SHAH ALAM 28 Feb. - Ketua Penerangan UMNO, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd. Taib menyifatkan calon Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Lembah Pantai, Nurul Izzah Anwar sebagai 'budak mentah' yang perlu ditolak pengundi kawasan itu. Menurutnya, Nurul Izzah perlu menyedari sepanjang tempoh 16 tahun bapanya berada dalam kerajaan, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tidak pernah mengeluarkan kata- kata tidak elok kepada UMNO dan Barisan Nasional (BN). Katanya, anak pemimpin PKR itu tidak sepatutnya menuduh BN sebagai parti perkauman yang akan menjahanamkan negara. ''Mengapa apabila dibuang daripada UMNO dan kerajaan, tiba-tiba sekarang semua yang dibuat kerajaan tidak betul, kenapa sepanjang 16 tahun berada dalam kerajaan semuanya elok. "Sekarang semua keluarganya bertanding, bapanya mahu bertanding, emak bertanding, anak bertanding, Nurul Izzah masih mentah, walaupun dia belajar universiti tetapi itu masih tidak cukup," katanya di sini hari ini. Oleh itu, katanya, terpulang kepada pengundi di Lembah Pantai sama ada mahu memilih BN yang diwakili Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil atau Nurul Izzah. Anak sulung Anwar itu buat pertama kalinya bertanding pada pilihan raya umum manakala ibunya, Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail pula bertanding kali ketiga bagi mempertahankan kerusi Parlimen Permatang Pauh yang pernah disandang Anwar. Dalam pada itu, beliau menyuarakan sokongan penuh kepada pencalonan Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin untuk mempertahankan kerusi Parlimen Shah Alam dan Datuk Ahmad Nawawi M. Zin sebagai calon Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Kota Anggerik pada pilihan raya umum kali ini. Katanya, tidak ada sebab pengundi di Shah Alam mahu memilih calon pembangkang setelah BN membuktikan kemampuannya membangunkan negara. Menurutnya, tidak seperti pilihan raya kecil, pilihan raya umum adalah bagi membentuk kerajaan dan pengundi perlu menggunakan kebijaksanaan mereka memastikan BN terus menerajui negara.
tunku : i agree with mat taib when he said that why during his 16 years in umno anwar did not ever criticize umno and the government, when he has all the means to do so.well you can ex pect this from a loser. regarding mat taib statement that nurul izzah should not contest because the mother is contesting(family), i think mat taib should also criticize pak lah and taib mahmud. both of them have their son and son in-law contesting while they are still in power.
28/2/08 Pagi tadi, semasa di Pusat Giat MARA, Alor Biak, Jerlun Kedah, calon BN untuk kerusi Parlimen P005 Dato’ Mukhriz Mahathir menyenaraikan plan pembangunan untuk Jerlun, sekira dipilih mewakili mereka.
Plan Pembangunan BN P005 Jerlun
1. Ekonomi -Mengusahakan program pembangunan usahawan yang disediakan pelbagai agensi untuk IKS desa bagi industri hiliran asas-tani -Membangunkan program eko-pelancongan yang berkenaan sumber semula jadi
2. Pendidikan Mengusahakan program meningkatkan penyerapan/penguasaan pendidikan/latihan kemahiran/ICT dgn kerjasama agensi berkenaan, sebahagian dari melaksana dasar Kerajaan Pusat mengenai ‘Modal Insan’
3. Infrastruktur -Menentukan projek/program pembangunan infrastruktur yg dirancang dilaksanakan -Meningkatkan pencerapan ICT dalam masyarakat
Ini dinyatakan oleh Mukhriz semasa ditemuramah RTM, selepas menghadiri mesyuarat di Pusat Giat MARA itu. Beliau juga menyentuh mengenai terdapat rumah rumah penduduk dalam Kawasan Jerlun yang daif dan mempunyai masalah tanah, yang perlu dibantu dan diselesaikan.
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Untuk empat hari pertama selepas pencalonan, Mukhriz focus untuk memperkenalkan diri kepada masyarakat Jerlun. Mulai hari ini, beliau akan melihat permasalahan masyarakat Jerlun dan menjelaskan apa yang dirancang untuk Jerlun sekiranya dipilih.
Malam ini, beliau akan berada diprogram “Mesra rakyat” di Padang Perahu dan Pida Batu 3 1/2, Pida. Pemberita MHI TV3 dijangka akan membuat liputan program kempen Mukhriz untuk malam ini.
PETALING JAYA: Four Malaysians made it to the Forbes Asia list of the region’s most generous and interesting philanthropists. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, Hishamudin Ubaidulla, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Tun Jugah were featured in the inaugural Forbes Asia Heroes of Philanthropy list in its March 10 issue. Syed Mokhtar, 56, is founder and sole donor of a Muslim charity, Albukhary Foundation that assists the needy. Established in 1996, the foundation funds remedial classes in English, science and math for 20,000 underachieving students each year and runs a college scholarship programme for 300 students from more than 40 countries. Syed Mokhtar controls Malaysia Mining Corp and holds big stakes in Johor Port and other businesses. Hishamudin, 52, oversees Yayasan Ubaidi, a foundation funded entirely with profits from commercial buildings and the sale of land bought by his father years ago. The foundation helps families who cannot make ends meet, pays medical expenses, helps single mothers pay for tertiary education, assists hospitals that cannot afford equipment. Hishamudin, who helps run the family travel agency, is also chairman of Deir Yassin Remembered Malaysia, a movement committed to ending the war between Israel and Palestine. Former MP for Kota Baru, Zaid, 57, who owns the country’s largest law firm, Zaid Ibrahim & Co, set up the Kelantan Foundation for the Disabled in 1998. The foundation serves 2,400 people suffering from Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Linggi, 67, a prominent Iban businessman has varied dealings, including real estate, plantation, shipping, hotel and other companies. Tun Jugah Foundation gets virtually all of its contributions from him. It focuses on preserving the culture of the Ibans in Sarawak. In 2003, it began compiling the first Iban dictionary. This year Forbes put together a list of 48 philanthropists. Others featured on the list included Chinese billionaire Shi Zhengrong; China’s richest woman Yang Huiyan; film star Jet Li; Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing; Azim Premji from India; Taiwan’s richest man Terry Gou; Kyocera founder Kazuo Inamori from Japan; Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala II from the Philippine; Singaporean Mavis Khoo; Thailand’s Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi and Indonesia’s Putera Sampoerna.
KUALA LUMPUR: Bernama TV’s news channel, which began its 24-hour transmission yesterday, is capable of becoming the top choice of viewers within 100 days, said Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini. He said the channel was capable of drawing the confidence of the public as an alternative local news channel in the country. “I want people to start saying within the first 100 days that this is an alternative news channel which is real, accurate and fast. I think this is achievable in the first 100 days,” he said in the programme Helo Malaysia, aired over Astro’s Channel 502 yesterday. Bernama TV is broadcast over Astro’s Channel 502. Besides current news, he said Bernama TV would also air other news-based programmes like forums and interviews with well-known local personalities. Bernama TV would use the tagline “Right & Now” and ensure its credibility was maintained. – Bernama
tunku : if Bernama TV really wants to be credible and well known, well received , this is the time to show during the election. Be fair to all the parties.Give everyone same coverage.
PUTRAJAYA: Chief Justice Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad, is furious that funds allocated for the judiciary over the last two years had been “used up” by 2005. Abdul Hamid, who took over the helm from Oct 1 last year, said as a result, the excellence awards ceremony for its staff for 2006 had to be postponed to yesterday. “The event was supposed to be held last year but because the resources for 2007 had been utilised for a similar ceremony in 2005, we are left with insufficient funds,” he said, without revealing the amount involved. Abdul Hamid hoped that this “unfortunate incident” would not recur. “I will ensure that the 2007 awards ceremony will be held this year or this practice of postponing and accruing will keep haunting us,” he said, adding that measures would be taken to ensure that there were sufficient funds. The Chief Justice, known for the “Do your work” slogan, cautioned his subordinates not to be complacent or face the evitable. “Frankly, if there is a worm-infested branch that needs to be pruned, we will cut it off without hesitation to safeguard the tree,” he said. He added the judiciary was equipped with facilities that were far superior compared to other countries so there was no excuse for sloppy work. Abdul Hamid also introduced several do's and don’ts to court staff which included being courteous and not wasting time and resources. “These aspects may be trivial to many but to me, they are important and reflect on our character. Also don’t forget, buat kerja bukan buat kenduri (do your work and not feast),” he said before closing his speech. At the ceremony, a total of 284 court staff nationwide received the excellence award from Abdul Hamid. Among the recipients were Industrial Court chairman Hapipah Monel and special officer to the Chief Justice Hasbi Hassan.
tunku : where is the fund? SIAPA MAKAN DUIT ITU? if all the government department uses it's funds at the right place, the government can safe millions of ringgit a year.
PASIR MAS, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Former Pasir Mas Umno division chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali once again showed his unprofessional attitude when he prevented Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat from talking to reporters here today. Nik Aziz was about to talk to reporters after the ground breaking ceremony for the Taman SPP Permai project at Kubang Gatal at 4.45pm when Ibrahim suddenly interrupted and asked him to wary of the RTM cameraman. "Beware of him (RTM cameraman) because he is dangerous. We say one thing but it will come out differently." On hearing this, Nik Aziz shook his head and said he would not be holding the press conference and left accompanied by several men. The about-turn left a group of pressmen including that from PAS newspaper Harakah disappointed after waiting in heavy rain since 2.30pm. Ibrahim who will contest the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat under the PAS ticket had been known to be hostile towards pressmen. On one occasion at Kampung Belukar Bunut Susu recently, Ibrahim flew into a rage when asked by reporters and threw away a reporters' recorder. Ibrahim, 57, was sacked as Pasir Mas Umno division chief on Nov 22, 2003 and prevented from joining the party for life after contesting as an independent candidate during the 2004 general election. tunku : i think the media especially the mainstream media should not write or n\air news base on their own conclusion or just showing part of the speech only. it's not fair, same goes to harakah and opposition media.Be Fair To All.
KUALA TERENGGANU: Grandmother Maimun Yusuf, who is vying to be the Kuala Terengganu member of parliament, is worried she’s being stalked. The 89-year-old kain songket trader said she was campaigning in Chabang Tiga yesterday when she noticed a car with a man and a woman following her. “I had just received 1,000 copies of my poster from the printing company in the morning and was distributing them when I noticed a car following me around. “There was a man and a woman inside. I did not recognise them,” said the grandmother of seven who is the oldest candidate in this general election. “I do not know them but they left after I finished talking to the people. “Luckily they meant no harm,” said Maimun when met at her dilapidated rented kampung house in Gong Gemia where she was busy pasting posters on the walls. Although late in kicking off her campaign as she only received her posters yesterday, Maimun found she had to re-order another 4,000 copies. Using her trusty red bicycle, her first stop was Chabang Tiga where she greeted the people and told them to vote for her symbol – the keys. Pressmen were amused to see that Maimun, who is fondly known as Tok Mun, had rebuilt the steps leading up to her house. “I know you were all scared to climb up the other day. That’s why I paid RM300 to build a new one,” she said, causing one reporter’s face to redden. Maimun quashed the notion that she was able to pay for her campaign expenditure because of her links to royalty. She has so far spent RM10,000 to register as a candidate, in addition to another RM3,000 on election and campaign preparations. “I’ve also just enlisted some help to build a pondok (to be her election operations room) in Chabang Tiga. It only cost me RM200,” she added. Asked how she expects to fare against PAS vice-president Mohamad Sabu and Barisan Nasional incumbent Datuk Razali Ismail, she said: “I have my supporters too”.
tunku : i don't know what "tok mun" is thinking but i must salute her for her courage and guts.she's spending her own money.i wonder why she did not think of it when she was younger.
PASIR MAS, Feb 27 Bernama) -- Kelantan will get an annual grant of RM1 billion from the federal government from the present RM400 million if Barisan Nasional (BN) succeeds in forming the next state government in the state after the March 8 General Election, the Deputy Chairman of the Kelantan UMNO Liaison Committee, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, said today. He said the additional grant was aimed at increasing the number of development projects in the state following the failure of PAS to do so despite holding power in Kelantan for the last 18 years. "When we get the RM1 billion allocation, it will be for the well-being of the people in Kelantan just like the people in the other states," said Awang Adek at a "meet the people" session with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Sekolah Menengah Tengku Panglima Raja here. Also present at the gathering attended by about 3,000 people were Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and national astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. Awang Adek, who is also the Deputy Finance Minister, said among the major projects to be launched by BN if it gained control of Kelantan would be to build a new mosque to replace the Muhammadi Mosque in Kota Baharu and a new stadium in place of the old Stadium Sultan Mohamed Ke-IV. Meanwhile, Najib told a press conference that it would be up to the voters in Kelantan to make their choice after BN had vowed to further develop the state. He said the BN government was one which always make good on its pledges and would implement all the projects listed in its election manifesto for Kelantan. It is learnt that the RM1 billion annual grant will be incorporated into BN's manifesto for Kelantan to be announced on Saturday. Other items in the manifesto include the establishment of a special committee comprising representatives from the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai communities to solve problems in Kelantan.
tunku : wow, so kelantanese,do you people want 1 billion or 400 millions, the choice is yours.i just want to comment what awang adik has said that if bn gained control of Kelantan, first thing they would build build a new mosque to replace the Muhammadi Mosque in Kota Baharu and a new stadium in place of the old Stadium Sultan Mohamed Ke-IV.i think that is not urgent or wise thing to do right now as there are more serious project that can be done first like hospitals,schools etc.when you have extra RM then you can build the new mosque and the stadium as both the mosque and stadium right now still look good.
The Sun Goh Ban Lee (Feb 26, 2008): MALAYSIANS must be very easily excited. How else can one explain the excitement over the coming 12th general election when the Barisan Nasional (BN) will still be the government in Putrajaya on March 9? It cannot be very exciting when one has the same thing for more than half a century. However, it is understandable if Penangites are excited. There will be a new chief minister as Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon is contesting in the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat. Then there is the possibility of the opposition parties, especially the DAP, winning big. Is there a wind of change? Could it be a typhoon? Penangites did replace the Alliance state government with the Gerakan in 1969 when the latter won 16 out of the 24 state seats. There is basis for excitement. Many, particularly those living in urban areas, are frustrated or even angry. The increase in the cost of living and crime rates are compounded by a perception of poor governance. Then there are the demonstrations of hubris of power and racist and sexist remarks. The frustrations among the Chinese and Indians are further compounded by a feeling of unfairness. Some even use the term marginalisation, although this is disputed by government leaders. Even normally laid-back observers have turned into ardent activists for change. The advent of the Internet, especially the web-blogs and You Tube videos, has allowed them to amplify their feelings. If the “marginalisation” feeling is true, the effects are likely to be seen most clearly in Penang on March 8. Based on 2004 statistics, Chinese and Indian voters form the majority in 25 out of the 40 state seats. Of the remaining 15 seats, 10 have at least 30% Chinese and Indian voters. The fact that Penang is led by the multi-racial Gerakan and the chief minister is a Chinese is not likely to mitigate the intensity of discontent with the BN, even among the Chinese voters. While Koh is admired for his very good oral skills in three languages and friendly disposition, he is seen to be too accommodating to Umno leaders, including low-ranking ones. For a person who once claimed to be the “conscience of the BN” when he stood against Lim Kit Siang of the DAP in the Tanjung parliamentary seat in 1986, he is perceived to have done nothing to ensure a fairer government. The recent complaint by Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Khor Teng Tong about non-bumiputra businessmen not being able to do business with government-linked companies “because they favour those with Malay partners” is a case in point. If the Chinese put into practice what they utter in private gatherings and if the Indians vote with Hindraf in mind, many BN candidates will be in trouble. If the Malay votes are reflective of the mood of the largely Malay crowd in the Bersih rally last Nov 10 in Kuala Lumpur, there will be a change of government on March 9 in Penang. However, these are big “ifs”. Although Penangites may be angry with the BN government, they still like the friendly, humble and helpful Barisan state assemblymen, even if their “hard work” is largely limited to municipal matters like clearing clogged drains and fixing street lamps and attending neighbourhood social and religious functions. Even new BN candidates are not strangers to the electorates as most have been serving as municipal councillors or special assistants to current assemblymen. Furthermore, while Penangites may be frustrated with the government, they are not inclined to change the state government. This behaviour is a mystery, although the derogatory term “kiasu” (afraid of losing) has been brandied about. As such, splitting one’s votes is common. For instance, in the last elections both Chow Kon Yeow and Chong Eng of the DAP won handsomely in their parliamentary seats, yet lost in their bids to become state assemblypersons. After all, for most Penangites, life is relatively good. Indeed, many criticisms of the government are done in comfortable surroundings such as well-equipped living rooms or over sumptuous meals in fine restaurants or at relatively cheap yet tasty hawker centres. Surely they cannot have missed pictures of massive sufferings in many developing countries. The DAP appears to be aware of the disinclination to change the government. The portrayal of Lim Kit Siang as the “Robocop” in 1995 to clean up Penang fell flat and it suffered an almost total wipe-out in the state assembly. Today, the DAP has set a modest target – denying the BN a two-third majority. A clever move as it is not possible to keep count until voting is closed. In 1990, the DAP used a simple slogan of "500 more" votes to get some of their candidates elected. It resulted in the DAP wining 14 out of the 33 seats. Until March 8, the opposition parties will try to maintain the feeling of discontent by convincing Penangites that it is better to have representatives who can and are willing to oppose any instruments of unfairness and expose incidences of maladministration. The BN will argue that chest thumping and grand-standing antics may be good for the emotion, but the food on the table and stability are the result of behind closed door bargaining among friendly component members. As of today, the mood is to teach the BN a lesson about fairness. But nothing is cast in stone as the BN election machinery is very powerful.
tunku : there won't be any typhoon. as long as malaysia having the same bunch of opposition we will never see any wind of changes or typhoon. yet we can still send our message to the government that they can't rule as for granted.so be wise.
SHOULD Malaysians bother to vote? The corollary of this question is: does the Malaysian Government deserve to be re-elected? The answer to the second question is no. In the past few years, the Malaysian Government has presided over an extraordinary number of scandals that are appalling by any standards: the trade minister's allocation of car import permits to friends, relatives and supporters; the billion-dollar fraud at the Port Klang Free Trade Zone; the outrageous and much-flaunted wealth of ruling party politician Zakaria Md Deros; the claims that a High Court judge allowed the lawyer representing a rich businessman to write for him his judgement in a defamation lawsuit; an immensely rich chief minister in Sarawak state who is allowed to rule as if it were his; and so on. The Malaysian Government richly deserves to pay for all of this at the ballot box. So the next question is: should the Malaysian Opposition be elected to office? Again, the answer is no. The Opposition is a shambolic assortment of the disaffected rather than a competent, alternative government. In no way is it ready to govern. All these questions are pertinent because Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has called elections for March 8. Elections are fought tenaciously in Malaysia as if the South-East Asian country is a fully fledged democracy. But it isn't. It is democratic in that elections are held, but they are not fair. The ruling coalition has been in power in one form or another since independence 50 years ago. One reason for this longevity is that there are legal and institutional biases that favour the Government. Malaysian electorates are severely malapportioned. The smallest electorates are rural; the largest are metropolitan. The largest have about six times the number of registered voters as the smallest. This means that the votes of those in the smallest seats count for many times those in the larger seats. This sort of bias meant, for example, that in the last general elections held in 2004, the ruling coalition won 198 or 91% of the parliamentary seats with just 64% of the votes cast. The Opposition won only 21 seats or 9.6% of the seats compared with 36% of the popular vote. Had the Parliament reflected voters' actual voting intentions, there would have been 79 rather than 21 Opposition members elected. Outright fraud is another way in which Malaysians are cheated when they vote. Tens of thousands of dead people are believed to have voted in the 2004 elections. Exit polling is difficult, but it is assumed that these voters overwhelmingly favoured the Government. Credit must be given when it is due — the Government did eventually remove hundreds of thousands of deceased voters from the electoral roles. But the damage had been done. Also at the last elections, thousands of Malaysians who turned up on polling day found that the electorates in which they were registered had been changed without their permission or knowledge. Thousands of voters were shifted into Opposition-held or marginal electorates. Absurdly, even family members living in the same house discovered that they had been registered in different electorates. Most Malaysians do vote for the ruling coalition, so the effect of this was to swamp the votes for the Opposition. Multiple voting is another problem. Indelible ink is used to mark voters when they vote, but it is not compulsory. Next month's election is being held a year early. Why? One reason is because Anwar Ibrahim, who was deputy prime minister until he was charged and convicted of corruption and sodomy in the late 1990s, will only be eligible to stand for election after April 8 because of the convictions. The sodomy convictions were overturned because of uncertainty about the dates on which the alleged acts were supposed to have occurred, but the corruption verdict stood. Anwar is unfit to hold public office, regardless of the Government's manoeuvring against him. The sodomy issue is irrelevant. The serious charges against him are the corruption charges, which relate to Anwar asking the police to heavy two witnesses into withdrawing their statements against him. On this, Anwar was convicted with irrefutable evidence. That the deputy prime minister of any country should do such a thing is unforgivable and yet Anwar has his backers, mostly in the Western media. Most Malaysians found his criticisms of their Government shortly after he was removed from office to be transparently opportunistic, given that he had been a senior minister in the Government for 15 years. But while Anwar is more popular outside Malaysia than inside, he is still a rallying figure for the discontented. So what should Malaysians do? Firstly, in a country where voting is not compulsory, they should vote. There's no point complaining on internet blogs but not bothering to vote. Given the Opposition's unpreparedness to govern, the Malaysian Government is best returned. But it does deserve a good, hard kick. Even more, it needs a significant and strong Opposition to help it govern better. It needs greater accountability and scrutiny, which a strong Opposition in Parliament will help provide. That is what good governments everywhere have and need. Of course, tiny Singapore is an exception but Singapore is a country in name only. The reality is that the Singapore Government is a glorified city council. Malaysia, on the other hand, is a diverse and complex country that wants to be modern. It needs to be governed like one. www.michaelbackman.com
tunku : i don't think there are dead people voting in malaysian election. there are representative of the party at the polling station,i'm sure they will monitor. regarding the change of adrrees and change of polling centre,this i think spr need to explain and adrress the issue. Last month kj's voting centre was in lembah pantai but suddenly changed to rembau.something fishy there. coming to opposition issue, i pray hard day and night that we will have a strong opposition in the very near future as the one we have right now are bunch of losers who can't do anything for us.
JERLUN, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- "If he can develop Jerlun, in the manner Tun Mahathir (former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) developed Kubang Pasu, then we will choose him." Jerlun parliamentary constituency resident Abdul Kader Malek said this when commenting on Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's candidacy as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate. The 47-year-old said Jerlun could be considered isolated from development as it still lacked infrastructure and basic facilities. "A lot of people here still do not enjoy piped water, electricity and tarred roads," he told Bernama today. The local people regard Mukhriz an idealist, something he has in common with his father, Dr Mahathir who held the Kubang Pasu parliamentary seat for seven terms. During his tenure, Dr Mahathir managed to transform the Kubang Pasu landscape into an "Education Valley" in Kedah, with the construction of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, Institut Latihan Industri (Kubang Pasu) and Kolej Komuniti Bandar Darul Aman. Abdul Kader however, said the people preferred to 'wait and see' first before coming to a decision. The incumbent for Kota Seputeh state seat Datuk Abu Bakar Sarif said the people regarded Mukhriz as a "gold mine", with the hope that he could improve their economic status. He said the people were more inclined to seek the help of MPs, rather than state assemblymen because of the large allocation given to MPs. "I believe Mukhriz has a lot of plans for Jerlun and can effectively use allocation from the Federal Government to develop areas in Jerlun." Chow Hua Meng, 52, said Mukhriz's candidacy would change the way the electorate voted as the people were looking for a new style of leadership. He said although Mukhriz was considered an "outsider", the electorate was confident that he would win the seat as he was well-educated and possessed administrative and business experience. "We are not stupid people. Somebody who can contribute like Mukhriz must be voted in," he added. Md Taib Abdullah, 35, said Mukhriz's candidacy had affected support for PAS as he was seen as a breath of fresh air to bring about a change to Jerlun. Debutant Mukhriz is involved in a straight fight with unheralded Idris Ahmad of PAS. VOTE FOR MUKHRIZ
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- N. Periasamy, the independent candidate in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency, claimed today that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had asked him to withdraw from the contest for the seat in the March 8 general election. Periasamy, who is involved in a three-cornered fight with Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah and incumbent Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil of the Barisan Nasional (BN), said Anwar telephoned him today asking him to pull out. "Anwar said my presence will disrupt the opposition's aim to deny the BN the two-third majority. In fact, another PKR leader, N. Gobalakrishnan (candidate for Padang Serai parliamentary seat in Kedah), who is a friend of mine, also made a similar request," the former deputy chairman of the MIC Bukit Bintang Division told reporters. Periasamy said he had no intention withdrawing and would continue to campaign. "Why should I withdraw or listen to him. I am an independent candidate. I am not attached to any party or association. Instead, he should ask Nurul Izzah to withdraw," he said. Periasamy also said that despite Anwar supporting the claim of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) that the government was marginalising the Indian community in the country, the former deputy prime minister failed to come out with any plan to address the situation. "During his ceramah (talk), he blamed the MIC. He never said anything to address it but claimed that he wanted to become the sixth prime minister of Malaysia," he added. In the 2004 general election, Shahrizat, who is also Wanita Umno deputy chief, won the Lembah Pantai seat with a majority of 15,288 votes when she beat Sanusi Osman of PKR.
tunku : yes periasmay, u are right.anwar is a very dirty person.he is just taking advantage on the(hindraf)event.we to still waiting for anwar's plan to address the hindraf situation.he just blame everyone except for himself.what has he done when he was finance minister,deputy prime minister? those who believe in this moron are only losers. this moron is a DEAD WOOD and we should distance away from him.periasamy right again when he questioned instead of asking him to withdraw why anwar didn't ask her daughter to withdraw.if periasamy wins the seat,it will still deny bn a seat.again anwar is a moron.
Jakarta Post For people in fully democratic nations, the target set by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, that Barisan Nasional (National Front) -- which won 91 percent of parliamentary seats in the last election -- retain more than a two-thirds parliamentary majority, looks frivolous, because it is rare in their countries for election victors to win by such wide margins. International media have reported it could be disastrous for Badawi if his coalition fails to reach that target in the March 8 general elections. Many Indonesians who experienced general elections during Soeharto's 32-year rule are familiar with the atmosphere of the ongoing election campaign in Malaysia. Soeharto described elections as a "feast of democracy", although in fact they were a "manipulation of democracy". The Malaysian government can say anything to try and justify its decision to bar opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim from contesting the election, but for outsiders the only reason for the ban is the fear that Ibrahim could return to power. During Soeharto's 32-year reign, the Indonesian media offered heavy coverage of Soeharto's party, Golkar, during general election campaigns. While the campaigns of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the United Development Party (PPP) received little attention. The Malaysian press -- mostly controlled by the government -- also has little choice but to give special treatment to the rulers. The prime minister's challenge is not how to win the election, because a victory is almost guaranteed, but how to face angry and frustrated non-Malays and non-Muslims, who under the Malaysian constitution are regarded as second-class citizens. Malays (automatically regarded as Muslim) make up 60 percent of the country's 27 million people, while ethnic Chinese account for 25 percent and Indians about 8 percent. As shown by the recent mass demonstrations by ethnic Indians, there is growing discontent among non-Malays over rising discrimination against them. At the same time, among Malays there is a rising sense of insecurity because they feel the government is very protective of businesspeople, mostly non-Malays, despite the fact that they receive special privileges from the state as Malays. When the state fails to guarantee all citizens are treated equal under the constitution -- no matter their background -- it is inevitable that some citizens will be treated as second-class citizens. Badawi's party will win the election, the only question is by how much. But as long as the Malaysian government adheres to its policy of providing special privileges for the majority at the cost of other segments of society, the government will continue to pay a cost. And this cost will be very expensive when the country's economy is on the decline.
tunku : of course abdullah badawi won't enjoy the 91% victory he received in 2004 and we too hope that he won't get it this time around as we want more opposition members in our parliament.It's not healthy for our country democracy. by right this is the time that opposition parties could manipulate the situation but it's so sad that malaysian opposition are the losing parties. they can really unites and challenge BN.as for anwar to say that he will return to power is a foolish statement by the Jakarta Post.He is outdated and expired leader.He is history , even the opposition from pas and dap don't like him.It's just marriage of convenience among the opposition parties.
Jitra 25 Feb- Calon Barisan Nasional(BN) bagi kerusi Parlimen Jerlun,Dato Mukhriz Mahathir memberi penekanan terhadap pembangunan infrastruktur,industri kecil desa dan pelancongan sebagai usaha meningkatkan sosioekonomi penduduk sekiranya diberi mandat sebagai wakil rakyat di kawasan berkenaan dalam Pilihanraya Umum Ke - 12. Beliau yang juga Exco Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO memberitahu,Jerlun mempunyai potensi untuk dimajukan kerana keadaan fizikalnya sesuai untuk ekopelancongan dan industri asas tani serta setanding dengan kawasan lain yang telah membangun. "Saya lihat kawasan pesisir pantai Jerlun cukup bagus dan sesuai unuk sektor pelancongan,"kata beliau kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan perjumpaan dengan ahli-ahli MCA dan Jawatankuasa Bomba Sukarela di Sanglang. Turut hadir ialah calon BN bagi kerusi DUN Kota Siputeh,Datuk Abu Hassan Sharif. Selain itu,kata Mukhriz,Jerlun juga sesuai untuk dibangunkan industri kecil desa kerana boleh mengeluarkan produk berasaskan sumber yang diperolehi penduduk tempatan termasuk hasil laut dan pertanian. Mukhriz menjelaskan beliau berazam unuk menjayakan rancangan tersebut sekiranya dipilih sebagai Ahli Parlimen Jerlun berdasarkan tinjauan ke kawasan berkenaan. "Buat permulaan biar saya mengenali dan mendekati masyarakat di sini (Jerlun) terlebih dahulu sebelum memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kawasan," tambah beliau. Mukhriz berkata, beliau percaya pemilihannya untuk bertanding di kawasan berkenaan oleh pucuk pimpinan BN pasti mempunyai matlamat dan antaranya bagi membantu masyarakat serta membangunkan Jerlun. Kata beliau, Jerlun juga tidak boleh lagi terpinggir daripada arus pembangunan kerana ia akan mendapat limpah nikmat program Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER). "Kita tidak mahu Jerlun hanya mendapat tempias NCER,kalau boleh kita mahu peruntukkan daripada program ini untuk membawa kemajuan kepada masyarakat dan kawasan ini(Jerlun),"katanya. Sementara itu calon BN DUN Kota Siputeh,Datuk Abu Hassan Sharif berkata, Mukhriz ibarat sebutir mutiara yang boleh memberi sinar kepada penduduk Jerlun. "Rugi kalau tidak memilih mutiara ini(Mukhriz) yang jika dicampak ke laut menjadi pulau,kalau dicampak ke Jerlun, pasti membawa pembangunan serta pembaharuan,"kata beliau.
COMMENT by WONG SULONG WHEN my friend, Datuk Mohamed Abid, passed me the book Abdullah Ahmad Badawi – Revivalist of an Intellectual Tradition and suggested I do a review, I accepted it with some trepidation and anxiety. After all, my knowledge and understanding of Islamic tradition and philosophy is basic. Nevertheless I felt it was important to understand the meaning of the Prime Minister’s “Islam Hadhari” (loosely translated as “civilisational Islam”), the historical context that gave birth to this approach to Islam and finally and most importantly the implications arising from the implementation of Islam Hadhari on Malaysian society. In my view, the authors – Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas, who is a cousin of Mohamed Abid, and Datuk Ng Tieh Chuan, of Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn Bhd – have proved themselves worthy of the unenviable task of explaining the meaning of Islam Hadhari, and placing this approach against its historical background and its relevance to contemporary society. In doing so, they have done a service to the country given the fact that the term “Islam Hadhari” is still a pretty fuzzy idea to most Malaysians, when it is likely to have a significant impact on Malaysian society. The slim volume (160 pages) is conveniently divided into six chapters. Chapter One (written by Ng) gives a brief biography of Abdullah. Chapter Two traces the family background and earlier influences on the Prime Minister, in particular his grandfather, the austere Abdullah Fahim who spent many years in Saudi Arabia studying the religion and running a religious school. Chapter Three outlines the current dilemma for the Malays. Whereas once the Malays were united behind Umno; they are now deeply divided. A large section is enthralled by the exhortations of extremist or opportunistic groups who dwell endlessly on form rather than substance; narrow-mindedness disguised as religious theocracy rather than the liberating spirit of the faith. I observe the authors do not want to get embroiled in the political struggle between Umno and PAS for the hearts and minds of the Malays. PAS was not mentioned in the book, only “the Muslim opposition.” Chapter Four gives a brief summary on the rise of philosophy and the sciences in the framework of the worldview of Islam and in contrast with the Greek or Western worldviews. Chapter Five sketches the socio-political and intellectual background leading to the emergence of al-Ghazzali al-Tusi (1058-1111), arguably the most influential scholar of Islam, and one who had a deep influence on Abdullah. The period preceding al-Ghazzali was one of material opulence (as portrayed in stories of the One Thousand and One Nights) and intellectual ferment where Western (Greek) and Islamic ideas flourished and competed. But by the time al-Ghazzali emerged on the scene, the Arabic world was in turmoil. “The Abbasid caliphate was in a state of abasement and in danger of losing Baghdad (the capital), Spain was in a state of chaotic revolt and the different political alliances and religious sectarianism had limited all intellectual inquiry to the narrow confines of the law and what is halal and haram. ENLIGHTENING: The book explains Islam Hadhari and places this approach against its historical background and its relevance to contemporary society. The Batinite peril was on the upsurge, manifested in the rise in extremist Shi’ite beliefs. “This was an age ‘characterised by a kind of intemperateness in thought and unruliness in imagination which led to an extraordinary confusion and a curious concern with religions and sects and movements, with each tongue and pen going its own way'.” Al-Ghazzali’s great contribution to Islam was his ability to demonstrate the logic and importance of using reason as a tool to deduce from the Quran, the “keys” to all of the sciences. He expounded this in his great work Ihya ulum ad-din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). Which brings us back to present-day Malaysia and the Prime Minister's Islam Hadhari, which forms the subject of Chapter Six. According to the authors, the Prime Minister’s Islam Hadhari draws its inspiration from the teachings of al-Ghazzali. Indeed Abdullah’s outlook on life is deeply influenced by al-Ghazzali as reflected in his poem “In search for Everlasting Peace” part of which reads: “I seek he who is al-Ghazzali I seek who is al-Shafi To unravel the secrets of the Holy Book.” To give readers a better understanding of Islam Hadhari, it’s important here to enumerate the 10 principles. They are: (i) Faith and piety in Allah; (ii) A just and trustworthy government; (iii) A free and independent people; (iv) A mastery of knowledge; (v) A balanced and comprehensive economic development; (vi) A good quality of life; (vii) Protection of the rights of minority groups and women; (viii) Cultural and moral integrity; (ix) Safeguarding the environment; and (x) Strong defences. Islam Hadhari is therefore an approach that is “complete and comprehensive, with an emphasis on the development of the economy and civilisation capable of building Malay competitiveness. The glorious heritage of Islamic civilisation in all aspects must be used as a reference, and become the source of inspiration for the Malay race to prosper,” to quote from Abdullah’s presidential speech at the Umno general assembly last September. Islam Hadhari is not a new religion as the Muslim opposition alleges, yet it’s understandable why the Muslim opposition is so anxious to sabotage it. The success of Islam Hadhari will mean the Muslim opposition will no longer have a free run in dictating its extremist brand of the religion. But in order for the Malays to achieve prosperity and be “towering” – be it in material wealth or spiritual happiness – they must change their attitude and rid themselves of those bestial characteristics detrimental to their own wellbeing. In his Umno general assembly speech, the Prime Minister called on the Malays to undertake a jihad to effect this change. Now this word jihad had caused some confusion, with some wondering whether it meant a “holy war.” The authors are at pains to point out there are three levels of jihad; that of a holy war being the lowest; the more noble rank being characterised by the struggle in the pursuit of true knowledge (ilm); and there is the highest rank that represents the struggle against the bestial nature of man. It is this struggle that the Prime Minister referred to. Therefore when the Prime Minister talks about Islam Hadhari he is calling for an understanding of the present age in the framework of Islam. Echoing al-Ghazzali, the Prime Minister told the Umno general assembly that Islam demands the mastery of science and not merely the law. It’s important, too, that Islam Hadhari be understood not only by Muslims in Malaysia but also by non-Muslims. It is an approach fully attuned to modern times; it recognises the aspirations and legitimate interests of every segment in our multi-racial, multi-religious country, yet remaining true to the Revelations of the Quran. It’s an enormous task to explain and implement Islam Hadhari. The authors of this book have done their bit to promote the cause. For too long, our educational institutions, religious leaders, scholars and even policymakers have been influenced by teachers from the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East where the emphasis is on Islamic law and rituals to the detriment of the understanding of science and reason. Postscript: For a long time, I have wondered how the Islamic world is going to deal with the concept of riba or usury. Judeo-Christian civilisations were also confronted with this dilemma but the ideological and religious dispute was resolved more than 500 years ago with the rise of capitalism. I am glad the authors brought up the dilemma over riba and suggest a rethink of the term.
SEREMBAN, Feb 25 Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in Rembau parliamentary seat Khairy Jamaluddin says his opponent Badrul Hisham Shaharin is only interested in seeking fame and political heroism. He said Badrul Hisham, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) supreme councillor, was not sincere in fighting for the people. He said this when asked to comment on a statement by Badrul Hisham, 30, who said that he would contest against Khairy wherever the Umno Youth deputy chief might contest. "I'm saddenned by this. The democratic process should be an avenue to fight for the people and not for other purpose," he told Bernama after attending a meet-the-people session in Kampung Ulu Lalang, in Rantau near here. Also present was Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, the incumbent assemblyman for Rantau. Mohamad is locked in a straight fight with PKR's Aisah Lamsah for the state seat. Khairy, 32, who is also BN Youth deputy chairman and Rembau Umno Youth chief said he would not entertain personal attacks by his opponent. He said he would work hard in the area eventhough Rembau was considered a safe seat for the BN. "I will not follow the style of the opposition who campaign only at night," he said. Khairy also said as a new candidate he welcomed guidance from others who were more experienced, including leaders, village heads and people's representatives. Rembau has 62,896 voters comprising 68.9 per cent Malay voters, 15.2 per cent (Chinese), 15.8 per cent (Indian) and others (0.07 per cent), including 894 postal voters. tunku : at least your opponent is not the son in-law of pm or any top political leader who got to contest because of the connection. you said your opponent is contesting only for fame, what about you? For money and power!
The party’s division chairman Lim Moh Leng and secretary Lee Shong Fek are going all out to campaign for Mukhriz, even entering PAS territories in this predominantly Malay seat. Lim said Mukhriz was the right man to bring development to the vastly agricultural Jerlun constituency. “The Chinese here will fully back him as they want progress,” said Lim. There are 45,515 voters, with a large PAS support base in Jerlun. Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin, who stood under the Barisan Nasional banner, wrested the seat from PAS in 2004 with a 2,142-vote majority. “The people here need to think about the future. There is no question who should be the MP here,” Lee said, adding that the youngest son of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would know what to do. Muhkriz, who is an Umno Youth executive council member, is facing PAS central committee member Idris Ahmad in a straight fight.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) pledged in its manifesto released today to reduce the budget deficit further to have more funds for development, without increasing taxes. The coalition of 14 component parties assured that it will also follow through on the five economic development corridors encompassing the whole country to bring equitable growth, investment and job opportunities to all parts of Malaysia. The manifesto by the coalition, themed "Security, Peace, Prosperity," was launched by BN and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, who is also the Prime Minister. In his speech, he said the budget deficit was reduced from 5 pct in 2003 to 3.2 pct of the gross domestic product (GDP) last year. Under the progress report card, BN said the GDP had grew by 18 percent from RM427 billion to RM504 billion with all sectors showing growth, including new areas such as modern agriculture, biotechnology and Islamic financial services. The coalition said since 2004, about 1.3 million job opportunities were created, while since 2005 more than 204,000 small and medium entrepreneurs were nurtured, with RM107 billion worth of loans disbursed. Over the next five years, BN plans to generate at least two million quality job opportunities and nurture and assist one million entrepreneurs. Abdullah also said the BN government will continue to cushion the effects of rising prices and ensure quality living standards for the people. "BN spent RM43.4 billion last year in subsidies to reduce the burden of the people," the Prime Minister pointed out. In stressing that the government always conducts itself well in all matters, he said that this also extends to managing the nation's finance.
tunku : suddenly i feel like hearing to a budget speech.anyway if the government promised no tax hikes that is a very good promise but at the same time DON'T INCREASE THE PETROL PRICE.
Mukhriz Mahahthir anak kelima kepada mantan Perdana Menteri , YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad dan isteri YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Haji Mohamad Ali akan bertanding di kawasan Parlimen, Jerlun, Kedah. Pemimpin yang peramah, berakhlak tinggi dan sangat disenangi rakyat ini akan turun ke padang dengan membawa satu mesej jelas kepada pengundi-pengundi iaitu ‘keikhlasan dan komitmen dalam berkhidmat’. Hakikatnya, ialah kebanyakkan pengundi-pengundi dan masyarakat umum mengenali Mukhriz sebagai seorang yang jujur dan rendah hati. Sifat Mukhriz yang terbuka ini adalah sebab mengapa beliau begitu popular. Mukhriz, pemuda yang berkelulusan tinggi dan banyak berpengalaman. Beliau mendapat pindidikan awal di Maktab Rendah Sains MARA, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan dan seterusnya menuntut di Sophia University, Tokyo, Jepun dalam jurusan Pengurusan Perniagaan dan juga mendapat kelulusan Sarjana Muda dalam bidang Pemasaran dari Boston University, Massachusetts, Amerika Syarikat. Mukhriz telah menyalurkan segala ilmu yang dituntut dan pengalaman luar negara ini sebaik setibanya ke tanah air. Beliau tidak pernah lupa untuk menyumbang kembali kepada agama, bangsa dan negara. Sebagai Pengerusi dan Ketua Eksekutif di OPCOM Holdings Bhd, iaitu syarikat pembekal prasarana jalur lebar, OPCOM telah sedikit sebanyak menyumbang kearah memperluaskan perkhidmatan internet ke kawasan luar bandar di seluruh negara dan secara langsung membantu usaha kerajaan merapatkan jurang digital antara orang bandar dan orang di desa. Kini, melalui syarikatnya Bioven, beliau berkecimpung dalam memperkenalkan bioteknologi di Malaysia. Tetapi perniagaan ini bukanlah satu bisnes yang bermotifkan keuntungan semata-mata. Bioven kini di peringkat penyelidikan untuk mencari vaksin kanser antara yang pertama di dunia. Inilah sikap Mukhriz yang sentiasa didorong oleh keinginannya untuk menyumbang kepada masyarakat. Walaupun dalam dunia perniagaan yang kompetitif dan penuh dengan risiko, manfaat kepada rakyat Malaysia yang mempunyai kadar kanser yang tinggi adalah pendorong utama kepada Mukhriz. Lebih lagi, selaku Presiden Persatuan Bekas Pelajar MRSM Malaysia atau ANSARA beliau telah mengetuai Misi Kemanusiaan ANSARA untuk Program Kemanusiaan Antarabangsa ke Ambon, Indonesia dan Baghdad, Iraq. ANSARA juga telah melaksanakan pelbagai program untuk membimbing, memupuk dan memajukan usahawan dan profesional Bumiputera, termasuk menganjurkan Kongres Profesional Muda Melayu pada tahun 2000 dan 2001. Selain itu, ANSARA juga menubuhkan Tabung Harapan Ihsan Pelajar untuk mengutip dana bagi tujuan membantu pelajar-pelajar yang tercicir dari arus perdana pendidikan. Sebagai Penyelaras AMAN Malaysia pula, YBhg Dato’ Mukhriz telah mengetuai Misi Bantuan Kemanusiaan ke Acheh bagi membantu mangsa-mangsa Tsunami. Beliau juga telah menjadi Pengarah kepada Persidangan Antarabangsa Keamanan untuk Palestin malah turut menyertai rombongan YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir ke Palestin. Beliau juga mengetuai Misi Bantuan Kemanusian ke Kashmir, Pakistan bagi membantu mangsa gempa bumi di sana. Beliau juga adalah Ketua Misi Bantuan Kemanusian Aman Malaysia yang membantu mangsa perang di selatan Lubnan dan Ketua Misi Bantuan Kemanusiaan Taufan Sidr, Bangladesh. Terkini, beliau telah mengetuai Misi Bantuan Kemanusiaan Gaza, Palestin. Kesemua usaha Mukhriz adalah berlandaskan keikhlasan dan kerja keras. Kebanyakkan orang tidak mengetahui bahawa beliau adalah satu-satunya anak watan Malaysia yang pernah menjejak kaki ke Palestin malah AMAN Malaysia juga telah dilantik berada di dalam Jawatankuasa Khas, Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu (PBB) untuk Palestin sebagai Ahli Jawatankuasa Tetap. Mukhriz Mahathir adalah calon yang terbaik bagi Jerlun dan Rakyat Malaysia secara umum. Mukhriz akan meneruskan usaha demi ‘Perjuangan Yang Belum Selesai’. VOTE FOR MUKHRIZ
Lady Luck Azalina, Wins Pengerang Seat Uncontested Twice
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Lady luck seemed to be always on the side of Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who won the Pengerang parliamentary seat uncontested for the second consecutive term, Sunday. When nomination closed at 10am, the BN candidate was the only one who submitted her nomination paper at the Dewan Bandaran Bandar Penawar, Pengerang centre. She was pronounced the elected representative when no objection was made. Azalina, 45, the first Umno Puteri Chief, charted her first victory in Pengerang in the 2004 general election. She was subsequently appointed Youth and Sports Minister in March 2004 and retained the portfolio before the dissolution of Parliament.
tunku : hopefully lady luck azalina will get a wife....oppps sorry, a husband soon as this is the best time to look for one as she has won and got all the time to herself.
The Sun PETALING JAYA (Feb 24, 2008): The following are the hot seats to watch in Malaysia's 12th General Election on March 12:
FEDERAL TERRITORY Parliament Lembah Pantai Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abd Jalil (BN-Umno) Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) N. Periasamy (Independent) P114 Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP) Lau Hoi Keong (BN-Gerakan) P115 Batu lim Si Pin (BN-Gerakan) Tian Chua (PKR) P120 Bukit Bintang Fong Kui Lun (DAP) Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng (BN-MCA) P122 Seputeh Teresa Kok Suh Sim (DAP) Carol Chew Chee Lin (BN-MCA) P116 Wangsa Maju Yew Teong Look (BN-MCA) Wee Choo Keong (PKR)
SELANGOR Parliament P98 Gombak Azmin Ali (PKR) Said Anuar Said Ahmad (BN-Umno) P104 Kelana Jaya Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (BN-MCA) Loh Gwo Burne (PKR) Billie Lim P106 Petaling Jaya Utara Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun (BN-MCA) Tony Pua (DAP)
SELANGOR State N4 Sekinchan Ng Suee Lim (DAP) Puah Boon Choon (BN-MCA) N44 Sg Pinang Teng Chang Kim (DAP) Dato Song Kee Chai (BN-MCA) N30 Kinrara Dr Kow Cheong Wei (BN-MCA) Teresa Kok Suh Sim (DAP) N48 Kota Alam Shah Ching Su Chen (BN-Gerakan) M.Manoharan (in absentia) (DAP) N16 Batu Caves T. Mohan (BN-MIC) Amirudin Shari (PKR) EGRI SEMBILAN Parliament P131 Rembau Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Umno) Badrul Hisham Shaharin (PKR)
JOHOR Parliament P142 Labis Chua Tee Yong (BN-MCA) Teoh Eng Ching (DAP)
MALACCA Parliament P138 Kota Melaka Wong Nai Chee (BN-MCA) Sim Tong Him (DAP)
PENANG Parliament P46 Batu Kawan Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (BN-Gerakan) Prof Dr P.Ramasamy (DAP) P48 Bukit Bendera Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye (BN-Gerakan) Liew Chin Tong (DAP) P44 Permatang Pauh Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR) Datuk Pirdaus Ismail (BN-Umno) P43 Bagan Lim Guan Eng (DAP) Sharon Song Choy Leng (BN-MCA)
PERAK Parliament P62 Sungai Siput Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu (BN-MIC) Dr D.Jeyakumar (PKR) Nor Rizan Oon (Independent) P66 Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan (DAP) Cheah Yoke Can (BN-MCA) P64 Ipoh Timor Lim Kit Siang (DAP) Liew Mun Hon (BN-MCA)
KELANTAN Parliament P19 Tumpat Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS) Dr Asraf Wajdi Dusuki (BN-Umno) P21 Kota Baru Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah (PAS) Datuk Muhammad Ratmi Che Salleh (BN-Umno) P25 Bachok Nasharuddin Md Isa (PAS) Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin (BN-Umno)
State N9 Kota Lama Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah (PAS) Tan Ken Teng (BN-MCA)
BN's non-Malay candidates face challenges in Selangor PETALING JAYA (Feb 24, 2008): Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo's aspiration of making his state zero-opposition territory could be realised if the Barisan Nasional (BN) repeated the momentum it set in 2004 when it took 54 of the 56 state seats. All things remaining equal, it only has to concentrate on the Sekinchan and Sungai Pinang state seats which had been DAP strongholds for three terms. That would be sweet. BN goes into the polls controlling the 22 parliamentary seats in Selangor. However, much has changed since 2004. The feel-good scenario following the transition of power from Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has waned. The higher cost of living in this developed state is cause for many grouses, which is why DAP's Ng Suee Lim is expected to increase his 344-vote majority to retain the Chinese stronghold of Sekinchan. Likewise, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Teng Chang Kim will continue needling BN representatives in the Selangor assembly for another term. In the more affluent neighbourhoods, national issues will come to the fore, which explains Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) strategy in placing Loh Gwo Burne – the man who taped lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam allegedly brokering the appointment of judges – against hot favourite, MCA’s Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, in the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat. Also throwing his hat into the ring is Billie Lim of “Dare to Fail” fame – who at best a spoiler. Whatever dissatisfaction the electorate may have with the BN, expect the popular Lee, who was Subang Jaya assemblyman for three terms, to win comfortably. Likewise, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Donald Lim Siang Chai -- MCA incumbents for Petaling Jaya Utara and Petaling Jaya Selatan respectively - are expected to retain their seats due to their hands-on approach in solving their constituents’ problems. Lim should have no problem defeating PKR’s Hee Loy Sian as he constantly wins by over 20,000 votes. Chew, though, is expected to face a tougher fight against DAP’s Tony Pua. In the last election, DAP’s Ronnie Liu took half the votes. National issues will also be at the back of the minds of electorates in the Subang parliamentary seat as fresh-faced S. Murugesan of the MIC (who replaced Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar) takes on heavyweight R. Sivarasah. The MIC used to win this seat comfortably by over 10,000 votes, but this time, expect the PKR vice-president to inflict some damage. For the first time in any election, Indian issues will be a factor, which is why areas with large Indian communities will be closely watched. The sentiments fanned by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) following a string of temple demolitions by the Selangor government and the increasing dissatisfaction with the MIC for its failure to uplift the lot of the Indian community is expected to slash the BN’s lead in parliamentary seats in and around Klang with a high concentration of Indians, and where most of the temple demolitions took place. In danger are Kota Raja (MIC youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran vs PAS’s Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud) and Kapar (MIC Wanita chief Datin Paduka K. Komala Devi vs PKR’s S. Manikavasagam). MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel is expected to retain his Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat over PKR’s Zainal Abidin Ahmad – thanks largely to the Malay votes. State seats where MIC will face tough fights include Batu Caves (T. Mohan vs PKR’s Amirudin Shari), where the local MIC has threatened to support the Opposition due to the dropping of long-standing incumbent V. Jagarasah. Incumbent Kamala Ganapathy will also face problems retaining Sri Andalas as she faces PKR’s Dr Xavier Jayakumar, who is expected to milk the Indian issue. Ironically, communal issues will not be a factor in Kota Alam Shah where Hindraf leader DAP's M. Manoharan will face Gerakan's Ching Su Chien. With an electorate comprising 58% Chinese, the ISA detainee is expected to lose, even if he gets all 24% Indian support. Newcomer K. Parthiban, who won the Ijok by-election last year, will be facing PKR’s Mutthiah Maria Soosay in Bukit Melawati. There are fewer Indian voters here and this constituency has few issues which may derail BN’s hopes. However, it’s not going to be so easy for Datuk Mohamed Sayuti Said, who swapped Bukit Melawati with Parthiban for Ijok, where PKR’s Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will be making a second attempt at capturing the seat. He lost by 1,850 votes in the by-election, gaining ground in Chinese areas and several Malay kampungs. For the first time in 20 years, Serdang will have a new MP. MCA’s Datuk Yap Pian Hon has been dropped in favour of Datuk Hoh Hee Lee. Whether sentimentality will be Hoh’s undoing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - the electorate here votes for the man, not the party. So the DAP’s Teo Hie Ching may have a fighting chance to take Serdang. DAP's parachuting seldom gets it any vote. However, in Puchong where Karpal Singh's son Gobind Singh Deo will take on Gerakan incumbent Lau Yen Peng, national issues again will cause a dent to the BN in townships. The Kinrara state seat is Dr Kow Cheong Wei’s (BN-MCA) for the taking. An effective assemblyman who initiated bringing the light rail transit to Puchong, Kow is popular and visible to his voters. In spite of this, expect him to lose some votes to the DAP - only because he is being taken on by powerhouse Teresa Kok. Bukit Gasing will see electorates in a dilemma. They have two effective candidates, both with proven track records – incumbent Gerakan assemblyman Datuk Lim Thuang Seng and DAP’s Edward Lee, a proponent of good governance from his work as a residents association chairman and spokesperson for ratepayers in Petaling Jaya. Lim has the edge. Cempaka and Teratai under the Pandan parliamentary seat are two interesting seats to watch. Both incumbents – Umno’s Datuk Mad Aris Mad Yusuf and Gerakan’s Yap Soo Sun -- were dropped following a series of exposes on land grabs involving these two men. The electorate would probably give the ruling coalition a second chance, but the rumblings among Mad Aris and Yap’s supporters could prove detrimental to the BN. Expect PAS’s Iskandar Abdul Samad to give Norsimah Hashim a run for her money in Cempaka, but Yap’s replacement Datuk Lum Weng Keong can put his name down as ADUN against DAP’s Lee Ying Ha. Likewise, Datuk Zakaria Md Deros's removal in Port Klang was expected to cause major problems to the BN. To ease tensions, a compromise was reached with the fielidng of his scandal-free daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil, who is expected to beat PKR's Badrul Hisham Abdullah and independent ex-army man Nazir Mansor. As one can see, the BN is going to face problems in non-Umno strongholds. The largely Malay voters in rural areas traditionally vote for the ruling party. Thus this election should see the BN upping the ante in wooing the Indians and Chinese. Taking this group of voters for granted will be asking for trouble.
WCI introduces 'Mak Bedah' to Malaysians PETALING JAYA (Feb 24, 2008): Injecting a bit of idealism and humour into the general elections, Women's Candidacy Initiative (WCI) formally introduced "Mak Bedah" to Malaysians today. With a troupe of 30 supporters wearing T-shirts that read "We Are Shopping For A Real Candidate", Mak Bedah went around the nomination centre for Petaling Jaya Selatan with a shopping cart, asking candidates for their response on WCI's 10-point manifesto. "If you want to buy a pair of shoes, you're not going to let someone just give you a pair and let them tell you that it fits you. You need to shop for it," explained said WCI representative Shanon Shah on why 'Mak Bedah' went 'shopping. "Mak Bedah" is WCI's brainchild after Zaitun"Toni" Kassim who was supposed to stand as an independent candidate had to withdraw due to a para-typhoid attack on her liver. "We're doing this because people remember Toni when she ran in 1999, they remember her as someone with a great sense of humour," said Shanon. "Politics doesn't have to be boring and humourless. The creative strategy is the way to get people interested in issues." A hypothetical Malay woman in her 40s, "Mak Bedah" is just like any other Malaysian who is curious about the candidates that will be representing her constituency. "Mak Bedah is here to create awareness about our manifesto - a citizen's manifesto. We are so used to listening about manifestos from political parties, now we want to make our needs known as voters," he said. In addition to Mak Bedah's introduction to the public in MBPJ today, WCI also launched a music video titled "Democracy Back" on YouTube. A parody of the song "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake, the song features Justin Timeforchange" and Mak Bedah (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6R0Wsj06jz8). Mak Bedah's walkabout today drew a lot of curious stares from shoppers and passersby in the area. "It was strange, people didn't know what to make of us," said Shanon, adding that they were given a very warm reception by DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat. "When we got there, we were immediately welcomed into the opposition's area. But when we tried to go to Barisan Nasional (BN)'s area, the police stopped us. We told them that we are ordinary citizens and that "Mak Bedah" wants to meet all the candidates, but they wouldn't let us in," he said. At the nomination centre "Mak Bedah" spoke to DAP's Edward Lee (running for Bukit Gasing state seat) and Keadilan's Hee Loy Sian who is running for PJ Selatan's parliamentary seat. According to Shanon, Lee promised to help push the NGO's issues despite the fact that he was only a state assemblyman. "He told us that he was well acquainted with our issues and said that he would try his best to help us. He asked us to send him more details on our points. "Hee, told 'Mak Bedah that he would only be able to help if elected." "Mak Bedah" was however unable to talk to BN's Datuk Donald Lim who is defending his PJ Selatan's parliamentary seat, whom she was told was busy. "Instead, they asked us to go for his press conference tomorrow to ask our questions," Shanon said.
REMBAU, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- A big crowd including foreign media turned out at the Merdeka Hall, Rembau District Council, here Sunday to witness candidates for the Rembau parliamentary seat file their nomination papers. At the centre of attraction was Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Khairy Jamaluddin. the prime minister''s son-in-law. Khairy, who is Umno Youth deputy chief, arrived at the hall with Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at 8am. Mohamad Hasan is defending the Rantau state seat. They were accompanied by thousands of BN supporters to the nomination centre. The foreign media covering the event included those from Singapore and France. Two fixed-wing aircraft carrying Umno and BN flags flew past to lend an air of excitement to the BN supporters. About 100 police personnel, including those from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), maintained public order at the nomination centre. Present was Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Osman Salleh.
tunku : what a fame ,aircraft, foreign medias.they should do live telecast for the next general election for kj's nomination.
REMBAU, Feb 24 Bernama) -- "My son has all the qualities of a leader," said Datuk Rahmah Abdul Hamid, mother of Khairy Jamaluddin who is contesting the Rembau parliamentary seat in the March 8 polls. "Many people can be managers but not leaders. He (Khairy) has shown outstanding leadership qualities since he was small," she told Bernama outside the Merdeka Hall of the Rembau distric council, the nomination centre for the constituency. Dressed in a baju kurung with a white scarf and a Barisan Nasional (BN) vest with the letters "KJ" (Khairy's initials), Rahmah, 72, initially declined to be interviewed but later relented. Khairy, 32, who is also BN Youth and Umno Youth deputy chairman, is engaged in a straight with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) supreme council member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, 30, for the seat. Asked whether Khairy was capable of championing the lot of the people of Rembau, Rahmah said her son could do it because he was always committed in whatever he did. "He is dedicated to the race, religion and country. Since his return to Malaysia nine years ago, that has been his mission. He is fully committed to everything that he does, no half-measures," she said. Khairy received his Masters in Legal and Political Theory from University College London in September 1998 and holds a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from St Hugh College, Oxford University. Asked for her message to her son, Rahmah said: "My message to him is only that we live in a world where people will remember our kind deeds and contributions and good behaviour." Besides Rahmah, Khairy's wife, Nori Abdullah, who was also present, said she was very proud of her husband and was willing to shoulder the responsibilities of an elected representative's wife if Khairy was elected. "I used to follow my father (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) but now I follow my husband," she said, adding that she believed that Khairy would make a good elected representative. "He is sincere in helping the people," said Nori, who left their five-month-old son, Jibreil Ali Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, at home in Gadong, near here. tunku : the son is just deputy umno youth(but of course son in-law of pm) and the mother can go everywhere lobbying for projects, just wonder after this what will she do?? my son is very dedicated to be the prime minister by hook or crook.
photo courtesy of : http://minaq-jinggo.fotopages.com & http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com
Dato Mukhriz Mahathir said that he was so grateful to about 3000 strong supporters who came during the nomination.He was in tears too see his father Tun Dr Mahathir was there to give him moral support.He said that he used to follow his father to nomination centre when his father was the prime minister but today the other way round.Tun Mahathir was there to give him moral support .
Dr M turns up to see son file papers
ALOR STAR: For eight general elections, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had gone to a nomination centre to file his papers as a candidate. Yesterday he turned up at the SK Ayer Hitam nomination centre, this time as an observer – to see his youngest son, Datuk Mukhriz, file his candidacy for the Jerlun parliamentary seat. It was an emotional moment for the first-time candidate as he watched his 82–year-old father wait under the sun with hundreds of supporters. “It is a reversal of roles. I used to follow him on election campaigns, and now he is with me. It's a proud moment for me,” added Mukhriz after filing his nomination papers at 9.22am. Throughout the nomination and objection period, he made calls and sent SMSes from inside the centre to those who were standing with his father outside in the school compound. “I wanted to make sure that he was comfortable because the weather was very hot,” said Mukhriz, 43, who heads Umno Youth’s international affairs bureau. Mukhriz’s mother, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who could not make it because of a back problem, sent her son an encouraging SMS. He rushed out to hug his father soon after returning officer Md Zuki Siru announced the names of the candidates for the constituency. Mukhriz, who will face Idris Ahmad of PAS, said he was “optimistic” about his chances. Dr Mahathir said he would campaign for his son but would not be “making speeches”. “In 2004, I helped campaign in all the states except Terengganu. This year I will only be in Jerlun,” he said, adding that his advice to his son was to “work hard”.
is this the best way they can think of to win or to get votes?
Sunday, February 24, 2008 (Malaysia) Malaysia's ruling coalition won six parliamentary seats unopposed on Sunday as it formally began campaigning to clinch a two-thirds majority in next month's general elections. Hundreds of political heavy-hitters and first-time aspirants filed their nomination papers to contest 222 parliamentary constituencies and 505 state legislature seats. The process officially marked the start of a 13-day campaigning period ahead of the March 8 ballot. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's National Front coalition got an early boost when no opposition candidates came forward to run for six parliamentary seats. ''I believe the people will be attentive to the National Front, which has brought peace and progress for 50 years,'' Abdullah said. ''I would like this election to be free of troubles.'' More than 1000 government loyalists thronged a nomination center to support Abdullah as he filed his papers against a challenger from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, in his traditional stronghold of Kepala Batas in northern Penang state. The National Front won 199 of 219 parliamentary seats in 2004, with only 19 seats taken by the opposition, including six by PAS and 12 by the ethnic Chinese-based Democratic Action Party. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's wife won the lone seat for her People's Justice Party. One seat went to an independent. This time, the three parties have made a pact to field only one candidate in each constituency to avoid multi-cornered fights, which in the past benefited the National Front. The strategy is aimed at preventing the National Front from attaining a two-thirds parliamentary majority, which enables the government to change the constitution easily. Abdullah dismissed the opposition's effort as ''a pact of convenience, that's all.'' ''I want us to win with a very good majority, even more than two-thirds,'' Abdullah said. The 14-party National Front, which has governed since 1957, has acknowledged it will win fewer seats this time amid public complaints over rising inflation, crime and racial and religious tensions. In recent months, several high-profile street protests have raised the political consciousness of Malaysians, awakening more people to ask questions about alleged government corruption and policies that some say are tantamount to racial and religious discrimination. The National Front has the advantage of being backed by the pro-government mainstream media and is more cohesive and better coordinated than the opposition. Opposition leaders have long complained that polls are also steered against them through the gerrymandering of constituencies, vote-buying and use of bogus voters. The government has repeatedly denied any irregularities. A poor performance could undercut Abdullah's popularity as he targets a second five-year term as prime minister after succeeding longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad in 2003.
tunku : it's time for the opposition to show now how well they are accepted.as for BN 2/3 majority seems to be in hand.i sincerely wish the opposition the secure at least 50 seats this time around otherwise they should pack up and forget politics.let there be knew credible opposition political party.
KOTA BAHARU, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- PAS candidate Wan Ubaidah Omar was declared winner of the Kijang state seat in Kelantan after the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, Mustopha Ahmed, was disqualified, state Election Commissioner Rahim Mohd Salleh said. He told Bernama that the records showed that Mustopha had been declared a bankrupt by Mara and was automatically disqualified as a candidate. "As such, the BN candidate's nomination was rejected and the PAS candidate won unopossed," he said. Only Wan Ubaidah and Mostapha had submitted their nomination papers when nominations at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pengkalan Chepa Satu centre closed at 10am. Mustopha, when met, said he was disappointed. He said he had stood guarantor for a loan taken by a businessman several years ago. "But I've settled the debt," he said, adding that he would appeal the decision to the Election Commision and the courts.
tunku : i thought the candidates gone thru screening test before they were nominated, how come they miss this mustopha ahmed.
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Tolerating intolerance
Intolerance is rampant at every level and in all age groups of the society, but it is more visible amongst the younger generation as our youth can be seen losing their altitude of patience over petty issues. We seriously need to think over it as what we are going to inculcate in them, which may help them seek success in future. Will it be tolerance or intolerance?
By Samra Arshad
International Conference "Expose War Crimes – Criminalise War"
“Wars increasingly involve the killings of innocent people and are therefore, abhorrent and criminal. Killings in war are as criminal as the killings within societies in times of peace. Since killings in peace time are subject to the domestic law of crime, killings in war must likewise be subject to the international law of crimes. This should be so irrespective of whether these killings in war are authorised or permitted by domestic laws.”
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