youth leader. Does he not understand the formalities involved in the appointment of a speaker? And even if they bulldoze through the appointment (like they did in taking over the state government), don’t he know that BN/UMNO voting rights in the assembly will be further reduced, since a speaker has no voting rights? Why not try and do what Khairy has said, if UMNO truly believes in Khairy’s words.
The country has seen enough of the politicking among politicians that has been going on following the Perak constitutional crisis. Not satisfied, there are now attempts to stir the Selangor and Kedah state government with issues of corruption and crossovers. While all this is going on, the real issues affecting the nation takes a back-seat.
And with the UMNO general assembly due within a month’s time from now, I really wonder if our honourable UMNO ministers will have the time to concentrate and be serious enough to tackle the worsening issues threatening the nation today, most importantly the ‘bread and butter issue’.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 1.30pm on Feb 23, 2009
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