D N41 : T -7, The buck stops hereeeee...

Muhyiddin says The bucks stop here...Wonder what it means?

1. First thing first. That's not a coded posting. D N41 stands for D (Kelantan car plate number, N41 stands for Manek Urai state seat number. T -7 is the countdown (in days) to Manek Urai's by-election. Comprendo? Ok, now on to the posting :)
   
2. Muhyiddin Yassin must be dreamy when he said the buck stops here as picked up by Malaysiakini today.
3. In earlier posting, this scribe has mentioned that Muhyiddin is trying to better his records from the current standing of 1 win 2 losses since he first took up the Deputy Premier's post.
4. Muhyiddin is obviously not pleased with BN's (read UMNO's) commitment to Manek Urai thus far. Is this the General's voice of despair after comparing the turnouts between UMNO and PAS supporters at yesterday's nomination centre?
5. In part, Muhyiddin :-
   • wants Manek Urai to be the start of reversal of BN's fortunes in by-elections;
   • wants BN (read UMNO) to win Manek Urai's by-election;
   • reprimanded party workers for turning up late to join the BN entourage to the nomination centre;
   • ask "why let the General to arrive first" ?;
   • wants all UMNO wings to double their efforts;
   • wants at least 1 % increase in support for the party;
   • wants to win the hearts of the people;
   • is using the tagline "Rakyat didahulukan, Manek Urai diutamakan" ;

6. Now that we have Muhyiddin's gist of statements, let's see what Muhyiddein is saying...
7. Manek Urai to be the start of reversal of BN's fortunes in by-elections wants BN (read UMNO) to win Manek Urai's by-election

   Muhyiddin choose the wrong place to make that statement. It may be safe if he were to make that statement in Johor but in Kelantan? Kelantan has been under PAS's rule for the past 18 years and surviving even without the "blue-eyed" treatment from the federal government. Muhyiddin will have an uphill task to win Manek Urai for BN. Not impossible but extremely difficult.
   

8. reprimanded party workers for turning up late to join the BN entourage to the nomination centre

   The first question is why are the party workers late? Are they too tired after arriving late? Have they been partying the night before? Have they lost their way? Unfortunately, all these reasoning could not be accepted because Manek Urai is as alien to BN as they are to PAS supporters. If PAS supporters can wake up to the call of Azan, why can't BN (read UMNO) supporters did the same? Unless, BN supporters are not used to early wake-up call, despite their many campings and excursions. If that is true, then it points to indiscipline. And if BN (read UMNO) supporters are indiscipline, then why should we give our trust to indisciplined people?
   

9. "why let the General to arrive first"

   Before Muhyiddin can openly make that statement, he should look himself into the mirror and ask that question to himself - how many times has Muhyiddin being punctual in official events when he is the VVIP? How many minutes or hours do guests and participants has to wait for his "grand" appearance? Furthermore, has his "lieutenants" and "sergeant majors" pass the message to the downlines on what time and where is the rendzevous point? UMNO has former army staffs working in their headquarters helmed by Tengku Adnan. If this simple chore cannot be properly executed, then what else can be expected from UMNO? The "General" is doomed to fail without his army and that will be a pitiful scene as there are ever-ready vultures ready to pounce on Muhyiddin's failure.
   

10. wants all UMNO wings to double their efforts
    wants at least 1 % increase in support for the party

    TV3 showed that Shahrizat was in Manek Urai together with KJ, both heading their respective wings. Does this mean that both did not trust their "second-in-command"? And where is the "Putra" head?

    Shahrizat has been heard to comment that only BN provides the basic amenities to the rakyat and belittle PAS for knowing to talk but no action taken. First, Shahrizat must understand that BN did not provide the basic amenities. The present government of the day provides it and that is not out of their own party's pocket but from the taxes and the duties impossed on the rakyat. It is the government's duty to provide the basics. So the question is, is the basics enough? Can better amenities be provided? Is the cost for providing the amenities correct or inflated to feed BN (read UMNO) contractors?

    On 1 % increase in support for BN candidate, let's do some basic calculation based on 2008 election results. During 2008, BN managed to secure 4,394 votes. If Muhyiddin is calling for 1% increase, that will be translated to 44 votes, making BN's target of 4,438. And if 75 % voter turnout n 14th July 2009, then 9,219 will cast their votes. That means PAS still wins the by-election with 4,781 votes ( a reduced majority of 343). But the fact remains, PAS still wins the by-election.
    

11. wants to win the hearts of the people
    "Rakyat didahulukan, Manek Urai diutamakan

    Muhyiddin may be going for the hearts of the people but when he change 1M PM6's tagline, then all the hypocricy is exposed. It bares that BN is only after their votes, afterwhich Manek Urai will be hang dry.
    

12. Yes,the buck's stop here. We are not talking about Buck of the Ice Age 3 fame nor the buck as in male stag. We are talking about buck as in money. BN should stop enticing the voters with money which is akin to vote buying. BN should realise by now that they are backpedalling too long because they employ the same strategy as they used to 50 years ago. It is already an outdated strategy.
13. Muhyiddin may have realised that he is running an uphill battle when the General failed to instill fighting spirit to his disspirited soldiers. If you do not believe, try watching the youtube's video on BN's march to the nomination centre. It is a tell tale sign of a broken army. No fighting spirit, no enthusiasm, no life...even the "salawat" is barely audible...
14. BN may have a big well oiled machinery but the way it's going, BN's machinery is bogged down helplessly in Manek Urai. BN's fighters are more interested in talking about the "opportunities" on the other side of the border.
15. Mustapha Mohamed wants BN to wins the by-election because he needs to show his report card to the boss in KL. His predecessor may be working to make BN's candidate lose so that he can appeal his position to the same boss in KL.
16. Tuan Aziz may be working tirelessly to win the seat but the other 2 "finalists" are ready to trip him along the way. The only thing that BN can hope for is another "big" announcement from PAS's Nasharuddin Isa, if that can be worked out. But, as Muhyiddin says - The bucks stop here...
17. And before this scribe called it a day, another sifu blogger Kickdefella will be exposing his version on the buck stops here, beginning tomorrow where he will be exposing the bare facts on Kelantan oil.
18. Let's hope that Muhyiddin keep on talking to enable us to latch on his endless phrases for blog postings.
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Kelantan N41: T-8 days, 2N MIA...PAS 1 - BN 0

1. It's confirm now. It will be a straight fight between Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat of BN against Mohd Fauzi Abdullah of PAS. At 11.10 am, Returning officer (RO) make the announcement of the straight fight after the objection period.
2. Earlier, thousands of party supporters marched their way to the nomination centre. Malaysiakini put the numbers as 2,000 supporters for BN whilst 10,000 turn up to lend their support to PAS. This time around, there is no third party spoiler for Manek Urai. Kelantan police estimated the numbers to be 4,000 BN supporters as opposed to 7,000 PAS supporters. Whatever it is, almost 11~12,000 supporters turn up and the majority of them supports PAS.
   
3. Muhyiddein Yassin, Hishamuddein Hussein, Mustapha Mohamed, Shahrizat Jalil, Tengku Adnan Mansor, Mohamed Shafie Afdal, KJ are amongst the BN's big wigs accompanying their candidate. Nik Aziz, Hadi Awang, Husam Musa, Khalid Samad, Hatta Ramli, Azmin Ali, Zahid Ibrahim, Khalid Ibrahim, Tan Seng Giaw, Tian Hua leads PAS supporters.
4. It will be another 8 days before the polling day and all systems are go. Ceramahs, meet the voters, free medical examinations, family days, bicycle presentation ceremony will, once again, colour the campaign.
5. Questions were asked on the 2 missing in action leaders ie Najib Razak and Nashruddin Isa. Whilst Najib is said to be in Putrajaya attending the monthly PM's department meeting. So, if 1M PM6 is attending the PM's meeting in Putrajaya, what is Muhyiddein doing in Manek Urai? Shouldn't he be attending the meeting as well? Is he putting party above country?
6. Nik Aziz suggested the media to ask Nasruddin himself why he is not at the nomination centre.
7. When PAS has PKR and DAP leaders joining them in the march to the nomination centre, where are the other component parties leaders of BN? Cold feet? Cold heart? Lost in transit?
   
8. Based on the figures and the mood so far, it is safe to say that PAS is still leading the campaign. PAS candidate has also scored an early victory when the EC agreed that the PAS candidate use "Abe Uji" is his ballot box. Abe Uji stands for Abang Fauzi.
9. The campaign temperature will surely rise a few notches tonight before it reaches it's high on 14th July 2009.
10. To both the candidates, may the better man wins and hopefully there will not be any untowards incidents happening that can mar the by-election.
11. For this "special edition" by-election, feel free to surf prkManekurai for latest news or just click at Kelantan N41 located at the sidebar.
12. BN will surely use the 9th July MB vs MB (Perak) judgement as campaign material here as well as attacking PKR's Anwar Ibrahim when the sodomy trial goes ahead during the later part of the week.
13. Muhyiddein will be trying to better his record since he has 1 - 2 by-election results against him and he would like to better his record whilst KJ is trying hard to get back into Najib's and Muhyiddeein's good books by trying to deliver votes to BN. As for Shahrizat, this may be another of those Wanita's sponsored "rombongan Mak Kiah" to Kelantan for Totos', beras siam, keropok, kain batik and the such. 8 days to go and the buses will be fully loaded by then....
14. On PR's side, this is a time to demonstrate their solidarity and if Nashruddin Isa is far-sighted, he will make his appearance in Manek Urai to support PAS candidate. DAP will be going for the 50 or so Chinese vote swing to PAS.
15. On a lighter side, after Malaysian's MU poll on 14th July 2009, UK's MU will be in Bukit Jalil on 18th July 2009. Imagine KJ losing big in MU, Kelantan and shouting hoarse for MU during the match. Will he be shouting for MU Kelantan or MU UK? Will one of Blue Blitz's permanent member sitting next to KJ as both are dedicated MU fans?
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Buah Pala and Alor Setar ; Make way for Ice Age...and Buck

This posting is not about socio-politics. It will be about something else...movies. Frankly, I chose Ice Age 3 over Transformers 2. For those who are facing Monday blues, or tensions (especially BN supporters in Malaysia's MU), de-stress yourselves by watching Ice Age 3...it's just not for kids alone but for grown-ups too...

1. Michael J Fox prefers to go back to the future. After 3 outings to the future, Michael calls it quits after dignosed with Parkison disease.
2. Another Michael, who popularise the moon walk, died on 25th June 2009. He left behind his signatory Moon walk, and host of unforgettable hits including "Billy Jean, "Thriller", "Beat it", "Black or White" and three child.
3. On the domestic front, most of the first year varsity students have registered in their respective campuses. There was a case of botched delivery resulting in death of former UTM student.
4. Kg Buah Pala residents are one unhappy lot. Instead of addressing the issue in hand, the residents go for the stae reps and Lim Guan Eng. Others may look at the issue differently but this scribe feels that it is a non-issue, highlighted for wrong reasons just to potray that Penang PR's government are not people orientated.
5. Azizan gets the heat from DAP when MBAS demolished a 25 year old illegal abattoir in Alor Setar.
6. Main strean TV news are quick to join the bandwagon indicating a serious split in PR. They have additional co-stars in the faces of Zahid Hamidi, Rais Yatim, Tsu Koon, Samy Vellu who gladly give their "no-value" comments as if they are the spokesmen of PR.
7. So, why worry about the socio-political events of the week? This posting is not about socio-politics. It will be about something else...
8. The much awaited "Transformer 2 - Revenge of the Fallen" grossed USD 162 m for the first weekend collection. Me? Transformers is just not my taste. Too techie and on close-up shots, this scribe finds difficulty in differentiating the autobots from the decepticons. Better solution? Yeah, go for the easy going, fun-loving, feel good movie of Ice Age 3 - dawn of the dinasour.
9. The first scene just captivated me when the nut-chasing rodent found an equally determined female squirrel competitor with the song "You'll never find another love like mine" in the background. By the time "Alone again, naturally" scene comes on, this scribe is already in code blue as in lovey dovey blue.
   
10. If Shrek has pus, the maverick sworsfighter for hire, Ice Age 3 offer Buck, the one eyed lunatic. His attics is catchy, reminding me of Hans Solo, smuggler and "reckless mercenary" of the Starwars fame.
11. Maybe, as precursor to the coming Manek Urai by-election, all the politicans should be roped in and herded to watch Ice Age 3. At least, hopefully, they can go in canvassing for votes the fun "Ice Age 3" way.
12. Forget about Transformers 2. It's too robotic for the politicians.
13. Malaysian politicians need to loosen things up for the by-election. No need to be too stressful for the by-election. After all, BN knows that they are going to lose as surely as PR knows they are going to win the by-election. So, why need to go in with guns blazing?
14. Some political analyst will be looking for the tell tale signs of which saluran votes who. Let them do their job and analysis. As for the rest of us, nasi kerabu, budu, nasi dagang will be there waiting together with Jala mas, Mas jemput, akak winking from the sidelines.
15. And for those "adventurous" poll workers, Rantau Panjang is waving complete with tom yam, ikan 3 rasa, dukong and "extra"tid-bits thrown in for a memorable stay.
    
16. Transformers, Ice Age 3, Manek Urai or Rantau Panjang...it's yours for the picking in this coming weeks...just let me saviour the character Buck, just a while longer before moving on to...you know where.
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

PKR Penang : Jo...you did it, you pay for it...

1. This time around, let's just zoom to Malaysiakini's hot topic postdated 3rd July under "More brickbats for CM over Johari".
2. The points raised by Zahrain, Penang PKR chief, first :-
   • Lim GE in contrast of principles advocated by Caliph Umar Aziz, whom Lim GE wants to emulate, which was based on principles of compassion, forgiving, caring, honesty, sincerity, rule of law, justice, fairness and equality;
   • Lim GE did not show any compassion or forgiveness towards Johari;
   • Johari has expressed regrets on his outburst;
   • Johari's objection is actually PKR's stand and not Johari's personal stand;
   • Understanding that MPSP's President's post reserved for PKR nominee and MPPP to be helmed by DAP;
   • Miscommunication for Johari's outburst;
   • To hold dialogue between Lim GE and PKR to clear urgent matters;
   • Since Johari is political appointee, let PKR make the decision;

3. Now, let's go on a point to point basis.Admitted that Lim GE has, on many accounts, expressed that he admire and would like to emulate Caliph Umar Aziz. But Zahrain must first of all feel ashamed of himself who profess to be a Muslim but did not follow the rule of law, which is part of Caliph Umar's virtues.
4. Instead of chiding Lim GE, Zahrain should set a good example of the virtues of Caliph Umar Aziz. Can Zahrain do a quick assessment and see where he stands, as compared to Umar Aziz? And where he stands in terms of emulating Umar Aziz? At least, Lim GE took the pains to study Caliph and he took further steps to try to emulate Caliph. What about Zahrain? Have he ever read the history of Caliph Umar Aziz?
5. Compassion and forgiveness? Zahrain should first study on Johari's outburst. Is this the time to be compassion? If Lim GE were to be compassionate and forgiving, that will be an open door for future outburst. It is better for Lim GE not to tolerate outburst now and show Johari, who is the boss.
6. Regrets? Yes, Johari expressed regrets after he was shown the door. He should show his regrets soon after his outburst and show up for the swearing in ceremony. Then, maybe Lim GE will be compassionate and forgiving. Talking about that, since Johari and Zahrain are both Muslims (by the sound of their names, has Johari took ablution after his outburst and cool down to reflect his actions?) . Frankly, I doubt it, and that's why Johari failed to realise the damage done.
7. Objection is PKR's stand. Wow, this is much better! So, is PKR saying that whatever they do is correct and must not be vetted by the state government. What PKR is indicating is that they are the little warlords who wanted to dominate the local council. Is this in line with Penang's state government stand? Is PKR trying to carve out territorial control? Has PKR forgotten that in PR, every member party has a fair share and there is no "big brother" like UMNO and BN?
8. MPSP's President reserved for PKR. Here, in itself, Zahrain exposed his own vulnerability. Maybe the initial understanding is MPSP's president post is reserved for PKR. However, as Lim GE taken the MPSP's post from PKR, he also take the MPPP's post from DAP. Will Zahrain be claiming that Lim GE is not acting fairly after this? Lim GE took from both PKR and DAP and handed the post to civil servants. Anything wrong there? If it is for the good of the people, why not?
9. Zahrain claimed miscommunication with Johari. This is the age of the techies. It is nearly impossible to accept Zahrain's excuse and thus the "miscommunication" factor cannot be accepted. Mind you that the duration between the outburst and the swearing in ceremony is days and not minutes. So, there is ample time for Zahrain to communicate with Johari, unless Zahrain could not be bothered to contact Johari to "correct" him on PKR's stand.
10. Zahrain's suggestion to hold dialogue with Lim GE is a good proposal. Zahrain should arrange this dialogue fast before the DAP-PKR relationship deteriorates further.
11. On Zahrain's claim that Johari is a political appointee, this should make it more important for PKR to make sure that Johari follow the state government's requirement and stands. Johari may be a PKR seconded political appointee and as such, he must follow the state stand. PKR is part of Penang state government and as such, he should be abiding by the state stand. Enough said.
12. It is not a matter of who do what or who can do what. It is a matter of respect the leader. In this case, for Penang, the leader is Lim GE. PKR must learn to respect Lim GE as the leader before they can expect Lim GE to reciprocate his respect towards PKR Penang.
13. PKR Penang should stop defending Johari and let the issue settle. Johari should be given time to reflect on his actions before he can be considered a local council material again in the future. Is that too much to ask of Penang PKR? Or is Penang PKR going the way of Kg Buah Pala residents?
14. Instead of trying to check Lim GE on his every move, Zahrain should learn to work together with Lim GE and keep his PKR men in check. There are too many loose cannons in PKR Penang and all are trying to get Anwar's attention. For one, Yusmadi Yusoff, Penang PKR's youth chief should learn how to keep his mouth shut instead of blubbering. One of these days he may find himself cornered by his own statements.
15. Penang, Buah pala, Lim GE, Zahrain...all should take things one step a time for the better Penang. Is it too much to ask?
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

4th July : Americans and us...small comparison

For now, the world looks up at US of A as the big brother, the self appointed Marshall, the leader of the free world. What they say goes, what they do is right. So, let's make a small comparison between US of A and Malaysia, from this scribe point of view...

1. 4th July is celebrated around the world. Will Smith acted in Independence day, the movie. And most probably, there will be lots and lots of fireworks to celebrate...
2. Of late, it become synonymous with free world and represents freedom. Leaders across the globe feels proud to be seen with the President of US of A. Even 1M PM6 is happy to report that he got a personal call from President Barrack Obama...
3. So, being the leading proponent of free world, why not take a peek of their history and compare them to our so-call meagre experience. Of course, the comparison is only limited to the basics and for that reasons, the following are the areas of interest :-
   • Independence and the methods to gain independence;
   • Years of independence;
   • Voting rights to women;
   • Voting rights to blacks;
   • equal opportunity;

4. Independence and the methods to gain independence

   For US of A, 4th July 1776 will always be remembered as the day where Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring independence from the United Kingdom. Prior to this declaration, the colonist protested against the taxes levied by the British government where the Boston Tea Party incident happened in 1773.

   To make the story short, the 13 British colonies fight the American Revolutionary war against the British with the help of France and Spain. By 1781, the former colonies ended serious British efforts to find military solution to the American problems.

   For Malaysia, 31st August 1957 will be celebrated as the independence day. It is the day when the Union jack flag was lowered and a new nation is born. This is done through numerous negotiations between representatives of Malaya and the British government.

   16th September 1963 is seen as the date of the formation of Malaysia here Malaya was joined by Sabah, Sarawak and temporarily Singapore. All this is done without any single drop of blood nor do other nations come to our aid in getting the independence.
   

5. Years of independence

   US of A gain their independence in 1776 whilst Malaysia gain independence in 1957. That means US of A has achieved independence for the last 233 years whilst Malaysia tasted 52 years of independence.

   In terms of years, Malaysia's years of independence is only 22 % of US of A's independence.

6. Voting rights to women

   From historical accounts, the rights to vote for women differ from state to state. The first state to give voting rights for women is Wyoming in 1890 which is 114 years after American independence. However, the rights to vote for the whole of American women was only granted in 1920 through the Nineteenth Ammendment to the Constitution, 144 years after independence. And for those smokers out there, you might remember Virginia slim's tobacco ad "We've come a long way, baby"
   

   Compared to Malaysia,women have their voting rights since the nation's indepence ie in 1957. That means, for a young nation like Malaysia, the womens role in voting were recognise from day one.
   

7. Voting rights to Blacks

   Although the fifteenth ammendment to the American constitution ratified in 1870 prohibits each government in the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's race, colour or previous condition of servitude" (i.e., slavery), the blacks were denied their voting rights through a series of rigorous voter qualification laws. Finally, the American congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to enable the Blacks to vote. This is 189 years after independence and 45 years after American women gain their rights to vote.

   Malaysia do not have this problem. All citizens were given their voting rights from day one.

8. Equal opportunity

   The civil rights act of 1991 made major changes in the federal laws against employment discrimination. That is enforced 215 years after independence. Do we have that in Malaysia?

9. From the above information, Malaysians should be grateful that we do not have to go through years of demanding your basic rights like how a major portion of the American citizens do.
10. In fact, it should acknowledged that Malaysians receive their basic rights almost immediately when they achieve independence. We do not have to go through the voters qualification laws nor do we have to wait for almost 200 years to be recognized as a legitimate voter.
    
11. 4th July will have different meaning for different people. Whilst Americans celebrate their independence day, some will gleefully celebrate their birthdays. This scribe looks at 4th July as a date to be thankful that Malaysians do not have to go through the process like those of Americans. When the nation is born, Malaysians were accorded the rights start from year one. That's the beauty of Malaysia.
12. However, through the passage of time, some of us start to lose track. Maybe the younger generations did not go through the difficulties of getting indepence and defending this young nation.
13. For some, blinded by the sparkles from other side of the fence, Malaysia needs to do more and to open up more. We tends to interpret the laws based on our limited knowledge. It does not help when our judiciary system are tainted with some "dubious" judgment, as seen by some quarters. Overall, Malaysia's judiciary is still doing fine but it needs more transparency as well as brave judges to uphold the scale of justice.
14. Our younger generation also called for better integration between the races. Are we that bad? Do the younger generations experience what their elders experienced? Have the younger generation mixed with each other as well as those of the past? Do the young share food as those of the past? Frankly, the earlier generation has better integration that those of present. The young ones relationship between the present days Ahmad, Wong and Krishnan is superficial at best. Wherelse the Ahmad, Wong and Krishnan of the 50's share the same bed and pillow, playing soccer together and hanging out in rivers together and share their happiness and sadness through thick and thin. That's what real integration is.
15. Of course, there will be hiccups here and there. That's when the people has to judge whether to ammend the constitution or to live with the hiccup.
    
16. Why is US of A different from other countries in the world? It is a land of opportunity, a land where the British and the French and the Spanish came to discover. It's vastness makes it impossible for any great nations of the past to colonise the whole country, thus British can muster only 13 colonies (which at that time is the biggest). And that is why Americans gains independence from the British which leads me to ask aloud - If America gains independence from the British, why isn't America a member of the Commonwealth? Is it because those who settled in America are free citizens and not convicts like those in the Southern hemisphere? (For those who do not know which country I am referring to, please brush up your history and consider this as an assignment :))
17. And for those who loves comparing, study how the natives of US of A were sidelined from development. Up to now, they are still sidelined living in dwindling reservations across the country. Do we have the same in Malaysia?
18. For those travellers, have you ever tried travelling across US of A? Can you feel the animosity if you passed through the great southern belt, just because you looks different? And see how they eye you if you have purdah clad women in your group. Really, this happens although it is not as bad as it used to be...But you can't blame them either, because of their experience or how the media painted others to be. Do you feel scared passing through Jinjang (if you are non-Chinese) or Kg Baru (if you are non-Malay) or Sentul (if you are non-Indians)? No, isn't it because you feel the comfort of being Malaysians?
19. Try understanding their American football. They claimed it's the biggest game in the world (because their world is only US of A). So now you know who is the "frog under the coconut shell".
20. So, what is this scribe trying to say? Simple, this land we called Malaysia with its shortcomings and system is still the place that we stay and proudly called home. We always look and think that the grass is greener on the other side, but is it really? And that is why "wherever we stand, that's where we uphold the sky" (hopefully it's correct Dimana bumi dipijak, disitu langit dijunjung).
21. One last note, Malaysia was born on September 1963, a full 2 years before Blacks of US of A gets the full rights to vote.
    
22. Some may be proud to hear the star spangled banner tonite but I will settle with Negaraku. And for those who celebrate their birthdays on 4th July, let me wish you Happy Birthday....
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

PAS : Oops...I did it again

“I agree with the talks. Both wings can set up a joint secretariat to determine the format of the talks, the venue and also the topics after the Manek Urai by-election.

“I feel that the issues to be discussed should not be confined to Islam and Malay unity but to also include national issues.

“If we do not receive the invitation in good faith, we are doing a disservice to PAS Youth.’’ - KJ, UMNO youth leader

1. This is not a tribute to Britney Spears but I have to borrow the title of her song and dedicate it to Parti Islam SeMalaysia(PAS).
2. Whilst UMNO is buoyed by positive statements from Najib especially in financial and scholarship issues, PAS is going the opposite direction due to their leaders' incoherence of which direction now and who is their choice partners.
3. PAS needs to provide satisfactory explanation to their supporters and members of the following :-
   • Unity government issue;
   • Intellectual discourse between PAS youth and UMNO youth;
   • Demolition of abbatoir in PAS-led Kedah

4. After the big brouhaha on PAS's Unity government issue which PR has buried the issue on 22nd June 2009, now PAS shoot its foot again with 2 new controversial issues namely the intellectual discourse and the abbatoir issue.
5. What is baffling is the PAS youth invitation to UMNO youth for "intellectual discourse" between the two wings. Why is PAS extending the invitation when PR had just close down on the unity government concept? What is PAS youth trying to prove? That they are better than their elders? That they are far-sighted? That they are impatient lot?
6. The invitation was handed by PAS youth leader, Nasrudin Hassan to UMNO youth deputy chief. Come to think about it, did Nasruddin realise that he is only treated as "second class" when his invitation is only accepted by deputy youth chief, Razali Ibrahim. Although Razali is a deputy minister but his ranking in UMNO youth is no 2. Why can't Nasrudin delegate the task to someone else? Or is Nasrudin too "itchy" to be seen in the companion of the "rich and famous"?
7. Next and more importantly, why the intellectual discourse? Why now? Is Nasrudin trying to say something? Is he against Nik Aziz, PAS spiritual leader? Is he trying to give points to UMNO in the upcoming Manek Urai by-election? See how easily, UMNO youth stole the thunder by saying that the discourse will be held after the Manek Urai by-election and at the same time praise PAS youth for being "brave" to defy Pakatan leadership's stand
8. What will be discussed during the discourse? On how to shere the illegal wealth of UMNO? On where PAS youth can help the troubled UMNO? On who is a better Muslim between UMNO youth and PAS youth? Come on, Nasrudin, you are not weven a Member of Parliament to talk about all these things. You have lost twice (isn't it) in elections.
9. It seems that PAS youth is unsure where it's loyalty is. Whilst in the same grouping in PR, PAS youth is winking at UMNO youth. PAS youth has a lot of explaining to do especially to all those supporters and voters who qued to cast their votes for PAS (and PR) during the last election. What PAS youth is doing now is tantamount to shooing their supporters away.
10. Ah...Azizan of Kedah is another issue altogether. DAP Kedah has decided to withdraw from PR state government after Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar demolished the only abbatoir in the state. Azizan, on his part, blamed DAP for failing to give alternative site to relocate the abatoir.
11. Azizan, in defending, admitted that Majlis Bandara Alor Setar is not under him. As far as this scribe knows, all state agensies are answerable to the state except Majlis Agama where this body reported to the respective DYMM.
12. What it implies is that Azizan, can use his executive powers to delay the demolition to a later date after an alternative is found. Isn't it too much to extend another few months? Afterall, BN has not attended to the problem for the past 30 years!
13. Azizan is seen as unreasonable. He should go for PR courses or if he is too busy with his work, then delegate someone to address the issue.
14. Azizan is "cenggeh" for no reasons and he should use his better judgement to resolve this issue.
15. The two issues are putting PAS on a defensive end in manek Urai. PAS should really buck up if they want to retain the seat.
16. So far, PAS is still leading but for how long? If PAS won the Manek Urai, it proves that BN is sinking and PR may come early to salvage Malaysia...
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

1M PM6 : 30 % gone, merit scholarship...what else?

“We are restudying the distribution of scholarships under the Public Service Department scheme to introduce a new category.

“We will announce it next year and with the plan to limit the Sijil Pelajaran Malay-sia to 10 subjects, we expect to see a more level playing field,” Najib Tun Razak

1. 1M PM6 is working hard to win over Malaysians. Within the space of less than 3 months, he has proposed new populist measures to shore his image and leadership style.
2. The populist measures taken by Najib are :-
   • Lifting of 30 % Bumi rule for 27 services sub-sectors;
   • New category of scholarships, purely based on merit;
   • Done away with 30 % Bumi quota requirement for companies in Bursa saham Malaysia

3. In a nutshell, is this an act of desperation or an act of "openess"? It depends on which side you are on, either pro-BN or pro-opposition. Let us discard our political stand and see the issue in a bigger picture...
4. On 22nd April 2009, 1M PM6 Najib announce the lifting of Bumi rule for 27 services sub-sectors with immediate effect.
5. The sub-sectors involved are health & social services, tourism services, transport services, business services, computer and related services. These services sector account for 55 % to the GDP in 2008 and the government wanted to tap the full potential of the sub-sectors, aiming to increase its contribution to 60 % of GDP.
6. June 28 2009, Najib again goes for another landmark announcement. This time 1M PM6 announce that the government will introduce new category of scholarships, purely based on merit. This will take effect from 2010.
7. If the first announcement in April did not catch the Chinese attention, the second announcement will surely convert the Chinese back to support BN.
8. For icing on the cake, Najib's third announcement on government's decision on 1st July 2009 to do away with 30 % bumi equity requirement will floor the investors and hopefully will attract both local and foreign investors to open their business in Malaysia.
9. This is the right time for the investors to start investing in Malaysia. The announcement open up new possibilities and new horizons as the new policies will give Malaysia the edge in the competitive market.
10. Of course the detractors, especially the one-time Finance Minister will say that the move is not enough to propel and generate our economy. They can come up with alternatives and views but whether their model can work is another matter. Just as long as they can sell their ideas politically, they will be more than happy to oppose Najib's moves.
11. Some, like Lim KS will still complain about the scholarship and the merit system. Others may say that the services sub-sectors does not affect the Malays etc etc.
12. However, I see Najib's moves as a key move to checkmate the system where the "30 % bumi equity" has always been related to "UMNO" equity. In short, to UMNO, Bumiputra is UMNO and UMNO is bumiputra. The rest, non-UMNO members are not "bumiputra".
13. That means, Najib's announcement hit UMNO warlords and UMNO division chiefs more than it hurt the average Malay. It is good and here, we can see later how many of the warlords will continue to sing praise to Najib, now that their "financial pipeline" has been severed.
14. Najib has to do what he did. It is his political life now hanging at a balance. He needs to gain the support once "automatically" accorded to BN. Along the same line, he needs to get a strong backing and commitment from other BN component parties.
15. As for PR, their populist approach is fast dwindling as Najib is making all the populist moves. PR needs to go back to the drawing boards and map out new strategies to sustain their popularity.
16. The question is, Najib has done his part. What about the follow-up? Will it be coming? Will BN ministers work on Najib's policies or will they dilly dally on the implementation part? I laeve it to your judgement...whether to go for or against the policies outlined by 1M PM6.
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...

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