Nur Jazlan: Pakatan is a hopeless pact

Opposition parties should forget their ambition of forming the federal government because they cannot even see eye to eye with each other in Selangor, said Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

The Deputy Home Minister said the rift among the parties, which has been further compounded by PKR's vice-president Rafizi Ramli's allegation of graft in the Selangor state administration, clearly shows that "Pakatan is a hopeless pact".

"Before this, they were Pakatan Rakyat, now they are Pakatan Harapan. Very soon, they will be 'pakatan tak ada harapan' (a hopeless pact)' or 'pakatan tak boleh harap (an unreliable pact)'.

"The DAP cannot get along with PAS. PKR is basically (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim)'s family against the rest. They cannot get along, so how can they 'pakat (form a pact)?'

"They cannot even work together in the Selangor government. Forget about forming a government at the national level," he told the press after opening the Malaysia Security Services Association's 24th annual general meeting here Tuesday.

Nur Jazlan, who is also Umno supreme council member, said Barisan Nasional would take advantage of the split among the Opposition parties to strengthen the coalition.

"We also have to help our component parties like MIC, MCA and Gerakan to get back on their feet and contribute in a way that they used to," he said.

Asked if the recent uproar over PAS’ Private Members’ Bill on syariah laws could hinder efforts to make Barisan stronger, Nur Jazlan said "sensibility will prevail".

"The Bill was just a proposal, not a resolution. It has to be voted on and there has been a lot of misunderstanding.

"There will be many debates from now on. But I think that sensibility will prevail.

"The MPs will make a decision which is in the best interest of the country," he added.

‘Umno members who contest as independents will be sacked’

Umno members who contest against Barisan Nasional in any election or by-election will have their membership automatically revoked, says Umno executive secretary Datuk Ab Rauf Yusoh.

“Our constitution is very clear. If you contest on an independent platform or any other platform without Umno’s consent you will be automatically sacked,” he told The Star Online on Tuesday.

He gave the example of Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali who contested the 2004 general election as an independent in the Pasir Mas seat.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pusat Bandar Taman Chempaka Umno Youth deputy secretary Syed Rosli Harman Jamalullail announced his intentions to contest the Kuala Kangsar by-election, saying he was not happy with Barisan’s decision to field Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid as a candidate.

Mastura, who is Datuk Wan Mohammad Khai-ril Anuar Wan Ahmad’s widow, is Barisan’s candidate for the June 18 by-election.

The Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Wan Mohammad Khai-ril.

He was among six killed in a helicopter crash on May 5 in Sebuyau, Sarawak.

Clause 20.10 of the Umno Constitution states that any Umno member contesting a general election as an independent candidate will be expelled from the party.

MCA : DAP should be held responsible over PAS’ hudud

The DAP should stop using hudud to gain political mileage and local support, said MCA publicity bureau chairman Senator Datuk Chai Kim Sen. 

In a statement Monday, he said the time was right for both sides of the political divide to stop the passing of the Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act that was tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in Parliament recently. 

Chai also blamed DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke for “dismissing the hudud crisis as scare tactics”. 

“He (Loke) should apologise to the Chinese community if he is still conscientious, and also join MCA’s effort in opposing hudud enactments from being implemented in the country,” added Chai. 

He, however, said Loke chose to make use of this issue to “attack MCA and weaken the party”. 

“Does DAP wish to see hudud materialised and implemented in the country? 

“We cannot do anything if DAP chooses to wash its hands off and refuse to stand up against PAS’ hudud enactments. 

“But DAP should stop smearing and insulting MCA, as well as making false claims to weaken the political strengths of MCA and other Barisan Nasional component parties,” said Chai. 

He added that in the past, DAP had campaigned on behalf of PAS during the previous general election. 

He said it was only now that DAP wanted to stay out of the mess it created by severing ties with PAS. 

‘It is too late for DAP to curb PAS’ growing influence, and the party should be held responsible for the hudud crisis,” Chai added.

PAS to see which party PKR assists in upcoming by-elections

PAS will wait and see which party PKR will assist in the twin Parliamentary by-elections, said PAS vice president Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah.

He added that it will be interesting to see whether PKR will help PAS or splinter party Amanah in the upcoming campaigns, or indeed submit a candidate itself.

"I cannot answer which party PKR will help during the campaign period and whether PKR will help PAS or Amanah  remains to be seen," he said.

Speaking to reporters after handing over house keys to the owners of a newly completed 42 units of double storey terrace houses built by Profil Impian Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation at Pengkalan Chepa on Monday.

He was asked to comment on newspaper reports that PKR was now in a bind over which party to support.

The Deputy Mentri Besar said whatever happens PAS is ready.

"We will wait and see whatever happens next, and I believe that PAS is ready for any situation including going it alone," he added.

Kedah MCA No. 2 and Gurun assemblyman quits party over hudud bill

Kedah MCA deputy chairman Datuk Dr Leong Yong Kong has resigned from the party in protest after the PAS' Private Members Bill on hudud was allowed to be tabled in Parliament.

"I am announcing that from this moment on, I have quit MCA until this issue has a turnaround," said Dr Leong, who is also Gurun assemblyman, at a press conference in Sungai Petani at about 1pm Friday.

He said that he would leave it to the MCA president, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to decide on his state exco position.

However, Dr Leong said he would remain as Gurun assemblyman.

The hudud amendment Bill was the last item (no. 15) on Thursday's Parliament Order List but Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman moved a motion to bring the debate forward, citing Standing Order 14(2).

However, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang requested that the debate be deferred to the next Parliamentary meeting in October as Thursday was the last day of the current meeting.

Dr Mahathir to be summoned over ‘house arrest’ claim

Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be asked to give his statement to the police regarding his claim that that the king and other rulers had been placed under house arrest.

When met at the Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM) during on Friday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said that police are currently looking into the matter and would seek clarification from the former prime minister.

“We will take his statement when the time is right,” he said.

On May 23, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission adviser Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim lodged a report against Dr Mahathir regarding his claims, and said that allegations were “false and mischievous”.

Dr Mahathir had claimed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and other rulers had been placed under house arrest to prevent them from receiving the signatures of those who supported the Citizens’ Declaration.

Statesman must keep dignity and reputation

TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad served at the helm of this nation for 22 long years. And throughout his tenure, we stood by him through thick and thin. The cornerstone that held us together was that singular mind to take the nation forward given the trust of the rakyat. We stood loyally with our leader.

And who does not know what Dr Mahathir would do, and indeed did, to those who crossed his path?

History has a clear record of how every potential leader who could have continued the journey wearing the hat of premiership fell.

Tun Ghafar Baba, Tun Musa Hitam, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi – these men were the casualties of Dr Mahathir’s grip on power.

But today when he keeps hammering out statements and writings that do not speak well of true statemanship as he guns down Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he should be mindful of two truths.

One, he has betrayed all of us who stood by him throughout his 22 long years as PM. If we stand by Najib, who is our current PM, it is because we learnt it the hard way from Dr Mahathir.

Two, he must know he is not, by virtue of his dictatorial rule, the ultimate king-maker for the rakyat.

The voting population cast their precious votes and they will not let a once-upon-a-time PM continue to hack and derail a legitimate PM as he has done in the past to so many.

Truly, as any religion or for that matter any philosopher or conscious civil society leader anywhere in the pages of humanity’s struggles against the many odds have vouched, a statesman or an elder in society must not only earn but also learn to keep his dignity and reputation. Sadly, that is not what we are witnessing with Dr Mahathir. Today, his language and actions clearly show a bitter and beaten man at war.

Fortunately for him and his blinded loyalists, Najib does not practise any traits of Machiavellian politics. Otherwise the price that would be paid by some would probably be in the likes of that unforgettable Ops Lalang.

Dr Mahathir, let the truth be told. And telling the truth even if it hurts is not being disrespectful. If not for politics, do it at least for all our young children.

Stop calling people, especially Najib our current leader, names and disgusting terms.

Every leader has a right and a duty to perform and deliver according to his or her promises. It cannot always be your way.

TAN SRI M. KAYVEAS

PAS exco men should quit Azmin's line-up, says DAP

The three PAS exco members in the Selangor government should relook at their positions in Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s line-up, said a state DAP leader.

“If I were one of them, I would resign because I did not follow the instructions of the mentri besar,’’ said Selangor DAP youth chief Eric Teh Hoong Keat.

He said it would be difficult for them remain in the executive council after their party refused to cooperate over the Sungai Besar by-election.

Azmin had asked PAS not to contest in the by-election so that PKR can field its candidate there.

However, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has been adamant that his party contest the seat despite signals indicating that PKR has a better chance of winning.

Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) youth chief Abbas Azmi said it is a matter of integrity whether or not the PAS exco members remain in the state government.

“But it is their party's decision (to contest in Sungai Besar) so they are obligated to stick to it," said Abbas.

Teh and Abbas were speaking to reporters at a PKR-Amanah-DAP press conference after announcing campaign plans for the Sungai Besar by-election scheduled on June 18.

Abbas said 100 youth members from each party will work together to campaign for the Pakatan Harapan candidate.

Ironically, PKR Youth representatives were absent from the joint press conference.

Meanwhile, according to a PKR source, the negotiations between Azmin and Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad have come to a stalemate.

The source said grassroots party leaders are beginning to blame Amanah for the current "mess".

“They (Amanah members) should have remained in PAS instead of forming another party.

“Then, they would have been the voice of reason in PAS," he added.

Nazri awaits Dr M in Kuala Kangsar for some 'sparring sessions'

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has welcomed Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Kuala Kangsar for some “bertumbuk-tumbuk” (sparring session) during campaigning for the June 18 by-election

“I will wait for Dr Mahathir in Kuala Kangsar.

“This is a free democratic country. Mahathir is free to go anywhere. He is not being held under ISA detention unlike during his time.

“So we welcome him, I'll wait for him in Kuala Kangsar for ' bertumbuk-tumbuk'. We will fight la," Nazri, who is Padang Rengas MP, told reporters at Parliament lobby.

Earlier this month, Dr Mahathir had called on the opposition to ensure straight fights with Barisan Nasional in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar parliamentary by-elections.

Nazri said he believed Dr Mahathir has lost credibility and his presence in Kuala Kangsar would only help Barisan.

“Nobody will trust him anymore. A lot have lost faith in him and in his most unbecoming character.
“I don't think he will attract a lot of votes but I think people just dislike his presence there and will vote for us, which is a good thing," he said.

Amanah offers to be ‘peacekeepers’ to stop PAS-PKR squabble

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) says it wants to contest in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections in order to play its role as "peacekeepers".

Amanah communications director Khalid Samad said it was best for the party to contest in the polls as anything otherwise would affect the Selangor government.

"For us in Amanah, let us contest. We don't want PKR and PAS to fight because it will affect the relationship between them in the state government.

"By allowing us to contest in the polls, it will strengthen the party’s position in Pakatan Harapan as the replacement for PAS where we can get the support of Malay Muslims," he told reporters at Parliament lobby.

The Shah Alam MP said this would also enable the party to gauge the support of the people.

Asked if Amanah would be agreeable to the idea of contesting one of the two seats while PAS contested the other, Khalid said it would depend on the ongoing negotiations which would conclude at the Pakatan presidential meeting.
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Among the candidates considered for the polls are Amanah deputy chairman  Salahuddin Ayub, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and Mohamad Sabu.

'Show your manliness,' contest individually, opposition parties told

Opposition parties have been told to “show your manliness” and each field its own candidates in the two upcoming by-elections.

Lenggong MP Datuk Anuar Nasarah of Umno said PKR, PAS and Parti Amanah Negara should cease negotiating among themselves on who should contest in the parliamentary seats of Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

“I advise PKR, PAS and Amanah, no need to negotiate among yourselves, just contest individually.

“Show off your manliness. Let the people decide who is better, PAS or PKR Amanah or DAP," he told reporters at Paliament lobby.

Anuar said the “bickering” by the opposition parties over the seats should serve as an advantage to Barisan Nasional.

“The more people contest the more it reflects democracy.

“We are ready for more competition and I believe that Barisan Nasional will overcome all obstacles," he said.

The opposition parties have been negotiating over the two seats with PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali allegedly issuing an “ultimatum” to PAS to back its candidate in Sungai Besar or its three executive councillors would be sacked from the Selangor exco.

PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang has been adamant that the party would field candidates in both by-elections.

Amanah has also reiterated its stand to join in the fray.

Zahid: No reason for disciplinary action against IGP

There is no reason to take disciplinary action against Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar for ordering police investigations with his social media account, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

The Home Minister said Khalid was acting within the ambit of his job scope when he issued the orders through his official Twitter account. 

“This kind of announcement (on social media) is not against any laws or regulations, but is in fact a faster way to relay information to the public. 

“The Ministry does not view the IGP’s actions as wrong because he was discharging his duty in making the orders so that swift action could be taken to contain certain issues,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said this in a written reply to N. Surendran (PKR-Padang Serai) at the Dewan Rakyat here on Monday. 

“Even so, details of ongoing investigations and their eventual results will not be released on social media,” he added. 

Surendran had asked if action would be taken against Khalid for making orders on Twitter for investigations against members of the public including those who had been critical of his actions. 

Khalid was known to make statements and call for police investigations through his official Twitter account.

Najib: Rise in FDIs show govt's approach is right

The rise in foreign direct investments (FDI) show that the government's approach towards attracting foreign investment is right, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said he has always stressed the importance of governance and closer bilateral relations between Malaysia and its trading partners.

"Between 2009 and 2015, FDI was growing at 22 per cent annually.

"This is one of the signs that the approach taken by the government is right and gives foreign investors the confidence to continue to invest in Malaysia," he said in the latest entry in his blog www.najibrazak.com Sunday night.

Najib also declared his visits to the United Kingdom (UK) and Russia a success, boosting investors' confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment destination.

"Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I am confident my working visits to the UK and Russia have enhanced relations among our governments and boosted investors' confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment destination full of potential," he said.

Najib's visit to the UK beginning on May 15 was, among others, to attend the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) annual meeting and to launch the Malaysia-UK Investor Showcase.

He later attended the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit in Sochi, Russia on May 19-20.

While in London, he attended several meetings and sessions with fund managers and industry leaders with whom he shared the latest developments and prospects for growth and development in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with the continued commitment shown by many UK companies at the Malaysia-UK Investor Showcase to investing in new projects and expanding existing businesses.

In Sochi, he said Malaysia would also explore the possibility of holding negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Azmin: I don't know if Hadi knows what's happening in PAS

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali  took a swipe at Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, saying that the PAS president “may not be aware of what goes on in his own party.”

Azmin said he was ready to meet Hadi to iron out the seat negotiations with PAS for the Sungai Besar parliamentary by-election to be held on June 18.

Azmin, who is PKR deputy president, said he has held meetings twice with PAS top leaders, including deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, election director Datuk Mustafa Ali and Hadi’s political secretary Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, on the seat negotiation, despite Hadi’s reported firmness on PAS contesting it.

“Sometimes I pity Ustad Hadi.

“Maybe he is not aware of what is happening in the party,” Azmin said when met at the launch of SmartSelangor Food Stamp programme here Friday.

Azmin was asked of reports about Hadi’s denial on the seat negotiations between PKR and PAS.
Asked if PAS was still adamant on contesting, Azmin refused to comment “merely based on assumption.”

“The room for discussion is still open.

“Pakatan Harapan and PAS have many good candidates. That's why we are still discussing,” he said, adding that there was still a long way to go before the nomination on June 5.

Asked on the outcome of his meeting with Parti Amanah Negara a day earlier, Azmin said Amanah, a breakaway group of PAS, had “mentioned” about fielding its candidate.

“I heard their views. But I remain open to listen to Amanah leaders to find a better solution. I think that the discussions and differences in opinions are the strength for us before a final decision is made.
“I have met with PAS' top leadership, Amanah and I have discussed with the Penang chief minister.
“The series of discussions with PAS, Amanah and Penang CM (Lim Guan Eng) went positively and we hope that a consensus could be reached in the near future,” he added

DAP rep Rajiv dares Rafizi to report to MACC against Selangor govt

A DAP assemblyman wants PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli to lodge a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over claims that the Selangor government was making demands for money and sex during negotiations.

"He should at least lodge a report with the MACC. As much as it will be a setback to the party in the short run, we cannot cover up corruption," Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

Rafizi Ramli, who is Pandan MP, allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to a chat group claiming incidences of graft in the PKR-led Selangor state government.

"Yesterday, I received complaints from bona fide people that, other than money, there are now demands for women when dealing with the state government.

"They have complained to me and I'm currently collecting information," Rafizi wrote. The claims appeared in the "Solidarity for Anwar" WhatsApp group on Wednesday.

The Star has been trying to contact Rafizi on the claims.

Salleh Keruak raps WSJ for quoting unnamed sources

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak has taken a swipe at The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for continuing to make false allegations but attributing them to anonymous sources.

This, he said, was a cowardly way to avoid being sued.

"But we know they won't provide names, because they can't," he said in a blog posting critical of WSJ reporting on Malaysia.

“The truth is that their reporting is based at best on rumours, and at worst on politically motivated lies that they've accepted without proper verification, just for the sake of another sensational headline," he said.

Salleh noted that despite their anonymous sources being proven wrong time and time again, such as their false reports on the new Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, the WSJ continued to make allegations without any evidence.

Salleh said it was no coincidence that all WSJ's reporting on Malaysia since former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad began his Anti-Najib Campaign was based on one thing - what they claimed anonymous sources and anonymous investigators said.

"Not once has a name been provided for these sources. If they actually exist, then why doesn't the WSJ tell Malaysians who they are?

"Otherwise how can they expect anything they write to be believed, after being proven wrong so many times," Salleh said.

The latest WSJ article, again citing unnamed sources, relates to the purported purchase of a property in London.

Don't hold Selangor govt to ransom, Amanah tells PAS

PAS should not hold the Selangor state government to ransom for its own gains, said Parti Amanah Negara.

Its communication director Khalid Samad said PAS should be more considerate with its decisions.

"You (PAS) should not hold the state government to ransom even if you don't agree. You can't use the state government as an instrument to achieve your gains," he said at a press conference Thursday.

"Voters did not just choose PAS candidates individually, they chose PAS as part of Pakatan Rakyat in 2013.

"Therefore, PAS cannot use its victories to threaten its former allies to achieve what it wants," he said.

He added that PAS should ensure that the people are always the priority.

"So we urge PAS to act with responsibility and not to betray the trust of voters," Khalid said in responding to PAS' insistence that it would contest in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

PAS had also reiterated that seat negotiations are over despite PKR calling for talks on the issue.

Following this, it was reported that PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali had called on PAS exco members to resign from the Selangor state government.

Khalid said Azmin's response was reasonable since PAS itself was not working with Pakatan Harapan.

Asked whether Amanah would contest in the by-elections, Khalid said Pakatan Harapan will discuss it in the presidential council meeting next week.

Hadi Awang: No more talk, PAS will contest by-elections

PAS says there will be no more negotiations with other Opposition parties and will go ahead with its decision to contest both the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar Parliamentary constituency by-elections.

Speaking to reporters at the parliament lobby, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said they had already identified its candidates.

"The negotiations are over. PAS has made a decision to contest," he said.

Asked if he had met with PKR's Azmin Ali on the by-election, he replied that he had not.

When asked if PKR was pleased with the outcome of negotiations he said; "ask PKR if they are satisfied or not".

He said that PAS would field local candidates, adding that PAS had won in Arau with a majority of 1,000 before.

PAS was said to be in talks with PKR to prevent a three-cornered fight against Barisan Nasional during the two by-elections on June 18.

Najib: Dr M's unreasonable behaviour expected

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has described Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call to defeat Barisan Nasional in the upcoming by-elections as "unreasonable" (tidak wajar) but "expected" .

He said Dr Mahathir had received so much good (jasa) from Barisan and Umno but was now asking people to reject Barisan.

"He has received so much through Barisan and Umno. Without the BN and the party, he would not have been a minister or the prime minister for 22 years. He and his family have benefited from his position as prime minister, and this is due to the strength of Barisan and Umno.

"He is now asking people to reject the party that has been good to him.

"Does it make sense for us to stab the party that has done so much for us in the back?" said the Umno president and Barisan chairman at a press conference here Tuesday night with the Malaysian media at the end of his five-day working visit here.

On Sunday, Dr Mahathir called for a combined effort to defeat Barisan in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections on June 15.

He warned Opposition parties against splitting the anti-Barisan vote, citing the recent elections in Sarawak where DAP, PKR, PAS and Amanah were engaged in multi-cornered contests against the ruling coalition.

On the candidates for the by-elections, Najib said the selection process was still ongoing and they had to be selected carefully to ensure their success.

"They must not only be acceptable to the party but also to the constituents," he said.

Najib was responding to a question on the possible candidates for the by-elections following the deaths of Sungai Besar MP and Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon, and Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad in a helicopter crash on May 5.

Noriah and Wan Mohammad were among six people killed when the helicopter they were in crashed near Sebuyau in Sarawak.

The Prime Minister said he had not had the time to look into details of the matter and that of a Cabinet restructure following the death of Noriah and the appointment of Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. There is also the vacancy left by Plantation Industries and Commodities ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, who also perished in the crash.

Dr M has finally shown his insincerity, says Nur Jazlan

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's move to condemn Barisan Nasional, expecting it to lose in upcoming by-elections, reflects his "actual insincerity", said Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby Tuesday, the Deputy Home Minister said Dr Mahathir is insincere on the struggles faced by Umno.

"Now he is saying he wants Barisan to lose in the by-elections. That shows his insincerity.

"Finally, at the age of 90-plus, he has shown his actual insincerity for Umno's struggles," he said.

Nur Jazlan added that Umno used to respect Dr Mahathir as a leader.

"We used to respect him as the leader of the party, for 22 years as prime minister," he said.

Asked about the eight-page letter by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warning Opposition leaders over the Citizens Declaration led by Dr Mahathir, Nur Jazlan said Anwar should know what he is talking about.

"I think Anwar, being a victim of Tun Mahathir years ago, knows what he is doing. He knows better," he said.

On Sunday, Dr Mahathir called for combined efforts to defeat Barisan Nasional in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections next month.

He warned Opposition parties against splitting the anti-Barisan vote, citing the recent elections in Sarawak where DAP, PKR, PAS and Amanah were engaged in multi-cornered contests against Barisan.

PAS willing to lose Kelantan rather than give way to Amanah

Kelantan PAS is willing to lose the state  in the next general election rather than give way to Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) to contest in its stronghold, said party vice president Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah.

"This is one thing PAS cannot compromise on and we are willing to lose all rather than work with traitors.”

"I am aware of Amanah's subtle tactics and they will try to make a deal with us that they will contest for the Parliamentary seats while the state seats will be contested by PAS.

“This is a party that will be satisfied should they only win one seat in Kelantan but PAS will give no quarter to PAN," the Kelantan Deputy Commissioner said in his speech at the Pengkalan Chepa PAS division recently.

The closed door meeting was officiated by party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, and the video was uploaded on Mohd Amar's facebook on Sunday.

Amar likened Amanah to a robber who runs away with  other’s  property, but when apprehended tries to negotiate a share of the loot.

"How can we work with these people who have betrayed the party? I want to state it very clear that we will never have anything to do with Amanah. Not today, tomorrow or ever," he said sternly.

One million signatures collected for Citizens' Declaration have no impact

The Citizens’ Declaration meeting its one million signatures target as claimed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against the Prime Minister does not make an impact, says Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor. 

Speaking to reporters in Parliament here on Monday, the Umno secretary-general said the figure was insignificant because it only constituted a small number compared with Malaysia’s population of almost 30 million.

On claims of university students signing the Citizens’ Declaration, Tengku Adnan said it was not an issue.

He said it was likely that the students signed because they did not know what they were doing.

Dr Mahathir earlier said that the verified online signatures as of Thursday noon were 1,071,997, with more than 200,000 more unique verified signatures on paper.

The former premier claimed the movement had met its initial target in just two months, even though it had given itself a year-end deadline.

DAP yet to show public accountability

The DAP should disclose all complaints of abuse of funds that have been lodged against the party’s office bearers.

The public has yet to see any form of “action or public accountability” from DAP, said MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Leong Kim Soon.

Referring to the sacking of Teluk Datok assemblyman Loh Chee Heng recently, Leong questioned whether the DAP was trying to take credit for the sacking.

“In the name of transparency, MCA Youth wishes to inquire how many complaints, be it written, verbal or through news reports, has DAP received about their 100 plus Yang Berhormat at both the federal and state level?

“Why is DAP keeping the complaints hush hush and only choose one sacrificial lamb?

“Likewise, why has the DAP disciplinary committee not seen to have taken action against DAP Kajang councillor Lee Kee Hiong who, after the 2008 political tsunami, had managed all of DAP exco Ean Yong Hian Wah’s allocations for his constituency,” asked Leong.

He said Lee had admitted that the director of WSK Services, Lee Wye Wing, the company which was given most of the projects below RM20,000 in Kajang then, was her uncle.

The DAP had investigated a written complaint it received in March and found there was a basis for it.

DAP acting national chairman Tan Kok Wai said internal investigations conducted by the Selangor DAP committee found evidence of financial misconduct on Loh’s part.

SUPP condemns insults on social media targeting Sarawakians

SUPP has condemned the flood of hate messages and insults which have been hurled against Sarawakians on social media following the state Barisan Nasional’s landslide election victory.

The party, a component party of Sarawak Barisan, called the insults offensive and hurtful, adding that they were likely from Opposition supporters who are frustrated with their parties’ crushing defeat in the just-concluded state polls.

SUPP information chief Adam Yii said Monday that party leaders were saddened by the messages that reflected politics of hate.

“There have been a sizable number of insulting messages being posted on social media since the results of the state election on Saturday.

“Those posting these hateful messages are mocking Sarawakians with insinuations that we are jungle people living on tree tops, that we are poor people easily bought with money; and they have labelled us stupid and idiots.

“There are also insults of a racial and religious nature.

“It is clear that those posting these messages cannot accept the results of this state polls and that they are frustrated that the Opposition has been soundly defeated. But messages of an extreme hateful nature are beyond accepted norms and beyond decency.

“Sarawakians have already made their choice and this is part of the democratic process.

“Sarawakians did not insult anyone when the Opposition won Penang and Selangor,” he said.

Yii said that Sarawakians had made their choice to follow the path they believe in, thus everyone should move on.

Barisan won 72 of the 82 seats on in the state election.

A rude wake-up call for DAP

THE big screens set up outside DAP’s Kuching headquarters flickered to life shortly after the tallying of votes began.

There was an upbeat mood as supporters trickled in to watch the live updates of the vote count for the Sarawak election. It did not take long for them to realise the evening would end on an unhappy note for DAP.

There were only about a dozen people left at about 9pm when Barisan Nasional secured a simple majority and state DAP chief Chong Chien Jen conceded defeat.

Chong looked deflated and exhausted. He did not have much to say and the press conference wrapped up after 20 minutes.

The party won only seven of the 31 seats it contested.

In the 2011 election, it contested 15 seats and won 12.

It was a devastating outcome for this ultra ambitious party.

There was a clear Chinese swing back to Barisan given the way Chinese seats fell to Team Adenan.

DAP lost to Barisan even in Repok, where Chinese formed 75% of the voters.

Seats that DAP managed to hold on to saw the majorities shaved by almost 50%.

The party took voters for granted when it persisted in fielding candidates who had personal problems and who had not performed.

For instance, in the fiercely contested Batu Kawah seat, the feedback was that DAP incumbent Christina Chiew had not been effective but she was fielded again.

The party was confident she could beat SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is a cardiologist. Sadly, even sympathy over her miscarriage which her party announced at a packed finale ceramah, failed to save her.

In Meradong, there had been so much gossip about the personal life of lawyer Ting Tze Fui. Again, the party took voters for granted, thinking that they did not care about what went on behind closed doors.

After all, she had won in 2006 and 2011, and she was fielded again. This time, there was no political tsunami to wash away rumours about her private life and she lost.

The party’s “Impian Sarawak” project to take on the rural bumiputra seats also ended in a nett loss. In some seats, the independent candidate secured more votes than DAP.

In seats where DAP and PKR took on each other, their combined votes were nowhere near those of Barisan candidates.

PKR, at least, managed to hold on to the seats they won in 2011.

“It was total annihilation, we’re not ready to make inroads into non-Chinese seats,” said a DAP leader from the peninsula.

A private think-tank headed by a media-shy Datuk from Kuala Lumpur said it was folly for DAP to launch its hinterland ambitions at a time when Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem was so popular.

“They should have focused their manpower and resources on defending what they had,” he said.

DAP is in for some serious soul-searching. It would be all too easy to blame everything on Adenan Fever. What happened in Sarawak also had to do with DAP itself.

Their success in the last two general elections has made them over-ambitious about power and positions.

Their top leaders think they can say and do what they like and people, especially their Chinese supporters, will swallow it without chewing.

They do not realise that people are starting to see through their sloganeering and that the racist and unpatriotic remarks of their cyber troopers are a turn-off for moderate Malaysians.

The problems in Sarawak DAP are not very different from those of their peninsula counterparts. There is also some dynastic politics going on in Sarawak DAP.

DAP has also expanded into unfamiliar territory in the peninsula and in the process, its leaders have stepped on the toes of their Pakatan Harapan allies.

They have become over-confident and arrogant even towards their partners. The public fight between DAP and PKR over seats cost them the moral high ground.

The level of distrust was heightened by the rivalry between DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

There is also some disconnect on the part of DAP leaders with what Sarawakians really care about.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang is still a hero among the Chinese crowd but was a flop in connecting with the bumiputra voters.

He told a ceramah in Murum that if DAP succeeded in forming the state government in 2021, the first DAP chief minister of Sarawak was unlikely to be a Chinese and would most likely be a Dayak.

He could not even commit to promising that a Dayak would be the chief minister. It was so obvious he was keeping the options open for a Chinese to fill the post.

At the nightly ceramah, party workers went around handing out posters with the words, “Mana RM2.6 billion?”.

They then asked the crowd to hold the posters in the air while photographers clicked away, after which the posters were collected back to be used at the next ceramah.

The choreography was entertaining but failed to translate into votes.

A Chinese voter from Sarikei summed it up best.

He said many Chinese in Sarawak voted for the opposition in 2011 because DAP promised that Barisan would fall in the 2013 general election.

They overlooked the shortcomings of DAP candidates because they thought they could change the government.

That, he said, did not happen and they decided to vote as they saw fit this time around.

Sarawak has been a rude and loud wake-up call for DAP ahead of the next general election.

Husam Musa sacked from PAS

Datuk Husam Musa has been sacked by PAS’s disciplinary committee after examining all complaints of misconduct against him.

“We have considered all aspects which also took into account all party interest and our struggles,” the party said in a statement on Friday.

“On April 26, we found that he had contravene Article 82 of the PAS constitution (1) (b), (c ), (d), (e) and (f).

“The disciplinary committee has unanimously agreed based on Article 82(6)( d ) of the PAS Constitution (Amendment 2011) to take action against him,” the statement said.

#PRNSarawak : Moves to smear SUPP, says ex-chief Peter Chin

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) former president Tan Sri Peter Chin claimed there are moves to smear the party's image ahead of polling day on Saturday.

At a press conference on Thursday, Chin said Sarawak Report had published an article with a picture that allegedly showed him receiving a cheque to be used for the election from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Chin said the article was an attempt to create suspicion against SUPP.

"This is clearly an attempt to smear the good image of the SUPP and meddle in the affairs of our party.

"As the past president of the SUPP I must explain that we have never received any monetary contribution as that is against the law.

"I urge voters not to be swayed by such sinister tactics to cast suspicion on the SUPP," he said.

Last week, Senadin SUPP said it had uncovered attempts by certain rivals to smear its image and cheat voters in the hotseat of Senadin in Miri City.

SUPP-BN candidate for Senadin, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, said  certain people had been distributing RM200 to each voter and claiming that the money was from SUPP.

He said these people are saying that they are agents of SUPP so that they can collect the voters' MyKad and vote on their behalf.

Lee said he had alerted the police on the matter.

#PRNSarawak : Sarawak teachers get tablets to enhance teaching

Teachers in the country will be given tablet computers to enhance teaching in classrooms, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The project will start in Sarawak with the distribution of tablets to more than 42,000 teachers in the state. The tablets are preloaded with education and e-paper software developed by Utusan Malaysia newspaper.

“We hope that this will help to increase the creativity of teachers,” Najib said at an event to mark the symbolic distribution of the tablets to teachers in the state.

The Prime Minister said the move would hopefully narrow the divide between teachers and pupils, who have a better grasp of the latest technology.

“This is the first state. All teachers in primary and secondary schools and all teachers serving under the Education Office at district and state level will receive this tablet.

"After Sarawak we will move to the other states and in due course, all primary and secondary school teachers will be equipped with this tablet,” he said.

Najib hoped the move would have a major impact in improving the quality of teaching and learning in the classrooms.

#PRNSarawak : PBB set to bag all the 40 seats it is contesting

PBB, the party which has always been part of the ruling alliance in Sarawak, looks likely to repeat its feat in the past two state elections when it swept all the seats it contested.

Most political observers are confident that PBB president Tan Sri Ade­­nan Satem’s team will be relatively untroubled in the 40 seats it is contesting as most are in rural areas.

Back in 2011, the PBB went for 35 seats.

Team Adenan appears to have pressed all the right buttons especially with his talk about unity and autonomy.

“At the heart of this manifesto is our promise to safeguard this precious unity of ours,” he said at the launch of the Sarawak Barisan Nasional manifesto last Tuesday.

His manifesto emphasised religious freedom, no hudud in Sarawak, no restriction on the word Allah and Bahasa Malaysia bibles.

In fact, Adenan has openly quoted from the Bible and given the assurance that Sarawak does not condone forced conversions.

Prof Dr Syed Arabi Idid of the International Islamic University said Barisan Nasional would lose some seats but it would not be those contested by PBB.

“I believe they’re very confident of straightforward victories; firstly because of Adenan’s popularity and secondly, there’s no strong Opposi­tion in the seats contested by PBB,” he said.

Development plans laid out by the chief minister for rural areas would comfortably see PBB through, he said.

PBB publicity and public affairs working committee chairman Datuk Peter Minos was quoted as saying last month that PBB’s election machinery had been ready for battle since March.

In the 2011 state election, Barisan secured about 80% of the Muslim bu­­miputra votes. This segment re­­mains PBB’s strongest support base.

Notably, none of the Muslim majority constituencies are in any danger of going to the Opposition.

So far, the grey seats PBB is contesting are those involving non-Muslim bumiputras like in Machan.

Nonetheless, Barisan’s dacing symbol remains a potent force to be reckoned with in rural Sarawak.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Assoc Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said rural areas had been the stronghold of Barisan and PBB for decades.

“The 40 seats should be no problem, but there will be uphill battles in a few seats maybe because of promises not fulfilled, less development and ‘wrong’ candidates,” he added.

#PRNSarawak : Barisan making a final push to win over voters

With two days left to polling, Barisan Nasional is making a final push to turn grey areas into safe seats. Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem is not easing up on the campaign trail, continuing to meet voters across the state.


Yesterday, he attended a meet-the-people gathering at Kampung Maludam in Lingga, where Barisan incumbent Simoi Peri is in a three-way contest with PKR’s Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh and ex-PBB independent Wan Abdillah Edruce Wan Abdul Rahman.

Today, Adenan will attend similar gatherings in Meradong and a longhouse in Engkilili.
On polling eve, he will attend functions in Lundu before attending a final ceramah at Premier 101 here, a DAP stronghold, in support of Barisan’s urban Chinese candidates.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak called on Barisan parties to keep working hard in the last lap.
“We cannot take victory for granted. We must ensure all efforts are made and leave no stone unturned,” he said when asked about Barisan’s push to turn grey seats white.

He cautioned the people not to be taken in by the Opposition’s tactics, such as their claims during the 13th general election that Barisan had brought in 40,000 Bangladeshi nationals to vote.
“This became a hot issue at that time and made the people angry with Barisan, but after the election they found out it was not true.

“So I want to remind voters in Sarawak to be careful. Barisan will not resort to tactics which will incite anger or cause confusion,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Adenan’s 70-seat target was achievable if the Barisan machinery was able to reach voters across all 82 constituencies.

“We are working very hard and very smart to reach the target,” he said .

He said Barisan’s biggest worry was any last-minute “bombshell” which might be thrown by the Opposition on polling eve.

“We should not try to undermine any political parties. We should be mature enough in carrying out our campaign,” he said.

He also reckoned that the attitude of urban Chinese voters was now shifting towards Barisan.
“Now is the time for change – change to go with Barisan Nasional. Our opponents have been promoting this tagline before but the wave has now moved to our side,” he said.

I’ll see Mukhriz in court, says Tengku Sariffuddin

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s press secretary Datuk Seri Tengku Sarif­fuddin Tengku Ahmad says he is standing by his remarks about Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, and that he was prepared to meet the latter in court.

He said it was ironic that the former prime minister’s son had resorted to suing him.

“It is his father Tun Mahathir who always claims that the law is being used to silence critics of Prime Minister Najib Razak,” Tengku Sariffuddin said in a statement uploaded on the Prime Minister’s Facebook page yesterday.

On Monday, Mukhriz filed a civil claim against Tengku Sariffuddin seeking damages for loss of reputation for alleged defamation.

Stressing that he was unperturbed by the legal suit, Tengku Sariffuddin said he was looking forward to discussing the matter in court.

“Their legal action shows that I have hit a nerve. It is understandable that Mukhriz is emotionally distressed that for once his father has failed to get his way,” he added.

Stressing that he did not make any wild allegations, Tengku Sarif­fuddin said his opinions were “fair comment” based on the actions by Dr Mahathir, Mukhriz and ousted Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who led a failed campaign to unseat Najib.

“They (Dr Mahathir, Mukhriz and Muhyiddin) were interested parties, and I believe motivated by ambition and desire for power.

“Many think that Tun Mahathir wanted Tan Sri Muhyiddin to be his proxy prime minister, with Mukhriz as deputy prime minister until he was ready to take over,” Tengku Sariffuddin added.

He said Dr Mahathir was aware that there was a much faster way than the courts to stop speculation pertaining to his motivation to replace Najib.

“All he (Dr Mahathir) needs to do is state who he wants instead as prime minister and deputy prime minister.

“His (Dr Mahathir’s) consistent failure to answer this one simple question betrays the truth: the ob­jective of Tun Mahathir’s Anti-Najib Campaign is to pave the way for his son,” said Tengku Sariffuddin, adding that his statements were fair and without malice.

Police escorts for Dr M only upon request for special functions.

Police will now accord Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad traffic police escorts only upon request for official functions.

"We will consider traffic police escorts for Tun Mahathir on a case-by-case basis,’’ Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said.

Khalid said he decided to withdraw the police outriders privilege for the former prime minister because he was attending functions that were "anti-government or illegal" such as the Bersih and anti-GST rallies.

"It is my decision to withdraw the outriders as he (Dr Mahathir) was attending illegal functions. It does not make sense as law enforcers to escort someone to an anti-government or an illegal rally.

"But, I did not withdraw his personal bodyguard who is a policeman from the UTK (Unit Tindakan Khas) for his personal safety," Khalid told reporters after presenting medals to 200 policemen who served during Ops Daulat to put down the Sulu intrusion at Lahad Datu in 2013.

"Why should we provide traffic police escort to a person who is going to functions which are against the law,’’ he said.

Khalid said Dr Mahathir could write to him for outriders for all official government functions .
"I hope Tun Mahathir understand our position on the matter,’’ he added.

Khalid warned others not to provide escort services to the former premier as they were not trained and would be endangering their own lives and those of other road users.

"I know some people are saying they want to provide traffic escort services. We will take action against such people who want to become outriders,’’ he said adding that there were sufficient laws, including the Road Transport Act, that can be used against them.

He said motorists need not follow the "orders" of the private escorts who were usually riding the big bikes.

#PRNSarawak : Kuching hosts first Federal Cabinet meeting in Sarawak

It has been a long while since Wisma Bapa was full of members from the media.

And today, the state's administrative headquarters was teeming with reporters as the Federal Cabinet meeting gets underway.

This is the first time that the Cabinet meeting is held outside the Federal capital since 2009 when it was held in Kuantan, Pahang.

The ministers were seen arriving at 8am and the pressmen were eagerly waiting at the lobby.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem arrived about 9am. He waited for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who arrived some 20 minutes later and walked with him to Wisma Bapa's 21st floor where the meeting was held.

#PRNSarawak : ‘Animals’ are running loose in Sarawak

From drones, war heroes to fuzzy soft toys — it’s an election campaign that stretches your imagination.

Even an owl which perched itself on a railing during a ceramah at a longhouse in Sibu was seen by the audience as a good omen for their candidate.

And animal-themed mascots adopted by political parties and candidates have become a fixture, appearing everywhere from posters to sugar-free mints.

Welcome to the Land of the Hornbills, where cows are grazing in Kuching, hawks are soaring all over, bees are buzzing and rhinoceroses are roaming about.

Peter Pau, who is the Barisan Nasional candidate for Padungan where Kuching’s Chinatown is located, opted for the cow as his mascot because he felt that the animal was known to be hardworking.

“Now that I am actively involved in politics, I resigned from my work as an engineer in order to give all my attention and time to serve the people,” he was quoted as saying.

UPP chose the hawk to symbolise its campaign in the state, while SUPP presented its bee with a tagline “We Can Bee”.

SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is contesting in Batu Kawah, promised to “Bee More for Business”, “Bee Great for Hometown” and “Bee Smart for Education”.

Sweets that were handed out in ceramah were packaged in wrappers that featured a QR code for you to scan for more info.

PKR picked the rhinoceros – as it was an animal linked to Borneo – and named it “Adil”.

DAP’s choice remains the hornbill called “Ubah”.

As for the billboards, the images featured included that of war hero Datuk Kanang Langkau seen in Barisan’s campaign with the tagline “peace, moderation and unity”.

(The banner, however, appeared to have been brought down following complaints from a military enthusiast group called Gempurwira which lodged a report to the Defence Ministry.)

Another banner showed Sarawakian nationalist Rosli Dhoby with the words “struggle for the word of Sarawak”.

PAS put up a replica of a green and white fighter jet replica in Tatau town. It also “deployed” a fighter tank covered with party flag in Kampung Iboi, Sadong Jaya.

The DAP, meanwhile, used drones to take images of the ceramah crowd.

#PRNSarawak : BN Can Win By Two-third Majority In Sarawak Election - PAS

PAS, regarded as Barisan Nasional's biggest rival in the mainland, has conceded that BN will win the Sarawak election by a two-third majority.

PAS central election director Datuk Mustafa Ali said his prediction was based on BN's ability to attract voters in Sarawak by solving issues in the state, especially rural areas.

"I feel BN will continue to govern Sarawak and win by a two-third majority, there may be places where the party will lose seats but overall BN will be in power," he told reporters at the Kelab Wartawan Terengganu (KAWAT) office, here Saturday.

Mustafa said PAS viewed the people of Sarawak as a community that focused merely on local issues instead of national issues.

He said the leadership qualities shown by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem since taking over the Chief Minister's post had instilled the trust and confidence of the people.

"Tan Sri Adenan Satem has a feel good factor to win over the people of Sarawak," he said.

Civil Servants Are Most Front-line Agent Of Transformation - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today said that civil servants were the most front-line agent of transformation between the people and the government.

As such, he said civil servants should continue striving to ensure that the transformation process would run smoothly to turn Malaysia into a fully-developed and high income nation by 2020.

"The challenge for civil servants is huge and they constantly become the people's focus of attention in ensuring that all the government's policies are being implemented in the best possible manner," he said at the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services' (Cuepacs) Labour Day celebration here today.

His speech text was read by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Najib said civil servant should also be grateful because even during the global economic uncertainties, the government was still able to continue the perks and benefit accorded to civil servants without any salary deduction.

"This shows that the government has always protected the interests of civil servants and is concerned about their wellbeing," he said.

Najib said the welfare and wellbeing of 1.6 million civil servants in the country would remain a priority to the government.

In fact, he said in the 2016 Budget, various allocations were given to matters related to civil servants, including a special aid of RM500; salary increment on July 1; minimum wage of RM1200; minimum pension of RM950; and increase in individual tax relief.

"These allocations have benefited 1.6 million civil servants and they all came from a government which has always put the interests of the people first," he said.

Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure that civil servants would be able to own their dream house, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said that the government had allocated RM1.6 billion to the 1Malaysia People Housing Project (PRIMA) to build 175,000 houses which to be sold at a price 20 per cent lower than the market price.

Besides, the prime minister said the government had allocated RM200 million to Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) to build 20,000 people-friendly homes with a subsidy of RM20,000 per unit and another RM200 million allocation for the first home deposit funding scheme.

The celebration was also attended by Public Service director-general Tan Sri Zabidi Zainal, Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda and civil servants from various departments and agencies.

#PRNSarawak : Crowd thins when Guan Eng slams Adenan

The crowd at a DAP ceramah here started to thin Saturday night shortly after Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng began criticising his Sarawak counterpart Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

About 200 of the 1,000-strong crowd at the open-air ceramah began to leave when Lim slammed Adenan for limiting his stay in Sarawak.

The number of people leaving was noticeable because they had to move their cars parked along the service road adjacent to the busy Jalan Tun Jugah in Kuching city.

Lim told the crowd that he is a Chief Minister and Adenan should not restrict his stay in Sarawak and accused him of abusing the state's autonomy powers.

Lim implied that Adenan was being hypocritical by asking him to write in and appeal for an extension.

He has to leave the state by May 5, two days before Sarawakians go to the polls.

The DAP secretary-general, who was scheduled to speak at 10pm, arrived after 11pm.

He claimed he was delayed at the state immigration for 20 minutes because the officers could not locate the stamp.

Ahmad Razif stays on as Terengganu Mentri Besar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today announced that Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman will remain as Terengganu Menteri Besar.

Najib said he had had an audience with Sultan Mizan Zanal Abidin yesterday to discuss the issue concerning the menteri besar's post and it was concluded in the meeting that Ahmad Razif shall remain as Menteri Besar and that he would resume his duties as usual.

"With the announcement, I hope there will be no more questions and speculations about his (Ahmad Razif) post, and I consider this issue resolved," he told reporters after launching the 2016 National Labour Day celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.

When asked about Ahmad Razif's stripped state titles, the prime minister said: "It's the Sultan's right, I will not interfere in that."

Sultan Mizan stripped all titles awarded to Ahmad Razif effective Friday April 22.

Ahmad Razif was bestowed the Darjah Dato' Paduka Mahkota Terengganu Kehormat (DPMT), which carries the title 'Datuk', in 2012 and the Seri Setia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (SSMZ), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri', in April 2015.

Ahmad Razif, who is the state assemblyman for Seberang Takir, was sworn in as the Menteri Besar of Terengganu on May 12, 2014, to replace Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.