Malaysia's Elections 2008 (Before, During & After)

[Adrian Wong]

Give it to them, Anwar!

Malaysia's Anwar accuses govt of stoking racial tension

Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim has accused ruling party leaders of stoking racial tensions over plans to dismantle discrimination policies favouring ethnic Muslim Malays.

Anwar's Keadilan party is a member of a three-party opposition alliance which made major gains in March 8 elections, seizing control of four states and more than a third of parliamentary seats.

The alliance's plans to transform the New Economic Policy (NEP), introduced in 1971 to boost majority Malays, has drawn criticism from the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which led a protest in northern Penang state.

Anwar said the opposition wanted to reform the NEP so that it uplifted all poor Malaysians, no matter what their race, and accused elements in UMNO of inciting fear among Malays over the plan.

"I am... deeply concerned with the attempt being made by certain elements to stoke the flames of racial hatred" in the aftermath of the elections, Anwar said in a statement late Saturday.

"This vicious campaign is being orchestrated by a small number of very wealthy Malays and UMNO leaders who are themselves guilty of squandering and abusing the NEP."

At least 1,000 people led by UMNO figures defied a police ban to gather outside the office of the newly appointed chief minister of Penang on Friday.

Malaysia's population is dominated by Muslim Malays and Penang is the only state with a majority of ethnic Chinese. It voted in a new government led by the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP).

All three opposition parties have endorsed the NEP reform plan, including the conservative Islamic party PAS, saying it fosters cronyism and corruption and has neglected impoverished Malays in rural areas.

The policy, which gives advantages in education, housing and business, has been criticised as outdated, and benefiting mostly an elite group of Malay entrepreneurs who enjoy preferences in government contracts.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last week cautioned the opposition to tread carefully, warning of "dire consequences" if it targeted Malay rights.

"They must be responsible when making comments. Don't make comments just to be popular with a certain race," he told state Bernama news agency in a television interview late Friday.

Race relations are a sensitive issue in Malaysia, where the spectre of racial violence in 1969 continues to dominate politics.

Ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities led the charge away from the UMNO-headed coalition in the elections, but it also lost significant support from Malays. - AFP/ac

[Adrian Wong]

This is another reason why I do NOT buy the Star if I can help it.

On March 16, The Star printed that PAS declared it is confident that "it can soon set up an Islamic form of government at the federal level, which it claims is gaining more acceptance, especially with non-Muslims, following the good showing of the Opposition coalition in last weekend’s elections."

Here's the full report :

Sunday March 16, 2008

PAS certain it can set up Islamic federal govt soon

KOTA BARU: PAS is now confident that it can soon set up an Islamic form of government at the federal level, which it claims is gaining more acceptance, especially with non-Muslims, following the good showing of the Opposition coalition in last weekend’s elections.

Its vice-president Datuk Husam Musa said there was growing support among the Chinese and Indians in various parts of the country towards the party’s political struggle.

“We are now genuinely hopeful of ruling the country soon. We now only need over 30 parliamentary seats to seize control,” Husam said at a thanksgiving rally, which was held at the compound of the Stadium Sultan Muhammad Ke IV before a mammoth crowd on Friday night.

Husam said the Opposition must build on the breakthrough by making the five states under its rule as exemplary states compared to others.

“Previously, Selangor folk looked down on Kelantan as a poor state. Now, we rule their state. Their mosques will be open to allow us to showcase the real situation in Kelantan to them,” he added.

Husam said that with the capture of Selangor, the Opposition through PKR and DAP, could have access to files which can supposedly implicate many Barisan leaders of wrongdoings.

“We would also pressure the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and Attorney-General Chambers to reopen cases which remained dormant for so long.”

Deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said the time has come for Barisan chief Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign as Prime Minister.

“Some say if Abdullah goes, the Cabinet cannot be formed. Give it to us to govern then,” Nasharuddin said at the same function.

It was an outright lie because The Star printed a "correction" the NEXT DAY, March 17. However, instead of printing it on the first few pages, they intentionally printed it in a very small section right at the BOTTOM of page 24.

If they had any honour, they should have printed a sincere apology prominently in the first few pages. NOT in a small note at the bottom of the 24th page, like an afterthought. It's obvious that The Star is pushing way BEYOND the limits of ethical journalism. They have virtually broken the rules on libel, and got away with it.

[Adrian Wong]

PAS Youth Defends Guan Eng Over NEP

PAS Youth said Thursday (13 Mar) that they treat seriously the warning the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi gave on the New Economic Policy (NEP) statement by the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

However, PAS Youth thinks that Penang state government has the power to decide its own policies and do not think that Lim's speech would stoke any racial tensions.

The PAS Youth chief Salehuddin Ayub pointed out in a statement that the NEP was to reduce the racial divide between the rich and the poor, however it is disappointing that the policy has also become a political tool for BN to oppress and exploit the people.

He said that the purpose DAP refused to comply with the NEP is to suit the party's ideology. However, it can't be linked with racial sentiments, because the party has no intention to marginalise Malays. They want to allow all races to have equal opportunities.

“The country leaders should not transfer this issue to PAS, PKR or the people who voted for DAP.”

He added that the NEP do not benefit the Malays in Penang because UMNO, who share power with MCA and Gerakan, could not defend their fate. He said the people saw the failure of the NEP, because this policy has led to corruption, cronyism and nepotism. There is no way for the Malays to compete in the market with their own performance.

He said that not only the NEP affects other races, but the Malays have also been affected. The UMNO leaders do not need to feel injured if the NEP were to be abolished. (Sin Chew Daily)

If PAS can see that NEP is not only racist but only benefits the ultra-rich UMNOputras and their cronies, why can't BN?

Oh, I forgot. They are the ones benefitting!

[Adrian Wong]

Incidentally, I received info from a source who claims to have obtained reliable info from "a reliable source" that UMNO will be organizing "rallies" this Thursday, which is Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

As the plan goes, they intend to start the rallies right after noon prayers. So, the "reliable source" is asking everyone to stay at home this Thursday.

I have a feeling that this source is talking about the same rally mentioned in the SMS I posted earlier - Malaysia's Elections 2008 (Before, During & After)

[Dashken]

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Incidentally, I received info from a source who claims to have obtained reliable info from "a reliable source" that UMNO will be organizing "rallies" this Thursday, which is Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

As the plan goes, they intend to start the rallies right after noon prayers. So, the "reliable source" is asking everyone to stay at home this Thursday.

I have a feeling that this source is talking about the same rally mentioned in the SMS I posted earlier - Malaysia's Elections 2008 (Before, During & After)

Yup and apparently our beloved S.I.L aka KJ will be there to celebrate the event as well.

[Dashken]

Have always wanted to see how it looks like... really..

[Dashken]

The infamous... Istana Zakaria.

[Dashken]

Look at that, got bowling alleys somemore.

[Dashken]

Last but not least.. the kitchen and also ermm... car exhibition hall?

[Dashken]

Full list of 2008 cabinet
Mar 18, 08 1:02pm

The following is the list of cabinet ministers and their deputies as announced by the prime minister at 12 noon today.

Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)

Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)

Finance Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)

Second Finance Minister
Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Umno)

Deputies: Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (Umno), Kong Cho Ha (MCA)

Defence Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)

Deputy: Abu Seman Yusop (Umno)

Housing and Local Government Minister
Ong Ka Chuan (MCA)

Deputy: Robert Lau Hoi Chew (Supp), Hamzah Zainuddin (Umno)

Works Minister
Mohd Zin Mohamed (Umno)

Deputy: Yong Khoon Seng (Supp)

Energy, Water and Communications Minister
Shaziman Abu Mansor

Deputy: Joseph Salang Gandum

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister
Mustapa Mohamed (Umno)

Deputy: Rohani Abdul Karim (Umno)

International Trade and Industry Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)

Deputy: Leow Wui Keong (LDP), Yaakob Dungau Sagan

Foreign Minister
Rais Yatim (Umno)

Deputy: Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (Umno)

Education Minister
Hishammuddin Hussein (Umno)

Deputies: Dr Wee Ka Siong (MCA), Razali Ismail (Umno)

Transport Minister
Ong Tee Keat (MCA)

Deputy: Anifah Aman

Health Minister
Liow Tiong Lai (MCA)

Deputy: Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Umno)

Human Resources Minister
S Subramaniam (MIC)

Deputy: Noraini Ahmad (Umno)

Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister
Syed Hamid Albar (Umno)

Deputies: Chor Chee Heung (MCA), Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (Umno)

Women, Family and Community Development Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen (MCA)

Deputy: Noriah Kasmon (Umno)

National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister
Shafie Apdal (Umno)

Deputy: Teng Boon Soon (MCA)

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister
Dr Maximus Ongkili

Deputy: Fadillah Yusof

Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Minister
Noh Omar (Umno)

Deputy: Saifudin Abdullah

Higher Education Minister
Mohd Khaled Nordin (Umno)

Deputies: Idris Haron (Umno), Dr Hou Kok Chung (MCA)

Information Minister
Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno)

Deputy: Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan)

Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Douglas Uggah Embas (PPB)

Deputy: Abdul Ghapur Salleh (Umno)

Rural and Regional Development Minister
Senator Muhammad Muhammad Taib (Umno)

Deputies: Joseph Kurup, Joseph Entulu Belaum

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister
Shahrir Abdul Samad (Umno)

Deputy: Jelaing Mersat

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister
Peter Chin Fah Kui (Supp)

Deputy: Kohilan Pillay (Gerakan)

Youth and Sports Minister
Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno)

Deputy: Wee Jeck Seng (MCA)

Tourism Minister
Azalina Othman Said (Umno)

Deputy: Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib (PBB)

Federal Territories Minister
Zulhasnan Rafique (Umno)

Deputy: M Saravanan (MIC)

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department

Zaid Ibrahim (Umno, to be appointed senator) - legal affairs
Zahid Hamidi (Umno)
Bernard Dompok (Upko)
Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Umno)
Amirsham A Aziz (former Maybank CEO, to be appointed senator)
Deputies: Mohd Johari Baharum (Umno), Mashitah Ibrahim (Umno, to be appointed senator), SK Devamany (MIC) and Hasan Malek (Umno).

Those who didn't make it
Mar 18, 08 1:38pm

A total of 16 ministers did not make it into the new cabinet. They are the following:


Those dropped from list

International Trade and Industry
Rafidah Aziz (Umno)

Human Resources
Dr Fong Chan Onn (MCA)

Home Affairs
Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad (Umno)

Science, Technology and Innovation
Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis (Umno)

Natural Resources and Environment
Azmi Khalid (Umno)

Tourism
Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (Umno)


Lost in 2008 general elections

Works
S Samy Vellu (MIC)

Women, Family and Community Development
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Umno)

Information
Zainuddin Maidin (Umno)

Rural and Regional Development
Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin (Umno)

Prime Minister's Department
Dr Abdullah Md Zin (Umno)


Declined to accept post

Housing and Local Government
Ong Ka Ting (MCA)


Did not contest parliament seat

Transport
Chan Kong Choy (MCA)

Prime Minister’s Department
Mohd Effendi Norwawi (PBB)


Those resigned and retired

Health
Chua Soi Lek (MCA), resigned in January 2008

Energy, Water and Communications
Dr Lim Keng Yaik (Gerakan), retire from politics