My once favourite minister Mr. Samy Vellu is at it again, and as usual for the wrong reason. There are talks that he wants to pull out his MIC MP's that have been appointed into Najib's cabinet. I am told that he will be raising this matter at the MIC Central Working Committee due this coming Thursday. And if this talk is true, I challenge Samy to do it.
Some says that he was disappointed not to be made a cabinet minister, while former Penang Chief Minister and Gerakan boss Dr. Koh is made a minister. Samy must have sensed that Najib does not need him any longer (so do I), and he thinks that being a BN component party leader, he has the right to nominate himself to a ministerial post.
In the first instant, Samy ought to seriously think whether his recent election to the party president for the eleventh time is truly the members choice or otherwise. From what I gather, there is growing resistance and an apparent disgust at his leadership. Losing the general election in his very own backyard is obvious proof that the people no longer wants him. But in a party election, manipulation and trickery can change outcome.
Samy had talked about reforming MIC after the disastrous March 8, 2008 General Elections. But the reforms that he is thinking about, I am told is one that suits his idiosyncrasy. And has the image of MIC change for the better?
I like looking at Samy's facial expression when he talks, and the words he utters in Malay. I just wonder whether he is a politician or a school teacher. I always have the impression that politicians are synonymous with patience and politeness. But does Samy have patience and politeness when he talks?
I have hundreds of loyal Indian friends who refused to to be associated with MIC, because of the sight of Samy. The taxi drivers that I meet daily on my travel to work, will just shake their heads at the mention of Samy's name. The say that Samy have grown so powerful that the very moment he opens his mouth, the people around him will meekly bow their heads in complete obedience. And didn't Tun Dr. Mahathir once remarked that Samy does not tolerate opposition in the party?
If Samy does pull out his MIC MP's from their ministerial post, will the party remain a component of the BN, or will he take the party out? Or will he dare take the culculated risk of joining Pakatan Rakyat (PR)? And will the Indians in PR admits Samy in their midst?
Whatever decision that Samy takes in trying to appease his wounded personality, these are extreme decisions that Samy has to seriously weigh first. And if Samy really has the interest of his community at heart, I think neither pulling out his MIC MP's out of the cabinet, nor taking the party out of BN, nor joining the PR will do Samy and the Indian community any good.
And if he does take any one of those decision, Samy is doomed, and with it, his entire 'kingdom' that he had build for more than three decades will come crumbling down. Will Mr. Samy dare take this challenge? I doubt he will.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 5 pm on April 12, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
IS MUSA AMAN A RECALCITRANT?
Sabah UMNO Youth leader and the state Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister Japlin Akin (no cousin of Charlie Chaplin), was detained for questioning for three days by MACC Thursday last, together with businessman Limus Jury for alleged corruption. Both have now been released on bail. And it was also reported that Japlin is a strong supporter of newly appointed national UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin. Does one smell a link here?
Japlin Akin was one of those found guilty for money politics by UMNO's Disciplinary Committee in the lead to UMNO General Assembly last month, and was slammed with a 3 year suspension from UMNO. However, the leaders of UMNO Sabah, and the Chief Minister Musa Aman in particular, finds no valid reason for Japlin to be relieved of his political appointment, despite a 3 year suspension.
I just wonder what standard is UMNO Sabah applying for those who have been found guilty of corruption by the party, and isn't this an insult to the position and integrity of members of the Disciplinary Committee?
I suppose Musa Aman who himself has a string of corruption charges filed against him in the past, appears more willing to ignore and discard the party's Disciplinary Committee's decision, rather than to act against a proven party offender. Musa Aman has indeed made an unusual and dangerous precedence by not acting on Japlin, and this does not auger well for the party. By ignoring the decision of the Disciplinary, Musa Aman clearly shows that he is in total defiance of his own party ethics and rules. And it will not be wrong for one to say that for Musa Aman, it is his own political interest that come first, and not that of UMNO's interest.
Now that MACC has come down on Japlin, will this be the beginning of a much wider investigation into the 'mysterious affairs' of UMNO Youth? I have been told that Khairy's sudden surge in votes during the election for the top UMNO Youth post in the last party election, was attributed to the support of Sabah's delegations. Questions are now being raised as to whether Japlin had a hand in the sudden shift of allegiance to Khairy. And speculations are rife that lots of cash had been doled out to appease the Sabah delegations. And could this be the reason why Khairy had been sidelined by Najib? One wonders.
The 'Japlin and Musa Aman affair' has only brought shame and disrespect to the solemn pledge made by Najib for a clean government, and to curb the scourge of corruption in UMNO. And by ignoring Najib and the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, Musa Aman has destroyed the image of a 'new UMNO and a clean government' that Najib wants to build. And if Musa Aman wants to show that he is the absolute power behind UMNO politics in Sabah by willfully acting as he wishes, he then does not deserve to be an UMNO member.
The question being asked now is whether Najib will be bold enough to act on Musa Aman for being a recalcitrant? This will be the litmus test for Najib, while UMNO and the ordinary people watches.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.20 pm April 11, 2009
Japlin Akin was one of those found guilty for money politics by UMNO's Disciplinary Committee in the lead to UMNO General Assembly last month, and was slammed with a 3 year suspension from UMNO. However, the leaders of UMNO Sabah, and the Chief Minister Musa Aman in particular, finds no valid reason for Japlin to be relieved of his political appointment, despite a 3 year suspension.
I just wonder what standard is UMNO Sabah applying for those who have been found guilty of corruption by the party, and isn't this an insult to the position and integrity of members of the Disciplinary Committee?
I suppose Musa Aman who himself has a string of corruption charges filed against him in the past, appears more willing to ignore and discard the party's Disciplinary Committee's decision, rather than to act against a proven party offender. Musa Aman has indeed made an unusual and dangerous precedence by not acting on Japlin, and this does not auger well for the party. By ignoring the decision of the Disciplinary, Musa Aman clearly shows that he is in total defiance of his own party ethics and rules. And it will not be wrong for one to say that for Musa Aman, it is his own political interest that come first, and not that of UMNO's interest.
Now that MACC has come down on Japlin, will this be the beginning of a much wider investigation into the 'mysterious affairs' of UMNO Youth? I have been told that Khairy's sudden surge in votes during the election for the top UMNO Youth post in the last party election, was attributed to the support of Sabah's delegations. Questions are now being raised as to whether Japlin had a hand in the sudden shift of allegiance to Khairy. And speculations are rife that lots of cash had been doled out to appease the Sabah delegations. And could this be the reason why Khairy had been sidelined by Najib? One wonders.
The 'Japlin and Musa Aman affair' has only brought shame and disrespect to the solemn pledge made by Najib for a clean government, and to curb the scourge of corruption in UMNO. And by ignoring Najib and the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, Musa Aman has destroyed the image of a 'new UMNO and a clean government' that Najib wants to build. And if Musa Aman wants to show that he is the absolute power behind UMNO politics in Sabah by willfully acting as he wishes, he then does not deserve to be an UMNO member.
The question being asked now is whether Najib will be bold enough to act on Musa Aman for being a recalcitrant? This will be the litmus test for Najib, while UMNO and the ordinary people watches.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.20 pm April 11, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A DILAPIDATED ARMY COMBAT TRAINING CENTER (PULADA) – A SHAME
I was in Johor Bahru a few months ago, and on my way to Kota Tinggi, I decided to stop at PULADA, the army's once prestigious jungle warfare training center. My reason for stopping at the training center was to catch a glimpse of an old friend and canteen operator Mr. Goh Da Dee. They say that PULADA is synonymous and is as old as Mr. Goh, and if one wants to know the history of the training center, just ask Mr. Goh.
PULADA is a legacy of the British, constructed in the late 40's or early 50's, and was the home of the British Commando Regiment. Besides, it was also a center for jungle warfare training and to acclimatise British soldiers that had recently arrived from the UK, to the Malayan enviornment. If one were to read the book on the infamous General Aidi Amin, he was said to have been send by the British for training at the center.
I had not been into PULADA for almost a decade, and was anxious to see the training center that I had served twice as a staff, once again. As I drove pass the Guard Room, I felt that I was still in the 70's, when I first attended my All Arms Tactics Course. In other words, many things have not changed. Most of the wooded buildings are in a dilapidated state, and if there was any new structures being added, their designs are certainly not contemporary, but ones that fits into the era of the 80's.
I remembered that in the late 80's, there was talk that the center was to be handed back to the Johore government, and PULADA was to be moved to Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. Hence all development plans for the center had to be shelved. That was more than two decades ago, and PULADA has still not moved. Now they say that PULADA will remain where it is, and grand plans to rebuild the center is underway. But my hunch says that this grand plan, if ever there was one, will never materialised .
The problem with army is that they are highly inconsistent in planning, and when there is a change in the leadership, the planning and priorities changes. I dare say that whims and fancies rules, and the attitude that “I know better what to do then others”, reigns the day. This inconsistency is even more obvious and rampant in the purchase of equipments for the army, and I prefer not to dwell more of this subject, least I may offend the leadership.
I did describe my horrific visit to PULADA to a friend of mine who had served with me in PULADA, and his simple answer was, “just cancel the purchase of the third regiment of MLRS worth 2 billion and throw it into PULADA”. That simple answer strikes me to be true, and rebuilding a modern PULADA does not even cost half that of the third regiment MLRS. And does the army really need three regiments of MLRS in the first instant?
Training is an essential part of a soldiers (officers included) career development. PULADA essentially does that. And if one were to make a comparison of PULADA with that of the training centers build for the civil service, PULADA could easily be described that of a chicken coop. And if I, an army retiree felt the shame and humiliation of seeing the dilapidated state of the once prestigious jungle warfare training center, I honestly not know what the army officers of today feels about the center. I hope the answer is not puzzling.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11 pm on April 10, 2009
PULADA is a legacy of the British, constructed in the late 40's or early 50's, and was the home of the British Commando Regiment. Besides, it was also a center for jungle warfare training and to acclimatise British soldiers that had recently arrived from the UK, to the Malayan enviornment. If one were to read the book on the infamous General Aidi Amin, he was said to have been send by the British for training at the center.
I had not been into PULADA for almost a decade, and was anxious to see the training center that I had served twice as a staff, once again. As I drove pass the Guard Room, I felt that I was still in the 70's, when I first attended my All Arms Tactics Course. In other words, many things have not changed. Most of the wooded buildings are in a dilapidated state, and if there was any new structures being added, their designs are certainly not contemporary, but ones that fits into the era of the 80's.
I remembered that in the late 80's, there was talk that the center was to be handed back to the Johore government, and PULADA was to be moved to Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. Hence all development plans for the center had to be shelved. That was more than two decades ago, and PULADA has still not moved. Now they say that PULADA will remain where it is, and grand plans to rebuild the center is underway. But my hunch says that this grand plan, if ever there was one, will never materialised .
The problem with army is that they are highly inconsistent in planning, and when there is a change in the leadership, the planning and priorities changes. I dare say that whims and fancies rules, and the attitude that “I know better what to do then others”, reigns the day. This inconsistency is even more obvious and rampant in the purchase of equipments for the army, and I prefer not to dwell more of this subject, least I may offend the leadership.
I did describe my horrific visit to PULADA to a friend of mine who had served with me in PULADA, and his simple answer was, “just cancel the purchase of the third regiment of MLRS worth 2 billion and throw it into PULADA”. That simple answer strikes me to be true, and rebuilding a modern PULADA does not even cost half that of the third regiment MLRS. And does the army really need three regiments of MLRS in the first instant?
Training is an essential part of a soldiers (officers included) career development. PULADA essentially does that. And if one were to make a comparison of PULADA with that of the training centers build for the civil service, PULADA could easily be described that of a chicken coop. And if I, an army retiree felt the shame and humiliation of seeing the dilapidated state of the once prestigious jungle warfare training center, I honestly not know what the army officers of today feels about the center. I hope the answer is not puzzling.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11 pm on April 10, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE?
Newly appointed Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak had just named its new cabinet that is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. Dubbed as ‘Team Malaysia’, Najib said, “the new cabinet is not only a new team with a new face, but also a new approach to administering the country better in a more responsible and transparent manner that focuses in the people”.
The concern of most Malaysians has been the prevalence of corruption, and the role of cronies and family members in business and the affairs of government, that pervades the Abdullah administration; a repeat of which Najib has to avoid in his new administration. Tun Dr. Mahathir, a severe critic of former PM Tun Abdullah, had remarked that the new cabinet seems to be clean, with some notable ministers that are known to be corrupt have not been listed.
To all Malaysians, let us give the new Prime Minister and his cabinet a chance to make good their pledges. And in this trying period of the global economic downturn, it is incumbent upon us to support any course that the government takes, that is deemed beneficial to the nation and its people. To criticized the government now will not be just and fair, and Najib will need the unequivocal support of the people to realize his pledge of a one Malaysia.
The Armed Forces too in the coming months will also see a change in its leadership; though not through an election of any kind. I am told that the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is due for retirement, and the post is likely to be taken up by either one of the present serving service chiefs. Since the post was created, the CDF has been dominated by the army, and only once held by the navy.
The British, and similarly the Australian Armed Forces, I believe appoints the CDF on a rotational basis. The MAF recognizes that the post of CDF is a tri- service post; meaning that it can be held by either one of the service chief i.e. army, navy of air force chief, and supposedly on a rotational basis. However, in practice, this does not seem to be so, and I am also made to believe that the final selection to the post will eventually be decided by the political masters.
There has been some argument from among the three services in the past, with regards to the rightful appointment of the CDF. The army would claim that the post is rightfully theirs since the army constitutes the largest of the three services. The other two services i.e. navy and air force will likewise say that numerical strength alone are no longer the criterion. The high value assets and technological sophistication of the equipments held by a modern air force and navy that requires precise management, raises greater importance against just the numerical strength of the army.
The other argument that the war of today will not be fought by just one particular service, but will be joint in nature i.e. the combined forces of the army, navy and air force. And this gives greater justification that the CDF can be from either one of the three service chief, and certainly not predominantly from the army.
I am told that there is no clear succession to the post of the CDF today, because the current Army and Air Force chiefs are also expected to retire, at about the same time as the CDF. That leaves the Navy chief, but they say that he lacks the seniority as the chief.
And assuming that either the Army or Air Force chief is appointed, their service will have to be extended pass their official retirement age i.e. 58 years. And if this is the choice of the government, who then will be chosen from among the two……army or air force chief? Or will it be the Navy chief despite his lack of seniority? We will have to leave the final choice of the new CDF to the new Defence Minister, YB Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7 pm on April 10, 2009
The concern of most Malaysians has been the prevalence of corruption, and the role of cronies and family members in business and the affairs of government, that pervades the Abdullah administration; a repeat of which Najib has to avoid in his new administration. Tun Dr. Mahathir, a severe critic of former PM Tun Abdullah, had remarked that the new cabinet seems to be clean, with some notable ministers that are known to be corrupt have not been listed.
To all Malaysians, let us give the new Prime Minister and his cabinet a chance to make good their pledges. And in this trying period of the global economic downturn, it is incumbent upon us to support any course that the government takes, that is deemed beneficial to the nation and its people. To criticized the government now will not be just and fair, and Najib will need the unequivocal support of the people to realize his pledge of a one Malaysia.
The Armed Forces too in the coming months will also see a change in its leadership; though not through an election of any kind. I am told that the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is due for retirement, and the post is likely to be taken up by either one of the present serving service chiefs. Since the post was created, the CDF has been dominated by the army, and only once held by the navy.
The British, and similarly the Australian Armed Forces, I believe appoints the CDF on a rotational basis. The MAF recognizes that the post of CDF is a tri- service post; meaning that it can be held by either one of the service chief i.e. army, navy of air force chief, and supposedly on a rotational basis. However, in practice, this does not seem to be so, and I am also made to believe that the final selection to the post will eventually be decided by the political masters.
There has been some argument from among the three services in the past, with regards to the rightful appointment of the CDF. The army would claim that the post is rightfully theirs since the army constitutes the largest of the three services. The other two services i.e. navy and air force will likewise say that numerical strength alone are no longer the criterion. The high value assets and technological sophistication of the equipments held by a modern air force and navy that requires precise management, raises greater importance against just the numerical strength of the army.
The other argument that the war of today will not be fought by just one particular service, but will be joint in nature i.e. the combined forces of the army, navy and air force. And this gives greater justification that the CDF can be from either one of the three service chief, and certainly not predominantly from the army.
I am told that there is no clear succession to the post of the CDF today, because the current Army and Air Force chiefs are also expected to retire, at about the same time as the CDF. That leaves the Navy chief, but they say that he lacks the seniority as the chief.
And assuming that either the Army or Air Force chief is appointed, their service will have to be extended pass their official retirement age i.e. 58 years. And if this is the choice of the government, who then will be chosen from among the two……army or air force chief? Or will it be the Navy chief despite his lack of seniority? We will have to leave the final choice of the new CDF to the new Defence Minister, YB Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7 pm on April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
WILL NAJIB'S 'REFORM CABINET' APPEASE TO THE PUBLIC?
I had in an article posted on Thursday, April 2, 2009, reasoned out as to who would be the likely candidates to be part of Najib's 'reformed cabinet', as well as those who would be told to take the exit door. Though the list is not all that accurate, I am pleased to note that those whom I had expected not to be named are almost perfect, and they are Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Azalina Othman, Noraini Ahmad, Syed Hamid Albar and Nor Mohd Yacob.
I also did not give Khairy Jamaluddin a chance for obvious reasons, but I least expect Muhkriz to be made the International Trade & Industry Deputy Minister. I do however believe that the choice of Muhkriz is favourable, as he has the charisma and is said to be clean. I do expect some disgruntlement among UMNO youth, and to add greater insult to Khairy, his deputy is also made a Deputy Minister. Where then lies the future of Khairy, and was Tun Dr. Mahathir instrumental in the choice of Muhkriz, and dumping Khairy?
I had however failed in my predictions of the four top UMNO leaders i.e. Muhyiddin, Ahmad Zahid, Hishamuddin and Shafie Afdal, but the position offered to them are fairly significant.
Ahmad Zaid whom I thought would have been better at Education Ministry, is now the new Defence Minister. He is no alien to the ministry, for he was in the 80's the Political Secretary to Naijb. One knows him for his fiery speeches during his days as the UMNO Youth leader, but one can be surprised at his gentle demeanor if one gets to know him. I know, the Armed Forces will only be too pleased to have Ahmad Zahid as their new minister.
I also believe that Shafie Afdal fits well as the new Rural & Regional Development Minister. He now has every reason to move more frequently to the interior of Sabah and Sarawak where rural development is most needed. Having served in the two East Malaysian states many times, I am of the opinion that rural Sabah and Sarawak deserves more attention than their counterpart in the peninsular. And both the state governments has not done enough for the rural folks for last four decades.
The Armed Forces should be proud to have its Religious Corps Director Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir appointed the Religious Affairs Minister. This will be the second time an army general is appointed to the post; the first being Brig Gen Dato Hamid Zainal Abidin.
Finally, I am pleased that Najib retains Rais Yatim, the old crusader. He has been an outspoken critic against money politics during the last UMNO general assembly, and to lose him at this stage will not be wise. Being sort of an 'elder' in the cabinet, his experience in government can be fairly useful to the younger generation of ministers.
The days ahead for Najib and his newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers will be a challenging one. Najib has set the tone on the conduct of his minister/deputy ministers, and how he wants the government to be managed. The Najib's administration has another 3 more years before the next general elections. And the sooner they get down to prove their worth, the better chances they have in turning the tables on the opposition, who are poised the take on the BN challenge.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.30 pm on April 9, 2009
I also did not give Khairy Jamaluddin a chance for obvious reasons, but I least expect Muhkriz to be made the International Trade & Industry Deputy Minister. I do however believe that the choice of Muhkriz is favourable, as he has the charisma and is said to be clean. I do expect some disgruntlement among UMNO youth, and to add greater insult to Khairy, his deputy is also made a Deputy Minister. Where then lies the future of Khairy, and was Tun Dr. Mahathir instrumental in the choice of Muhkriz, and dumping Khairy?
I had however failed in my predictions of the four top UMNO leaders i.e. Muhyiddin, Ahmad Zahid, Hishamuddin and Shafie Afdal, but the position offered to them are fairly significant.
Ahmad Zaid whom I thought would have been better at Education Ministry, is now the new Defence Minister. He is no alien to the ministry, for he was in the 80's the Political Secretary to Naijb. One knows him for his fiery speeches during his days as the UMNO Youth leader, but one can be surprised at his gentle demeanor if one gets to know him. I know, the Armed Forces will only be too pleased to have Ahmad Zahid as their new minister.
I also believe that Shafie Afdal fits well as the new Rural & Regional Development Minister. He now has every reason to move more frequently to the interior of Sabah and Sarawak where rural development is most needed. Having served in the two East Malaysian states many times, I am of the opinion that rural Sabah and Sarawak deserves more attention than their counterpart in the peninsular. And both the state governments has not done enough for the rural folks for last four decades.
The Armed Forces should be proud to have its Religious Corps Director Maj Gen Dato Jamil Khir appointed the Religious Affairs Minister. This will be the second time an army general is appointed to the post; the first being Brig Gen Dato Hamid Zainal Abidin.
Finally, I am pleased that Najib retains Rais Yatim, the old crusader. He has been an outspoken critic against money politics during the last UMNO general assembly, and to lose him at this stage will not be wise. Being sort of an 'elder' in the cabinet, his experience in government can be fairly useful to the younger generation of ministers.
The days ahead for Najib and his newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers will be a challenging one. Najib has set the tone on the conduct of his minister/deputy ministers, and how he wants the government to be managed. The Najib's administration has another 3 more years before the next general elections. And the sooner they get down to prove their worth, the better chances they have in turning the tables on the opposition, who are poised the take on the BN challenge.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 7.30 pm on April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
IT’S TWO BUKITS FOR PR AND ONE BATANG FOR BN
It was an exciting Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for me. And I had earlier predicted a sure win for PR at Bukit Gantang, and a win for BN at Batang Ai. And that makes it one – one, a draw. But I was a bit doubtful as to which party wins at Bukit Selembau. And if either one party wins, it will be two - one. That was what I predicted the final tally to be, and it could go either way; BN or PR.
It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.
To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.
Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.
Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.
The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.
BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.
And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.
The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?
I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009
It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.
To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.
Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.
Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.
The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.
BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.
And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.
The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?
I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009
IT’S TWO BUKITS FOR PR AND ONE BATANG FOR BN
It was an exciting Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for me. And I had earlier predicted a sure win for PR at Bukit Gantang, and a win for BN at Batang Ai. And that makes it one – one, a draw. But I was a bit doubtful as to which party wins at Bukit Selembau. And if either one party wins, it will be two - one. That was what I predicted the final tally to be, and it could go either way; BN or PR.
It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.
To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.
Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.
Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.
The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.
BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.
And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.
The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?
I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009
It surprised me, that despite the assurance by Samy Vellu that his candidate will come out the undisputed winner, the reverse happened and PR won, surprisingly with an increased majority. As usual, Samy blamed others except himself for the defeat. He claimed that the support for the BN candidate was good initially, but it waned later for no obvious reason. Some said that the reason for the sudden loss of support for the BN candidate was caused by Samy himself. They say that he should not have showed himself up at Bukit Selembau at all. The Indians there are just fed-up of him.
To most, be they UMNO or non UNMO members, Bukit Gantang was an uphill task for the BN. The reception towards PR candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin during the nomination day was in itself an indication of his popularity with the voters. Had the BN fielded Zambry as its candidate, it was no guarantee that he could win. Many had said that the BN’s loss would be even larger if Zambry was fielded, as the tide of anger towards him (though no fault of his), for being a party to the prevailing political crisis in Perak, has yet to subside.
Batang Ai was undoubtedly a clear win for the BN from the start. The interior of Sarawak has always had a strong following for being pro-government, and the presence of the opposition party in these areas have not been felt. This has always been so, because even before the existence of PR, other state opposition parties were deemed insignificant to be of any threat to the ruling party.
Furthermore, the awareness towards politics in rural Sarawak is still in its ‘infancy’, and the various agencies of government that operates in the interior are sometimes seen as being synonymous with the ruling party. There is therefore no clear distinction between the agencies of government and political parties.
The two – one win in favour of PR must have surprised the BN, and this despite the pro-BN stance of all the mainstream media, and the last minute appearance of Tun Dr. Mahathir to boost support for the BN candidate in Bukit Gantang. Najib’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, and his immediate release of some ISA detainees and the reinstatement of the printing license for Harakah and Suara Keadilan dailies, did little to garner support for the BN.
BN’s successive losses in the by-elections at Permatang Pauh, Kuala Trengganu, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selembau ought not to be taken too lightly by the BN. There has to be something serious that voters have distance themselves from the ruling party. It is pointless for BN leaders to claim that the people have misunderstood the party. It is also pointless to say that UMNO leaders must change, without actually stating in no uncertain terms what the changes are.
And if I were to be asked what is actually wrong with UMNO leaders today, my immediate response is that they all ought to improve their public relation image, mannerism and public speaking. Some don’t even want to smile when answering questions from the public. They look at the questioner as a threat, hence their reaction to the questioner is to show them a sullen and angry face.
The more serious change is to prove to the public that UMNO leaders are free of corruption, and this is about the most difficult thing to do. For as long as UMNO politicians are not able to shed this ugly perception of them, then they will continue to be despised and rejected by the public. Najib must have the will and courage to sack anyone from within his party, regardless of his/her position, that is known to be corrupt. He must quickly relieve them of their duties, and never to say the famous quote that ‘they are innocent until proven guilty’. Isn’t these the words uttered by some UMNO leaders recently?
I hope the losses suffered by the BN/UMNO in the recently held by-elections, serves as a lesson to all, and it is left to BN/UMNO leaders now to made serious amends, if they seriously want to see the party win the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.45 pm on April 8, 2009
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