The Politics Blog

The Bukits and Batang Ai by election predictions

2009-04-04T13:45:00.003+10:00

I don't want to brag, but the last time I did a prediction on a by-election in Malaysia (Kuala Trengganu), I correctly predicted the winner and the results to the nearest hundred (with a bit of tembak luck), closer than anyone, including Kian Ming or Raja Petra. This time, I will attempt to do the same with the next 3 by elections in Bukit Selambau, Bukit Gantang, and Batang Ai.

Bukit Selambau
Malay: 50.20%, Chinese: 19.30%, Indian: 29.50%, Others: 1.00%
15 candidates, 34977 voters. While third party candidates have traditionally been discounted and used for comic relief. However, I think the third party candidates (13 of them, by the way) will have some impact in this election. Malay votes will be split between 3 parties, Pakatan, UMNO, and the Pekida candidate which will siphon his votes mostly away from BN. Generally, the further north we go the more influence PAS has, but seeing that PKR is carrying the Pakatan banner, its influence will be somewhat muted.

Support for Pakatan Rakyat
Chinese: 60-40
Indians: 70-30
Malays: 45-40-15
Giving Pakatan a total of 55.63% of the votes, while BN 37.37% of the votes, hence Pakatan winning with a 5109 vote majority assuming a 80% turnout rate. (Previous result Pakatan win of 2362 votes)

Bukit Gantang
Malay: 63.50%, Chinese: 27.10%, Indian: 9.10%, Others: 0.20%
Many people think this is a referendum on the political takeover orchestrated by now PM Najib Tun Razak. While many disagree, I think the underlying issue has been set by both sides to be the takeover. The non-Malay vote bank is solidly behind Pakatan Rakyat, while the Malays are more or less a connundrum. However, I think Pakatan will win this seat with a majority around the same as March8. Despite losing the UMNO protest votes from March 08, it will gain increased non-Malay, especially Chinese support.

Support for Pakatan Rakyat
Chinese: 70-30
Indians: 65-35
Malays: 45-55
Giving: 53.46% of the votes, a 1535 majority assuming a 80% turnout rate.
Previous result (Pakatan win with 1566 votes)

Batang Ai
95% Iban, remaining Chinese and other indigenous people
This is the election that has the most probability of my prediction being wrong. The settlements near the dam, amounting to 20% of the constituents, are solidly behind PKR, while other rural folk appear to be behind BN. The shock and awe tactics employed by the BN are due on election eve, so its really hard to see where this one will swing.

But I'll take a stab and say Pakatan win of 200-300 votes. Don't ever quote me on this one (except if I am really correct). (Previous result BN win of 800+ votes)

Confusion Reigns Hours Before Power Transfer

2009-04-02T21:56:00.002+10:00

A few hours before the purported power transfer between Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, confusion reigns as the nation holds its breath.

Will the DYMM Sri Paduka Baginda allow the power transfer or not?

As the clock ticks closer and closer to the purported inauguration of the most controversial Prime Ministers in the history of this nation, Malaysians of all races are praying and hoping for a miracle.

We want our Tuanku, in his infinite wisdom to block, or at least delay this power transition.

With all due respect, should the Tuanku not convene Parliament to see who has the support of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat? Discounting this, there are many deeper concerns regarding the ascendency of Najib Tun Razak.

Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is the most contriversial politician to ascend to the office of chief of executive. In the weeks leading up to these last few desperate moments, unprecedented negative international media coverage, from the streets of Lodon, to the homes of Paris, from the shores of Brisbane to the rivers of Bangkok, have been published in papers around the world. The image of Malaysia has already been tarnished. We are regarded as a nation without the rule of law, where the Deputy Prime Minister can be accused of such serious allegations and continue to hold office without being cleared.

In addition, with the controversial Eurocopter deals, and the increasing heavy handed crackdowns on dissent, including the banning of two opposition news organs and the forceful breakup of several opposition rallies with tear gas canisters within weeks of this purported ascendency, we, your loyal subjects are afraid. We are afraid of the oppression and supression if this power transition takes place.

Ampun Tuanku,

Please don't allow Malaysia's image to continue on this accelerating downward spiral. By appointing Najib as the chief executive of the nation, we are signalling to the world that even such a tainted man with such immense, heavy baggage can lead the country.

Please stop this, Tuanku!

Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nat Tan has a simillar letter here: A Rakyat’s Open Plea to DYMM Yang diPertuan Agong - Save us from Najib

Pakatan Rakyat, representing a block of 81 MPs have petitioned the Tuanku in a similar letter: Letter from Pakatan to DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Agong

Malaysia truly Asia!

2009-03-17T09:56:00.001+10:00

In a court of law you have the chance to defend yourself.

In a court of law you have the right to confront your accuser.

Even Nazi War Criminals can defend themselves.

Even rapists have the right to confront their accusers, the rape victims.

In the Malaysian Parliament you can't.

In the Malaysian Parliament you get booted out.

Malaysia, truly Asia.

The Arrogance of Judicial Comissioner Ridwan Ibrahim

2009-03-09T13:49:00.001+10:00

I must say I was taken aback by the astonishing ruling of Ridwan Ibrahim, a High Court judicial commissioner.

He ruled that the lawyers “engaged by (Perak assembly speaker V) Sivakumar (left) had no locus standi to represent him in an application by Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir, who is seeking a declaration that Sivakumar’s decision to suspend him and his executive council was unconstitutional and unlawful”.

I am appalled at the arrogance of the judge. I am quite sure he is not an expert in constitutional law and even if he were, in a case of such great public importance to the nation, it is wise to listen to the views of the other side. Especially in this case, when eminent counsel Tommy Thomas was available to assist him.

The judge could have invited him to submit as an amicus curiae - in Latin it means ‘friend of the court’ and when the phrase is used in a court of law it means ‘one who advises the court in a case’. I have done that many times even when I was in the Court of Appeal.

Judges of far greater eminence than this judicial commissioner have often asked lawyers of great experience who are in the court for their valued views. Yet this judge thought he knew everything that he did not require any assistance from one of the top lawyers in the country.

Dick Hamilton in his book ‘Foul Bills and Dagger Money’ wrote:

“It is always easy to criticise judges, and some of them deserve it from time to time; but it is even easier to underestimate the difficulty of their task, and to take their successes for granted. No member of the Bar pretends to understand every branch of the law. ... But a High Court judge has to deal with any sort of case which comes before him.”

In order for the judge to tackle all sorts of cases which come before him, the wise and able judge is always humble enough to ask any of the lawyers in court who is an expert in his field for assistance.

Here we have Thomas (right), who is one of the top lawyers in the country only too willing to assist the judge, yet this probationary judge, who thinks he knew more about law than some of the most eminent judges who have sat on the bench, refused to hear him out.

Here’s how to judge the judge

You cannot judge a judge unless you know the basic law yourself. But you do not have to worry because I shall now provide you with the law applicable so that you are in a position to judge the judge.

You may be surprised at your own ability after you have read this. You might think that even a layman, after reading the applicable law, knows what is the right decision to make. And when a judge does not know the correct answer, it makes you wonder how such a thing could have happened.

I shall start with section 24 of the Government Proceedings Act 1956. I have highlighted the important words for easier reading. Sub-sections (1) reads:

“(1) Notwithstanding any written law -

(a) in civil proceedings by or against the Federal Government...

(b) in civil proceedings by or against the Government of a State, a law officer ... authorised by the Legal Adviser of such State ... may appear as advocate on behalf of such Government...”.

As you can see, this sub-section is not relevant as it only applies to civil suits brought by or against the state government, not a public officer.

And sub-section (2), which is relevant on the subject of discussion, reads:

“(2) Notwithstanding any written law in civil proceedings to which a public officer is a party -

(a) by virtue of his office; or

(b) in his personal capacity, if the Attorney-General certifies in writing that it is in the public interest that such officer should be represented by a legal officer; a legal officer may appear as advocate on behalf of such officer...”.

This sub-section only applies to civil suits brought by or against a public officer. In such a case, a public officer may (the word is “may” not “must”) be represented by a legal officer which could include the legal adviser of the state.

Therefore, there is nothing in section 24 (2) of the Government Proceedings Act to suggest that a public officer if he sues or if he is sued must be represented by a legal officer such as the state legal officer.

In any case, section 24 (2) of the Government Proceedings Act only applies to civil proceedings to which a public officer is a party. Therefore, the question is, does the speaker of the Legislative Assembly of a state hold office as a member of the public service? If he does, then he is a public officer.

Article 132, Clause (3) of the Federal Constitution states that:

“(3) The public service shall not be taken to comprise -

(b) the office of President, Speaker, Deputy President, Deputy Speaker or member of either House of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly of a State.”

So now you know that the speaker and the members of the Legislative Assembly of a state are not part of the public service as they do not hold office as public officers. Therefore, section 24 (2) of the Government Proceedings Act does not apply to them.

Now we all know, except the judge because he thought he knew better, that eminent lawyer Tommy Thomas could not be prevented to appear for the speaker Sivakumar. If only he would hear Thomas, instead of barring him from speaking, he would not have made such a grave error.

Courts can’t question validity of assembly’s decisions

According to newspaper reports, the case is an application by MB Zambry to the court to declare the decision of speaker Sivakumar in the legislative assembly to suspend him and his six exco members unconstitutional and unlawful.

The question is, can the courts decide on the validity of the proceedings in the Legislative Assembly?

The answer is staring at us right here in the Federal Constitution. Article 72, Clauses (1) to (3) states:

“(1) The validity of any proceedings in the Legislative Assembly of any State shall no the questioned in any court.

(2) No person shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him when taking part in proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of any State or of any committee thereof.

(3) No person shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything published by or under the authority of the Legislative Assembly of any state.”

So now you know from the Federal Constitution itself that the validity of the suspension of Zambry and his six exco members by the speaker in the state assembly cannot be questioned in any court.

From what we have read from the newspapers, it seems that there is an injunction against the speaker.

You may wonder how an injunction can be obtained against the speaker when our written constitution says that “no person shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him when taking part in proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of the State”.

NH CHAN, who is former Court of Appeal judge, lives in Ipoh. The above article is an abridged version of a much longer piece.

Can you read?

2009-03-05T15:38:00.003+10:00

Article 132 (3) of the Malaysian Federal Constitution states:

The public service shall not be taken to comprise -
(a) the office of any member of the administration in the Federation or a State; or
(b) the office of President, Speaker, Deputy President, Deputy Speaker or member of either House of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly of a State;...

Judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim's ruling on Tuesday (3/3/09):

The Ipoh High Court today dealt a blow to Perak assembly speaker V Sivakumar by disallowing his team of lawyers from representing him in two actions filed by BN Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir.
Judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim had ruled that private lawyers have no legal standing to represent the speaker.

The ruling was made following an application made by Zambry's team of lawyers.

"Their argument was that the speaker is part of government, and because the speaker is part of government, only the Attorney General's Chambers and the state legal advisor can appoint lawyers.

Again on Thursday (5/3/09) after dismissing an appeal:

The Ipoh High Court once again ruled that Perak speaker V Sivakumar must only be represented by the state legal advisor and not by his personal lawyers.
MCPX
The decision was made by judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim after hearing submissions in chambers.

Princeton Dictionary defines public service as: employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)

WTF?

The Tree of Democracy

2009-03-03T14:49:00.004+10:00

The Perak state assembly today voted under a tree (I heard it was an mango tree) to dissolve the current state assembly. In addition, it voted to pass a vote of no confidence against the BN 'MB' while reaffirming its confidence in the Perak MB Nizar.

Why were they meeting under a tree? Because the police blocked them from assessing the state assembly.

Yes. Although the speaker is the proverbial 'king' of the house.

The (BN controlled) police should know that it is not the venue, or the chairs, or even the royal mace that makes up the state assembly.

It is the state assemblymen and people.

And they have spoken today, under a tree, just like Jesus did under a tree, just like Buddha gained enlightenment under a tree, just like Melaka was founded under a tree, just like Ipoh was named after a tree. They have spoken, under that fateful tree.

And they have spoken for the rakyat of Perak.

THE TREE OF DEMOCRACY

A moment of humour occurred when the Speaker asked the Aduns, "Setuju?"

Instead, of just the Aduns responding, the whole crowd shouted "Setuju!"

The Aduns had to explain to the crowd that the Setuju response was only for the Aduns.

Someone in the crowd muttered to my contact, "We are also part of this assembly. We have a right to express our confidence in the MB." - Anil's commentary

Perak's separation of powers

2009-03-03T10:28:00.004+10:00

Separation of powers:

The executive (MB and his cabinet), legislative (state assembly) and judicial (courts) branches of the government are of equal standing.

None of them have the right to overrule the other.

This is the fundamentals of the doctrine of the Montesquieu separation of powers.

Never in the history of Malaysia has this doctrine been broken.

In Montesquieu's separation of powers 300 year history, I struggle to even think of one instance where the judiciary, considered the 3rd branch, hence the most distant from the legislature and executive branches, has directly interfered with with the Speaker of the House's directive (leader of the legislature).

This is tantamount to saying that the judiciary system presides over the legislature.

Reading deeper into the Perak constitutional crisis, some would say that an overrule is also tantamount to the judiciary being beholden to the executive.

This creates a heiracy of powers, and is a dangerous precedent to set.

I beg the Malaysian courts to consider this before making any ruling.

This not only has ramifications for the future of Malaysia, but Montesquieu's doctrine itself.

Kit Siang calls for those who lodge police reports against Karpal to be prosecuted - malaysiakini

2009-02-13T13:29:00.002+10:00

From Kit Siang's blog:

If Hamid and Musa are not prepared to take immediate action against the 89 (including Dr. Mah) by opening police investigation papers against them, is the Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail who is currently overseas, prepared to restore public confidence in the impartiality and professionalism of the law enforcement agencies by instituting criminal prosecutions against the 89 troublemakers the first thing he returns to his duties?

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Live coverage of Perak Constitutional Crisis by Anil

2009-02-07T13:48:00.002+10:00

Excellent coverage of the continuing Perak constitutional crisis by Anil here:

LIVE: Speaker moves to convene urgent Assembly sitting

Ku Li, QUIT UMNO!

2009-02-07T13:31:00.000+10:00

Kelantan royalty Tengku Razaleigh has come out against the political coup in Perak.

Once again, the honesty and integrity of a man that came so close to becoming the Prime Minister of Malaysia can truly be seen here.

Sadly, his calls will most definitely, again, fall on deaf ears as those in UMNO and BN continue their pursuit of power and money, of personal fame and glory.

Ku Li, you don’t belong there. You don’t belong in UMNO. You don’t belong in this category.

Quit UMNO. Leave them as you left them before. This time, you leave with greater reason; you leave because of your country, Malaysia, and its people, Malaysians, whose rights, as you rightly pointed out, are being trampled upon without regard.

Quit UMNO. The latest coup in Perak has just shown how different you are to your party. The latest coup just shows how low UMNO has sunk to. The Alliance ship has sunk, its virtues, no more, its values, no more, its honesty, no more, its integrity, no more.

The party you are in now is not the party you joined so many years ago.

Quit UMNO, and maybe one day, Malaysians can truly echo the call of the great Tunku Abdul Rahman: ‘Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!’

Quit UMNO. Only through this avenue can you continue your pursuit of a better Malaysia, free from corruption, nepotism, greed, and bribery, something the word UMNO has become synonymous with.

Quit UMNO. Quit its oppressive policies, and help bring down a regime that does not represent its people, that denies them their rights.

Do you want to be remembered as the one that did nothing when greed and corruption destroyed your nation?

Or do you want to be remembered as the hero that played true to his conscience, that spoke up against the oppression, the greed, the corruption?

Only you can decide, Ku Li. Quit UMNO and be remembered as the one that saved Malaysia.

Pandemonium erupts as police beat up protestors in royal city (VIDEO) - malaysiakini

2009-02-07T11:15:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's video:

- malaysiakini.tv

Illegal swearing in of new Perak MB taking place - malaysiakini

2009-02-06T11:33:00.001+10:00

The Star reports:

PETALING JAYA: Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir will be the new Perak Mentri Besar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

New man at the helm: Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr. Zambry Abd kadir will be sworn in Friday.

Abdullah, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, announced this after returning from his official visit to Istana Kinta in Ipoh yesterday evening, where he had an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah.

“Sultan Azlan Shah has consented to Zambry being appointed the Mentri Besar. He will be sworn in at 3.30pm tomorrow (today) at the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar,” he said.

Abdullah added that the new state executive council would be sworn in at 10am the day after.

Zambry, meanwhile, thanked the Sultan, the Prime Minister and his deputy for trusting him to carry out the responsibility.

Malaysiakini's report when out

96% think BN will suffer in next elections

2009-02-06T11:31:00.001+10:00

So says the NTV7 poll.

Mainstream media some more.

BN is dead.

Najib goes into Istana Kinta to try to form Perak government - malaysiakini

2009-02-05T12:43:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini reports:

Perak Barisan Nasional chief Najib Abdul Razak is presently having an audience with Sultan Azlan Shah at the Istana Kinta in Ipoh.

Najib is expected to inform the sultan of BN's strength in numbers in the state assembly that will allow the coalition to take over the control of the state from Pakatan Rakyat.

Also present at the meeting with the deputy prime minister is Perak Umno deputy chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Najib and Ahmad Zahid arrived at the palace at 9.50am.

After the meeting with the sultan, Najib, who is also the Perak Umno chief, will be chairing a state Umno meeting. Top on the agenda would the choice of menteri besar to lead the BN government.

He had earlier cancelled a function in Putrajaya this morning to attend the meeting with the sultan.

Pakatan goes to court

Meanwhile, Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar has applied to the High Court to declare that undated resignations letters by former Pakatan representatives as valid.

The three - PKR's Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Osman Jailu, and DAP's Hee Yit Foong - have claimed that their quit letters signed soon after being elected as assemblypersons last March were done under duress.

The Election Commission has overruled the Perak speaker on the matter.

Yesterday Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin also met the sultan for almost two hours to request for dissolution of the state assembly so that a snap state election could be held.

Mohd Nizar's meeting coincided with the defection of four Pakatan representatives to BN yesterday, severely altering the number of seats from Pakatan to BN.

The fate of the state government now hinges on the sultan. Political observers are waiting to see if he would allow BN to form the state government or will dissolve the state assembly.

Among the other developments taking place in Perak today:

Pakatan Rakyat will be holding its council meeting in Ipoh later this afternoon. Pakatan leader Anwar Ibrahim and all other top guns from the alliance are expected to be at the meeting to show support to Mohd Nizar and the state government.

A mammoth gathering is also expected to convene at the menteri besar's residence to support the Pakatan government. A crowd of about 100,000 is expected.

A ceramah to take place at Mohd Nizar's residence starting 7pm with Anwar expected to address the crowd - malaysiakini.com

Perak BN takeover Illegal!

2009-02-05T10:49:00.003+10:00

My letter to Malaysiakini:

A government can only rule when it has the confidence of the rakyat (people). This confidence is represented through its representatives, in Perak’s case, its state assemblymen. In this case, it appears that Barisan Nasional has got a slim majority of confidence in terms of its elected representatives.

However, if a government has lost the confidence of the rakyat, but still has the confidence of its legislative assembly, then it is the Sultan’s (roughly translated to King) job to dissolve the state assembly to correct the misrepresentation in the assembly and seek a new mandate from the people.

And this is the case in Perak, namely because:

- The Election Commission (EC) acted outside its jurisdiction when it refused to call by elections in the 2 vacated seats. The EC has no say in whether an election should be called or not, regardless of whether the resignation was genuine or not. As far as the EC is concerned, if the speaker submitted two fake letters of resignation (which is not the case here), the EC would have to carry out elections, while the two ‘fake-ly resigned’ representatives have the option of getting a court order to stop the by-elections. Legally, these two seats are vacant, because the speaker has said so, and no court has ruled otherwise, regardless of EC’s position. I reiterate, the EC has no jurisdiction in deciding whether a seat is empty or not; that is the speaker’s job. And hence, from a legal perspective, these two seats are classified VACANT.

- My next argument rests on the Sultan’s wise opinion. In the 3 previously Pakatan seats (1 DAP, 2 PKR), did the constituents vote for the candidate or the party? My honest opinion of this matter is that many voters did not even care who was standing in the seat, they voted for the party. If the Sultan agrees with me, that means the mandate of the people was given to the party, not the candidate, and that the people are not being accurately represented in the legislative assembly if their elected party gets changed without their consultation.

From my first argument, we can see that if BN forms the state government through the support of the 2 illegally occupied seats, it has taken over the government illegally.

From my second argument, we can see that a BN government does not represent the will of the people.

And it is for these reasons, I conclude that the best viable solution is to dissolve the state assembly, and call for new elections, and appeal for the Perak sultan to do so.

vchi

Link to Malaysiakini will be posted when it is up.

Majority want snap elections to be held in Perak

2009-02-04T11:48:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini reports:

An overwhelming majority of MCPX
Malaysiakini readers want a snap poll to resolve the political impasse in Perak.

With two-way defections affecting both Pakatan Rakyat and the Barisan Nasional opposition in the state, 94% of those participating in Malaysiakini's one-day online survey (see chart below) want either by-elections in the purportedly vacant seats held by two defectors or a state-wide election.

Just over half of the 2,308 respondents (51%) have opted for by-elections in the two state seats - Behrang and Changkat Jering - held by PKR defectors, Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Osman Jailu respectively.

Another 41% want the dissolution of the Perak assembly so that a state election can be called.

Only 4.2% said that BN should be allowed to form the state government if they have managed to gather sufficient defections.

MB has option to dissolve assembly

With Pakatan's 32 seats against BN's 27, the opposition needs at least three defections before it can go to the Perak sultan to claim the right to form government.

The Election Commission today has rejected by-elections for the two state seats. It ruled that both Jamaluddin and Osman are still state assemblypersons.

EC chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said that their denial letters received yesterday indicated their wish not to quit their seats, despite resignation letters brandished by PKR which were signed earlier by the duo.

With only one-seat majority, Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin may exercise his option of calling a snap election to resolve the political instability.

- malaysiakini.com

I am more interested in what the Merdeka Review finds later on.

Perak resignation crisis: Pakatan on the verge of calling snap elections - malaysiakini

2009-02-04T10:02:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin has conceded that Pakatan Rakyat is considering the possibility of dissolving the state assembly to pave the way for a snap polls.

MCPX

"We are in process of thinking about it. (You'll know) when the time comes," he said in response to a question.

Mohd Nizar was speaking to reporters late last night after chairing a meeting at his official residence in Ipoh attended by most of the Pakatan state reps and top state leaders from PAS, DAP and PKR.

Yesterday, two Pakatan state reps Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (PKR-Behrang) and Osman Jailu (PKR-Changkat Jering) 'defected', leaving the coalition with just 30 seats in the 59 seat state assembly.

Barisan Nasional merely needs the duo and another rep to join the coalition in order to wrest back the state from Pakatan and bring an end to their 10-month reign.

Though the state government may call for a snap polls to prevent Barisan from enticing cross overs, Pakatan's next step to resolve the fragile situation is to seek legal redress against the Election Commission’s decision not to recognise the resignations of Jamaluddin and Osman.

'Hee's still with us'

Perak senior exco member Ngeh Khoo Ham, who was also at the press conference, said Pakatan intends to compel the EC into calling by-elections for the two seats 'vacated' by the duo.

"We will file for a judicial review and apply for leave to obtain a mandamus from the court to compel the EC to carry out its public duty," said the state DAP chair.

On Jelapang state rep Hee Yit Foong's subtle hints that she was unhappy with the Pakatan leadership, in particular DAP, Mohd Nizar said disagreements were normal in an alliance.

"That is very normal in Pakatan Rakyat. We are very happy with that actually. I have disagreed with my party and its leadership (before). It is part and parcel of the process," he said.

On Hee's whereabouts, since she did not attend the meeting, Mohd Nizar jokingly replied in Cantonese: "Ngor mm chee (I don't know)".

"We have contacted her. She has some matters to attend to. She is with us (as a team)," he said, adding that Hee was busy with family matters.

Rumours are rife that Hee would quit DAP and become an independent state rep. The rumours intensified after she skipped an important state function yesterday morning.

Attempts to contact Hee and her husband today had been futile. Media representatives had even staked out at her house and the DAP Jelapang service centre to no avail.

Speaker: I've absolute authority

Meanwhile, Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar told the same press conference that he had received the resignation letters from Jamaluddin and Osman in two separate envelopes at his house.

He said that the anonymous messenger came to his house in a car on Feb 1 and passed him the envelopes and said: "These are very important documents for you".

Sivakumar stressed that he had the absolute authority to declare the Behrang and Changkat Jering seats vacant after being satisfied with the letters.

He added that the duo would not be allowed to enter the House as elected reps when the state assembly reconvenes in April.

"They can sit at the public gallery," Mohd Nizar added - malaysiakini.com

EC defies Perak Sultan and refuses to call by election - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T15:07:00.003+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Election Commission announced that by-elections were not necessary for the state seats of Changkat Jering and Behrang as there were doubts on the resignation letters submitted by the representatives.

EC said that it received the resignations letter of the duo from the Perak speaker V Sivakumar on Feb 2.

On the same day, the commission also received letters from the two state representatives stating thatthey have not resigned.

"As such, EC decided that it will not be able to call for by-elections. The two seats are still held by the two state representatives," said EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Yusuf - malaysiakini.com

From the Malaysian Insider:

Pas officials told The Malaysian Insider that Nizar left the meeting with the impression that based on the resignation letters calling by-elections would be the most palatable outcome to this political stalemate.

Now who's BIADAP?

Perak Pakatan Government's fate hangs by a thread called the EC - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T14:34:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

IPOH, Feb 3 — While the Perak Pakatan Rakyat government pins its hopes on the Election Commission to declare by-elections in two state constituencies, the two renegade PKR assemblymen at the heart of the state's high-stakes political drama are expected to make legal challenges to ensure they remain as legislators.

If the EC decides to hold by-elections, the PR government will not have to deal with potential defectors in its ranks even as it tries to fight off challenges from the opposition Barisan Nasional.

A day after state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar announced the resignation of Jamaluddin Radzi and Osman Jailu amid speculation that they were both ready to join Umno, the duo emerged from hiding through their representatives to deny that they have tendered their resignation, pledging their loyalty to PKR.

At issue now is whether the EC will accept Sivakumar's decision.

The speaker claimed to have received the purported resignation letters on Sunday evening.

The PKR duo are likely to challenge the validity of the letters, said to have been signed just after the general election last year.

Last night, at a hastily-called press conference, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin made a last-minute attempt to pressure the EC to accept the vacancy of the two state seats by saying he has the support of the palace for by-elections to be called.

For almost a day yesterday, Nizar had been evading the press, in a sign that the Pakatan Rakyat-led government was unsure of the next move after the Behrang and Changkat Jering reps challenged the speaker's announcement.

The closest the PR got to being on the offensive yesterday was when a PKR division leader called a press conference in the morning just to accuse Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as the man behind the disappearance of Jamaluddin and Osman.

Interestingly, the revelation, through yet another statutory declaration, was not sanctioned by the party as PKR officials at the beginning of the press conference repeatedly said that Ipoh Barat division chief Fauzi Muda was making the statement as an individual.

The declaration however was uploaded to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's blog.

"We are not losing, we expect victory through the Election Commission's announcement," said Pas lawmaker Husin Din on the government's silence since the speaker's declaration.

The Selinsing assemblyman believes that the state's ruling coalition had scored a goal when the PKR duo did not turn up at their own press conferences yesterday.

Interestingly, opposition leader Anwar, who played a crucial role in preventing three-cornered fights in the state in the general election last year, has been relatively silent on the issue.

The Permatang Pauh MP, in a brief blog posting yesterday, accused Najib of being involved in the planned defections.

And for Umno, which lost an assemblyman on the eve of the Lunar New Year with the defection of Bota rep Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim to PKR, the consensus among its leaders was that the fiasco has nothing to do with the Malay nationalist party.

Just last week the state opposition was on the verge of losing more representatives with the menteri besar declaring that the government was expecting three more Umno assemblymen to cross over.

But the latest political drama has provided Umno with a temporary morale boost and even the prospect of by-elections did not seem to worry the party leaders, as it successfully distanced itself from the turmoil.

"It was not triggered by us in the first place. When one of us crossed over, they said it was morally right, but when we talked about their men crossing over, they said it is immoral," Umno's Datuk Zambry Kadir told The Malaysian Insider.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Confusion and turmoil as Perak resignation crisis deepens - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T13:37:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

As Barisan Nasional and PKR brace themselves for possible by-elections in Perak, Malaysiakini learns there is a likelihood that the matter could be first referred to the courts instead of the ballot boxes.

MCPX

According to lawyers, there are legal grounds to challenge the resignation letters submitted by the two PKR assemblypersons Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (Behrang) and Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering).

Under commercial law, lawyer Hasnal Rezua Merican said any pre-signed letter of resignation is questionable as it is illegal and morally wrong.

"A resignation letter cannot be made under duress. It can be considered as not genuine as the person may not have a true intention of resigning now. Furthermore, if a politician wishes to switch parties there is nothing hindering him from doing so.

"There is a 1991 case of Nordin Salleh vs Kelantan State Legislative Assembly where the then Lord President Eusoff Chin decided that an assemblyperson does not lose his or her seat if they switch party," he added.

No anti-hopping law poses a problem

Lawyer Baljit Singh Sidhu also agreed with Hasnal that the resignation letters submitted could also be challenged as the person might have a change of mind and decide to retract.

He said this problem exists because there is no anti-hopping law in the country.

"The alleged resignation letter cannot be absolute if the affected person claims that he had not handed it. It can then be argued that the resignation letters which they signed earlier were not absolute," he told Malaysiakini.

Asked to comment on Perak State Assembly speaker V Sivakumar handing the two resignation letters to the Election Commission, Baljit said the affected persons could file an application to quash the resignation letters.

Hasnal also agreed that the duo could file applications at the High Court to seek a declaration that they have not resigned.

Another lawyer, David Matthews said if the assemblypersons could prove that they were coerced into signing the letters, it would make the letters null and void.

He stressed that this was an important issue as it involved the credibility of elected representatives.

"The fact is that a resignation letter must be signed on their own free will. If there is evidence of coercion, it would be open for challenge.

"The person must prove in a court of law how the coercion took place," he added - malaysiakini.com

Perak resignation crisis spreads to Negri Sembilan, NS BN government vulnerable? - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T12:50:00.004+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

SEREMBAN, Feb 2 – The Barisan Nasional (BN) state government in Negri Sembilan is finding itself on the defensive amid swirling rumours of defections to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

For the second time in a week, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has had to deny speculation that a number of BN state legislators were planning to defect to PR.

The BN coalition holds a slim majority in the state assembly. Three defections to the PR alliance would see BN lose power.

Speculation is rife in Seremban that three Umno representatives and one MCA lawmaker are considering crossing over to PR.

The rumours come even as a separate political drama is being played out in Ipoh, where BN and PR appear to be in an intriguing battle to lure each other’s assemblymen as the PR state government totters on the brink of collapse.

Bernama news agency reported Mohamad as telling reporters in Seremban today that the rumours were merely a ploy by PR.

“We should not fall prey into the opposition trap. After seeking clarification from the assemblymen, we know that the opposition is full of hot air,” he told reporters after meeting BN elected representatives and Negri Sembilan BN Backbenchers Club here.

Palong assemblyman Datuk Aziz Shamsudin also quashed rumours that he would be joining the opposition, Bernama reported.

“I am not jumping party. No opposition representatives have approached me but I welcome them if they want to see me,” he said.

State executive councillor and Serting assemblyman Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli denied a blog posting that he was contemplating leaving BN.

“I am not affected by this slander. Let me clear my name, this is utterly a slander by irresponsible people,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

State BN Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who is also Sungai Lui assemblyman, said the people should not be hoodwinked by the opposition strategy to weaken the state government

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Kedah PKR assemblymen: I was threatened with KIDNAP by BN - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T12:18:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Amid the political turmoil in Perak, a PKR elected representative in Kedah has filed a police report claiming among others that there was an attempt to kidnap him.

MCPX

Bukit Selambau assemblyperson V Arumugam also claimed that he and his officers have received numerous threats.

"All of this is being done in order to force me to leave PKR and move to Barisan Nasional," alleged the state exco in a statement today.

Arumugam had filed the police report at the Sungai Petani district police headquarters this afternoon.

Apart from the alleged 'kidnap' attempt last November, the assemblyperson claimed that he had also received threats via the telephone.

'Windscreen smashed'

"On Dec 12, there was an incident where the windscreen of the official exco car (Proton Perdana) was smashed and there was a note containing a threat which was tied to a brick.

"A few days ago, several individuals had approached me with lucrative offers in order to coax me into leaving PKR," he said.

According to Arumugam, the latest incident involving two PKR assemblypersons in Perak had motivated him to make this matter public.

"I am worried that if I do not come forward, then the safety of my family would continue to be threatened.

"I also call on the police to investigate all my police reports since March 2008 and take the necessary action," he added.

Kedah - which was an Umno stronghold fell - into the hands of Pakatan Rakyat following the March 8 general election - malaysiakini.com

Police invading and forcing their way into Kugan's funeral (VIDEO) - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T11:42:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's video:

- malaysiakini.tv

First video here: Video of Kugan's funeral and Gobind's passionate speech

Video of Kugan's funeral and Gobind's passionate speech - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T11:22:00.000+10:00

While the Perak resignation crisis is playing out, let us not forget about the horrific Kugan incident.

Malaysiakini's video:

- malaysiakini.tv

PKR Leader's SD: $50 MILLION OFFERED TO BUY PERAK ASSEMBLYMEN!! - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T11:05:00.003+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

PKR Ipoh Barat division head Fauzi Muda has leveled the damning claim that Umno deputy president Najib Abdul Razak had tried last year to induce him to secure the crossover of two Pakatan Rakyat representatives in Perak.

MCPX

Fauzi said he had been offered a total of RM50 million for his services and to pay off those he managed to convince, but that he had remained non-committal.

While conceding that he has no concrete evidence to back his allegation, he nonetheless dared Najib - also the deputy premier and deputy head of ruling coalition Barisan Nasional - to deny the claim.

Reading from a three-page statutory declaration at a press conference in Ipoh this morning, Fauzi (right) said a friend Suleiman Mansor, an ordinary member of Umno, had invited him to Kuala Lumpur on a business matter on March 11, 2008.

This was three days after the momentous general election that dumped BN out of the Perak government, and brought a Pakatan coalition into power, albeit with a slim majority of five seats.

However, Suleiman took Fauzi to meet three men, “including former deputy defence minister Zainal Abidin Zin at the Jalan Duta toll plaza”.

“Thereafter, I was taken to Najib (Abdul) Razak’s residence in Putrajaya, where he tried to persuade me to lobby for the crossover of two PR assemblymen to BN,” said Fauzi.

“I was promised RM50 million in return for my services and told that I would be allowed to allocate (part of) the money (to the assemblypersons) as I wished.”

Fauzi, however, did not name any representatives in the document or during the press conference. He would not distribute copies of the statutory declaration either.

“Najib assured me that if I succeeded, the appointment of the menteri besar for Perak would be delayed. However, I left his residence without making any promises as I feared for my safety.”

He further claimed that Suleiman approached him once more last year, after PKR assemblypersons Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (Behrang) and Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) were charged with corrupt practice.

“I was told that if I succeeded in lobbying for their crossover, the charges would be dropped. But this time, the reward for their defection dropped to RM5 million per person. Again, I refused the offer.”

‘Willing to meet Najib’

Fauzi told the media that he intends to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission today, along with his statutory declaration.

Commenting on the now-anticipated crossover by Jamaluddin and Osman, he expressed his suspicion that Umno has succeeded in pulling them out of Pakatan.

When pressed as to why he had not lodged a report earlier, he said that rumours of BN attempting to manoeuvre the defections of Pakatan elected representatives had been rife since the general election.

“I did not believe this would happen until the disappearance of Jamaluddin and Osman (since last week),” he said.

He noted, though, that he had previously brought up the matter with Pakatan leaders including Anwar Ibrahim.

Fauzi, in challenging Najib to refute the allegations, said he is prepared to meet face-to-face with the deputy premier over this.

“As to why (BN) had chosen me to lobby for the defections, perhaps they thought I had close relations with them and that I am easily hooked… but they are wrong. I have my principles,” he said.

“I also hope that what I have done today will benefit the state as well as the nation. They will now know the evil political practices that our PM-in-waiting is capable of.”

During the press conference, held at the PKR Perak headquarters, state party head Osman Abdul Rahman refused to comment on the brouhaha surrounding Jamaluddin (left in photo and Osman (right in photo) or the legality of their resignation letters.

He would only say that both of them are still incommunicado.

This morning, Perak assembly speaker V Sivakumar officially informed the state election commission chief of the vacancy of the two state seats.

Sivakumar had announced on Sunday that the seats became vacant after Jamaluddin and Osman tendered their resignation with immediate effect.

Both have since challenged the resignation letter, insisting that they has not stepped down and that they remain state assemblypersons.

At present, Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1).

Before the defection of Nasarudin Hashim, the former Umno state assemblyperson of Bota, BN needed two additional seats to claim the right to rule Perak.

However, after Nasarudin's defection last week, the state opposition must get three defectors. With Jamaluddin and Osman apparently in the bag, it will now need just one more - malaysiakini.com

Anwar turns table on Najib's attempted Perak coup - malaysiakini

2009-02-03T10:45:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

While Pakatan Rakyat may have averted an attempted coup by Barisan Nasional in Perak over the weekend, the danger is not over for the 10-month-old state government.

MCPX

Pakatan has recently strengthened its majority from three to five, thanks to last week's defection of Nasarudin Hashim (Bota) from Umno.

With Pakatan's 32 against BN's 27, the BN opposition needs at least three defections, and so far they got two.

With one seat short, it would not be able to convince the Perak sultan to transfer power without having to dissolve the state assembly and fight another bruising election.

The game plan is for Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (Behrang) (photo, left) and Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) (photo, right) - the two defectors - to quit PKR and declare themselves as Independents.

This will allow BN to claim that the two assemblypersons are not party-hoppers, especially after having taken the high moral ground on the issue of defection. More so, when the duo are being seen as tainted politicians - both of whom are facing corruption charges in court.

Clearly, the prime minister-in-waiting needs to go to the March Umno general assembly with something in his hands or he would have a hard time getting the party behind him for the tough battle ahead.

That 'gift' he hopes to bring with him is Perak.

But Pakatan is seeking to turn the tables on Najib by declaring the two seats belonging to the defectors vacant, and thus force the Election Commission to call by-elections for both constituencies.

The by-elections, pending any legal complications arising out of the validity of the two 'resignation' letters from the duo, must now be held within 60 days.

Whether the letters can hold up to scrutiny as it was signed soon after the March 8 general election, Pakatan has succeeded in forcing the two 'missing' politicians to break their five-day silence by making their 'resignation' public.

Pakatan has edge in snap polls

Should there be indeed by-elections for the two seats, the numbers are stacked against BN.

Behrang, which is held by Jamaluddin, is a racially-mixed seat where almost half of its voters are non-Malays.

The BN candidate for this seat has been traditionally MIC, given the 19 percent Indian Malaysian voters in the 18,552-strong constituency.

Incumbent Jamaluddin, who ran under the PAS banner in 2004, has reversed a 3,748 vote deficit to a comfortable 1,027 majority in the 2008 political tsunami.

The state seat, located at the border with Selangor, is one of three state seats under the Tanjong Malim parliamentary constituency, which was won by MCA’s Ong Ka Chuan.

Meanwhile, Changkat Jering, which has 63.6 percent Malay voters, also has sizable non-Malay voters - 25.8 percent Chinese and 10.6 percent Indian.

Incumbent representative Osman won the seat in 2004 with a narrow 628 majority, but it is expected that a combined might of PKR-DAP-PAS would be able to win the seat for Pakatan as proven in Kaula Terengganu.

Changkat Jering is one of three state states under the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat won by PAS in the 2008 general election.

Clearly, the last thing Najib wants is to fight two more by-elections, having tasted bitter defeat in Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu.

His only other choice is find another defector. Yet Pakatan is not sitting still for Najib to strike.

The state government is also seeking defections from BN in this tit-for-tat battle. And if push comes to shove, Pakatan can always exercise its final option - dissolve the state assembly and call a snap election in Perak.

That too would be the last thing Najib wants - malaysiakini.com

PAS and PKR deny Perak crisis rumours - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T15:23:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Both PAS and PKR leaders have shot down a suggestion that Perak Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin from PAS would be replaced by a PKR candidate soon.

MCPX

Leaders from the two components of Pakatan Rakyat spoke in unison to brush aside the suggestion from an unnamed Umno analyst which was published in the Malay Mail yesterday.

PKR vice-president Dr Lee Boon Chye did not see this as an issue and Pakatan in Perak “are still supporting Mohamad Nizar as menteri besar at the moment”.

“Some people like to fuel up the issue now that they are feeling more threatened because more BN assemblypersons are leaving and they are feeling the pressure.

“But as far as we are concerned, we support Mohamad Nizar as the menteri besar and there is no plan to remove him from the post,” he stressed.

According to the Malay Mail report, the Umno analyst argued that the defection of former Umno Bota assemblyperson Nasharuddin Hashim last week could be an advantage to PKR “to wrest away the menteri besar post now held by PAS’ Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin”.

What the analyst said

“Nasharuddin’s defection has now given PKR a highly qualified candidate for the menteri besar post. He is a graduate and a former high ranking civil servant. This gives PKR a candidate who can be alleviated to the post.

“I am sure it will not be long before PKR initiates plans to wrest the menteri besar post away from PAS,” he said.

The Umno analyst also pointed out that PKR “should have had the menteri besar post as it had won eight seats to PAS’ six in the last general election.”

“(But) the post went to PAS as PKR did not have qualified candidates among its state assemblypersons (then),” the source said.

At the PAS end, it is all easy going too - the party is unperturbed by the latest ‘conspiracy theory’.

Information chief Mahfuz Omar said the suggestion from the “Umno street analyst” did not make any sense at all.

“For us PAS, we have no problem, because the appointment for the new menteri besar is under the jurisdiction of the sultan. He has the right to appoint anybody whom he thinks is qualified for the job,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

“Besides, it is only Pakatan’s concern on the menteri besar issue, not Umno’s,” Mahfuz asserted.

Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1) - malaysiakini.com

Missing DAP assemblywoman found! - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T15:01:00.000+10:00

The Star reports:

IPOH: A DAP state assemblyman’s disappearance caused another round of anxiety within the Pakatan Rakyat state government yesterday.

State assembly deputy speaker and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong was said to have gone missing and was incommunicado for several hours yesterday.

Her disappearance fuelled further speculation about the Pakatan leader crossing over to Barisan Nasional.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng even came out with a statement stating that any Perak DAP elected representatives who was incommunicado for more than 24 hours without reason would find their seats vacated.

Hee had been embroiled in a controversy emanating from frustrations that had been rising steadily over the two cousins – Perak DAP chief Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and state DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming. Hee is said to belong to a faction opposed to the two cousins.

During her short disappearance yesterday, Lim issued a stern warning that the party would seriously consider calling a by-election in the event of any Perak DAP elected representative going incommunicado for 24 hours without any just cause.

At a press conference late last night at her residence in Taman Ehsan here, Hee hit out at Lim saying she was disappointed by his press statement, adding that he should have investigated first before releasing the press statement.

She also demanded Lim to apologise to her constituents for causing the unnecessary uproar.

She quashed claims that she had resigned from Pakatan and joined MCA or Gerakan.

Hee said she is still a DAP member and Jelapang’s elected representative.

“It’s all just a rumour and hearsay spread by unscrupulous people, I don’t need to explain anything,” she said.

“I have never had any intention of leaving the party and would feel very heavy-hearted if I did,” said Hee, who has been with the party for almost 22 years.

She also explained that she was absent from an emergency meeting held by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin yesterday morning because of her sickness.

“I had switched off my mobile phone yesterday because I was down with fever,” she said.

“Party leaders and other assemblymen could have tried contacting me through my husband’s mobile phone but they did not do it,” she added.

“I’m surprised that people thought I was in hiding and that I had held discussions with Barisan Nasional when they couldn’t get me,” she said. She added that she had told Titi Serong assemblyman Khalil Idaham Lim Abdullah about not being able to attend the meeting.

When asked whether she had been approached by Barisan Nasio-nal component parties to join them, Hee said she had not been approached by anyone.

However, several hours before the press conference Hee said she was away in the morning to visit her mother.

Asked whether she was crossing over as rumoured, she said: “I am not going to say anything. I have not gone missing.”

Hee is said to be a staunch supporter of Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan who does not see eye-to-eye with the two cousins.

Fong had even gone to the stage of announcing her refusal to defend her Batu Gajah seat last March because of the differences.

However, Fong changed her mind when the national leadership intervened.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Perak PKR assemblymen confirms they are quitting PKR - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T14:49:00.000+10:00

The Star reports:

IPOH: Undated resignation letters signed by PKR candidates after last year’s March 8 elections were believed to have been sent by PKR to the state speaker to announce the resignation of two of its assemblymen.

Letters from Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) were sent to speaker V. Sivakumar at about 5.45pm yesterday.

A few hours later, Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman denied sending the letters and vacating their seats.

Jamaluddin said the resignation letter that was supposedly sent was actually an old undated “resignation letter” that he and the other six assemblymen from PKR were forced to sign in late March.

Sivakumar said the letters were sent to him at his house.

“Both Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin resigned as state assemblymen with immediate effect. I have accepted their resignation based on Article XXXV of the state constitution.

“As the state speaker, I will announce the two state seats N14 Changkat Jering and N59 of Behrang vacant as soon as possible,” he said.

Sivakumar said he would also be getting in touch with the Election Commission today to inform it about the latest development.

This, he said, was to enable the commission to make arrangements for by-elections to be held within 60 days as required under the state constitution.

Jamaluddin added, “I am still the state assemblyman for Behrang. I have not resigned. I will challenge the validity of the ‘old’ letter as it was signed under duress.”

Jamaluddin said he was discussing with his lawyers what his next course of action should be.

He said the resignation letter was not valid as it was not sent by him, although it bore his signature.

He questioned how he could have personally sent the letter to Sivakumar when he was supposed to be “missing” as claimed by PKR leaders.

“And if it was sent by post, then there should be a postmark to show where it was sent from,” he added.

He said there was no reason whatsoever for him to resign just because he had problems with his party leaders.

“My problems are with PKR leaders, not with the people of Behrang. I will not shirk my responsibilities,” he said. Jamaluddin however refused to divulge his whereabouts saying that he was safe and was not confined by force by anyone.

He also denied rumours that he would be crossing over to Umno, but confirmed he would quit PKR and remain as an Independent.

Mohd Osman said there was no reason for him to resign and he would continue to serve as a representative of the people.

Both of them said in a statement late last night that they would reveal more in a press conference today. They created a stir in Perak by “disappearing” from the scene since Jan 26.

Earlier yesterday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin admitted that the two men have been incommunicado since the first day of Chinese New Year.

Even family members and Pakatan leaders, he said, could not contact the two whom he claimed had been “stolen or kidnapped by Barisan and specifically Umno.”

“For the past five days, I have tried to call them and SMS them, but failed. I even contacted the cellular operators and gave them their numbers but they could not be detected.

“Not even their family members could reach them, it’s impossible,” he told reporters after an emergency meeting with Pakatan assemblymen at his residence here.

Nizar believed that their disappearance was a Barisan “evil ploy” to bring down the state government by taking advantage of the two assemblymen who are schedueld to face corruption proceedings on Feb 10.

malaysiakini's report when out.

Emergency meeting held by Pakatan leaders over Perak defection crisis - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T14:07:00.000+10:00

The Star's report:

PETALING JAYA: PAS is calling for a meeting today to discuss the latest political developments in Perak, party deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said.

“I only knew about the disputed resignation of the two assemblymen last night and have yet to receive a full report on the matter, I do not think that there will be more (people resigning or defecting).

“As it is, we are calling for a meeting to discuss the matter. More will be known on Monday (this) morning,” he said.

In Bukit Mertajam, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all leaders under the Pakatan Rakyat coalition in Perak had pledged loyalty that they would stand behind Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

“We prefer to face the rakyat in elections (rather than losing control of Perak to Barisan as a result of crossovers) as we are more confident with the election process,” he told reporters after meeting with six PKR leaders at Yayasan Aman, here.

PKR information chief Tian Chua said the party was confident it would be able to retain the two seats if by-elections were declared.

“We are not worried that the two seats will be taken away from us as we had succeeded in taking over the two seats from Barisan in the past, let alone retaining what we already have,” he said.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

2 PKR assemblymen feared bought by UMNO - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T13:55:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Perak PKR has accused Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of attempting to entice two state executive councillors (exco), who have been missing for four days, to defect.

MCPX

"We believe that there are efforts by Barisan Nasional to persuade the duo to join them in exchange for a desperate reward on offer by Najib, including dropping corruption charges against them," said Perak PKR chief Osman Abdul Rahman.

Over the past few days, rumours that two Perak exco members - Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (in pink shirt) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu - are quitting PKR have been rife. The duo have not publicly denied this.

The rumours surfaced immediately after Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim left Umno for PKR last Sunday. Najib took over as Perak Umno chief after Tajol Rosli Ghazali stepped down to take responsibility for the defection.

Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are both facing corruption charges and their trial is scheduled to begin Feb 10.

The duo and three others were charged last year for corruption in relations to a RM180 million housing project spanning 36 hectares in Sri Iskandar, some 30-minutes south of Ipoh.

Jamaluddin is in charge of state government’s entrepreneur development, cooperatives, agriculture and trade portfolios, while Mohd Osman is charge of tourism, human capital development and non-government organisations.

'Don't be trapped by Umno'

In a faxed statement today, Osman said family members of the duo and party members have been unable to contact them for four days.

"We believe that their disappearance is closely linked to the corruption charges they are facing. Since the beginning, we have been confident that the allegations against them are false and cooked up by Umno and Barisan Nasional as political blackmail," he said.

"However, we hope that the two leaders are safe and steadfast in the party (PKR) struggle, and will not be trapped by Umno-BN who purportedly want to include them in their fight to protect the Malays," he added.

With the defection of Nasarudin, the Pakatan Rakyat state government has increased its majority from two to three.

However, should the two PKR exco defect to BN, Pakatan will have a slim one-seat majority of 30 to 29.

It is learnt that Najib is seeking one more defection from Pakatan to enable BN to form the state government.

At present, Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1).

To resolve the political instability, Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin may exercise the option of dissolving the state assembly and call a snap election in Perak.

But the Perak sultan will be called to play a pivotal role in whether to agree with Mohmad Nizar in dissolving the state assembly or hand over the state government to the one which commands the majority, which in this case could be BN - malaysiakini.com

Mini crisis in Sabah as Perak resignation crisis unfolds - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T12:33:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Pensiangan MP Joseph Kurup, who had his parliamentary seat taken away on Sept 8 last year by an election court, will no longer demand that he be the “automatic” BN candidate in a by-election widely expected soon.

MCPX

The Sabah leader has appealed against the court verdict on Sept 11 and will be expecting a decision next Friday.

“It is for the BN leadership to decide (on the candidate) should there be a by-election,” said Kurup, also the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president and federal deputy minister for rural and national development.

“It is still too early to talk about a by-election especially since the appeal to the Federal Court is still pending.”

Kurup spoke to the media on the sidelines of a PBRS convention yesterday in Kota Kinabalu after telling the delegates that “we (PBRS) no longer want to be used (by BN) and that “there’s something wrong with BN”.

He also blamed the attitude of BN leaders, their approach in addressing the people’s plight, corruption and other issues such as religion for the ruling coalition’s failure to win a two-thirds majority during the general election in March last year.

BN also lost five states and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur to the opposition alliance and has since suffered two successive by-election defeats - in Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu.

Kurup was initially coy when asked whether he would defend his Murut-dominated Pensiangan seat in the event of a by-election and went on to add: “Don’t know yet. Wait till my court case is over. Too early to say, we will wait and see (what happens).”

He conceded that other BN component parties were also vying for the Pensiangan seat with Umno being the latest after former Pensiangan MP Bernard Maarat, formerly with PBRS and now with PBS, told the media that he could win the seat for the coalition.

There’s talk that PBS could “loan” Maarat as a candidate to PBRS or that Umno may have another candidate in mind, also a local Murut, for “loan” to PBRS. Kurup is neither a Murut nor a local, apparently a sore point with Pensiangan voters.

“We are already on the ground, spreading the vision and mission to bring the people, especially those in the interior, out of poverty,” claimed Kurup subtly underlining his credentials for the seat.

“Everywhere I go in Pensiangan, people tell me that they want development and they realise that only BN can provide that to them. I have already outlined what we can do to bring them out of poverty.”

Ex-defector: Anti-hopping law ‘not suitable for now’

On the proposed anti-hop law, Kurup pointed out that “the BN did not have the necessary two-thirds majority to amend the federal constitution” and that “the proposal was not suitable for now”.

“What both the BN and opposition should do was for them not to accept people who wanted to cross over,” advised Kurup.

The media had been particularly interested in Kurup’s take on the anti-hop law since he left with six other state assemblymen in 1994 for BN to bring about the downfall of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) government within a month of the state elections.

Meanwhile, Kurup’s dramatic turnaround on Pensiangan, where he claimed proprietary rights, was in sharp contrast to his belligerent remarks in recent days against his former mentor, PBS president Joseph Pairin Kitingan, after the latter opined that there was no automatic candidate for Pensiangan.

Pairin had warned that BN could only win in Pensiangan with the full cooperation of all component parties.

Kurup, in turn retaliated and challenged Pairin to a public debate on the latter’s record of public service and his “colourful and well-documented history”, an apparent reference to the PBS pull-out from BN nearly two decades ago on the eve of the 1990 general election.

Kurup, at that time, was PBS deputy president.

He threw a fit in the media when PBS secretary-general Raden Malleh advised him against considering himself as a candidate for Pensiangan on the BN ticket and reminded him to “think of the fate of the coalition and the people, and not just of himself”.

Other critics pointed out that Kurup had to “flee for dear life” after winning the seat “unopposed” on the grounds that challenger Danny Anthony Andipai of PKR had filed his nomination papers “three minutes late”.

Soon after, Kurup suffered a punch in the face from an irate voter as the other assembled villagers turned hostile, before he could get away.

BN secretary-general Karim Bujang, in a rare step, rebuked both men in public, prompting Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman to step in and ask “the two quarrelling Josephs” to take their differences behind closed doors.

He blamed the increased temperature on Pensiangan on the media.

By-election could be as early as February

If a by-election is called in Persiangan, it could held as early as this month.

March and April are not considered suitable months for the by-election considering the Umno party elections and “the transition of power” from outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to his deputy, Najib Razak.

The Federal Court has six months from Sept 11 - until March 11 - to decide on the Pensiangan case.

A verdict was expected earlier last month but was allegedly delayed because of the recent Kuala Terengganu.

A by-election, if there is going to be one, has to be held within 60 days. If it is not in February, then it is likely to be held in May.

Meanwhile, Kurup who continues as Pensiangan MP and as a federal deputy minister, has been accused by the opposition and his other critics of neglecting his job in Kuala Lumpur and camping out in his constituency to hand out “zinc sheets and other development aid”.

Maarat, has since pointed out that this kind of politicking will no longer work. He is more worried that projects promised in the area under the Sabah Development Corridor has not materialised and this may work in the opposition’s favour.

He was denied the chance to defend his Pensiangan seat last March 8 when Kurup decided that he wanted the seat for himself but told the media that Maarat “had not been performing in the seat”.

Maarat subsequently left PBRS and joined PBS where he has been appointed the chairman of Sandakan Sawit Palm Oil Industrial Cluster - malaysiakini.com

Perak Pakatan takes police action over resignation crisis in Perak - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T12:17:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

The Perak Pakatan Rakyat government is ready to swing into action after waiting for five days to hear from its two missing state exco members.

Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin today said that his government would be lodging a 'missing person' police report after consulting with the families of the two PKR state representatives.

Mohammad Nizar also urged the duo - Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering state representative Osman Jailu - to come forward even if they have decided to join the Barisan Nasional.

In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stopped short of confirming that the duo are on their way to the BN.

Speaking to reporters this morning, the BN chairperson however said that several Pakatan elected representatives in Perak would be jumping ship to join BN soon.

Abdullah nevertheless declined to reveal more information.

Earlier today, Mohammad Nizar held a meeting with all state Pakatan representatives and leaders to discuss the continued absence of the two.

The meeting was at Mohammad Nizar's official residence in Ipoh was chaired by the menteri besar.

Also present was ex-Umno Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim who crossed over to PKR last week.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mohammad Nizar confirmed that the two state excos have been incommunicado for the past five days and have been out of contact with family members and state officials.

Seen in Pekan?

The MB also said that neither state official nor family members were able to contact the two men. They have not been seen in public since last Monday, the day after Nasaruddin defected to PKR.

Mohamad Nizar also urged the two state excos to come out and state publicly if they were going to join the BN.

However he added the state government would not be jeopardised even if there was a crossover involving the two.

"Only God knows if there is going to be a crossover involving the two. I have not heard anything. If they want to leave the government, they must write and inform officially," he said.

Text messages are also flying about mentioning that the two were spotted in Pekan, in the company of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. However this could not be confirmed.

When asked to comment on the matter, premier Abdullah said that an official announcement would be made once all the necessary procedures are completed.

"We will make the official announcement when all things are in place," he added.

Jamaluddin, 52, is the Perak entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairperson while Osman, 57, heads the state tourism and NGO committee.

They were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year with allegedly receiving bribes over the application for a RM180 million housing project in Sri Iskandar in Perak Tengah. Their case comes up for hearing on Feb 10.

Possible snap election in Perak

It is also learnt that the state Pakatan Rakyat government would consider releasing undated letters of resignations signed by the two.

These letters were signed by all Pakatan state representatives just after the March 8, 2008 general election and are being kept by the menteri besar.

The release of such letters - expected to be done in the coming days - could mean that the planned defection of the duo, if it happens, would not add the number of seats for BN in the state assembly.

And if the letters are released, it is expected that by-elections for both the state seats could be held. Election laws also prohibit resigned elected representatives from contesting for the seats.

With the defection of Nasarudin, the Pakatan Rakyat state government has increased its majority from two to three.

However, should the two PKR exco defect to BN, Pakatan will have a slim one-seat majority of 30 to 29.

It is learnt that BN is seeking at least one more defection from Pakatan to enable BN to form the state government.

At present, Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1).

Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar may however exercise his option of calling a snap election in Perak.

But the Perak sultan will be called to play a pivotal role on whether to agree with Mohmad Nizar in dissolving the state assembly or hand over the state government to the one which commands the majority, which in this case could be BN.

Meanwhile, PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim is also expected to hold a meeting with all Perak PKR state representatives and leaders in Permatang Pauh at 3pm today - malaysiakini.com

Hipocrisy of Badawi - Now jumping is OK! - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T11:51:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today revealed that several Pakatan Rakyat state representatives from Perak could soon join the Barisan Nasional.

"God willing, it will happen," he was quoted as saying by Bernama. He said this when asked to comment on talks that two missing Perak Pakatan state excos are defecting to BN.

Abdullah, also the BN chairperson, had earlier launched the Federal Territory Day Festival at the Titiwangsa Lake in Kuala Lumpur.

He refused to state the identity or the number of Pakatan representatives that are planning to defect.

He however added that elected representatives would want to join Umno because they had confidence in its struggle.

"(We will) accept them as it is their choice and they want to join us in the struggle... it will be a new experience for them and allow them the opportunities to serve through the BN," said Abdullah.

"We will make the official announcement when all things are in place," he added.

The premier also said that there was a possibility of Pakatan state representatives from other states joining the BN.

"If we want to increase party membership, we should open the party to those who want to join. We should not say that we don't want certain people to join the party... We will accept them into Umno," he said.

Talks are rife that two Perak excos - Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering state representative Osman Jailu - will be defecting to the BN.

The two have been missing for the past five days, totally out of contact with their family members and the state officials.

Nizar: Three from Umno to join us

Earlier today, Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin confirmed that the two PKR state representatives have been missing.

He also urged them to come out and state publicly if they were going to join the BN.

"BN is hiding them somewhere. This is their work to derail the Pakatan state government here," he told reporters after a meeting with state leaders this morning.

However he added the state government would not be jeopardised even if there was a crossover involving the two.

"Only God knows if there is going to be a crossover involving the two. I have not heard anything.

"If they want to leave the government, they must write and inform officially," he said.

He also stressed that no other Pakatan state representative will be jumping ship. Instead he said that a minimum of three Umno state representatives will be joining Pakatan soon.

"We are in negotiations with them now and they will join us," he said.

Last Sunday, Umno's Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim switched sides to PKR, prompting an intense tit-for-tat fight between the BN and Pakatan to bolster their camp with defectors.

Pakatan currently holds 32 state seats against BN's 27 in the 59-seat state assembly - malaysiakini.com

Perak resignation crisis: DAP assemblywoman denies shes quitting DAP - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T11:39:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Perak state assembly deputy speaker Hee Yit Fong today fuelled speculation of her imminent crossover over to MCA following her disappearance from the public.

Hee, 46, who is the DAP's state representative for Jelapang, was rumoured to be defecting to MCA.

The speculation intensified after she had missed a state and party function recently. She was also absent from the meeting chaired by Mentri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin this morning.

The media went into overdrive when all attempts to contact her via her mobile telephone had been unsuccessful.

And sources said she would be attending a MCA function tonight in Ipoh.

However, the mystery over her disappearance was solved when her party leaders managed to contact her later in the day.

It was learnt that Hee had stressed to her party leaders of her continued support for DAP and Pakatan Rakyat.

Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham also confirmed to Malaysiakini that Hee had been in touch and would not be defecting.

Found in her house

The Chinese media had also tracked her to her house in Ipoh.

She had reportedly told the reporters that she was not in hiding but had switched off her handphone due to too many phone calls asking her to comment on the defection rumour.

Talks of Hee defecting from DAP is not new. Such talks first emerged in May last year but Hee continued to stay with DAP and Pakatan.

It is an open secret that Hee has not be on good terms with DAP state leaders, in particular the Ngeh-Nga cousins - Perak DAP chief Ngeh and the party's state secretary Nga Kor Ming.

In recent days, Hee has missed two key events.

The first was DAP's Chinese New Year open house on Jan 26, in which Hee said that she went back to her hometown in Penang.

The other was Perak government's Chinese New Year celebration in Ipoh padang two days ago.

She said that she had a prior meeting with her supporters.

BN may have the numbers

If Hee had defected, BN would have had the three additional representatives it needed to claim government.

The other two are Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyman Osman Jailu, both of whom have been missing for almost one week.

At present, Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1).

Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin may however exercise his option of calling a snap election in Perak.

However, with only two likely defections, Mohamad Nizar will most likely to be pressing for by-elections in the two state seats held by Jamaluddin and Osman should it be confirmed that the duo had indeed resigned as state assemblypersons.

However, Jamaluddin was reported to have said late this evening that while he intended to resign from PKR, he had not resigned as state rep for his Behrang sea - malaysiakini.com

Resignation crisis in Perak state government - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T10:58:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar said that he had received letters of resignation from both Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyperson Osman Jailu.

He said that he received their letters at about 5.45pm at his house.

"They have stepped down as state assemblypersons with immediate effect," he said in a statement today.

With that, Sivakumar declared both the Behrang and Chankat Jering state seats vacant, necessitating two by-elections soon.

He added that he will be informing the Election Commission tomorrow about the vacancy. The by-elections for the two state seats will have to be held within 60 days.

Sivakumar did not say how he received the letters.

The two PKR state representatives have been missing for the past five days, prompting speculations that they have defected to Barisan Nasional.

Jamaluddin, 52, is the Perak Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman while Osman, 57, heads the State Tourism and NGO Committee.

They were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year with allegedly receiving bribes over the application for a RM180 million housing project in Sri Iskandar in Perak Tengah. Their case comes up for hearing on Feb 10.

Jamaluddin: I have not resigned

However the announcement of the resignations by the speaker is disputed, at least by Jamaluddin, who broke his five-day silence late this evening.

According to a report in The Star Online, Jamaluddin is reported as denying that he had resigned as a state representative. He also challenged the validity of his resignation letter.

"This is an undated letter that I and six other PKR assemblymen were made to sign in March last year," he said.

He said that the letter was only a pledge of loyalty, stating that if they (the state representative) were to ever quit PKR, they would automatically vacate their seats.

He added that the letter was signed under duress and that he would be discussing the legality of it with his lawyers.

"I am still Behrang assemblyman," Jamaluddin was quoted as saying.

"Osman and I are still PKR state representatives and have never declared our intentions to leave the party or to become independents, or to join Umno," he said, according to a Bernama report.

But in the Star report, Jamaluddin was quoted as saying that he would be quitting PKR to become an independent.

"My problems are with PKR leaders, not with the people of Behrang. I will not simply shirk my responsibilities to them," he said.

This is the first time he has expressed his situation ever since he was reported missing for the past five days, amids speculations of both of them joining BN.

The crucial point is whether the duo had indeed resigned as state assemblypersons, which will immediately trigger by-elections in their two seats.

Jamaluddin also said that he had been on medical leave since Wednesday.

"The MC is in my office. I have not been missing," he said. He however refused to reveal his whereabouts during his ‘missing' period.

Emergency meeting at MB's residence

Meanwhile it is learnt that all the Pakatan state representatives have gathered at Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin's official residence in Ipoh for an emergency meeting.

Pakatan Rakyat currently holds 32 state seats against Barisan's 27 in the 59-seat State Assembly.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed that some Pakatan state assemblypersons were on the verge of joining BN.

He however did not reveal the identities of the defecting politicians - malaysiakini.com

Anwar: Najib hiding PKR assemblymen - malaysiakini

2009-02-02T10:17:00.003+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has called on Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to reveal the whereabouts of the two Perak executive councillors from PKR who have gone ‘missing’ for five days.

MCPX

"I have received information suggesting that Najib was behind the disappearance of both PKR excos," Anwar said, taking a swipe at the Umno deputy president for proving to be an expert in 'safeguarding and protecting' missing persons.

Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering state representative Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu have gone missing since last week and PKR de facto leader Anwar believes that BN premier designate Najib was behind their ‘disappearance’.

Anwar recalled the incident where private investigator P Balasubramaniam went missing last year after making two contradicting statutory declarations within two days in relations to the murder trial of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

"One should ask Najib on where the two PKR excos from Perak are, and also about Bala. After all, he is an expert in handling missing persons," Anwar, the Permatang Pauh parliamentarian, told newsmen after meeting six Perak PKR assemblypersons for an hour in a closed-door session at Yayasan Aman complex in Penanti, Penang mainland.

The six who met Anwar were Abdul Yunus Jamhari (Kuala Kurau), Tai Sing Ng (Kuala Sepetang), Chan Ming Kai (Simpang Pulai), Chang Lih Kang (PKR), S Kesavan (Hutan Melintang) and ex-Umno Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim, who crossed over to PKR last week. Gopeng parliamentarian Lee Boon Chye was also present.

On the meeting, Anwar said the six assemblypersons have pledged their loyalty and commitment to PKR and Perak state government.

"They have vowed to preserve the stability of the Pakatan Rakyat state government," he added.

Party hopping no more immoral?

Many PKR leaders believe that both Jamaluddin and Osman are now under the protection of top Umno leaders, notably Najib.

Some have alleged that millions of ringgit was involved in the BN coup de tat to usurp the Perak government from Pakatan, which came to power in last March general election.

Anwar also took a swipe at BN national chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for making a complete U-turn on the virtue of ‘party hopping’ when the prime minister confirmed today that several Pakatan assemblyperson would soon cross over to BN.

"I am shocked that he had said this when he and other Umno leaders condemned party hoppers as immoral politicians. So now he can accept party hoppers? It's no more immoral now?" he asked, referring to Umno's criticism against Nasarudin’s (right) switch of political allegiance to PKR last Sunday.

When asked whether the Perak government would dissolve the state assembly and called for a snap state election, Anwar said that Pakatan was confident to fight another poll.

He expressed optimism that Perak government led by Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was confident to face the people if the political situation in the state becomes unstable.

"I am not saying that there would be a snap election. But Pakatan is strong, and we are confident to face the people again," he said.

At present, Pakatan has 32 seats in Perak with DAP (18), PKR (8) and PAS (6), while BN has 27 with Umno (26) and MCA (1).

Mohamad Nizar plans to lodge 'missing person' police reports on Jamaluddin and Osman, both of whom are facing graft charges.

It's learnt both may initially declare themselves as independent assemblypersons before joining Umno on a later date.

Tit-for-tat defections

Many Pakatan leaders are resigned to losing the duo to Umno which could destabilise the 10-month-old state government which leads the BN opposition by a razor-thin majority.

However, they also indicated that at least three more Umno state assemblypersons in Perak would emulate Nasarudin’s footsteps soon.

But one assemblyperson indicated that the Pakatan government would dissolve the Perak assembly and called a snap state election "as the last straw to stop BN coup de tat."

Meanwhile, the sudden ‘disappearance' of Perak state assembly deputy speaker Hee Yit Fong today fueled speculation of her imminent crossover over to MCA.

With Hee's defection, BN will have the three additional representatives it needed to claim government.

Given this, Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar may exercise his option of calling a snap election.

But the Perak sultan will be called to play a pivotal role on whether to agree with Mohmad Nizar in dissolving the state assembly or hand over the state government to the one which commands the majority, which in this case could be BN - malaysiakini.com

Pakatan to take over Negri Sembilan state government - malaysiakini

2009-01-31T10:57:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Will some BN state representatives in Negri Sembilan defect to PKR?

MCPX

Yes, says Seremban-based PKR supreme council member Badrul Hisham Shaharin. Something ‘big’ is going to take place in the state 'real soon', he told Malaysiakini today.

Asked to comment on rumours that four BN elected representatives are contemplating to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat, Badrul said: “We have been building this bridge with the four BN reps since the March 8 election last year.”

“However, at that time, two of them only agreed to defect if Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s plan to take over the federal government on Sept 16, 2008 was successful.

After Anwar’s plan did not materialize, the matter cooled off.

Strong signals from the reps

“Of late however, we started to receive strong signals from the four again,” said Badrul, a former party youth leader.

According to him, the BN reps were very unhappy with MACC’s actions against Umno elected representatives and members.

“The strong signal was received after the MACC clampdown on Umno people for alleged corruption. With this development, BN is now very unstable,” Badrul added.

“I believe something ‘big’ is going to happen real soon,” he said. “This time, the defection has a better chance compared to last Sept 16.”

However, Badrul declined to reveal the identities of the representatives, saying that only (PKR adviser) Anwar Ibrahim can reveal the names, and when the defection will take place.”

MB denies defections

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hassan denied that four of his colleagues in the state assembly were jumping ship.

“If it is true, they should reveal the names”, he told Bernama today when asked to comment on a China Press report which quoted Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham as saying that four to five BN state reps in Negeri Sembilan were contemplating to defect to Pakatan.

“Why is the Perak DAP worrying about Negeri’s affairs? He (Ngeh) should focus on taking care of Perak,” Mohammad Hassan retorted.

The MB said that BN reps in Negeri Sembilan were “people of integrity and they are loyal to the party.”

BN has 21 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly while Pakatan has 15. To take over the state government, Pakatan needs another four seats to make it 19 for a simple majority.

The first Umno elected representative to defect to the opposition alliance is Bota assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim of Perak.

Nasarudin, 58, a former chairperson of the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) announced his decision to quit Umno for PKR on Jan 25 - malaysiakini.com

Evidence of vote buying by BN in KT! - malaysiakini

2009-01-15T19:46:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Thanks to the pack of fearless Pakatan Rakyat bloggers led by RPK, I have been able to follow quite closely the on-going electoral battle at Kuala Terengganu. RPK had predicted a victory of five thousand votes for PAS even before the KT by-election began. He has a better than even chance of being proven right on Saturday night, when all the votes will be counted in the evening.

MCPX

Once again, when the opposition parties can form a workable coalition, the Chinese voters can become king makers at both national and local levels. Though they make up only 11% or over 8000 votes in KT, they will decide the outcome of this by-election with the Malay votes more or less evenly split between Umno and PAS.

I had been to KT only once, and found the Chinese there just like the Chinese in small towns elsewhere. Their tranquil sedate daily life revolves round their work and business, their Chinese schools, their guilds and associations, and their temple.

Unlike their counterparts in the big cities, the Terengganu Chinese people tend to be much friendlier to strangers and better integrated into the local Malay communities.

Sixty-five percent of the KT Chinese voters had supported the BN candidate during the last general election, and one should not be surprised. Chinese in small towns throughout Malaysia tend not to be too much bothered by issues of national concern or reformasi. Generally, they are far more interested in local issues and the personality of the candidates.

Pragmatic and realistic

The leaders of local Chinese guilds and associations in any small Chinese towns exert considerable influence as community leaders. Those in KT should not be any different. After all, they probably sit on the board of management of local Chinese schools and their places of worship, as well as acting as spokesmen representing the community when meeting government officials at all levels.

Traditionally, these local community leaders support the Barisan Nasional, especially the MCA. Some also serve as local MCA officials. Being pragmatic and realistic, they know where the goodies come from. If the Pakatan Rakyat takes power in the country tomorrow, expect these same Chinese community leaders throughout Malaysia to lean towards the new rulers!

Therefore, it should not surprise long-time observer of Chinese politics that BN won the Chinese votes in KT hands down in the 2008 general election. Everybody in the opposition coalition was busy fighting his own battle all over the country then.

Before 2008, the results of by-elections were predictable. The BN tended to win all of them, the odd exception being the Lunas by-election, which was won by PKR.

Since 2008 though, the Pakatan coalition has changed all that. They have five states in their political pocket, and are now raring for power at the centre. The Permatang Pauh by-election was a relatively easy victory. And now, they are poised to win in KT as well.

What makes the difference now is that when DAP, PKR, and PAS pooled their political capital together, the whole is larger than the sum of its part. Strange bed-fellows they may be. But only a coalition of these vastly different political forces can resist and negate the BN's traditional assault of dividing and ruling the people through the politics of race.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the KT by-election.

All of a sudden, the active participation of the DAP in the PAS campaign since nomination day has energised the PAS offensive. The arrival of DAP superstars must have had a huge impact on the Chinese voters in KT beyond measure.

Good Chinese leaders

I am sure the DAP presence in KT before the 2008 general election could have been nothing except minimal. For the local Chinese voters in KT in the past, the DAP leading lights were just names in the newspapers. Suddenly, in recent weeks, they were treated to the glamour and charisma of these Chinese heroes in person and in huge doses.

This DAP army are very seasoned campaigners who know the general aspirations of the Malaysian Chinese well. Above all, they can communicate very well with any Chinese community. Their power of persuasion is best illustrated in their ceramah speeches. They can hold a packed hall of many thousands spell-bound for hours on end, earning enthusiastic applauses and cheering with wild elation.

Of course there are very good Chinese leaders in PKR, who can hold their ground among Chinese electorates. But they cannot say the sort of things as the DAP leaders can, because the Chinese who join PKR are likely to be more multiracial in outlook.

The MCA knows that DAP is a brand name in Chinese politics. That is probably why from the start of the KT by-election the MCA has tried to frighten Chinese voters in KT with the threat of hudud laws, over which DAP and PAS have just had a spat of public disagreement before the by-election. In many past general and by-elections, the hudud spectre had frightened many Chinese voters into supporting the BN, no matter how dissatisfied they were with the MCA.

This time though, the Pakatan Rakyat coalition has shown considerable political maturity in handling their differences within a political alliance.

On the night of the 11th, DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng arrived at the over-flowing restaurant in the heart of KT, to announce that it is an agreement among the member parties of Pakatan Rakyat anywhere that a policy must receive the anonymous agreement of all three partners for it to be implemented. That should put an end to the use of hudud as a non-issue.

The closure of the DAP campaign centre through very suspicious means may yet backfire. The KT Chinese may be simple folks, but they are not stupid. They will just keep quiet and vote in their verdict on Jan 17.

So far, the BN machinery has sprung no surprises. They have done their expected chores of showering the Chinese voters with all kinds of election lagarsse, and tens of millions of government allocation. As the campaign grind to the crunch in these last few days, arrangements are probably in place for vote buying.

A vote for RM400

I read an account on the Internet by a Chinese youth in KT who is too young to vote. He has an uncle who is a longstanding member of the local MCA. Having been saturated with political education by DAP ceramah speakers, the uncle went to BN meetings and asked questions raised in the campaign. He was hushed down immediately.

So now the uncle has decided to vote for PAS, though he was offered RM400 by the BN for his vote. The wise nephew advised him to take the money and vote for PAS. The older man told him that he must photograph his vote inside the polling booth on his mobile phone, and send the picture of his actual vote to the paymaster, or else he would not be paid. If he does not have an expensive mobile phone, one would be provided for him. If he is found to have voted for PAS, all kinds of punishment will descend upon him after the by-election.

Having been at the receiving end of many campaigns of money politics, I find this story believable. This device of using the mobile phone to monitor voter's actual vote violates the secrecy of the vote, and is obviously against the election laws. But in a small town where everybody knows everybody, the uncle is unlikely to lodge a police report over it.

The obvious thing for the Election Commission to do is to ban all voters from bringing their mobile phones into the polling centre. The opposition election agents must also object vehemently to the use of the mobile phone inside the voting booth.

This and other tricks of bribery and intimidation from the BN tend to surface in the last days of any by-election anywhere in Malaysia. Sometimes, they work, and sometimes they fail.

One thing I am sure of is that PAS will get more votes from the Chinese community in KT than in 2008. If the Malay votes are still split, then there is a strong possibility of a PAS win on Saturday.

As for me, win or lose for the Pakatan coalition, the KT buy-election is just another battle in a long war for justice and democracy in Malaysia. The next critical battle field will be my home state of Sarawak. I wonder when RPK and his pack of bloggers will go there in the near future, and whether they will be declared persona non grata - malaysiakini.com

BN desperatelgoes on the offensive against PAS - malaysiakiniy

2009-01-15T18:15:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Barisan Nasional has stepped up its campaign to portray PAS as an extremist and unprincipled party to the voters in Kuala Terengganu.

MCPX

MCA is distributing fliers and publishing advertisements in Chinese dailies to remind the community about PAS candidate Abdul Wahid Endut’s 'past sins'.

"When he was state exco member, he was full of controversies. He tried to take over the Tian Hou Temple and was the mastermind behind the hudud law," read one MCA newspaper advertisement.

The same advertisement stated that PAS has forgotten its 'welfare state' objective and is now harping on its Islamic state goals, ‘showing its true colours’.

Unlike other states, the advertisement added, Terengganu Umno is more open and fair in treating non-Malays and has never made statements which hurt the feelings of the Chinese community.

'Politics of hatred'

DAP and PKR were also criticised in the advertisements for bringing the West coast politics of 'hatred' to the East, which the MCA argued would cause damage to Chinese-Malay relations.

"If they succeed in getting the Kuala Terengganu Chinese to support the opposition, the long term benefits enjoyed by the Chinese would be in jeopardy.

"The Chinese would end up as sacrificial lambs. Who would be responsible then? Who would clean the mess later?" read the half-page advertisement.

Meanwhile, Umno is also going all out to paint PAS as weak and inefficient.

Since Sunday, there has been an increasing number of banners describing PAS in the Terengganu dialect as 'kluk klek' (flip flop) and 'Dok Rok Chetong' (weak).

The banners are aimed at portraying PAS as weak for 'bowing out' to DAP over the hudud issue - malaysiakini.com

Anwar: 8 MPs to crossover - malaysiakini

2009-01-15T15:02:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

After a three-month lull, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has again raised the possibility of Barisan Nasional MPs defecting to the fledgling Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

MCPX

The opposition leader has avoided the topic since failing to topple the BN federal government by Sept 16 last year.

However, he hinted at a ceramah in Pasir Panjang near Kuala Terengganu last night that eight BN MPs might join Pakatan.

"As you know we want to increase our numbers. But as the Kelantanese say kohol-kohol, bit by bit, one by one," he said.

Anwar said Pakatan Rakyat now has two defectors in Sabah, six more in Sarawak and another two from unidentified states are on the way.

"With one more from Kuala Terengganu, we would have 93 and then there would be change," he said, prompting cheers from the crowd of about 600.

Coy on the details

Anwar is currently campaigning for PAS candidate Abdul Wahid Endut who is contesting against BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh in the Jan 17 Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Speaking to reporters after another ceramah in Kg Kubang Ikan, Anwar was coy about the details of the 'defection'.

Asked about the two mystery MPs, he said, "We will announce later." On details of the six MPs from Sarawak, he replied, "You have to ask them."

Anwar may be hinting at defections from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS). The party has six MPs and has been courting controversy during the last quarter of 2008.

In October, Hulu Rajang MP Billy Abit Jol became the sole government backbencher to sign an opposition initiated petition for Parliament to prioritise a debate on the Internal Security Act.

Billy is the vice-president of PPRS and a five-term MP for Hulu Rajang.

Following this, Balleh division PRS publicity chief Beginda Minda launched a scathing attack on Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, adding that the latter should step down after helming the state for 28 years.

Beginda Minda subsequently resigned from the party and joined PKR - malaysiakini.com

Zaid Ibrahim joins the PAS bandwagon - malaysiakini

2009-01-15T01:51:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 14 — In yet another blow to Barisan Nasional’s attempt to rejuvenate itself after the March 8 political tsunami, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim today declared his support for Pas’s campaign in the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by DAP at a Chinese restaurant here, the former Cabinet member said there was an urgent need for the people to reject race-based politics.

“You are very smart, so I don’t have to tell you who you should vote,” said Zaid while urging the people of Kuala Terengganu to end divisive politics.

“Things have changed... Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Nik Aziz and other Pakatan Rakyat leaders are working towards forging closer ties between the people,” he told the largely Chinese crowd.

“A political party that only helps its own race or group is not good for Malaysia, I hope Pakatan is serious about unity,” said Zaid.

He then ended his five-minute speech urging the voters to use their wisdom and not to be fooled when voting on Jan 17.

When met after the dinner, Zaid told reporters he had indeed endorsed Pas’s candidate Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman Abdul Wahid Endut.

However, he said this did not mean that he was joining any of the PR parties.

“I believe joining a political party is not urgent, but the message is,” he told reporters.

As a minister appointed by Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi to oversee various judicial and legal reforms, Zaid often had to face opposition from his party and was accused of giving in to Pakatan Rakyat’s demands.

He resigned as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in September to protest the arrest of Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok under the Internal Security Act.

Zaid was sacked from Umno for breaching the party’s regulation, after he appeared at a DAP dinner and PKR’s annual national congress in late November.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

DAP threatens to leave Pakatan over Hudud! - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T23:14:00.000+10:00

Malaysian Insider reports:

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 – The DAP today threatened to withdraw from the Pakatan Rakyat (PR), which also comprises Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), if Pas insists on implementing the hudud laws (Islamic penal code) if the opposition alliance comes to power in the country.

DAP chairman Karpal Singh, in issuing the warning, reiterated that the hudud laws did not fit with the DAP’s principles and were not contained in the PR manifesto for the general election held last year.

"By right, PAS should consider the views of the DAP as a member of the Pakatan Rakyat and respect our stand," he told reporters outside the Istana Negara, here.

Earlier, Karpal Singh had handed over to the palace a letter for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, on the appointment of Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi as the chief justice. The letter was received by the secretary of Istana Negara, Zainab Muhammad, outside the rear entrance of the palace.

The issue of hudud laws cropped up again on Dec 21 after Pas vice-president Datuk Husam Musa said the party had never forgotten its struggle to bring about Islamic administration in the country, including implementing hudud laws. – Bernama

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Karpal publically challenges Chief Justice - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T22:55:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Veteran lawyer and DAP supremo Karpal Singh has challenged Chief Justice Zaki Azmi to sue him for defamation if his statements purporting Zaki to be guilty of corruption and of lying on the matter have been wrong.

MCPX

“I dare him to sue me. Either he's right or I am right. One of us is not,” Karpal said today after submitting a letter addressed to Yang Dipertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin on the issue of Zaki's appointment.

While this is not the first time that Karpal has issued such an ultimatum to the CJ, he said today that he is ready to be fined and/or imprisoned and stripped of his status as member of parliament and barred from standing in the next general election if found guilty of libel.

“I can be fined and I can be imprisoned. It’s a very serious matter to defame criminally the chief justice of the country,” he told reporters outside the gates of Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

“But I am prepared to take the risk because, to my mind, what he has said was in fact said. There is no doubt about it in my mind. He has not denied it.”

Zaki (left) had been quoted in the New Straits Times on Nov 8 last year as saying: "It took me six months (as a practising lawyer) to be nice, to bribe each and every individual to get back into their good books before our files were attended to.

“That was my personal experience and I am telling this to all the clerks and all the registries to stop this nonsense.”

Although Zaki has issued a clarification and claimed that the reporter had misinterpreted him, Karpal accused Zaki of lying.

Karpal also said that since the English daily has not retracted its report and Zaki has not asked for this either, the odds are stacked against the chief justice rather than the publication. Karpal had earlier said there is an audio recording of Zaki’s reported ‘confession’.

He noted that the fact that Zaki sits at the pinnacle of one of three branches of government makes it even more urgent for him to step down.

“We cannot have a chief justice who is, in fact, corrupt. It’s as simple as that. In fact, I dare the chief justice to sue me for defamation if he thinks he’s right. It’s as simple as that,” said Karpal, who is also Bukit Gelugor MP.

Another seven-day deadline

He further said the controversy leaves little room for him and Zaki to remain in their post, should both happen be in the same court room over a legal matter.

“He cannot keep quiet. He cannot allow this issue to be just left unattended and dismiss it out of hand and hope that it flies over because it can’t fly over. In fact, I have to appear before the chief justice in the Federal Court.

“It’s going to be very embarrassing with him sitting there and me sitting in front of him. I dare him to sue me, because that’s the only way out. Either he’s right or I am right. Both cannot be right. One has to go. Either he goes or I go.”

Karpal has previously called for Zaki’s resignation, lodging a police report on the matter, writing to the prime minister, and submitting an emergency motion to Parliament. Yesterday, he submitted another motion endorsed by 63 MPs.

As such, he said his move to get the attention of the Council of Rulers and Agong (right) is the measure of last resort.

Karpal said he hopes the council - of which a former Lord President, Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, is a member - will hold an emergency meeting to review Zaki’s position, in light of his admission which only occurred after his appointment.

“They are duty-bound to hold a meeting to review the advice (to the Agong) to appoint Zaki as the chief justice... It would be a sad day for the country to have a self-admitted corrupt chief justice.

“A chief justice must be above suspicion. Yet, this chief justice has publicly admitted guilt of corruption, and corruption is one of the most serious offences. If he remains silent for the next seven days, I shall deem him to be guilty of what he said he has done.”

Malaysiakini attempted to contact the chief justice today for reaction, but was told he was at a meeting. A request has been emailed to his office for comments - malaysiakini.com

Karpal repeats: NO HUDUD! - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T17:54:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

DAP stalwart Karpal Singh has once again reminded Anwar Ibrahim and PAS that there is no room for an Islamic agenda in secular Malaysia.

MCPX

In view of this, he urged the opposition leader and Islamic party to drop the Islamic state agenda and the intention of implementing hudud laws.

Karpal said the Islamic state vision runs counter to the federal constitution's secular vision of Malaysia.

Both these visions, he stressed, cannot be reconciled.

"I call upon PAS and Anwar to respect the federal constitution. In fact, I'm surprised at Anwar's ambivalent stand on this," the Bukit Gelugor MP told reporters after submitting a letter to Yang Dipertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin on the matter of Chief Justice Zaki Azmi.

"PAS has been quite consistent on their stand right from the beginning. But I didn't expect Anwar to say that PKR is also for hudud even though it's limited to Muslims alone," he said.

Karpal also called for PAS to consult with one of its own leading members - former Lord President Salleh Abas - who had delivered a judgment earlier declaring Malaysia to be a secular state with secular laws.

"PAS should, in fact, have a word with Salleh Abas and have him explain to them what he did together with four other judges at the Supreme Court which, at that time, was the supreme court of the land.

"That judgment is still there, it has not been overruled, and PAS must respect it. It must be respected by everyone," he added - malaysiakini.com

Misuse of power by BN in handling of crony corruption case - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T17:36:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

The intense campaigning for the Kuala Terengganu by-election may have forced the newly minted Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to delay charging a former Selangor assemblyperson for alleged corruption.

MCPX

The assemblyperson who was alleged to have taken money amounting to several thousand ringgit, arrived at the MACC's Shah Alam branch this morning to have his statement recorded. This is standard procedure before a person is produced in court to be charged.

After his statement was recorded, the assemblyperson who is in his 50s, was transported to the Ampang Court where he was scheduled to appear. However, scores of personnel from the print and electronic media who had waited anxiously since morning at the Ampang Court were left disappointed when MACC officials informed them of the postponement.

A source said the assemblyperson, who is also a blogger and former division head, was already outside the court about to be taken in when orders came from "higher up" instructing the MACC to postpone the matter.

"We received instructions to postpone proceedings to charge the individual until after the Kuala Terengganu by-election," said the source.

"We will inform all of you when the person will be brought to court."

Opposition harping on corruption issue

PAS had indicated early on that the party would bring up matters pertaining to corruption and money politics within the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and Umno during campaigning.

Terengganu PAS deputy commissioner Wan Abdul Mutalib Embong had indicated that they would also capitalise on issues like infighting in Umno and BN.

"The glory days of Umno and BN are over. Umno is now littered with problems of corruption within the party, from the branches to the division level.

"This proves that over the years, it has become a party which the people can no longer depend on, as members are only interested in enriching themselves," Wan Abdul Mutalib, who is leading Terengganu PAS in the by-election, had said.

The by-election is pitting BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh against PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut and independent Azharudin Mamat@ Adam. There are 80,229 registered voters, including 1,035 postal voters in the area.

Postal voters began casting their votes last Saturday, while polling day for the by-election is this coming Saturday. The seat fell vacant following the death of Kuala Terengganu MP Razali Ismail on Nov 28 - malaysiakini.com

PAS candidate campaigning with Chinese, sick people - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T16:14:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's video:

- malaysiakini.tv

One sided coverage on KT election (video) - malaysiakini

2009-01-14T15:49:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Hipocrisy of Syed Hamid: Not OK to bomb Palestine but OK to bomb Sri Lanka - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T23:38:00.001+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

By Lee Wei Lian and Shannon Teoh – MALAYSIAN INSIDER

Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar defended the arrests of leaders of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) organised anti-war march last Saturday, pointing out that the Sri Lanka government attacks on the Tamil Tigers should not have been included in the protest.

"If you want to demonstrate in respect of the Palestinian cause, then don't mix it up with the Sri Lanka cause," he said at the sidelines of the special parliamentary session on Gaza today.

"The PSM protests were more for Sri Lanka which is a different cause. We cannot have protests in support of separatists movements. They also used curse words against the police," he told The Malaysian Insider.

"They had many placards in support of separatists in Sri Lanka."

The Home Minister was commenting on why the police allowed a mammoth protest last Friday against Israel's invasion of Gaza, but moved quickly to stop the PSM march.

His remarks are, however, inconsistent with that of the police who claimed that the PSM protesters did not have a permit for the rally, and refused to disperse, while those who protested on Friday had dispersed when asked to by police.

In an immediate response, Klang DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago, who was also among 21 people arrested on Saturday, asked: "Is that worse than burning flags?"

"What is the difference? They both want separate states."

He added that the government should exercise more restraint in the matter as "it was a peaceful demonstration against violence and agitation against innocent people across the world."

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today told Parliament that it was not proper for the police to arrest those who were "merely doing their duty."

"They were not against BN, Umno or the Prime Minister but Israeli violence," he said.

However, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, in reply, expressed his shock that Lim was using the conflict as a way to compel people to demonstrate.

"Yes, we can have our own stand to give moral support to the Palestinians but not to use it as a platform for your own political purposes," he said.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Independant survey shows that Pakatan has slight edge in KT - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T22:45:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

In a recent survey, almost a clean half of respondents from Kuala Terengganu indicated that voting for the opposition in this Saturday’s by-election could push the Barisan Nasional government to "correct itself".

MCPX

In the survey conducted by the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research between Jan 1 and 11, 46 percent of the 408 Malay and 56 percent of 119 Chinese respondents said voting for the opposition, namely PAS, could affect such a correction.

However, that was the extent of the commonalities shared between the two groups that make up the preponderance of the 80,300 voters in Kuala Terengganu.

According to Merdeka Center, while the majority (70 percent) of voters in the Malay-majority constituency felt that things in the country and Terengganu were "headed in the right direction", only 36 percent of the Chinese respondents felt the same.

When presented with several issues and asked which they felt warranted the most attention by the state government, 21 percent of the Malay respondents cited "controlling inflation", 26 percent wanted to "strengthen the position of Islam", and 16 percent asked for "continued development".

Among Chinese voters, 53 percent wanted the government "to treat non-Malay communities more fairly", while 18 percent wanted it to concentrate on "fighting corruption".

On the question of the treatment of the Chinese community, 75 percent of Chinese respondents "strongly agreed" or "somewhat agreed" that electing a non-Barisan candidate could send a strong signal to the Barisan government.

The survey also found that voters were more interested in the quality of the candidates over other factors such as current issues, contesting parties or party leaders.

Seventy-seven percent of voters cited candidate quality as being "very important" as opposed to 55 percent and 67 percent for current issues and party capability, respectively.

Hudud issue not as important

On the contrary, the attempt by MCA to focus on the issue of PAS’ hudud ambitions seems to have hit a dull note as the survey found that only half of the Chinese voters in Kuala Terengganu considered the issue important.

Only 18 percent of the Chinese voters interviewed said the issue of hudud played a "very important" factor in the election, while 32 percent said it was "somewhat important".

Neither did the Malay respondents elicit much reaction to suggestions that Malay political power was under threat.

According to the survey, only 17 percent agreed that "Malay political power was weakened by demands made by non-Malay communities after the March 8 general election".

A whopping 74 percent of Malay respondents, on the other hand, felt that "corrupt and self-serving leaders" were weakening Malay political power - malaysiakini.com

KT locals think Wan Farid too arrogant - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T20:43:00.003+10:00

Poor Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. Much has been made of his looks and demeanour in an election where perception could turn out to mean everything.

As the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, Wan Farid has been advised to smile more and behave less snobbishly. In this semi-urban east coast constituency, people want their elected representative to be friendly, accessible, and to possess the human touch.

Though a local boy, the 46-year-old former lawyer grew up in a privileged family of civil servants. During the campaigning, remarks have been passed that he should wear the kain pelikat (sarong) more when canvassing among the locals. He's also been advised to not be afraid to sit on the floor of homes to show that he is one of them.

Perception problems

Another perception problem Wan Farid faces is his links to outgoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He was the premier's political secretary for four years, before being appointed senator and made deputy home minister after the March 2008 general election. He has since resigned from both positions to contest in the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Additionally, it didn't help the BN campaign when former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described Wan Farid as Abdullah's proxy.

Wan Farid also got caught in the web of allegations that Abdullah's cronies were given the contracts to build the Pulau Duyong marine facilities to host the annual Monsoon Cup sailing competition, and the Islamic theme park on Pulau Wan Man.

His candidacy has appeared to put BN on the defensive in this campaign. Top leaders including Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak have been giving one explanation after another on Wan Farid's perceived aloofness, the proxy allegation, and his capabilities as a first-time candidate.

Development gains

Wan Farid's campaign message rides on the BN's development track record. He is positioned as a representative who will be able to help the electorate because of the government machinery behind him.

Najib has also promised that Wan Farid will be reappointed as a deputy minister if he wins this election. The message to voters is that Wan Farid, as a deputy minister, would have better access to federal help than a PAS Member of Parliament (MP).

However, his former ministerial post is being used against him in Pakatan Rakyat ceramah. The opposition alliance has used blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, who was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), to speak against Wan Farid, although it is the home minister who signs detention orders.

"If he wins and becomes deputy home minister again, he will sign orders to detain people like you and me under ISA," Raja Petra told a largely Chinese crowd at a ceramah in Bandar Baru, Pulau Kambing on 9 Jan.

Internal factionalism

Politically, the former senator and deputy home minister has never contested an election, whether at state or parliamentary level

In Umno, Wan Farid is the party's two-term Kuala Terengganu division chief. He won the post uncontested the second time in divisional elections in July 2008. Despite this show of Umno grassroots unity, factionalism within the division has given the opposition PAS leverage to run down his candidacy.

PAS has drawn comparisons between Wan Farid and the previous MP and deputy education minister, Datuk Razali Ismail, whose death in November 2008 forced this by-election. Razali was liked for his efforts to improve education in the state. He beat his PAS contender, the popular Mohamad Sabu, in the 2008 general election by a slim majority of 628 votes.

During the campaign, Wan Farid has been forced to say that as division chief, he never sidelined Razali, who ran for the division's vice-chief post but lost to Wan Farid's brother, Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.

Thus, the BN's announcement of Wan Farid as their candidate two weeks ahead of nomination day on 6 Jan was seen as a move to give the factions time to cool down and unite.

Wan Farid has denied any internal rivalry and said his early candidacy gave him an edge to know voters better. He will face PAS's Abdul Wahid Endut and independent Azharudin Mamat @ Adam in the 17 Jan polls.

The Nut Graph managed to interview Wan Farid, who is the father of six girls, on a campaign stop. He was at a kampung in Kuala Bekah, where a Rural and Regional Development Ministry function was being held on 10 Jan.

TNG: If you become MP, how do you propose to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions for the poor in Kuala Terengganu?

Wan Farid: I have discovered while on the campaign trail that people want more opportunities. They do not know that we have so many facilities and so many things they can participate in. My concern is to make sure they are well informed of these opportunities.

The Terengganu government has decided not to pursue the wang ehsan (oil royalties) civil suit (filed when PAS was the state government) against the federal government. Do you agree?

The matter is closed. The moment the federal government returned the royalty, the case has become academic.

But there are disputes over the figures. The royalties have not been fully returned.

The opposition is making [it out] as if the federal government is taking advantage of the state government. With the final payment of RM408 million in December, everything has been settled. There are no arrears anymore.

What kind of personal advantages do you have over the other candidates, which aren't related to you representing the BN?

I was in Parliament, in the Dewan Negara for three years. And for the last nine months I was a member of the administration. I've appeared in both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.

Your stand on hudud law.

I don't think it's an issue.

The opposition is using your post as former deputy home minister against you. What is your stand on the ISA?

In government, we cannot have individual [positions] on policies. Whoever speaks against me individually must also understand that you can't have a different view as a member of the administration.

You want to speak about this, you must understand parliamentary democracy, must understand how the cabinet works, must understand collective responsibility. Okay, if they want to attack me on this, it means they don't understand parliamentary democracy.

Should the ISA be at least reviewed?

My stand is parallel with the government's. It is good as it is. Preventive law has mechanisms and safeguards, which people don't talk about. They only talk about the so-called repressive law.

You can see, recently, whoever was arrested under the ISA could go to court and apply for habeas corpus, and there were instances where the court allowed the application. We have the necessary safeguards.

Is being the former deputy home affairs minister a liability to your campaign because of the issues the opposition is raising?

No, it's not a liability at all. Because I appear on TV almost every alternate day when Parliament is in session and the people of Terengganu know me.

Are you a reluctant candidate because you stand to lose so much in your political career?

I'm not a reluctant candidate. In politics, it's not about you. It's about the people you represent.

If you lose, what are your plans?

I'm not going to talk about that. It's premature.

By Deborah Loh, The Nut Graph

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Independant latest poll: Pakatan holds slight advantage in KT election - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T20:01:00.001+10:00

Malaysian Insider reports:

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 - The Kuala Terengganu by-election remains too close to call, even as the campaign reaches the home stretch, but an independent poll released today suggests the major issue for voters is the "quality of the candidate" while hudud and perceived threats to Malay dominance have little currency.

According to the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, the Malay vote was evenly split with about 8 per cent undecided, while the Chinese are leaning slightly towards Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

There were also marked differences in Malay and Chinese voters' sentiment. The Malays, who make up a majority in the constituency, appeared to see Islam as a major issue, while the Chinese, considered an important swing vote, consider equality an important factor.

A majority of Malay respondents did not feel there were any threats to their community's political dominance, even after the results of the general election last March. Instead the Malay voters appeared to be more concerned with the corruption of political leaders.

While this Saturday's poll will not make any significant difference to the balance of power in Parliament, it is considered crucial for PR to reinvigorate its flagging momentum while Barisan Nasional (BN) will want to press home a victory to reinforce its believe that it has recovered from the poor results of the last general election.

The Merdeka Centre survey found that a majority of voters in the Malay-majority constituency felt that things in the country and state of Terengganu were headed in the right direction.

But a significant number of respondents also felt that a win for a non-BN candidate could send a signal to the government for change.

However, upon closer scrutiny the survey found that Chinese voter sentiments were more subdued, with respect to the direction of the country, only 36per cent of Chinese respondents agreed that it was in "the right direction" and were split at 50per cent with respect to the direction of the state of Terengganu.

At the same time, 70per cent of Malay voters said that "things were in the right direction" for the state of Terengganu.

When given a list of issues that they feel government should pay attention to, respondents chose "controlling inflation" (21per cent), "strengthening the position of Islam" (26per cent) and "bringing continued development" (16per cent) as most important. Among Chinese voters however, 51per cent wanted the government "to treat non-Malay communities more fairly" and a further 11per cent cited "fighting corruption".

"Reflecting perhaps the developments surrounding the selection of the respective contesting candidates, the survey found that voters were more intense in considering candidate quality over other factors such as issues, contesting parties or party leaders," the Merdeka Centre said in a press release accompanying the results of the survey.

The survey was conducted by telephone with 527 registered voters. A total of 408 of the respondents were Malays while 119 were Chinese. The poll was conducted between January 7 and January 11.

The survey found that 80per cent of voters remarked candidate quality as "very important" as opposed to 59per cent and 71per cent for current issues and party capability, respectively.

Among the Chinese respondents however, the issue of fair treatment for non-Bumiputras appeared to have strong currency.

75per cent strongly or somewhat agreed that by electing a non-BN candidate, the community could send a strong signal to the BN ruling government.

To another question, 56per cent of Chinese respondents and 46per cent of Malay respondents agreed that voting for the Pakatan Rakyat could push the BN government to "correct itself".

The issue of Hudud captured the notice of only one-half of the Chinese voters in Kuala Terengganu. Only 18per cent of the Chinese voters interviewed remarked that the issue plays a "very important", while a further 32per cent saying "somewhat important" role in the election.

The survey found that issues pertaining to perceived threats to Malay political power did not resonate in the Malay dominant constituency. Only 17per cent agreed that "Malay political power was weakened by demands made by non Malay communities after the March 8th 2008 general elections" while 74per cent felt that "Malay political power was weakened by corrupt and self serving leaders".

The Merdeka Centre said it found it difficult to ascertain the voting intention of voters in the district at the time the poll was conducted.

"Based on observations on the data collected, the survey believes that the Malay vote at the point in time the survey was conducted to be split with a small margin of voters, perhaps around 8per cent still remaining undecided. Tendencies among Chinese voters were also difficult to gauge but observations on responses towards issues indicate a slight leaning in favour of the opposition."

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Opposition slams Syed Hamid - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T16:43:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) lashed out at Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar over his 'double standards and lies' regarding the arrest of 21 participants in last Saturday’s anti-war candlelight vigil.

MCPX

Secretary-general S Arutchelvan said PSM was bemused at Syed Hamid’s attempt to defend the police's action, claiming that it was a 'cheap stunt' aimed at creating 'disunity' among the people.

"Syed Hamid should stop defending the police for their shameful act which has exposed the hypocritical character of the ruling party," he added in a statement.

Yesterday, Syed Hamid defended the police's arrest of the 21 persons - amongst whom were several parliamentary and state legislators - on the basis that the demonstrators were allegedly not as concerned with the issue of Israeli aggression as they were about the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Apar from not having a police permit to assemble, Syed Hamid said the demonstrators had refused to disperse when ordered to do so by the police and hurled insults at the police officers on duty.

"These people were not demonstrating on the issue of Palestinians. They were actually demonstrating on the issue of Sri Lanka. The placards showed they were in support of Sri Lanka. Let us not mix the issues.

"This is an occasion of tragedy and sadness, a thing that has happened in Palestine and that Israel is committing state terrorism. Don't mix it up with other things," he said.

All races must come together

However, Arutchelvan pointed out that PSM had - with other members of the Coalition Against War - organised five simultaneous anti-war vigils in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Seremban, Johor Baru and Penang that Saturday of which only the Dataran Merdeka gathering was disrupted.

He also noted that PSM - which held numerous other anti-war gatherings since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq - organised Saturday's vigil to highlight not only the deterioration of human rights in Palestine but the immense violence suffered by the common people in Sri Lanka as well.

"We believe it will be good for non-Muslims to see the Gaza invasion not purely as a Muslim affair and, likewise for Muslims, to see the Tamil issue not purely as a Tamil issue.

"It is only when people from different religions and ethnic groups come together can they appreciate the human values at stake in any struggle. This is why we did not hesitate to allow both groups to come together to express their solidarity," he said.

On the minister's claim that the demonstrators had created public disorder and hurled insults at the officers on duty, Arutchelvan said this was "a total lie".

"The crowd was very orderly until the police attacked them," he said, adding that a police permit was not applied for because the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of assembly.

Blame the unruly cops, Mr Minister

In a separate statement, grassroots movement Jerit also condemned Syed Hamid's "selective and discriminative stand against war and anti-war protests".

Jerit activists were among the 21 who were arrested on Saturday. The group is also a member of the Anti-War Coalition which organised the vigil.

Jerit said that contrary to the minister's statement that the protesters had misbehaved, it was the police who had been well-prepared in their move to stop the vigil on that day.

"When some activists went into Dataran Merdeka, the police asked them to leave or face arrest as on that day Dataran Merdeka was closed for security reason. This happened at 7pm.

"Was this done in anticipation the protesters going to misbehave or was it a pre-planned action to stop the vigil as it's organisers were not part of Barisan Nasional?" asked Jerit secretarial coordinator Y Kohila.

She added that the rally was peaceful and well organised until the police started to seize the placards and posters of the anti-war protesters while the organisers were in the midst of negotiation with the police.

"Not only that. Male police personnel intimidated female protesters by purposely making body contact with female protesters. Vulgar words were used by the uniformed police officers and one policeman even threatened to slap one of the activist there.

"So who misbehaved here? The protesters were arrested for illegal assembly and not for misbehaving. Please get your facts right Mr Minister," she added.

She also said that the anti-war protest that day was not only against the attacks in Sri Lanka, but also in support of the Palestinians.

"Who is the minister to tell us not to mix up issues? Why cannot mix up? After all it is same situation - that is state terrorism and ethnic cleansing.

"Just as the Israel is killing Palestinians, the Sri Lankan state is killing the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"Lots of civilians are dying in both countries and we as Malaysians and humans are genuinely concerned. We are not like the Barisan Nasional government who only picks up certain issues for their own political mileage," she added. - malaysiakini.com

The HIPOCRIY OF MCA! - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T14:44:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

comment

MCPX

If the definition of an ‘election’ is reduced to statistical terms, it would reflect 10 percent of what is happening to voters and 90 percent of how voters respond to this.

Most political observers are uncertain about how many of the 80,229 Kuala Terengganu voters will turn out on Saturday - hence, the current uncertainty about the likely outcome.

The by-election itself was unexpected, being called after the sudden death of Umno parliamentarian Razali Ismail less than a year after being elected in the general election on March 8 last year.

Many agree that the destiny of the ruling coalition far outweighs the fate of BN-Umno candidate Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh in the three-cornered fight against Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut of PAS and Azharuddin Mamat @ Adam, an Independent.

The unfolding of issues during the 10-day campaign has given rise to various interpretations and hypothesis among political analysts. They seem to agree that surfing the wave of emotion is the most popular way to go - it is a common feature in both the BN and Pakatan Rakyat campaigns.

Certainly, it is of no surprise that the hudud issue has bubbled up to the surface again. Pakatan leaders have interpreted this as another habitual BN tactic to instil fear among Chinese voters and to get them to throw their support behind Wan Ahmad Farid.

The MCA had tried - without effect and to its great detriment - to play up the issue during the general election to pull in Chinese votes. Yet, this does not appear to have deterred the BN component party from launching another attempt in Kuala Terengganu as part of the political mind games.

MCA secretary Wong Foon Meng acknowledged that it is an old topic, but said it is only “one of the issues” being relayed to the Chinese community.

“We tell (them) about the implications of PAS introducing this law,” he told Malaysiakini.

“We also inform them that Pakatan cannot come to a consensus in collective decision-making on hudud. The PKR adviser Anwar (Ibrahim) openly supports it, but DAP is generally keeping quiet (except for national chairperson Karpal Singh and veteran leader Lim Kit Siang).

“I know this is an old issue but we (MCA) must still remind the Chinese community and tell them that DAP should boycott the by-election by not helping the PAS candidate.”

Yet, the same MCA barely whimpered in protest when former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad declared in September 2001 that “Malaysia is already an Islamic state”.

The current leaders would do well to remember former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik’s response: “We want to ask ourselves….can we call a country by two or three different names, an Islamic state, a secular state?

“My simplistic thinking….if we look at a rose, being English-educated, I’d call it a rose. But (the) Chinese-educated call it mei-gui (in Mandarin), a Malay friend calls it bunga mawar and (it is) roja in Tamil. Yet, it is ... a rose. So can we call Malaysia, an Islamic state, a secular state and so on and so forth?

“Similarly, an apple is round, has seeds, is crunchy (and) has a stalk, but some people call it ‘apple’, some call it ping gor…the fruit can be described in many, many ways.”

It was Ling’s way of rationalising that, whatever name Mahathir had chosen to describe the country, the federal constitution has not changed.

Change of strategy

Much has been made of the recent debate between PAS vice-president Husam Musa and Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin, during which the hudud issue was reheated.

Husam had reiterated his party’s commitment to implementing the Islamic criminal code should it assume power at federal level. This drew out old arguments, including within Pakatan.

MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong said he believes that Husam’s remarks will have a negative impact on Chinese voters in Kuala Terengganu. He also pointed out that voters know the difference between Umno and PAS rule.

When PAS ruled Terengganu, “there was no allocation for building Chinese temples. Some PAS leaders were also unhappy about the funding provided for a beautification project in Kampung Cina,” he claimed.

In recent days, though, MCA has realised that harping on hudud is not paying off. So, it has shifted emphasis to the importance of the Chinese community maintaining a good relationship with its benefactor, the Umno-controlled state leadership.

Wong pointed out that leaders in the state government have, all along, taken good care of the Chinese community and that this goodwill must be maintained.

“The Terengganu government has allocated a big amount of money (for development) compared to other states,” he said.

Wee claimed that voters in Kuala Terengganu will enjoy “more benefits” under a BN administration.

Reminder to voters

The Pakatan campaign, meanwhile, is playing up national issues to whip up a reminder to voters that leadership change must continue at every level.

“Malaysian voters are no longer easily seduced by BN’s political rhetoric on development of infrastructure. They (voters) are better educated and there is continuing inquiry over the competence of BN governance,” said an opposition leader who declined to be named.

“And the evidence of this incompetence is not pretty. More and more Malaysians have been awakened to critical issues ranging from infringement of human rights to the need to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency in governance.”

Another leader, DAP’s Liew Chin Tong, narrated his feedback from his campaign rounds in Kuala Terengganu.

“I can see and sense this strong frustration among Chinese voters against the BN government, and a strong sentiment for change,” he said.

“They reacted enthusiastically to talks by (blogger) Raja Petra (Kamarudin) at our ceramah. Perhaps this is clear response to arrests under the ISA after Sept 16, and unhappiness that the winds of change (pledged by Pakatan) have been delayed (by BN’s counter-tactics),” he said.

Deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak, who is spearheading the campaign, has reportedly said that the announcements on millions of ringgit in aid and projects are not an attempt to buy votes.

The BN’s old-fashioned approach to campaigning - by pushing the policy of developmentalism - has remained unchanged despite internal calls for reform.

Will Kuala Terengganu voters, especially the Chinese community, continue to support a BN candidate when the coalition seems bent on winning at any cost, rather than winning public trust and respect?

Will voters opt for short-term gains at the expense of building a two-party system at national level?

Will the by-election results become another tipping point, endorsing Pakatan’s determination to push the “rakyat’s agenda” for change?

The nation awaits the verdict - malaysiakini.com

Rare moment of solidarity in Parliament - malaysiakini

2009-01-13T00:43:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

The United Nations must act urgently in forcing Israel to stop its attacks in Gaza and at the same time to set up a War Crimes Tribunal to look into atrocities done against the Palestinians, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

The premier also strongly condemned Israel's military attacks, which have killed many Palestinian civilians, including women, children and old folk, and demanded the full withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza.

He said these in a motion tabled in Dewan Rakyat this afternoon. His motion was received positively by parliamentarians from both sides.

The motion was seconded by deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. The motion was passed unanimously at 10pm following Foreign Minister Rais Yatim's winding up address.

The premier outlined his 10-point resolution in his 20-minute speech.

The resolutions in the motion also included:

to urge the UN Security Council to compel Israel to stop its military attacks immediately in Gaza and send in UN peacekeepers;

to convene an emergency session of the UN General Assembly on the matter;

to call on all parties to continue with the peace process and implement all resolutions which have been resolved by the United Nations on the Palestine and Arab-Israel conflict.

Abdullah also called on the Palestinians to unite to set up an independent Palestinian state. He also urged the international community to offer humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza and Palestine.

The resolution would be presented to the US Congress, the British Parliament and other related Parliaments.

The worst Zionist attacks

Abdullah said that the Israeli bombardment and devastation in Gaza should be condemned by the world as it violated the international law.

"The attack on the Palestinian territory in Gaza violates international law, human rights law, international human rights law, the UN's charter, and is a war crime as it violates the Fourth Geneva Convention 1949 on the protection of civilians in times of war," he said.

Abdullah's resolution also contained Malaysia's resolve to work with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Arab League and like-minded countries to uphold international principles and the UN Charter in tackling the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

He said that the latest attack was the worst by the Zionist regime since it first occupied the territory in 1967 which resulted in the devastation of the small and defenceless region.

"Unfortunately, there are certain quarters who have been blaming the Hamas fighters in Gaza for launching rockets towards Israel. But these are acts by people who have been encircled, whose movements are restricted even within their own territories.

"On Dec 27, Prof Richard Falk, the UN's special rappateur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has described Israel's bombardment of Gaza as severe and massive violations of international humanitarian law," he said.

Najib: They are like serial terrorists

Najib meanwhile said that the atrocities inflicted by the Isreali regime upon the Palestinians in Gaza were similar to acts by serial terrorists.

"If such threats are not condemned in the highest degree and put to an end, peace and sovereignty of a country in the world can no longer be guaranteed," he said when seconding Abdullah's motion.

He said Israel wantonly invaded and occupied new borders in Palestine and this was proven with the expansion of its regions by 30 percent from its original size in 1948.

Najib said the Israeli bombing of Gaza since Dec 27 was a collective penalty targetted at the innocent public justified by an inhuman war.

He said Israel's law of the jungle continued to be rampant because of the support from US which has influence in the UN Security Council.

He said the super power also constantly tried to block any resolutions to end the Palestinian crisis and this was proven by the US using its veto 28 times other past 36 years.

Look at our backyard too

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim also supported the motion, stating that the Palestinians plight was a world tragedy.

He also said that the United States of America, as a world power, should play an important role in solving the crisis.

"I hope the Dewan can send a message to the US to reconsider its military support worth RM21 billion to Israel," he said.

"Pakatan Rakyat also urged the UN to do more in ensuring a ceasefire between the Israeli and Palestinians."

He said he appreciated Abdullah's commitments to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"Essentially Pakatan Rakyat oppose and condemn all types of atrocities, no matter wherever they are done, be it in Israel, the US or even by the Malaysian government," he said.

"I urge everyone that while we condemn Israel, the time has also come for us to do away with our draconian laws, such as the Internal Security Act," he said.

Clout to coax international community

The special sitting today was an extension of the initiatives adopted by the government to get the Tel Aviv regime to stop the atrocities it launched on Dec 27 last year against the Palestinians and the various amenities in Gaza, home to 1.5 million people.

According to an earlier Bernama report, the special sitting was significant in figuring out further initiatives following Israel's rejection of a United Nations resolution adopted on Friday calling for an immediate cease-fire. The United States had abstained in the UN vote.

The report also added that Malaysia, for long a strong supporter of the struggle of the Palestinian people, is seen by many as having the clout to coax the international community to adopt efforts to free the people of Palestine from Israel.

This was, more or less, evident when the UN responded positively to a request from Malaysia and Brazil to convene a special session, which took place on Friday.

Nevertheless, the Malaysian government has expressed disappointment over the UN resolution which it felt had failed to consider several important elements hoped for by the majority of the international community, such as humanitarian aid and the formation of an international peace-keeping force.

OIC peace-keeping force

Malaysia has all along rejected the Israeli occupation of Palestine which has seen the conflict prolong since 1948 following the establishment of Israel and the displacement of millions of Palestinians from their homeland.

The latest conflict saw Malaysians reacting along with the peace-loving international community seeking justice to demand an immediate stop to the Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also proposed that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) set up a peace-keeping force to be despatched to Islamic countries faced with conflicts such as that in Palestine.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has proposed that the special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat adopt a resolution for the UN to set up a tribunal to investigate and prosecute Israeli war crimes, as had been suggested by Francis Boyle, an expert in international law and human rights, from the United States.

Others have also called for the boycott of products of Israel's allies, including the United States.

The Malaysian government has also offered US$1 million (RM3.6 million) in humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine, to be channelled through voluntary relief agency Mercy Malaysia, and relaunched the humanitarian fund of Wisma Putra to help the Palestinians - malaysiakini.com

Wan Farid (BN KT candidate) backs away from debate challenge - malaysiakini

2009-01-12T23:11:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Barisan Nasional candidate Wan Ahmad Farid today said that he will not take part in a debate with PAS candidate Abdul Wahid Endut on the oil royalty controversy.

The debate was to be organised by a Terengganu-based non-governmental organisation.

Wan Ahmad said that there was no issue to debate since the oil royalty had been restored to the state of Terengganu.

"I have not received any invitation (for the debate). Even if I received one, I would not be debating on things which has been settled and resolved," he said during a press conference at the Kuala Terengganu Umno division headquarters today.

"If the policy has not been changed and the federal government has not agreed to return the royalty, then only there is an issue to be debated".

Earlier today, the Terengganu People's Solidarity Council (Mampat) announced that it has sent invitations to both candidates regarding the debate.

Mampat chairperson Mohd Fauzi Abdul Samad said that the debate was slated for 8pm on Thursday at the Terengganu Equestrian and Country Club.

"The Terengganu people want to know about the status of the oil royalties. An open debate will allow voters to elect a candidate who fights for oil royalties," Mohd Fauzi told Malaysiakini.

Terengganu PAS deputy chief Wan Abdul Mutalib Embong issued a similar challenge this morning at a separate press conference though it was open to any Umno leader or their representatives.

'No infighting'

Wan Abdul Mutalib claimed that the oil royalty issue was yet to be resolved. Among others, he said that the royalty received thus far was only for 2007 and 2008.

Responding to this, Wan Ahmad denied Wan Abdul Mutalib's claims and said that the RM408 million in oil royalties received earlier this month was agreed upon by both the state and federal government.

"There has been a series of meeting to work out what the real figures are. Having agreed on the actual figures, it came out to about RM408 million," he said.

Wan Ahmad also brushed aside a Malaysian Insider report which claimed that his main critic came from within his own party.

"I will not comment on things which cannot be proven. I believe that the spirit within the party is very high. It is not a question of whether Wan Ahmad Farid must win. What matters is that Barisan Nasional must win.

"Every member of the party realises that failure is not an option and therefore they would never do anything that contributes to Barisan losing the seat," he said.

Not funding outstation voters

On eligible voters residing in other states, Wan Ahmad Farid said that the party has identified about 6,000 such voters, who are being reminded about their obligation to vote.

"We know their place of work, where they are studying and their phone numbers. We are contacting them and appealing for them to fulfil their duties as voters," he said.

While acknowledging that a special committee had been formed to look into outstation voters, Wan Ahmad Farid denied that Umno would be funding their travel expenditures.

"We don't have a policy of contributing to voters who come back to vote. We believe that voting is their obligation and (the act of voting) should be treated with honour," he added.

He said this when asked to respond to an e-mail, which was allegedly a leaked document outlining the budget for bringing in some 8,417 outstation voters for the by-election.

The e-mail has been circulated to a large number of journalists covering the by-election by an unidentified source - malaysiakini.com

BN is facing lots of problems in KT - malaysiakini

2009-01-12T22:45:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 12 - With only five days left before polling day, the Barisan Nasional (BN) campaign has yet to reach its peak, while party workers are still finding it difficult to gauge the support of voters in the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

BN candidate Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh is still fighting off the perception, mainly from within his own party Umno, that he is elitist, even as the BN campaign appear ever more defensive in the home stretch of the contest for the mainly-Malay constituency.

The Malaysian Insider understands that in most polling districts, BN was still unable to gauge the people's sentiment while the party machinery has been stop-start with no clear theme in the campaign.

Some observers have attributed the poor performance of the party machinery to the internal bickering in the party, as some state party leaders are worried that a victory in Kuala Terengganu could be translated as an endorsement of Datuk Ahmad Said's leadership, whose appointment as Menteri Besar last year caused a stir in the party.

There are 38 polling districts in the Kuala Terengganu constituency and the campaign machinery in each district is jointly headed by the local branch chiefs, a division from the state and a national leader assigned by the party headquarters.

But a Terengganu state assemblyman said that the failure to judge the voters inclination in each polling districts one week after nomination did not mean that the party machinery has not been functioning.

Jabi assemblyman Ramlan Ali however admitted that there were still minor problem in the machinery work.

"Like in the polling districts of Durian Burong, where I am overseeing, they projected victory with the margin of 56 votes, but based on my assessment we are still trailing, as I doubt all the outstation voters who returned during the last election will come back this time," said Ramlan, adding that last year, BN won in the area of 1,838 voters by 21 votes.

He added that different methodologies rather than inefficiency has resulted in the discrepancy.

But a dysfunctional campaign machinery is not the only problem faced by the Malay nationalist party, as its candidate Wan Farid has been fighting the perception that he is an elitist that cannot relate to the largely rural people of Kuala Terengganu.

Interestingly, the personal attacks against him are not coming from Pas or its candidate, Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman Abdul Wahid Endut, but from Umno, a fact that has been admitted to by the president Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi.

Yesterday at a campaign stop Wan Farid once again had to defend himself, denying the rumour that he cannot converse in the local dialect.

"Some people said I cannot speak the Terengganu dialect and how can I be the Kuala Terengganu MP. I studied in Terengganu and I opened a legal firm in Terengganu," Wan Farid told reporters.

The former political secretary to Abdullah is also battling the view that the election is a referendum on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership, who is slated to take over the government by March, preferring to believe the election is about the people of Kuala Terengganu, in an effort to show that he is a people friendly leader.

"I am not unique, this is just like any other by-election," said Wan Farid when met recently.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

EXPERT PREDICTS: PAS TO WIN BY 3290 VOTES IN KT! - malaysiakini

2009-01-12T20:15:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

MCPX

analysis Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. That is the advice I’ve been given in regard to mutual funds.

But can the same be said of elections in Malaysia? Some would say yes. The BN’s amazing electoral performance of winning 91 percent of parliamentary seats in 2004 could not be repeated in 2008.

Can the results of the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary election in March 2008 tell us anything useful about what will happen on Saturday, when the same voters (more or less) cast their ballot in the by-election?

I would argue in the affirmative, but with the caveat that our information needs to be ‘updated’ to reflect present day political realities.

In this article, I will systematically look at the following aspects of voting in KT in the March 2008 election - split voting; Malay turnout and age-related voting; Chinese turnout and voting; independent candidate voting; and postal votes - and ‘update’ these aspects to account for changes in political circumstances.

At the end, I will attempt to summarise the total effect of these changes and make a prediction on the electoral outcome on Jan 17.

Split voting

Table 1 (right) shows the magnitude of split voting in KT from 1999-2008.

A positive number means that more voters voted for the BN at the parliamentary level compared to the state level.

There was minimal split voting in 1999. It increased to 1,308 in favour of the BN at the parliamentary level in 2004 and to 2,871 in favor of the BN at the parliamentary level in 2008.

Split voting favoured the BN at the parliamentary level in all three 3 PAS-controlled state seats (Table 2, left).

Split voting actually favoured PAS in Bandar at the parliamentary level, the seat where most of the Chinese voters are concentrated.

Part of the reason for split voting in favour of the BN at the parliamentary level was because of the candidacy of Mat Sabu, who was not seen as a local candidate.

Given that the PAS candidate for the by-election, Abdul Wahid Endut, has a very strong local presence (he is a five-term state assembly person and was a member of the exco from 1999-2004 when PAS controlled the state assembly), the level of split voting should be decreased significantly.

If split voting in KT can be decreased to zero, the 628-vote majority for the BN would change to a 2,243 majority for PAS in the by-election. A swing of 2,000 votes would not be unreasonable just on the basis of reversing the split voting which occurred in 2008.

Malay turnout and age-related voting

Voter turnout in KT in March 2008 was approximately 82 percent. One of the unfolding narratives in the by-election is that a lower turnout rate will hurt the BN more than PAS. This is because the BN was more dependent on the higher turnout rate in 2008 to win this seat by the small majority.

The rationale is that BN supporters are more motivated by cash incentives to travel back to vote rather than PAS supporters who are more motivated by ideology/religion.

One simple way to show the effect of turnout on the support for the BN is to investigate the link between changes in BN support and changes in turnout from the 2004 to the 2008 elections. The relationship is shown in Graph 1 (below) using polling station from the state seat level.

The graph shows that as turnout decreases, the level of support for the BN decreases as well. There is a discernible linear relationship.

A more conservative estimate of a change in Malay turnout would affect would be to say that a 1 percent change in Malay turnout results in a 0.5 percent change in the level of BN support. (There are of course more sophisticated statistical techniques which one can use to estimate this but for now, this crude method should suffice.)

To strengthen the argument that the BN is more dependent on a higher turnout than the opposition, I examine voting patterns by polling ‘streams’ using the 2008 parliamentary elections data.

Younger voters are more likely to be either outstation voters or be harder to mobilise because their turnout patterns are not firmly established yet. If the level of support for the BN is higher among the younger voters compared to those who are older, then this can be taken as some indication that a lower turnout would hurt the BN more than the opposition. Table 3 shows the results.

From Table 3 (left), the voters in the ‘middle age’ category are the ones who support BN at the lowest level - 47.7 percent compared to voters in younger streams (50.1 percent) and those in the older streams (52.1 percent).

If the BN depends more on mobilising voters in the below-35 age group compared to those between the age of 35 and 55, then a lower Malay turnout would probably fall disproportionately on the below-35 age group and hence a lower level of BN support.

Table 4 (right) shows the estimated effects of different decreases in Malay turnout on the BN majority.

The underlying assumption here, backed by some evidence from Graph 1, is that a decrease in Malay vote would affect BN more than it would PAS given the conventional wisdom that PAS voters would be more motivated to turn out to vote without the necessary monetary incentives compared to BN voters.

Table 4 also shows the effect of different decreases in the level of turnout on the BN majority. The effects are much larger here since it involves the majority of voters in this constituency - the Malay voters. A decrease in Malay turnout of 1 percentage point will decrease the BN support by slightly more than 500 votes. A 3 percent decrease results in a 1,600-vote decrease and a 5 percent decrease results in a 2,500-vote decrease for the BN.

A conservative estimate of a 1 percent decrease in Malay turnout is not unreasonable given that some Malay voters may want to only return home during the Chinese New Year holidays, though at a much smaller proportion compared to the Chinese voters in KT.

This assumes that the Malay support for the BN and opposition remains unchanged from 2008. There have been no significant incidents since March 2008 which has shifted Malay support one way or another.

It is likely that the election issues that are of concern to the Malay community in KT - which Umno and PAS are campaigning on - will cancel each other out. These include the Altantuuya murder, hudud, Israel’s invasion of Gaza, government corruption, and development projects.

Impact of turnout and voting among non-Malays

The Chinese make up about 94 percent of the non-Malay voting population in KT. Hence, when I refer to the non-Malays here, I use it interchangeably with Chinese voters. Using a statistical software package and a methodology developed by a Harvard political scientist, Gary King, I estimated the Malay turnout rate at approximately 83 percent and the non-Malay turnout rate at approximately 66 percent.

There is good reason to think that the turnout rate among the Chinese would decrease by a significant margin given that Chinese New Year falls one week after the by-election. Many Chinese voters may be expected to stay away from the by-election and only return home during the festive period.

Table 5 (right) shows the nett impact of a decrease in non-Malay turnout from 66 percent to 60 percent and 50 percent respectively, holding BN non-Malay support at 65 percent.

If turnout decreases by 6 percent from 66 percent among non-Malays, the impact on the majority, using the 2008 GE data, is relatively small, at 158 votes.

But this increases to negative 420 votes if the turnout among the non-Malays decreases to 50 percent. This is not surprising especially if we assume that the percentage of non-Malays who live outside the state of Terengganu is higher than that of the Malays because of the lack of job opportunities within the state.

But what if the change in the level of non-Malay support for the BN decreases at that same time as the non-Malay turnout rates also decreases?

In this case, the BN faces a double whammy, non-Malay turnout decreases and among the Chinese who do turn out to vote, they support the BN at lower rates compared to 2008! Table 6 (left) shows the impact of decreases in non-Malay turnout and BN support under different scenarios.

A conservative scenario would be to say that non-Malay turnout decreases by 6 percent and non-Malay support for the BN decreases by 5 percent with a negative 608 impact on the BN majority.

A larger drop in the level of BN support among the non-Malays is certainly possible if the opposition’s strategy of using the ISA arrests of DAP ‘superstar’ and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and the Ahmad Ismail incident turns out to be effective. There has been nothing to suggest that the level of Chinese support for the BN will increase. It can only decrease.

Independent candidate

Azharudin Mamat is running as an independent candidate perhaps hoping to equal the role of ‘spoiler’ played by grandmother Maimun Yusof, who won 685 votes in 2008.

Conventional wisdom says that when there are independent candidates in a multi-cornered fight, the independent candidate will likely take away votes from the opposition candidate more than from the BN candidate. Maimun’s candidacy in the KT seat in 2008 has been interpreted as having an effect of taking away votes from PAS and contributing to the 628-vote loss by PAS.

However, an investigation into where exactly Maimun (right) obtained her votes shows that her candidacy might not necessarily have taken more votes from PAS than from Umno. It actually shows that she won more votes in places where Umno was stronger rather than in polling stations where PAS was stronger, which would have been the case if one expected her to take more votes away from PAS than Umno.

While this cannot be taken as definitive proof that Maimum took away more votes from the BN than from PAS, it should be a warning that Azharudin’s candidacy would not automatically be detrimental to the PAS candidate. (Had the Akim candidate run, he would almost certainly have taken more votes away from PAS than Umno.) Hence, I assume that the independent candidate has no nett effect on the BN majority.

Postal votes

According to the Election Commission, the number of postal votes in KT has not changed by much since 2008, numbering slightly more than 1,000 votes.

I do anticipate that the number of spoilt ballots in 2008 - 157 - will be reduced in the by-election. A conservative estimate is that this may provide a swing of up to 100 votes in BN’s favour.

Final analysis

Table 7 (right) summarises the different voting components which have been analysed above. The results show the results changing from a 628 majority for the BN in 2008 to a 3,290 majority victory of PAS.

The analysis here is not merely an intellectual exercise on my part. By breaking down voting into different components and trying to estimate the influence of the different components, I can compare the prediction to the eventual result.

And to the extent that the final results deviate from my prediction, which clearly will be the case, I can use the deviations to understand where exactly I got my predictions wrong. And hopefully, in doing so, I can understand better the underlying dynamics of future by-elections and general elections - malaysiakini.com

ONG KIAN MING is a PhD candidate in political science at Duke University. He reserves the right to update his prediction as and when he receives new information from the field.

Najib tries to defend UMNO as it gets attacked from all fronts - malaysiakini

2009-01-12T19:40:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

By Neville Spykerman

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, today denied UMNO was a party of extremists, amid a campaign to by Pas to portray it as racist or anti-Chinese in the Kuala Terengganu by-election campaign.

"UMNO is not an extreme party because we have always adopted very moderate and pragmatic policies." said Najib, to counter the election strategy adopted by the Islamist party, to woo Chinese voters.

In Kuala Terengganu, banners with images of former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, with the words "UMNO is becoming more extreme" in Mandarin, have been put up.

The banners are an indication of an increasingly tight race, in which both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pas are fighting hard to woo the Chinese swing votes in the expectation that the majority Malay support will be shared evenly between the two parties.

Pas's strategy is clearly to remind Chinese voters of the antics of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who labelled the Chinese squatters last year, and the recent remarks of Mukhriz, who suggested a single national education system to replace vernacular schools.

Umno, on the other hand, have been using the hudud issue to drive a wedge between Pas and its Pakatan Rakyat (PR) partner DAP. Pas's support for hudud, the strict Islamic code which prescribes stoning, amputation and whipping as punishment for criminal offences, is also being exploited by BN to scare away any Chinese support for the Islamist party.

Najib, who has been one of the driving forces behind BN's campaign in Kuala Terengganu, described Pas's tactic of using Ahmad's and Mukhriz's words against Umno, as an opportunistic play by the opposition.

He said voters should judge Umno by its policies and not by the statements of individuals.

"Statements from individuals do not constitute policy."

He added that UMNO could also resort to such tactics, if they wanted, because the opposition had also made extreme comments which can upset the Malay community

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Opposition MPs and assemblymen arrested! - malaysiakini

2009-01-11T12:51:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

The police have arrested 21 people, including Klang MP Charles Santiago and several top leaders of PSM, at an anti-war vigil at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

MCPX

The vigil was organised by Anti-War Coalition to show support to the victims of war and aggression in Palestine and Sri Lanka.

About 200 people had gathered at about 8pm for the vigil, which was declared illegal by the police who were also present at the venue.

About 100 light strike force personnel were on hand to control and disperse the crowd.

The crowd was ordered to disperse and the 21 were arrested for their failure to leave the area.

They were then taken to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters. They are still being held at the police station.

Among those held were Parti Sosialis Malaysia leaders Dr Nasir Hashim and S Arutchelvan, PKR's Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani and several activists from Suaram and Jerit. Nasir is also the Kota Damansara state assemblyperson.

Abolish ISA Movement activist Norlaila Othman was also among those arrested. Also taken in was a teenager. They are believed to be investigated for illegal assembly.

Small crowd at police station

Eye-witnesses told Malaysiakini that the anti-war protesters had first gathered at the Bar Council building before beginning to march towards Dataran Merdeka - some 300 metres away.

Upon reaching the historic field, they then begun to lit their candle lights and unfurl their anti-war banners. These were stopped by the police.

Attempts by Charles and Nasir to negotiate with the police to seek permission for a quick vigil were also turned down.

A small crowd had already gathered at the police station to show support for those arrested. They are being watched by the Federal Reserve Unit.

This is the first time the police have acted against an anti-war vigil in recent days.

Yesterday thousands had marched to the US embassy to object the Israeli aggression in Gaza without any police intervention.

Similarly another group of protesters in Kampung Baru was also allowed to burn the US and Israeli flags in the middle of the road yesterday afternoon without any police interference.

A police mockery

Meanwhile an activist narrated to AFP on the arrests.

"We were holding a candlelight vigil to demand the end to the killing of innocent lives in Gaza," said E Parameswari, 30, an activist with Jerit, a group championing the rights of marginalised people in the country.

"Police used force to break up the gathering and arrested the 21 people including opposition lawmakers Charles, Abdullah Sani and Nasir," she told AFP.

"Police said our gathering was illegal," she said.

Parameswari condemned the police action, adding that the demonstrators did not provoke the police.

"The police action is an abuse of power," she added.

Arutchelvan, the secretary-general of the PSM, told AFP they were being held in a police lockup.

"Our arrest makes a mockery of the position taken by Malaysia to condemn Israel.

"The way the police acted against us is no difference from the way the Israelis are treating the Palestinian people," he said from the police station.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohammad Sabtu Osman confirmed that they were arrested and taken in for questioning.

"They were arrested while gathering at the Dataran and taken to the Tun HS Lee police station for questioning," he added - malaysiakini.com

PKR blasts Trengganu police - malaysiakini

2009-01-10T20:26:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

PKR is upset that the police failed to issue the party with a permit to hold a ceramah yesterday, ostensibly because Friday and Saturday were holidays in Terengganu.

MCPX

"It is strange that with 6,000 police personnel, they cannot administer the issuance of permits," PKR information chief Tian Chua told a press conference in Kuala Terengganu today.

Chua said it was inexcusable for the police to use the holiday as a reason to shirk their duties.

"Can you imagine, if you lost your identity card? Will they say ‘Today is a Friday and because it is a holiday, and I’m not taking this report’. I regret that the police have this attitude," he lamented.

Chua added that under normal circumstances, for example during the Permatang Pauh by-election, party workers merely had to inform the police on the details of the ceramah and did not need to obtain a permit.

"But we still respect the police and followed procedures. But for two days, we were told that it was not a working day and the office was closed," he said.

Cops quiz Teja rep

At the time of writing however, PKR eventually managed to obtain a permit to hold a ceramah tonight after approaching the police again late this evening.

Meanwhile, Chua that the police today recorded statements from Teja assemblyperson Chang Lih Kang over an ceramah last night which proceeded without a permit.

"This is a method to restrict our campaign, in view of our increasing momentum in the Bandar state constituency (which has a Chinese majority)," he said.

A police officer was seen recording statements from Chang at the PKR operations room in Jalan Kota Lama before the press conference began.

PKR and DAP have been tasked with campaigning for PAS candidate Abdul Wahid Endut in the predominantly Chinese areas -malaysiakini.com

Dammit idiots, the CHINESE VOTE WILL NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN KT! - malaysiakini

2009-01-10T16:55:00.002+10:00

I'm tired of everyone saying that the Chinese will be the kingmakers in the Kuala Trengganu by election (Just read Malaysiakini or listen to some of the MSM). They won't. Heres the math to prove why.

- The Malay vote will not be EQUALLY SPLIT. Lets just say it gets split 52%/48%, which is a very small difference to begin with (within the margin of error in most polling data).

- A margin of 52%/48% in terms of Malay votes is equal to a 66.2%/34.8% in terms of Chinese votes.

- In other words, a 4 percent margin difference in terms of Malay votes can neutralise a 32% difference in Chinese votes.

- The Chinese would have to be OVERWHELMINGLY, OVERWHELMINGLY supportive of one particular party (perhaps double the rate of March 8) for them to affect the small voting difference of Malays.

- That is not going to happen.

- Furthermore, although not all the 5,000 card carrying MCA members are real MCA members, their numbers are significant enough to prevent 90%/10% support for PAS.

- The urban factor will also prevent BN from getting overwhelming (as in 90/10) support from the Chinese.

- Hence the Chinese vote will not play a large role in this by election.

- Therefore all who keep harping on the Chinese as kingmakers in KT issue are idiots.

Anwar reaffirms bid to takeover Sarawak - malaysiakini

2009-01-10T14:28:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his confidence that opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat will form the Sarawak government due to the disenchantment of the locals with the Barisan Nasional state administration.

MCPX

With his trademark oratory skills, the opposition leader told an elated crowd of more than 5,000 at a 'Friends of PKR' dinner in Kuching this evening that opposition parties will work together to unseat BN and long serving chief minister, Abdul Taib Mahmud.

On the same note, the PKR de facto leader assured that a Pakatan Rakyat state government will work to safeguard and protect the people's land and rights.

According to him, if Pakatan Rakyat forms government, it will introduce the necessary legislation within six months to return to the people what rightly belongs to them such as land.

He said BN had claimed prior to the March 8, 2008 general election that the opposition will not be able understand the mechanics of running a government.

This has been proven to be incorrect following the opposition alliance gaining control of four states, apart from retaining Kelantan, he added.

"Yes, we do not understand the economics of stealing people's lands," he quipped.

Takes a swipe at Alfred Jabu

During his speech, the opposition leader also took a swipe at one of his chief critics in Sarawak, Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu.

Anwar, who received a standing ovation at the end of his 25-minute speech, said Jabu should find ways to help the Dayak community instead of wasting time criticising him.

Later, Anwar received 3,000 membership application forms from former PRS member of parliament for Sri Aman Jimmy Donald from 20 PRS divisions.

He also received a memorandum from representatives of 32 Bidayuh families (left) from the Bejoi and Pain Bojong villages in the Bengoh area which is affected by the construction of the RM320 million Bengoh Dam.

The villagers have refused to be resettled to a site proposed by the state government and urged Anwar to raise their plight in Parliament.

Also present at the dinner were Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, PKR secretary-general Sallehuddin Hashim and several PKR MPs and state representatives.

Anwar arrived in Kuching from Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia and contrary to earlier reports suggesting he might be banned from entering, he got through without any hindrance. Khalid arrived earlier in a MAS flight.

Following a late night meeting with state PKR leaders, Anwar and Khalid will leave for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow morning - malaysiakini.com

Mahathir tells Malaysians to quit jobs at Starbucks, MacDonalds - malaysiakini

2009-01-09T23:22:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Ex-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysians "will not die if they do not use the US goods" and urged those working for US companies such as fast-food giant McDonalds to quit their jobs.

MCPX

"I hope Starbucks and McDonald's employees will stop working there," he told a crowd of 500 people who held a noisy protest outside the National Mosque after Friday prayers.

"If you have the US dollar, please change to other currencies, or to our ringgit. When you stop using the US dollar its value will drop," Mahathir added.

"They will become a bankrupt country and will not be able to produce weapons for Israel."

The 82-year-old firebrand was a strident critic of the West during his two decades in power, and has continued to hit out since stepping down in 2003, seizing on the issue of conflict in the Middle East during his retirement.

In 2007, he unveiled plans for an unofficial war crimes tribunal to focus on victims of abuse in Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, saying the existing international court at the Hague was biased.

The protesters rallied to condemn Washington over its support for Israel and urge Arab countries to cut off oil supplies to the United States.

Shouting "Long live Islam, long live Palestine, destroy Israel!" they said Malaysians should boycott Coca-Cola, Colgate and Starbucks.

The boycott is spearheaded by the Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association, and the Muslim Restaurant Operators Association which has removed Coca-Cola from the menu at thousands of eateries.

Meanwhile, at least 5,000 people also protested outside the US embassy.

Israel launched its war against Hamas on Dec 27 aiming to end rocket attacks in southern Israel and the smuggling of weapons into Gaza from Egypt.

Palestinian medics say almost 800 people have been killed since then.

Coca-Cola: 60% of employees are Muslims

Coca-Cola spoke out today against any boycott of its drinks and other US goods, saying it would only hurt the local economy and citizens.

"As everybody else, we are deeply touched by the human side of the situation in the Middle East," Kadri Taib, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs and communications director, said in a statement.

"Given the local nature of our business, we believe that calls for boycotts of our products are not the appropriate way to further any causes, as they primarily hurt the local economy, local businesses and local citizens."

It said the beverage company employs some 1,700 Malaysians, 60 percent of whom are Muslims.

Malaysia's economy is largely export driven and the United States is its second-largest trading partner after neighbouring Singapore - malaysiakini.com

Badawi rubbishes Mahathir, say he is irrelevant - malaysiakini

2009-01-08T22:56:00.001+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 8 - Just two months before leaving office, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi finally called his trenchant critic Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad irrelevant as he defended his choice of candidate for the crucial Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Dr Mahathir, who has repudiated his anointed successor Abdullah, had called the Barisan Nasional's candidate Datuk Wan Farid Salleh as a bad choice and a proxy of the prime minister, who hit the campaign trail today.

"Dr Mahathir can say anything he wants. He is irrelevant to us. We know what we are doing and we know what we want, we will continue to fight to defend the seat," Abdullah said after meeting party workers involved in the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

The by-election, which is probably Abdullah's last election campaign as the Prime Minister, is widely seen as a referendum on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership who is slated to succeed him in March.

But the selection of Wan Farid, who was his former political secretary, as the BN candidate is a reflection that Abdullah is still very much in control of Umno, the dominant party in the ruling coalition.

Earlier at the closed door meeting, the Prime Minister said he reminded party members that Wan Farid, a senator who was appointed deputy minister after the last general election, is a serious candidate for BN.

"I have told him that if you do not win, you will lose your senate seat and lose the deputy minister's position and you cannot come back to me to be my political secretary," Abdullah told reporters adding that Wan Farid was willing to risk his political career.

"When I first informed him, he replied that he is willing to be the BN' candidate in Kuala Terengganu because he wants to serve the people in the constituency as he is also the division chief," he added.

He also reiterated that only Wan Farid's name was proposed by the state Umno, which proved that there was no internal bickering within the party.

The Umno president also reminded the party campaign machinery to remain stay focused on the by-election and not to be distracted by the party elections scheduled for March.

Abdullah also said BN component parties remain committed in ensuring Wan Farid's victory on the Jan 17 polling day.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

UMNO at severe disadvantage in KT - malaysiakini

2009-01-08T16:24:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report :

It is a known fact that Barisan Nasional is facing an uphill task in retaining the 60 percent of Chinese support it had enjoyed during the last general election, in the upcoming Kuala Terengganu by-election.

MCPX

This is because the coalition has suffered tremendous setbacks - the death of the popular Razali Ismail and a reduced majority for its sole Chinese representative in the state.

Chinese voters make up almost 11.4 percent of the electorate and are mostly based in urban areas around Kuala Terengganu. They comprise almost 40 percent of the voters in the state seat of Bandar, currently held by the MCA’s Toh Chin Yaw. It is the only Terengganu state seat that Umno did not contest in the 2008 general election.

Former education deputy minister Razali won the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat by a razor-thin majority of 628. His sudden death last month led to the heated by-election.

Analysts from both BN and Pakatan Rakyat have confirmed that Kuala Terengganu was not spared when a political tsunami swept across the nation on March 8. Although BN managed to retain both the parliamentary and Bandar state seats, its majority suffered.

Razali’s majority was slashed from 1933 votes in 2004 to 628 votes, while Toh’s majority was reduced from 1612 votes in 2004 to 1142 votes.

The "sole Chinese representative" factor point to the advantage enjoyed by Toh who is the sole Chinese assemblyperson in Terengganu. Much like the"sole Chinese chief minister" sentiment in Penang, the Chinese community in the country are believed to be fiercely loyal to their sole representatives, be it in Parliament or the state assembly.

Razali’s popularity among the Chinese stemmed from his work in setting up the National Higher Education Fund. Sources from Gerakan said many Chinese parents who benefitted from the funds voted for Razali to repay his good work.

However, its not all smooth sailing for BN. The government coalition is likely to suffer from the trend of Chinese voters favouring the opposition in Parliament while supporting BN at the state level.

Out of the 8,787 Chinese voters in Kuala Terengganu, 7207 voters belong to the Bandar state seat, concentrated in four polling stations: Kampung Cina (2191), Pejabat Bandaran (1634), Paya Bunga (1300 ) and Pulau Kambing (1232).

During the previous general election, Razali won a total of 4370 votes while his opponent from PAS Mohamad Sabu won 3173 votes, giving the former a 1197 majority. In comparison, Toh won a higher majority of 2958 in these polling stations at the state level.

Age-old tactics

Local Pakatan Rakyat leaders have also been encourage by the bigger turnout at talks by the Chinese. During the previous general election, only a handful of people used to turn up for opposition ceramahs.

In comparison, the latest Pakatan talk attracted around 300 people, leading opposition leaders to the conclusion that there has been a change of heart in local voters.

In a step to counter this, MCA is reminding the Chinese in Kuala Terennganu of the explosive issue of hudud law, which became a contentious matter for the opposition when PAS vice-president Husam Musa announced that the Islamic party would implement the law if it takes over central government.

MCA has even started to distribute Chinese leaflets entitled "Welcome to the PAS extremist theocratic state" and its president Ong Tee Keat has openly challenged DAP, who disagrees with PAS over the implementation of hudud law, to boycott the by-election.

However, certain quarters in Kuala Terengganu are of the opinion that MCA’s age-old tactic of playing up religious sentiments will not have much effect on voters in this by-election as no matter the outcome, BN will still rule Terengganu.

With this in mind, Pakatan is focusing on attacking Umno’s hegemony and its bullying of the other parties in BN by reminding voters that "one less Umno representative means one more voice for justice" and that they should "vote for change in KT, vote for Pakatan" - malaysiakini.com

Every vote for PAS is a vote against ISA and racism!- malaysiakini

2009-01-07T23:47:00.005+10:00

As I have indicated before, I am extremely afraid of Najib becoming the next PM (Read Malaysiakini for more info).

Afraid of Mahathir? Najib's gonna be much much worse. Feared his iron fist? Prepare to have Najib's diamond fist smashing down onto you. There are going to be an infinite numbers of Ops Lalang.

But this by election in KT has presented a golden opportunity to reduce the political lifespan of Barisan Nasional, and directly, UMNO and its next leader, Najib.

You see, a large margin of defeat in KT would send shockwaves across Malaysia. A third 'skychange' if you listen to Kit Siang. (I can just imagine his TSUNAMI SKYCHANGE chant in Parliament - there you go, another reason to vote PAS)

It would destabilise UMNO. It will show that in the Malay heartland of Kedah, Trengganu and Kelantan, UMNO has lost ALL support. It canno even hold its last 'fort' of Trengganu. UMNO can no longer claim to be the ultimate representative of Malay rights, as it has been throughoughly rejected by Malays. UMNO would be destabilised and Najib would get a very, very, VERY BIG headache.

Destabilising UMNO would force Najib to call for snap polls to hopefully gain a new mandate from the people.

And then we can get to work once more and kick BN out once and for all. And this time, we the people are going into the polls KNOWING that we have the ability to bring down this monster called BN. The opposition is no longer a fragmeted force. It is no longer David. It is a machine itself.

This would mean no more ISA, no more racism or its synonym, race based politics!

But first, Kuala Trengganu. PAS, no, PAKATAN RAKYAT has to win BIG.

And by BIG I don't mean 1,000 votes. Not even RPK's 5,000 votes. At least 10,000 votes. Wouldn't that be spectacular?

So ladies and gentlemen, heres what you should do.

Donate to the Kuala Trengganu WAR EFFORT!

Tabung Dana Pilihanraya
CIMB Islamic
Bank account number: 1449-0000017-10-4

Donate, whether it be RM1 or RM10000. Every ringgit helps to bring down BN. (Geez, I sound like a salesman)

And together, we can bring down UMNO and BN, together with its race based politics and oppresive policies!

Every vote for PAS is a vote against ISA, racism, and all that UMNO and BN stands for!

Pictures of the campaign at KT - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T22:44:00.002+10:00

From Malaysia Today:

Day 2 of the Kuala Terengganu by-election was spent walking around Kuala Terengganu, in particular the Chinese areas. The Chinese gave us an extremely warm reception and made no secret of the fact that they were going to vote Pakatan Rakyat.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

From Zorro's blog:

PICTURES WHICH THE MSM WILL NOT PRINT TO EMBARRASS THEIR MASTERS.

THESE SERIES OF PICS WERE SENT TO US BY A BN INSIDER

BORED

SUFFICIENT ROOM FOR A STROLL

EMPTY ROAD

MORE EMPTY ROAD

RENT-A-CROWD?

THE POLICE WERE AROUND FOR THIS SMALL CROWD

BORED AND WAITING?

BN SUPPORTERS DOING A POST-MORTEM

THE FOLLOWING PICS OF PAS SUPPORTERS THAT WILL NEVER
APPEAR IN THE BN MAINSTREAM MEDIA.

AND THEY CAME OUT FOR THIS MAN
THE FUTURE MP FOR KUALA TERENGGANU
WAHID ENDUT

Win for DAP in election courts! - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T20:37:00.002+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

DAP's Fong Kui Lun retained his Bukit Bintang parliamentary seat after his challenger Dr Lee Chong Meng withdrew his appeal in the Federal Court.

Counsel Wan Azmir Wan Majid for Lee told Justice Richard Malanjum he was instructed to withdraw the application.

However, he did not cite any reasons for the withdrawal.

Fong's lawyer Karpal Singh then applied for costs and this was allowed by Malanjum.

Outside the court, a jubilant Fong said this was the right decision as the voters of Bukit Bintang had always been supportive of the DAP.

"This is the victory of the rakyat and I am glad there is no interference by the court," Fong said.

"My counsel applied for costs as for the past general elections, the MCA and BN had filed election petitions for Bukit Bintang without much success. Hence, this time around we applied for costs and I am glad the apex court allowed this," he said.

Also present was Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo.

Failed to meet requirements

Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Malanjum heard the matter with justices Augustine Paul and Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin.

On April 25 Lee filed a petition in the High Court here seeking to declare the election of Fong as Bukit Bintang MP null and void.

He claimed that Fong, who polled 26,811 votes to win the seat with a 14,277-vote majority in the March general election, was not the duly elected MP.

The High Court dismissed the petition after ruling that Lee had failed to meet the requirements of section 32(c) of the Election Offences Act that he supply material facts on his allegation of corruption by the DAP candidate during polling.

Lee was the BN's candidate for the seat.

Pensiangan, Kuala Kangsar next week

The Federal Court is also scheduled to hear several more election petitions on Jan 15 (next Thursday), namely Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Joseph Kurup's Pensiangan parliamentary seat and the Kuala Kangsar seat held by Umno Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz.

The Pensiangan seat fell vacant after the Election Court ruled Kurup's victory to be null and void when PKR candidate Danny Anthony Andipal was found to be in the nomination centre before 10am when the centre was supposed to close its nomination process.

Rafidah's candidacy came into question when the former Minister of International Trade and Industry failed to sign two of three nomination papers during the March 8 general election - malaysiakini.com

Unprecedented show of cooperation and unity between Pakatan - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T18:28:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — The four Pakatan Rakyat menteris besar and one chief minister will convene for a two-day "MB council" starting this month to streamline policies and to also rebuild ties between PKR, DAP and Pas amid internal disputes which have threatened the fledgling alliance.

A coalition building retreat scheduled for this week where party leaders were expected to thrash out differences and set out a concrete framework for their political alliance has been postponed for PR to focus instead on the campaign for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat.

PR member parties will now use the by-election campaign as another test of how well they can cast aside deeply rooted differences to work together as a kind of unified coalition.

However, a gathering of its four menteris besar and Penang chief minister scheduled for Jan 18 and 19 will proceed.

DAP publicity chief Tony Pua, a member of the joint PR secretariat, told The Malaysian Insider that the large-scale retreat was scheduled for this week itself.

Planned to be a "100-man" meet with equal representation from each of the three opposition parties, it has now been moved to March, although it could be brought forward to February pending a post-mortem on the by-election.

It would have been the perfect forum for leaders to thrash out issues which led to recent infighting concerning the Klang central bus station, local elections of village chiefs in Perak and the speculation surrounding the non-appointment as Ipoh mayor or deputy mayor of DAP's Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran.

The Klang bus station issue had led to fierce arguments between Selangor PR leaders, with accusations of selling out to Barisan Nasional and a threat by Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam to quit PKR.

He instead resigned as the Selangor PKR deputy liaison chairman.

Going back further, there has been discomfort over the re-emergence of the conservative faction of Pas in advocating the control of alcohol sales and the implementation of hudud laws.

In November, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that, among other things, the retreat would firm up policies in the administration of PR-ruled states.

The de facto PKR leader said that PR was progressing steadily and that state-level coalition secretariats were also being formed to ensure better cooperation within the tripartite coalition.

Policy matters in PR states will now take centrestage at the first meeting of the "Menteris Besar Council."

Also a secretariat member, Pas secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar had told The Malaysian Insider that the council had first been mooted immediately after the March 8 general election when the coalition claimed Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.

Another secretariat member, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Pas research chief, had cited examples such as Bumiputera equity and multilingual road signage when speaking to The Malaysian Insider as issues that need to be discussed even though "there are no problems but there must be a mutual agreement and understanding."

According to Pua, inter-state issues such as water supply would also be touched upon in the meet.

"The council may not necessarily decide on matters immediately but at least the issues will be brought to the table to be weighed up by the respective states," said the Petaling Jaya Utara MP.

"The aim is to streamline policies so that it is consistent between the different administrations," he added.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Pakatan has the upper hand in KT - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T16:59:00.003+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 7 — Although the Jan 17 battle for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat is a three-cornered fight, it will boil down to a straight contest between Umno and the opposition Pas. And Umno is coming across as the underdog.

When nominations closed yesterday, three candidates made the cut: Umno's Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh, Pas's Abdul Wahid Endut and independent Azharuddin Mamat.

The last is a relative non-entity who could draw 600 or so votes — but these could decide who wins the seat.

In last year's March 8 general election, an independent won more votes than the winning majority of Umno's Razali Ismail, whose death last month led to the coming by-election.

Observers could be forgiven for thinking this is a general election. Umno chieftains, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, have descended on Terengganu's sleepy capital on the shores of the South China Sea.

“There are more police here than locals, and there are even helicopters over the city,” said a Kuala Lumpur-based political analyst, who is in Kuala Terengganu to observe the campaign firsthand. “The Barisan Nasional is really throwing in resources here, showing off its power.”

The by-election comes at a crucial time for Umno, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 68, prepares to hand over the reins in March to Najib, 55.

Abdullah's hand was forced after last year's general election, in which the BN lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority and five states — its worst outing since independence.

Umno desperately needs to win Kuala Terengganu, not just to restore its credibility after its disastrous general election result but also to affirm that it alone is the true political champion of the ethnic Malays who make up 64 per cent of Malaysia's population. Malays make up almost 90 per cent of the Kuala Terengganu electorate.

To a lesser extent, the by-election is viewed by many in the opposition as a referendum on Najib's ascension, partly because he is leading the fight there. The deputy premier has downplayed the symbolism, but the opposition has made it a main campaign point.

One reason for this is the opposition is confident that it will win. Political analysts aren't so sure, though, saying it will be a close race. But much is being made of Umno's choice of candidate. The party's Wan Farid, a senator and deputy home minister, used to be Abdullah's political secretary and is a close friend of Khairy Jamaluddin, Abdullah's controversial son-in-law.

Although born in Terengganu, Wan Farid generally lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, unlike his Pas rival in the by-election, who's about as local as it gets. The Pas candidate, Abdul Wahid, is a five-time state assemblyman from Kuala Terengganu and a very popular figure in the area.

Wan Farid's connections have not been lost on former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has labelled him the wrong man. “The choice of candidate by BN is bad because everybody sees him as just a proxy,” Dr Mahathir told reporters on Monday. “He is just someone to be used later on if Najib becomes prime minister.”

Dr Mahathir did not name the “user”, but it is clear to everyone that he was referring to either Abdullah or Khairy — both of whom he dislikes.

Umno officials privately admit that Dr Mahathir's remarks are damaging and could hurt Wan Farid's by-election chances. — Business Times Singapore

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Anwar: UMNO is like ISRAEL! - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T15:53:00.001+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

Anwar seems to make a point in his address at the ceramah. – Pictures by Choo Choy May

By Debra Chong

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 7 - Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim drew parallels tonight between the conflict in Gaza and what he called the sufferings of Malaysians as he hit the campaign trail at a mammoth rally attended by thousands here.

Attempting to touch a sensitive chord among the mainly Muslim constituency here, he accused Umno, the main party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, of acting like Israel.

"The leadership is busy collecting wealth. While Israel is punishing the Palestinian people for choosing Hamas, it is no different from Umno punishing Malaysians for choosing the Pakatan Rakyat," he told a ceramah here on the first day of campaigning for the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Datuk Nik Aziz speaking at the ceramah.

Thousands of local residents had gathered to listen to a star-studded Pakatan Rakyat (PR) rally here where besides Anwar, the DAP's Lim Kit Siang and Pas president Hadi Awang were also among the top draws.

The flag-waving crowd cheered loudly during Anwar's speech, punctuated with shouts of "Allahu Akbar", which translates as "God is Great," the standard clarion cry of the Pas faithful.

With a majority of Malaysia's Muslims backing the Palestinian cause, Israel's ongoing invasion of Gaza is having a major impact on domestic politics.

Political leaders from either side of the divide have been busy burnishing their Islamic credentials, and Anwar's attack against Umno tonight will likely put BN on the defensive in the days to come.

The Kuala Tere

People listening to the speakers at the Pas ceramah at Pantai Tanjung.

ngganu by-election sees a three-way fight between BN's Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh, Abdul Wahid Endut of Pas and independent Azharuddin Mamat.

Setting the tone for the campaign, Anwar told the huge flag waving crowd gathered at a beach behind the Astaka shopping centre here that the problem with Umno was that it was corrupt and ignored the suffering of ordinary Malaysians.

Sticking to his Gaza theme, he said: "Umno, like Israel, does not recognise the chosen Hamas leadership."

The Opposition Leader also spoke on the Hudud issue, and blamed "Umno and its controlled media" for fanning religious and racial hatre

This listener finds something hilarious at the ceramah.

Pas vice-president Husam Musa's recent remarks that his party would want to introduce Hudud, the strict Islamic code which prescribes amputation, stonning and whipping as punishment for criminal offences, had touched off criticisms from non-Muslim groups, including PR partners DAP.

While the Hudud issue has caused uneasiness in other parts of the country, it has little traction in the east coast states, where a huge majority of the population, are conservative Muslims.

Still, with a tight race anticipated, both the BN and PR campaigns are mindful of the need to secure the Chinese vote, which represents around 11 per cent of voters here.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Win in KT will strongly boost Anwar's takeover plan - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T15:16:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has renewed his vow to seize power from the ruling coalition, as the two sides lock horns for a key by-election.

MCPX

Anwar has laid low since failing to meet a self-imposed September 2008 deadline to unseat the Barisan Nasional government, after general elections that saw the coalition handed its worst results in half a century.

The opposition alliance is now hoping to reinvigorate itself with a win in the Jan 17 by-election in Kuala Terengganu, which is seen as a referendum on the political mood since the March 2008 national polls.

"I want to say that we in the (Pakatan Rakyat) alliance are determined to topple the Barisan Nasional coalition," Anwar said at an opposition rally here late yesterday that drew some 10,000 supporters.

"For a start, I will help our alliance candidate from PAS obtain a big victory," he said on the seafront of the state capital Kuala Terengganu.

Top figures in the alliance - Anwar's PKR as well as the Islamic party PAS and the predominantly Chinese DAP - stood shoulder-to-shoulder to dispel signs the partnership is under strain.

They included PAS leaders Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

The partnership of three ideologically divided parties is intent on putting its differences aside for the by-election, which will be contested by PAS candidate Mohamad Abdul Wahid, 52.

The ruling party Umno is fielding Deputy Home Minister Wan Ahmad Farid, 46, for the vote, which will indicate whether it has lured back support since the general elections.

Momentum stalled in October

Anwar had said he would topple the government by mid-September with the help of defecting lawmakers, after elections that saw the opposition gain five states and a third of parliamentary seats in unprecedented results.

But that deadline came and went and the promised mass defections from BN never materialised.

His momentum stalled in October when Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi agreed to stand down in March, defusing public anger at the government's handling of the economy and failure to introduce promised reforms.

The government is now exploiting bickering within the opposition, but Anwar said the alliance was united despite disagreements over issues such as a PAS call for the introduction of Islamic "hudud" law including the stoning of adulterers -malaysiakini.com

Video of the thousands at nomination centre - malaysiakini

2009-01-07T00:31:00.000+10:00

Malaysiakini's video:

- malaysiakini.tv

New Indian political party to be formed to take over HINDRAF - malaysiakini

2009-01-06T22:41:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 - Plans are afoot for a new political party to tap the support of working class Indians for the outlawed Hindraf movement.

Malaysian Indians from across the political divide and who have been at each other's throats recently have taken their differences to Chennai where a three-day Indian Diaspora Conference starts tomorrow.

While the MIC, DAP and PKR teams are expected to stick to their usual “at each other” script, the real new development there is the exploratory talks to be chaired by Hndraf chairman P. Waythamoorty that will take place on the sidelines of the conference, to form a new Indian political party.

Waythamoorty and his brother, Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar, who is being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), had decided during a “discussion” on Dec 30 that the best way to move forward theirs and Hindraf's agenda is to set up a new Indian political party that can consolidate the gains of the Nov 25, 2007 protest and maximize the political awakening of the Tamil working class masses.

They feel that the Hindraf movement has been “hijacked” by the opposition political parties including even PAS through its network of PAS Indian Clubs, and that the awakened Indian voice has become fragmented and submerged by the Malay agenda in PKR and the Islamic agenda of PAS.

They also feel that the DAP is too much of a Chinese party to adequately represent Indian interests and that the party's Indian leaders had also rode the Hindraf wave and benefitted hugely but had not pressed the DAP and by extension the Pakatan Rakyat to alleviate the pressing problems faced by the Indian community.

Hindraf insiders said Waythamoorty's next important task, besides getting a new Indian party moving, is to free the movement's leaders, especially Uthayakumar, from Kamunting.

He is even lobbying Sonia Gandhi, the real power behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to help intervene on his behalf to free his brother.

It is no secret that Uthayakumar and Waythamoorty have had a huge falling out with other Hindraf leaders in ISA detention, accusing some of them of being Special Branch agents.

His relationship with DAP's M. Manogaran is also on the rocks, insiders said, adding Uthayakumar wants to “break free from the others and save Hindraf before it is to late.”

While there are no signs as yet from the government over the release of the five, the decision to form a new Indian party would have a significant impact on Indian politics.

A lot however depends on whether Waythamoorty is able to win over PKR Indian leaders like S. Manikavasagam and some DAP Indian leaders to the idea of a new party.

It would be an uphill task, especially with DAP Indian leaders like Dr P. Ramasamy and M.Kulasegaran, who are loyal not only to the party but also to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

They are unlikely to break away.

But the same cannot be said of PKR Indian leaders like Kapar MP Manikavasagam who are more amenable to forming a new Indian party especially when such a move is ego-satisfying, glamorous and gives high status among Tamils.

These leaders are also close to Uthayakumar and see him as their political and ideological guru.

There are already talks that a hidden hand is behind the move to form a new Indian party to wean away Hindraf supporters from Pakatan Rakyat and especially PKR.

There is strong emotional attachment for the Hindraf Five among working class Indians who see them as individuals who took great personal risks to champion their cause.

They also feel that the five sacrificed themselves for them and that it was time to pay back in kind. If Uthayakumar forms a new Indian party it is likely he will win strong support from the Tamil masses.

Such a party, if it takes off, would have a major impact on Indian support for Pakatan Rakyat, the MIC and even the BN.

“We think that the time is right for Hindraf to come together into a political party and negotiate with both the Pakatan and BN governments for better benefits for Indians,” said a Hindraf leader now in Chennai.

“We are awakened and we must forge our own political path and not beg from either the BN or the Pakatan for help,” he said. “We are a significant minority and both sides need us and want us and that gives us bargaining powers.”

“We should use this opportunity to better ourselves,” he said

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Mahathir sarcastically blasts Badawi and his allies - malaysiakini

2009-01-06T20:14:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

His detractors and critics have long argued that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has lost his marbles and the 82-year-old statesman today admitted that he 'hears voices'.

MCPX

However, there is no cause for alarm as the former premier assured: "No, I am not mad yet."

According to Mahathir, the voices he hears concerns the possible construction of a new airport in the country.

"We have three airports in and around the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. One in Sungai Besi, one in Subang and one in Sepang.

"Sepang was designed for 125 million passengers a year. It can have two terminals, four satellites and five runways," he said in a posting on his blog Che Det, entitled 'I hear voices'.

"Right now, the voices tell me we are handling only 25 million passengers. So we have capacity for another 100 million passengers more.

"But the voices said we will be building a new airport (the whole caboodle) at Labu in Negri Sembilan. It is to be exclusively for the low-cost airlines, eg AirAsia," he added.

'Enlighten' the public

Delving into the financial archives, Mahathir said the government forked out RM8 billion for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang.

Even a small airport at today's prices, he pointed out, would be near to RM2 billion.

"The distance to Kuala Lumpur (from this airport) would be longer but of course it would be nearer to Seremban and other parts in Negri Sembilan.

"But that's all right as you don't pay any fare for the flights, only for the fares to the airport," he said.

With his trademark wit and sarcasm, Mahathir stressed that the building of the new airport would also help stimulate the nation's economy.

"Somebody can make quite a bit selling land. A government-linked company will get the job and contract it out to some lucky bloke. There will be a whole lot of other contracts to look forward to. It could even help with the coming recession," he said.

The government has last month approved plans by budget carrier AirAsia and conglomerate Sime Darby to build a new low-cost terminal, to be called "KLIA East @ Labu".

It will be built on a 2,800 hectare site (6,919 acres) under a private finance initiative, costing RM1.6 billion.

The project will also anchor Sime Darby's developments in nearby Labu, which include five new townships that will offer education, health, sports, high technology, recreation and entertainment services

Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat said that plans to expand an existing low-cost terminal were insufficient to handle the projected 30 million passengers by 2014.

Yet another great idea from Pak Lah

Nevertheless, Mahathir noted that these were 'only voices' and called on the government to 'enlighten' the public as to why Sepang or even Subang were not suitable.

"Has the Sepang Formula One circuit taken up all the land so we cannot build any more facilities in Sepang?

"What happens to the low-cost terminal at KLIA we have built only recently with such great speed? Do we close it down or do we transport the whole lot to Labu?" he asked.

As for the customary swipe at his handpicked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the former premier ended his posting by saying, "After thinking up about raising buffalos in Langkawi, Abdullah must be congratulated for yet another great idea - malaysiakini.com

PAS going all out to woo non-Malay votes - malaysiakini

2009-01-06T19:13:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

PAS national integration chairperson Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the party’s success in administering Kelantan and Terengganu should convince Kuala Terengganu voters that it caters to the interests of all races.

MCPX

"The candidates for the by-election are all Malays but Barisan Nasional is out to create the misconception that we only represent Malays and Muslims,” he said when contacted.

“PAS and I would stress that we do not only represent Muslims, but all races. We have strong support from non-Malays with the formation of the Kelab Penyokong PAS (PAS supporters’ club).

He said the club, which has close to 20,000 members, is proof that PAS has managed to win the support of non-Malays.

"PAS is not a racial party. We are one that is willing to fight for equal rights regardless of race and this is proven by Kelantan Chinese who have supported the party since 1990," he said.

Mujahid, who is Parit Buntar MP, attended the nomination proceedings in Kuala Terengganu this morning. He said 1,000 club members had accompanied PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut to the nomination centre.

Yesterday, more than 500 non-Malay voters had attended a get-together organised by the club and party. Kelantan's entrepreneur development, commerce and unity executive councillor Anuar Tan Abdullah was at the event to explain issues.

For instance, said Mujahid, BN has been exploiting the hudud issue and creating confusion among Chinese voters. During the talk, however, he and Anuar were able to clarify misconceptions.

"I would like to emphasise that if hudud law is implemented, it would be only on Muslims. Non-Muslims will not be affected. In Islam, we are taught to respect the rights of not only Muslims but also non-Muslims.”

‘Hudud ploy will fail’

PAS Supporters’ Club chairperson Hu Pang Chaw, when contacted, said feedback he had gathered in Kuala Terengganu indicates that hudud law is likely to be a non-issue in the by-election campaign.

"Unlike Chinese in other parts of the country, those in Kelantan and Terengganu understand Islam better. We know hudud only applies to Muslims,” Hu said.

"It is a national issue created by BN but I believe that non-Malay voters in Kuala Terengganu understand and will not be duped. Furthermore, Terengganu was under PAS rule for one term and they know the real deal.”

He urged non-Malays in Kuala Terengganu to vote for a stronger opposition, since the by-election outcome will not lead to a change of federal or state government.

"A stronger opposition will safeguard their interests in Parliament," said Hu, who was originally from Kedah but has lived in Kelantan for more than 30 years.

He said he has instructed club members to show a strong presence in Kuala Terengganu.

"More than 100 members will be divided into five groups to woo non-Malay voters in the Bandar state seat and also in Wakaf Mempelam. They will work hard to correct any misconceptions about PAS and its candidate," he said.

Hu described the selection of Mohd Abdul Wahid (right) as molek (appropriate).

"He is very friendly, affable and easily approachable. He is open-minded and well-liked among the locals and he is certainly the right choice," he said.

While Mujahid hopes that PAS will capture an additional 20 percent of the non-Malay vote in relation to the last general election results, Hu was more confident as he estimated that 50 percent of non-Malays will vote for the opposition.

"I feel that many non-Malays in Kuala Terengganu understand the national issues that affect them, and they will want a stronger opposition," Hu said.

The by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Mohd Abdul Wahid, BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, and businessman Azharudin Mamat alias Adam, who is contesting as an Independent.

Some 80,229 voters are registered for the by-election to be held on Jan 17 - malaysiakini

Wan Farid (KT BN candidate) fires back at Mahathir - malaysiakini

2009-01-06T17:31:00.002+10:00

Malaysian Insider's report:

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 6 - Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh, who risks losing his deputy minister post should he be defeated in the Kuala Terengganu by-election, has brushed aside Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed’s comment that he was a bad choice.

Dr Mahathir’s son, Jerun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, was seen at the nomination today in a show of support for Wan Farid.

Meanwhile, Pas’s Abdul Wahid Endut dismissed the suggestion that it would be problem if he has to represent two seats.

Abdul Wahid, a five-term Terengganu assemblyman, added that he has been taking good care of his state constituency.

But the surprise candidate is independent Azharuddin Mamat, who says he is contesting the by-election in order to help the poor.

He also added he has never been a member of any political party and is using his own money to stand in the by-election.

What the candidates said ...

“I don’t want to comment on that,” Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh told reporters when asked to comment on Dr Mahathir’s latest attack against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi. “But I am happy that the Jerlun MP has hit the campaign trail to be with me in this by-election.”

“This is Hadi’s decision, so I have to abide by the party’s decision,” Abdul Wahid Endut of Pas told reporters when asked if it was unusual for a state representative to run for a Federal post.

“All the money I get as an MP will be invested to help the poor,” said independent candidate Azharuddin Mamat.

Malaysiakini's report when out.

Najib thinks BN will do better in KT compared to March 8 elections - malaysiakini

2009-01-06T15:48:00.001+10:00

Malaysiakini's report:

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that he was "reasonably optimistic" that the Barisan Nasional would do better in the Kuala Terengganu polls than the last general election.

However he stressed that the coalition did not want to be over-confident in going to the polls in Jan 17, adding that its candidate Wan Ahmad Farid was a capable person to be the people's representative.

Wan Ahmad himself said that hard work had just started for him as he would be going all out to woo the voters.

During the March general election BN's Razali Ismail won the seat with a 628-vote majority in a three-cornered fight. He however died unexpectedly on Nov 28, necessitating this by-election on Jan 17.

Three candidates filed in their nominations today with Wan Ahmad pitting against PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut and independent candidate Azharudin Mamat @ Adam for the parliamentary seat.

Talking to reporters after the nomination process, Najib, who is heading the BN campaign for this by-election, said that Wan Farid was the right person to serve the people in Kuala Terengganu.

"We don't want to be over confident but we are reasonably optimistic that we can do better than our March results," he said.

He also added that the by-election was not a referendum on either himself or the prime minister - Najib will be replacing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in March.

"This by-election is for the people to choose their representative. This should be the consideration for the people," he added.

BN priority is on rakyat

He added that BN would be tackling on issues pertaining to the people, on what can be done for them and what has been done for them.

"Everything done by the BN is for the rakyat. We put our priority on them.

"But if the opposition raise national issues, we will answer them," he said.

The opposition is expected to raise issues such as the various mega projects - from Monsoon Cup to the Crystal Mosque, and on the recent talks of Sime Darby taking over the national heart institute as part of their election campaign.

Najib also added that it was the BN candidate who would get things done, alluding to the fact that Wan Ahmad was to be reappointed as the deputy home minister if he wins the by-election.

Both Najib and Wan Ahmad also refused to comment on remarks made by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the candidate was a proxy for Abdullah and Najib.

Wan Ahmad said that he was interested in concentrating in getting the voters to vote for him at the moment and would not comment on anything else.

Chinese voters unaffected by hudud issue

Meanwhile, PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid was also equally confident of winning the by-election.

"I am ready to be the MP for this area," he told reporters.

He said that being a state assemblyperson for a seat - Wakaf Mempelam - under the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary constituency will not reduce his chance at all.

He was also equally confident that he would be able to garner the Chinese votes in the constituency.

"I don't think the Chinese voters are affected by the hudud controversy," he said.

He was referring to a recent controversy which arose after PAS leaders affirmed their stand to implement the hudud laws if they come to power.

Mohd Abdul Wahid also said that he would not be engaged in any personalty attacks and doesn't think that the independent candidate would be able to split the votes to his (Mohd Abdul Wahid's) disadvantage.

The independent candidate Azharudin also said that he was not in the contest to split the votes, adding that he was running for the seat "to help the poor people" - malaysiakini