I received several call from friends today, saying that I was wrong in my argument that Tun Dr Mahathir will keep to his word that he will not be rejoining UMNO for as long as Pak Lah is still the PM. They were referring to an article that I posted a day earlier, where I reasoned out that Tun is firm in keeping his word, and is unlikely to rejoin UMNO.
I quickly called up friends to confirm the above, but none said that Tun had personally made a statement that he has rejoined UMNO. I returned home hurriedly to listen to the prime time news at 8 pm over TV 1, and still I did see Tun appearing to make the announcement. I searched the internet and it was the same.
But what appeared on TV 1 were interviews on Tan Sri Rais Yatim and Ustaz Nik Aziz commenting
on the likely return of Tun into UMNO. Personally, I will be disappointed if Tun returns to UMNO for the simple reason that UMNO members had ostracised him the very moment he stepped down as the PM. Just look at how Nazri Aziz ridiculed Tun.....something that the elder Malays will despised. The elder Malays have describe Nazri's words and actions as 'kurang ajar'. Sadly, we still have politicians acting like gangsters in Parliament, making the august parliament akin to a coffee shop.
The final curtain has finally been laid upon the controversial Datuk Ahmad Ismail, though late. Some say that he ought to be sacked from UMNO, and I tend to agree with that. Look at the results of his action, and more importantly at BN as a whole. He has created mistrust among the largely non Malay BN component parties, causing them to rethink their usefulness to remain in the BN. This episode surely has left an indelible stain in the relationship of the component parties within the BN.
Despite having been suspended from UMNO, Datuk Ahmad is still hopeful about playing an active role in UMNO. It was reported that he aspires to be appointed the advisor to his division or even to become the secretary general. What ambitious person this fella is, and Tengku Adnan had better watch this.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
PAS YOUTH AND DAP MP COMMENTS DISGUSTING
I read with utter disgust comments made by PAS Youth and DAP MP Charles Santiago regarding a cautionary statement by Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal, over the racial furore brought about by now suspended former Penang UMNO divisional leader Datuk AhmadIsmail, as reported in Malaysiakini.
PAS Youth (no mention of person’s name) was reported to have said that the Army should “stay out of politics”, while DAP MP Charles Santiago said among others that “the role of the Army should be confined to barracks, and works at the behest of the government”.
Reading from the comments made by the two politicians, I can only conclude that they are totally ignorant regarding the roles of the Armed Forces. They have even failed to fully understand the reasons why General Abdul Aziz had to come out with his statement, which was plain enough for idiots like me to understand.
For the benefit of the two ignorant politicians, let me quote what General Abdul Aziz had said (as reported in all MSM) “racial issues are the most feared by security forces as they could lead to chaos”. Is there anything sinister in the 15 words statement by the General? Was he implying that the Armed Forces will shot anyone who creates chaos? What the General said is a plain and simple statement which everyone, including politicians, has been saying. General Abdul Aziz is concern and is absolutely correct to say that he fears racial issues could lead to chaos.
The maintenance of security of this country is the General’s utmost responsibility, regardless of where the threat to national security is coming from……be they internal or external. And being responsible for national security, it is wrong for the General to make a cautionary statement to the people, if he sense that some people are getting careless in what they say, that could lead to chaos and public disorder?
For the benefit of the two ignorant politicians, the Armed Forces has every right to be concern about what is happening to this beloved and blessed country called Malaysia. It is you, who seemed not to have any regards for national security. Maybe you were not born to witness May 13, and to savour the hardship caused by it. It was the poor soldiers that had to toil, sometimes not knowing where they will be sleeping, or are they able to sleep at all.
And for DAP MP Charles Santiago, please don’t ever think that the ‘Army’s role is to be confined to the barracks”. Please get yourself invited to an Army barrack to see what they actually do.
PAS Youth (no mention of person’s name) was reported to have said that the Army should “stay out of politics”, while DAP MP Charles Santiago said among others that “the role of the Army should be confined to barracks, and works at the behest of the government”.
Reading from the comments made by the two politicians, I can only conclude that they are totally ignorant regarding the roles of the Armed Forces. They have even failed to fully understand the reasons why General Abdul Aziz had to come out with his statement, which was plain enough for idiots like me to understand.
For the benefit of the two ignorant politicians, let me quote what General Abdul Aziz had said (as reported in all MSM) “racial issues are the most feared by security forces as they could lead to chaos”. Is there anything sinister in the 15 words statement by the General? Was he implying that the Armed Forces will shot anyone who creates chaos? What the General said is a plain and simple statement which everyone, including politicians, has been saying. General Abdul Aziz is concern and is absolutely correct to say that he fears racial issues could lead to chaos.
The maintenance of security of this country is the General’s utmost responsibility, regardless of where the threat to national security is coming from……be they internal or external. And being responsible for national security, it is wrong for the General to make a cautionary statement to the people, if he sense that some people are getting careless in what they say, that could lead to chaos and public disorder?
For the benefit of the two ignorant politicians, the Armed Forces has every right to be concern about what is happening to this beloved and blessed country called Malaysia. It is you, who seemed not to have any regards for national security. Maybe you were not born to witness May 13, and to savour the hardship caused by it. It was the poor soldiers that had to toil, sometimes not knowing where they will be sleeping, or are they able to sleep at all.
And for DAP MP Charles Santiago, please don’t ever think that the ‘Army’s role is to be confined to the barracks”. Please get yourself invited to an Army barrack to see what they actually do.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
THE SEIZURE OF MISC VESSELS IN THE GULF OF ADEN
The seizure of two MISC vessels Bunga Melati Dua and Bunga Melati Lima earlier last month by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden (a narrow shipping lane between Somalia and Yemen), and the holding of its crew for the purpose of ransom, is to be condemned by the entire world community. The Gulf of Aden is reported to be the world’s most dangerous, and also one of the world’s busiest shipping lane.
The incidence of piracy apparently is not a recent phenomena. Rather, it has taken the toll on many passing ships over several years. It is unbelievable that such incidence have been allowed to occur without any concerted measure to seriously curb the piracy threat to the international shipping community.
The dispatch of three RMN ships by the Malaysian government to the affected area recently, I believe is but only an immediate measure. What plans and strategies will be put in place for long term measure, is not known.
The government must not see this problem as being its own. Unilateral action is not the answer. Rather, it is one that requires an international solution, as it affects the international shipping community. Hence, there ought to be an integrated international effort to fight this lingering security threat that is badly affecting the shipping community.
I suppose an international organization like the UN, should begin the initiative to gather countries whose ships are affected by this threat, to seek and adopt an effective operating arrangement, to protect and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden.
But as an immediate and effective means to counter these warring pirates, I suggest a military option to seek and destroy the source of the threat, wherever it maybe. I would further suggest that all commercial vessels deploys armed marshals on board, just like the air marshals on board US commercial planes today, following the September 11 destruction of the New York World Trade Centre.
The incidence of piracy apparently is not a recent phenomena. Rather, it has taken the toll on many passing ships over several years. It is unbelievable that such incidence have been allowed to occur without any concerted measure to seriously curb the piracy threat to the international shipping community.
The dispatch of three RMN ships by the Malaysian government to the affected area recently, I believe is but only an immediate measure. What plans and strategies will be put in place for long term measure, is not known.
The government must not see this problem as being its own. Unilateral action is not the answer. Rather, it is one that requires an international solution, as it affects the international shipping community. Hence, there ought to be an integrated international effort to fight this lingering security threat that is badly affecting the shipping community.
I suppose an international organization like the UN, should begin the initiative to gather countries whose ships are affected by this threat, to seek and adopt an effective operating arrangement, to protect and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden.
But as an immediate and effective means to counter these warring pirates, I suggest a military option to seek and destroy the source of the threat, wherever it maybe. I would further suggest that all commercial vessels deploys armed marshals on board, just like the air marshals on board US commercial planes today, following the September 11 destruction of the New York World Trade Centre.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
WILL TUN MAHATHIR REJOIN UMNO?
Tan Sri Mahyiddin Yassin was reported to have admitted to have met Tun Dr. Mahathir, to persuade the latter to rejoin UMNO. The reason given was that, many in UMNO wanted Tun back into their fold to strengthened the party which is falling apart, caused by dissensions among party members. Although no reference was made to Pak Lah's failing leadership, I believe Mahyiddin Yassin has somewhat lost confidence in Pak Lah's leadership. And by having Tun by the side of Mahyiddin Yassin, the latter would be more secure and confident to contest during the up coming party election, and that includes Tengku Razaleigh as well.
Since the BN/UMNO failure during the March 8 general election, Mahyiddin Yassin is the only UMNO minister to have been extremely cautious in making statements regarding the loss of BN/UMNO. He had even cautioned the government not to take the threat by Anwar Ibrahim of a possible change of government this September 16 too lightly. I would likened Mahyiddin to be a person with a voice of reason, which is obviously lacking in most UMNO members. Many would just echo the voice of their top leaders by saying "saya sokong".
One is also to note that Tengku Razaleigh, though a party veteran has consistently been a dissenting voice at Pak Lah's leadership. He appears to be of the same frequency with Tun in voicing his disagreement over a myriad of issues affecting the party and government. And although it would be an uphill task for Tengku Razaleigh to win the presidency of UMNO, Tun's presence in UMNO can marshal some support for the former.
Mahyiddin had admitted too that UMNO members support for Tun is still strong, though many would prefer to remain silent. But what of Tun? Will he accept the appeal by Mahyiddin Yassin and rejoin UMNO? Will Pak Lah and Najib be alienated when Tun rejoins UMNO, and consequently draws the members support away from Pak Lah and Najib, in favour of Mahyiddin and Tengku Razaleigh? And with Pak Lah at the helm of the party, will he allow Tun's application to rejoin UMNO be accepted?
The above are some questions that need to be answered before Tun makes a pledge to rejoin UMNO. My guess is that Tun being a man of strict principal, will stick by what he had pledged i.e. to rejoin UMNO once Pak Lah is out of the party. I am told by someone who have worked with Tun, that it is not easy as ABC to change Tun's mind, once he has reached a decision. And Tun is also noted not to have made decisions at a flash; rather it is as a result of a deliberate and deep thought.
It is for the above stated reasons that I believe Tun will not rejoin UMNO just on the appeal of Mahyiddin Yassin.
Since the BN/UMNO failure during the March 8 general election, Mahyiddin Yassin is the only UMNO minister to have been extremely cautious in making statements regarding the loss of BN/UMNO. He had even cautioned the government not to take the threat by Anwar Ibrahim of a possible change of government this September 16 too lightly. I would likened Mahyiddin to be a person with a voice of reason, which is obviously lacking in most UMNO members. Many would just echo the voice of their top leaders by saying "saya sokong".
One is also to note that Tengku Razaleigh, though a party veteran has consistently been a dissenting voice at Pak Lah's leadership. He appears to be of the same frequency with Tun in voicing his disagreement over a myriad of issues affecting the party and government. And although it would be an uphill task for Tengku Razaleigh to win the presidency of UMNO, Tun's presence in UMNO can marshal some support for the former.
Mahyiddin had admitted too that UMNO members support for Tun is still strong, though many would prefer to remain silent. But what of Tun? Will he accept the appeal by Mahyiddin Yassin and rejoin UMNO? Will Pak Lah and Najib be alienated when Tun rejoins UMNO, and consequently draws the members support away from Pak Lah and Najib, in favour of Mahyiddin and Tengku Razaleigh? And with Pak Lah at the helm of the party, will he allow Tun's application to rejoin UMNO be accepted?
The above are some questions that need to be answered before Tun makes a pledge to rejoin UMNO. My guess is that Tun being a man of strict principal, will stick by what he had pledged i.e. to rejoin UMNO once Pak Lah is out of the party. I am told by someone who have worked with Tun, that it is not easy as ABC to change Tun's mind, once he has reached a decision. And Tun is also noted not to have made decisions at a flash; rather it is as a result of a deliberate and deep thought.
It is for the above stated reasons that I believe Tun will not rejoin UMNO just on the appeal of Mahyiddin Yassin.
GENERAL AZIZ REMARKS IS APT
It was reported in Malaysiakini today that the Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal has come up strongly against the current political turmoil caused by a racial remark made by an Penang UMNO Division leader recently.The General was reported to have said that "racial issues are the most feared by the security forces as they could lead to chaos".
This issue has been allowed to drag for several days, and a solution is extremely slow in coming by the leaders of BN and UMNO in particular. What had kept them mute is something that most could not understand, despite them having acknowledged that race and religion are the two most sensitive issues affecting the Malaysian society. Yet, it is the politicians themselves who seemed oblivious to this sensitivity, for reasons best known to themselves.
It was apt and forthright for General Aziz to sound a warning to those who continue to ignore the sensitivities of our society. Some politicians seemed not to have learned the lessons of May 13, 1969. Even if they were not born in that year, they ought not to be forgiven for not knowing what May 13, 1969 meant to this country. If another similar incident like the May 13 is to happen again,...god forbid...I just wonder where will these so called 'peoples champion' be hiding.
I would like to appeal to Pak Lah to take a more serious stand on this matter, so that a recurrence of this issue will not occur. And what Pak Lah must realise is that the problem was created by politicians from his own state...PENANG. And if it wasn't arrogance, impertinence and disloyalty to Pak Lah's leadership by these Penang politicians, what else can we say of them?
This issue has been allowed to drag for several days, and a solution is extremely slow in coming by the leaders of BN and UMNO in particular. What had kept them mute is something that most could not understand, despite them having acknowledged that race and religion are the two most sensitive issues affecting the Malaysian society. Yet, it is the politicians themselves who seemed oblivious to this sensitivity, for reasons best known to themselves.
It was apt and forthright for General Aziz to sound a warning to those who continue to ignore the sensitivities of our society. Some politicians seemed not to have learned the lessons of May 13, 1969. Even if they were not born in that year, they ought not to be forgiven for not knowing what May 13, 1969 meant to this country. If another similar incident like the May 13 is to happen again,...god forbid...I just wonder where will these so called 'peoples champion' be hiding.
I would like to appeal to Pak Lah to take a more serious stand on this matter, so that a recurrence of this issue will not occur. And what Pak Lah must realise is that the problem was created by politicians from his own state...PENANG. And if it wasn't arrogance, impertinence and disloyalty to Pak Lah's leadership by these Penang politicians, what else can we say of them?
MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES TO GET NEW OFFICERS MESS
At long last, a new Malaysian Armed Forces, Officers Mess at the Ministry of Defence, will finally be constructed to replace the old and dilapidated Officers Mess that was build during the colonial era.
I remembered writing personally to the Minister of Defence, Dato Seri Najib in 2001, explaining to him the poor state of the officers mess and that the Armed Forces deserve a new officers mess. I was sadden at the sight of the officers mess, especially the officers rooms, which are constructed of wooden structures, most of which are being infested by white ants and crumbling. I had the courage to write to the minister because I was already retired then, and I know that I will not be reprimanded by the generals in the Army.
I was pleasantly surprise to received a reply from Dato Seri Najib a few weeks later noting the contents of my letter, and that he will do the necessary to remedy the situation. He did write to say that an allocation of RM30 million will be set aside for the construction of a new officers mess.
A few days ago, I received a call from a serving army officer telling me that the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new officers mess was launched by Dato Seri Najib on August 4, 2008. He told me that the design is likened to a 5 star hotel with enough amenities for its occupants, and for those who frequent the officers mess. It has more than 300 rooms and a banquet hall to accommodate 1000 people. From the building description that I obtained from the officer, the total cost of construction far exceeds RM30 million, and I believe no serving military officer will complain, if what the Armed Forces will get is the best that the government could offer.
Although it took almost 7 years to realized the assurance that Dato Seri Najib had made in his reply to my letter, I would still like to sincerely thank him for fulfilling that assurance. I can assure the minister that I and my wife will be a frequent visitor to the officers mess once it is ready.
I remembered writing personally to the Minister of Defence, Dato Seri Najib in 2001, explaining to him the poor state of the officers mess and that the Armed Forces deserve a new officers mess. I was sadden at the sight of the officers mess, especially the officers rooms, which are constructed of wooden structures, most of which are being infested by white ants and crumbling. I had the courage to write to the minister because I was already retired then, and I know that I will not be reprimanded by the generals in the Army.
I was pleasantly surprise to received a reply from Dato Seri Najib a few weeks later noting the contents of my letter, and that he will do the necessary to remedy the situation. He did write to say that an allocation of RM30 million will be set aside for the construction of a new officers mess.
A few days ago, I received a call from a serving army officer telling me that the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new officers mess was launched by Dato Seri Najib on August 4, 2008. He told me that the design is likened to a 5 star hotel with enough amenities for its occupants, and for those who frequent the officers mess. It has more than 300 rooms and a banquet hall to accommodate 1000 people. From the building description that I obtained from the officer, the total cost of construction far exceeds RM30 million, and I believe no serving military officer will complain, if what the Armed Forces will get is the best that the government could offer.
Although it took almost 7 years to realized the assurance that Dato Seri Najib had made in his reply to my letter, I would still like to sincerely thank him for fulfilling that assurance. I can assure the minister that I and my wife will be a frequent visitor to the officers mess once it is ready.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
WILL A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT BE REALISED?
Rumours abound that the crossover of several BN parliamentarians to the opposition this September 16, is likely to take place, despite persistent denial by the BN leadership. Talks along the streets and coffee shops in and around Kuala Lumpur, clearly wants a change of government. The scene is somewhat similar prior to the March 8 general elections, where the talk of the town was one that favoured an opposition win.
Despite a want for change, the people seemed skeptical as to the sort of government that the opposition will provide....will it be for the better or will it be worse? Will the corruption charges filed against the two Perak state PR Exco members be a reflection of the sort of PR government that we will be getting? Although the corruption charges has yet to be proven, it has in some ways affected the people's perception of PR politicians, as being one that is no better than BN politicians. Should they be found guilty by the courts, PR has only one option left i.e. to rid them of the party.
UNMO/BN, and to Pak Lah in particular, problems affecting the party seems endless. The racial slur coming from a Penang UMNO Division leader has angered the Malaysian Chinese community; not necessarily MCA or Gerakan, but the country's entire Chinese community. As a result of this poor and thoughtless UMNO judgment, there are now rumblings within Gerakan about the party quitting BN. My guess is that, if this is to happen, then there is every possibility that MCA will follow suit.... marking doomsday for the BN.
I sense an apparent weakness in the BN leadership in handling the above issue. What had stopped the PM from summoning the Penang UMNO Division leader to his office upon knowing the case? It was reported that the PM was not able to contact the Division leader for an explanation. Isn't this sheer arrogance by the Division leader, or was it his way of showing off his authority to the PM? And why has Najib to stoop so low as to apologies to the Chinese community, on behalf of the Division leader? A precedence has now been set by Najib, and there will be many more apologies by Najib for every silly mistake made by UMNO members.
September 16 is just a week away. Will a change of government take place as envisaged by Anwar Ibrahim? We all have to leave it to the parliamentarians to decide. But one thing is for sure..the people that has chosen them to parliament are no fools. Should they not perform, the 13th General Elections will surely seal they fate in politics.
Despite a want for change, the people seemed skeptical as to the sort of government that the opposition will provide....will it be for the better or will it be worse? Will the corruption charges filed against the two Perak state PR Exco members be a reflection of the sort of PR government that we will be getting? Although the corruption charges has yet to be proven, it has in some ways affected the people's perception of PR politicians, as being one that is no better than BN politicians. Should they be found guilty by the courts, PR has only one option left i.e. to rid them of the party.
UNMO/BN, and to Pak Lah in particular, problems affecting the party seems endless. The racial slur coming from a Penang UMNO Division leader has angered the Malaysian Chinese community; not necessarily MCA or Gerakan, but the country's entire Chinese community. As a result of this poor and thoughtless UMNO judgment, there are now rumblings within Gerakan about the party quitting BN. My guess is that, if this is to happen, then there is every possibility that MCA will follow suit.... marking doomsday for the BN.
I sense an apparent weakness in the BN leadership in handling the above issue. What had stopped the PM from summoning the Penang UMNO Division leader to his office upon knowing the case? It was reported that the PM was not able to contact the Division leader for an explanation. Isn't this sheer arrogance by the Division leader, or was it his way of showing off his authority to the PM? And why has Najib to stoop so low as to apologies to the Chinese community, on behalf of the Division leader? A precedence has now been set by Najib, and there will be many more apologies by Najib for every silly mistake made by UMNO members.
September 16 is just a week away. Will a change of government take place as envisaged by Anwar Ibrahim? We all have to leave it to the parliamentarians to decide. But one thing is for sure..the people that has chosen them to parliament are no fools. Should they not perform, the 13th General Elections will surely seal they fate in politics.
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