Read here in Malaysiakini
Kedah's turn to feel defection heat
Excerpts:
Several Pakatan state assemblypersons there have been categorised as 'high risk' (for frogging/defection in return for cash and positions ) and their movements are being closely monitored by the state leadership.
Allegations are rife that these 'high risk' reps have been approached by Barisan Nasional numerous times since last week in a bid to lure them to defect.
It is rumoured that the going price for a defector in Kedah is RM3 million while the 'brokering fee' for the middleman is RM1 million.
Some state PKR representatives - believed to be the key targets for defections - said that brokers have walked boldly into their offices offering their "services".
Sungai Petani PKR parliamentarian Johari Abdul (left) also conceded that Kedah is on high alert after what transpired in Perak. He alleged that various attempts have been made by BN to lure Pakatan representatives to defect with offers of cash and powerful positions.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Perak Crisis: MCA Agrees to Allow UMNO's Overwhelming Domination in a Perak BN-Government by Stealth
Read here full article in The Star
At the Heart and Center of MCA's Politics
is its Unquestioning Love for UMNO 
The Star (5 Feb) headlined: Ong (Tee Keat): Full support (to BN) in Perak
The MCA-owned Star reports: The MCA will give its full support to the formation of the new Perak Government, said its president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
In an immediate response after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that Barisan Nasional had the numbers to form the next state government.
the president of MCA said,
“We are looking forward to a new state government and our ONE MCA assemblyman (note: against 27 UMNO assemblymen) will definitely play his role to serve the people better in the next state government,” he said.
Wong, who is also Selangor MCA chief, added that Perak folk were anxious to see Barisan ( read UMNO) in the leadership role because the (BN) coalition had a proven track record of bringing development and taking care of the people’s welfare.
Now, A Vote for MCA is a Vote for Overwhelming Domination by UMNO in PERAK State Government
is its Unquestioning Love for UMNO
NOTE: In a Perak state BN-Government won by stealth, there will be 27 UMNO state assemblyman on only ONE MCA. GERAKAN and MIC were totally rejected by Perak voters in the 2008 General Election.
The 3 "frogs" are the two from PKR who are being charged in court for bribery (one of them for sexual favours) and one lone and emotionally unstable Chinese assemblywoman from DAP.
And yet the president of MCA says "this is a GOOD development" for a largely multiracial state expected be run by UMNO, a party with a long discredited past and a 50-year history of endemic corruption, nepotism and racially-biased policies against non-Malays.
The wisest thing Ong Tee Keat could have done under present circumstances, being in a no-win situation for MCA, for now and for the next 2012 general election, is to keep his mouth shut tightly. It is already embarrassing to Chinese grassroot voters and sympathesizers.
Read Here a good analysis by Screenshot on the state of play of the make-up of the Government in Perak if BN takes control of Perak.
-Malaysian Unplug
The Star (5 Feb) headlined: Ong (Tee Keat): Full support (to BN) in Perak
The MCA-owned Star reports: The MCA will give its full support to the formation of the new Perak Government, said its president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
In an immediate response after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that Barisan Nasional had the numbers to form the next state government.the president of MCA said,
“This is a very good development. The people of Perak, by large, yearn for a change for betterment and good governance,”Party secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng said the MCA would fully support the Barisan government in Perak and work closely with the other component parties.(Note: The only BN component party left in Perak is UMNO with 27 representatives)
“We are looking forward to a new state government and our ONE MCA assemblyman (note: against 27 UMNO assemblymen) will definitely play his role to serve the people better in the next state government,” he said.
Wong, who is also Selangor MCA chief, added that Perak folk were anxious to see Barisan ( read UMNO) in the leadership role because the (BN) coalition had a proven track record of bringing development and taking care of the people’s welfare.
Total UMNO Dominance in Perak BN-State Government: Is This What Perak Rakyat Voted for in March 2008 General Election?
Read here analysis by Jeff Ooi in Screenshots
(Image courtesy of Kwang Yit Poh)
The Sultan will have to consider this crucial factor as the Perak electorate had crossed the political rubicon only months ago, where absolute dominance of Umno in the state exco -- hence the state's purse-strings -- was given a resounding rejection.
The only consolation for the Sultan is that, whatever way he so decides, he has no political masters to report to. Unlike the politicians, he doesn't have to face the voters in the next general election while the people-funded allowances payable to the royal family, as enshrined in the Constitution, will remain intact.
How will the Sultan, who will soon celebrate the silver anniversary as the state's ruler, decide? His son, Raja Nazrin the crown prince, has prophetically said his eloquent piece on the outset of the political turmoil that just turned awry hours ago, that the Royal Family "must remain neutral to ensure justice for people".
Guan Eng used to comment on the decadence in governance in Penang before GE2008, that devils romp because good men do nothing.
I fervently believe the Sultan of Perak is a good man. And I fervently believe, too, that Guan Eng will appreciate the fact that DAP is the biggest loser once Perak government changes hands.
MCA, MIC and Gerakan's Dilemma in the new BN-Government in Perak
The MCA, Gerakan and MIC must collectively decide if they so condone the NEW , politically destructive scenario that celebrates a party-hopping culture that offers Umno the ultimate controlling stake that dictates the future of Perak.
If they decide AGAINST the wishes of the voters, they may face humiliating annihilation in GE2012. Because the people will be angry if they consent to absolute Umno dominance.
Quote
"... If the BN takes over the state government of Perak ( as a result of the 3 defections), the MCA, Gerakan and MIC must collectively decide if they (will) condone the NEW , politically destructive scenario that:celebrates a party-hopping culture (and) (gives) Umno the ultimate controlling stake that dictates the future of Perak
If they decide AGAINST the wishes of the voters, they may face humiliating annihilation in GE-2012 because they (had) consented to (give) ABSOLUTE UMNO dominance (in the formation of the Perak state government)
- Jeff Ooi in Screenshots blog
(Image courtesy of Kwang Yit Poh)
Perak: A test on the wisdom of the people... and the Sultan's
by
Jeff Ooi
(DAP Member of Parliament for Jelutong)/Blogger
Excerpts:
As you know by now, the equation has changed in Perak politics.
On 3 February, the Pakatan Rakyat coalition (had) a 31 vs. 28 equation .
(It has changed) now officially to 28 vs. 28 + 3, with the three defectors claiming a convenient Independent platform.
Najib declared that BN is ready to form the new Perak state government while the PR was trying to gain the royal consent to dissolve the 11-month old state assembly, and to seek fresh mandate through a state-wide election.
Sultan Azlan Shah, the former king of Malaysia, is now the proverbial "King Maker" as it's only he who can decide if:
- BN's wishes is accomplished, or
- his subjects should go to poll again to determine the next state government.
The rakyat have to get prepared to a new political scenario with new shades of political representation.
Take a look at the figures.
- In Pakatan Rakyat
- DAP is left with 17 state assemblymen after 1 defection
-.PKR is now made up of a 5-assemblymen team with 2 defections
- PAS remains intact with 6 YBs.
(Total 28)
Of what used to be a slim majority state government under Pakatan Rakyat (when) the 11-member Perak Exco consists of- 6 Chinese (5 DAP. 1 PKR),
- 4 Malays (2 PAS, 2 PKR) and
- 1 Indian (DAP).
- 6 Chinese (5 DAP. 1 PKR),
- In Barisan Nasional
- Perak BN survived GE2008 with 28 state assemblymen: - 27 Umno and 1 from MCA. Gerakan and MIC were annihilated.
- Now Perak BN has now 31 YBs -- 29 Umno Malays, and 2 Chinese, if you look at the typical BN politics from its race-based perspective.(with 3 defectors from PR and its own defector who switched camp to PKR and make a swift comeback in two short weeks)
Should BN take control of the Perak state government, the composition of its exco will be absolutely Umno-dominated with a maximum of only 2 non-Malay state ministers. No Indian.
- Perak BN survived GE2008 with 28 state assemblymen: - 27 Umno and 1 from MCA. Gerakan and MIC were annihilated.
The Speaker and his Deputy are from DAP -- 1 Indian and 1 Chinese.
The Sultan will have to consider this crucial factor as the Perak electorate had crossed the political rubicon only months ago, where absolute dominance of Umno in the state exco -- hence the state's purse-strings -- was given a resounding rejection.
The only consolation for the Sultan is that, whatever way he so decides, he has no political masters to report to. Unlike the politicians, he doesn't have to face the voters in the next general election while the people-funded allowances payable to the royal family, as enshrined in the Constitution, will remain intact.
How will the Sultan, who will soon celebrate the silver anniversary as the state's ruler, decide? His son, Raja Nazrin the crown prince, has prophetically said his eloquent piece on the outset of the political turmoil that just turned awry hours ago, that the Royal Family "must remain neutral to ensure justice for people".
Guan Eng used to comment on the decadence in governance in Penang before GE2008, that devils romp because good men do nothing.
I fervently believe the Sultan of Perak is a good man. And I fervently believe, too, that Guan Eng will appreciate the fact that DAP is the biggest loser once Perak government changes hands.
MCA, MIC and Gerakan's Dilemma in the new BN-Government in Perak
The MCA, Gerakan and MIC must collectively decide if they so condone the NEW , politically destructive scenario that celebrates a party-hopping culture that offers Umno the ultimate controlling stake that dictates the future of Perak.
If they decide AGAINST the wishes of the voters, they may face humiliating annihilation in GE2012. Because the people will be angry if they consent to absolute Umno dominance.
LATEST ! Perak MB Nizar Says He is Still Head of Pakatan State Government Until.....
Read here in malaysiakini for more
Excerpts:
Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin said that he was still the head of the state government until :
Mohd Nizar said that the Pakatan government would continue to function normally until the sultan decides on a request to dissolve the state assembly.
Based on the Perak constitution, Mohd Nizar said Pakatan was still the legitimate government unless the state assembly sits to pass a motion of no-confidence or if the coalition government resigns.
Mohd Nizar also chided Najib for trying to take over the Perak government through unconstitutional means.
Mohd Nizar said,
Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar said that he had received Hee's resignation letter this morning. He said that he had informed the state Election Commission about the vacancy for the Jelapang seat so that a by-election can be held within 60 days.
Exco member Ngeh Koo Ham criticised the media for claiming that the Pakatan government had collapsed.
"The government stays. We will wait for (the sultan to decide on) dissolution (of the state assembly)," he said.
Should the sultan withhold consent, a special sitting in the state assembly must be convened in order to pass a motion of no-confidence, said Ngeh.
He said that the state assembly was the most neutral place to evaluate the allegiance of the four former Pakatan state representatives which Najib claimed had left Pakatan.
Excerpts:
Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin said that he was still the head of the state government until :
- the state assembly was dissolved by the sultan, or
- the BN call for a vote of no confidence against him to force him to step down.
Mohd Nizar said that the Pakatan government would continue to function normally until the sultan decides on a request to dissolve the state assembly.
Based on the Perak constitution, Mohd Nizar said Pakatan was still the legitimate government unless the state assembly sits to pass a motion of no-confidence or if the coalition government resigns.
Mohd Nizar also chided Najib for trying to take over the Perak government through unconstitutional means.
Mohd Nizar said,
"Under what condition and under what law is the Barisan Nasional deputy chief referring to? Whatever that you want to do, (it) has to be based on the Perak constitution.He is just trying to scare people... he wants to do things that is not respecting the Perak constitution."Former DAP Hee Yit Foong's Jelapang's Seat Declared Vacant
Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar said that he had received Hee's resignation letter this morning. He said that he had informed the state Election Commission about the vacancy for the Jelapang seat so that a by-election can be held within 60 days.
Exco member Ngeh Koo Ham criticised the media for claiming that the Pakatan government had collapsed.
"The government stays. We will wait for (the sultan to decide on) dissolution (of the state assembly)," he said.
Should the sultan withhold consent, a special sitting in the state assembly must be convened in order to pass a motion of no-confidence, said Ngeh.
He said that the state assembly was the most neutral place to evaluate the allegiance of the four former Pakatan state representatives which Najib claimed had left Pakatan.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE : That's the Malaysians' Call to His Highess the Sultan of Perak
Quote:
Political experts today said that state representatives should return the mandate to the people by allowing them to have the final say on who they want as their state leaders.
From Al-Husseyn Blog
Jenis yang tiada marwah
Read here for more and here
(Image courtesy of Al-Husseyn blog)
And We Say,"...For the sake of the nation, I hope the Perak Sultan will allow for a snap election to be called.
It is NOT for the politicians to decide who should rule.
In a real democracy, it is all about the people's choice.
By allowing BN to take power via the backdoor, the MONARCH may actually help to perpetuate corruption and unscrupulous practices in politics."
- Khoo Kay Peng /"Straight Talk" Blog
Read here in malaysiakiniIt will be a very sad day if the monarch's decision is unable to satisfy the wishes of the Perak rakyat, despite they having expressed their intent of the kind of government they want for their state following March 2008 election.
They showed they wanted a more multi-racial representation in government and certainly they had rejected UMNO to rule the state.
And if the monarch does not agree to a snap election so to enable the Perak rakyat to decide again who they want as their leaders, they will be burdened with a BN-government by stealth that has an overwhelming 27 UMNO representatives and only 1 MCA state assemblyman (excluding the 3 independents) in a largely multi-racial state.
That was not the deal the Perak rakyat had voted for.
-Malaysian Unplug
Political experts today said that state representatives should return the mandate to the people by allowing them to have the final say on who they want as their state leaders.
- Former University Technology Mara law professor Shad Saleem Faruqi said in such a "fluid situation, it is best the public is allowed to choose their leaders". The citizens, added Shad, were disgusted with the defections as they belittled their ability to elect their representatives.
- Chandra Muzaffar, political scientist
The mess in Perak is not in the interest of the people at all, especially at a time when Malaysia, like every other country in world, is on the brink of an economic crisis.
Getting politicians to cross over and organising defections is part of Malaysian politics since the 70s. - Chandra Muzaffar, political scientist
- Ramon Navaratnam, Transparency International president
If they want to hop, they should jump off the band wagon as well, they should just resign.
They should go back to the people, and ask for their verdict because it won't be fair to the people. - James Chin, Monash University School of Arts and Social Sciences head
The key player in this crisis is the Sultan, as Pakatan will need his permission to dissolve the state government.
Although most lawyers will argue that the Mentri Besar is in power, according to the old British system, a monarch should always follow the advice of the prime minister, regardless of personal preference.
The Sultan should know the law better than any of us, as he was formerly the Lord President of the Supreme Court.
This is very unethical, they were elected by the mandate of the people, therefore they should relinquish their seats before deciding to defect to different parties.
People need to be more civilised and let the government complete its job and this goes for both Pakatan and BN.
Coming to power through the back door is just not right. Stop all this and start working for the people in this time of crisis.
From Al-Husseyn Blog
Jenis yang tiada marwah
Read here for more and here
(Image courtesy of Al-Husseyn blog)
Inilah jenis manusia yang tidak punya maruah atau harga diri yang mudah dijual beli macam haiwan ternakan.
Ada yang kata, Nasarudin itu hanya dijadikan umpan.Apabila Pakatan Rakyat termakan umpan tersebut, mereka jadi leka dan berada di comfort zone hingga tidak menyedari 2 PKR dan 1 DAP menghilangkan diri mereka.
Katanya , Pakatan terlalu gembira diatas kemasukan Nasarudin , malah menjangkakan ada lagi 2 atau tiga yang akan ikut jejak Nasaruddin.Tup-tup, rupa-rupanya kita yang dah termakan umpan! Biarlah kita jadikan peduman dan pelajaran bagi kita.
Lain kali kalau ada yang nak masuk kem kita, pastikan kita gosok dan kikis habis kulit umno mereka sebelum terima masuk.
Saya terima SMS dari Setiausaha Akhbar MB, Anuar Hashim sebentar tadi dan dari Cina Islam, maksud yang sama :Makluman; kita masih kerajaan minoriti di Perak. Pentadbiran berjalan seperti biasa.
Dalam keadaan sekarang ada 3 keadaan kerajaan boleh bertkar.
1. Sultan bubar DUN untuk pilihan raya negeri.
2. MB dengan sukarela mengundur diri.
3. Undi tidak percaya dalam sidang DUN akan datang
Sebarkan maklumat ini untuk umum.Kita tentunya tidak akan mengambil pilihan nombor 2.
MB kita bukan jenis pengecut dan mudah menyerah kalah macam pondan!
Pilihan ke-3 , masih lama lagi.DUN hanya akan bersidang bulan April nanti.Yang kita nampak terbaik sekali ialah pilihan angka 1 - Sultan bubar DUN untuk pilihanraya negeri!
Kita berharap benar kebawah Duli Tuanku akan bertindak membubarkan DUN supaya mandat dapat dikembalikan kepada rakyat untuk memilih kerajaan baru.Menang kalah adat pertarungan.Kita tak mahu menyerah begitu sahaja kepada petualang bangsa yang khianat itu.
Kalau BN/ Umno mahukan semula kerajaan negeri Perak ini, silakan ambil secara pahlawan dan berjuang digelanggang.Buat apa banyak dalih itu ini?
UPDATE: Perak Sultan to Give His Decision Tomorrow ( Thursday, 5 February) on the Political Mess in Perak
Read here for more in SIASAH
Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaludin memaklumkan, Sultan Perak dijangka akan membuat keputusan berhubung dengan permohonan beliau untuk membubarkan Dun Perak BESOK (5 February, Thursday).
"Saya amat terharu apabila di hujung pertemuan itu apabila Baginda Sultan berkata kepada saya dengan membaca satu potong ayat Al Quran. Ayat itu yang bermaksud "Sesungguhnya Allah bersama dengan orang-orang yang sabar." katanya.
Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaludin memaklumkan, Sultan Perak dijangka akan membuat keputusan berhubung dengan permohonan beliau untuk membubarkan Dun Perak BESOK (5 February, Thursday).
"Saya amat terharu apabila di hujung pertemuan itu apabila Baginda Sultan berkata kepada saya dengan membaca satu potong ayat Al Quran. Ayat itu yang bermaksud "Sesungguhnya Allah bersama dengan orang-orang yang sabar." katanya.
How Perak's GANG OF FOUR Fooled Malaysians and Voters in their Constituencies
Read here for more
Whatever the outcome of the political imbroglio in Perak, Malaysians should remember these names ( and their faces) forever.
How else would you describe politicians who go begging for votes wrapped in the colours of their political party, who rattle off reasons why Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP deserve to win, only to repudiate everything they told the voters less than 12 months later?
They are as despicable as Barclays Premier League footballers who kiss the badge of their club before adoring thousands only to demand a transfer 24 hours later for a bigger pay packet.
Whatever the outcome of the political imbroglio in Perak, Malaysians should remember these names ( and their faces) forever.
- Datuk Nasharudin Hashim,
- Mohd Osman Jailu,
- Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and
- Hee Yit Foong
- self-serving;
- greedy;
- unprincipled;
- cowardly and
- dishonest.
How else would you describe politicians who go begging for votes wrapped in the colours of their political party, who rattle off reasons why Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP deserve to win, only to repudiate everything they told the voters less than 12 months later?
They are as despicable as Barclays Premier League footballers who kiss the badge of their club before adoring thousands only to demand a transfer 24 hours later for a bigger pay packet.
- Datuk Nasharudin Hashim
According to Nasharudin, he took the decision to switch from Umno to PKR after serious consideration of the country’s political situation and in the interest of his supporters and voters in Bota. Sure he did.
The fact that he had been forced to give up his parliamentary seat and the chairmanship of Felcra to Datuk Tajudin Rahman did not factor at all in his thinking to switch camps.
Why he did a pirouette today is anybody’s guess?
But rest assured it was not because he had a higher calling.
At a press conference in Putrajaya today, he rambled on: ”The situation in the state is critical. I have to make sacrifices.’’
Sure he did. - Mohd Osman Jailu,
- Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi
Then there is the case of Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin.
Hard to believe that two individuals as slippery as these two managed to persuade the voters of Changkat Jering and Behrang that they were worthy of support in March.
That’s what happens when the political wave comes in, it brings in deadwood, sludge and flotsam.
The fact is that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR were challenged to field a decent crop of candidates in Election 2008. So they left the bar low. The result: a motley crew of elected representatives.
For months Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin have been planning and scheming to leave PKR, no doubt prodded by Umno/BN officials who were seeking to narrow the three-seat majority which Pakatan Rakyat enjoyed in the state assembly.
Those who believe in conspiracy theories say that the duo are hoping that by going independent and backing the BN, the corruption charges against them will disappear.
No one knows their motivation except that they put their interest above everybody else’s.
Worse yet, they behaved like fugitives, hiding from their families, friends and constituents like common criminals and then offering insulting excuses.
Jamaluddin said that he was incommunicado because he was having back problems and was seeking treatment in Pahang.
He also said that he is loyal to PKR. A day later, he resigned from PKR.
Should anyone trust a lawmaker like him? Should any voter trust him or Hee the next time they stump for votes?
In life, we usually treat the unprincipled and dishonest people shabbily. Why should politicians be given a free pass? - Hee Yit Foong
She was made the Deputy House Speaker or the Perak State Assembly by the Pakatan Rakyat.
When she was found missing by DAP leadership, Hee had said she had merely been visiting her supporters and had turned her handphone off after being continuously harassed by reporters.
She has continued to be elusive, missing a DAP meeting called at the state headquarters as well as the royal function. And she finally turn up in Putrajaya press conference with DPM Najib.
Although reiterating that she has never entertained any intention to defect to BN or to leave the DAP, she expressed doubt over her future.
“I intend to stay, but will they eliminate me? This is not my first day in DAP, and I would be heavy-hearted about leaving the party,” she said.
She has been a DAP member for 22 years.
According to Tony Pua,“It’s clear now that despite claims of not crossing over, Hee was just buying time for BN to get other people on board. She was not able to be reached but only surfaced when her position was threatened by the DAP leadership.”
UPDATES ON PERAK's MESSY POLITICAL CRISIS
1830 hrs (6.30 pm Malaysian time)
1800 hrs (6 pm Malaysian time)
From Straight Talk Blog
Fickle Minded or Opportunist?
Read here for more
Bota representative Nasarudin Hashim has to be the most fickle minded politician of the year.
He left UMNO days ago claiming he is able to serve the interest of his constituency better under the Pakatan Rakyat government and went back again to UMNO.
The truth is Nasarudin is not serving the interest of his constituency but his alone. I had asked Nasarudin to resign and seek a fresh by-election to prove that his voters are supportive of his earlier decision. He even hosted a ceramah to explain to the voters his decision.
What about now?
This is an expensive lesson for PR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. He should leave UMNO political tactics behind when he left the party. PKR cannot claim to be the new face of Malaysian politics which is clean and responsible if its paramount leader has been talking about defections since the March 8, 2008 general election. I have been waiting for him to talk about governance and new ideas for the country.
Assemblymen Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Osman Jailu and Hee Yit Foong should be ashamed of themselves.
They were lying through their teeth and giving all sorts of reasons to justify their disappearance. Perakians who wanted a better Malaysia should ensure they end the political career of the 3 politicians.
Next time, vote for the quality of a candidate. There are good people in PR and there are a few good men in BN too. Malaysians should make their elected representatives work for them and not the other way round.
A number of us, independent observers, had warned the PR state governments to pull up their socks. What did I get from a few constructive articles I wrote about PR state governments e.g. Penang? I was maliciously accused by a DAP MP Jeff Ooi in Penang for blackmailing the state government for fund as a reason of my criticism. This self-proclaimed blogger activist did not even bother to apologize when he was not able to come out with any concrete evidence after the 72 hours deadline given to him.
Sometimes criticism is meant to be constructive and helpful. We criticize because we care and want the two-party system to work. The end results is always for a better Malaysia.
PR needs to handle their own "little Napoleons".
For the sake of the nation, I hope the Perak Sultan will allow for a snap election to be called. It is not for the politicians to decide who should rule. In a real democracy, it is all about the people's choice. By allowing BN to take power via the backdoor, the monarch may actually help to perpetuate corruption and unscrupulous practices in politics.
-Khoo Kay Peng
It appears the Sultan of Perak DID NOT give his consent to MB Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin's request to dissolve the State Assembly to have fresh polls and to head off BN's attempt to seize power in Perak. Read here for more
1800 hrs (6 pm Malaysian time)
- PERAK GOVERNMENT FALLS.
Perak's "Gang of Four" in Putrajaya
with DPM Najib
Note: PERAK'S Gang of Four:
Two charged in court for bribery, one
flip-flopping into UMNO-PKR-UMNO in 10 days and one
who is an emotionally unstable and "heartbroken" prima donna
who chose to be a political turn-coat for a simple reason
she feels slighted by her party leaders. - Najib said at his press conference that the Barisan Nasional has the support of the FOUR former Pakatan Perak assemblypersons - three will be "BN-friendly" Independents, while Nasarudin will rejoin Umno. Najib will meet the Perak Sultan as soon as possible. Najib said they have also given BN the mandate to select a new menteri besar for Perak.
He said it is up to the sultan to decide on Nizar's request for dissolution of the assembly. From Malaysiakini
The four are: DAP Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang) , PKR's Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) , PKR's Jamaludin Mat Radzi (Behrang) and UMNO's-then-PKR's Nasharuddin Hashim (Bota) . They were with DPM Najib in his office in Putrajaya during the press conference. - Perak MB Asks Sultan for Dissolution of State Assembly
Perak MB Mohd Nizar left the palace after meeting the sultan. He briefly told reporters that he had informed the sultan of his request for dissolution. "It is now up to Tuanku (his highness)," he said with a smile. The meeting last almost two hours. From Malaysiakini
From Straight Talk Blog
Fickle Minded or Opportunist?
Read here for more
Bota representative Nasarudin Hashim has to be the most fickle minded politician of the year.
He left UMNO days ago claiming he is able to serve the interest of his constituency better under the Pakatan Rakyat government and went back again to UMNO.
The truth is Nasarudin is not serving the interest of his constituency but his alone. I had asked Nasarudin to resign and seek a fresh by-election to prove that his voters are supportive of his earlier decision. He even hosted a ceramah to explain to the voters his decision.
What about now?
This is an expensive lesson for PR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. He should leave UMNO political tactics behind when he left the party. PKR cannot claim to be the new face of Malaysian politics which is clean and responsible if its paramount leader has been talking about defections since the March 8, 2008 general election. I have been waiting for him to talk about governance and new ideas for the country.
Assemblymen Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Osman Jailu and Hee Yit Foong should be ashamed of themselves.
They were lying through their teeth and giving all sorts of reasons to justify their disappearance. Perakians who wanted a better Malaysia should ensure they end the political career of the 3 politicians.
Next time, vote for the quality of a candidate. There are good people in PR and there are a few good men in BN too. Malaysians should make their elected representatives work for them and not the other way round.
A number of us, independent observers, had warned the PR state governments to pull up their socks. What did I get from a few constructive articles I wrote about PR state governments e.g. Penang? I was maliciously accused by a DAP MP Jeff Ooi in Penang for blackmailing the state government for fund as a reason of my criticism. This self-proclaimed blogger activist did not even bother to apologize when he was not able to come out with any concrete evidence after the 72 hours deadline given to him.
Sometimes criticism is meant to be constructive and helpful. We criticize because we care and want the two-party system to work. The end results is always for a better Malaysia.
PR needs to handle their own "little Napoleons".
For the sake of the nation, I hope the Perak Sultan will allow for a snap election to be called. It is not for the politicians to decide who should rule. In a real democracy, it is all about the people's choice. By allowing BN to take power via the backdoor, the monarch may actually help to perpetuate corruption and unscrupulous practices in politics.
-Khoo Kay Peng
Your Royal Highness, "Perak State- WHAT A BLOODY MESS ! "
Update:
MB Mohamad Nizar urged the Perak Sultan to dissolve the state assembly so that a new state election could be held.He said that he would be seeking audience with the sultan at 4pm. Read here for more
Constitutional experts have said calling for snap polls is the only way out of Perak State's political quagmire with the Election Commission refusing to call for by-elections in Behrang and Changkat Jering.
But political circles are buzzing with talk that Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has asked Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin to form a Unity Government following confirmation DAP State assemblyperson/Deputy House Speaker Hee Yit Foong today has resigned from her party. Read here for more.
Note: Our view is that under present political climate, a Unity Government is a BAD idea, does not make any sense given the circumstances of the crisis, and thus, should not be even contemplated. Read here for more
WAKIL RAKYAT MALAYSIA , MUDAH DILELONG
Malaysian politicians, not only they cannot be trusted, they have become a bunch of spineless, unprincipled and self-interested hypocrites, idiotic masters in the art of hoodwinking voters during an election campaign to trust them.
- Now it is DAP's turn: After making a fool of everybody, including her voters in her constituency in Jelapang, Perak, state assemblyperson/deputy House speaker Hee Yit Foong today confirmed that she has resigned from her party.Her resignation was confirmed by Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming.
By virtue of her decision, Hee loses her position as the state legislative assembly deputy speaker.
The latest development plunges the Pakatan Rakyat state government, which is on the verge of collapse, further into crisis.. Read here for more - The fate of Pakatan Rakyat government in Perak worsen this afternoon when Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told reporters that a recently-defected representative from Umno had gone missing.
It speculated that Bota state assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim, who joined PKR on Jan 25, is on his way back to Umno.
This latest development would put the Pakatan government under tremendous pressure following the earlier decision of its three Pakatan representatives to become independents.Read here for more - According to Malaysiakini's report, the Election Commission (EC) 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.
- Two two state excos have been incommunicado for the past five days and have been out of contact with family members and state officials.
Menteri Besar 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.Read here for more - Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi has resigned from PKR in a huff over Pakatan Rakyat’s move to declare his seat vacant, saying he will remain an independent in the 59-seat Perak state assembly.However, he was unsure if Changkat Jering assemblyman Osman Jailu would do the same. Both errant PKR state executive councillors have been missing for the past week, raising fears they had defected to Umno and forcing the Pakatan Rakyat government to request for by-elections. Read here for more
- ABDUCTION: He was a PKR member for 10 days and now he back to his old party - Bota state assemblyperson Nasarudin Hashim, who joined PKR on Jan 25, has returned to Umno's folds. Suspicion that not all is well came this afternoon when Nasarudin went missing. Speaking to reporters at his office about 3pm, Mohammad Nizar said that Nasarudin's family had informed him that the politician was "abducted on his way to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur". The MB received the information while addressing a press conference.He received a telephone call from Nasarudin's wife who told him that her husband had been taken to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's official residence in Putrajaya.
- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has asked Umno to consider all views before accepting the errant PKR duo that has set off the political impasse. Mahathir said Umno is already seen as corrupt, breaking promises and giving priority to Abdullah's crony in Terengganu, he said: "If we add to all this by accepting those accused of sexual bribery, Umno's image will get worse. Is Umno so desperate that it cannot wait for the criminal court decision against them before accepting them. If they are accepted now and then found not guilty, the so-called Umno-led government will be accused of influencing the court. True or not does not matter as the public's perception is such. It will have an effect in the 13th general election." Read here for more
- PKR Ipoh Barat division chief Fauzi Muda says he was offered RM50 million by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to entice Perak state assemblypersons to leave the Pakatan Rakyat state government."Datuk Seri Najib requested that I help persuade at least two Perak state assemblypersons, preferably from PKR, to switch parties to Umno, or become Independents," Fauzi Muda said in a statutory declaration dated 2 Feb 2009, and released to the press today.In the declaration, Fauzi described a face-to-face meeting he had with Najib on 11 March 2008, during which the deputy prime minister made him the aforementioned offer.Read here for more
The Perak Sultan, When Appealed by His Subjects, Must Be Seen Doing the Right Thing in Their Troubled Times
Malaysiakini reports: Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin is expected to have an audience with the sultan to seek the dissolution of the state assembly.If the sultan accedes to the request, a snap state election will have to be called in view of the current political upheaval in Perak.
It is learnt that Nizar is now waiting to be summoned by Sultan Azlan Shah for the audience. The menteri besar and his state assemblypersons are at the state secretariat. Nizar is also expected to call for an emergency press conference later today. Read here for more
Under the constitutional make-up of our nation, the will of the subjects of His Highness the Sultan of Perak is embodied in the political institution called the Perak State Assembly currently under the leadership of the Speaker of the Assembly.
Any suggestion of a Unity Government under current political climate is still short of the Perak rakyat's expectations and short of being "unacceptable" on many counts. It is perceived by the rakyat as being too convenient and too easy a way out of a difficult problem, with little or no long term interest of the state.
In layman parlance, it is to "chicken out" from taking a hard decision.
A unity government is still destabilising, with little medium to long term stability for Perak. It is a very short-sighted proposal and lacking in the long term economic interest of the state.
Furthermore, such a proposal discredits the wishes of the voters who had chosen to elect a Pakatan Rakyat to be the government in the state of Perak. One might agree for a Unity Government if there is no clear winner as a result of the March 2008 General Election, but certainly not now given the dubious and scandalous circumstances the Perak state is in.
No, any suggestion for a Unity Government under current circumstances is a BAD idea.
A Former Government Official Who Became the Spineless and Irresponsible Political Stooge of the BN/UMNO Government as Chairman of the Election Commission WHAT AN IDIOT !!
COMMENTARIES
It is learnt that Nizar is now waiting to be summoned by Sultan Azlan Shah for the audience. The menteri besar and his state assemblypersons are at the state secretariat. Nizar is also expected to call for an emergency press conference later today. Read here for more
Under the constitutional make-up of our nation, the will of the subjects of His Highness the Sultan of Perak is embodied in the political institution called the Perak State Assembly currently under the leadership of the Speaker of the Assembly.
Any suggestion of a Unity Government under current political climate is still short of the Perak rakyat's expectations and short of being "unacceptable" on many counts. It is perceived by the rakyat as being too convenient and too easy a way out of a difficult problem, with little or no long term interest of the state.
In layman parlance, it is to "chicken out" from taking a hard decision.
A unity government is still destabilising, with little medium to long term stability for Perak. It is a very short-sighted proposal and lacking in the long term economic interest of the state.
Furthermore, such a proposal discredits the wishes of the voters who had chosen to elect a Pakatan Rakyat to be the government in the state of Perak. One might agree for a Unity Government if there is no clear winner as a result of the March 2008 General Election, but certainly not now given the dubious and scandalous circumstances the Perak state is in.
No, any suggestion for a Unity Government under current circumstances is a BAD idea.
QUOTE
"... Since when have we amended the law to allow the EC to take over the function of the Speaker to accept or not to accept the resignation of members of the legislature?
What legal standing does EC have to claim a say over the membership of a legislature?
What legal power does EC have to interfere in the exercise of the speaker’s authority to run the affairs of the legislature?
And isn’t the decision over the suspension or resignation of a legislator the exclusive domain of the speaker?
How could an election body that has functioned for half a century have committed such fundamental error?
What conclusion can we draw other than that the EC under the new leadership of Abdul Aziz, instead breathing a new life to the much discredited body with a higher level of independence and integrity, has in fact fallen into greater depth of subservience to the ruling power ?Even the much criticized former EC chairman Rashid Rahman had the decency to publicly declare that the EC had only ONE option – to act on the speaker’s notification to call for by-elections? Read here for more
-Kim Quek
Before being appointed as Chairman of the Election Commission, Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf was the Secretary-General (Setiausaha) of the Ministry of Home Affairs under the BN-Government.His independence and neutrality as Chairman of the Election Commission is suspect.Therefore, his decisions on election matters are questionable. He should be removed so as not to inhibit the democratic process in the country.
COMMENTARIES
- The Law on Signed Undated Resignation Letters: Read here for more
Absent vitiating factors that the law recognises like forgery, fraud, undue influence, duress and illegality, an adult (not a minor or someone suffering from mental incapacity) is deemed to be responsible for handing over to a third party any signed document.
Thus, if Mr A hands a signed blank cheque to Mr B who then uses it to withdraw more monies than Mr A had in mind, Mr A cannot complain because he "armed" Mr B to make use of the signed cheque in any way he wished. Hence the expression "carte blanche" or giving a blank cheque, that is, giving full discretionary powers to another. Similarly, the giving of a credit card to another to use.
Likewise, in many other areas of law, signed undated documents are valid. They are regularly used in company and corporate documents. In conveyancing, it is common for people who sign private caveat forms to also sign withdrawal of caveat forms at the same time. Documents signed in "escrow" play a significant role in business transactions. As a matter of principle, the law should apply with equal force to politicians.
My attention has been drawn to the decision of the Federal Court in Ong Kee Hui v. Sinyium Anak Mutit [1983] 1 MLJ 36. In my opinion, that decision was very much influenced by the fact that the politicians who signed undated resignation letters and gave them to the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) also agreed to donate their parliamentary remuneration to that party.
In consequence, inadequate consideration was given by the Federal Court to the issue that is relevant for present purposes, namely, the validity of resignation letters per se, without any complications of financial benefits.
Having regard to the matters discussed in the paragraphs above (which were not mentioned by the Federal Court in the Ong Kee Hui case), and the fact that it is universal practice for politicians of all shades in most countries to operate on such basis, I am not convinced that this decision cannot be distinguished in present circumstances. - "... The only options left for the PR coalition is to dissolve the state assembly and call for fresh elections, in which case it stands to win and with a bigger majority to end the political crisis once and for all. "We don't have any other option," Perak exco member and senior lawyer A. Sivanesan told The Malaysian Insider.
"We must return to the people and get a new mandate to resolve the crisis and we are confident based on our performance in the last 10 months that the voters will return us with a bigger majority. I don't see how else this crisis can be resolved in a fair and democratic manner,"he said, adding the people of Perak are upset and angry with the PKR duo who jumped ship, and are ready to punish any and all defectors..." Read here for more - "....Facing such unprecedented and unruly challenges engineered by the incumbent Federal power, it gives comfort to note that the Pakatan Rakyat government of Perak is riding over these storms with a steady hand. It has wisely resorted to two trump cards of incumbency – barring the two assemblymen from the assembly to maintain the present workable majority and contemplating a snap election for the state to seek a renewed mandate from the people. .." Read here for more
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
The Two "Missing" PKR Perak State Assemblymen are Tainted Goods. Let Them Go
Read here article by "The Aisehman" for more
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak with PKR's Two "Tainted Goods"
Excerpts
The Election Commission says it cannot call for by-elections in Perak because there are doubts over the validity of the resignation letters of Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu.
It’s clear that at the moment, the two have no intention of resigning from their respective state assembly seats and I think we should leave it at that, as far as their status as assemblymen goes.
Leave it alone, I say.
Here Is Why
If Najib manages to lure Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman to cross over to UMNO, then let them go. Pakatan Rakyat would still have a majority in the house.
In any case, Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are likely to defect only AFTER their trial ends.
Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are tainted goods, and all Pakatan Rakyat needs to do now is say that if UMNO wants them, it can have them.
AND HERE’S another thing.
There are people who see the defections as a GOOD thing for UMNO but fear that Pak Lah will get all the credit.
These people are really out of touch.
I don’t think you want to bring out the kompang and bunga manggar for defectors like Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman:
If anybody’s been busy trying to instigate crossovers, it’s Anwar and this guy:
ANOTHER VIEW
Pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak (Dissolve the Perak State Assembly)
From Kickedefella Blog: Read here for more
Excerpts:
"... Jika dua meletakkan jawatan beerti Pakatan Rakyat ada 30 dan BN 27 dan jika 3 orang yang meletakkan jawatan, maknanya PR 29 dan BN 27. Beerti dalam tempoh 60 hari kelak, 2 atau 3 kerusi yang akan menjadi tumpuan siri pilihanraya kecil akan menentukan kerajaan yang baru.
Apa rasionalnya kerajaan yang baru dibentuk berdasarkan amanat pengundi dari 3 kerusi DUN?
Jika PR kalah kesemua kerusi itu, BN akan mengambil alih Kerajaan Negeri dengan majoriti 1 kerusi. Jika PR menang 1 dan kalah 2, PR akan terus kekal sebagai kerajaan bersandarkan majoriti 1 kerusi.
Begitulah seterusnya dan matematik memberi kita hanya satu kesimpulan iaitu, pilihanraya kecil ini hanya akan menambah kekalutan dalam pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Perak dan memberi masa depan yang mendung.
Jalan sebaiknya di dalam keadaan genting begini ialah untuk Menteri Besar setelah berbincang dengan tujuan mendapat persetujuan pemimpin-pemimpin parti dalam Kerajaan Negeri Perak, mengadap DYMM Sultan Perak dan menasihatkan supaya Baginda bersetuju untuk membubarkan Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak.
Pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak akan membolehkan para pengundi di Perak membuat keputusan semula kepada pihak manakah mandat mahu diberikan.
Walaupun keputusan akhir di bawah Tuanku Sultan, namun pembubaran DUN adalah satu-satunya langkah yang tinggal untuk menjamin rakyat mendapat sebuah kerajaan yang bermandat lebih besar dan tidak goyang.
Dengan mandat lebih besar, Kerajaan Negeri akan dapat menumpukan lebih banyak masa mentadbir dan bukan bermain politik.
Faktor politik semasa menyebelahi Pakatan Rakyat kerana UMNO yang menjadi tunggak BN sedang berhadapan kemelut pemilihan pucuk pimpinannya dan kemungkinan jika berlaku pilihanraya sama ada kecil atau pilihanraya negeri, ia akan berlaku sewaktu atau sebelum pemilihan tersebut.
Excerpts
The Election Commission says it cannot call for by-elections in Perak because there are doubts over the validity of the resignation letters of Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu.
It’s clear that at the moment, the two have no intention of resigning from their respective state assembly seats and I think we should leave it at that, as far as their status as assemblymen goes.
Leave it alone, I say.
Here Is Why
If Najib manages to lure Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman to cross over to UMNO, then let them go. Pakatan Rakyat would still have a majority in the house.
In any case, Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are likely to defect only AFTER their trial ends.
- If the court finds the two guilty of corruption, then by-elections will probably need to be held, and Pakatan Rakyat will have a good opportunity to win the seats.
- If they are found not guilty, or if the charges against them are dropped, Pakatan Rakyat wins the perception battle because people will think, rightly or wrongly, that UMNO used dirty tactics to get Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman off the hook.
Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are tainted goods, and all Pakatan Rakyat needs to do now is say that if UMNO wants them, it can have them.
AND HERE’S another thing.
There are people who see the defections as a GOOD thing for UMNO but fear that Pak Lah will get all the credit.
These people are really out of touch.
I don’t think you want to bring out the kompang and bunga manggar for defectors like Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman:
… a poll by the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research … [involving] 1,018 participants … revealed that 98% of the public will NOT tolerate politicians involved in corruption … Read here for moreOf course, Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman are innocent until proven guilty, but tell that to the likes of Mat Taib and Rahim Thamby Chik.
If anybody’s been busy trying to instigate crossovers, it’s Anwar and this guy:
Former deputy defence minister Zainal Abidin Zin today confirmed that he took PKR Ipoh Barat Division Head, Fauzi Muda, to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s official residence in Putrajaya last March. Fauzi Muda told the press that he was offered RM50 million as a reward if he could get two Pakatan Rakyat representatives in the state to cross over to Barisan Nasional. He also claimed that he was approached again several months later for the same task, but this time the reward was slashed to RM5 million per person.Fauzi signed a statutory declaration detailing what transpired during the meeting.Read here in Malaysiakini for more- "The Aisehman"
ANOTHER VIEW
Pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak (Dissolve the Perak State Assembly)
From Kickedefella Blog: Read here for more
Excerpts:
"... Jika dua meletakkan jawatan beerti Pakatan Rakyat ada 30 dan BN 27 dan jika 3 orang yang meletakkan jawatan, maknanya PR 29 dan BN 27. Beerti dalam tempoh 60 hari kelak, 2 atau 3 kerusi yang akan menjadi tumpuan siri pilihanraya kecil akan menentukan kerajaan yang baru.
Apa rasionalnya kerajaan yang baru dibentuk berdasarkan amanat pengundi dari 3 kerusi DUN?
Jika PR kalah kesemua kerusi itu, BN akan mengambil alih Kerajaan Negeri dengan majoriti 1 kerusi. Jika PR menang 1 dan kalah 2, PR akan terus kekal sebagai kerajaan bersandarkan majoriti 1 kerusi.
Begitulah seterusnya dan matematik memberi kita hanya satu kesimpulan iaitu, pilihanraya kecil ini hanya akan menambah kekalutan dalam pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Perak dan memberi masa depan yang mendung.
Jalan sebaiknya di dalam keadaan genting begini ialah untuk Menteri Besar setelah berbincang dengan tujuan mendapat persetujuan pemimpin-pemimpin parti dalam Kerajaan Negeri Perak, mengadap DYMM Sultan Perak dan menasihatkan supaya Baginda bersetuju untuk membubarkan Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak.
Pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak akan membolehkan para pengundi di Perak membuat keputusan semula kepada pihak manakah mandat mahu diberikan.
Walaupun keputusan akhir di bawah Tuanku Sultan, namun pembubaran DUN adalah satu-satunya langkah yang tinggal untuk menjamin rakyat mendapat sebuah kerajaan yang bermandat lebih besar dan tidak goyang.
Dengan mandat lebih besar, Kerajaan Negeri akan dapat menumpukan lebih banyak masa mentadbir dan bukan bermain politik.
Faktor politik semasa menyebelahi Pakatan Rakyat kerana UMNO yang menjadi tunggak BN sedang berhadapan kemelut pemilihan pucuk pimpinannya dan kemungkinan jika berlaku pilihanraya sama ada kecil atau pilihanraya negeri, ia akan berlaku sewaktu atau sebelum pemilihan tersebut.
Disgusting Trend in Malaysian Politics: Election Commission is MORE POWERFUL than the People's State Assembly
Read here in Malaysiakini and here for more
Sultan of Perak,
Raja Azlan Shah
According to Malaysiakini's report, the Election Commission (EC) 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.
This is despite the fact that the EC had received the resignations letter of the duo from the Perak speaker V Sivakumar on Feb 2. The EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Yusuf said,
Tan Sri Rashid said,
Rashid explained in the case of Perak, the question of political loyalties, fuelled by the narrow margin of one coalition over another is casting a shadow of doubt over the confidence in the ability of the incumbent government to lead.
He said the dramatic situation in Perak has no precedent because Malaysia has never before had an opposition coalition ruling the state.
In an extreme situation, the Ruler will have to decide to dissolve the state legislative assembly and call for fresh elections to restore order in the state.
Tan Sri Rashid added,
COMMENTARY
No two ways about it: DISSOLVE the Perak State Assembly
From Raja Petra Kamarudin in Malaysia-Today
Read here for more
Excerpts
I hope Pakatan Rakyat can see the logic of dissolving the Perak State Assembly so that fresh state elections can be held. That would be the only way to hold on to Perak.
However, to dissolve the Perak State Assembly, Pakatan Rakyat must first obtain the consent of the Sultan of Perak.
Will the Sultan give his consent? Many feel the answer is no.
Therefore Pakatan Rakyat will be ‘locked’ with a one-seat majority that may turn out to be a one-seat minority in the very near future.
Today, the Elections Commission rejected the resignation letters of the Changkat Jering and Behrang State Assemblymen. This means they can now join Barisan Nasional -- so Barisan Nasional will now have 29 seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s 30. All Barisan Nasional needs is just one more cross-over from Pakatan Rakyat and they will form the new Perak state government. This not only can happen. It most likely will happen.
Pakatan Rakyat has no other choice. It has to dissolve the Perak State Assembly and call for fresh state elections. Note one thing here. It is not actually Barisan Nasional versus Pakatan Rakyat.
It is Umno versus Pakatan Rakyat. From the 29 seats that Barisan Nasional now has, 28 are from Umno and only one from MCA -- with NONE from the other 12 Barisan Nasional component members.
Pakatan Rakyat started out with 31 seats in the Perak State Assembly against Barisan Nasional’s 28. This means if just two Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblymen cross over, Barisan Nasional would have 30 seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s 29. This would also mean Barisan Nasional will form the new Perak state government with a majority of one seat.
While Barisan Nasional was working on these two ‘candidates’ to cross over -- the Changat Jering and Behrang State Assemblyman -- one Umno State Assemblyman crossed over to Pakatan Rakyat. Now, Barisan Nasional needs three Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblymen to cross over instead of just two.
If fresh state elections are held, Pakatan Rakyat may sweep at least 40 seats, leaving Umno with just 19 seats. MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP will not win a single seat.
That is why Umno would not want fresh state elections, or even two by-elections. If they allow this to happen they will get wiped out and Pakatan Rakyat will increase its margin of seats even more. With a 21-seat majority it will be impossible for Barisan Nasional to continue dreaming about taking over Perak.
-Raja Petra Kamarudin
BN will not win from Perak defections
From Dr Wong Chin Huat of Monash University Sunway Campus
Read here for more
Excerpts
If the Perak Pakatan Rakyat government is brought down through defections, this may, in fact, hasten an early demise for the BN and its federal government.
On one condition: that a snap poll for Perak — what a majority of democratic governments would opt for in the face of a no-confidence vote — is called by the state government.
A referendum on Umno
Should this happen, the BN's chance of winning Perak is really slimmer than a sheet of paper.
The existing party and ethnic breakdown of the current Perak state legislative assembly is telling. The Pakatan Rakyat's current 32 seats consists of DAP's 18, PKR's eight and PAS's six. On the BN's side, 26 out of 27 lawmakers are from Umno. The 27th BN lawmaker is from the MCA.
Ethnically, the Pakatan Rakyat has 22 non-Malay Malaysian representatives (all of DAP's 18 and four of PKR's) and 10 Malay representatives, in sharp contrast to the BN's 26 Malay Malaysians and one non-Malay. That could mean there are 36 Malay-majority seats and 23 non-Malay majority or mixed seats in Perak.
However, PAS Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (holding the Pasir Panjang seat), and PKR's assemblyperson for Behrang, Jamaluddin, both won in seats that were traditionally contested by the MIC, seats which are non-Malay-majority or mixed seats. Thus there are actually two fewer, or 34, Malay-majority seats and two more, or 25, non-Malay-majority or mixed seats in Perak.
If a snap poll was called for, how would the Malay and non-Malay Malaysian electorate vote?
There is no legitimate ground for a vote of no-confidence against the current Pakatan Rakyat state government. Except for the corruption charges against Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman, the Pakatan Rakyat is not implicated in any major scandal of corruption, power abuse or incompetence.
If anything, the Pakatan Rakyat government, which prides itself for its "inexperience in corruption", has scored with flying colours. Even on a financial note, its 2008 revenue has increased by RM97 million, or a whopping 15%, from 2007.
Hence, a snap election would actually be a referendum on whether Perak voters should reinstall or reject an Umno-dominated government.
What has Umno done since 8 March to win back non-Malay Malaysians?
Nothing.
If anything, provocative statements by the likes of Datuk Ahmad Ismail and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, and worsening police violence have created more bad press for Umno and the BN.
At the same time, it would be fatal self-deceit if the BN actually thinks that the retention of Chinese Malaysian votes in the recent Kuala Terengganu by-election can be repeated elsewhere.
So, there is a good chance that the BN will lose all the 25 non-Malay-majority and mixed seats in a snap poll. This would send a strong signal to all Umno's non-Malay allies: the end is nigh. Stay in the BN and you will sink with Umno because of the electorate's wrath. That would give little incentive to these allies to continue remaining in the BN.
But what about the Malay-majority seats? If the Pakatan Rakyat sweeps away all the 25 non-Malay-majority and mixed seats, it would only need another five seats to form a simple majority government. Hence, to stop Pakatan Rakyat, Umno must prevent the Pakatan from winning another five Malay seats.
Has the Pakatan Rakyat government done so badly in meeting the needs and aspirations of the Malay Malaysian electorate that it cannot keep even five out of its current eight Malay-majority seats?
In reality, PKR and PAS will not only keep the five Malay-majority seats they need to remain in power, they are also likely to make inroads into Umno heartland.
How? Just sing Umno's tune of Malay unity. If a Pakatan Rakyat state government in Perak is a given because of the non-Malay Malaysian voters, the choices left for Malay Malaysian voters are straightforward: vote PKR or PAS for stronger Malay representation in government, or vote Umno for a stronger Malay opposition.
Faced with that kind of choice, isn't it obvious Malay Malaysian voters will vote for the Pakatan Rakyat to ensure they are strongly represented in government?
A worse scenario
A worse outcome is that Umno manages to deny PKR and PAS those crucial five Malay seats. Imagine this scenario: Umno wins 30 Malay seats, while the Pakatan Rakyat takes the 25 non-Malay or mixed seats and the remaining four Malay seats.
While Umno would then claim that Malay Malaysians have returned to its fold, the Pakatan Rakyat would likely undermine such claims by producing evidence of alleged electoral fraud, especially with the likely wafer-thin victories in most of the Malay seats; and by organising protests or acts of civil disobedience.
Meanwhile, an all-Malay government is something Malaysians have not ever experienced. And Umno cannot count on the defection of non-Malay Malaysian lawmakers from the Pakatan Rakyat opposition who would fear the electorate's wrath more than anything. No less because such a defection would be seen as a sell-out in an environment that is profoundly anti-Umno. And unlike Sabah in 1994, the next federal government need not be Umno-led. These factors will surely influence the calculation of possible defectors.
As we can imagine, a Perak under Umno would likely be ungovernable given the inevitable strong opposition from half of the Malay and almost all of the non-Malay Malaysians in the state. In such a situation, the federal government may even call for a state of emergency if opposition to an Umno-led state government starts to become messy.
But whether this happens or not, Umno would lose its "stability" appeal, something it has held on to even during the Reformasi years. Voting Umno would then be associated with voting for chaos.
Do we need to ask how voters would then vote during the 13th general election?
The best scenario
The best scenario for the BN to form the next state government is to bring down the current one through defections to its side, instead of going through a snap poll.
But that would require Perak MB Nizar not requesting for the state assembly's dissolution for snap polls to be held. Or it would require Sultan Azlan Shah rejecting such a request if it was made.
But why would Nizar hand over his government to his enemies? And why would the well-respected Perak Sultan sacrifice his reputation of benevolence, modernity and unity to save Umno?
As Stephen Covey states in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, begin with the end in mind. That's good advice to political parties before they start playing with fire
-Dr Wong Chin Huat
Sultan of Perak,
Raja Azlan Shah
We say ,
This is not the time for the Perak Royal Household to stand aside in the affairs of the people of Perak.
This deadlock between a Federal institution and the Perak people's assembly is getting ridiculous and totally out of hand.
The will of the people of Perak through the Perak State Assembly must be enforced and respected by public-funded institutions, such as the Election Commision, which were created as servants of the people.
Malaysians are simply fed-up to the hilt knowing the EC had been deeply politicised far too long by the UMNO-led Government, thus making Malaysian democracy into a big farce.
We therefore earnestly call upon His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, and as a matter of great urgency, to directly engage in the political process to prevent the worsening of the chaotic state of affairs in His Highness's realm.His Royal Highness MUST intervene, and intervene rightly on the side of his subjects. Daulat Tuanku !
-Malaysian Unplug
According to Malaysiakini's report, the Election Commission (EC) 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.
This is despite the fact that the EC had received the resignations letter of the duo from the Perak speaker V Sivakumar on Feb 2. The EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Yusuf said,
Yet, ex-chairman of the Election Commission Tan Sri Rashid Rahman said the EC has NO choice but to call for by-elections in the next 60 days, commenting on news reports that Perak State Assembly Speaker, V Sivakumar, had informed the state EC director this morning of the vacancies in the Behrang and Changkat Jering state seats held by PKR representatives. Read here for more"There exist doubts over the validity of the resignation letters submitted by the Perak state assembly speaker given the fact that the incumbents for both state constituencies had, with total realisation, submitted letters to discount both the submitted resignation letters as invalid.
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."
Tan Sri Rashid said,
Tan Sri Rashid, who retired last year at 66, has almost 25 years experience in the EC.“That is the requirement under the Federal Constitution.
The Election Commission is in NO position to question why.”
Rashid explained in the case of Perak, the question of political loyalties, fuelled by the narrow margin of one coalition over another is casting a shadow of doubt over the confidence in the ability of the incumbent government to lead.
He said the dramatic situation in Perak has no precedent because Malaysia has never before had an opposition coalition ruling the state.
In an extreme situation, the Ruler will have to decide to dissolve the state legislative assembly and call for fresh elections to restore order in the state.
Tan Sri Rashid added,
“If he, the Sultan, feels that the state party in power needs a new mandate from the people, then it is for the Ruler to consider.
There is NO other way a stable government can be formed in Perak.”
COMMENTARY
No two ways about it: DISSOLVE the Perak State Assembly
From Raja Petra Kamarudin in Malaysia-Today
Read here for more
Excerpts
I hope Pakatan Rakyat can see the logic of dissolving the Perak State Assembly so that fresh state elections can be held. That would be the only way to hold on to Perak.
However, to dissolve the Perak State Assembly, Pakatan Rakyat must first obtain the consent of the Sultan of Perak.
Will the Sultan give his consent? Many feel the answer is no.
Therefore Pakatan Rakyat will be ‘locked’ with a one-seat majority that may turn out to be a one-seat minority in the very near future.
Today, the Elections Commission rejected the resignation letters of the Changkat Jering and Behrang State Assemblymen. This means they can now join Barisan Nasional -- so Barisan Nasional will now have 29 seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s 30. All Barisan Nasional needs is just one more cross-over from Pakatan Rakyat and they will form the new Perak state government. This not only can happen. It most likely will happen.
Pakatan Rakyat has no other choice. It has to dissolve the Perak State Assembly and call for fresh state elections. Note one thing here. It is not actually Barisan Nasional versus Pakatan Rakyat.
It is Umno versus Pakatan Rakyat. From the 29 seats that Barisan Nasional now has, 28 are from Umno and only one from MCA -- with NONE from the other 12 Barisan Nasional component members.
Pakatan Rakyat started out with 31 seats in the Perak State Assembly against Barisan Nasional’s 28. This means if just two Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblymen cross over, Barisan Nasional would have 30 seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s 29. This would also mean Barisan Nasional will form the new Perak state government with a majority of one seat.
While Barisan Nasional was working on these two ‘candidates’ to cross over -- the Changat Jering and Behrang State Assemblyman -- one Umno State Assemblyman crossed over to Pakatan Rakyat. Now, Barisan Nasional needs three Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblymen to cross over instead of just two.
If fresh state elections are held, Pakatan Rakyat may sweep at least 40 seats, leaving Umno with just 19 seats. MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP will not win a single seat.
That is why Umno would not want fresh state elections, or even two by-elections. If they allow this to happen they will get wiped out and Pakatan Rakyat will increase its margin of seats even more. With a 21-seat majority it will be impossible for Barisan Nasional to continue dreaming about taking over Perak.
-Raja Petra Kamarudin
BN will not win from Perak defections
From Dr Wong Chin Huat of Monash University Sunway Campus
Read here for more
Excerpts
If the Perak Pakatan Rakyat government is brought down through defections, this may, in fact, hasten an early demise for the BN and its federal government.
On one condition: that a snap poll for Perak — what a majority of democratic governments would opt for in the face of a no-confidence vote — is called by the state government.
A referendum on Umno
Should this happen, the BN's chance of winning Perak is really slimmer than a sheet of paper.
The existing party and ethnic breakdown of the current Perak state legislative assembly is telling. The Pakatan Rakyat's current 32 seats consists of DAP's 18, PKR's eight and PAS's six. On the BN's side, 26 out of 27 lawmakers are from Umno. The 27th BN lawmaker is from the MCA.
Ethnically, the Pakatan Rakyat has 22 non-Malay Malaysian representatives (all of DAP's 18 and four of PKR's) and 10 Malay representatives, in sharp contrast to the BN's 26 Malay Malaysians and one non-Malay. That could mean there are 36 Malay-majority seats and 23 non-Malay majority or mixed seats in Perak.
However, PAS Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (holding the Pasir Panjang seat), and PKR's assemblyperson for Behrang, Jamaluddin, both won in seats that were traditionally contested by the MIC, seats which are non-Malay-majority or mixed seats. Thus there are actually two fewer, or 34, Malay-majority seats and two more, or 25, non-Malay-majority or mixed seats in Perak.
If a snap poll was called for, how would the Malay and non-Malay Malaysian electorate vote?
There is no legitimate ground for a vote of no-confidence against the current Pakatan Rakyat state government. Except for the corruption charges against Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman, the Pakatan Rakyat is not implicated in any major scandal of corruption, power abuse or incompetence.
If anything, the Pakatan Rakyat government, which prides itself for its "inexperience in corruption", has scored with flying colours. Even on a financial note, its 2008 revenue has increased by RM97 million, or a whopping 15%, from 2007.
Hence, a snap election would actually be a referendum on whether Perak voters should reinstall or reject an Umno-dominated government.
What has Umno done since 8 March to win back non-Malay Malaysians?
Nothing.
If anything, provocative statements by the likes of Datuk Ahmad Ismail and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, and worsening police violence have created more bad press for Umno and the BN.
At the same time, it would be fatal self-deceit if the BN actually thinks that the retention of Chinese Malaysian votes in the recent Kuala Terengganu by-election can be repeated elsewhere.
So, there is a good chance that the BN will lose all the 25 non-Malay-majority and mixed seats in a snap poll. This would send a strong signal to all Umno's non-Malay allies: the end is nigh. Stay in the BN and you will sink with Umno because of the electorate's wrath. That would give little incentive to these allies to continue remaining in the BN.
But what about the Malay-majority seats? If the Pakatan Rakyat sweeps away all the 25 non-Malay-majority and mixed seats, it would only need another five seats to form a simple majority government. Hence, to stop Pakatan Rakyat, Umno must prevent the Pakatan from winning another five Malay seats.
Has the Pakatan Rakyat government done so badly in meeting the needs and aspirations of the Malay Malaysian electorate that it cannot keep even five out of its current eight Malay-majority seats?
In reality, PKR and PAS will not only keep the five Malay-majority seats they need to remain in power, they are also likely to make inroads into Umno heartland.
How? Just sing Umno's tune of Malay unity. If a Pakatan Rakyat state government in Perak is a given because of the non-Malay Malaysian voters, the choices left for Malay Malaysian voters are straightforward: vote PKR or PAS for stronger Malay representation in government, or vote Umno for a stronger Malay opposition.
Faced with that kind of choice, isn't it obvious Malay Malaysian voters will vote for the Pakatan Rakyat to ensure they are strongly represented in government?
A worse scenario
A worse outcome is that Umno manages to deny PKR and PAS those crucial five Malay seats. Imagine this scenario: Umno wins 30 Malay seats, while the Pakatan Rakyat takes the 25 non-Malay or mixed seats and the remaining four Malay seats.
While Umno would then claim that Malay Malaysians have returned to its fold, the Pakatan Rakyat would likely undermine such claims by producing evidence of alleged electoral fraud, especially with the likely wafer-thin victories in most of the Malay seats; and by organising protests or acts of civil disobedience.
Meanwhile, an all-Malay government is something Malaysians have not ever experienced. And Umno cannot count on the defection of non-Malay Malaysian lawmakers from the Pakatan Rakyat opposition who would fear the electorate's wrath more than anything. No less because such a defection would be seen as a sell-out in an environment that is profoundly anti-Umno. And unlike Sabah in 1994, the next federal government need not be Umno-led. These factors will surely influence the calculation of possible defectors.
As we can imagine, a Perak under Umno would likely be ungovernable given the inevitable strong opposition from half of the Malay and almost all of the non-Malay Malaysians in the state. In such a situation, the federal government may even call for a state of emergency if opposition to an Umno-led state government starts to become messy.
But whether this happens or not, Umno would lose its "stability" appeal, something it has held on to even during the Reformasi years. Voting Umno would then be associated with voting for chaos.
Do we need to ask how voters would then vote during the 13th general election?
The best scenario
The best scenario for the BN to form the next state government is to bring down the current one through defections to its side, instead of going through a snap poll.
But that would require Perak MB Nizar not requesting for the state assembly's dissolution for snap polls to be held. Or it would require Sultan Azlan Shah rejecting such a request if it was made.
But why would Nizar hand over his government to his enemies? And why would the well-respected Perak Sultan sacrifice his reputation of benevolence, modernity and unity to save Umno?
As Stephen Covey states in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, begin with the end in mind. That's good advice to political parties before they start playing with fire
-Dr Wong Chin Huat
Monday, 2 February 2009
DAP Perak Deputy Speaker, Hee Yit Foong: Is she an Unreliable Opportunist Who Should NEVER be Trusted by Voters in Her Constituency to Stay in DAP?
DAP State Representative for JELAPANG (N.31)
Jelapang is a town in Kinta district, Perak, Malaysia. Hee Yit Foong was the first disabled woman to become the speaker of a Malaysian legislative body. She carries a limp from a case of polio she contracted at the age of 4. In the 2008 General Election she won the Jelapang State seat of 26,157 voters with a 6,707 majority.
Excerpts: Read here for more
Speculation is also rife that Hee Yit Fong, the deputy state assembly speaker and a DAP assemblyman is considering a defection to MCA.
According to reports in Malaysian Insider , she wants to leave DAP because she does not get along with Nga Kor Ming, a DAP state exco member and Ngeh Koo Ham, the Perak DAP boss and senior exco member. She is supposed to be meeting with MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat to discuss handover terms.
Although reiterating that she has never entertained any intention to defect to BN or to leave the DAP, she expressed doubt over her future.
“I intend to stay, but will they eliminate me? This is not my first day in DAP, and I would be heavy-hearted about leaving the party,” she said.
However, talk of Hee defecting from DAP to MCA is NOT new.
Speculation emerged last May, but she has remained in the party.It is an open secret that Hee has not been on good terms with DAP state leaders, in particular the Ngeh-Nga cousins - Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming. Read here for more
But some Perak DAP members claim that they are unfazed by the speculation regarding Hee because they claim all DAP lawmakers had signed an undated resignation letter which would be executed in the event any legislator crosses over to another party.
With the Perak state government tottering on the brink, the kingmakers are the Perak palace, in the long-term, and for now a politically estranged woman — DAP's Jelapang representative Hee Yit Foong who, now that the two PKR Exco members have flown the coop, holds the magical one-seat balance in the state assembly.
Whether the PKR duo — Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering Assemblyman Osman Jailu — defect to Umno or prefer to be called independents, the fact is Pakatan Rakyat cannot rely on them anymore.
With them gone the PR government survives on a one-seat majority in the 59-seat state assembly and was in fact written off yesterday after Hee "disappeared" for over 12 hours, leaving DAP leaders sweating and desperately trying to locate her.
Hee Yit Fong coolly emerged, only to slam DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for threatening to vacate her seat and force a by-election.
She demanded an apology from secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for saying that party representative in the state who are incommunicado for more than 24 hours without reason will find their seats vacated.
She told a press conference at her house last night that she is disappointed with the warning by Guan Eng, made when two PKR state assemblypersons were said to have gone ‘missing’ over the weekend.
While Guan Eng may have been making a pre-emptive strike, it has not gone down well with Hee who herself was deemed to have ‘disappeared’ briefly yesterday, thereby adding to speculation that she too would cross over to Barisan Nasional.
“I don’t understand how he views the state’s representatives. The statement is unfair to me. Usually problems within the party will be solved among members, not through a public statement,” said Hee.
Hee explained that she had been in her house in Ipoh for most of yesterday, only leaving the premises from 3 to 6pm.
She also said she had switched off her handphone because she was “not feeling well”, which was also the reason why she failed to attend yesterday's meeting called by Mentri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
“I live here in Ipoh, but no one from the party came looking for me (at my house). They could have contacted my husband, but no one did. I thought everything was in order,” said Hee, who is also Perak deputy speaker.
Hee said she only found out what was going on when she found reporters at her door, upon returning in the evening.
"He (Guan Eng) should have some confidence in me," Hee said at a midnight press conference at her home. But given the current turmoil, trust and confidence is definitely missing and that is because the katak culture of defections and counter-defections is taking root. Read here for more
From today the PR government in Perak is at the mercy of Perak Deputy House Speaker Hee Yit Foong or any other assemblyman — on both sides of the divide — who has the gumption to exploit the situation and advance themselves — financially, socially and politically.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Perak Sultan Should DISSOLVE the State Assembly if Perak Pakatan Rakyat Govt Falls
From Malaysiakini: Read here for more
Update: 2nd February 2009
Read here for more
Two PKR Perak State Assemblymen Missing
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.
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 Sunday, the day when 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.
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.
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.
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.
There have been swirling rumours that Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman, who were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year may have decided to defect to Umno in the hopes of getting off the charge.
At the same time, another news that's spreading like a wildfire in Perak today is the sudden ‘disappearance' of the state assembly deputy speaker Hee Yit Fong and her imminent crossover over to the MCA.
Hee, 46, is the DAP's state representative for Jelapang.
It is learnt that she has missed a state and party function last night. She was also absent from the meeting chaired by Mohamad Nizar this morning.
Attempts to contact her for comments via her mobile telephone have been unsuccessful. Sources are saying that she would be attending a MCA function later today in Ipoh.
Talks of Hee defecting from DAP is not new. Such talks first emerged in May last year but Hee continued to remain in DAP and Pakatan.
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.
RELATED ARTICLE
Let’s fight it out
Read here for more
by
Liew Chin Tong
(Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, Penang and member of DAP Central Executive Committee)
From Malaysian Insider, article by Zulkifli Sulong .
Update: 2nd February 2009
"...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.--- END OF UPDATE ---"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. Read here for more
We Say ,
Malaysian politics is getting to be sickening by the day with politicians, if not threatening to quit for one reason or the other, would jump from one party to another like drunken frogs so as to destabilise the government.
We therefore support the call for His Highness the Sultan Perak to dissolve the Perak State Assembly immediately if situation dictates that the Pakatan Rakyat State Government falls due to irresponsible Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblymen crossing over to Barisan Nasional for self-interest or to escape prosecution for corruption as in the case of the two PKR Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Radzi and his Changkat Jering colleague Osman Jailu.
Malaysians need a stable government without worrying whether those they have elected would be switching allegiance to cause the downfall of governments.
A fresh election will enable the Pakatan Rakyat parties to carefully choose and scrutinise worthy candidates, to avoid having in their midst politicians with a propensity to bribe or the susceptibility to be corrupted.
The voters in Perak deserves better whichever party they will choose next to run the state government, should it arise.
-Malaysian Unplug
The faces of the missing two PKR State Assemblymen charged for bribery.
Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (PKR, Behrang) and Osman Jailu (PKR, Changkat Jering)
Read here for more
Two PKR Perak State Assemblymen Missing
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.
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 Sunday, the day when 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.
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.
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.
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.
There have been swirling rumours that Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman, who were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year may have decided to defect to Umno in the hopes of getting off the charge.
At the same time, another news that's spreading like a wildfire in Perak today is the sudden ‘disappearance' of the state assembly deputy speaker Hee Yit Fong and her imminent crossover over to the MCA.
Hee, 46, is the DAP's state representative for Jelapang.
It is learnt that she has missed a state and party function last night. She was also absent from the meeting chaired by Mohamad Nizar this morning.
Attempts to contact her for comments via her mobile telephone have been unsuccessful. Sources are saying that she would be attending a MCA function later today in Ipoh.
Talks of Hee defecting from DAP is not new. Such talks first emerged in May last year but Hee continued to remain in DAP and Pakatan.
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.
RELATED ARTICLE
Let’s fight it out
Read here for more
by
Liew Chin Tong
(Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, Penang and member of DAP Central Executive Committee)
Perhaps it is time for the Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to seek the Sultan’s consent to dissolve the Perak State Assembly.Jika benar begitu... Umno memang tidak sedar diri
If granted, I am confident that Pakatan Rakyat will win. A Pakatan victory will spell the end of Umno/Barisan Nasional.
By all accounts it looks like the two Parti KeADILan Rakyat Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Radzi and his Changkat Jering colleague Osman Jailu, who have been reported “missing”, are confirmed crossing over to Barisan Nasional.
They are “missing” ala P.I. Bala-style for a reason. They won’t surface until BN gathers enough numbers to topple the PR government at once.
According to the grapevine, at least one state assemblyperson from DAP is scheduled to meet MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat tonight to seal a deal that will bring down the nascent PAS, DAP and PKR joint state government.
There is no time to lose.
And, there is nothing to lose for Pakatan to return to the people for a fresh mandate.
Unlike Umno, PR parties have not been tied down by vested interests. Apart from State Executive Councilors losing the right to use their official cars, almost no one loses anything if PR fails to wrest back the state in an election.
But if PR wins the election, Umno/Barisan Nasional will collapse soon after. Just imagine the impact of hundreds of Pematang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu combined.
I am confident that with a better slate of candidates and a well planned campaign, Pakatan Rakyat will win comfortably. Non-Malay support for PR in general has increased after March 8th while Kuala Terengganu shows that it is possible for Pakatan to win Malay support.
To hold election now is good for PR as Umno is fractious and more interested in its own party election than anything else.
There is a caveat here. The Sultan may reject the request for dissolution. But being the reputably most enlightened House in country, His Royal Highness would have to take into consideration his own place in history when he decides. Either way, it will have far reaching consequences for his state, and the nation.
With a request to dissolve the State Assembly, the buck stops at the Sultan’s court, not Pakatan’s. That’s sufficed in a crisis situation as we have already done our part to attempt to return to the people.
From Malaysian Insider, article by Zulkifli Sulong .
Read here for more
Excerpts
"Usaha menghubungi mereka sehingga pagi ini gagal dan kita mengecam segala usaha menganggu gugat Exco dan pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri," kata Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaludin kepada sidang media pagi Ahad 1 Februari.
Kenyataan ini mengesahkan kehilangan dua Exco kerajaan Perak, Jamaluddin Mat Radzi dan Osman Jailu, masuk hari kelima. Selain tidak dapat dihubungi hatta oleh keluarga mereka sendiri, mereka berdua juga telah tidak menyertai mesyuarat Exco kerajaan negeri yang terakhir minggu lalu.
Bagi MB Perak itu, pihaknya bersedia dengan apa sahaja kemungkinan ekoran kehilangan ini hatta mereka sudah menyertai BN, beliau tidak kesah nampaknya. Asalkan kedua-dua tampil ke depan dan menjelaskan kedudukan sebenarnya.
"Kami percaya kehilangan mereka ada hubungan rapat dengan pertuduhan kes rasuah yang sedang mereka hadapi dan perbicaraan kes tersebut akan bermula pada 10 Februari," kata pengerusi perhubungannya Osman Abdul Rahman dalam satu kenyataan lewat petang 31 Januari.
"Kami percaya ada usaha-usaha oleh BN untuk memujuk kedua-dua Exco ini bagi menyertai BN dan sebagai imbuhan terdesak Najib, termasuk menggugurkan kes rasuah mereka," kata beliau.
Persoalannya kini adalah, jika benar BN mahu menarik kedua-duanya menyertai mereka, apakah tujuannya. Mahu menjatuhkan kerajaan negeri Perak? Ia tidak akan berlaku kalau setakat mereka berdua sahaja. BN memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya tiga Adun Pakatan Rakyat untuk menyertainya barulah kerajaan negeri yang ada boleh bertukar tangan.
Dengan mood yang ada pada rakyat sekarang, agak pelik jika benar tindakan Umno mahu membeli kedua-dua Exco itu.
Ini kerana, walaupun kedua-duanya boleh dipujuk dan dibeli dengan isu dakwaan rasuah yang mereka hadapi tetapi langkah itu tidak akan menjatuhkan kerajaan negeri Pakatan kerana Umno memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya tiga Adun untuk menjadikannya majoriti dalam Dun Perak.
Sementara itu, ramai tidak yakin Umno akan berusaha mendapatkan kedua-dua Exco itu menyertainya kerana jika Umno berbuat demikian terlalu jelas caranya iaitu memberikan janji untuk tidak mendakwanya di mahkamah ekoran dakwaan rasuah ke atas mereka berdua. "Umno sudah buruk dengan isu korupsi. Jika dia cuba dapatkan kedua-dua Exco itu melalui cara itu, semakin jelaslah kepada rakyat Umno memang korup dan peranan SPRM akan dipertikaikan," kata seorang penganalisa politik.
Undi di Permatang Pauh dan Kuala Terengganu jelas memberikan amaran kepada BN agar bangun dan sedar segera dari tidurnya. Najib sendiri juga mengaku perkara ini.
Jika benar Najib dan pemimpin BN berusaha ke arah itu, beliau juga tidak boleh lupa bahawa kerajaan negeri Perak juga nampaknya bersedia menghadapinya.
Nizar dalam sidang akhbarnya pagi ini berkata, pihaknya membuat persiapan ke arah itu namun tidak mahu mendedahkan persediaan yang dibuat apabila terdapat pengesahan dua Exconya telah melompat. Namun jelasnya semua adalah mengikut kuasa undang-undang yang ada.
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