1 August - ISA Gathering Gimmick ?

Tomorrow, the 1 August 2009, there will be mass gathering and protests of two movements.

One is of course Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) while the other is a recently established Pro-ISA movement.

Judging by these two movements' objectives and disruption of peace, we of course can find solace in the Barisan Nasional leadership led by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who have initiated steps to review the ISA.


I do not agree with complete abolishment of ISA, as once stated before in one of my blog postings. However, I am fully supportive to amendments of the Internal Security Act.

A complete abolishment of ISA will leave a big hole in the legal side and procedures of Malaysia, thus contributing towards greater crime rate or increasing the risks of our national security.

Malaysia can only abolish ISA if there are sufficient Acts to cover the tracks of such a move.


Although Pro ISA movements can argue that countries like Singapore and United States have similar security laws, Barisan Nasional cannot afford to hold such "radioactive" issues while marching into elections anymore.

Times have changed in Malaysia where the original ISA might not be relevant but amendments of the Act are indeed necessary steps for a better Malaysia.


There is a good blog post I found in the blogopshere, written by Syed Akbar Ali, on ISA. That perhaps will explain to the people the true intentions of Malaysian politicians and GMI.

Read : Pakatan Riot on 1.8.09? Please go to Morib Beach !

Excerpts from OutSyedTheBox :

• This anti – ISA rally is just a political gimmick. For example no one has complained about the two Malay men who are locked up in Guantanamo Bay under the American ISA (Patriot Act or whatever). The GMI has not marched anywhere in protest over the two Malay boys held at Guantanamo. Brader Anwar has recently travelled to the United States to meet his old neo-con buddies there. Did he bring up the issue of the two Malay men held under their ISA there? Terlupa ke? This is a dead give away that the complaint against the ISA is just a gimmick.
  
  
• Don’t forget that in 1999, Brader Anwar was jailed for six years for abusing his authority and asking the Police to bully one Ummi Hafilda and one Azizan Abu Bakar. We did not abolish the Police Act. Brader Anwar went to jail. This man is an ex convict, a proven in Court abuser of power. Sekarang mahu bising nak mansuhkan ISA ? Pi dah.
  
  
• My lawyer friends tell me that the Simpang Renggam inmates who are detained under ISA include violent gangsters, hardcore drug dealers, organized crime bosses and other unsavoury characters who have escaped the clutches of due process, often with the help of clever lawyers. The ISA provides some safety measure for the public that these characters are taken out of circulation. Does the GMI want to see these folks walking the streets freely?

GMI must take a step backward, and so must the Pro-ISA movement. Let us all be supportive of DS Najib's move to review and most probably amend the ISA.

Related :

1. Najib : Move to release ISA detainees shows Govt not repressive
2. MCA lauds Najib's proposal to comprehensively review ISA
   

Najib : No stone will be left unturned

By now, everyone can see how divided the blogosphere is. One side claims that MACC and Barisan Nasional murdered Teoh Beng Hock, a political aide to Selangor Exco Member Ean Yong Hian Wah.


However, this side of the camp must really consider the question posted by Malaysian Mirror's writer - Nightmares for Khalid after Teoh's death (below are excerpts).

• If indeed Teoh was murdered, like some people are inclined to believe, the question would arise: who is going to benefit from such atrocity?
  
  
• Is it the MACC, which Teoh was helping in the investigations of the alleged abuse of constituency funds?
  
  
• Is it the Barisan Nasional-led Federal government , which allegedly influence decisions by the MACC?
  
  
• Is it the DAP, since the Selangor representatives being investigated by the MACC are largely from that party?
  
  
• Is it the PKR or PAS, two dissatisfied allies of the DAP in the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor state government?
  
  
• Or is it some ‘mafia’ groups that had allegedly infiltrated into the Selangor state government?

I hope everyone remembers that it was a PKR MP by the name of Yang Berhormat Wee Choo Keong who raised the issue that a Selangor State Exco Member is linked to the underworld activities - not a Barisan Nasional accusation or conspiracy plot.

And YB Wee has yet to reveal the identity of the Exco Member although he "teased" Teresa Kok and Ronnie Liu in his "Siapa Makan Cili, Dia Terasa Pedas" blog post. (Azmin Ali is quiet too)

This side of the camp has also been active in ridiculing other bloggers who raised questions like these - accusing them of not respecting Teoh's death, politicizing the issue etc.

Again, who is politicizing the issue ?


When in fact, now we have a People First, Performance Now administration that promises a thorough investigation with No Stones Unturned.

DS Najib, I have to say I was shocked but impressed that you met the Teoh's at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya to hear out the family's requests and grievances.

Read : Najib Meets the Teohs (images from The Malaysian Insider)


I believe the Royal Commission Inquiry and the Inquest will be able to perform independently and with credibility based on the laws in Malaysia to serve justice for Teoh Beng Hock.

The Star is providing live coverage at the Inquest.

The lawyers of the family happen to be DAP leaders - holding a watching brief for the family at the inquest. Hmm.

Whoever it is that caused the death of Teoh, I don't care. I just hope that the law provides Teoh and his family the justice because it is indeed painful to lose a family member, what more to say a young son reaching his prime time in life.

Let the Inquest begin and justice served !

Related links :

• Lessons from Teoh's death
• Teoh's death mystery
• More questions on Teoh's death

(Credits to The Malaysian Insider and Malaysiakini for the photos)

More questions on Teoh's death

Previously, I posted 3 sets of questions on Teoh Beng Hock's mysterious death from BigDogDotCom, Malaysiakini and of course my own random thoughts.

Read them here - Teoh's death mystery (a MUST read)

I had a little time yesterday night and found several more intriguing set of questions, on top of those I had posted before in the link above.

Allow me to post some of the questions here which I read in the online news portal newbie Malaysian Mirror.

Nightmares for Khalid after Teoh's death

• If indeed Teoh was murdered, like some people are inclined to believe, the question would arise: who is going to benefit from such atrocity?
  
  
• Is it the MACC, which Teoh was helping in the investigations of the alleged abuse of constituency funds?
  
  
• Is it the Barisan Nasional-led Federal government , which allegedly influence decisions by the MACC?
  
  
• Is it the DAP, since the Selangor representatives being investigated by the MACC are largely from that party?
  
  
• Is it the PKR or PAS, two dissatisfied allies of the DAP in the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor state government?
  
  
• Or is it some ‘mafia’ groups that had allegedly infiltrated into the Selangor state government?

By the way, do read this article HERE. I have been linked to the blog T4TBH. A friend alerted me to this latest piece while I was on the road to Canberra this morning.

Really hilarious given that the time and dates of the two articles posted in T4TBH, I was spending my time in class and out at Sydney Harbour for a whale watching trip.

Teoh's death mystery

I found two sets of interesting questions with regards to Teoh Beng Hock's death at the grounds of MACC office.

Allow me to present to you two contrasting sets of question and my own random thoughts for us to ponder and judge reasonably.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat Press Statement
Signed by PKR vice-president R Sivarasa, PAS council member Dzulkefly Ahmad and Selangor DAP secretary Lau Weng San.

• why was Teoh's case allegedly involving an amount less than RM2,500 is pursued with such aggression and urgency?
  
  
• why was Teoh and another so-called "witness" kept overnight and interrogated with such oppression?
  
  
• why was Teoh's hand phone in the custody of the MACC when the MACC insisted that he was only a witness; why did the MACC initially deny they took his handphone?
  
  
• why would Teoh spend the night at the MACC's office if he was free to go especially since he was scheduled to be married the next morning;
  
  
• why would Teoh commit suicide (as alleged by MACC and others) in these circumstances, when he is about to get married, with his fiancé expecting their child, and with no sign or history of depression or mental illness.

BigDogDotCom 13 Million Ringgit Questions

• One question is our mind here in BigDogDotCom: Why was Selangor State Exco for Local Government Ronnie Liu was so frantic looking for Teoh’s notebook PC and handphone to a point where he broke the door at the Tuanku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital mortuary?
  
  
• Amongst the things he specifically reminded the Teoh family was to demand the return of Teoh’s notebook PC and handphone. What information are so important in these devices to Ronnie Liu? Are the information contained in these devices will incriminate him and actually provide evidence of his linkages to the Lords of the Underworld Vices?
  
  
• Why is DAP appointed Kajang Municipal Councillor Tan Boon Wah was reluctant and later refused to give his statement to the Police?
  
  
• If it is a murder and Teoh and Tan were together in the early hours of Thursday morning in the MACC office at Plaza Masalam, then why is it only Teoh is murdered and Tan is not? Is Tan connected to the murder?
  
  
• Since at this point it is established that Tan was the last person to see Teoh alive, would that make him a suspect?
  
  
• If Teoh’s ’sudden death’ is neither a suicide nor accident (which is most unlikely probability), is it a murder?
  
  
• What is the linkage between MACC original investigations of misappropriation and abuse of state funds to Teoh’s ’sudden death’?
  
  
• Is the misappropriation and/or abuse of state funds has something to do with the Lords of the Underworld Vices?
  
  
• If there is, how far reaching is this involvement? Is it within Selangor or include DAP controlled states like Penang and formerly Perak as well?

APOMM's Random Thoughts

• YB Wee Choo Keong mentioned about an open secret where a Selangor EXCO misused his/her office for underground business activities two weeks ago.
  
  
• These were heavily retorted by YB Teresa Kok and YB Ronnie Liu, although YB Wee Choo Keong exposed no names in the first place and ended up with a teaser - Siapa makan cili, dia terasa pedas.
  
  
• A week ago, the Political Secretary to Ean Yong Hian Wah (Selangor State Exco member) was found dead at the MACC building grounds and cause of death (COD) was reported to be due to a fall from high levels.
  
  
• I wonder if these have any links to the accusations by YB Wee Choo Keong on a particular Selangor EXCO. The Royal Commission of Inquiry and Inquest should cover this possibility and leave no stones unturned !
  

- end -

Lessons from Teoh's death

The death of Teoh marks the need for Malaysia to reform - not just in terms of transparency, integrity and accountability.

It is high time Malaysians look far and beyond these crafty words often used by politicians to gain political mileage, fame and news.

The Barisan Nasional Federal Government should of course double their efforts in promoting forensic science and improve the forensic labs as well as criminal investigative units in PDRM.

I am very surprised why so many among the Opposition who immediately linked Barisan Nasional to Teoh's death and the MACC.

The system is clear in Malaysia that the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission are independent bodies that come under the Royal patronage of DYMM Yang Dipertuan Agong Malaysia.

Why link Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Barisan Nasional Government to these independent bodies ?

Malaysia must move beyond childish tactics like these and stop believing the puppeteers of the Opposition.

An independent inquiry led by the Police, a Royal Commission or perhaps a Parliamentary Select Inquiry which consist of Members of Parliament and Senators should be in place to look into Teoh's case.

Whatever it is, the suspiciously well organized political moves by the Opposition leaders that instantaneously link Barisan Nasional and MACC officers to the death of Teoh have delivered the result of any possible inquiry.

Anything less than a "MACC = murderer" or "Barisan Nasional - blood in your hands" will be deemed unacceptable by the people. The politicians have successfully led the people to deliver the "results" of any future inquiry into the matter.

Sadly, this is Malaysia today and it will be the Malaysia for years to come where the legislative arm is no longer needed but public Court of opinions and judgement are the rule of law today.

There are countless blogs and news online that seem to "direct" Barisan Nasional to take full responsibility over the case of Teoh's unfortunate death.

Taking up the case personally by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will only blur the lines of independence between the two law enforcement units and the Malaysian Government.

Just two weeks ago, YB Wee Choo Keong mentioned about an open secret where a Selangor EXCO misused his/her office for underground business activities.

These were heavily retorted by YB Teresa Kok and YB Ronnie Liu, although YB Wee Choo Keong exposed no names in the first place and ended up with a teaser - Siapa makan cili, dia terasa pedas.

Several days ago, the Political Secretary to Ean Yong Hian Wah was found dead at the MACC building grounds and cause of death (COD) was reported to be due to a fall from high levels.

Surprisingly, Ean Yong Hian Wah is also an EXCO of Selangor, not just a normal ADUN of Seri Kembangan.

I wonder if these have any links to the accusations by YB Wee Choo Keong on a particular Selangor EXCO.

YB Wee Choo Keong must reveal the identity of the Selangor State Exco member, whose links to the underworld is an open secret in the Selangor Govt administration, to give Teoh his justice !

What last hurrah, Jui Meng ?

Two years after Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting was selected to lead MCA, he had to face the rough patches of party election.

Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng being the longest serving Health Minister and a top MCA politician with strong support in Johor (Barisan Nasional's fortress), he was indeed the shining star in MCA at that time (year 2005).

A Presidential contest was on the sheet but Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng was rejected by 2/3 of the delegates who were chosen to represent their divisions to attend and vote in the MCA General Assembly.

In 2008 when MCA faced their worst performance ever, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting humbly resigned and made way for fresh blood.

A fresh new party election was again the focus of all Malaysians and it was heavily discussed especially among the Malaysian Chinese community.

Initially it was tipped to be a Ong Tee Keat vs Chua Soi Lek and Ong Ka Chuan vs Chua Jui Meng epic election battle.

However, we all know that it is "politically unacceptable" for a Presidential candidate to stoop low and take a shot at the Deputy Presidency.

Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng then made the first move and announced his candidacy for President of MCA, spoiling Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's plans and hopes.

In the 2008 MCA Party Election, untested and young politician Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat was elected into office as President of MCA with 1429 votes.

Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng managed to obtain 917 votes, once again rejected by the members of the Malaysian Chinese Association.

In democratic party elections, Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng was twice rejected to lead the Malaysian Chinese Association - a party with over 1 million members.

Today, he quits MCA to join PKR.


First BN Coordinating Meeting in Muar and Bakri
This is the problem that BN faces when a long serving candidate is replaced with a new face. The incumbents always feel that they have many more years to go before they retire. Hence, in a lot of constituencies, when a long serving incumbent is replaced, there is non-cooperation and what is worst sabotage. Anyway, the incumbent for one of the Parliamentary seats who was replaced did not turn out for the meeting although he is still head of the division.

Chua Jui Meng quits as Bakri MCA chief
Speaking to reporters Thursday, he said the decision was made “solely to unify the division which has been split since the March 8, 2008 general election.” He said although many parties had asked him to continue to lead the division, he felt it was time for him to give way to a younger leader.



After reading the above two articles, you will understand what Datuk Seri Dr Chua Jui Meng meant when he said "I am prepared for this last hurrah of my life".

Battle of the warlords in Selangor

Who will benefit from the internal bickering ? There is an obvious line being drawn now within Pakatan Rakyat Selangor and the warlords are grouping up.

Team A vs Team B.

It was reported that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had a meeting with Anwar Ibrahim and Wan Azizah, the husband and wife team in PKR. I am surprised with that move actually.

In fact, the protocol of State affairs must be respected. Everyone seems to be forgetting about the responsibility of the Menteri Besar to seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor and brief HRH on the latest matters.

Two accusations of "susah untuk bertemu MB (pendukung Ketuanan Rakyat) have been thrown into the ring.

Just to stray a little, don't forget that YB Hee Yit Foong in Perak had the same complaint too that she could not even get a meeting with the former Perak MB Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin.

Let us see what "old problems" came about in Selangor

1. PAS Selangor vs concerts by international artistes
2. Control of liquor selling proposal by DAP Selangor
3. Cows bought using State funds for the MB's constituency
4. Personal car Lexus used as official MB car, maintenance paid by State
5. Distribution of waste concessionaires among Pakatan parties (accused by Thiruvenggadam - dropped from new councillors list)
6. MP Kapar said it is hard to meet the MB, only got to meet aide
7. YB Wee Choo Keong said it is an open secret among State Govt leaders that an EXCO member's office has underworld links

A few days ago, I posted an article - Selangor Govt crumbling - and I think the chronological report of news from the alternative media show signs of disunity among Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

I shall continue with the latest articles here but after reading it, tell yourself everything is "okay".

Azmin continues attacking Selangor Govt
PKR’s Azmin Ali today continued his tirade against the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government today, trading barbs with senior executive councillor Teresa Kok during debates at the state legislative assembly. Azmin, who got up to speak, became agitated. He lashed out at the Kinrara lawmaker for hitting out at him only at the end of her debate, depriving him of an opportunity to respond. He cited press reports in which Kok had been quoted as questioning his conduct last week and said it was unfair that she was not willing to take him on in the assembly. The PKR whip said he was merely voicing out the conscience of the majority by pointing out the shortcomings of the state government during debates at the legislative assembly last week.

PKR-DAP spat worsens with row in state assembly
On Khalid's meeting with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and other top party leaders, Azmin refused to divulge details. However, sources said Khalid was called up by the PKR adviser to discuss the appointment of local councillors in Selangor. The appointment of several councillors to the Ampang Municipal Council and the Shah Alam City Council had irked many local leaders as they were not consulted over the selection.

What 'underground business activities' ?
After Azmin Ali threw a tantrum and called for a reshuffling of the Selangor exco, one ex-DAP “shit stirrer” jumped into the deep end. In his blog, Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong went as far as to say a Exco member’s office was being used as the meeting place for people involved with “underground business activities”.

Siapa makan cili, dia terasa pedas
My posting on the support for the call by YB Azmin Ali for the reshuffle of the Selangor exco was very simple and clear. I had not mentioned the name of the exco member concerned or which political party he or she belonged to. YB Ronnie Liew Liu jumped at the statement in my blog just like YB Teresa Kok jumped at YB Azmin Ali’s speech in the Selangor State Assembly calling for the reshuffling of the Selangor state exco.

I wonder which Team the guy in the above pic (Speaker Teng Chang Khim) belongs and I am still waiting to hear his words on the dirty mud wars of his Ketuanan Rakyat and SELCAT teammates.

Selangor Govt crumbling

Read the following articles I obtained chronologically from various sources - none from mainstream media.

Anyone see any SELCAT elements in the Selangor Govt ? Even the loudest SELCAT proponent, YB Teng Chang Khim, is so quiet these days.

Trouble is brewing in Selangor ...


Selangor MB under fire for 'minority' remark
“Last year, over 40 Indian councillors held a meeting and we drafted a memorandum to the menteri besar and wanted to seek an appointment with him. But two months passed, and there was no response,” he told a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

Thiruvenggadam also claimed that the state government divides waste-concessionaire Alam Flora contracts to political parties - 40 per cent to PKR, 30 per cent to PAS and 30 per cent to DAP.

[Video clip here : PJ councillor blasts own Govt ]

Sivarasa: No harm making recommendations to Alam Flora
Subang Jaya MP and PKR VP R Sivarasa says that there is apparently no harm in politicians recommending certain contractors to solid waste management company Alam Flora as it does not mean the contracts will be awarded to them. He clarified today that no matter whoever made the recommendations, it was up to Alam Flora to select the right contractor.


All get a fair go at Alam Flora contracts
Selangor has opted to use an open balloting system for all future waste management contracts to head off allegations of political patronage. The existing contracts are gradually expiring and there was intense lobbying by Pakatan Rakyat supporters to land new contracts. However Pakatan leaders were split down the middle on the issue.

Whistleblower dropped as MPPJ councillor
“It was because I had repeatedly questioned why there were no equal distribution policies... they have been unfair to the Indian community,” said Thiruvenggdam.


Azmin unleashes 'friendly' fire on Selangor Government
The Bukit Antarabangsa lawmaker said the members of the state executive council were “getting too big for their boots” and were refusing to listen to others. He also criticised the appointments of local councillors and said the process was conducted in a haphazard manner.

“Some candidates were appointed because they are close to Exco members while others are not qualified.” he said adding that he had received many complaints from the presidents of local councils.


Only PR supreme council can decide on exco reshuffle - Khalid
"I see the state assemblyman’s call for a reshuffle as a suggestion to strengthen the administration. However, a reshuffle of exco members is not a normal process, it needs to be discussed with leaders of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS first."


Azmin justifies outburst, says it is his responsibility
Among his criticisms are red tape at the state Economic Planning Unit (MTES) which he claims is stifling businesses, the haphazard appointments of local councillors and the state’s policy on sand mining, which he says only generated RM4 million in profits (MB's projected RM 150 mil).


YB Wee Choo Keong Press Statement, 21 April 2009, Kuala Lumpur
Similarly, we in the PKR do not expect to be consulted when certain personalities are put forward to be appointed to the Exco in Penang and Selangor even though we know that they are not fit for the job.

Yes, Selangor state exco should be reshuffled.
It was most unfortunate that the immediate response of the so-called “senior” state exco, YB Teresa Kok, was to attack YB Azmin Ali and it showed a “bad attitude and sheer arrogance” on her part for calling for the removal of YB Azmin Ali as the President of the Backbenchers’ Club.

For her recent pre-mature outburst that seemed more like an attempt at heroics, it would appear that the so-called “senior” exco-member, YB Teresa Kok, was intolerant of other people’s point of views regardless of whether or not it was made in the interest of Pakatan. Surely, I hope YB Teresa Kok is not against the freedom of speech especially in the Dewan.


What ‘underground business activities’?
After Azmin Ali threw a tantrum and called for a reshuffling of the Selangor exco, one ex-DAP “shit stirrer” jumped into the deep end. In his blog, Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong went as far as to say a Exco member’s office was being used as the meeting place for people involved with “underground business activities”. I challenge him to name the Exco member who’s allegedly involved so that other exco members needn’t be suspects in the public’s eyes.

YB kesal susah bertemu MB
Ahli Parlimen Kapar, S Manikavasagam kesal kerana sebagai wakil rakyat, beliau sendiri terpaksa menunggu lama untuk bertemu dengan Menteri Besar (MB), Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim untuk mengemukakan masalah rakyat.

Menurutnya, usaha beliau untuk bertemu dengan MB bagi memberikan gambaran sebenar tentang apa yang berlaku di kawasan Parlimennya sering menemui jalan buntu kerana beliau hanya dapat berjumpa dengan Setiausaha Politik MB, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.


- end -

Keranamu Mahathir

Selamat Hari Jadi, Tun Dr Mahathir.

Malaysia hari ini berada di pentas dunia dan mencapai kejayaan yang pelbagai dalam bidang sukan, pendidikan, kewangan, industri dan sebagainya hasil daripada dedikasi Tun Dr Mahathir.

Pendek kata, Malaysia hari ini keranamu Tun.

Dah beberapa kali saya menulis artikel tentang manfaat Mahathirisme dan kecemerlangan pentadbiran Malaysia di bawah Tun Dr Mahathir.

Tak perlulah saya ulang lagi.

1. Dr Mahathir in the eyes of a Ghanaian
2. Mahathirism - Education and Foreign Relations
3. Mahathirism - Pet Projects
4. Mahathirism in my eyes & the "Pariah" writer

Kalau dulu kami dengar ramai yang kutuk projek-projek mega di negara - PLUS, Monorail, LRT (Star & Putra), Komuter, KLCC, Menara KL, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, KLIA dan sebagainya, kini ramai yang bersyukur Malaysia ada infrastruktur sebegini.

Kalau dulu ada yang menentang initiatif kerajaan untuk menganjur SUKOM 98 dan F1 di Sepang International Circuit, kini kami berasa bangga kerana Malaysia terkemuka dan menonjol di peta dunia.

Ini hanyalah beberapa sumbangan dan "brainchild" Tun Dr Mahathir. Perlukah saya menulis tentang polisi-polisi ekonomi, pembangunan, pelaburan dan pendidikan Tun Dr M termasuk PPSMI ?

Hari ini, saya ingin mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada Tun atas sumbangan, jasa dan dedikasi Tun.

Alangkah baiknya Tun masih memimpin Malaysia !

100 hari Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak telah tiba. Perubahan telah dilakukan, ada yang baik ada yang tidak. Sekiranya kerajaan tidak ingin berubah, maka Barisan Nasional perlu bersedia untuk diubah dan dikritik.

Tun tidak keseorangan dalam perjuangan membangunkan negara dengan menggunakan polisi, wawasan dan usaha yang baik, bernas dan memanfaatkan rakyat jelata.

APOMM akan terus berjuang bersama Tun Dr Mahathir. Semoga usia Tun dipanjangkan demi negara kami yang tercinta.

Disappointed over PPSMI scrapping

All these while, I have been consistently supporting Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - Tun Abdullah's days as well as the UMNO elections.

I believe strongly that TSMY is a strong and capable leader with respectable knowledge of international trade, agriculture and governance.

However, with the announcement that the PPSMI will be scrapped off in 2012, I am truly disappointed with the decision made by

• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
• Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong
• Cabinet Malaysia
  

Throughout the week, Ministry officers, politicians and academicians were providing opinions and hints that the decision of the Cabinet will please all parties.

I disagree and I am totally unhappy with the decision made based on inputs from academicians, teachers, politicians, NGOs and I was told Tun Dr Mahathir was consulted also (confirmed in Tun's latest blog posting).

I wonder how TSMY and the Cabinet can argue their way out of Tun Dr Mahathir's reasoning as to why PPSMI must stay on. Read more

• PPSMI A
• PPSMI B
  

It is undeniable that our teachers are not proficient in English and face difficulties with PPSMI.

However,

• is it not the case that our teachers were once students who went through SPM and STPM ?
• did our teachers fail to get a PASS or Credit in English when they were in school ?
  

The Education Ministry should have been firm and maintained the PPSMI with a periodic review of the policy to refine and improve it.

This is a victory for the politicians, language experts and students who were opposed to the PPSMI including NGOs like GAPENA, GMP and Dong Jiao Zong.

Their arguments provided to the Ministry are

• protect the status of Bahasa Malaysia and mother tongue
• many students will fail the exams
• people learn best in their mother tongue

PPSMI was introduced not to improve the students' command of English but to ease the process of learning, understanding and acquiring knowledge in Science and Mathematics.

The vocabulary and terms used in Science and Mathematics will never be mastered by the students via English Language Studies or the relatively new subject English in Science and Technology (EST).

My advice to the Malaysian community is not to hide behind the veil of "Preserving the identity and mother tongue".

WE go to school to learn, absorb as much material as we can and also discover new areas and knowledge.

We do not go to school just to acquire a piece of certificate, which is after all just a sheet of paper. What use will the certificate be if we come out being educated merely on paper but our brains are still empty ?

Our parents send us to schools with the hope that we will be successful and knowledgeable people, not just to get a certificate.

If the excuse is that students will fail due to the PPSMI, this is even more ridiculous.

Is it not the responsibility and duty of the student to alter his study strategies and double their efforts in school based on the curriculum set ?

Hypocrites are at large. True language fighters will not ask for the PPSMI to be scrapped. They will instead urge the Government to increase the minimum grade of the languages necessary to pass the SPM to be increased from the current P8 to C5 or C6.

I believe the Barisan Nasional Federal Government will be making several more decisions which will receive strong objections such as the Petronas BOD issue as well as the economic plan.

If Tun Abdullah Badawi had the "Proton-Tengku Mahaleel" headache, will Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak be ready for the "Petronas-TS Hassan Marican" migraine?

Independent evaluation - Dr Khir Toyo

Over the year, Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo stayed in the spotlight periodically. It is every politician's dream to be in the news and to be able to convey political messages to the people.

Unfortunately for UMNO Selangor and Barisan Nasional, Dr Khir is in the news for all the wrong reasons and negative perceptions are growing.

The latest controversy on Dr Khir is focused on his beautiful and large bungalow.

Allegations by Ng Suee Lim

• Bungalow valued at RM 24 mil
• Two plots of land bought at RM 2.9 mil and RM 900,000
• House was built on the two plots of land
• RM 20 mil spent on fixtures and furniture

Dr Khir's response 1

• House bought at a value of RM 3.5 mil
• Loan obtained from HSBC
• Did not buy the land and build the house on it as claimed
• Only replaced the roof and did some minor renovations
• Asked Ng to sell the house at RM 24 mil, commission at 50%

Ng's response

• willing to sell for Dr Khir
• asked Dr Khir for keys and official letter for appointment as real estate agent
• questioned ability of Dr Khir to pay with RM 8,000 monthly income as ADUN and Opposition leader as well as estimated RM 40,000 monthly salary over 8 years as MB of Selangor

Dr Khir's response 2

• can afford to pay with income from pharmacy, dental clinic and other businesses

This matter has been brought up to the MACC's office by GERAK, the same NGO that reported Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim on cows and Lexus.

Reporting to the MACC will not be enough politically for UMNO and Barisan Nasional.

Dr Khir must be willing to invite independent property experts from the Big Four (e.g. PwC, Ernst & Young) or any top real estate firms in the country to give a fair evaluation of his posh bungalow.

This is necessary because Ng's evaluation will only be seen as politically motivated by both sides.

Will Dr Khir follow the footsteps of Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat (PKFZ project inquiry) ?

Dr Khir leads not only UMNO in Selangor's State Assembly but Barisan Nasional as well and the party's image should not be tarnished or stay in the news for the wrong reasons continuously.

I urge the UMNO disciplinary board under Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithaudeen as well as Selangor UMNO led by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to consider actions against Dr Khir, in the event that he is found guilty.

Side note :

These were all covered extensively in the mainstream media !

Pro Opposition bloggers, politicians and supporters are so hyped up over these reports which were further supplemented by articles written in the alternative media.

Yet, we are told not to read or even trust the evil BN controlled mainstream media !

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim even criticised the mainstream media and alleged that "serang hendap media UMNO-BN" was at work in the recent cracks within Pakatan Rakyat.

The million dollar question now is - are the mainstream papers conspiring to further tarnish the image of Barisan Nasional ahead of Manik Urai's by election on 14th July 2009, less than a week from now?

Why would Barisan Nasional controlled media do such a thing ? This, I await the answer from pro Opposition bloggers, supporters and politicians.

Compensation package - Kg Buah Pala

Guan Eng, why not compensate Kg Buah Pala villagers too ?

It has been said that the developers are no longer paying the villagers a single cent. And CM Lim Guan Eng recently warned the developers that they must still proceed to compensate the villagers.

Some people in another blog slammed me for saying that the developers are compensating the villagers and that they are worthy of some credit. It seems that CM Lim is also saying the same thing !

We now must decide whether

• that place is a heritage of our country
• that place is a probable tourist attraction place
• that 6 acres piece of land is best kept as it is or bulldozed for development (the banes and boons from the lenses of economic theory)
  

Development must proceed, just like how plantation owners and other Malay and Chinese villages had to make way for development of the country to house more people and to elevate the area's economic status.

I believe Singapore went through such a testing phase politically, socially and economically before in their tiny island.

No hard feelings to the villages of Kg Bala and I apologize if I am wrong and fail to understand your sensitivities.

I am here to provide solutions to the deadlock based on the options left for us to consider, on top of what DAP Penang leaders have suggested.

Now if we recall, the average compensation offered by the developer is about RM 200,000. Cattle owners were offered RM 330,000 together with a 5 year rent free piece of land in Balik Pulau.

The State Government also received RM 3.21 million for the sale of the land to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang back in 2007.

Given that it is now 2009, assuming 2 years interest earned at 3% p.a., the RM 3.21 million is worth approximately RM 3.405 million today.

There are reportedly 23 families in Kg Buah Pala now. (figure was initially quoted by media previously as 45 families but Lim said only 23 families)

I am sure the State Government can afford to disburse the RM 3.405 million to the families of Kg Buah Pala on top of the State ordered compensation by Nusmetro Ventures.

This will average out to about RM 148,000 for each family. In total, the families will receive on average RM 348,000 in cash.

Perhaps the State Government will be kind enough to draft out a housing loan, subsidy or proper housing allocation to the families affected.

This development project in Penang will see a housing project comprising

• 740 units of low and medium cost homes,
  
• 8 shoplots,
  
• 1 community hall,
• 1 kindergarten.

Perhaps NVSB, Penang Development Corporation and Penang State Government can work something out to house the 45 families among the 740 units too ?

Or will the State Government continue to blame the previous administration and pass the buck to other parties to solve the current State problems ?

Doing this is not helpful either.

High Chaparral 'rep' abandons her own PC
The Kampung Buah Pala crisis today took a strange twist when a high ranking PKR official apparently 'coerced' one of the villagers to praise the state government's handling of the affair.


One can only wonder what other amazing feat PKR Penang can achieve besides this guided Press Conference, the Aminah Tape and the abuse of power as exposed by Jeff Ooi.

DAP - Dramatically Active Party

PENANG DAP

We must give credit, at least a little, to Nusmetro Ventures. Legally, they need not provide compensation.

However, the developer made initiatives to offer between RM 140,000 to RM 260,000 as compensation to the Temporary Occupation of Land (TOL) title holders in High Chaparral.

Cattle owners were also offered RM 330,000 together with a 5 year rent free piece of land in Balik Pulau.

The residents must understand that the place they are occupying does not belong to them and since the beginning, they were only holding TOL titles.

Perhaps the State Government should have drafted proper housing schemes in High Chaparral and come up with a housing purchase scheme that will benefit all parties involved.

Anyway, Penang State leaders should stop pointing fingers at Penang Gerakan for the land problems.


After all, that was why Penang BN got voted out and that is one of the reasons why I call for the return of Penang BN leadership to MCA instead of being under Gerakan.

MCA have been open and transparent with the independent probe by PwC, MACC and PAC on the PKFZ project. When will Gerakan come out and tell their story ?

Pointing fingers at previous administration doesn't mean that Penang Pakatan need not worry about undoing the mistakes and solving the problems of the people.

I thought we have a lot of lawyers and constitutional experts as well as judges who side Pakatan - Tommy Thomas, NH Chan, Sankara Nair, Ngeh Koo Ham and many more.

How come NONE of you voice out anything on the High Chapparal case or come out with a point by point legal opinion like what they did with the complex Perak politics and Constitution ?

One thing is for sure, Guan Eng wont return to Malacca. He is unwanted there. Surely we all remember that he lost the party election in his home State ?

Makes me wonder why Penang DAP didn't appoint their own Penangite to lead the State Government.

Guan Eng is having endless problems. From PKR, PAS, councils, King of Tennis tournament, quarry inquiries, heritage, Aminah Tape and many more.

Something tells me, this won't end.


KEDAH DAP

The abattoir has been in the site which belongs to the City Council for more than 30 years and the operators have been served notices to relocate since 1995.

Kedah DAP should have been better mediators between the operators and the State Government to come to a mutually agreeable solution.

Why didn't Kedah DAP bring the case up to the Pakatan Leadership Council earlier on but chose to walk out of the meeting between councilors recently and sulk over it ?

The sole Chinese Pakatan ADUN there should have placed more efforts in assisting the relocation of the illegal abattoirs.

This is exactly what DAP Kedah should do instead of saying "I QUIT" and just leave the coalition, only to be told by DAP HQ that their decision is not final and will need the consent of the CWC.

I also urge all operators in future to adhere to the guidance provided by State Governments to ensure that the sensitivity of the Muslims as well as the health and environment perspective are considered with concern and respect.

Just for the record, there was no sight of Tian Chua driving his Camry around the area or crashing his vehicle to make a point.

One surely will begin to wonder what will happen if they govern at the Federal level. Anyone care to ask what does Datuk Seri Nik Aziz think ?