1Malaysia Initiatives under Najib's Administration.

At the heart of the 1Malaysia concept is a quiet simplicity: a belief in the importance of national unity irrespective of race or religious belief. Malaysia’s diversity is what makes us unique, but in order to fully benefit from what is undoubtedly a source of strength we need to come together and build upon our common values. That is the central goal of 1Malaysia, but it is much more than just an abstract ideology, delivering real improvements on the ground.

More than 1.5 million people have so far passed through the 1Malaysia health clinics, for example, receiving treatment for any condition for just one ringgit – an achievement of which I’m very proud. Other rakyat-focused programmes include the 1Malaysia Housing Programme and PR1MA to help middle-income families buy their own homes, as well as the Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia low-cost grocery stores.

Change doesn’t happen overnight and there is still a lot more we need to do, but whatever the challenges ahead I have no doubt that embracing our diversity and leveraging our collective strength remains our best hope for the future.

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GE13: Mat Taib's slip of the tongue draws mirth at PAS ceramah

A slip of the tongue by former Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, who joined PAS last week, drew laughter at a ceramah when he urged the people to vote for Barisan Nasional.
Muhammad momentarily forgot that he was no longer with the coalition and inadvertently blurted out to a 400-strong crowd on Monday: "Sila sokong calon Barisan Nasional. (Please support Barisan candidates.)"
Pakatan Rakyat supporters immediately broke out in laughter, causing Muhammad to pause as he realised his mistake.
He then smiled and apologised.
"Please forgive, it's just my seventh day in PAS," he said to applause.
"I hope no one will take my video and edit before uploading it on the Internet, as if I'm still supporting Barisan," he added.
He claimed the incumbent Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim made a similar mistake in 2007 and the blooper was aired during the news on TV3.
Muhammad, a former Umno vice-president, was mentri besar from 1986 to 1997.
Also present at the 45-minute ceramah organised by PAS in Kampung Paya here were party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Santan state seat candidate Mohd Anuar Mohd Tahir.

Chronology Of Najib's Achievements In Four-year Administration

The following are among the reforms and achievements of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his four-year administration as Malaysia's sixth prime minister since his appointment on April 3, 2009:

1. PEOPLE'S WELLBEING/ 1MALAYSIA PRODUCTS

* Apr 5, 2009 - Introduced the 1Malaysia concept: People First, Performance Now.

* July 11, 2009 - On his 100th day as prime minister, Najib announced 11 people-friendly measures, among them the setting up of 1Malaysia Trust Fund.

* Jan 7, 2010 - Established the 1Malaysia Clinic for the low-income group to obtain treatment for only RM1.

* Jan 28, 2010 - Introduced the 1AZAM programme (End the Poverty) aimed at building capacity and creating employment opportunities through a combination of employment and entrepreneurship.

* Jan 31, 2010 - Started the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund (TP1M) with an allocation of RM37.6 million.

* Feb 19, 2011 - Launched the Small Retail Shop Transformation (Tukar) Programme as an effort to modernise small retailers and assist them to be more competitive.

* Jun 22, 2011 - Set up 1Malaysia People's Shop or KR1M (As at Feb 28, 2013, there are 87 KR1Ms and the government is targeting 90 more KR1Ms to be in operation this year)

* July 4, 2011 - Inspired the 1Malaysia People Housing Project (PR1MA)

* July 7, 2011 - 1Malaysia People's Menu was introduced with a RM2 ceiling price for breakfast and lunch at RM4. (There are 3,572 premises offering the menu)

* July 7, 2011 - Launched the My Rapid Transit (MRT) project, as the main mode of transport in Kuala Lumpur towards strengthening national public transport.

* Oct 7, 2011 - In tabling the 2012 Budget, the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) of RM500 would be given to each household with income of less than RM3,000 a month and below.

* Dec 19, 2011 - Launched the first national mobile and internet television 1Malaysia TV.

* Feb 18, 2012 - Set up the first Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) in Gopeng, Perak and several more were later open in Kelantan, Melaka and Pahang.

* June 23, 2012 - Launched the first Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Melaka with another UTC open at Pudu Sentral on Sept 22, 2012.

* June 24, 2012 - Launched the 1Malaysia People's Taxi (TR1Ma) programme with incentives worth nearly RM35 million for the taxi driver community

* July 7, 2012 - Introduced the Small Medium Industry (PKS) Master Plan to develop PKS to a high level through improved productivity.

* July 14, 2012 - Launched the 1Malaysia People's Textile Shop as a continuous government effort to lighten the burden of the people.

* July 15, 2012 - Launched the 1Malaysia For Youth (1M4U), a voluntary programme among the multi-racial people under the 1Malaysia concept.

* Aug 7, 2012 - Introduced the '1Malaysia Privilege Card' specially for 241,000 members of the police and armed forces.

* Sept 28, 2012 - Implemented the second round of the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) and was extended to unmarried individuals aged 21 years and above.

* Nov 12, 2012 - Introduced the 1Malaysia One Call Centre (1MOCC) which operates 24 hours a day to raise the civil service to a niche level.

* Feb 15, 2013 - Launched the 1Malaysia People's Welfare Programme (KARISMA @Hati Rakyat) as the latest initiative to help people with low income and the poor with an allocation of RM50 million to be distributed to 200,00 recipients.

* March 16, 2013 - The first mini UTC was open at Bandar Baru Sentul Business and Community Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

* March 19, 2013 - The 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) was made an annual initiative.

2. HUMAN RIGHTS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

* April 3, 2009 - Najib announced release of 13 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees, as well as a review of the act.(In his maiden message upon assuming government leadership).

* April 3, 2009 - Also announced lifting of one-month suspension on Harakah and Suara Keadilan imposed earlier.

* July 9, 2009 - Disallowed national banking system to be used in transactions for the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

* Sept 15, 2011 (In conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16) - Abolished the ISA, apart from comprehensively reviewing the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, as well as Section 27 of the Police Act 1967.

* Oct 5, 2011 - Repealed the Banishment Act 1959 (Act 79) after it had not been in use in the last 34 years, repealed the Restricted Residence Act 1933 and announced the immediate release of 125 individuals who were detained under the act, as well as the cancellation of 200 warrants issued earlier.

* Nov 24, 2011 - Tabled the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011 at Dewan Rakyat which among others, eliminated the need to obtain an assembly licence.

* Nov 24, 2011 - Repealed three Emergency Proclamations of 1966, 1969 and 1977. Freed 36 detainees under the Emergency Ordinance.

* April 19, 2012 - Universities and University Colleges Act 1974 amendment was passed at Dewan Rakyat, to allow undergraduates aged 21 and above to join politics.

* Sept 28, 2012 - When tabling the 2013 Budget, the government agreed to set up 1,000 units of Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) with an allocation of RM20 million.

* Sept 28, 2012 - One-off gift of RM1,000 to ex-army personnel who retired with less than 21 years of service and were not eligible for pension. A total of 224,000 former members of the armed forces benefited.

* Dec 15, 2012 - Introduced the 1Malaysia Veteran Recognition programme for the welfare of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

* March 7, 2013 - The prime minister warned Sulu terrorists who were still hiding in Sabah that they have no choice but to lay down their arms and surrender.

* March 11, 2013 - Streamlined ranks in the Malaysian Armed Forces and police with the general public service.

* March 25, 2013 - Created the East Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) covering 10 districts to provide the legal basis for the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).

* March 30, 2013 - Najib announced an additional 1,000 URB units.

3. ADMINISTRATION

* April 9, 2009 - Najib introduced the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to evaluate the performance of members of his cabinet -- ministers and deputy ministers -- in achieving the administration's objective of "People First, Performance Now".

* July 18, 2009 - Carried out reform in the civil service sector with the proposal for top positions in major sectors to be open to the private sector and GLC, apart from the Administrative and Diplomatic Service.

* July 27, 2009 - Introduced the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for six National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and appointed Datuk Idris Jala as the chief executive officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu).

(The main areas on the KPI are to reduce crimes, eradicate corruption, open opportunities for affordable and quality education, improve the living standards of the poor communities, improve infrastructure in the rural areas and improve public transportation.

* Jan 27, 2010 - The prime minister launched the master implementation plan for Government Transformation Programme (GTP), in relation to the six NKRA.

* Feb 8, 2010 - Najib outlined four main pillars to be implemented by the civil service to ensure the achievement of the agenda for the year, namely the 1Malaysia concept, People First, Performance Now, Government Transformation Programme (GTP), New Economic Model and the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK10).

* Feb 23, 2010 - Announced an allocation of RM3.4 billion for Sarawak through NKRA to expedite all development projects in the state, especially in rural areas.

* Feb 23, 2010 - Announced a special allocation of RM35 million for three projects to improve the people's living standards in four relocation schemes under the Rajang Security Command (Rascom) in Sibu, Sarawak.

* April 4, 2011 - Najib wanted every civil servant to assimilate the four important elements in the 'Blue Ocean Strategy' in managing their duties, namely to eliminate-reduce-raise and create opportunities.

* Aug 26, 2012 - Introduced the 7th National Blue Ocean Strategy ((NBOS 7), an initiative linking the UTC and RTC through food products and agricultural produce to towns on a large scale

* Sept 28, 2012 - An additional one month bonus for civil servants in which the first payment was made in December 2012 while another month more was paid in January 2013 and a payment of RM500 to government retirees.

* March 19, 2013 - Tabling of the National Transformation Programme Annual Report (a large portion of the GTP and ETP objectives were met)

* March 25, 2013 - Approved the Pension Fund claim, fixed housing allowance, completion of service consolation payment and streamline the Employees Provident Fund contributions of seven statutory bodies.

4. ECONOMY AND FINANCE

* March 10, 2009 - Announced the Second Economic Stimulus Package and its implementation mechanism.

* April 22, 2009 - Liberalised 27 service sub-sectors.

* April 27, 2009 - Announced the liberalisation of the national financial sector.

* April 27, 2009 - Malaysia became the first country to have a mega Islamic financial institution with a paid-up capital of at least US$1 billion (RM3.1 billion).

* May 15, 2009 - A financial guarantee institution, Danajamin Nasional Berhad was established to facilitate companies obtain better access to the Malaysian bond market.

* June 24, 2009 - Najib proposed the setting up of a national Baitulmal to coordinate properties owned by Muslims in Malaysia.

* June 30, 2009 - Najib announced comprehensive investment guidelines of the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC).

* July 1, 2009 - The prime minister launched Felda Global Ventures (Felda Global) as the sole integrated commercial machinery of Felda group.

* Oct 23, 2009 - Najib tabled for the first time, the 2010 Budget at Dewan Rakyat themed, 1Malaysia, Together We Prosper, with an allocation of RM191.5 billion.

* Dec 23, 2009 - Reintroduced the Real Property Gains Tax from the sale of property, irrespective of the year the property was purchased.

* March 30, 2010 - Announced the New Economic Model which outlined eight strategic reform initiatives.

* June 10, 2010 - Tabled the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK10).

* Oct 25, 2010 - Launched the Economic Transformation Programme with 18 Entry Point Projects (EPP).

* Jan 11, 2011 - Announced 19 more EPP which would generate investments worth RM67 billion.

5. FOREIGN AFFAIRS

* April 10, 2009 - Led a Malaysian delegation as prime minister to the 14th Asean Summit Conference and its related summits in Pattaya, Thailand

* June 3, 2009 - First foreign leader to be given honour to speak at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China in conjunction with an official visit.

* Sept 30, 2009 - Najib announced economic cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia through a joint-venture company with a capital of US$2.5 billion (RM8.65 billion) to manage the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from West Asia, as well as in strategic investments with high impact in the country.

* Oct 6, 2009 - First Malaysian leader in Malaysia's 50-year relation with the Unesco to deliver a keynote address at Unesco conference opening session in Paris, France.

* Oct 26, 2009 - Free Trade Agreement between Malaysia and New Zealand signed.

* April 12, 2010 - Held four-eye meeting with President Barack Obama at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, USA.

* Sept 27, 2010 - Delivered maiden speech at the United Nations in New York, USA, in which Najib called on all countries to "choose moderation and reject extremism".

* July 12, 2011 - Held official visit to the United Kingdom and invited heads of industries to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia.

* May 18, 2011 - Attended the "Invest Malaysia New York 2011" in New York, USA and attracted new investments of between RM5 and RM6 billion.

* Oct 15, 2012 - Witnessed the historical peace agreement between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Manila, Philippines.

* Jan 22, 2013 - Became the first Malaysian prime minister to set foot on Palestine during his humanitarian visit to Gaza.

6. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

* July 24, 2009 - Established the Green Technology Council to promote green technology and its practice.

* Sept 15, 2009 - Announced the 1Malaysia F1 Team managed by locals in the field of motoring.

* Oct 28, 2009 - Announced the National Automative Policy (NAP) involving 18 new measures which include requiring passenger vehicles aged 15 years and above to undergo inspections at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) as a condition to renew road tax from next year, complete with abolition of open import permit (AP) for used vehicle from 2016 and the AP franchise by 2021.

* Oct 29, 2009 - National Innovation Centre (MyNIC) and a network of Innovation Centres of Excellence (iCoE) set up to encourage creative and innovative activities as a new national commercial resource.

* Dec 17, 2009 - Najib announced Malaysia's commitment on voluntary carbon and greenhouse gases emission of up to 40 per cent from the intensity of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020, as compared to the level in 2005 at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 15) in Denmark.

* Jan 26, 2010 - Launched the Green Technology Funding Scheme which was a commitment of the government in improving the sector. It was in line with the Kuala Lumpur pledge at the Climate Change Conference to reduce carbon and greenhouse gases to protect the environment for future generations.

* March 24, 2010 - Announced four incentives in the National Broadband Initiative (NBI) to transform Malaysia from a medium income nation to become a developed country.

* Nov 10, 2010 - The government announced measures to raise the value of GDP by increasing usage of broadband in the country towards 50 per cent penetration by the end of next year, compared to only 24 per cent now.

* Sept 8, 2011 - Launched the Framework and Low Carbon City Evaluation System with the aim of reducing 40 per cent of the carbon dioxide produced in cities by 2020.

* July 7, 2011 - Introduced Energy Efficiency through Sustainability and a rebate of RM200 cash to domestic consumers who bought air-conditioners and refrigerators with 5-star rating.

7. POLITICS

* March 26, 2009 - Declared as the new president of Umno, uncontested at the 2008 Umno General Assembly at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre.

* April 24, 2009 - Appointed as Selangor Umno Liaison chairman.

* Aug 15, 2011 - Announced the formation of a Parliamentary Select Committee with representatives of BN and opposition parties to discuss election reforms.

* Nov 29, 2012 - Launched the book entitled, 'Transformasi Politik: Mendaulatkan Hak Asasi Serta Demokrasi Pemerintahan Rakyat untuk Rakyat' which delved in detail each transformation implemented by the government.

* Feb 20, 2013 - Signed the Transparency International Election Integrity Pledge and strengthened his commitment to fight corruption, especially in the coming 13th General Election.

8. GLOBAL RECOGNITION TO MALAYSIA UNDER NAJIB'S ADMINISTRATION

* In the 2011 Doing Business Facility Report by the World Bank, Malaysia was listed in the top 20 and shared top position in the world, in terms of obtaining business loans.

* Global Peace Index (GPI) 2011 study found Malaysia among the 19 safest countries from 153 countries in the world. Malaysia was also placed as the most peaceful country in Southeast Asia and the fourth in Asia-Pacific after New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

* World Economic Forum 2012 Report saw Malaysia leap five rungs in the global economic competitiveness, as compared to the year earlier, making Malaysia among the 21 most competitive economies in the world.

* Consultant A. T. Kearney recognised Malaysia as the top 10 countries in the Direct Foreign Confidence Index for 2012.

* World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report 2013 placed Malaysia as the 12th most business-friendly country in the world.

* World Competitiveness Yearbook 2012/2013 Report found Malaysia as the 14th most competitive country.

* Malaysia was named the 10th most attractive direct investment destination in the 2012 Direct Investment Confidence Index.

9. EDUCATION

* Jan 25, 2010 - 20 out of 10,000 schools selected as High Performance Schools (SBT).

* Oct 7, 2011 - Allocated cash assistance of RM100 for all school students and RM200 book vouchers for university students.

MCA report card outlines the party’s commitment towards serving the people

The MCA has unveiled a 53-point report card aimed at silencing its critics that it had failed to help address the needs of the people.
The report card outlined the party's achievements in politics, education, economy, culture and society in comparison to Pakatan Rakyat.
This included enabling Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students to apply for the National Higher Education Corporation (PTPTN) loans since 2010, helping 1,906 people by disbursing RM10.1mil through the 1MCA Medical Foundation and objecting to PAS' hudud stand.
Others included working with the Government to allocate the use of national school reserved land especially in Selangor to build Chinese vernacular schools, objecting amendments to the Income Tax Act which was against the goal of creating a business-friendly environment and getting the Government to declare the 140-year-old Chingay procession as historical cultural heritage.
The report card noted that DAP had become PAS' accomplice to promote theocracy and hudud. It also noted that since Pakatan took over the Penang and Selangor state governments, it had never given any land of five acres for Chinese primary schools while less than 1% of Yayasan Selangor's 240 study loans were awarded to the Chinese in 2011.
In unveiling the 1,000-day report card since helming the party on March 28, 2010, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said it was time to “take stock” of their achievements.
“It is also to show that it is untrue MCA had failed to serve the people's interests, as accused by DAP that we did not do anything for Malaysians, especially the Chinese. This is a big lie,” he told a press conference before the MCA report card briefing for members.
He said the triumphs listed in the report card had contributed to the 1Malaysia concept, noting that the achievements were factual with no political spinning.
Besides utilising the media, Dr Chua said the report card would also be disseminated through its vast network of leaders and its mobile vehicles.
“As a political party, we have been doing our best for Malaysians, including the Chinese. The report card is for all to see,” he said, adding that all the party leaders should know the content of the report card well.
He took DAP to task for giving the impression that they were serving the people's needs when in reality they were just “touch and go” politicians.
Citing Selangor DAP exco as an example, he said they were only known for following the Mentri Besar. “Have they done any press conferences on any issue? Even if they have, they only know how to scold,” he said.
He also reminded all members not to listen to rumours on candidacy as the matter had yet to be finalised.
“To date, there are no confirmed candidates. Until they get the black and white (surat watikah) from Barisan confirming their candidacy, things can still change up to the last minute,” he said.
Yesterday, Dr Chua also launched the MCA mobile app, along with the party's GE13 website and Panda Bear mascot.

Economic Progress Under Najib.

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Anwar Has No Power To Choose Candidates In Kedah

We just recently seen how Anwar was boo'ed in Kuantan where the candidate he picked himself was mocked by PKR members, now we see how Anwar loses control and could not make decisions what could please everyone in Pakatan Rakyat.
This can be seen from the debate which happen in a few constituencies. One of the latest incident was in Kedah when DAP threatened to contest alone which could lead to a three-way fight due to the actions of Kedah's state government in betraying the party.
The thing which makes it worse for DAP Kedah is when Anwar himself, without discussing with anyone, announced in his ceramah in Kedah saying that candidate from PKR, Gooi Hsiao Leung will be contesting for Alor Setar Parliament seat. PKR also has named N.Surendran to contest in Padang Serai.
From there, DAP Kedah's dissatisfaction was expressed by its leader, Lee Guan Aik who also stressed that he will be defending Kota Darulaman seat. Lee was clearly sad and disappointed over the behavior of party's highest leader.
PR's leadership actions in ignoring DAP and making decisions without going through any discussions, shows Anwar's totalitarian behavior and that he is unable to manage the party. Anwar is also arrogant for refusing to give any response towards this issue, instead, he only acted as if nothing happened.
Anwar should have been the symbol of union for PR. His appointment as leader and future Prime Minister should have been because he is able to unite PAS and DAP. However, as leader, it is weird that he is not given the rights to make the final decision to PAS, DAP or even PR as a whole.
We have seen how Anwar do not even care about DAP's debate, including the CEC election which was clearly controversial. The same thing goes to issues which involves state economy such as uncontrolled logging in Kedah, mega underwater tunnel in Penang etc.
Anwar is also unable to settle the debate between Kedah and Penang regarding the issue on sale and purchase of water supply. He could not even provide any comment.
What is clear, from big issues which involves the economy of PR-led states, to issues which involves image and integrity of party or seat issue for election, to the smallest issues such as internal issues, all of those are out of Anwar Ibrahim's power.
That is why the election which will come a few days from now, Anwar's status seem weak, and this makes rakyat nervous over providing the mandate to PR.
All the three parties in PR seem to be fighting on their own and even Anwar seem to be fighting alone. Each have their own fantasies, far from reality.
Today, DAP Kedah got really offended and if the party really want to contest alone, it is not impossible that it might turn to be a trend for other states which also show the clash between PAS, DAP and PKR.
Fact is, this problem happens in PR because the coalition do not have a highest leader which really give the final say, and his decision is respected.
Just imagine, how can we let this coalition rule the country if everything is uncertain?

LIM’S CHALLENGE TO DR M MAY WORK AGAINST HIM IN GELANG PATAH

DAP strongman Lim Kit Siang has challenged former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to contest against him in Gelang Patah, Johore.
Lim threw the challenge when he learnt that Dr Mahathir had gone to Gelang Patah to give talks to the voters there upon knowing that he is going to contest the parliament seat there.
Lim and Dr Mahathir has been on a political war path some 30 years or so but they have not face-off with each other as both have different sets of influence and supporters.
Lim is sectorial and that if he is to contest in a Malay majority seat, he may see his political career thrown down the drain while Dr Mahathir’s support comes from Malays and he may end up a loser if he contests in Chinese majority seats.
Lim’s challenge can be ‘considered’ as political gimmick, similarly if Dr Mahathir is to challenge Lim to contest in Kubang Pasu, Kedah as both will not meet on a neutral ground where the number of Malay and Chinese voters are equal or something of that configuration.
So the challenge is just a gimmick to heat up the pre-campaign trail as both sides of the political divide go on a vigorous and vicious routine that even saw fights between supporters.
For Lim and the DAP, winning a parliamentary seat in Johore is a moral booster as the Malay saying goes ‘bolos jarum, bolos la benang’ which means if the needle can go through then the thread will easily follow’.
For Lim and DAP, winning even just one parliamentary seat in a Malay dominated state as Johore reflects a victory in penetrating a Malay and Umno heartland which can be translated as the Malays are no longer united in supporting Umno and BN.
And for Lim, that also means to hurt Dr Mahathir emotionally and politically as the latter had build Umno and BN so strong to the extent that there was not much opposition when developing the country.
For 22 years Dr Mahathir enjoyed developing the country with Lim ‘barking’ without much effect and the Chinesse community continue to enjoy benefits without even being affected by the bumiputras quota.
But after March 2008 general election, the political landscape changes and everything else changed too where issues are no longer on development per se but contain racial undertones and smack religious innuendo.
For Dr Mahathir, defending Johore and the Malay heartland is deem a well worth struggle since he intends to bury Lim’s political career as well as the man he had trained so hard – Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr Mahathir’s ‘battle’ this time is not just winning as a non-partisan because he is not contesting but also to see the two men ‘politically buried’ if he can.
And Lim’s challenge may backfire if Dr Mahathir reciprocates seriously

Why Is It Hard To Recognize UEC?

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib was reported that he will organize a discussion with Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry to settle the issue of recognizing  United Examination Certificate (UEC) as demanded by Chinese extremist NGO, Dong Zong.
Dong Zong is considered as a group of extremists because they have been working hard in denying all efforts to unite Malaysians or to 'Malaysianize' rakyat through the same education system as well as through one language. This is because every demand Dong Zong make would always revolve around racial segregation in school as well as empowering Chinese mother tongue and at the same time, ignores the National Language.
Thus, the Prime Minister's willingness to spend some of his time for these extremists, should be appreciated by Dong Zong. We hope that the Prime Minister's sincere effort in wanting to solve this issue would not be seen as government's weakness in facing  this  racists, kiasu and arrogant group.
UEC issue is an issue which is more than just education and learning. It is the matter of identity, unity, and nationalism for Malaysians.
What we see, until now, there is still no evidence showing that Vernacular Schools nor the demand to recognize UEC could bring any benefit to rakyat and the country in any way. It only opens more racial gap, giving space for prejudice and racism.
This could also lead to job issues for Bumiputera as most job opportunities would require fluency in Mandarin, without even considering for the focus on qualification.
It is impossible to settle this matter without putting aside racism motive. That is why, to be fair, this issue should be studied from the angle of history.
Vernacular school was first allowed so that the Chinese would support the efforts of Independence and they will be given citizenship. The Chinese back then still love their country of origin and they did hope that they could go back there once they have enough money and asset to do so. That is why, they were worried that their culture might have been lost if their children were to be in school with Bumiputera children, which would definitely cause a bit of an issue once they travel back to their country.
Believing that they will only be in Malaysia for a short period of time, the government allowed Vernacular School to continue.
However, the Chinese found that Malaysia is too 'precious' for them to leave but at the same time they refuse to 'cut off' their loyalty to their country of origin. So, they kept on fighting for Vernacular School without considering the spirit of tolerance, reality nor rationality as citizens of this country.
Their fight is just based on the spirit of kiasu and racism.
Not just that they want to have separate school from other races and wanting to use their mother tongue as main language, they were even given the rights where the level the National Language (Bahasa Melayu) subject, was lowered to enable their children gain great results in this subject, now they are demanding that government should recognize UEC for public universities.
The UEC is available in three levels: Vocational Unified Exam (UEC-V), UEC Junior Middle Level (UEC-JML/JUEC) and Senior Middle Level (UEC-SML/SUEC) where all uses Mandarin language. The UEC-SML has questions for mathematics, sciences (biology, chemistry and physics), bookkeeping, accounting and commerce.
Dong Zong's argument stated that UEC is recognised as an entrance qualification in many tertiary educational institutions internationally, including those in Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China and some European countries, and that Malaysian government should recognize it as well.
Clearly, Dong Zong is made their point as migrants.
Most universities anywhere would definitely offer the chance to any foreign students and accept them based on their quality without considering their country's education system. How can a university set education system for foreign students.
However, the problem here is, UEC involves Malaysians who want to study at Malaysian public universities, not foreign countries.
So, would it be wrong for the government to set the requirements that Malaysians who qualifies to study in Malaysian public universities should have fluency in the National Language? How hard can that be? Are the Chinese that stupid that they are not able to understand the Natinal language after all these years?
How can Dong Zong demand for such facility if they cannot even understand the National Language?
Do they think that all they should do is just make more and more demands to the government and at the same time refuse to back down even a little to give room for practicality, reality and rationality in their actions?
Not just that, Dong Zong even try to make it look like whoever reject their demands, those are the ones who are racist.
It seems like it is time for Dong Zong to reflect themselves and see who is the real racist? The ones who demand for union, identity and nationalism, and who is the one against it?

Happy fourth anniversary, dear PM

  TOMORROW  marks the fourth  anniversary of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as  prime minister.   It was on April 3, 2009 that he took over the reins of the government, after his predecessor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, stepped down.
Tomorrow may seem just like any day for many, but considering the hotly anticipated dissolution of Parliament and the ensuing 13th general election, it should be a good day to take stock of what Najib has done during his four years helming the country.
With all the developments leading up to the elections, it should be noted that Najib's administration has set the bar really high with its many milestones.
The Government Transformation Programme and Economic Transformation Programme, which were separately rolled out within his two years in office, remain the most clear-cut of national agendas, covering a broad spectrum of issues affecting the people.
These had proven to be a roaring success, especially so when one considers that he had to run the country and enact all these changes after "inheriting" a ruling coalition that had experienced the effects of the political tsunami of the previous national polls, all the while having to stave off the threat posed by the global economic crunch.
Even the harshest of critics would find it hard to argue the case against the benefits that these national transformation policies have brought about in such a short span of time.
The government was single-minded in its mission to go back to the basics of governance -- serve the people better by constantly engaging with all segments of society to gauge their needs.
The volatile global economy has certainly made its mark on Malaysia, as those in the middle and low-income groups would probably attest to as they grapple with issues related to the increasing cost of living.
The ruling Barisan Nasional, of which Najib is the chairman, made it a point to understand the specific needs of the people, and through the GTP and ETP came the hallmark initiatives of the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M), 1Malaysia Book Voucher Programme, Back-to-School Incentive, Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia and Klinik 1Malaysia, among many others.
In his administration, Najib has ensured his cabinet members are accountable in each of their respective fields, thus making corporate world terms such as "ministerial key performance indicators" part and parcel of the public service working culture.
The National Key Result Areas had also ensured issues such as graft busting, crime reduction, public transport, education, poverty, rural infrastructure and cost of living remain a high priority under the BN government.
Legislative reforms such as the abolition of the Internal Security Act and amendments to archaic legislation covering issues related to the right to peaceful assembly, students' involvement in politics and printing press licences were carried out under Najib's watch.
Another highlight was the setting up of TalentCorp Malaysia, which offers incentives for Malay-sian professionals returning from abroad.
Najib has also made his mark as a leader of calibre on the global front after being instrumental in finalising the Framework Peace Agreement between representatives of the Muslim Bangsamoro people in southern Philippines and the Philippine government last October.
More recently, Najib's efforts in getting Malaysia to play facilitator between the Thai government and representatives from southern Thailand's Muslim-majority community, had resulted in the first- ever attempt at brokering peace and putting an end to the bloody insurgency in those provinces.
National Council of Professors' head of politics, security and international affairs cluster, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, said besides managing well national affairs, Najib had shown he was a world statesman as well.
Now, all eyes are on Najib as the nation awaits his announcement on when Parliament would be dissolved.
Your guess is as good as mine but if there's one thing we can be sure of, Najib has certainly delivered.
And for that, we wish you the heartiest of congratulations on your fourth year in office, Sir.
MANY MILESTONES: Najib has made his mark as a leader of calibre on the national and global fronts

Dr Wan Azizah's camp behind sex video'

'SINISTER PLOT?' Former PKR official claims it's a conspiracy to topple Azmin
FORMER political secretary to Parti Keadilan Rakyat Wanita chief, Mohd Fareez Kamal Intidzam, said the sex video of a PKR leader exposed recently was a conspiracy to topple party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali.

Fareez claimed that the sex video was planned and exposed by president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's camp to reopen Azmin's sex video case.

"The leader in the video is just a scapegoat. The disciplinary action taken against him and his dismissal will be used as a "case reference" for the investigation of Azmin's sex video leaked in May last year," he said in a statement.

He said with solid "case reference", Azmin would be forced to face disciplinary action and dismissed, preventing him from contesting in the 13th general election.

"The president's camp realises that Azmin has gained a strong footing among party followers. So they have conspired to topple him and tarnish his reputation."

Fareez added this was also their way to "counter attack" his letter dated March 4, urging Pas president Abdul Hadi Awang to support Azmin as the new PKR president.

Badan Bertindak Anti-Penyelewengan Kedah president Khairul Anuar Ramli on Friday had exposed the video in a blog, urging PKR leaders to investigate the matter.

"I was told that Khairul Anuar's action to bring up this matter was driven by Dr Wan Azizah's camp."

He added that the whole conspiracy was immature and it showed that Wan Azizah was "a political desperado".

"This should not be happening, especially during this time when party members have to unite and work together for the coming general election."

DR MAHATHIR AND KIT SIANG – OLD FOES, OLD FEUD BUT NEW WAR AND NEW TURF

It was not a coincident when former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad went down to Gelang Patah in Johore Baru on Saturday night to speak to the voters there.
Neither was it a talk reminiscing old times and old stories about Johore or Dr Mahathir’s experiences with Johoreans during his time as Prime Minister.
It’s a matter of confronting an old foe in an old political feud but in a totally new ‘war and turf’ for the coming 13th general election that is considered as the ‘mother of all elections’.
That’s how it is now between Dr Mahathir and DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, and the latter knows what Dr Mahathir is up to and what the latter can do to win the eharts and minds of voters there.
While Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ‘fights’ the political battle in the arena, Dr Mahathir is playing the ‘sideline’ defending Umno and Barisan Nasional to make sure BN retains and strengthen its position while Kit Siang is all out to unseat BN and put Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister.
Dr Mahathir and Kit Siang have been ‘political enemies’ since time immemorial, since the days of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman but both only began a head-on collision when Dr Mahathir became Prime Minister in 1981.
Calculative, politically shrewd and ultra in each other’s way, both men had shown political maturity all along their ‘political battles’ until DAP joined the unregistered opposition pact and called themselves Pakatan Rakyat.
Since then, after the March 2008 general election, DAP has embarked on racial issues and character assassinations that is led by Anwar and PKR.
Whether DAP, although known as chauvinistic for championing Chinese issues, approves all Anwar and PKR’s approach in attempting to win the hearts and minds of voters, the fact is that DAP goes along as the campaigns get more vigorous.
Kit Siang had lost in seat he contested during Dr Mahathir’s time as Prime Minister and chairman of BN and Kit Siang knows Dr Mahathir’s ‘political shrewdness’ while Dr Mahathir knows Kit Siang’s weaknesses and strong points.
In the words of an Umno member of Kota Star who was a former political secretary to DAP Penang vice chairman who also doubled as Kit Siang’s research man when the latter was the Opposition leader in Parliament: “Both veterans have similar characteristics – firm, brave and politically adventurous.”
“Both possessed a vision and the only difference is Dr Mahathir is loved by the masses, not just Malays while Kit Siang is sectorial – meaning attracts only the Chinese,” he said, who joined Umno when Dr Mahathir became the party president.
Ramli said for Kit Siang, moving constituency was nothing new as his adventurous streak had always been successful given that the community needed a Chinese voice in Parliament.
However, he added that Kit Siang mostly appeals to the street Chinese rather than educated Chinese but even then, when Kit Siang contest in a majority Chinese seat, he will emerge as winner.
For Kit Siang, he can contest anywhere he likes, provided the seat is Chinese majority and he can win because the Chinese are united in wanting to have a voice in Parliament.
But for Dr Mahathir, Kit Siang’s move to Johore is not to be taken lightly as this would mean Johore is vulnerable if Kit Siang wins.
Being a bastion of Umno and BN, no seat should be allowed to go to the opposition as this can be ‘cancerous and contagious’ given the current political scenario where it is racially divided.
Dr Mahathir does not expect all the voters in Gelang Patah to listen and follow what he said nor he expect them to reject everything he said as Dr Mahathir likes people to go back and think what he has said.
Kit Siang on the other hand is just ‘rolling in’ as he expects if he can win, then the next general election, will be no longer hard for DAP and the opposition to win more seats.
And Kit Siang has the Malays who support PKR and PAS in Johre and Gelang Patah to back him, after all, he goes for one mission - to put Anwar as Prime Minister and whatever he speaks will be what Anwar wanted.
He may speak about his party’s philosophies but still with Anwar as Prime Minister and his edge is the party can use Anwar to get its objectives met.

Boo'ed Candidate Chosen By Anwar: Proof That PKR Supporters No Longer Respect Anwar

Grass roots not agreeing with candidates chosen by highest leader is not something weird, it is something which cannot be avoided for some areas for each parties in every elections.
However, the thing which makes this a huge issue is when PKR supporters do not respect their de facto leader, Anwar Ibrahim.
PKR supporters decided to mock Dato’ Fauzi that Anwar had to repeat the same announcement for three times. It is said that some supporters even left the event.
We do understand if some of those supporters might still hate Dato’ Fauzi, however, we are surprised with the level of respect given by these supporters to their own future Prime Minister. We also understand that the grass roots members at the constituency prefer the current seat holder, Azan Ismail, however, why embarrass Anwar?
They might have lost their respect for Anwar because of his totalitarian attitude whenever it comes to the party's election, where he refuses to listen to grass roots and makes his own decision.
If Anwar refuse to respect grass roots, then how can they respect Anwar?
In another angle, we are not surprised if Anwar does not respect grass roots because PKR's grass roots has been proven to often act blindly where they would always give their support to Anwar no matter how many of his misconducts are revealed and proven.
Anwar doesn't just don't have any respect for them, he doesn't even care about them. Anwar doesn't mind gambling with their future, or even the lives of his supporters as he always urge them to cause riots.
Since 1998, Anwar never really care about the safety of his supporters. He even openly hopes for ‘Arab Spring’ where there was a lot of bloodshed when people rebelled against the government.
Whatever it is, the incident in Kuantan shows how Anwar has lost his 'aura'. Anwar is now just a 'regular human being', no longer a 'great leader' in the eyes of his supporters. It is not impossible most of his supporters only support PKR because they have been 'brainwashed' to hate Barisan Nasional, not because they have great respect or trust Anwar Ibrahim.
If they run out of issues, Anwar might be able to create issue. But if the aura's gone, how can Anawr look for the issues?
So, even if Anwar do win the coming GE, do believe that he will not be respected as leader because rakyat, including his own supporters are aware of who he really is.
Many were shocked shocked when the candidate chosen by Anwar for Indera Mahkota Parliament seat was boo'ed by PKR supporters. The candidate is Dato’ Fauzi Abd. Rahman who is also the Chairman of PKR Pahang. The current seat holder for the parliament is Azan Ismail but he has been transferred to Terengganu, a decision which was clearly rejected by PKR grass roots.

GE13: Lim backs down from Teng's challenge

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has called off the contest with state Barisan Nasional chief Teng Chang Yeow.
Lim said he had enough of the "political game" played by Teng and will not entertain his conditions.
"I was tricked by him (Teng) after accepting his ridiculous condition not to contest a parliamentary seat and only a state seat," Lim said in a press conference in Komtar here Tuesday.
On Monday, Teng maintained his conditions for the face-off with Lim in the upcoming general election, saying he (Teng) would decide on the seat to be contested.
Teng said once Lim accepted the conditions, he (Teng) would name the seat.
Lim, who is also the DAP secretary-general, had stated earlier that he would slug it out with Teng only for the Padang Kota state seat. He said if Teng agreed to this, he (Lim) would not contest a parliamentary seat.
Prior to this, Teng was reported saying he was willing to have a face-off with Lim in the elections on condition that the Barisan leader gets to pick the state seat.
 meanwhile,

Penang Barisan Nasional chief Teng Chang Yeow has described Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's statement that he was deceived by Teng as the biggest joke of the general election.
"I feel sorry for him. More so for DAP," Teng said Tuesday.
Teng pointed out that as a leader who claimed to be for all races, Lim should take up the challenge of contesting a mixed-composition seat.
"How can he now proclaim himself to be a Malaysian leader if he refuses to face me in a mixed-raced seat?" Teng queried at a press conference in the state Barisan headquarters here.
Meanwhile, Teng also revealed that the list of Barisan candidates for the state was ready.
"No changes in terms of seat allocation among the component parties unless any last minute seat-swapping happens," he said.

Kedah DAP upset with Anwar over Alor Star MP candidacy Read more: Kedah DAP upset with Anwar over Alor Star MP candidacy

Kedah DAP is upset with opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for naming a Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate to contest the Alor Setar parliamentary constituency in the coming general election.

Its chief  Lee Guan Aik said he was surprised and upset with Anwar's announcement that Kedah PKR legal bureau chief Gooi Hsiao Leung would contest the parliamentary seat during a ceramah at Taman Berjaya here last night.

 

"He can say whatever he wants to say for the Alor Setar parliamentary seat.

 

"As far as we are concerned, the seat allocation in Kedah for Pakatan Rakyat has yet to be finalised.

 

"I will wait for my party leadership on the final allocation of seats among Pakatan Rakyat component parties," he said when asked on Anwar's announcement.

 

Lee, who is also Kota Darulaman assemblyman, said he had requested with his party leadership and that of Pakatan Rakyat's to contest the Alor Setar and Padang Serai parliamentary seats in the general election.

 

Incidentally, PKR had also named one of its vice-presidents N. Surendran to contest in Padang Serai. However, Lee did not comment on the matter.  

 

Kedah DAP had also requested to contest in four state seats. They are Bakar Arang, Gurun, Lunas and Bakar Bata.

 

PKR candidates had won Bakar Arang and Lunas in the 2008 general election. However, its assemblymen have since abandoned PKR to become independent candidates.

 

Gurun was won by BN candidate Dr Leong Yong Kong while Kedah Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah is Bakar Bata assemblyman for the fourth term.

Dr M calls on Johor voters to end Kit Siang's political career

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on the various communities in Johor to ensure that the 13th general election (GE13) will end DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang's political career.
He also called on the people of Malaysia to end the political career of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat through the ballot box in the GE13 to be held soon.
"Lim Kit Siang wants to come here (to contest). I call on the people of Johor, all communities should pool their energy to ensure that the state of Johor will be the 'burial ground' for Lim Kit Siang's politics.
"We must ensure that he (Kit Siang) loses in Johor. The state of Johor will continue to become the 'fixed deposit' for BN (Barisan Nasional)," he said at the programme 'Bicara Minda' organised by the Pulai Parliamentary Constituency's Service Centre which was attended by about 5,000 people last night.
The DAP advisor recently decided to contest the Gelang Patah Parliamentary seat in Johor in an effort by the opposition pact (PR) to penetrate the state, a BN stronghold.
Dr Mahathir said Kit Siang wanted the people to 'Change" and "Transform" the present government led by the BN, but in actual fact, it was the DAP veteran leader that should be changed.
He said Kit Siang had been in politics for too long, beginning in 1964 when he was the political secretary to DAP founder, Devan Nair, who was a former president of Singapore.
"We have changed six prime ministers since the Independence in 1957, but he had never changed. Give his children or grandchildren a chance," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Anwar too should be rejected because the PKR leader was only interested in becoming prime minister and he was prepared to do anything to achieve his goal.
When Malaysia was facing the financial crisis in 1997, he said Anwar merely listened to the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Michel Camdessus, and World Bank president James Wolfensohn to the extent that the country's economy was "destabilised".
"I felt that he (Anwar) wanted to destroy the country (then), that's why I took over and we took our own measure (to revive the national economy) using our own mould," said Dr Mahathir.
The former prime minister said he also felt the PKR advisor knew that he would lose in GE13, as such, he was preparing to create a commotion and chaos.
As for Nik Abdul Aziz, Dr Mahathir said the PAS spiritual leader should be retiring from politics.
Dr Mahathir advised PAS to focus its attention to Kelantan instead of taking the trouble to penetrate Johor because the party had no influence in the state.

BN had been fair to all.

Don't take yourselves as victims: Daim

 Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin believes that the country's greatest problem is, everyone takes themselves as "victims".
"The Malays think that they are victims while the Chinese, Indians, Kadazans also think that they are victims. In fact, everyone has gained benefits respectively," he saild.
He said during an interview with Sin Chew Daily that such an attitude must be changed, added that Malaysia is country that struggles for each of its people and in fact, everyone has started to receive benefits since the country's independence. Therefore, such a "victim mentality" is not correct.
No one takes all
"Is it really so bad? Look at our progress, is it true that only the Malays have benefited from it? Are the Chinese still very poor? Show me data to prove that I'm talking nonsense."
He said that it is because the Opposition has kept telling poor Chinese living in poverty that "you are the victims".
Daim thinks that the BN government has ruled fairly and in fact, no one has taken all benefits and instead, everyone gets something respectively. Any problems should be debated in the Parliament and not to fight on streets. There will be no answers on streets and if street protests are staged everyday, it would then be like Greece.
"Is that what we need? No, it is not our culture. Our culture is hardworking. We told the Malays not to envy the achievements of the Chinese. The success of the Chinese is because they are hardworking.
Not easy to solve inequality
In terms of the BN's problem in trying to solve inequality, he pointed out that it is easier to be said than done. Inequality exists in various places around the world but the Chinese hope to achieve equality at once.
"Everyone wants equality but reality is unequal. The BN has been talking about the "country" and look at what problems are world economies facing? If we do it for the Malays or the Chinese, other racial groups will ask "why". We take care not only a place, but the whole benefits of the whole country. It is indeed not easy."
When being asked to comment on the allegation claiming that the MCA has not defended the interests of the Chinese, Daim said, "There are differences between Umno and MCA ministers. MCA ministers must ensure that they have taken care of their constituencies and they serve the people of their constituencies even during weekends. For the Chinese, they like dinners, performances and ceramah, you must be in the crowd.
"what has the DAP done? It is only a small party with lesser members compared to the MCA. However, they are at ease in the Chinese community. They ensure that the situation is under control and of course, playing with sentimental issues."
Teaching English is more important than teaching Science and Mathematics in English
When being asked about the government's abolition of the teaching Science and Mathematics in English policy, he thinks that teaching English is more important than teaching Science and Mathematics in English as English is the medium of business and trade. Chinese is the second important language as in the future, our country has to deal with China and it is an advantage to have many Mandarin speaking Chinese in our country.
Don't be emotional in considering children's future
When it comes to Chinese education, Daim said that children's future has always been the top priority. Even the middle class send their children to Chinese primary schools and hope to send them into a better secondary school and college. If given the opportunity, of course they want to go Harvard, Cambridge and Oxford universities instead of universities in China or Taiwan.
"Please put aside your emotions to see the real situation. I hope that everyone can think properly. We are all Malaysians and we live in peace and prosperity. Regardless of which racial group you are from, we build the country together."
Should resolve problem in a Malaysian way
When commended on the Chinese community's demand for the government's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), Daim said that the government should study the outcome and benefits that it brings.
"You cannot consider only an aspect but must think for all. If everyone asks something, the problem will never be solved. We must solve the problem in a "Malaysian way" and think from a Malaysian perspective. I always tell my children that always think as a Malaysian."

Choice of MBs a critical factor: Daim

Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin feels that the choice of future menteri besar is the most critical factor if the BN wants to recapture Selangor and hold on to Negeri Sembilan.
He said during an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily that Najib should announce the choice of next Selangor menteri besar as soon as possible while replacing a new one for Negeri Sembilan.
He said BN would very likely recapture Selangor provided that the voters in the state knew in advance who their next MB would be.
With PKR now divided into two opposing camps, Daim said it wouldn't be problem for BN to recapture Selangor if they fielded good candidates. He added that there should be new faces in Selangor, people with refreshing and clean image that the voters could accept.
As for Negeri Sembilan, Daim said the residents of Negeri Sembilan were currently not too happy with MB Datuk Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hassan. No Negeri Sembilan MBs have succeeded for a second term with the exception of Tan Sri Mohd Isa B Hj. Abdul Samad.
"This could be the way things are done in the state whereby changing MBs is seen as a way to resolve problems."
He reminded BN that any dispute in the choice of MB would only facilitate the advances of Pakatan Rakyat.
Optimistic
Daim remains optimistic of BN's winning chances in the upcoming general election, predicting that the ruling coalition could retain Putrajaya while wrestling Selangor and Kedah from Pakatan, adding that Kelantan could also turn to BN this time.
However he admitted that the battle would be very fierce in both Selangor and Perak.
When asked to comment on Lim Kit Siang's ambitions for Johor, Daim said the Chinese voters in Johor were different from those in KL, as they wanted stability.
Nevertheless, he felt it was possible for Kit Siang to win in Gelang Patah while DAP could clinch a few more seats in the state.
The veteran politician known for his accurate electoral predictions admitted that many changes could take place in politics within a week, and a more accurate prediction could only be made about three days before the polls.
He told Sin Chew Daily Kelantanese had grown sick of menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat as the state had not seen much development over the years. However he admitted that retaking Kelantan was hard so long as Nik Aziz was still around.
"Many Kelantanese now look for jobs in other states because they don't want to live under a PAS administration, but will go back there to vote.
"Meanwhile in Kedah, the disputes among Pakatan's parties continue. Pakatan has not brought much development to the state and if they are in power again, they will fight among themselves to stay on top. Each party thinks it can outperform others."
He said infighting among Pakatan parties had already taken place in Selangor and Johor and many voters would take this into consideration when casting their ballots.
Penang a very tough bet
Daim agreed it would be extremely difficult to take Penang because the state is made up of majority urban Chinese who are unhappy with the Federal government.
"People living in cities think they are more progressive than their rural counterparts, and consequently it is hard for the government to get bigger support from urban voters."
As for Perak, BN has 50% chance to retain Perak because DAP's Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang will leave Perak for Johor and DAP's battle in the state will be led by the Ngeh brothers who are not in good terms with the party's Indian leader M. Kulasegaran.
On Anwar's move to Perak, Daim said Anwar was already "obsolete." He said some people might think Anwar had changed, but the change just came a little too late.
Other than Lembah Pantai where Federal Territory Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik has a chance, Daim said it would be difficult for the BN to make significant breakthroughs in KL
"BN has learned a lesson. They know they will lose some seats if they are divided. So they are more united than Pakatan now."

PAS Kedah Won't Make Promises Anymore

It seems like Kedah Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Azizan Razak has made a politically incorrect statement as he criticize his own ally especially as election comes closer.
Azizan made the statement during an exclusive interview with The Malaysian Insider and said that PKR Selangor has made a mistake for making too much promises which they cannot afford to pay. He even stated that the mistake happened due to lack of experience and described those demand the state government to pay for their home as 'crazy'.
All the sudden, he refers to the ones demanding for the promise to be kept as 'crazy, the one that is crazy would be the party which gives tons of crazy promises.
People say, judge someone, look at their peers, and PAS Kedah is friends to PKR Selangor. So, if PKR Selangor is crazy, then PAS Kedah should be crazy as well, for being friends with PKR Selangor.
The proof, according to Azizan, the slogan 'Kedah Sejahtera’ (Prosperous Kedah) brings the meaning that the state government only guarantee the safety and well-being instead of letting people depend on the government. In other words, as long as there is no bribery, anyone can be the government even if they cannot generate income for the state.
Azizan's argument is halfway correct, people need to find their own income, but Azizan as leader, the government needs to provide job opportunities, stable and competitive developing atmosphere which enables people generate their income. Azizan cannot expect rakyat to build their own factory to work as regular employees. Obviously he needs to look out for investors.
Perhaps many rakyat of Kedah fail to realize that the developments on shops and houses in Kedah are mostly the continuity from BN projects. Since PAS took over, not even a single project went smoothly. They could not even build any mosques, instead, they just lied and took credit over BN's effort.
Kedah, under the leadership of PAS is really asking rakyat to look for their own money as the state government fail to generate income for the state, because they finish most of it on irrelevant unfinished projects, as well as their chronic practice of cronyism and nepotism in awarding projects and jobs.
We know that Azizan is the child of a farmer and he is proud of it. We have to compliment him for that. However, Azizan should not let rakyat keep on farming to generate their income when rakyat in other states are given challenging jobs in other sectors, which also comes with bigger salary.
Does Azizan want children of Kedah to take farming courses alone? What about those who are smart in science and mathematics? What about the ones who want to be engineer, scientists etc.?
We do know that Azizan's thoughts are shallow and the concern only goes to farmers and villagers. The farthest he could imagine is a farmer taking a job as lawyer. Azizan is still stuck in the past when the world has evolved.
As long as Kedah is under such conservative leader, until then rakyat of Kedah would not go anywhere.
So, this time around, Azizan refuse to make anymore promises to people of Kedah. No more promises of Islamic State or Welfare State will be heard in Kedah in the coming GE13. No more well-being nor development promises or even job opportunities, or anything, really.
Azizan is convinced that he could win the GE without making any promises, something that is against the stand of his party.
Thus, people of Kedah should think, they cannot even keep their previous promises, now this? Obviously Azizan can afford relax now considering that he does not have to do anything and rakyat can never say anything about it because he never made any promise. So, he can just do nothing at his throne which rakyat work hard to find their own income.
Azizan's stand raises question about the inconsistency of PR's principle in making the sweetest promises to rakyat.
If PR has made its central promise, so Azizan should follow it as well, he should ensure that all the promises will be kept in his state. If Azizan refuse to be involved in PR's promises, he should establish his own party and contest on Independent ticket. All these while, Azizan do take opposite approach against PAS Central did he?

Angkatan Muda Keadilan Troubled Over Video Which Seems Like Anwar

As a few PKR supporters kept on questioning the authenticity of "Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy Mahasiswa" video, many Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) members seem convinced that the individual in the video is actually Anwar Ibrahim.They have watched the video which showed how big Anwar's lust was, heading towards his partner, which adds more doubt on the moral of the party leader.
Their are even more convinced as recently, PKR Strategic Director, Rafizi Ramli accidentally confirmed that Anwar is a friendly person as he refers to the video published by blogger, PapaGomo.
In a few other previous videos and pictures, especially the intimate video between Anwar and his Chinadoll, they are still trying their best to put the blame to strengthen their claim saying that the video was acted by another individual who looks almost as same as Anwar.
Now, they are all stunned and cannot help but to accept the fact that their leader has low moral. They know that the person in the video is Anwar himself.
This scenario is worrying and troubling for AMK and PKR leaders, especially if this keeps on being questioned, spreading doubt among PKR members against their leader.
To make matters worse, whenever Anwar joins any ceramah or to meet up with people recently, from day to day, the number of PKR supporters attending those events seem to be declining. This is a clear sign that many are shying away from PKR and PR.
If this goes on, even party members might begin to question Anwar's moral behavior and this could put PKR in a dangerous spot as GE13 draws closer.
Especially as for now PAS' trust on Anwar seem weak when few of its leaders and supporters decided to reject Anwar as Prime Minister due to his moral and personal issues.
Besides that, PAS supporters who controls mosques and surau are also trying to avoid from getting Anwar or any PKR leaders from joining any of their religious activities  because they fear that it might deter PAS' image.
This would definitely be tough for Anwar and PKR to gain the trust from their own supporters.
Perhaps this is why PR propaganda machine is now busy making up stories linking the video with UMNO with the hope that it could raise public's sympathy.
Not enough with the propaganda, PKR then tries to make a false video to create a public perception that as if all previous videos and pictures of Anwar were fabricated. Perhaps this could fool PR supporters, but the public would never accept it just like that.

The impending death of Lim Kit Siang – who is responsible?

We have written about many things that have come true – we wrote about the dropping of Ramasamy as the Deputy Chief Minister of Penang and his replacement – Jagdeep Singh Deo, the son of Karpal Singh and today, this news is dominating the media and increasingly even amongst the DAP circle, this is been discussed as being inevitable.

We wrote about Jenice Lee being in trouble and likely to be dropped and today she is indeed under siege as she fights desperately for her political life.

We wrote about the clash of kings between the House of BOO CHENG HAU with the House of Lim Guan Eng and how efforts will be made to take credit away from Boo for expected gains in Johore and instead the credit will go to Kit Siang as he wrested away Boo’s leadership to lead the charge in Johore with his announcement that he will now contest the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat.

Kit Siang initiated his charge and stamped his leadership over Johor to override that of Boo Cheng Hau by having his 3-day walkabout in Johore. The announcement of his move to Gelang Patah was greeted with much joy and cheers from his supporters. But there was no joy for at least 3 family members of the Lim clan.
Firstly, Kit Siang’s wife, Madam Neo Yoke Tee is worried sick with Kit Siang’s decision to go to Johore.

She is crossed and angry with him for being so stubborn as usual and prepared to sacrifice his own health for political purposes. Kit Siang is 72 years old and he suffers from increasingly poor health of late – his eyesight is failing him so much so that he is almost blind. He tires easily and the fiery speeches are exacting a great toll on his weak body. Indeed, though his spirit is willing but his flesh is weak. The added traveling and moving from one place to another place for the walkabout and ceramahs is punishing Kit’s body more than usual and the consequences is definitely a big worry and source of anxiety for Madam Neo.


Kit Siang also suffers from acute low-back pains from time to time. The pain can be so severe that it immobilizes him. In fact, this happened on last New Year’s Day where he missed the annual family lunch at the Penang Swimming Club.
That is why Kit Siang’s other son, Dr. Lim Guan Chong, who is in the Lam Wah Ee Hospital is very concerned with his father’s health that he arranged for a MRI scan to be conducted on Kit Siang then. The finding are inconclusive but the doctor son remains very concerned as the pain does not go away completely-it comes back on and off.

But the more famous and politician son, Lim Guan Eng doesn’t care – he wants his father to lead the charge in Johore and claim credit for the expected gains in Johore and blunt the advance of Boo Cheng Hau. Guan Eng goads and encourages the father on and ignores the risk to his health. This is due to Guan Eng’s overvaulting ambition to exert his tight grip on the party even though he will soon hit term limit as Secretary General of the party. Though he has nurtured a protégé – Anthony Loke to take over from him, there is no guarantee that his plans will be carried out as Boo Cheng Hau is seen as a rising star.

Once Boo secures and wins 6-7 Parliamentary seats in Johore in the coming GE13, he will be seen as the DAP leader with the best performance and with that increases his stature and builds his case to led the party after Guan Eng steps down from his SG post. Anthony Loke will be no match for Boo Cheng Hau.
But Guan Eng wants to head this off and prevent this from happening and so he is quite prepared to sacrifice Kit Siang’s condition for it.

It wasn’t too long ago that Kit Siang went up to Sabah for one week of intense campaign and walkabout and upon his return, he was warded and had to be hospitalised for sheer exhaustion.
But this time it is different because the GE13 campaign in Johore is expected to be even more intense as it is UMNO’s fortress and MCA’s last bastion and they will fight with all their might and soul to protect their turf. And worse still, the campaign will be for about 2 weeks and Kit Siang is expected to give his all.

Knowing Kit Siang’s passion and his tenacity, he will dig deep into his reserves and campaign but this time, the toll will be fatal. That is what Dr. Lim Guan Chong is worried about for his father. He wants his father to take it easy instead of stepping up the pace because he knows that the punishing pace of the campaigns may just kill him. Kit Siang may just collapse and die of a heart attack or stroke in the midst of the campaign and what will the gain then – Gelang Patah will still be lost and be won by the MCA unopposed if Kit Siang dies during the campaign period and before the polling day.

Even Kit’s other daughter, Lim Hui Ming, a practising lawyer with Messrs. Lee Ong & Kandiah has expressed her concern and horror to her father and even tried to persuade Guan Eng to discourage his father but to no avail. Guan Eng remains adamant in his political drive and doesn’t care about others; not even his own father. They are all dispensable in his quest for power and more power.

Consider this our warning to Kit Siang – what does it profit a man who wins the whole world but loses his life and soul? Kit Siang should be allowed to top off his long political career with a win that he can be proud off – and then retire and enjoy his twilight years with his grandchildren. There is nothing for him to prove anymore. Why must Kit Siang take this risk and even suffer the possibility that he may lose in GE13 in Gelang Patah and then end his political life as a loser that everyone remembers instead of the winner that he should be. He will be too old to contest in GE14 and so this is his finale and he should crown it with a victory.

Guan Eng is simply too selfish to sacrifice his father in this manner – so if Kit Sang dies during the campaign, this is Guan Eng’s doing. Guan Eng is responsible for the impending death of Lim Kit Siang.

Real friends in in DAP must warn Kit and also Guan Eng of this possibility and call off the risky and life-threatening Gelang Patah gambit. Just let Kit Siang have an easy victory in Ipoh Timor.

Sarawak Workers’ Party hit by mass resignation in Julau

Julau’s Sarawak Workers’ Party (SWP) candidate Wong Judat’s run-up to the general election was given a blow when 356 SWP members resigned from the party.
Tonny Muari, a former SWP Youth chief and vice-president, who quit the party recently, said members left the party because they no longer believed in the party’s core struggle.
He said they have stated their intention to leave the party at Rh Phillip Belawan, Ng Sengaih, Entabai, Julau recently.
Tonny added that among those leaving SWP included tuai rumah Phillip himself and several other tuai rumah from nearby longhouses.
On a related issue, Tonny said Wong Judat’s recent statement that he has the support of some 9,000 registered SWP members in Julau was just a claim on paper as there was no solid proof of such massive support for the maverick Meluan assemblyman’s claim.
“Maybe he is counting on the electoral rolls of Julau. So we do not know. But on paper, he (Wong Judat) could claim any numbers he wished he has had,” added Tonny.
Wong Judat’s main contention to fight it out in Julau was against its current MP Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, whom he alleged to be an outsider.
To make his point clear, he even quit Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP), a component of the state BN, of which he was its former vice-president.
Meanwhile, SWP leadership had made their intention clear that their main existence was to take over Party Rakyat Sarawak’s (PRS) six seats as they claimed it was a BN friendly party.
Its top leadership was even confident that it could capture at least three of these seats.
Its president Larry Sng was reported to have said that the party could win in Selangau, Lubok Antu and Julau as it had received very high memberships and it had also received encouraging response from Sri Aman, Kanowit and Hulu Rajang.
PRS will retain all its incumbents except for Hulu Rajang where its current MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo will be replaced by new face Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
PRS incumbent MPs are Masir Kujat (Sri Aman), William Nyallau Badak (Lubok Antu), Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (Kanowit), Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun (Selangau) and Salang.

Kelantan After Dark

Kelantan’s social fabric is being ripped apart by state govt’s apathy.
 KELANTAN Pas’ carefully managed image of an Islamic state, free of vice, is nothing more than a sham. In a three-day tour of several main districts, including the state capital Kota Baru, the New Straits Times’ Special Probes Team uncovered a thriving vice industry involving prostitution, drugs and illegal gambling. This begs the question: how is it that the team found out about this in three days, when the state government, which rejects everything that is unIslamic, couldn’t get a handle on the problem even after administering the state for 23 years? In many of these cases, the activities were conducted right under the noses of the state authorities and local councils. The problem is so deeply rooted in the culture and psyche of the state that children as young as 15 know where to look for drugs and prostitutes. Within half an hour of reaching Kota Baru, the team was shown by a local fixer how to procure pil kuda, the locals' drug of choice. The transaction went off without a hitch, in broad daylight, and along one of the busiest roads in town. (See accompanying story and video.) Under the Pas administration, any form of open entertainment is illegal. Minutes away from Bazar Tok Guru, however, the team found a disco. We heard the throbbing bass of techno beat from inside our car long before we got to the spot. At first glance, it could have been mistaken for a simple shoplot. There was no sign. The only giveaway was the dim green-hued lighting and a sign on the doorway that read "Makanan dan minuman untuk orang bukan Islam". Opening the door, the disco was packed to the rafters. It was almost like one of the countless, third-rate discos mushrooming in Selangor. Multicoloured-lights and the mind-numbing, pounding drone of techno music assaulted our senses. Ladyboys dressed in miniskirts and revealing tops came over to take our orders, almost invariably, they offered us beer. Some of the transexual "waitresses" were gyrating to the music with some of the guests. Several Muslim patrons could be seen swaying to the music while sipping cold beer and revelling in the attention of the ladyboys. The team spent the rest of the night bar-hopping. Tucked away in some faraway corner of Tumpat, a 30-minute drive from Kota Baru, kilometres from civilisation and surrounded by jungle, was a sundry shop with huge wire-mesh doors, a small beat-up table, stacks of eggs and other provisions on one side, a cooler on the other. A small alleyway leads out to the back section where round tables dot the garden and where liquor is served by scantily clad waitresses. If you're looking for more than drinks, a quick chat with the proprietor will get you a massage. Anything extra would depend on how smooth a talker you are and the thickness of your wallet. A short hop down the same stretch of road and we pulled up at another establishment. The owner, a medium-built Chinese man met the team at the gate. He had seen us pull up and park along the main road, along with a sizeable number of vehicles. He immediately said that they could not accept any more customers because they did not have enough waitresses. The demand for this kind of service was evidently high. We got back in the car and headed for Tanjung Mas, where the team had heard about an open air karaoke joint that was popular among locals and was open until 5am. As we rounded the bend, we could hear the strains of a poorly executed goyang Inul made popular by Indonesian dangdut queen, Inul. In the state where the checkout counters of a supermarket are segregated by gender, ostensibly to prevent sexual temptation, the singer's Goyang Gerudi moves sent temperatures and heart rates right through the roof. The patrons, most of whom were middle-aged men, were lapping it up, cheering the singer on. Several elderly women joined in the fun, dancing cheek-to-cheek and mingling freely with other male guests. The team also discovered the growing subculture of black metal and punk rock in a conservative state that already frowns upon traditional forms of entertainment including dikir barat. At an underground gathering of local bands, the common refrain was clearly anti-state government, with The Sex Pistols and Nirvana delivered in heavily Kelantanese-accented English. The second day, the team trolled the streets looking for information on where to find prostitutes. The odds, we thought, would not be in our favour. However, early on, we were told by petrol station attendants, burger sellers, bell boys and 24-hour convenience store clerks that our best bet would be in Jalan Limau Manis and Jalan Gajah Mati, in the heart of Kota Baru. Several hotels, from budget to the more reputable ones, were known to be the favourites of locals looking for sexual gratification. At 3am, as the team cruised along Jalan Limau Manis, we saw a tudung-wearing prostitute together with her ladyboy friend. Both approached our car and initial negotiations began. Keeping an eye on them were two minders positioned near a petrol station, including one stationed across the road in an overwatch position. Their rate was RM150 for a full, 12-hour service. Our talks broke down with the appearance of three cops on motorcycles. Moving on to Jalan Gajah Mati, the team managed to convince two prostitutes, a college student and a high-school dropout who wanted to supplement their income, to come back to our hotel for a tell-all. This came as we failed to get several Thai prostitutes we met in the area to talk to us. (See video and accompanying story.) Initially hesitant, they both agreed, in return for RM300 to be split between them. Our negotiations took place under the faint glow of sodium lighting. Everywhere around us were bunting and posters with the face of spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, an omnipresent reminder of Pas' supposed Islamic credentials. No choice but to sell body "HOK mudo ado, tua ado, oghe gome ado, hok napok ale ado gok... Ingak nok keno igak, tapi dok, dio gelenya nok maen" (There's the old, government servant, the pious looking... I thought he was going to turn me in but he wanted sex). To Nabilla, 17, her prospects are bleak. Dropping out of school at 15, the fourth child in a family of eight was tired of her existence. Meals were never a regular affair, as farmers, her parents struggled to make ends meet and feed her seven siblings. In a show of selflessness, Nabilla decided to quit school. In the early part, she tried to look for jobs to help her parents out but in her village in the district of Kuala Krai, jobs, if any, were hard to come by. She hung out with her friends for a while -- mostly dropouts, too -- before trying her luck in Kota Baru, at the insistence of a friend. She bunked in, rent-free at the friend's place and tried to look for jobs, A waitressing opening paid RM400 a month but the schedule was gruelling, the work back-breaking. Another offer was at the local supermarket, it paid RM50 more but Nabilla decided to go with the waitressing job. It provided free meals. Being young and vivacious, the male customers tried to get her attention, offering a good time, fun and money. She didn't take the bait but noticed that her housemates were bringing home strangers. They would disappear behind closed doors. These girls were well dressed and could afford to pamper themselves once in a while. Nabilla wanted in, too. A chance meet with a middle-aged man at the restaurant where she worked, led her to the world of prostitution. In just a few short months, she was making RM1,200 a month, a sum which a school dropout could only dream of. "I am young and pretty, I still have many more years ahead of me. If those in their 20s, 30s and even 40s can be in demand, I think my prospects are good. "I have been doing this for less than a year. Many I know can earn up to RM2,000," her tone at mentioning the amount, indicating that this was her target. Julia's story echoes Nabilla's. Driven to vice by economics, the 19-year-old began to offer her services as soon as she entered a private skills-training college. Her parents made it clear that they could not fund her college education after she barely made it through her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. Julia's steely determination masks the pain she goes through every time she turns a trick. Her ultimate goal is to break free from the shackles of poverty and change her life -- for herself, her sisters and parents. "If by doing this, I can change my life, then it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."