Dompok, Bumburing Retain UPKO Top Posts

Dompok, Bumburing Retain UPKO Top Posts

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok and Datuk Seri Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing today retained their posts unopposed, in the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) as president and deputy president, respectively.

The results which were announced after the party's pre-council meeting here, also saw Arthur Sen and Datin Dr Jaina Sintian become the new youth and wanita chiefs unopposed, from their current positions as deputies.

Senator Maijol Mahap, Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin, Datuk Wences Angang and Datuk Tan Yong Gee also retained their posts unapposed as vice-presidents.

Datuk Christine Tibok Vanhouten, who did not defend her position as wanitachief, also secured a vice-president's post unopposed.

Earlier, Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh was also nominated for vice-president but he decided not to defend his post by pulling out.

The Upko president is set to announce the appointments for two more posts of vice-president.

Dr Marcus, and Donald Mojuntin -- who did not defend his youth chief position -- are among those rumoured to be appointed.

Upko will hold its delegates conference from Oct 10 to 12.

The results for the remaining positions in youth and wanita movements are expected on Oct 10, while those for the remaining supreme council positions are expected on Oct 12.

When September Ends

It has been an eventful September. When I first started this blog, September 8, the BN was forced to vacate its Pensiangan (Sabah) parliamentary seat by the Election Court. The appeal was lodged by PKR. So now there will be a by-election.

Then we have, Ahmad Ismail, an Umno member, who stoked racial flame by his racist remarks.This was followed by an outburst from a member of his entourage, at a press conference who took down the former Penang Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon's portrait and ripped it to half. Later after that, Ahmad Ismail's Umno membership was suspended for 3 years.

Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) was arrested by the Internal Security Act (ISA) and still is in Kamunting Prison. He will be there, indefinitely, for 2 years. According to his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, he is being held on 4 grounds;

1. 2 articles on Islam
2. The article on 'Let's Send the Altantuya Murderers to Hell'
3. Articles on the Leaders
4. Comments posted on the Blog, one of the commentator he mentioned was Anti Anti-Hadith who he has his own blog.

Almost immediately after RPK's arrest, 3 more arrests followed;

1. Tan Hoon Cheng, a reporter for the Sin Chew Daily News 
2. Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament for Seputeh who is also Assemblyman for Kinrara
3. Syed Azidi Syed Aziz, a blogger also known as Kickdefella

Eventually the 3 individuals were therefore released since then, leaving RPK to serve out his indefinite 2 years sentence.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, attempted a political coup to wrest power from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He even set the date at September 16 as the day that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would govern the country. The date's significance was to commemorate the merger of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak which formed the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. That particular issue is still in debate as we speak; 51 years or 45 years?

Anyway, Anwar was eventually dealt with a setback. The reason given was that Pak Lah refused to meet up and discuss the transition of power. Anwar then went for a September 23 deadline, where PR would demand for a motion of no confidence against the leadership of the prime minister at parliament. That too was to no avail. I guess nobody wanted to open the doors for that day... By then the momentum of March 8 Election and August 26 By-election slowed nearly to a stand-still.

Before the setback of September 16 was settling in, SAPP announced its walk-out from the BN coalition on September 17. The decision of majority of its members met was with disagreement with the minority members of the party. This led to the resignations of senior leaders like Raymond Tan, Tham Nyip Shen and others from SAPP. Currently, Raymond Tan is still Deputy Chief Minister while Tham Nyip Shen resigned as Technology Advisor to the Chief Minister. There were more but I didn't care to keep track (Hey, it's my blog! I'm entitled not to keep track on matters that are of little interest to me...) 

Most of the members of the party participated in mass resignations from all government related position. And now SAPP waits. The actions of this political party has won many admirers. Their future in politics is secured as they now have the support of the rakyat.

Meanwhile another Sabah BN component party, UPKO, showed its displeasure of the treatment rendered by the National Registration Department (NRD) to 78-year-old Yong Hua @ Piang Lin, a Sino-Kadazan, by transforming her from a Sabahan Bumiputra into a Permanent Resident (PR). This means that she holds a red IC and she is visitor in her own home. 

Yong said; 

"I asked the officer why it was red and she replied that for senior citizens who lost their IC, the department would normally replace them with red ICs,"26 September 2008, Daily Express

When he was approached to comment, UPKO Deputy President Wilfred Bumburing had this to say;

"If the NRD or government has no satisfactory answer, I strongly urge UPKO to seriously to review its position in the BN because an identification document is a very important matter as it shows their sense of belonging" 27 September 2008, Daily Express.

The NRD later issued a statement that said it detected some flaws in the blue Identity Card of Yong. Its public relations officer Janisah Mohd Noor stated that the flaw was found out after studying the document of the holder. She however never elaborated any further.

Around this time, on September 26, the UMNO Supreme Council decided that its AGM will be put off to March 2009 while their division meetings are to proceed as scheduled on October 9. It was widely speculated that Pak Lah might not defend his position as UMNO President in the wake of the party's uprising against his leadership. Pak Lah had since then swapped his Ministry of Finance portfolio for Najib's Ministry of Defence portfolio. Over at Kickdefella, the blogger has a theory that Pak Lah wanted the Defence Ministry so that his son, Kamaluddin would profit from the Eurocopter deal. Kamaluddin would stand to make RM250 Million per annum for the next 30 years.

As I go through the posts that I have placed here, I can't help noticing that the nation is undergoing a lot of political discontent, confusion and instability. I hope that most of these many many issues will be resolved in the coming days. I feel as though the country has lost its direction. I remember during the Mahathir Era, everybody had dreams and purposes to fulfill and were encouraged to see them through. We were always looking forward for the future. Whether you liked him or not, Tun M while he was pro-Malay he never once neglected the other races. He couldn't please everybody (who could have?) but he tried his best to be fair. He had his moments and he may had been autocratic but he never treated power as casually as the current PM is doing. Especially when it comes to family members. I tend to shiver every time I imagine a certain future 40-year-old power crazy politician finally becomes Prime Minister...

And the story... 

...pauses for the moment. 

Tomorrow is Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and I like to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya! Happy holidays everybody and please drive safely! 

Get Hari Raya Graphics Here

Bernama SMS 30/09/08 (5)

Maybank completed acquisition of Bank Internasional Indonesia with RM 758.9mln rebate from Fullerton and Kookmin.

Bernama SMS 30/09/08 (4)

Govt will monitor decisions of financial institutions carefully in wake of the financial turmoil in US and Europe, says DPM Najib

Bernama SMS 30/09/08 (3)

BNM governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz appointed by Bank for International Settlement as chair of its Asian Consultative Council

Bernama SMS 30/09/08 (2)

Interest rates are good enough for the property market but demand not there because fears of recession, says tax expert

MalaysiaKini SMS 30/09/08 (2)

Lawyers for ISA detainee Raja Petra Kamarudin are not giving up. They filed a second habeas corpus application at KL High Court today.

Daily Express, 30th September 2008

State Govt to discuss plea for Sabahans to head these depts

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will discuss the call by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and other quarters for the State National Registration Department (NRD) and Immigration Department to be headed by Sabahans. "We will discuss it," Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said when met after inspecting the preparation of the venue of the Hari Raya open house to be hosted by him and State Cabinet Minister at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex, Monday. Musa also disclosed he had requested the NRD to look into the plight of the woman from Penampang whose citizenship was downgraded to that of a Permanent Resident after she received a replacement for her lost MyKad last year. Asked whether grouses by component parties like the United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) - which threatened to review its position in the BN if issues like those affecting the Penampang woman continued to be unresolved - showed that there is disunity in the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN), he said: "No, Upko is very much still with us (BN) É only SAPP". Musa, who is Sabah BN chairman, said he had been saying all this while that many of the leaders and members of SAPP like Datuk Raymond Tan disagreed with the party's leadership move to leave the BN. "You can see lately many SAPP branches are now joining Raymond Tan. Not all SAPP members are leaving BN," he said. Meanwhile, Umno Sabah secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin said it was up to the BN component parties to decide their position in the national coalition. "That is up to them," he said when asked about the report stating that UPKO might review their position in the BN. However, he said it should not be seen as though the BN in Sabah was cracking. "We need BN component parties (which) whenever we face difficulties they should be firmly with us (and) that is the spirit of BN. But, if members are behaving like that then its up to them I cannot comment on that." "Its like a friend É you should not be a friend (only) during happier times," he said.

Taib family's CMS to benefit from dam

Taib family's CMS to benefit from dam: 

An excerpt from MalaysiaKini

"''For energy needs in Sarawak, we don't need the Murum, because Bakun is more than enough to supply the state's needs,'' says Raymond Abin of the Borneo Resource Institute (Brimas). ''Of course, (much of) this will not go to the really rural areas but will supply industry's needs.'

'The impression among many sceptics is that these are all self-serving projects,' said another senior academic in a Sarawak-based university, carefully weighing his words while requesting anonymity.

All these funds are not helping the most affected communities like the Penan.

''This is not development for the Penan. This is not assisting the Penan,'' says Weng, a Penan whose home will be submerged. ''This is killing the Penan. As our old headman said before, better bomb us now than 'kill' us slowly!''"

Najib: We will be able to withstand global economic crisis

Najib: We will be able to withstand global economic crisis: "By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 30 - Datuk Seri Najib Razak today moved to arrest economic jitters caused by the massive plunge in financial markets sparked by Washington's failure to get Congress to pass the US$700 billion bailout package.

He said economic buffers were in place to withstand external shocks from the global economy.

Najib, who is also Finanace Minister, said the country’s international reserves stood at US$119 billion.

'The national surplus is large and FDI was significant at US$31 billion in the first half of the year,' he said.

The meltdown on Wall Street yesterday saw the Dow Jones industrials index plummet 777 points - the worst share plunge in history."

Bernama SMS 30/09/08

M'sia's economy has the capacity to weather the destablising consequences of the US subprime crisis, says DPM Najib.

GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH

GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin 

I was perturbed when I read YB Teresa Kok’s statement that the food under ISA detention is equivalent or slightly better than dog food.  It costs RM8 to feed a dog, according to the Malay Mail survey and only RM4.50 to feed on ISA detainees. 

I feed my cats and fish premium food such as science diet and would never dream of feeding my pets the food that we are fed here.  I actually stopped eating the food here after the first couple of days because it gave me diarrhea. 

A couple of nights ago I vomited after eating the food and now I cannot even stand the sight or smell of the trays that they send to our cell twice a day. 

I now survive on dates and plain water and I suppose if that is good enough for camels to survive in the Arabian Desert, it should be good enough for me. 

I was told camels have a healthy sex drive and I would like to believe it because of the date that is my staple food.  Of cause, there is no way I can test this theory until I come safely out of this place. 

Actually, food is the least of my worries at this point of time.  I am presently in three months solitary confinement and the only pussy I get to see is this mangy cat that somehow has found its way into my cellblock to sleep outside my locked door. 

It has not rained since I arrived here a week ago and I was told Kamunting has not seen any rain for the last few weeks. 

The heat in the cell is unbearable and the air is very stuffy. 

The uncomfortable environment does help to put your mind off your growling stomach. 

I am what they call under orientation.  This three months' orientation I suppose is to get me used to the 2 years I am going to spend here. 

One of my favorite classics that I used to read in Standard 1 is the Tale of Two Cities, which is about the French Revolution.  I can now better appreciate the battle cry “give me liberty or give me death”.  They say you appreciate something only after it has been taken away from you.  Today, my liberty is at the top of my priority list.  But I know it shall not come soon and it shall not come easy and it shall only come if there is a change of government and if the new government fulfills its promise to abolish the ISA. 

MalaysiaKini SMS 30/09/08

Spore's celebrated former opposition leader JB Jeyaretnam died this morning of heart failure. The ex-Workers' Party leader was 82.

Hari raya falls on October 1

Hari raya falls on October 1: 

The Malaysian Insider

"KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 - Hari Raya Puasa will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct 1, the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal announced today.

'As ordered by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after obtaining the consent of the Rulers, the Keeper of the Malaysian Rulers' Seal has declared that Hari Raya Puasa for all states in Malaysia will fall on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008,' said a statement released by the Office of the Rulers' Seal,

Malaysia. - Bernama"

Abdullah's quick draw of goodwill

Abdullah's quick draw of goodwill:

 "SEPT 29 — Long after Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi leaves office in March 2009, political pundits and historians will dissect his years as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and examine how he squandered a reservoir of goodwill over 48 months.

A few of them will point fingers at his young advisors — better known as the Fourth Floor boys — for wrong strategies and misplaced priorities. For doing too good a job of shaping his public image as a reformer in the run-up to the 2004 elections, a role he had difficulty living up to.

A few of them will allege that the interference by his son, Kamaludin and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin alienated his supporters in the party and left Mr Clean of Malaysia's politics exposed to charges of abdicating his responsibility to kin." MORE in The Malaysian Insider

BN Is Still A Strong Coalition, Says Musa Aman

BN Is Still A Strong Coalition, Says Musa Aman

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Unity within the Barisan Nasional (BN) is still strong, despite one party leaving it, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said today.

Although some leaders of other component parties had voiced their opinions of the governments services in public, they remained strong with BN, he said .

"The only party that is no longer with us is the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP). But even though they have left BN, some of the partys leaders and members still want to be with BN. This is a good indication.

"That is why their deputy president, Datuk Raymond Tan (who is deputy chief minister) is still in the state cabinet because he has said that he does not agree with his party president," Musa told reporters during his inspection of the state cabinets Aidilfitri open house preparation at the Likas Sports Complex near here.

Musa, who is also state BN chairman, was asked to comment on whether the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) would also leave BN after threatening to review its position in the coalition.

The bold statement by its deputy president, Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, was made last week after it was unhappy with the National Registration Department for issuing a red identity card (IC) as a replacement to a 78-year-old local woman who had lost her blue IC.

The red IC indicates the the holder is a permanent resident of the country instead of a national citizen.

Musa gave an assurance that the woman's case would be looked into.

The state open house, to be held from 11am to 3pm on the first day of Aidilfitri, is expected to draw a crowd of more than 10,000.

"We hope everybody, near and far, can come to celebrate Aidilfitri. The more the merrier. We are very fortunate that we can do this not just with the Muslim people, but also with those of different races, religion sand cultures," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Political Corruption: Nine Umno Members Suspended, One Given Warning

Political Corruption: Nine Umno Members Suspended, One Given Warning

 "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Umno Disciplinary Board has suspended the membership of nine Umno members after finding them guilty of political corruption and sabotaging the party.

In a statement, the board's chairman, Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail said another member was given a warning.

He said the suspension was for a period of three years or one term, effective Sept 22.

He said the decision was made at the board's meeting from Sept 22-24.

The 10 were from Kota Tinggi, Rantau Panjang and Tanah Merah divisions, he added.

-- BERNAMA"

Who makes a better PM?

Who makes a better PM?: "Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim was the more popular choice to become the next prime minister than Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, according to a Merdeka Centre survey."

Fauwaz Abdul Aziz, MalaysiaKini

See full survey results [PDF version]

'Musical chairs' in Umno transition plan

'MalaysiaKini : Musical chairs' in Umno transition plan: "Embattled Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has just nine more days to decide whether he will resign or defend his post in the postponed party polls next March.

Last Friday, a special meeting made the decision to move the party polls from December ot “facilitate an early transition” by Abdullah to his deputy Najib Abdul Razak. 

Abdullah has remained non-committal as to whether he will defend his party post, and would only say that he will reveal his plan before the Umno divisional meetings start at Oct 9.

The premier was compelled to bring forward his original June 2010 transition deadline after reportedly coming under heavy pressure to quit early."

MalaysiaKini SMS 29/09/08 (3)

Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim says that the allegations against state exco Teresa Kok are baseless.

MalaysiaKini SMS 29/09/08 (2)

MCA VP Donald Lim Siang Chai will contest the party deputy president post, against Dr Chua Soi Lek and Ong Ka Chuan.

MalaysiaKini SMS 29/09/08

The start of work on a RM3B dam in Murum, Sarawak has put the spotlight on the controversial scheme to build 12 dams in the state.

Two Divisions To Nominate Najib, Muhyiddin For Top Posts

Two Divisions To Nominate Najib, Muhyiddin For Top Posts

The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 - Days after the power transition deal was torn up, the Umno divisions in Cheras and Titiwangsa' have decided to nominate Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the top two posts in the March party elections. Umno Cheras division chief Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee and Umno Titiwangsa chief Datuk Suleiman Mohamad announced their decision at a breaking fast function in Cheras last night, the Agendadaily.com website reported today. Among those at the function were Muhyiddin, Heritage Minister and Umno supreme council member Datuk Shafie Apdal, Umno Batu chief Datuk Yusof Hamid and several other KL leaders.

Umno Cheras is due to convene its meeting on Oct 12 while Umno Titiwangsa will meet six days later on Oct 18, party officials said. "With the supreme council's decision to defer the polls, it goes without saying that the transition of power will happen. Our decision is in line with the supreme council's decision although Pak Lah has yet to announce his decision conclusively," Syed Ali was quoted as saying. Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the postment last Friday, but said he would only disclose his decision whether to contest or not by Oct 9, when the divisional meetings begin. "We think we don't have to wait for his announcement as the scenario is quite clear," Syed Ali added. Syed Ali also dismissed the possibility that Abdullah could decide to defend his presidency. "How can that be... the situation will be complex and chaotic in Umno then," he said, adding the Prime Minister would not defend his post as the polls would otherwise not have been postponed. Suleiman said Umno Titiwangsa had decided on the Najib-Muhyiddin team at a recent divisional meeting, adding he hoped the new leadership would strengthen the Ketuanan Melayu ideal. The first Umno division to meet is Besut on Oct 11 while. Apart from Cheras, the others meeting on Oct 12 are Machang, Pontian, Pagoh, Batu Pahat, Kuantan, Shah Alam, Subang and Buki Gelugor and their nominations are eagerly awaited by all as an indication of the party's new leadership. Only Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has openly said he will contest the party presidency if he gets the required number of nominations. The Kelantan prince, who was Umno vice president and narrowly lost to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the presidency in the 1987 party polls that led to its deregistration, has criticised the transition deal and postponement of the elections. Muhyiddin defended the supreme council's decision to defer the general assembly and polls, saying it was their right to do so under the party constitution. He said all quarters have to put the postponement in the context of solving the problems of leadership change which led to the consensus of deferring the polls and general assembly.

Malaysia Handover, Snap Polls?

Malaysia Handover, Snap Polls?

My World

Here's an excerpt of the piece, do enjoy!

"Now we know that Japan has a new Prime Minister, in Malaysia it is still not clear. While many had said in the western world democracy, Barisan Nasional led by PM Pak Lah still did well in the last GE12, the behaviour of BN seems to be a government under siege. With the mistakes of not heeding the sentiment of the people.

BN actually sowed the seed of discontentment when they increased the price of fuel in the country. That had actually caused the rise in prices of everything with the earning income of the people remaining the same. It is not being help eveytime the people see a chaffeured driven government vehicles while they had to save hard on their fuel consumption." MORE

Power Blackout 2

The power cut occurred again yesterday afternoon (Sunday 28). Between 1:30PM to 4:30PM. 

Investigate 'Loss Of Citizenship' Claim: Ewon

Investigate 'Loss Of Citizenship' Claim : Ewon

The Borneo Post Online

KOTA KINABALU: United Pasok Momogun Kadazndusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has urged the National Registration Department to investigate a claim by an elderly woman who lost her citizenship after losing her MyKad last year.

Its vice president Datuk Ewon Ebin said the incident came as a shock to him as the woman deserved a MyKad regardless of her age.

“This saddens me as a local is denied of citizenship and given the permanent resident status, while there are many claims that foreigners are given the luxury of owning MyKads,” said the Industrial Development Minister.

He was responding to the statement of Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin, who claimed to have lost her Malaysian citizenship after her purse, containing her MyKad, cash, a gold necklace, a gold-plated locket, two golden crosses and a set of car keys, were stolen while shopping at a hypermall in Penampang in February last year.

The 78-year-old Sino-Kadazan, who was born at Kampung Mahandoi, had also lost access to her Amanah Saham Nasional and Alliance Bank accounts, and now is unable to renew her international passport, which expired this year.

She stressed that life had been difficult, stressing that: “I am ashamed to take out the MyPR (a red-coloured card issued to permanent residents) and would normally use my driving licence for identification purposes.”

She also disclosed she had gone voting in the March 8 General Election using her driving licence.

Yong said that they had brought the matter up to the National Registration Department (NRD) office, bringing along supporting documents such as her Native Certificate issued by the Native Court on September 24, 1963, previous copies of her High Quality Identification Card and MyKad, bank books, and passport, but was told that the MyPR card was given to elderly applicants who applied for MyKads.

She was even asked to re-apply for her citizenship, and would be given an answer within six months.

But it has been almost a year now and there is still no news on her application.

Yong fears that the matter would cause future complications to her eight children.

Efforts by The Borneo Post to contact state NRD director Abdul Rahman Md Noor failed as he was in Kuala Lumpur attending a meeting.

Let Sabahans Head Depts.

Let Sabahans Head Depts, 

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Kota Kinabalu: Both BN component PBS and opposition PKR said the case of a Sabahan Bumiputra being downgraded to that of a Permanent Resident highlights the need for both the State NRD and Immigration to be headed by Sabahans. Parti Bersatu Sabah Chief Information officer Johnny Mositun said PBS had been calling for Sabahans to lead the two Federal agencies since they would be more familiar with problems affecting the local population. At the same time, he said PBS had been lodging so many reports to the police and Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and also included lists of dubious Identity Cards (ICs) issued to illegal immigrants via false Statutory Declarations. He said PBS is baffled that the National Registration Department could conveniently do so to a genuine citizen but not to illegal immigrants holding MyKads. "Nothing seems to be done but now we have our own citizen having her citizenship reviewed easily and judging from the news reports her plight was also taken lightly by the NRD," he said in a statement, Saturday. Mositun, who is a Deputy Speaker, was commenting on the plight of 78-year-old Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin, a Sino-Kadazan who was issued with a red IC with the status of a PR when she replaced her blue IC that she lost in a supermarket in Penampang Baru last year. It was also reported that when the woman enquired about the mix up she was asked to "apply for Malaysian citizenship", instead. This is despite a Sijil Anak Negeri (SAN or Native Certificate) issued on Dec. 5, 1963, verifying Yong's status as a Sino-Kadazan. "We find Yong's case as appalling and unacceptable. It reflects badly on the system of the NRD. To me the information given by Yong should have been sufficient for her to get her original blue IC back," said Mositun. He said if it was a case of the NRD playing by the book then "it should not be difficult for the NRD to do the same to review and revoke all the Malaysian ICs that have been issued to illegal immigrants". "We want the Government to seriously look into this and rectify the glaring weaknesses in the NRD system urgently to safeguard the interest of Sabahans better," he said. Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Deputy Chairperson Christina Liew also said both these posts should be replaced by Sabahans in view of what happened. She said all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should also quit the coalition in protest over the manner in which genuine Malaysians in Sabah are being treated by the Department. Liew believed what was done to Yong smacked of a hidden agenda as it is common knowledge that illegal immigrants entering Sabah through the back door can easily acquire Malaysian citizenship via the MyKad, IMM13 or PR status through authentic or dubious channels. According to her, those illegals now in possession of the MyKad are in a privileged position such that they can secure Bumiputra status or apply for or buy NT land in Sabah. Yong revealed her predicament at a press conference called by Resource Development and Information Technology Assistant Minister, datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin on Thursday. Liew concurred with Mojuntin that there was no reasonable explanation from the JPN as to why Yong's citizenship was changed to the status of a PR. It is understood that applicants for red IC normally have to wait for 9-12 months for the outcome but in Yong's case it took merely a few months.

Malaysia Today: Malaysia's Leadership A Trinket

Malaysia's Leadership A Trinket

The latest UMNO shenanigans effectively reduced the party's (and thus the country's) leadership to a Sunday market trinket, to be haggled between a desperate discredited seller trying to get the best possible deal, and a bankrupt buyer who has only his incumbency to offer as currency.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

M. Bakri Musa

Tengku Razaleigh, in referring to the tussle between Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak, said, "… [W]e are embarrassed at the sight of two grown men playing this endless children's game of 'yours and mine' with the most important responsibility in the land, oblivious of the law, oblivious to the damage they are doing to the nation." The Prince's observation on the damage wrecked on Malaysia is spot on, declaring that Malaysia had been reduced to a banana republic and a laughing stock

What Abdullah and Najib do not realize is that the value of the trinket they are frantically bargaining over keeps dropping. While the two are consumed with striking a deal between them, they fail to notice that Anwar Ibrahim is on the sideline, ready and willing to take over, thus effectively reducing the two protagonists and their trinket to irrelevance.

Meanwhile the important business of running the country is neglected. They have been consumed with lobbying their followers, as well as engaging in hours of "four eyes only" meetings, haggling over when, how, and at what price the trinket would be handed over. They are oblivious to the nation's compounding problems, from the massive public health hazard of contaminated milk products imported from China to the American credit crunch that will soon spread around the world.

It is time to make these two characters irrelevant. It is time to let this desperate drowning duo strangle each other and sink to the bottom of the cesspool they have created for themselves.

Our priority is to make sure that they do not drag the nation down with them. This responsibility falls heavily on those leaders of the opposition, in particular Anwar Ibrahim. He has to be ready to take over and make the necessary preparations now, especially with regards to policies and personnel.MORE

Flaws Detected in Woman's IC : NRD

Flaws Detected in Woman's IC: NRD 

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Kota Kinabalu: The National Registration Department (NRD) said it detected some "flaws" in the blue Identity Card of Yong Lee Hua, from Penampang, issued by the Department in 1996, which prompted the issuance of a red Identity Card meant for Permanent Resident status. Its public relations officer Janisah Mohd Noor said in a statement this was found out after scrutinising the document of the holder. She did not elaborate. In this respect, Sabah NRD would conduct a thorough investigation into the case and the complainant would be informed in due course, she said. The department was responding to a report on the status of a Sabahan being changed to that of a permanent resident after she sought a replacement of her lost MyKad. Yong claimed that her MyKad was lost after a pickpocket took away her purse while shopping at Penampang Baru. Consequently, she was issued an identity card meant for Permanent Residence status. Upko deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing said the party would be seeking an explanation from the Sabah NRD Director.

Yong promises to win back Elopura, Tanjung Papat seats

The Borneo Post Online

Yong promises to win back Elopura, Tanjung Papat seats 

SANDAKAN: SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee promised to win back two seats lost when Au Kam Wah and Datuk Raymond Tan parted ways with the party.

“We lost Elopura and Tanjung Papat state seats. In the coming general elections, we will win them back,” he said in an interview with The Borneo Post at SAPP Sekong office in Taman Sibuga.

Yong was responding to a question as to whether SAPP has lost their ‘Fixed Deposits’ strongholds and ‘safe’ state seats when Tan and Au announced their decisions to be independent assemblymen after pulling out of the party.

“Sabah political leaders including Sabah Umno minister such as Datuk Masidi Manjun and others have given their views about the harmony and unity of our ethnic groups.

“Ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak have very good relations with one another. They are not beset by racial and religious polarisation as in Peninsular Malaysia,” said Yong on a proposed law which supposedly would be called ‘Race Relations Act’.

“Still, we worry that the increasing racial problems in the peninsula might get ‘imported’ to the east,” he said.

He recalled that in the 1970s and the 1980s, ‘Mr Opposition” Datuk Tan Chee Kun (now deceased), was one of the few leaders from the peninsula who openly said that in terms of harmony and unity, Peninsular Malaysians have a lot to learn from Sabah and Sarawak.

To him, this means that big political parties like Umno, MCA and MIC all behaved and functioned along racial lines.

“It would defeat the intentions of such a law,” he said.

“What SAPP proposes is non-racial politics where we consider the problems of other communities as our problems.

“The major parties should gradually abolish racial politics, which is much better than any race relations law.”

Earlier on, Yong joined directors and committee members of SRK Tai Tong in a earth-breaking ceremony for a school building.

Yong was on a two-day visit to meet his members in Sandakan, boosting up confidence after the pullout of Elopura and Tanjung Papat state assemblymen.

Alonso wins first F1 night race

Alonso wins first F1 night race

UPDATED

SINGAPORE, Sept 28 — Renault’s Fernando Alonso pulled off an extraordinary win in the Singapore Grand Prix tonight, while McLaren's Lewis Hamilton extended his Formula One championship lead.

Starting from 15th on the grid after a fuel pump failure in qualifying looked to have wrecked his weekend, Alonso benefited from an early safety car period that turned the race around.

The Spaniard won his first race since last year's Italian Grand Prix and the 20th of his career. Williams' Nico Rosberg was second – his best-ever grand prix finish – while Hamilton was third.

Hamilton extended his championship lead to seven points due to a remarkable turn of events that cost title rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari any points.

The Brazilian led the early part of the race from the pole position, but his race was ruined when he pitted after the end of a safety car period at the start of lap 20.

Massa pulled away from his stop prematurely, taking the fuel rig and hose with him up the pit lane, knocking over one of his mechanics – who was taken for medical treatment – and almost colliding with another car as he pulled away from the garage.

By the time the Ferrari crew was able to sprint the length of pit lane and wrestle the rig out of the waiting car, Massa had dropped from the lead to 18th and last.

He then incurred a drive-through penalty for an "unsafe release from a pit stop." Massa finished in 13th place.

It was a dismal race for Ferrari, with reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen crashing out on the 58th of 61 laps. The Italian team's pointless finish and Hamilton's third place lifted McLaren atop the constructors' standings by one point. MORE

Paul Newman, Hollywood's anti-hero, dies at 83

Paul Newman, Hollywood's anti-hero, dies at 83

WESTPORT, Conn., Sept 28 - Paul Newman never much cared for what he once called the "rubbish" of Hollywood, choosing to live in a quiet community on the opposite corner of the US map, staying with his wife of many years and - long after he became bored with acting - pursuing his dual passions of philanthropy and race cars.

And yet despite enormous success in both endeavours and a vile distaste for celebrity, the Oscar-winning actor never lost the aura of a towering Hollywood movie star, turning in roles later in life that carried all the blue-eyed, heartthrob cool of his anti-hero performances in "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

The 10-time Academy Award nominee died Friday at age 83, surrounded by family and close friends at his Westport farmhouse following a long battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said yesterday.

In May, Newman dropped plans to direct a fall production of "Of Mice and Men" at Connecticut's Westport Country Playhouse, citing unspecified health issues. The following month, a friend disclosed that he was being treated for cancer and Martha Stewart, also a friend, posted photos on her Web site of Newman looking gaunt at a charity luncheon.

But true to his fiercely private nature, Newman remained cagey about his condition, reacting to reports that he had lung cancer with a statement saying only that he was "doing nicely."

As an actor, Newman got his start in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become a legend held in awe by his peers. He won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice." MORE

'Will UPKO Do As "SAPP"?':Bernama

Bernama.com ver 5.0

September 28, 2008 13:36 PM

Will UPKO Do As "SAPP"?

By Newmond Tibin

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- When Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee announced the party's decision to leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition on Sept 17, it did not surprise many people as it was something to be expected.

This was because three months beforehand, SAPP had displayed such a tendency.

But when United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) yesterday threatened to review its position in BN, it came as a shock and was seemingly reminiscent to SAPP's political move.

UPKO thus became the second BN component party in Sabah to make a "strong statement" against BN after SAPP.

While SAPP unveiled Sabah-related issues as its political "weapon", UPKO appeared to be unhappy with the way the National Registration Department (NRD) handled the plight of 78-year old Yong Lee Hua, a Sino-Kadazan, who was issued with a red identity card (IC) with a status of a permanent resident when she went to replace her blue IC that she lost in a supermarket in Penampang last year.

Surprised by the downgrading, UPKO deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing was quoted as saying yesterday that taking away the citizenship of a locally-born Bumiputera and forcing the person to take permanent resident status was a shocking display of incompetence from a department rigged with controversies, including dubious ICs issued to illegal immigrants via false Statutory Declarations.

"This action by the NRD infringes the basic rights of Malaysians in Sabah and if it is not rectified, UPKO must seriously review its position in Barisan," said Bumburing, who is member of Parliament for Tuaran.

So will UPKO follow SAPP because of its dissatisfaction with the BN?

A local political analyst, Iskandar Martin Gayo, believed that UPKO may have no plans to pull out of BN for now although the Sabah-based party had been quite vocal of late in airing the grouses and grievances of the people in Sabah.

"I think what UPKO wants is for the government to rectify the 'mistake' of a federal government department and it's not an ultimatum. There is nothing wrong with it. After all what UPKO is fighting for is for the good of the local people in Sabah.

"It's already an open secret that Sabah is inundated with illegal immigrants and some of them even managed to acquire MyKad through dubious means, which ultimately qualify them to get citizenship.

"How come these people can easily get citizenship when our own people are struggling to get it?" he asked.

He urged the federal government to let Sabahans lead the NRD and Immigration Department in Sabah as they would be more familiar with problems affecting the local population.

Iskandar said the state government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had been working hard, together with the federal government, to tackle the problem of illegal immigrants.

The issue of illegal immigrants, he said, should not arise anymore as the state and federal governments were serious about solving it once and for all by launching a massive operation to flush out illegals in Sabah recently.

"Recent operations had resulted in thousands of illegal immigrants being sent back to their country of origin. The local people should give the government a chance to complete this gigantic task and all this will not be accomplished overnight," he said.

Iskandar hoped the case involving Yong Lee Hua highlighted by UPKO was an isolated one and without necessitating it having to think about its status in BN.

He said even UPKO president and Penampang MP Tan Sri Bernard Dompok had previously denied that the party would leave BN.

Instead, UPKO leaders would remain loyal to BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he said.

UPKO has four MPs -- Dompok, Bumburing, Datuk Dr Marcus Majigoh (Putatan) and Datuk Siringan Gubat (Ranau).

-- BERNAMA

Aki Momogun: UPKO to quit BN too???

Aki Momogun: UPKO to quit BN too???

Reading comments in the local newspapers from senior leaders of UPKO lately made me conclude that this Sabah-based Barisan Nasional's component member might follow suit Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) led by Datuk Yong Teck Lee to pull out from the national coalition.
UPKO leaders had openly said that the party led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will have to review its position in the BN Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The latest is from UPKO Deptuy President Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing, who was commenting on a Sino-Kadazan woman from Penampanag who lost her MyKad and was replaced by the National Registration Department with one that made here just a Permanent Resident.

"What had happened to the 78-year-old Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin was simply outrageous and warrant UPKO seriously reviewing its position in BN," Bumburing the BN member of Parliament for Tamparuli.

Meanwhile, commenting on the same issue, UPKO Secretary-General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said if the party's objectives were not `heard' by BN then the party could review its position in the coalition.

"UPKO members has the right to decide its position in Barisan Nasional," he said. Tangau is the former MP for Tuaran.

My Say:

Compared to SAPP, UPKO has four Members of Parliament - Dompok (Penampang), Bumbiring (Tuaran), Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (Putatan) and Datuk Saringan Gubat (Ranau). SAPP has two - Datuk Eric Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau).

Yong and Dompok has one thing in common - both were founder members of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and ditched the party to form their own political parties in 1994. SAPP had quit BN on Sept 17, 2008.

By Joseph Bingkasan AKA Aki Momogun

UPKO also wants ISA Reviewed

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Upko also wants ISA reviewed  23 September, 2008 Kota Kinabalu: United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has joined its three other Barisan Nasional (BN) counterparts MCA, Gerakan and MIC in calling the Government to review the Internal Security Act (ISA). Its Secretary-General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said the party is concerned in the way that the ISA is being indiscriminately used by the authorities. He said as an example there were several individuals detained under the ISA for a purported involvement in a 'Project IC' in Sabah some years ago but "all it did was to inflict suffering to the individual concern and their familiesÉbut nothing was done to make sure the identity cards issued under the said project is invalidated." Responding in a statement on the report in newspapers quoting Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar saying ISA not used for politics report in national papers today, Madius said the party also support the position taken by former de-facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim that the ISA should only be used against those who posed a threat to national security, such as terrorists. "Clearly in the case of Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok, and blogger, Raja Petra Kamaruddin, and Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng, there are so many other public order laws that can be used against them if, at all, there is a case to do so," he said. The party also most welcomed Kok's release from the ISA detention.

Razaleigh to go for No. 1 - The Malaysian Insider

Razaleigh to go for No. 1UPDATED

By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said today he will contest the Umno presidency even if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decides against defending his post.

He also spoke out against the postponement of the party polls, and urged members to push for the reinstatement of December as the date of the annual general assembly.

Tengku Razaleigh also called on Umno grassroots to reject the latest transition of power plan involving Abdullah and party deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"I reject this transition of power because it is extra-constitutional," the veteran Umno member told reporters at his home here.

He criticised the transition plan for being unethical as "it is not stated within the party's constitution".

"This is not a game, because the leadership of Umno is also the leadership of the country.

"We have to be more responsible than that. Don't allow people to laugh at us!" he said, noting that the flip-flop political agreement between Abdullah and Najib created great confusion among not only party members but among ordinary Malaysians as well and had turrned the whole country into an international laughing stock.

At the Umno supreme council meeting yesterday, Abdullah and Najib announced the decision to postpone the party's annual general assembly until next March to facilitate an earlier transition of power.

But Tengku Razaleigh said that if they both wanted a transition of power to happen, they should follow the party's code of ethics by holding an election to let the members decide.

"Why are we dilly-dallying?" he asked.

Tengku Razaleigh, or Ku Li as he is affectionately called, has offered himself to be a candidate for the Umno presidency.

He said he was confident of securing enough nominations from the divisions to be able to contest the top party post.

"That's why I am offering myself," he said.

'I'm praying very hard I'll get 140. Then there'll be no opposition," he quip

MalaysiaKini SMS 27/09/08 (2)

2000 were at an anti-ISA candlelight vigil-turned-march tonight in downtown KL. Crowd dispersed at 9 PM and no action from police.

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Kadazan language to be alternative paper in PMR next year Penampang: Efforts to preserve and popularise the Kadazandusun language have paid off as evidenced by its introduction as an alternative paper in the PMR examination starting next year. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said global migration and rapid advancement of information and communication technology has been identified as among factors that eroded the language and culture of the indigenous people in Sabah. The trend nowadays, which is to master other languages such as English and Mandarin has also contributed to the decline, he said. "So, it is indeed a good development to see our people can go global, but what worries us is the possibility of our mother tongue being forgotten in the future. "So, it is high time that we preserve the language for future generations," he said at the launching of 11 children storybooks in Kadazandusun produced through the "Moyog Family Literacy Project" at Monsopiad Cultural Village, Friday. Commending the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) for its effort in the preservation of the languages and cultures of the indigenous people, he was pleased to note that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has taken interest in the preservation effort. Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre (ACCU) of Unesco and Centre of Excellence Programme for United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was crucial in the production of the storybooks through the "Innovation Programme for ESD". Dompok, who is also Penampang MP, said the idea to set up the KLF was mooted in 1994. He said the aim was to preserve, develop and promote the Kadazandusun language. He said the teaching of the language in government schools since 1998 was successful and now it is permanently entrenched in the education system. "Next year, this subject will be introduced as an alternative paper in the PMR examination. "I hope this success will guarantee our mother tongue continues to be spoken among our people," he said. He said it is hard to master the Kadazandusun language these days since pupils and students learn other languages in school. It was easier previously, he said, because most of the children spoke the language among themselves in the villages. Hence, Dompok said the effort by the writers of the 11 storybooks from a remote village in upper Penampang at Kampung Togudon is really commendable to preserve indigenous knowledge and culture. As MP of the constituency, he was proud that a local NGO shares the same concern in elevating the literacy capacity of rural families in Penampang. At the launching, KLF announced local cartoonist Langkawit's latest book entitled "Langkawit Ansau-Ansau". Also present were Director of State Museum Datuk Joseph Guntavid, KLF Chief Executive Director, Rita Lasimbang, Upko Secretary-General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and representative of Unesco ACCU, Masanori Kono.

Illegals gain citizenship; Sabahans lose theirs' Daily Express

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Illegals gain citizenship; Sabahans lose theirs' Kota Kinabalu: The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) on Friday demanded that the National Registration Department (NRD) undo its mistake of turning a Sabahan Bumiputra into a Permanent Resident. Its Deputy President Datuk Seri Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing said what had happened to 78-year-old Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin, a Sino-Kadazan, was simply outrageous and warrants Upko seriously reviewing its position in the Barisan Nasional if found to be not just an isolated case. "How can this happen to a Malaysian citizen who was born here and holding a Native Certificate to prove her citizenship," he said. He said that if the NRD had committed a genuine mistake, it should have reverted Yong's new status back to a Malaysian citizen right away. "If the department had purposely committed the atrocious act, they must undo its gross mistake," he said, adding it is sending a bad signal across the nation, particularly to genuine citizens. "Illegal immigrants can easily acquire MyKads that subsequently enable them to purchase Native Title (NT) lands. "What is happening with the NRD? This is totally unacceptable. And if this is the tip of the iceberg, I'm afraid we cannot guarantee protection to the genuine citizens," he said. He said if the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government is not willing to look into this matter as well as into how illegal immigrants could mysteriously acquire Malaysian Identity Cards, Upko will take up the matter and fight for the people. "If the NRD or government has no satisfactory answer, I strongly urge Upko to seriously review its position in the BN because an identification document is a very important matter as it shows their sense of belonging." Bumburing said if the NRD is unable to handle Yong's case, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar must intervene. Yong's life had been turned upside down as a result of the NRD oversight and incompetence. Her nightmare began when she lost her IC at a Supermarket at Penampang Baru on Feb. 12. On the same day, she lodged a police report and subsequently on Feb 26, applied for a replacement IC at the NRD office in Donggongon. After several months, she went and collected her replacement IC at the NRD office and was given a red IC. She asked the officer why it was red and the lady officer said for senior citizens who lost their IC, the department normally replaced them with red ICs. She didn't find anything amiss with the officer's explanation until she reached home when her children said red ICs were issued to people with Permanent Resident status. With the help of her children, they brought the matter up with the NRD together with supporting documents such as her Native Certificate that was issued by the Native Court on Sept 24, 1963, bank books and passport. The NRD officer admitted there could have been an error but instead of rectifying it, Yong was asked to "apply for Malaysian citizenship" which she duly complied by submitting an application form to the office on July 2, last year. Her problem did not end there because soon after, her bank accounts at Amanah Saham Nasional and Alliance Bank were frozen making her unable to withdraw money for her daily expenses. Fluent in Kadazan and Chinese, the mother of seven sons and one daughter can no longer travel outside the country as she could not renew her expired passport. Strangely, she was allowed to cast her vote at Peak Nam Thong Kindergarten during the recent Mar 8 general elections using her driving licence as identity document since her record in the polling list was still intact. But her identification records at the Immigration Department, however, had completely "disappeared". Everywhere Yong goes now, she only uses her driving licence as proof of identity because she is too embarrassed with her predicament. She now feared that her "new status" would have serious repercussion on her sons and daughter. Resource Development and Information Technology Assistant Minister, Donald Peter Mojuntin who helped highlight Yong's case, said if it could happen to her, the children's citizenship could also be withdrawn. "There has never been a case like this before when genuine Malaysians had their citizenship cancelled. If this can happen to her, it can happen to anybody (Malaysians)," he said. As Upko Bureau Chief for Citizenship and Security, the Moyog Assemblyman said he would be pursuing the matter with Sabah NRD Director and also with the Home Minister. He said that for the NRD to admit their mistake and then asking Yong to reapply for citizenship is simply illogical.

Molotov Cocktail Attacks - Don't Take To The Streets!

Re:Kok's Family Home Attacked

I feel this is designed to incite the non-bumiputra communities to form street riot. So don't let this become another May 13 guys! Don't take your anger on the streets...vent  your anger in the Web instead.

John Gandhi

Lim Kit Siang � Blog Archive � Abdullah’s premiership de facto ended yesterday (26.9.08)

Lim Kit Siang : Abdullah’s premiership de facto ended yesterday (26.9.08)

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s premiership de facto ended yesterday, September 26, 2008 – 54 months after scoring the most stunning landslide electoral victory for any Prime Minister in the nation’s 51-year history.

How far and how fast Abdullah has fallen!

All the Umno heavyweights are now engaged in a marionette play – how to plunge the dagger into Abdullah’s back without blood being seen to be drawn or better still even camouflaging from the Malaysian public the act of dagger-stabbing altogether.

Although Abdullah claimed that it would be his decision, “whether to contest or not” the post of Umno President, there could be no doubt that if Abdullah departs from the script and fails to announce by before October 9 that he would not be offering himself as a candidate as Umno President, the marionette play would be abandoned and the dagger-stabbing would be a very public and bloody one.

Even the sweet-sounding praises by Umno leaders yesterday over the scuttling of Abdullah’s original mid-2010 power-transition plan and the postponement of the Umno general assembly from December to March next year sounded rather ominous if Abdullah ignores the unmistakable signal that he should not dilly-dally any more in making his exit.

For instance, when asked whether he was satisfied with the outcome of the Umno Supreme Council emergency meeting yesterday although there was no clearcut indication of an exist date, the most hawkish of the Umno leaders against Abdullah, Tan Sri Muhyidddin Yassin, commented: “I think it is good enough. You need to have trust. There must be a certain element of trust in whatever decision the leadership Is making today.”

Abdullah must be aware that he would be regarded as lacking “a certain element of trust” if he failed to announce that he would not be offering his candidacy for Umno President by the Oct. 9 deadline.

In the circumstances, Abdullah has three options before him:

• Announce before the October 9 deadline his intention to contest for the post of Umno President, retaining the initiative in his hands as to his own timeline to effect the power transition;

• Announce that he would not be contesting for the Umno President in the Umno party election in March, which also mark the end of his premiership; and

• Announce his retirement as Prime Minister by Oct. 9.

In the first option, Abdullah would be fighting for his political life as he would have to prove first that he is capable of winning 58 or one-third of the Umno division nominations for the post of Umno President.

This may be a very tall order and he must be prepared to suffer the ignominy of an incumbent Prime Minister and Umno President who could not secure adequate nominations to contest for the post of Umno President.

In the second option, Abdullah would be a lame-duck Prime Minister for six months.

Apart from the third option of immediate retirement as Prime Minister, is there a fourth option open to Abdullah?

Molotov cocktails: Kok's house attacked

Molotov cocktails: Kok's house attacked

MalaysiaKini

Two Molotov cocktails were thrown into Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok's house in Kuala Lumpur early today.

However no one was hurt in the incident.

Kok, a Selangor state exco member, will be holding a press conference this afternoon on the matter.

In recent days, Kok has come under fire from several quarters for her remarks on the low quality of food given to her while she was under a week-long Internal Security Act detention last week.

Kok was arrested under the ISA on Sept 12 for raising Islamic issues. She was released on Sept 19.

MalaysiaKini SMS 27/09/08

2 Molotov cocktails thrown into Seputeh MP Teresa Kok's house in KL early today. No one injured. Sgor exco to hold PC later today.

Pensiangan By-Election

The Borneo Post Online

No wrong candidate, Pensiangan voter warns 

KENINGAU: The Barisan Nasional (BN) could lose the Pensiangan by-election if it does not field the right candidate, according to a local voter.

“The people in this area still want a true leader who is committed to enhancing the well-being of the people, who are still backward and poor,” Musuh Ambong @ Osu from Kampung Pagalungan, Pensiangan told The Borneo Post here yesterday.

According to Musuh, Pensiangan, the second poorest district in the state, needed a leader who is committed to working for the people, especially in preventing their land from getting into the hands of outsiders.

“If possible, the leader should be from this community and understands the people’s culture, aspirations and problems,” he said.

According to Musuh, the people here did not want the present leader as the BN candidate but instead someone who can contribute to the development of the area.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman should send their representatives to the area to find out from the grassroots who the people want as their candidate.

The people, he said, did not care which candidate BN fields — PBRS president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, former Pensiangan member of parliament Datuk Bernard S Maraat or Pensiangan Umno chief Datuk Abdul Gani Yassin — as long as he can fulfill the people’s aspirations.

Musuh said just as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) preferred a local from this community as their candidate, so too the BN supporters who also wanted a Murut as their candidate.

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines(2)

Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines

Things being exaggerated, says expert Kota Kinabalu: Constitutional law expert Prof. Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi thinks the sentiment for political change in Malaysia is being exaggerated. He noted that for 51 years, the Alliance and Barisan Nasional (BN) rode like a Colossus, towering over every other party. "They could do what they like, when they like, as and when they like, in whatever manner they like. Now things are slightly different, so there is confusion about how to handle this situation," he rationalises. Based on objective standard, Prof. Faruqi describes BN's garnering of 63 per cent votes in the March 8 election as a very handsome majority. "The Government received more than 50 per cent of the popular vote." Making a comparison, he points out: "If in England, the Government received more than 50 per cent of the popular vote, you know, the leader would be painted in the most laudatory way. "Governments in England come to power with 37 per cent popular vote because of their electoral system. Since the Malaysian Government received more than 50 per cent popular vote (i.e. it received 63 per cent in the Lower House), on objective world standard, this is a very handsome majority." Likening the BN to boxer Mike Tyson, he said the reason everybody is saying BN is weak is because Tyson was so used to knocking everybody down. "But now Tyson doesn't have two-thirds majority. So people are saying it's weak. It's a perceptionÉperceptions are important." He said the call by certain leaders for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down is due to internal politics. "It has to do with Malay traditions. They called upon Tun Mahathir also to step down when he won by only 42 votes. But he said 'No, I won, even if I win by one vote'. Referring to the Labour Party in England, Prof. Faruqi said the party used to have internal disagreements all the time. "But here BN was like a Colossus, nobody dared say anything. Basically, we are on unchartered terriroty. That's why people are making conclusions which are not necessarily right, for example, imminent fall of the Government, resignation of the Prime Minister. I think on world standards, these are uncalled for. "Even during Blair's time, after the debacle in Iraq, many members of the Labour Administration and Cabinet Ministers were saying 'we need a leadership change'. The present Prime Minister Gordon Brown used to ask for Blair's agreement to be kept. Apparently, there was an agreement that he must step down. But Blair didn't step down." The professor noted that when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said something, people started to say 'Oh, this is a sign of crumbling, that the Government is crumbling'. "I think on world standards, it is normal in politics," he said. On whether political crossovers are unethical, Prof Faruqi says much depends actually on the motives in question. "These are surely unethical unless you cross over on principles but not personal benefit." He recalled that Sir Winston Churchill crossed from the Conservative Party to the Liberal Party and then went back to the Conservative Party. "I'd say that is principled. But if you go because you are promised an office or money or ambassadorship, then obviously, it's unethical." On India's anti-hopping law, Prof Faruqi thinks that is fair. "We had this law in Kelantan and Sabah but declared null and void in the case of Nordin Salleh. The Federal Government challenged it but sometimes there is poetic justice. Sometimes boomerangs come back," he quipped.