‘Several Umno leaders under probe’

KUALA LUMPUR: Several Umno leaders are being investigated for money politics in the run-up to the general assembly last week, said Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas, a member of the party’s disciplinary board.
He said the probe was being carried out by officers of the board’s investigation unit.
“I don’t have the details but I was made to understand that there are indeed investigations being carried out on a number of cases, including top posts,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after tabling a working paper at the “Anti-Corruption Summit Zero Tolerance for Corruption” event organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and Transparency International Malaysia here.
Megat Najmuddin said he was not directly involved in the investigation because board members cannot be the investigators, prosecutors and jurists at the same time. -- Bernama

tunku : the disciplinary board should not delay their investigations. they should speed up their investigations.we don't want corrupt leaders up there.they should announce it before the new cabinet line up is reveal.hopefully they will be fair this time, not like what happened with ali rustam and kj corruption charges, one was punished and the other one only given warning even though under same act.

Abdullah: Premiership handover to Najib in 'due course'

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the transition process of handing over the premiership to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will happen in due course.
"Just wait for that. Don''t ask me to say anything. All these things will happen in due course," he said to reporters after launching the Puncak Baru project in conjunction with the redevelopment of Kampung Baru weekend market, here today.
At the conclusion of the Umno General Assembly on Saturday, Abdullah said he should seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin this Thursday on his intention to step down as the Prime Minister.

tunku : just tell the reporters on 3rd you will handover the premiership to najib or you have something else in your mind? what is so big deal in telling the exact date to the public, it is not a surprise to anyone unless you don't want to resign.

Proposal To Allow Group A Teachers Join Politics Gets Mixed Response

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- The proposal by Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to allow group A teachers to be involved in politics has met mixed response from various quarters.
Some were all for it while others were against the idea fearing it would affect teaching and students as some teachers might be influenced by the opposition.
National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Hashim Adnan welcomed the proposal as it would allow more professionals to be directly involved in politics.
"If possible, let it be only for teachers and not group A officers as it can lead to problems," he told Bernama here, Sunday.
Hashim did not deny the risks involved and proposed that a clear guideline be issued on the matter.
Peninsular Malay Students Federation (GPMS) secretary Mohd Nardin Awang also supported Hishammuddin's proposal saying it was good for teachers.
"Teachers had played an important role in the history of Umno as they have an influence on the people's thinking.
"It just needs a change as presently, teachers are not allowed to be actively involved in politics," he said.
Ex-Education Officers Association information officer Abdul Karim Abdullah disgreed with Hishammuddin's proposal as it would only create problems.
"I am worried that teachers will lose focus if allowed to join politics. Education nowadays is different from the past.
"Moreover, we don't know whether the teachers are pro-government or anti-government and this will make students victims," he said.
Abdul Karim wanted the proposal studied and discussed with the grassroots as it was not a trivial matter.
Hishammuddin made the proposal when winding up debate on education at the Umno general assembly yesterday.

tunku : this is a bad idea to let teachers to be involved in the politics. they will be teaching less and do more politicking and the victim will be the students.if the teacher is from bn or pakatan, he will influence his/her students everyday to love bn or pakatan.those who not in favour with them might be discriminised in the class. i hope hishammuddin think it over and have do thorough research on the plan first before implementing it.

Pulai Umno Division Supports PPSMI

JOHOR BAHARU, March 29 (Bernama) -- The Pulai Umno division does not support the Johor Umno Liaison body's proposal to cancel the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI), but instead feels the policy should continue.
Division chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the decision was made during an Umno division committee meeting about two weeks ago, well before the Umno general assembly which began on Tuesday.
He said pressure (to cancel PPSMI) from the Johor Umno during the party's general assembly, which ended yesterday, was not a unanimous decision from the 26 Umno divisions in the state.
"After the committee meeting, the Pulai Umno division is adamant in supporting the PPSMI as the decision was unanimous among its members," said Nur Jazlan here today.
He said the government had provided a large allocation to carry out the PPSMI and cancelling it would be a waste of not only facilities, but also human capital.
"Education is an essence of Umno's struggles and surely, the Malays do not want their children to be left behind.
"The Pulai Umno welcomes the PPSMI policy and wants it to proceed for the future of the Malay generation," he said.

tunku : sometimes the top level made the decision or resolution without the consent from the grassroots.this has always been the case and they should change this attitude in order to be relevant.majority supports the PPSMI.we hope the cabinet will not make irresponsible decision on PPSMI.

Azalina will not tender resignation as minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said she will not tender her resignation as minister after her poor showing in the just concluded Umno election.
Azalina who failed in her bid for an Umno supreme council post added that her position in the Cabinet would be decided by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is expected to take over as prime minister early April.
She obtained 1,200 votes, giving her the 26th spot, just one spot outside the 25 supreme council places. She lost to Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, who was in the 25th place, by just 65 votes.
It is believed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigations on her and her ministry staff for corruption had worked against her.
This is despite her pleas with the delegates not to judge her until the MACC had completed its investigations.
Another minister who lost in the race for the supreme council Datuk Shahrir Samad, however, in an immediate reaction to his defeat, said he was quitting as Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.

tunku : with all the means she managed to get the 26th position, without all the means she might get the 40th position. she is not popular among the women in umno and outside umno.she should resign from all post.thank god less one kj's people in the MT. Right now there are azeez , zaki, idris haron.without azalina in new cabinet will be a plus point for najib.

Heavy Duty For Khairy - Chicken out on first task

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Perhaps it is fair to say that the foremost challenge facing Umno Youth after its elections, is changing the negative perception about the movement from within and outside the party.
This definitely includes the negative perception of its leader Khairy Jamaluddin, who was constantly booed by the delegates each time his name was mentioned at the party's general assembly which ended, here, today.
This kind of reception was also given to Khairy, who is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, when he won the Umno Youth deputy head post uncontested in the party elections five years ago.
"People think that he won because of money politics. This perception is difficult to avoid," political observer Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Nidzammuddin Sulaiman told Bernama today.
Many political observers also see this negative perception posing as a bigger challenge for Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) when they face the opposition in three by-elections simultaneously -- Bukit Gantang in Perak, Bukit Selambau in Kedah and Batang Ai in Sarawak -- on April 7.
Before the party elections, Khairy who is also the member of parliament for Rembau, was issued a warning by the Umno Disciplinary Board for breaching the party's code of ethics involving money politics.
Nidzammuddin said what was important now was for Khairy to overcome the negative perception about him.
"If the perception is that he is unapproachable and arrogant, Khairy has to change his ways in dealing with people. He has to prove that he is the opposite of what people think of him," he said.
Khairy had also often been accused of "calling the shots" behind the administration of Abdullah which Khairy denied.
Another political observer, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Agus Yusoff, however, said the Umno Youth chief should be given the chance to defend himself and lead the movement as he was democratically chosen by the delegates.
"Those who reject Khairy are rejecting the democratic process in Umno Youth. "The perception of whether he was involved in money politics or not, is second issue. He should be given the chance to prove himself," said Muhammad Agus who did not dismiss the possibility of the opposition using the Khairy issue to score points in the three by-election campaigns.
In the movement's elections on Wednesday, Khairy defeated Jerlun member of parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, 44, who had received the most nominations, and former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, 43, to lead the movement.
He obtained 304 votes against Dr Mohamad Khir's 254 and Mukhriz's 232.
"Khairy is under tremendous pressure. If he can overcome the negative perception and reunite the movement's members, eventually he will win respect," said a Khairy supporter who declined to be identified.
After chairing the Umno Youth executive committee (exco) meeting for the first time yesterday, Khairy was bombarded with questions from the media on the negative perception about him and how he would deal with them in the run-up to the three upcoming by-elections.
"My first priority is to ensure that among the elected exco members, there is a commonality of purpose, solidarity, team spirit and commitment to the movement's agenda.
"Most importantly, I have good support from (Datuk) Razali (Ibrahim), my deputy. As far as I'm concerned, after the results, there will be some dissatisfaction. But we have decided to put this aside and continue with our agenda," he said.
Political analysts feel that Khairy needs to really work hard to change the negative perception about him because traditionally, the head of Umno Youth will be appointed as BN Youth chief.
If he doesn't change, Khairy will be just a 'village champion', they say.

tunku : this agus chap is like a circus clown sometimes.we understand it is a democratic process but we also knows that kj is involved in money politics and only give a warning where else the charges should be like ali rustam's. how would umno youth deal with public when the movement chief is a corrupted person? umno has to bear with this liability and it will cost umno dearly.
kj has chicken out on his first task when his deputy(Razali) head the movement for three by elections, where else he should be the one and this is his chance to prove his critics wrong but he did not.he don't want to take the blame i guess if bn lose the by elections.

EARTH HOUR

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN.
We need the world to take action on Global Warming.
Switch off all the lights (electricity) tonight for an hour 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Earth Hour: TNB Records 550mw Drop

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Although the Earth Hour campaign last Saturday resulted in electricity consumption dipping by 550 megawatt, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is not complaining.
Rather, TNB accepts the hour-long campaign which began at 8.30pm, was for a good cause.
The 550 megawatt is equivalent to 14 million fluorescent bulbs of 40 watt each.
"While this minor fall in demand will result in a slight shaving of our revenue, we accept that Earth Hour is for a good cause," said TNB president/chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh in a statement here today.
He said, during the one-hour period of the energy conservation initiative, TNB staff were extra vigilant, in the event of untoward operational snags.
"Everything went on very smoothly and we were able to respond to the slightly lower demand, without any operational glitch.
"Demand peaked almost rapidly at 9.30pm, to follow the normal Saturday evening demand pattern," added Che Khalib.
He said TNB was surprised by the support and appreciation demonstrated by many of its customers on the worldwide Earth Hour campaign.

Next year let make it 1100 megawatt drop.

Mohd Ali assures Najib of his loyalty

Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam pledged his loyalty to the party and that of his supporters, despite having been barred from contesting for the Umno deputy president’s post.
He also gave an assurance of his loyalty to party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“And this also includes my supporters who will be with the president through thick and thin because all is not lost ... as if the world is going to end and we cannot tell what is going to happen tomorrow.
“I understand the feelings of my supporters and after some time, all will be well with them. I will soldier on in the interest of the party to make positive contributions and bring it to a higher level,” Mohd Ali said in his winding up speech on the last day of the Umno general assembly on Saturday.
He also said that he would rally behind Najib in the quest to lift the party from the doldrums in terms of image and morale because it needed support from all to stand united in the face of crisis.
Mohd Ali said that he was not important as an individual compared to the party.

tunku : ali rustam should be loyal to the party , no need to assure others.today we saw delegates were asked by zahid the new vice president to give standing ovation to ali rustam.i hope umno members,especially the delegates will look again at that scene,on what purpose was the standing ovation for? why a person who is involved (directly or indirectly) in money politics deserved to be given standing ovation?if kj they booed, why standing ovation for ali rustam? may be ali rustam was punished and kj escaped.both does not deserve respects.umno should clean up all the dirts before expectiong to change.if people who involves in money politics given top post, standing ovation, i don't see bright future for umno.najib and muhyiddin should start working hard and change the whole system.

Dr Mahathir to rejoin Umno

Former prime minister and Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Saturday he will rejoin Umno.
He said he would announce the date of his return to the party at a suitable time “after (sorting out) several matters”.
“I have to fill up a form. It takes some time. I will let you know later. I am waiting for certain events,” he told reporters after attending the Umno General Assembly at PWTC on Saturday as an observer.
On May 19 last year, at a “ceramah” (talk) in Alor Setar, Kedah, Dr Mahathir announced his withdrawal from Umno, saying he had lost confidence in the party.
Dr Mahathir, accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was seen entering the Dewan Merdeka at PWTC about 12.30pm, when Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was delivering his winding-up speech. Both of them were given a rousing welcome by the delegates, who stood up to show their appreciation.
Dr Mahathir was seen nodding, as though in agreement, when Muhyiddin expressed the hope of seeing the former prime minister rejoin Umno.
Muhyiddin said Dr Mahathir’s presence more or less reflected his recognition of the new Umno leadership line-up, to which the delegates responded with claps.
At the end of the assembly, Dr Mahathir went down to the main stage and exchanged greetings with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Umno Supreme Council members and then he, Abdullah, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Muhyiddin together held up their hands.
Asked why he decided to attend the assembly after having decided against doing so earlier, Dr Mahathir said Muhyiddin’s election as the deputy president gave him the confidence that the anticipated changes in Umno would take place after all. “I think there is hope for the future,” he said.
Dr Mahathir had stated earlier in his blog, CheDet.com, that he would not attend the assembly as he felt that Umno Youth had openly condoned money politics.

tunku : back from hibernation . like Tun Mahathir said,with Muhyiddin as deputy president and soon to be deputy prime minister, there's still hope. If Tun sees there's hope then we will assist the new leadership as long as they are doing things the right way and we will criticize them if they do wrong things.We won't support blindly.We will support Najib's new line up except for kj.Sorry till now, i still can't accept kj as the youth chief, not only me but by majority malaysian.even in the umno assembly, everytime kj's name mentioned you can hear "BOOOOOOOOO" from the delegates.that shows how people think of him.Terima Kasih atas pandangan anda semua.

Hibernate

Kj as Umno Youth Chief...... i will be off for sometime.

khairy Umno Youth Chief

DISASTER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 - Khairy Jamaluddin today won the contest for the Umno Youth chief post.

The former Umno Youth deputy chief obtained 304 votes while his rivals Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir obtained 232 votes and Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo 254 votes

Datuk Rosnah Puteri Chief(Official)

Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin has won the Puteri Umno No. 1 post.

She polled 245 votes to defeat five other contenders - Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin, Datin Ismalina Ismail, Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid, Ida Rahayu Md Noor and Saarah Ali Bashah.

The Puteri vice-head will be Kedah's Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff, who garnered 353 votes.

Rosnah, who is from Papar in Sabah, said she was happy with her victory."But I also realise the heavy responsibility on my shoulders now as the Puteri head," said the former Puteri No.2.

Shahrizat New Wanita Chief

Meanwhile on the other side of the assembly hall, news is filtering through to the Wanita delegates that challenger Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has toppled long-time head Rafidah Aziz as the movement's chief.
Shahrizat received 507 votes and won the post.
Rafidah secured 280 votes.

Wanita Umno Election Results

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Following are the results of the Wanita Umno election 2008.

PERMANENT CHAIRMAN
Tan Sri Napsiah Omar (unopposed)

DEPUTY PERMANENT CHAIRMAN
Datuk Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohd

HEAD
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdil Jalil............ (507 votes)

VICE HEAD
Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim....................... (unopposed)

EXCO
1. Hasnah Salam............................. (520 votes)
2. Datuk Maznah Abdul Hamid................. (509 votes)
3. Datuk Rosni Zahari....................... (480 votes)
4. Datuk Armani Mahiruddin.................. (463 votes)
5. Datin Paduka Norhayati Onn............... (463 votes)
6. Datuk Norhayati Omar..................... (432 votes)
7. Datuk Rusnah Kassim...................... (430 votes)
8. Marlia Abd Latiff ....................... (416 votes)
9. Noriah Mahat............................. (412 votes)
10. Ros Suryati Alang....................... (405 votes)
11. Jamelah A Bakar......................... (400 votes)
12. Suraya Yaacob........................... (388 votes)
13. Azihani Ali............................. (385 votes)
14. Norliza Abdul Rahim..................... (377 votes)
15. Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain............... (375 votes)
16. Datuk Maznah Mazlan .................... (374 votes)
17. Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun................... (371 votes)
18. Datin Paduka Seripah Noli Syed Hussin... (367 votes)
19. Norliza Hj Ahmad ....................... (347 votes)
20. Wan Hazani Wan Mohd Nor.................(344 votes)

Update from PWTC

Khairy is leading for umno youth chief post.

Shahrizat is leading for wanita chief post.

5.04 PM, KHIR TOYO IS LEADING

6.45pm , votes are recounted as protest from one of the candidate's representative.
it's very close margin between them.

The contest for the Umno Youth chief post was so close that a recount of votes is currently underway following objections raised by the candidates.

The recount of the votes for the Youth wing top post contest is expected to delay the official announcement of the outcome.

At 9.20pm, Khairy supporters could be seen singing boisterously outside the counting hall.

updated 10.10pm
Recount for Youth post, it's Khairy vs Mukhriz
The contest for the Umno Youth chief post was so close that a recount of votes is currently underway following objections raised by the candidates.

Rais Thanks Mahathir For Support

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Umno vice-president aspirant Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has expressed gratitude to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the former prime minister's backing and expressed the hope that the support would translate into votes at the party elections on Thursday.
"I hope his views would be taken into consideration by the delegates when casting their votes," he told reporters after inspecting preparations for the exhibition on the plights of Palestinians, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, Tuesday.
Dr Mahathir had openly backed Rais in the contest for the vice-president's post. On money politics, Rais said he hoped that the problem could be eliminated.
"Everyone knows and realises that money politics has been haunting Umno for a long time now and I hope that the steps taken and to be taken will ensure that this problem will be the least of Umno's worries in the future," he said.
The exhibition, to be opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, would start tomorrow on the sidelines of the Umno General Assembly.
Rais will be up against seven other candidates for the three veep seats in Umno, the largest party in the country and the backbone of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
"I am offering myself based on my contribution, track record and my stand against money politics. Money politics is not only serious but worse than that.
"These are trying times for Umno and if nothing is done to curb this practice then the party would face hardship in the future," he added.
On another note, Rais, who is Foreign Minister, said the exhibition on the plights of Palestinians was to show Umno members and grassroots leaders the atrocities inflicted by Israel on the Palestinian people.
"We have three main objectives in coming-up with this exhibition.
"The first is to create awareness on the atrocities which should be rejected, the second is to make the people look at the Palestine conflict in a justified and objective manner, and thirdly, is to say that Gaza is the last straw.
"This should be the last event of cruelty and atrocity inflicted against mankind and therefore the rest of the world should continue to find ways to settle the problem," he added.
He said the Foreign Ministry would also organise a similar exhibition in London on March 31 to expose the atrocities committed by Israel in Middle East.
Rais said he would also specify "certain adoption of attitudes" by Malaysia on the conflict in the near future.

tunku : a leader like rais yatim need not to be endorsed by anyone.he is a capable leader. he can be a very good umno vice president. hope the delegates will vote him in as one of the three vice presidents.VOTE FOR RAIS YATIM.

The elections this time around will determine the survival of Umno : Mukhriz

Umno Youth Elections Crucial To Party's Renewal Process

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- At 11am tomorrow, 791 Umno Youth delegates will cast their votes to elect their new leaders, including the movement's chief, in elections widely seen as crucial in transforming Umno and ensuring the party remains relevant.
The elections this time around will not only test the delegates' maturity but also their humility in listening to the voters' message in the 12th general election last year.
"People want changes; they want incorruptible leaders. The results of the Umno Youth elections will be a test whether the delegates understand the message," political analyst Prof Madya Dr Ahmad Nidzamuddin Sulaiman told Bernama when contacted.
The Umno Youth elections were seen as crucial as most of the 4.9 million young voters in the last general election were seen to have shifted towards the opposition, resulting in the Barisan Nasional (BN) losing its two-third majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
Having won only 51 per cent in popular votes in the election, Umno and BN appear to be in dire situation and more so if one considers the prospect of even a one-per cent vote-swing towards the opposition in the 13th general election about four years from now.
"The elections this time around will determine the survival of Umno. In the 13th general election, there will be about 1.5 million new voters and these are young people," said Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, who is vying for the Umno Youth chief's post.
In fact, the three candidates for the post -- Mukhriz, 44, Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, 43, and Rembau MP who is also the movement's vice-chief Khairy Jamaluddin, 33 -- agree that changes in Umno should start with the movement.
Mukhriz stresses on the need for the Umno Youth to be the pressure group either in or outside the government and act more like a non-governmental organisation, while Mohamad Khir wants the movement to champion the voice of the people and not that of the government.
"If we fail to be the voice of the people, the voters will shift to the opposition," said Mohamad Khir who obtained 62 nominations for the post, the second highest after Mukhriz's 74. Khairy garnered 52 nominations.
Khairy had previously said that it was important to bring Umno Youth back to the masses, with emphasis given on generating the economy at the grassroots level for the sake of the young generation.
"Among the tasks of the Umno Youth is to facilitate access to the various facilities and economic opportunities provided by the government," he said.
Khairy is banking on the tag "Setiakawan" (comraderies) as against's Mohamad Khir's "Pemuda Berani" (Brave Youth) and Mukhriz's "Berani Berubah" (Dare to Change).
A Youth delegate from Perak when met by Bernama described the contest for the movement's top post as tough, and that among the 791 delegates, there were 10 per cent "gray" voters who would determine the outcome.
"The three candidates are tied at 30-30-30, with each being supported by about 30 per cent of the delegates. No single candidate can say they are on the lead as 10 per cent of the delegates will have the final say," said the delegate who declined to be named. Of the three, Mohamad Khir is more experienced having been the Selangor menteri besar but Mukhriz and Khairy also have their own strength. In terms of age, Khairy is the youngest and this will be an asset in getting the young to support the party, while Mukhriz is seen as a vocal leader who often offer alternative views.
The Umno Disciplinary Board's decision, which found Khairy guilty of breaching party ethics but let him off with a stern warning, could influence the polls.
But the question remains -- will the voice of the grassroots be heard in this elections? Will the delegates decide based on the party's aspirations or will there be other factors that influence their voting pattern?
"We cannot blame the delegates if they vote not in accordance with the wishes of the grassroots," Mohamad Khir said. "The delegates know the candidates personally. They know the capabilities of each of us."
Notwithstanding that, political analysts stressed that the delegates should vote based on whether a leader has the ability to bring changes to the party.
The answer to this question will be known tomorrow night when the results of the elections are announced.

tunku : how can khir toyo said that we can't blame the delegates if they vote against the wishes of the grassroots? if they will do that late today, they will break the trust the divisions had given them.does khir want to say that grassroots voice is wrong? khir toyo is more experienced having been the selangor menteri besar but he lost the state to the opposition. kj, what a figure, found guilty with money politics but still given chance to contest.should umno vote him as their youth chief? it would be disaster for umno to choose a leader that is found guilty with money politics and having much liabilities.the best choice for youth chief is mukhriz.

Najib: Don’t waste time arguing over use of English

KUALA LUMPUR: Stop wasting time politicising the learning of English and embrace the language without fear, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said. He said learning another language would not diminish the Malay race but would make them stronger and that the younger generation must master the English language. “Let us not waste any more time. Stop these pointless polemics. Put an end to the ridiculous politicising of this issue,” he told delegates from the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings Tuesday night.
Najib was referring to the ongoing debate about whether the teaching of Maths and Science in English should continue.

He said the special position of the Malay language would always be upheld no matter what happened but that the language of the people would be of no use if the people themselves perished. “Consider Latin after the collapse of Rome. It is now almost extinct but for ceremonial use in academic institutions and traditional ceremonies.” Sanskrit, the Incan and Aztec languages, he said, had all perished with the extinction of the people who spoke them. “The more important consideration is strengthening the people or the race that speaks the language.” Najib said only a people of great strength and high standing would raise the dignity of their own language, culture and value system. “To do this, we must first master knowledge and wisdom, much of which is today documented in the English language. Therefore, our younger generation must master the English language.”

tunku : this is clear message to the delegates.do not waste time debating on PPSMI. The system is good for our future generation. what is there in the language when the race is so poor and lack of knowledge? stop all the polemics and concentrate on more important agenda in the party.who would care to learn a language of a people who are weak, poor and lacking in knowledge? make sure your race is strong and have all the technologies,then only the language will be so important that others would want to learn it.


Full text of DPM Najib's speech at the joint opening of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings

Umno Must Transform Or Collapse - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has called on Umno members to undertake a complete transformation that is total and tangible in the name of survival of the party.
Addressing the joint opening of Wanita Umno, Umno Youth and Puteri Umno general assemblies at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here tonight, he said the party would lose the support of the people if it did not change.
"We must change. For if we do not, we shall surely falter," said the incoming Umno president to some 2,300 delegates of the three wings.
Delivering a speech entitled "Menakhoda Zaman" (Leader of the Times), he outlined steps to be taken by the party to regain the confidence of the people -- which included changing the process of choosing the leaders, ending money politics and training of political cadres.
Najib, who is deputy prime minister, said the right to choose leaders should be given to the greater number of members to reflect the preferences of more than three million Umno grassroots members.
"To my mind, the time has come for us to review the selection of Umno leaders that will be more inclusive of a greater number of Umno members from all levels. "This move will enable us to end money politics and abuse of power. This is the path we must take, if we are to regain the strength of the party by returning to the grassroots the mandate for choosing party leaders. "When the people are with us, Umno will regain its full strength once again. And we can accomplish this if each and every member and leader in Umno embraces the passion for service to the people," he said.
On the education of political cadres, he said Umno must strengthen the political training and education of its members through well planned courses based on a carefully crafted curriculum which emphasises history, self-confidence and esprit de corps. The modules for such training ought to focus on the strengthening of values aimed at creating honourable leaders. At every level, Umno members must be given sufficient training and education so that they fully understand the history of the party's struggles, he said. "Only then can we foster loyalty predicated on the full belief in what Umno stands for," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Umno must win back the hearts and minds of the people to remain relevant.
"Whether we like it or not, we must change for the benefit of the people. We must dare to change and abandon negative behaviours in favour of praiseworthy attitudes. "Change from being aloof to being friendly and approachable. Change from always thinking of our self interest to instead putting the interest of the people above our own. "Change from laziness to diligence. Change from doing the required minimum to embracing a passion for service," he said.
Najib asked the delegates to pick leaders who were strong and able.
"Present to me a team that has the traits of loyalty, integrity, ability and dedication to duty," he said. He said Umno needed a capable team, leaders who dare to make changes and to accept change, and able to criticise and open to criticism. Apart from that, Najib said there was now a perception that the aspirations of Umno were far removed from that of the people. "They feel that what Umno wants is very different from what the people expects. As such we must correct the perception and we must not get trapped in our own cocoon. We must not get caught up in the internal processes of the party. "We must never be too preoccupied with winning positions in the party, to the extent that we forget that the real measure of success of a democratic political party is whether or not it can win elections. "What is the point of winning party positions within a party that is bereft of authority and is no longer in power?" Najib said Umno would become stronger if it open its doors to as many Malays as possible if it was to become a party that represent their aspirations. "Umno will be truly great if the culture of humility and readiness to serve is embraced by all its members. "Umno will be more resilient if its members stop asking what they can get from the party, but instead ask what they can give to the religion, race and nation through Umno," he said.
As such Najib reminded the delegates of the three wings they shoulder the biggest responsibility in the history of Umno.
"What is at stake is nothing less than the very fate of Umno. The decision we collectively make at this assembly will determine the future of our party; whether we continue to shape and mould history, or just become an entry in the annals of history," he said. But, said Najib, Umno was still very much loved by the Malays. "It is because of this that they have voted to retain Umno as the biggest party with the most number of seats in the Dewan Rakyat even though a two-thirds majority was denied. "Umno must learn from the message that was conveyed to them by the Malays (through the ballot boxes). If we do not heed this message, their anger will become hatred and in the end this may cause them to abandon us altogether."
Najib said it had been proven that Umno was able of bringing hope in place of misery. He said the party was capable of building a proud and civilised nation that was respected the world over. "It has done so much to uplift the lives of Malaysians, extricating them from the clutches of poverty and elevating them to higher quality of life in just one generation. "Let there be no doubt that it is this great party that leads the way forward," he said. Najib said Umno could not afford to be seen as a party that was resistant to new ideas and new people or a party that did not welcome the young. On the contrary, he said Umno had been credited with increasing access to education especially at tertiary level. "These well educated youngsters are the product of Umno's effort and we cannot sit back and allow them to be enticed buy others. "We must capture their imagination and convince them that our party moves in line with their aspirations," he said.

tunku : change or be ready to be changes.umno should really understand this.this is a do or die mission for them.they must prove this time around.umno members and leaders can't take things for granted anymore.put najib's speech in our mind and understand it thoroughly.

Quotes From Najib's Speech At Opening Of Simultaneous Assemblies Of Umno Wings

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Following are quotes from the speech by Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the joint opening of the Wanita Umno, Umno Youth and Puteri Umno general assemblies at the Dewan Merdeka of the Putra World Trade Centre here tonight.

* "Perhaps everyone in this hall knows what's SK and SI -- Salam Kosong (Bare Greeting) and Salam Isi (Fruitful Greeting). This is no laughing matter. We must resolve to eradicate money politics right down to the roots. If not, we will all be collectively responsible for the demise of this beloved party of ours." * "We must ensure that the unpleasant practice of blocking any Malay, old or young, educated or otherwise, ceases right at this moment itself." * "Umno will also become great if its members adopt the culture of humbling themselves and take pleasure in serving the people." * "In the tradition of Malay Muslims, when we find that we have lost our way, we are taught to return to the beginning through the process of reflection and introspection." * "We need leaders who are able and are themselves enablers, leaders who dare to change and are accepting of change; who dare to criticise and are willing to accept criticism." * "We must change the way Umno chooses its leaders including re-examining the quota system. We must give the right to choose the leaders to a greater number of members." * "When the people are with us, Umno will regain its full strength once again. And we can accomplish this if each and every member and leader in Umno embraces the passion for service to the people. Every problem that we resolve for the people, every difficulty that we ease, every complication that we unravel for our constituents ought to serve as reward and encouragement enough for us to continue to serve." * "Finally, I implore you to give me a line of leaders who are strong and able. Present to me a team that has the traits of loyalty, integrity, ability and dedication to duty."

tunku : for a long time wanting to hear a "good" speech at umno venue and this is the one that we have been waiting for. najib should fulfill all the promised he made in his speech especially on the quota system and the right for umno members to vote for their leaders.we hope the delegates will vote for the last time today and tomorrow.come next election the umno members will have their say on who they want as their leader and this will be one of the best way to curb money politics. we hope the delegates will vote with full responsibility and not base on how much they got or will get by voting a leader.vote for the people,for your religion and for the nation.let najib have people with integrity and will work hard for the people,not for themselves. the nation is watching and don't let us down.

Fairus Wants To Focus On Post-graduate Studies, Says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, who will resign as Penang Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) I on April 8, wanted to focus on post-graduate studies.
"This is what he told me when he came to see me in my house. He said he had thought long and hard about it.
"He said with the many problems he had to think about, he felt that it (stepping down) was the right decision. That is the gist of what we discussed," Anwar told reporters when met at the launch of the "Saya Pun Melayu" and "Kemilau Peribadi Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat" books at the Tropicana Golf and Country Club in Petaling Jaya near here Monday.
The first was written by former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim while the second was authored by Abdul Shukur Haron and Annual Bakri Haron.
Anwar said Fairus was rather vague about an internal conspiracy in PKR to topple him as the DCM I, which was speculated caused his resignation.
"He (Fairus) said the media was making exaggerations (about the conspiracy) and I told him knowing the media, he had to be careful about what he said.
"When I asked him if there were internal problems, he just said he wanted to do a post-graduate programme," Anwar said, adding that Fairus then asked him to give some inputs on pursuing post-graduate studies.
He also said Fairus would remain as a PKR member and Penanti assemblyman as he would have three free days a week while pursuing his studies.
Asked about the Opposition's chances in the Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Bating Ai by-elections on April 7, Anwar said : "We are confident but we are also realistic that we are facing the odds, we know Najib's (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) tactics. We have asked that our machinery be intact on the ground."

tunku : another big lie from the moron.they think putting someone as dcm or state exco member is a child's game.whenever you feel you are ok with it you do it, if not you leave it to someone else.this is how the opposition way of governing.to them people is not important,country is not important, what is important is to get the power.fairuz did say today that he will make a pc soon to tell his side of the story as he said he has been played out by his own party but i am sure anwar will try his best to stop fairuz from going to the media.

Home Ministry suspends PKR's and PAS’s newsletters

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has suspended PKR’s newsletter Suara Keadilan and PAS’s newsletter Harakah for three months, effective immediately, its minister Datuk Sri Syed Hamid Albar confirmed Monday.
"Its true we suspended the two newsletters from today. We do not wish to restrict press freedom in this country but they were still publishing untrue stories after they were given warnings," he said.
He said the two newsletters had run stories that questioned the position of the Rulers and a number of other stories that were sensational and likely to confuse people in a multi-racial country.
With the suspension, both newspapers can only again at the end of June, missing a number of key political events and developments including the three by-elections on April 7.
Suara Keadilan is a weekly and Harakah is published twice a month.
Meanwhile, Tian Chua, PKR's information chief, said that Suara Keadilan received notice of the suspension Monday noon.
"However, no reason was stated," he said, adding that the weekly planned to appeal the suspension.

tunku : this two newsletters should had been ban long time ago. i think home ministry is so lenient in taking action against them.what is a 3 months suspension? they should ban it untill the two behave and carry out news with responsibility.most of their news are fairy tales and merely allegations against the government without any truth in it.if the news were true, i think they have put many government leaders behind the bar already.till today nothing but lies.

Norza barred from contesting

Umno supreme council member Norza Zakaria has been barred from contesting in the party polls this Thursday.
The decision was made by the party's management committee today as a result of Norza facing a criminal case in the court for alleged money politics.
Norza, who is the Federal Territories Umno Youth chief, is vying for the supreme council post.
The party annual meeting starts tomorrow and will end on Saturday
Norza was charged in Temerloh magistrate's court in Pahang on March 13 for alleged involvement in money politics.
He claimed trial to two charges of offering bribes to party delegates to vote for him for the supreme council post in the coming party polls later this month.
Norza was released on a RM10,000 bail in one surety. The case will be mentioned on April 22.
Norza, 43, was alleged to have committed the offences on Jan 20, 2009 at 6.30pm at No 38, Pinggiran Tasik, Taman Bandar Temerloh, in Temerloh.
He was charged with corruptly giving Khadri Musa RM1,500 through Halimi Kamaruzzaman to be distributed to party delegates as inducement to vote for him
Norza was also charged with corruptly giving RM1,900 to Mohammad Anuar Yunus, also through Halimi Kamaruzzaman, for the same purpose.
The charges are under Section 16 (b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) and punishable under Section 24 of the same Act.
Norza was investigated by the MACC since January.

Putting party interest above self
In an immediate reaction to the party's decision today, Norza said that he was disappointed but would accept the decision.
"This decision does not change my intentions to continue to contribute for the party," he said in a statement.
He said the decision of the party management committee was a challenge for him in continuing to support Umno and putting the party's interest above his.
He also expressed support for incoming president Najib Abdul Razak.
The decision by the party to bar him from contesting, coming right after he was charged in court for alleged corrupt practice, is a tremendous change in fortune for Norza.
He was once considered to be a member of outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's inner circle. He is also a close associate of Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
He was a former political secretary to Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yaacop.
The party's decision to stop Norza from contesting followed its earlier decision to similarly stop deputy president aspirant Mohd Ali Rustam from contesting, also for allegedly using agents to induce delegates to vote for him.
However Mohd Ali, presently a vice-president, was never charged by the MACC.

tunku : very good move by umno supreme council.what about others? there are still many of them out there.

MCA Youth Chief slams Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 - MCA Youth Chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong today condemned Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for saying the Malay community was under threat and for his attack on Chinese educationists.
Yesterday Dr Mahathir called the Chinese educationist group Dong Jiao Zong (DJZ) racists who practised apartheid.
"That is apartheid, not us. We proposed that everyone study together in one school then only can you have bangsa Malaysia.
"They did not want to mix with the other races especially the Malays. They did not want their children to mix with Malays and that is apartheid, not us," Dr Mahathir had said.
Wee believes that Dr Mahathir's statement was baseless and that he had ulterior motives when he made it.
"If the Chinese educationists do not like to mingle with the Malay community, I would like to inform him that almost 90 per cent of the students that finish their primary school at SJKC ( Chinese vernacular schools) enrol into national secondary schools, " he explained.
Dr Mahathir's administration had proposed the formation of Vision Schools to group national, Chinese and Tamil primary schools in one single compound, but his idea was opposed by DJZ and only a few such institutions were ever set up.
The MCA Youth Chief refused to acknowledge that the government had failed in integrating the different races and gave the Youth Integration program as an example of government efforts.
He mentioned that national unity should not be measured against the failure or success of the Wawasan school but racial integration should be examined at all educational levels including in universities.
Wee also defended Chinese vernacular schools and said, "SJKC (Chinese vernacular schools) syllabus is created by the Ministry of Education, we sing the same national anthem and swear to the same national principles (Rukun Negara)."
When he was asked about The Malaysian Insider's report that Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein plans to show the keris during the opening ceremony for the Umno youth assembly, he declined to make any direct comments.
"I would not make any comments regarding any speculation. When the time comes then I will give my response.
"I am confident since the last few years that public reaction will be taken in consideration because we are a multi-racial county.
In Barisan Nasional, we respect each other's rights to hold a general assembly and we wont get involved. But we must be aware of the current political scenario and what will be political scenario after party elections," he replied.

tunku : if you respect each other then you should not jump like a monkey. what Tun Dr Mahathir said yesterday was right, whenever malays talk about themselves , they will always be labelled as racist.see today out of all the mca youth jumping like monkeys.why the demands from indians is not racist, why the demands from chinese is not racist but if it is from the malays..is racist.be fair.in a chinese forums, they talk all sort of things about their community, why it is not racist? in indians forums, they do the same too, why it is not racist? the time has come for the malays to wake up and stand united.read the whole text of tun dr mahathir speech yesterday here.

Najib Envisions Changes To Umno Constitution As Part Of Reforms

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said changes to Umno's constitution were possible in the reformation of the party.
He said the party's organisational structure and policies also needed to be revamped in re-positioning Umno in line with the current needs of the people and to countering the negative perception people had of Umno.
"Change must take place in Umno itself so that the negative perception can be eliminated. For this reason, the election process of Umno's leaders also needs to be reviewed. "We must do something in a serious way, and dare to make changes. I am confident if we take this path, support for Umno and the Barisan Nasional will return and we can be back to where we were previously. "So, internal changes in Umno need to be tackled first and after that government policies and approaches in the direction we intend to take to fulfill the aspirations of the people. This is what we will have to strive for," he said when interviewed on the Dialog@1 programme on Radio Television Malaysia's TV1 channel at the Putra World Trade Centre here, Sunday night.
He expected the changes to Umno's constitution to take place before the party's polls in the coming years.
Najib, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, also wanted Umno delegates to the party's general assembly this week to only return leaders who were capable and willing to serve with integrity, credibility and loyalty. "I hope they will choose leaders based on the party's interest and not self-interest. "If we go for this attribute, I am sure it will signal the beginning of the reform process for Umno," he said.
He said in reforming itself, Umno, which is also the lynchpin of the BN, must also be willing to give room to the component parties in the coalition to forward their views and needs on the basis of the power sharing concept the BN practised. "If they are unable to deliver, they will lose credibility among the ethnic groups they are representing," he said.
Najib, who will be taking over the leadership of the nation after the assembly which will begin tomorrow and end on Saturday, said he did not see himself enjoying a honeymoon period as the political situation in the country and the current world economic crisis would not allow it.
He said every move he will be make will be scrutinised under a "microscope" from the very first day.
"Nevertheless, I believe the people will give me a chance to prove myself," he said, adding that his Cabinet lineup and first address as the prime minister would be the initial yardsticks they would measure him by.

tunku : we will give najib chance to prove himself and we will support him .he must not let us down as if he fails umno and bn will be history. again i appeal to the umno delegates to only return leaders who are capable and willing to serve with integrity, credibility and loyalty and has no liability.

M'sia Needs A New Economic Model That Is More Versatile - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs a new economic model that is more versatile to bring about a quantum leap so that the country can achieve developed nation status, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said this was the challenge Malaysia needed to overcome once it comes out the economic crisis the world was facing now.
"We are stuck in between a developing and developed country. We are in the middle income group. So we must find a new economic model that can bring us up there among developed countries," he said when interviewed on the Dialog@1 programme that was aired live by Radio Television Malaysia's TV1 channel from Putra World Trade Centre here, Sunday night.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said Malaysia must maintain five per cent or more growth annually after the world economic crisis ended if it wanted to attain the status by 2020.
He also urged the people to work in tandem with the government to help the economy recover.
"That is the priority. There is no point in us talking about targets if are weighed down by an economic crunch.
"The onus now is to ride out this economic storm, then we can talk about targets or how the economic pie should be shared," he said when asked by the host, Sayed Munawar Jamalullail, about bumiputera equity ownership.
Najib also said that he had instructed that a special website be set up for the two economic stimulus packages announced last November and on March 10.
He said the people can access the website to find out the latest developments on the packages in about a month's time.
He added that he would also continue with the economic policies of outgoing prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his predecessors.

tunku : najib is right, now is the time for us to concentrate on the economy crisis and how to overcome it.it is not the time to talk about the percentage and so on.first we must achieve the target.thanks to najib for listening to the people by setting up a special website for the two stimulus package announced last november and recently.hope the will update the website on daily basis with progress report.hope najib will continue the policies which brings benefit to the nation and change the policies which doesn't.

Hishamuddin to show keris again

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 - Outgoing Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein will tempt fate on Wednesday when he reprises the controversial keris act.
The main difference this time is that he will not unsheathe the keris or brandish it in a threatening fashion.
He will lift up a covered keris as part of the opening ceremony of the youth assembly.
By keeping the keris as part of the opening ceremony for the Umno Youth assembly he is taking into account the sentiment of party delegates who felt that Umno should not be cowed into doing away with its tradition just because non-Malays felt threatened by it.
The keris act became a major talking point in the run-up to Election 2008 with the Opposition using the imagery of Hishammuddin holding up the keris as a symbol of Umno's arrogance and insensitivity to non-Malays.
Non-Malays equate brandishing an unsheath keris as a show of power by the Malays.
After non-Malays voted with their feet and Barisan Nasional suffered significant losses in the general elections, Hishammuddin apologised for the keris act, saying he never meant to upset Chinese or Indians.
But his apology did not go down well with Umno members, who viewed it as a sign of weakness.
The cynics may argue that with him trailing Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Shafie Apdal and Datuk Khaled Nordin in the race for the three vice-president's slots, the keris act may be his last hope of proving his Malay credentials and persuading delegates that he is worthy of their support.
An Umno Youth official told the Malaysian Insider: "The keris is something dear to Umno. It has never been about threatening anyone."

tunku : it is the tradition so please don't politicised it and we hope that this time it is done in proper manner without having to shout and hold it like we are going to war.it is the tradition of malay to kiss and show the keris.it is not meant to kill anyone and we hope the friends from the non malay group wont be offended or threatened by this act. after all, in some races, the do show weapon, do tradition dance using weapons etc.the malays don't mind that.so let there be tolerance among us.

Khairy Lodges Police Report Over Defamatory Book

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin today lodged a police report against the author of a book which he claimed had defamed him.
Khairy made the report at the Brickfields police headquarters, having arrived there with four other people at 10.15am.
"The (release of the) book is a deliberate attempt to undermine my image and political career," Khairy told reporters almost two hours later, after lodging the report.
He said he had not known the author previously and that they had first met at his Kuala Lumpur office on Feb 17.
"He came to my office on Feb 17 and demanded that I pay him RM100,000 or he would publish the book," he said, adding that he declined to entertain the author.Khairy said the author claimed that the publication of the book was sponsored by his (Khairy's) political rivals in Umno.
"I have also learned that copies of the book have been distributed to several Umno delegates over the past week," he said.

tunku : so brave of the author to come to your office and demand RM100k.why didn't you report this to the police earlier.it was clear a blackmail case.we hope the police will act fast on this report.i wonder why khairy do not want to lodge report on raja petra who publish "hikayat khairy" through malaysiatoday? does it mean that whatever wrote about him in hikayat khairy is true? or this is cheap way for khairy to seek for sympathy vote?

I wish to become the initiator to problem solutions, not a troublemaker to Umno : Mukhriz

Mukhriz Wants Umno Youth To Have NGO Mindset

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth chief aspirant Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the movement should play the role and have the mindset like a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that champions only the interests of the people.
To remain relevant, Umno Youth should also have the voice of a pressure group within the government or during a face-off with the opposition, he said in an interview with Bernama.
He said Umno Youth was not supposed to be the government's official voice but dare to express views through the party's Supreme Council pertaining to particular decisions of the government. "To become like an NGO, we have to play the role and have the mindset of an NGO," said the 44-year-old Umno Youth executive council member and Jerlun member of Parliament who stands in the three-cornered fight for the movement's top post in next week's party polls.
The other contenders are present vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin and party Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Mukhkriz said that among the challenges faced by the movement was how to help Barisan Nasional (BN) manage its success of governing the country over the past five decades.
The failure to manage success was one of the reasons why the people, particularly the younger generations, switched to the opposition in last year's general election, he said.
Asked why he decided to vie for the Umno Youth post instead of a seat in the party's Supreme Council, he said: "This election determines whether Umno will live or die.
"In the next general election, there will be about 1.5 million new young voters. With the 51 percent popular votes (garnered in the last election) we are like an egg at the tip of a horn and also we have the votes from Sabah and Sarawak.
"If one percent swing, the government will fall into the hands of the opposition," he said.
He said the challenge to be borne by the new Umno Youth head was very heavy especially since the party would be facing by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai two weeks after the March 25 movement election.
"I wish to become the initiator to problem solutions, not a troublemaker to Umno," said Mukhriz, known as a young outspoken critic of the present leadership after last year's general election.
About people's perception that he was in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's shadow, Mukhriz said he was proud of his father and was unable to run away from the fact that his father was the former prime minister.
"I strongly hold to the principles of the struggle. Everyone has his own principles. My father, since he was young, is known as a person with principles and has always put the party above family and personal interests," he said.
Asked what he would do if elected as the Umno Youth chief, Mukhriz said he would let everybody judge all his actions.

tunku : we need a new umno youth chief which will be the initiator to problem solutions and not a troublemaker or becomes the problem and liability to umno. we need an umno youth chief which will not be in the cabinet so that he is free from being yes man to the government.he can act more freely and put the people interest first above all especially the government.by this, for sure umno will attract more youth and will be a party where people look forward to come and seek help or advice once again. we wish mukhriz all the best.for umno delegates next week, if you love your party and country,VOTE FOR MUKHRIZ.

PKR Expects Outcome Of Corruption Probe Next Week

PENANG, March 22 (Bernama) -- Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said the outcome of the probe into an allegation of corruption involving two of the party's state leaders would be known next week.
He said the panel headed by Penang State Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain had been given three weeks to investigate the allegation by Kepala Batas PKR Youth chief Amizudin Ahmat.
It had been alleged that two PKR party leaders had been involved with local quarry operators to cover up illegal activities in the state.
"Although there is no news regarding the investigation, I believe the result should be out by next week as the panel had begin its investigation early this month," Zahrain told Bernama when contacted today.
The four-member panel was set up on March 16. Its three other members are Penang State Assembly deputy speaker Tan Hock Leong, Batu Uban assemblyman S. Raveentharan and Pantai Jerjak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin.

tunku : if it was Umno, they have demanded the MACC to act, make 1000 police reports,make street demonstrations etc but it is pkr, so sweep everything under the carpet and just tell people that they have set up panel to investigate and if there is solid evidence then someone will be the scapegoat. pkr....full of dirt lead by a pathetic moron.

Fairus quit to pursue further studies: Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin quit as Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 because he wants to pursue post-graduate studies.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who revealed this said, however, Fairus had yet to decide where he would be studying.
“He has received a few offers. He has not decided yet,” he told a press conference on Saturday after opening the Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s service centre in Kelana Jaya here on Saturday.
Anwar said this in response to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Engs announcement that Fairus had quit as deputy chief minsiters and as a member of the state executive council effective April 8.
Anwar added however Fairus was not quitting as Penanti assemblyman.
“He can still remain as the elected representative while pursuing his studies. There is no problem as he can return weekly to serve the constituents,” he said.
Asked if Fairus was quitting because of allegations of corrupt practices, Anwar said it was the media that made such speculations.
Asked who would be taking over Fairus post, Anwar said the question of replacement did not arise as Lim would play an acting role.
At the function earlier, Anwar accepted 500 membership applications from MIC Kelana Jaya branch members.

tunku : what a moron excuse.why on earth he ran for the election if he wants to further his studies? who will serve penanti people when this guy will go for his further studies? pkr...full of dirt.this is what happens when you put idiots to serve people.

Umno Delegates Need To Think Far Ahead When Choosing Leaders

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- In all actuality, the 2,500 delegates for this year's UMNO General Assembly face two fundamental options when deciding who should hold key positions in the party -- one, to pick those who can be of service to UMNO and non-UMNO people, in other words, the rakyat, and the other, to select those who could only be useful to their own circle of UMNO supporters.

To some, it might not be hard to decide if the delegates took into serious consideration the results of last year's general election, and the repeated calls for UMNO to take stock of the situation and to effect changes in view of the changing political scenario.
However, talk on the ground does show that some quarters in the party are still holding on to age-old perceptions and practices as they have yet to digest the stark reality in that the upcoming Umno's election is not just about themselves but the entire 27 million Malaysian population as well.
Such talk also hinted that these members are still very much mired in the self-gain and self-interest mode, and mindless of the recent devastating blow delivered to the party in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.
It was as if that they had forgotten what the masses wanted.
"They haven't gotten into their heads that this party election is a 'do or die' mission for Umno. If they fail to elect the right candidates, I don't see a future for Umno in the next general election," a senior Umno leader said bluntly.
Expanding on the Kuala Terengganu's by-election's results, the leader said it was further proof that UMNO's choice of the candidate did not always reflect the people's choice.
"The late Datuk Razali Ismail was a case in point of the people's choice. Eventhough he didn't hold any post in the party at the UMNO division level, he managed to defend his Kuala Terengganu seat in the last general election while many others had failed," he said.
He had a point there as Razali was not even accepted by the majority of Kuala Terengganu UMNO division members to be their deputy chief in last year's divisional level elections.
So here lies this irony -- a person who may be accepted by a vast majority of the electorate but still shunned by party members because he or she does not have the means or muscle to "please" fellow party members.
Looking ahead, it would appear that UMNO members ignoring the changing political landscape would do so at the expense of the party in the long run.
Numerous calls had been made in the past months for UMNO delegates to choose wisely. As pointed by many, UMNO is in dire need to be helmed by leaders and politicians who can command support and respect from most Malaysians.
This is because some of these elected UMNO leaders will be part of the government machinery that will rule the country for another four years or so.
Against this backdrop is also the probability that Malaysia is going to face its worst global economic crisis.
"So, ask yourself what do you want? You want a leader who can only talk or one that can deliver? To do this, you have to see the track records of the candidates," said a division chief.
He, however, admits that it is an uphill task to convince the "traditionalists" in UMNO to change their mindsets as they constantly insist on familiarity as well as likeability.
"But all is not lost. In my experience, many of the delegates will change their minds as the time draws nearer because it also depends on last-minute campaigning too," he said.
As for Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, he lists two main criteria for the delegates to consider before making their decisions.
"In times like this, UMNO has no choice but to go with leaders with integrity and credibility," he said pointing out to the fact that the party was now perceived as having been tainted with corruption through the actions of some members.
Echoing the sentiments of a number of other political analysts, Khoo said the failure to elect clean and capable leaders would sound the death knell for UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN).
An UMNO politician who last attended the previous party election agreed that the burden on the shoulders of this year's delegates is much heavier as they also need to send strong signals that the party had learnt its lesson and should be in the process of changing for the better.
"All eyes will be on this year's UMNO election, irrespective whether they are supporters of UMNO or not. They will want to see if UMNO walks the talk, that is, in cleaning up the party," said Azrin Zizal Abdul Aziz.
If opinion polls conducted by various institutions are to be believed, then the public has already indicated their preferred choice of leaders while feedback from among UMNO members indicate that their picks are the worthy ones for UMNO and the country's future.
Unfortunately, the public and some three million UMNO members are not going to be in the Merdeka Hall of the Putra World Trade Centre to cast their votes next week.
The future is in the hands of 2,500 people who have an important responsibility ahead of them.
As some say, every Tom, Dick and Harry can throw in their two sen worth of opinions, but in the end it is up to these delegates, known as the "G6" or "G7", who will decide on the fate of the political aspirants.

from chedet.co.cc

PEMILIHAN MAJLIS TERTINGGI UMNO By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on March 21, 2009 3:00 PM
1. Perhatian rakyat Malaysia terutama orang Melayu ialah kepada peristiwa-peristiwa yang sedang berlaku dalam UMNO. Samada mereka ahli atau bukan ahli mereka tahu UMNO memainkan peranan yang besar dalam kehidupan mereka, dalam maju mundurnya Negara mereka.
2. Apa yang mereka lihat sehingga kini tidak menyenangkan hati mereka akan keupayaan UMNO dikekalkan.
3. UMNO yang telah perintah Negara ini dengan baik selama 50 tahun sekarang dilihat sebagai parti yang tidak bermaya.
4. Dalam hanya lima tahun dibawah pimpinan Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, parti UMNO sudah rosak dan menjadi amat lemah. Seiring dengan kelemahan parti, Kerajaan juga menjadi lemah dan kehidupan rakyat sudah tidak lagi sempurna.
5. Sekarang Abdullah berjanji akan letak jawatan pada hujung bulan ini dan Dato Seri Najib Razak akan mengambil alih jawatan Perdana Menteri. Apakah Najib akan dapat memulihkan UMNO sehingga jadi kuat semula? Ini menjadi satu tanda tanya.
6. Apa yang berlaku dalam proses pemilihan kepimpinan tidak menjadi petanda yang baik. Parti UMNO sudah jadi parti perasuah. Samada ahli atau pemimpin, semuanya utamakan kepentingan diri.
7. Sepatutnya pemilihan pemimpin yang baru akan meyakinkan rakyat yang UMNO bersedia untuk membasmi gejala rasuah. Tetapi yang berlaku menunjuk yang UMNO tidak mempedulikan pemulihan parti dan pencapaian kemenangan dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-13. Yang diutamakan ialah untuk menjadi pemimpin UMNO dengan apa cara sekalipun. Harapan mereka jika jadi pemimpin UMNO akan dapat jadi Menteri dan dapat kontrak dan lain-lain nikmat untuk diri sendiri.
8. Ternampak jelas yang pencalonan ahli-ahli Majlis Tertinggi yang dibuat oleh bahagian adalah hasil sogokan. Ramai yang dicalon diketahui umum telah beli undi. Dengan itu peluang pertama untuk memulih imej parti dikalangan rakyat sudah gagal kerana bahagian-bahagian utamakan sogokan. Peluang kedua untuk memulih imej parti juga tidak direbut. Sebenarnya Lembaga Disiplin dan Tribunal yang ditugas untuk membicara dan menghukum calon-calon yang dituduh terlibat dengan rasuah telah tidak menggunakan tugas mereka untuk memperbaiki imej parti. Sebaliknya Tribunal membuat keputusan yang menunjuk ia tidak bersungguh untuk menghukum mereka yang diketahui terlibat dengan rasuah. Dengan itu imej parti tidak terpulih dan menjadi lebih buruk.
9. Sekarang datang pula peranan para wakil untuk memulih imej parti dengan menolak calon yang dikenali mengguna wang untuk undi calon. Jika mereka tolak calon-calon ini, mereka akan sedikit sebanyak memulih imej parti dan kemungkinan parti akan menang dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-13.
10. Tetapi oleh kerana keputusan Tribunal membolehkan calon-calon yang diketahui korup bertanding, perwakilan mungkin akan pilih mereka ini untuk menganggotai Majlis Tertinggi. Apabila ini berlaku imej parti akan jadi lebih buruk dan besar kemungkinan parti akan dikalahkan dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-13.
11. Tetapi terdapat satu lagi peluang untuk imej parti dipulih. Apabila Kerajaan baru dibentuk oleh Dato Seri Najib, beliau boleh menolak pemimpin-pemimpin yang menang kerana rasuah daripada menganggotai Kabinet dan lain-lain jawatan Kerajaan pimpinannya. Jika sebaliknya Najib melantik orang yang diketahui menang kerana rasuah ke dalam Kerajaannya maka akan termusnahlah kepercayaan rakyat kepada Najib dan Kerajaannya. Tidak syak lagi yang UMNO dan Barisan Nasional akan kalah teruk dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-13.
12. Saya percaya Dato Seri Abdullah akan paksa Najib pilih orang tertentu untuk jadi Menteri Kabinet Najib. Kita tahu sangat keinginan orang ini menjadi Perdana Menteri termuda. Sebenarnya kalau pun dia menang, penyertaannya dalam Kerajaan akan menyebabkan pengundi tolak Barisan Nasional dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-13. Apatah lagi jika dia kalah dan masih lagi dapat tempat dalam Kerajaan.
13. Jika Dato Seri Najib memilih perasuah dan orang tertentu dalam Kerajaan pimpinannya, UMNO akan kalah dan terus hancur. Najib akan tinggal legasi sebagai pembunuh UMNO yang dihidupkan oleh ayahnya.
14. Ahli-ahli UMNO harus ingat tidak ada gunanya menjadi pemimpin UMNO, menjadi Presiden UMNO pun jika BN kalah dan tidak dapat tubuh Kerajaan.
15. Orang Melayu akan kutuk mereka yang telah hancurkan UMNO kerana mereka tamak dan mengkhianati bangsa dan negara.

tunku : we hope the delegates won't let MALAYSIAN down not only umno members but MALAYSIAN. think about the 27million people out there when deciding, not yourself or your group.though many has said that umno has come to dead end etc, there is still bright future for umno and it can shine like it has never been provided what is said above taken into consideration.it is up to the delegates now.