The Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi has said that "Anwar is a threat to national economy and security". This is about the strongest statement ever made by the PM, who usually resents presenting himself as being boastful and arrogant. Surely, the PM must have understood the repercussions, in terms of public responses and reactions to his statement, which is deemed serious.
There were some responses that I had received, arguing that the PM made such a statement merely to gain public sympathy and support, to boost his fledging popularity. Others likened the PM as a 'sleeping lion that has just awaken', to strike instant fear in Anwar, Whether Anwar will be subdued by this statement, is very much left to be seen.
But one particular response from a caller that left me bewildered, is the argument that the PM was aroused to make the statement, because he now has the Armed Forces within his grip. The caller further argued that the PM is ready to invoke the emergency powers, and with him heading a Majlis Gerakan Negara (MAGERAN) like authority, to govern the country, should Anwar persist with threats to take over the country.
Such presumptions by the caller strikes fear in me, for I strongly believe that the Armed Forces should not be made a pawn to settle political disputes among politicians, like what appears to be happening to the country today. We have seen images of how the Army were used to quell riots in Kenya recently, and it was an ugly sight. Do Malaysians really need this to happen to the country? My answer is a definite NO, and I do not know what your answers would be?
With the uncertain political enviornment prevailing in the country today, and being made worse by political infighting within UMNO itself, and the opposition charges of a change of government, finally, it is the ordinary people that will suffer. And my final appeal to all feuding parties is to simmer down your charges, and to seek an amicable solution to the problems confronting the country today.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
PM AND DPM SWAP PORTFOLIO
The Ministry of Defence has now a new boss, and it cannot be any other person than the Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi himself. This will be his second time as Defence Minister, and I suppose the Armed Forces will only be too glad to welcome him into their realm.
As for Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, the finance portfolio will be his first, and to be handed the post at a time when the country is in 'distress', may be a challenge to him. After all, Anwar Ibrahim was also the finance minister when he was the Deputy Prime Minister, and was challenged with the financial crisis of 1997, followed by him being sacked from UMNO for sodomy charges and abused of power.
But what should bother Najib now is the persistent allegation by Anwar over the government's poor management of the nation's economy, which directly relate to finance. This is where Najib can proof Anwar wrong, and the way to do it is to ensure that Najib is assisted by sound and credible financial and economic advisors, who are determined to place the nation's interest first before self.
Najib must act quickly to change the people's perception, that the finance ministry is not tinted in corrupt practices and the wanton act of awarding tenders to political cronies only; acts that has been a 'trademark' in the eyes of the ordinary people. Najib has to be extremely careful not to be trapped in this vicious and undesirable quagmire.
Now with the PM at the helm of defence, will he be able to strengthened his political base? Of course, the loyalty that the PM will get from members of the Armed Forces is unquestionable. However, will this loyalty permeates to members of UMNO, who will now view the PM in different light? Najib is said to have done well as the defence minister, and his concern for the soldiers welfare is highly appreciated by the soldiers.
I hope the PM does not forget that he also has the responsibility to look after the well being of ex-servicemen, like me and the thousands more. Maybe, as a start, the PM can begin by looking at the problems faced the Ex-Servicemen Association or the Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia, as I had written in this blog earlier.
As for Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, the finance portfolio will be his first, and to be handed the post at a time when the country is in 'distress', may be a challenge to him. After all, Anwar Ibrahim was also the finance minister when he was the Deputy Prime Minister, and was challenged with the financial crisis of 1997, followed by him being sacked from UMNO for sodomy charges and abused of power.
But what should bother Najib now is the persistent allegation by Anwar over the government's poor management of the nation's economy, which directly relate to finance. This is where Najib can proof Anwar wrong, and the way to do it is to ensure that Najib is assisted by sound and credible financial and economic advisors, who are determined to place the nation's interest first before self.
Najib must act quickly to change the people's perception, that the finance ministry is not tinted in corrupt practices and the wanton act of awarding tenders to political cronies only; acts that has been a 'trademark' in the eyes of the ordinary people. Najib has to be extremely careful not to be trapped in this vicious and undesirable quagmire.
Now with the PM at the helm of defence, will he be able to strengthened his political base? Of course, the loyalty that the PM will get from members of the Armed Forces is unquestionable. However, will this loyalty permeates to members of UMNO, who will now view the PM in different light? Najib is said to have done well as the defence minister, and his concern for the soldiers welfare is highly appreciated by the soldiers.
I hope the PM does not forget that he also has the responsibility to look after the well being of ex-servicemen, like me and the thousands more. Maybe, as a start, the PM can begin by looking at the problems faced the Ex-Servicemen Association or the Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia, as I had written in this blog earlier.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
PERSATUAN BEKAS TENTERA MALAYSIA (PBTM) NEEDS REVAMP
Since leaving the Armed Forces in 1998, I have been reminded consistently to join the Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malayisa (PBTM) or the Ex-Service Association of Malaysia. I had in fact been given the application form prior to my retirement, but after 10 years, I am still not convince that PBTM is the organisation that I would like to be associated with.
My reason for avoiding PBTM is simply that, I do not see the relevance and sincerity of the association in looking at the affairs of ex-servicemen. While the aim and purpose of PTBM, as stipulated in the association's constitution is noble, there is nothing visible that PTBM has demonstrated, that truly benefit its members.
I am told that the association had been offered by the government in a platter, several projects and including chunks of land for development. Sadly, incompetence has resulted in the failure of almost all projects. I am also told that a plot of land belonging to the association was sold, and the cash derived was not taken into PTBM's accounts. If this is true, then those involved are no better than cowardly thieves.
PTBM currently has almost 150,000 members, out of a total of almost 400,000 ex-servicemen. It is then one of the largest association (in terms of membership) in the country. But sadly, it is also one of the poorest. Reports have it that at the last Warrior's Day, the monetary contribution received from the private sector was virtually zero. I was also informed that the donors that presented their mock cheques that day to the PM's wife, was actually from a single donor. This need to be verified by the members themselves, and if it is found to be true, I deemed it a most shameful act on the part of PTBM. Members need also to ask, why has the response from the private sector been lukewarm? Surely, there are many private companies that has had business dealings with the Ministry of Defence, but where are they this time around?
I have been privy to PTBM's constitution for quite a while now. Interestingly, there are a number of Articles in the constitution that runs contrary to the principals of natural justice over matters of discipline, that seemingly protects the misconduct of its Supreme Working Committee, and conversely, denies the rights of its members. Articles in reference are Articles 36c,36h, 43 and 44 which stipulates as under:
Article 36c.
'Tanpa menghiraukan apa-apa peruntukan lain dalam Perlembagaan ini, seseorang ahli atau pihak dalam Persatuan yang membawa apa-apa jua perkara Persatuan atau mengenai hak keahliannya ke Mahkamah, membuat laporan terus kepada Polis, Badan Pencegah Rasuah atau lain-lain pihak berkuasa atau media massa (cetak dan alektronik), terhadap Persatuan atau Ahli-Ahli dalam Jawatankuasa Persatuan di mana-mana peringkat sebelum mematuhi sepenuhnya Peraturan-Peraturan Persatuan, maka keahliannya dalam Persatuan gugur dengan sendirinya'.
Article 36h.
'Sebarang keputusan Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi mengenai dispilin, tataetika dan/atau penyelesaian ke atas sebarang perkara atau masalah Persatuan adalah muktamad. Mahkamah tidak boleh diminta menerima atau membuat keputusan mengenai dispilin, tataetika dan/atau penyelesaian perkara-perkara atau masalah dalaman Persatuan dan/atau perkara-perkara Peraturan bersabitan Pentadbiran dan Pengurusan Persatuan'.
Article 43.
'Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi berkuasa menetap, membuat menggubal dan meminda, dari masa ke semasa, Peraturan-Peraturan Pentadbiran dan Pengurusan untuk melaksanakan kehendak Perlembagaan dan/atau Peraturan-Peraturan lain bagi menentukan kesempurnaan perjalanan Persatuan'.
Article 44.
'Jika berbangkit sebarang perselisihan di atas tafsiran Perlembagaan ini atau Peraturan Persidangan Perwakilan Negara atau Peraturan-Peraturan lain yang dibuat dibawah kuasanya, maka tafsiran yang diberikan oleh Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi adalah muktamad'.
The above Articles clearly accord sweeping powers to the Supreme Working Committee, quite unheard of in associations that are similar to PTBM. I sense there is gross error in the authorities that sanctioned the constitution, namely the Registrar of Societies. Or was it a deliberate attempt to accord such powers to the Supreme Working Committee? For a moment, I thought I was reading the UMNO constitution, for there is a similarity? Surely, there is now a serious need to reconsider the prevailing 'discrepancies' noted in the constitution, by its existing members.
The failures in PTBM are numerous; otherwise the association will not be what it is today. I hasten to guess that there are acute problems within PTBM, notably in the chain of leadership at all levels. An essential criteria in the selection of leaders within the association's hierarchy is one that requires its members to be free of politics. Another is that, he should not indulge in private business, to avoid the temptation of using the association as a platform to enrich his own private business interest. This has been the bane in many associations, resulting in the association having to suffer consequent losses in the end.
I believe, what is causing the problem in PTBM is poor and incompetent leadership. And I can vouch, that the ex-service does not lack able and competent leaders who can lead the association to greater heights. I also believe that the reason why many ex-service shy themselves from the association, is the sheer bickering among members, and the imposing power and authority by the current leadership.
For the moment, I do not see myself wanting to be a member, but I suppose my attitude will change, if I see positive changes for the better among the leadership, and the association.
My reason for avoiding PBTM is simply that, I do not see the relevance and sincerity of the association in looking at the affairs of ex-servicemen. While the aim and purpose of PTBM, as stipulated in the association's constitution is noble, there is nothing visible that PTBM has demonstrated, that truly benefit its members.
I am told that the association had been offered by the government in a platter, several projects and including chunks of land for development. Sadly, incompetence has resulted in the failure of almost all projects. I am also told that a plot of land belonging to the association was sold, and the cash derived was not taken into PTBM's accounts. If this is true, then those involved are no better than cowardly thieves.
PTBM currently has almost 150,000 members, out of a total of almost 400,000 ex-servicemen. It is then one of the largest association (in terms of membership) in the country. But sadly, it is also one of the poorest. Reports have it that at the last Warrior's Day, the monetary contribution received from the private sector was virtually zero. I was also informed that the donors that presented their mock cheques that day to the PM's wife, was actually from a single donor. This need to be verified by the members themselves, and if it is found to be true, I deemed it a most shameful act on the part of PTBM. Members need also to ask, why has the response from the private sector been lukewarm? Surely, there are many private companies that has had business dealings with the Ministry of Defence, but where are they this time around?
I have been privy to PTBM's constitution for quite a while now. Interestingly, there are a number of Articles in the constitution that runs contrary to the principals of natural justice over matters of discipline, that seemingly protects the misconduct of its Supreme Working Committee, and conversely, denies the rights of its members. Articles in reference are Articles 36c,36h, 43 and 44 which stipulates as under:
Article 36c.
'Tanpa menghiraukan apa-apa peruntukan lain dalam Perlembagaan ini, seseorang ahli atau pihak dalam Persatuan yang membawa apa-apa jua perkara Persatuan atau mengenai hak keahliannya ke Mahkamah, membuat laporan terus kepada Polis, Badan Pencegah Rasuah atau lain-lain pihak berkuasa atau media massa (cetak dan alektronik), terhadap Persatuan atau Ahli-Ahli dalam Jawatankuasa Persatuan di mana-mana peringkat sebelum mematuhi sepenuhnya Peraturan-Peraturan Persatuan, maka keahliannya dalam Persatuan gugur dengan sendirinya'.
Article 36h.
'Sebarang keputusan Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi mengenai dispilin, tataetika dan/atau penyelesaian ke atas sebarang perkara atau masalah Persatuan adalah muktamad. Mahkamah tidak boleh diminta menerima atau membuat keputusan mengenai dispilin, tataetika dan/atau penyelesaian perkara-perkara atau masalah dalaman Persatuan dan/atau perkara-perkara Peraturan bersabitan Pentadbiran dan Pengurusan Persatuan'.
Article 43.
'Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi berkuasa menetap, membuat menggubal dan meminda, dari masa ke semasa, Peraturan-Peraturan Pentadbiran dan Pengurusan untuk melaksanakan kehendak Perlembagaan dan/atau Peraturan-Peraturan lain bagi menentukan kesempurnaan perjalanan Persatuan'.
Article 44.
'Jika berbangkit sebarang perselisihan di atas tafsiran Perlembagaan ini atau Peraturan Persidangan Perwakilan Negara atau Peraturan-Peraturan lain yang dibuat dibawah kuasanya, maka tafsiran yang diberikan oleh Jawatankuasa Kerja Tertinggi adalah muktamad'.
The above Articles clearly accord sweeping powers to the Supreme Working Committee, quite unheard of in associations that are similar to PTBM. I sense there is gross error in the authorities that sanctioned the constitution, namely the Registrar of Societies. Or was it a deliberate attempt to accord such powers to the Supreme Working Committee? For a moment, I thought I was reading the UMNO constitution, for there is a similarity? Surely, there is now a serious need to reconsider the prevailing 'discrepancies' noted in the constitution, by its existing members.
The failures in PTBM are numerous; otherwise the association will not be what it is today. I hasten to guess that there are acute problems within PTBM, notably in the chain of leadership at all levels. An essential criteria in the selection of leaders within the association's hierarchy is one that requires its members to be free of politics. Another is that, he should not indulge in private business, to avoid the temptation of using the association as a platform to enrich his own private business interest. This has been the bane in many associations, resulting in the association having to suffer consequent losses in the end.
I believe, what is causing the problem in PTBM is poor and incompetent leadership. And I can vouch, that the ex-service does not lack able and competent leaders who can lead the association to greater heights. I also believe that the reason why many ex-service shy themselves from the association, is the sheer bickering among members, and the imposing power and authority by the current leadership.
For the moment, I do not see myself wanting to be a member, but I suppose my attitude will change, if I see positive changes for the better among the leadership, and the association.
Monday, September 15, 2008
SEPTEMBER 16
In the next few hours, we will welcome September 16; another historical day in the annals of this blessed country. For my dear friend and blogger Dr. Rafick of rights2write fame, he celebrates his 44th birthday (I guess). For others,the date bares no significance, and is just another passing day.
For the soldiers, they will be celebrating the Armed Forces Day, which is usually filled with activities.....from parades to religious and social activities.
In 1992, when we were in Cambodia serving the UN on peacekeeping duties, September 16 was the day when troops were preparing themselves for redeployment in preparation for the UN sponsored Cambodian general elections. Nobody took notice of the date being Malaysia Day, and the same goes to Dr. Rafick, who must have forgotten that it was his birthday. Anyway, he was too busy fighting off malaria cases, and the many Cambodian patients that he has to treat.
The five opposition controlled states has decided to declare September 16 a public holiday, and with the next day i.e. September 17 being Nuzul Quran, the anniversary of the revelation of the Quran, some of the states has declared Nuzul Quran a public holiday.
September 16 isn't the day that Anwar Ibrahim will declare himself the PM designate. How unfortunate, and I suppose the Taiwan trip by BN backbenchers must be the spoiler. And the unfortunate thing to happen a day before Malaysia Day was the resignation of the Minister in the PM Department, Dato Zaid Ibrahim over the ISA issue. He had asked Muhyiddin Yassin to resign, but instead he decided to leave first. Isn't the Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan thinking of following in the footstep of Zaid Ibrahim?
With so much of chaos in UMNO, September 16 will not be a blissful day for Pak Lah and Jeanne Danker. The same goes for Najib and Rosmah. What will they being thinking off? Will there be more resignation? And with Muhyiddin standing firm by what he has said, and which must have angered Pak Lah, September 16 may not be his lucky day.
As an ordinary citizen, I know that September 16 is another working day for me, since Wilayah Persekutuan does not declare the day a public holiday. And with Selangor being a public holiday, I know for sure, it will be another rush to work for me at the Kajang train station, early tomorrow September 16.
For the soldiers, they will be celebrating the Armed Forces Day, which is usually filled with activities.....from parades to religious and social activities.
In 1992, when we were in Cambodia serving the UN on peacekeeping duties, September 16 was the day when troops were preparing themselves for redeployment in preparation for the UN sponsored Cambodian general elections. Nobody took notice of the date being Malaysia Day, and the same goes to Dr. Rafick, who must have forgotten that it was his birthday. Anyway, he was too busy fighting off malaria cases, and the many Cambodian patients that he has to treat.
The five opposition controlled states has decided to declare September 16 a public holiday, and with the next day i.e. September 17 being Nuzul Quran, the anniversary of the revelation of the Quran, some of the states has declared Nuzul Quran a public holiday.
September 16 isn't the day that Anwar Ibrahim will declare himself the PM designate. How unfortunate, and I suppose the Taiwan trip by BN backbenchers must be the spoiler. And the unfortunate thing to happen a day before Malaysia Day was the resignation of the Minister in the PM Department, Dato Zaid Ibrahim over the ISA issue. He had asked Muhyiddin Yassin to resign, but instead he decided to leave first. Isn't the Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan thinking of following in the footstep of Zaid Ibrahim?
With so much of chaos in UMNO, September 16 will not be a blissful day for Pak Lah and Jeanne Danker. The same goes for Najib and Rosmah. What will they being thinking off? Will there be more resignation? And with Muhyiddin standing firm by what he has said, and which must have angered Pak Lah, September 16 may not be his lucky day.
As an ordinary citizen, I know that September 16 is another working day for me, since Wilayah Persekutuan does not declare the day a public holiday. And with Selangor being a public holiday, I know for sure, it will be another rush to work for me at the Kajang train station, early tomorrow September 16.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
ARMED FORCES CELEBRATE ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Come September 16, 2008, the Malaysian Armed Forces will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. That date also coincides with the Birthday Celebration of TYT Yang DiPertua Negeri Sabah, which is a declared public holiday for the state. One can also associate September 16 with the purported date of the change over of government from BN to PR, which has now been deferred; so says Anwar.
Having left the Armed Forces for a decade now, my love and spirit for the uniform has not withered the least. I still hold dear to the military friends that I had; many have since retired and some of my subordinate officers are now holding high positions. It is unfortunate that none of my children are in the military to continue my legacy. But this is not so for the Indian Armed Forces, especially among the Sikh community. A Sikh classmate of mine whom I had befriended while a student at the Defence Services Staff College, India says that he is a third generation army officer to have served the Indian Army. Both his father and grandfather were army officers, and he has no qualms about getting his son to join the army. He says that the Sikh community in India places the military profession in high esteem.
I watched the Merdeka Parade on TV recently, and was awed by the impressive show displayed by members of the Armed Forces. In just ten years, I see a different kind of army. Its equipments are not the ones that I had seen while I was in the army before. The air force too displayed their ability and skill to handle advanced fighter aircrafts. As I sat watching the parade with my 11 year old grandson by my side, I wondered if he will be the one to follow my career path later, as he grows up.
My thoughts now goes to the many officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces who had placed their lives in defence of the country, especially those who had served the Second World War, Malaysia-Indonesian Confrontation, the first Malayan Emergency and 'second emergency'. Many lost their lives, and some others maimed for life, and their sacrifices are never forgotten. Mention is always being made in speeches during Armed Forces Day.
And my thought specially goes to Tun General Ibrahim Ismail now in his late 80's, who had served during the Second World War and the rest. He is a towering figure of a true general and a leader of men. I would have thought that his rightful place during the Merdeka Parade, was to be seated besides the King, and be attired in full military regalia. This is the sort of honour that the Armed Forces should have accorded him, and in all military functions.
I bless the Armed Forces and its able leadership, and to move ahead in building a strong and formidable Armed Forces.
Having left the Armed Forces for a decade now, my love and spirit for the uniform has not withered the least. I still hold dear to the military friends that I had; many have since retired and some of my subordinate officers are now holding high positions. It is unfortunate that none of my children are in the military to continue my legacy. But this is not so for the Indian Armed Forces, especially among the Sikh community. A Sikh classmate of mine whom I had befriended while a student at the Defence Services Staff College, India says that he is a third generation army officer to have served the Indian Army. Both his father and grandfather were army officers, and he has no qualms about getting his son to join the army. He says that the Sikh community in India places the military profession in high esteem.
I watched the Merdeka Parade on TV recently, and was awed by the impressive show displayed by members of the Armed Forces. In just ten years, I see a different kind of army. Its equipments are not the ones that I had seen while I was in the army before. The air force too displayed their ability and skill to handle advanced fighter aircrafts. As I sat watching the parade with my 11 year old grandson by my side, I wondered if he will be the one to follow my career path later, as he grows up.
My thoughts now goes to the many officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces who had placed their lives in defence of the country, especially those who had served the Second World War, Malaysia-Indonesian Confrontation, the first Malayan Emergency and 'second emergency'. Many lost their lives, and some others maimed for life, and their sacrifices are never forgotten. Mention is always being made in speeches during Armed Forces Day.
And my thought specially goes to Tun General Ibrahim Ismail now in his late 80's, who had served during the Second World War and the rest. He is a towering figure of a true general and a leader of men. I would have thought that his rightful place during the Merdeka Parade, was to be seated besides the King, and be attired in full military regalia. This is the sort of honour that the Armed Forces should have accorded him, and in all military functions.
I bless the Armed Forces and its able leadership, and to move ahead in building a strong and formidable Armed Forces.
IS UMNO IN DISARRAY?
Muhyiddin Yassin's statement asking Pak Lah to rethink his exist plan as UMNO's president has come under fire from various quarters. The latest are from Wanita UMNO Chief,Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, MB Negeri Sembilan, Dato Seri Mohamed Hassan and Minister in PM Department, Dato Zaid Ibrahim. They all expressed their resentment at Muhyiddin, and called for him to resign if he no longer have confidence in Pak Lah's leadership. However, Najib who is a party to the exist plan, has neither voiced his disapproval or approval to Muhyiddin's statement, but said that he "preferred to leave it to UMNO members to decide". Najib's statement is seen by many as having to abandon Pak Lah 'in time of distress', and I suppose, this is quite typical in politics. The maxim that 'there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies' in politics is therefore real.
Asking Muhyiddin to quit UMNO is to me a thoughtless remark by Zaid and Mohamed in particular. Don't they understand the power base behind Muhyiddin? Do you think UMNO Johore will abandon Muhyiddin, just like what Najib has done to Pak Lah? By virtue that Muhyuddin is the Vice President of UMNO, isn't that a clear indication of UMNO members support for Muhyiddin? The ramifications to UMNO if Muhyiddin quits is disastrous, and Zaid/Mohamed must know this. And for both Zaid and Mohamed,I am not quite sure whether your support in UMNO is well entrenched, and your criticism of Muhyiddin is well taken. And please remember Zaid that your position in the government today is through the 'back door'. Hence, you do not know your strength in UMNO.
The above is a clear indications of a split in UMNO that is getting worse by the day. I blame it on the members themselves who seemed not able to manage a simple crisis occurring within themselves. And if this is the state of affairs among UMNO politicians, I have little confident that they are able to manage larger crisis; for instance, one that affects the entire nation. And that is where the Armed Forces can take their place, I suppose?
For what is happening in UMNO today, my advice to them all is to cease making anymore statements. You have the General Assembly coming this December, and use this forum to determine the future of UMNO. Say all what you want to say within the four walls of PWTC. The arguments may take days, but if it is for the betterment of UMNO, why not prolong the assembly. And finally, please stop treating the delegates that attends the assembly once a year, as tourist.
Asking Muhyiddin to quit UMNO is to me a thoughtless remark by Zaid and Mohamed in particular. Don't they understand the power base behind Muhyiddin? Do you think UMNO Johore will abandon Muhyiddin, just like what Najib has done to Pak Lah? By virtue that Muhyuddin is the Vice President of UMNO, isn't that a clear indication of UMNO members support for Muhyiddin? The ramifications to UMNO if Muhyiddin quits is disastrous, and Zaid/Mohamed must know this. And for both Zaid and Mohamed,I am not quite sure whether your support in UMNO is well entrenched, and your criticism of Muhyiddin is well taken. And please remember Zaid that your position in the government today is through the 'back door'. Hence, you do not know your strength in UMNO.
The above is a clear indications of a split in UMNO that is getting worse by the day. I blame it on the members themselves who seemed not able to manage a simple crisis occurring within themselves. And if this is the state of affairs among UMNO politicians, I have little confident that they are able to manage larger crisis; for instance, one that affects the entire nation. And that is where the Armed Forces can take their place, I suppose?
For what is happening in UMNO today, my advice to them all is to cease making anymore statements. You have the General Assembly coming this December, and use this forum to determine the future of UMNO. Say all what you want to say within the four walls of PWTC. The arguments may take days, but if it is for the betterment of UMNO, why not prolong the assembly. And finally, please stop treating the delegates that attends the assembly once a year, as tourist.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
COUNTRY'S POLITICS GETTING MORE INTERESTING
The politics of this country is getting more interesting by the day. With 3 people already detained under the draconian ISA, will there be others? Just wonder what is Ahmad Ismail doing, now that he has been suspended from UMNO. Will he be THE 4th person to join the trio? Interestingly, there was a police report made against him, and it is interesting to see what will come out of it.
While watching Aljazeera news this afternoon, there was a phone interview by the news caster on the Minister for Rural Development, Tan Sri Muhammad Mohamed Taib regarding the arrest of the above trio. To my surprise, the minister spoke in english, and it was better than Zainuddin Maidin. At least, the whole world is able to listen and understand the responses given by the minister to the questions posed by the news caster. Not the mumbling like rhetoric of Zainuddin.
To the question as to why was Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng detained, while Ahmad Ismail was not, the minister responded by saying that the matter is under police investigation. I am not quite sure what the minister meant. Was the minister referring to Tan's police investigation or Ahmad Ismail's police investigation?
And in UMNO today, we see a champion in Muhyiddin Yassin, who has said that he is willing to take the risk over his remarks concerning the change over of UMNO's Presidency between Pak Lah and Najib. He has said that 2010 is too late, and reasoned out that Najib has too little time to do any changes to UMNO, to ready the party for the 2012 general elections. Pak Lah remained firm and said that "the change over plan was agreed by UMNO's Supreme Council". Najib on the other hand has now said that "he leaves it to the UMNO delegates to decide". Isn't this in mark contrast to what he has been saying all along, that he agrees with Pak Lah to the change over plan to be in 2010? And what has Pak Lah to say to this? I sense something brewing in UMNO, and the position of Pak Lah is even more precarious now. Surprisingly, SIL Khairy has not joined the 'fry'.
The excitement about Tun returning to UMNO has somewhat been subdued. No reports on TV nor the MSM. Or have they been silenced too?
Note: While I was writing this article, a friend called to say that Tan Hoon Cheng has been released by the police. Unfortunately, not yet for RPK and DAP's Teresa Kok. One wonders what had soften the police to release Tan? Is it because of the Ahmad Ismail strong link in Penang UMNO?
While watching Aljazeera news this afternoon, there was a phone interview by the news caster on the Minister for Rural Development, Tan Sri Muhammad Mohamed Taib regarding the arrest of the above trio. To my surprise, the minister spoke in english, and it was better than Zainuddin Maidin. At least, the whole world is able to listen and understand the responses given by the minister to the questions posed by the news caster. Not the mumbling like rhetoric of Zainuddin.
To the question as to why was Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng detained, while Ahmad Ismail was not, the minister responded by saying that the matter is under police investigation. I am not quite sure what the minister meant. Was the minister referring to Tan's police investigation or Ahmad Ismail's police investigation?
And in UMNO today, we see a champion in Muhyiddin Yassin, who has said that he is willing to take the risk over his remarks concerning the change over of UMNO's Presidency between Pak Lah and Najib. He has said that 2010 is too late, and reasoned out that Najib has too little time to do any changes to UMNO, to ready the party for the 2012 general elections. Pak Lah remained firm and said that "the change over plan was agreed by UMNO's Supreme Council". Najib on the other hand has now said that "he leaves it to the UMNO delegates to decide". Isn't this in mark contrast to what he has been saying all along, that he agrees with Pak Lah to the change over plan to be in 2010? And what has Pak Lah to say to this? I sense something brewing in UMNO, and the position of Pak Lah is even more precarious now. Surprisingly, SIL Khairy has not joined the 'fry'.
The excitement about Tun returning to UMNO has somewhat been subdued. No reports on TV nor the MSM. Or have they been silenced too?
Note: While I was writing this article, a friend called to say that Tan Hoon Cheng has been released by the police. Unfortunately, not yet for RPK and DAP's Teresa Kok. One wonders what had soften the police to release Tan? Is it because of the Ahmad Ismail strong link in Penang UMNO?
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