BN Must Beware of ‘Paid-For’ Commentators

Over the weekend, I was physically exhausted during my trip to Bukit Gantang by-election nomination day. Not that I worked very hard but deprived of sleep due to late night political discussion with several comrades. Apparently certain quarters have been emphasing the need to create local attention in issues pertaining to land grants, titles, TOLs particularly those promises and actions of the previous PR state government. Personally I think such issues are secondary, the locals will not even mind if the PR government was inefficient or has charged them extra costs. Thus what is more important is to explain the legitimacy of BN taking over the state, the royal loyalty issue (which I believe UMNO should be doing), the reform of UMNO with Mahathir and Pak Lah joining force to assist the party and state development to the crucial Chinese votes especially those from the villages. My voice was delivered to a comrade hoping he will convey the message but unfortunately it was the day for the ‘yes-man’ and ‘polishers’.

Anyway I bumped into an old pal who is a member of PKR after the nomination session. Putting aside our political affiliation, we chatted and criticised each other in a friendly manner. I was amused when he told me there are actually some ‘paid-for’ commentators in the bogsphere and cyberspace. Some call them as the internet ’spin doctors’. They are becoming widespread. No wonder most, if not all of the comments, surveys and polls in the IT media as well as the tv are always against and condemning the BN leadership. Such will answer my query of where are all the IT savvy and netizens of BN supporters. So it seems that PR is using an increasing number of paid “internet commentators” in a sophisticated attempt to control public opinion. These commentators post blogs and comments on websites and forums that spin bad news and hatred in an attempt to shape public opinion and influence the younger generation. I wonder what are the numbers of these commentators who work hard at all times.

BN leaderships seem not to be fully aware that the internet, being the only public forum where views can be ‘freely’ expressed, needs close attention. By banning the opposition papers and dispersing illegal assemblies would not be an ideal way to sway public opinion. BN must understand that comments, rumour and opinions can be quiclky spread between internet groups, emails and handphones, in a way that makes it difficult for the government to censor.

Am I trying to promote a dictatorship style, to prevent people’ freedom from having their say? Maybe as I always say, generally we Malaysians have not reach to that stage of democratic maturity yet. I condemn the opposition’s act in attempting to change the way people think by instilling the belief of their unsubstantiated accusations and allegations. Perhaps what BN should do is to form a task force (maybe they had but I just don’t see it performing) with specially trained, professional, political and ideologically sound commentators to counter-comment PR ’spin-doctors’. They must be able to react quickly. I hope this is something that has not escaped Datuk Seri Najib.

Awesome Words

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery” – Harold Wilson.

“The most important thing in the Olympic games is not winning but taking part – just as the most important thing in (political) life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well” – Baron Pierrede Coubertin

Babak Terakhir: Kedudukan ‘PM Najib’ tergendala?

Sebagai anak sulung kepada Allahyarham Tun Abdul Razak, Najib dilahirkan pada 22 Julai 1953 dijangka akan mengambil-alih jawatan Perdana Menteri Malaysia ke-6 tidak lama lagi. Walaubagaimanapun dari dahulu wujudnya percakapan bahawa beliau tidak akan menjadi PM. Baru-baru ini, khabar angin semakin kuat bahawa sesuatu yang tidak disangkakan akan berlaku di mana peralihan tersebut akan terjejas. Ini adalah disebabkan oleh tindakan secara tidak langsung oleh Pak Lah yang masih ingin memegang kuat jawatannya serta pemimpin lain seperti Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Zaid Ibrahim yang turut menyuarakan keburukan negara di masa depan (ataupun ketakutan mereka) jika dipimpin oleh Najib. Ada juga yang cakap bahawa bukti kukuh mengenai ‘keburukan’ Najib akan didedahkan nanti. Sejauh manakah khabar sebegitu benar?

Let us close our eyes and for the moment forget about the negative perceptions of the politicians or political parties. Let’s put aside the allegations of the eurocopter/submarine deals, Perak crisis, Mongolian murder, dictatorship, RM50 million defection offer etc. After all except for the SDs, there is no strong evidence to justify them. Let’s admit that Pakatan Rakyat is also not a perfect coalition. All politicians are the same bunch of ‘crooks’ now, wrestling for powers, disregarding people’s interest/welfare. Our country is in dire state and we need someone who is capable to change things. Change, I mean in the sense that people from all walks of life can see and feel the improvements. The incoming PM has warned UMNO ferociously that if they dont reform, tackle graft and serve the people, they may be doomed. He is seriously considering a new economic model that is more versatile to bring about a quatum leap so that our country can achieve developed nation status. He also wants to bridge the gaps and fight for the poor regardless of race. Among others, working towards gradual liberalisation of the NEP, addressing civil liberties such as the relevance if ISA and drastic changes in UMNO are his agendas. Bullshits? Tell me which politicians dont do that? Do you really believe that Penang’s Deputy CM Fairus resigned because to pursue postgraduate studies as explained by Anwar? We need to praise good jobs done or encourage positive intention. We have to admit that we still need a liberal ‘dictator’ to move forward. We have not reach to the stage of a truly matured democratic and civilised nation yet. I always like to quote Singapore with Lee Kuan Yew’s style of leadership (dominance) where most people are satisfied with the latter governance so long as the country is developing, prospering and safe.

The challenge faced by Najib to fulfill the aspiration of Malaysians is extremely hard and taxing, I hope he can transform and shape the destiny of the nation with sincerity and no fear of other bad apples. However, until Najib is sworn in as the PM officially, he is not guaranteed the post yet as anything can happen in our country today. Let us observe and judge for ourselves from tomorrow onwards (5 days) at the UMNO assembly to spice up more fruitful coffee-talks. May we be more optimistic to accept great and effective leaders with joy and unity in diversity.

“Selamat Bersidang”

Using Internet To Curb Corruption.

I am under no illusion that the task of building the confidence of the people by BN is not difficult. But it is what we must do, precisely because the task of solving Malaysians’ problems are hard. It will require tough choices, and it will require sacrifice. Except for those idealists and activists, pragmatically prosperity is the most popular choice. Unless BN/UMNO leaders are open to new ideas and not just new packaging, we would not change enough hearts and minds to initiate a serious policy or reformative action or tame the possible recession. We would also not have the popular support to craft a policy or law that meets the challenges of globalization and corruption without resorting to isolationism or eroding civil liberties. We will not have the mandate to overhaul BN’s broken image among the urbanites and netizens. Effective strategies are one thing, broad political and people support is another.

This morning when I was sharing about our MACC’s effort trying to imitate ICAC at the Government House, I learnt something new from a Hong Kong friend. He told me that online muckrakers are the most powerful force for uncovering official corruption after the traditional media. Most of them agreed in a survey conducted recently. Less than 5 per cent felt the police and other authorities helped reveal corruption and graft (I believe in Malaysia, it will be even lesser). An example was given whereby for the first time a public servant was investigated and sacked after netizens posted photographs online showing him wearing an expensive watch and smoking expensive cigars. My friend is convinced that any successful cases will encourage and raise new trend of netizens monitoring governments through public photos and online discussion. Compared with the usual medias, the public can release and receive more transparent information online about injustice. In fact this is already happening in Malaysia as nowadays many prefer the internet than the newspapers (esp those owned by BN component parties). When online exposures spur the authorities to take action, it encourages more online muckraking. It becomes a good way to fight corruption and abuse of power but of course it should be done constructively ie with strong evidence. Is it possible for such practice in Malaysia? Fear of ISA or Sedition Act? I don’t think so, particularly as mentioned if one has concrete proof and not mere accusation or political attack.

I was also introduced to a mainland Chinese official who was sarcastic and skeptical about Malaysia’s future. He believes that there is no escaping of our political divide, an endless clash between races and opposition parties, and any attempts to alter the rules of engagement would be futile. Or maybe the trivialization of politics has reached a point of no return, so that most people see it as just one more diversion, for eg a sport, with politicians and the idealistic youngters or just fans on the sidelines. We wear shirts, carry flags, blog, cheer our side and criticise the other side, for winning is all that matters. But I think to myself, most ordinary citizens of Malaysia in future who have grown up in the midst of all political and cultural battles will be considerably mature to judge what they want, to balance idealism and realism, to distinguish between what can and cannot be compromised (for extensive freedoms will do no good to a country), to admit that the other side (BN or PR) is sometimes correct. It is my hope to see that one day our country will eventually developed into an educated culture where we recognise the difference between dogma and common sense, for the sake of our nation or children’s future (not ours).

At the end of the day, a consensus was reached that those internet users who exposed corruption and ill-doings have to remain anonymous.

BN: Restore Confidence or Be Stored

UMNO (BN) can never change, for heaven sake vote them out by the next general election by hook or by crook? What makes us think that PR or Anwar can give us the confidence beside that hopeful mind of ‘at least it will be better than BN’ ? Needless do I have to say the confidence level of BN government via television news poll (esp NTV 7) and websites/blogs comments are at all time low. Can it be restored?

At a time of uncertainty of our nation’s future economical and political prospects, it is necessary to instil public confidence that the country is heading a positive direction. Stories of our incoming new PM have been covered by Herald Tribune, China Daily and South China Morning Post, the three newspapers that I read recently. China Premier Wen Jiabao has also been emphasing that “confidence is more important than gold and currency” when the world is hit by the onset of the global financial crisis. Barrack Obama said that China can have “absolute confidence” on America economy.

Personally I believe confidence is still what our nation needed most to implement package of stimulus measures and public policies. Confidence can produce courage and strenght, only with which can we overcome difficulties. But since the government announced the mini budgets, there has been controversy and debates over lack of details of the plan or transparency. Other concerns at possible waste and corruption. Obviously this is unlikely to help boost confidence in the country’s economy as the stimulus plan was not fully understood or precise to the people.

Thus, it is a very important lesson for the leadership – if confidence is that important, transparency is even more so as it is the precondition to boost confidence. For years, our leaders were vague about policies, basically asking people to trust the authorities. Forget about political fame now. The opposition’s victory and effect of the pressure groups have mounted a persistent need to push for more transparency mainly concern over wasteful spending and corruption. Ironically, the government of the day appear to have less time to discuss and review the situation, and many flip-flop decisions are partly thanks to the opposition parties, NGOs and the diligence of the media/websites/blogs.

In a developed country, the government’s annual work report or budget is completed only after extensive consultation with related bodies and lawmakers, and usually the salient points are deliberately leaked to prepare the public well ahead of the delivery time. But such reports are still considered largely confidential, even MPs and BN components leaders are ignorant. Indeed Mahathir is very right to say that Najib must have a fresh and clean cabinet to restore the confidence. Never mind whether there is any truth of his involvement in the Mongolian murder, let the accusers prove it. Most importantly, the people can assess the change and it is in their interest that the new government (be it BN or PR) to recognise. To be honest, if Najib does not give a thought on the above, call on the new cabinet (or ministers) to honour its word to sincerely reform and put the people’s interest first for the next few years, I am skeptical of UMNO’s (perhaps BN) prospects both politically and economically.

China the Taiko

Yesterday when I visited HK Disneyland for the second time in a week, again I was fascinated with the huge numbers of Chinese (from the mainland) tourists visiting the theme park. It makes me wonder whether Mickey Mouse and friends can survive without the Chinese. I was told the amount of them visiting Ocean Park is even massive not to mention their purchasing power in the luxury shopping boutiques of the city.

This afternoon after my high-tea at the Sheraton, I decided to stroll along some of the branded shops. I observed a finely dressed Chinese man walked into Prada’s flagship store here trailed by a bodyguard and said he wanted to purchase a gift for a government official. Out of curiousity, I decided to kepoh a bit. “This is for a very senior official”, the man told the sales personnel. “I tell you, he is at the top. So what kind of bag do you think is suitable for him? Money is not a problem”. In another incident I was in awe when a Chinese lady decided to get another suitcase just to fill in several items purchased for convenience sake.

Subsequently I found out that this month, Communist Party delegates from China’s 34 provinces and regions gather for a two week congress; to assess the nation’s progress and debate public policy. Thus many of them seek to curry favour with their superiors by showering them with expensive gifts such as LV, Gucci bags, Hermes scarves, Mont Blanc pens and Swiss watches. By doing this, they are hoping that the officials might be influenced in their decision-making. This is essentially bribes or kickbacks sent from one government officials to another, and they are prohibited under the law. But according to a local lawyer friend, in China bribery laws are selectively enforced, and party members in good standing are rarely investigated. Sounds familiar? Even the luxury-goods producers have come to count the practice as an increasingly important source of revenue and are tight-lipped about it.

Anyway, with the public increasingly aware of how pervasive corruption is, there was already talk of a national register that would track the family assets of all government officials, in the hope of weeding out bribe-taking relatives. My friend concluded by saying that it will be an uphill battle now to eradicate such practice as they appear to be addicted to luxury brands. As for me, I ended up doing my shopping at the Ladies’ Market ‘luxury’ stalls.

A choice: Political or Economical Reform

Surprisingly err not really, over the last 2 days I happen to read foreign newspapers commenting on our nation’s recent financial aid as well as the encouraging news in believing a new political era by Pakatan Rakyat. As a result, I am inclined to write something that concerns me as a Malaysian.

The greatest challenge of the current global financial crisis is the seeming impossibility of comprehending and managing diversity. Would unveilling the RM60 billion helps? It is indeed bigger than expected. Indeed, the way problems are proliferating appears almost uncontrollable. Is it a political move which will be criticised by the opposition? (not forgetting that previous RM10 billion was voiced against). Plans to meet the crisis, in country after country, have been revamped and restructured time and again. The old models about how to understand the economy have had their day. Government are facing fundamental decisions about the future nature of our economies and societies.

The subprime crisis developed first into a financial crisis and ultimately into a recession (although we are given the impression the country is still alright). New economic problems soon rushed in to add to the existing ones, energy, food prices, political fights etc rose and fell, like a yo-yo; the dangers of climate change become ever more clear, and political power demanded action.

These social anxieties are not being addressed because GLC sector bailouts, stimulus packages and help for distressed industries with strong lobbies are testing many government’s financial limits. That the advocates of unconditional privatisation (and perhaps cronies) are now crying out for state support would be cause for cynical laughter if the danger is not as big as it is. For the brutal question government must now face is this: is there an alternative to the Icelandic crash course? would the society face repetition of May 13? Or can Najib’s new administration overcome such unwarranted outcome? I am not trying to exaggerate as in the past, when we reached such an impasse, fights and revolutions were inevitable.

If we are to avoid the worst, fundamental change in unavoidable. So politicians (federal and states) must exercise responsible leadership. Achieving this will not come without obstacles. Some of those who experience such situation may even profit from reforms. So be it: a moral, and perhaps legal, reckoning must await the return of economic growth. This is what I hope Najib’s administration is capable of. But again it will lead to domestic political fights unless the economic rejuvenation are transparent. Domestic transparency and pragmatism will need to be carried over into international economic diplomacy. Today’s globalised markets need rules that take into account the public good in every aspect. That much is clear. But the decision we are actually faced with is much more fundamental: global monetary and economic reform or political revolution.

[posted in the wee hours out of the country...]

Why Chong Wei just can’t beat Lin Dan?

While watching the live telecast of the All-England men’s singles final, I received several smses from busy friends, asking for the results. I replied how can one compare a Proton to a BMW. Is Chong Wei a weak player? Definitely not as he can beat anyone in the world. Despite ranking world number one, I realised whenever he faces Lin Dan, intimidation falls in. The defeat was clearly due to lack of speed, power, anticipation and enthusiasm (as usual). The only merit for Chong Wei was his deceptive shot (cross net) which hardly worked against a great player. Chong Wei’s technique this time was the same as previous encounters, playing lots of rally, hoping Lin Dan to commit mistakes. Is this Misbun’s strategy? I just can’t understand why is the coach kept saying it’s ok and nodding his head. He must be on fire in order for his disciple to be aggressive, just look at the Chinese. Personally I am convinced that for Chong Wei to break the barrier is to develop his power through fitness and muscles-strength. He has the skills and the experience but just short of that conviction physically and mentally to outclass Lin Dan. Anyway relationship between Misbun and Chong Wei have been a great example as Malaysians of different races. Malaysia Boleh!

Stop Killing Malaysian Indians?

A bit of jurisprudence question: the law, morality, humanity or compassionate grounds, which one to justify? Several PR Indian MPs have been making allegations of police misconduct in relation to the 6 Indians criminals who were shot death during a shoot-out in Kulim yesterday. These people found to have records of previous robbery and extortion charges. The same MPs also highlighted the issue of Kugan’s death. Now how do one look at such scenarios to justify the ‘killing’? Put it this way: if a serial rapist of under-aged girls or a murderer who brutally killed an innocent is found death during detention or in a shoot-out, is that acceptable? What are the politicians trying to prove here? How can they justify the act for not shooting the criminals’ heads in a shoot-out? As Indian MPs, it is very sensitive for them to make such remarks as it may stir racial hatreds. There are many perspectives to look into in such cases, perhaps our legal or religious jurist may be able to elaborate it. Enough of politicking any issue unnecessarily if one is not doing it sincerely but of selfish agenda.

Mere Lip Service?

This morning during the parliament session, when MP Loh Gwo-Burne questioned about the Suhakam’s public inquiry in the Bandar Mahkota Cheras incident last year, the Minister found that there is no case to charge against the FRUs. This is due to the difficulty in ascertaining who are the perpetrators. So are all the hard works by relevant bodies and NGOs go into the drain (including mine)? Another similar outcome as the VK Lingam video inquiry? Are they forming the Royal Commission just to smoke screen their intention? Are Ministers and public officers immuned from offences committed as a privilege? Would Kugan’s case eventually ends up the same?
It is useless to preach about religion teachings and morality when one does not consider the impact of a citizen (victim) on humanitarian grounds. The Home Ministry has indeed tampered image of the BN-government many times, is the in-coming PM Najib going to do anything? I wonder would Najib considers the possibility of ‘musuh dalam selimut’? These are the people ruining BN and create hatreds against the government. Or if they are thinking that Malay votes will still hold them in power, it is better for them to start counting their judgment day.

Blame Everything Under The Sun

Politicians should have a clear commitment to a cause, for which they can sustain necessary passion (sth that is lack in Gerakan). Politics is not straightforward and the road to change may be a very crooked path. Impassion, lack of care or ulterior selfish motive seldom sells. The same goes to those who pretend or appear to be responsible.

Whatever it is, one can never justifies the act of defiance and violence against the authority to achieve desired results, although politics encompasses many paradoxes and dilemmas, making it easy to justify acts of power and aggression. I always believe that when something goes wrong or is not according to plan, I will first think how can I solve the problem instead of finger-pointing others. It irritates me whenever I see political leaders making all kind of excuses and accusations. For this I urge people like Syed Hamid and Khir Toyo to be watchful and sensible whenever they speak. Similarly for Pakatan Rakyat leaders particularly those from DAP and PKR who are still in their dreamland without realising that they are the state government now.

Yesterday Lim Guan Eng slams the Election Commission over the same polling dates in the 3 by-elections. He alleged that EC is sabotaging as it will be difficult for PR to campaign due to the lack of resources. Come one…why doesn’t he said this during the general election? It just doesn’t makes sense as if he comes from a residents association. Same goes with the regular criticisms of the police, MACC, judges or even the Sultan for taking sides. The rationale is simple, prove all allegation or accusation, if not to the court, to the people! I just cannot believe that a PR’s lawyer voiced his disgruntleness over the MACC officers’ duty to investigate when the latter wanted to question him. Waste of public fund? Again the same craps, ada buat kerja salah, tak kerja pun salah. Stop antagonizing and labelling everything as ‘null and void’, to justify disobedience. We cannot have politicians who do not respect the law and the royalty.

PR politicians must be fair and not to make hasty decision in blaming and criticising. On the same virtue they must also set a good example for praising great job done by the enforcers or authorities. By going down the field to attend the people and regular press release of their pictures are not enough (esp DAP), it is the passion and sincerity that counts. Instil that noble character. Indeed it is ripeful now for all politicians be it BN or PR to serve (not fight) wholeheartedly for the sake of the country.

Peace be with Malaysia…

Undang-undang Hutan di Perak

This is a piece of sensible and rational article (by MalaysianInsider) which I am pleased to reproduce here:

MARCH 4 – Politicians might have started the Perak imbroglio but the palace, too, is culpable for adding to the constitutional crisis that has led to a state assembly under a rain tree yesterday by a government ousted through royal fiat.

Sultan Azlan Shah’s decision to ask Pakatan Rakyat Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin to resign or have his post considered vacant led to a Barisan Nasional government under the leadership of Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir in early February after he received support from three state government lawmakers who turned independent.

It has been a roller-coaster ride in Perak politics since then.

With both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional having 28 seats in the 59-seat state assembly, the three lawmakers became kingmakers. But they turned out to have helped create chaos instead.

Locked out from the state office by civil servants acting in the name of the state ruler, Nizar and his cohorts have filed lawsuits and finally used the assembly to suspend Zambry and his six executive councillors. Zambry himself have filed lawsuits that now prevent state speaker V. Sivakumar from convening assembly meetings.

Left out of the loop are the people, who look to the Perak palace for justice, while the constitution provides a place and rules for everyone and every institution under the Perak sun. But that has not been the case.

Since the time the Barisan Nasional government was sworn in by the Perak palace, there has been polarisation in both the state and country.

Everywhere, there are cries of “Foul!” at the way the executive has interfered with the legislature, and now, even the courts. The civil service and police, too, seem to have forgotten the doctrine of the separation of powers.

That has led to the assembly under a rain tree, subjecting Malaysia to ridicule for its practice of democracy.

Instead of the constitution, the law of the jungle – where might is right – have been used against lawfully-elected assemblymen attending a meeting on state matters.

Has there ever been a case of riot police standing by as unidentified individuals are allowed to prevent assemblymen from the state legislature?

Has there ever been a case where the assembly speaker is not allowed to convene meetings?

Is the state ruler even aware that his name is being used in vain by civil servants to deny his lawmakers – both government and opposition – from meeting?

There was a time, depending from which side you are on, when the monarchy was held in high regard. The nine royal houses were regal, wise, caring and reigned but did not rule. This time last year, Malaysians applauded them for choosing state governments with care, despite pressure from either Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat.

With their wisdom, Perlis and Terengganu switched menteris besars despite pressure from Umno.

And, Perak was led by Nizar from Pas despite it having the least number of seats among its partners. The fact that the state constitution made it explicit that it had to be Malay Muslim helped tilt the scales in his favour.

But the constitution does not appear to be followed now, whether in appointing a Menteri Besar or separating the powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Notwithstanding the show of unity and support from Umno, the average Malaysia does not view the royals in the same light they did 12 months ago. More so the Perak royal house, which had always been seen as the wisest and fair, be it from their speeches or their deeds.

The power to choose is with the people but the power to decide is with the palace.

One would hope wisdom prevails for both the people and the palace, not the law of the jungle that Perak has witnessed this week, when a rain tree provided what the royals could not – shelter from injustice.

Lion King Convened A Meeting in Perak

Lion King decided to call for an emergency meeting. All the animals of the kingdom including elephants, zebra, boars, giraffe, snake etc are invited to meet under a raintree. The rest is history…

Think and answer this question sincerely: What is Pakatan Rakyat or the Speaker trying to prove by having the meeting under a tree?

Was it a valid state assembly sitting? Of course! Even the greatest foolish, evil’s and uncivilised act by Pakatan Rakyat is now valid. Why? Because Karpal and PR lawyers said so or because we hate Umno? In addition Ambiga of Bar Council hinted that the Speaker had no choice but to act within what may be seen as wide powers to convene the meeting elsewhere (as the hall is closed by BN), therefore valid.

Let me put it this way; if I want to call a meeting to vote on a contested matter (motion), I first suspend most of the opponents from attending so that I can…not can, I will gain majority vote. So if PR can use such tactic which is considered ‘legitimate’, why can’t BN close the assembly hall to prevent any unwarranted incident? Since Karpal said that the Speaker can call the meeting anywhere, why must it be held under a tree? None of the PR reps own a house or an office? The answer is obvious: to attract attention and sympathy from the people or maybe an international awareness campaign. It is just another boy scout’s game.

So it is not a question of choice or validity but a stupid political game. Was BN given a choice to vote on the contrary? Obviously not. In addition there is no point just to vote for the sake of voting. I don’t know whether what Karpal or the pro-PR lawyers said is legally correct or not but I sure trust the consititutional law experts such as Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi and Dr Shamrahayu, both the undisputed authority who commented that the meeting was invalid thus the 3 motions approved were also unconstitutional. Are they bought over by BN/UMNO to make such remarks? RM20 million?

As for now, whatever decided in the meeting yesterday would not have any effect. Anyway there is no guarantee that PR is definitely going to win in the event of a snap election. Only the irrational netizens are making noise in the cyberworld whereas on the ground many are able to look at the whole picture clearer now.

Bar Council to join Pakatan Rakyat?

Today, we are drowning in politics and laws. Politicians engage lawyers resorting to all avenues for the fight of power. Lawyers became politicians. Malaysia has a place for laws and lawyers, but that place is modest and reasonable, not vast and unchecked.

Upholding the cause of justice without fear and favour. Is it so? The Bar Council (BC) has always been an independent and neutral institution which is praised highly by the society. Unfortunately of late, the BC has projected themselves as pro-opposition. The society have perceived the BC as part of the opposition parties. Perhaps the BC owes this to few of its members (including committees – past and present).

It is not in dispute that the BC rightful duty is to act as a watchdog towards the government of the day. I can understand the need to express their views against any policy or bills particularly issues incidental to the law and human rights. But it cannot be accepted when the BC is taking side in the process of doing the latter. It does not matter how you define politics, any members of the Bar, whatever their agenda, shall not create any perception of such neither to prove dynamism, power or activism of the BC. Without merits? Tell me how many members (particularly the committee members and the active ones) are not affiliated to the opposition? Familiar names such as Karpal Singh and sons, Sivarasa, Ngeh and Ngo, Hindraf lawyers etc need no further explanation. I am not saying that representing the opposition members in court is wrong but the mindset and impartial mentality towards the government must not exist vide it will be extremely difficult to those lawyers who are also opposition politicians.

As a result, it will be very unfair for the public to perceive such image on the BC due to the few members involvement. It is fine if the BC is confined to the narrow practice of law as an inevitable involvement in politics but if these members want to go beyond that by using the BC as a platform or stepping-stone of their political mileage, it is wrong. Perhaps they should form a lawyers party like Democratic Party in America where most of its leaders are lawyers (such as Obama and Clinton now).

The reality is we cannot expect the BC to provide real change, reform and hope in our country. The BC should restore the declining moral values or spark the spirit of enterprise in our economy and of course take good care of the members as a whole. Maybe Malaysians should realise that more lawyers with more power would only make our problems worse.

Pakatan Rakyat Harus Mengaku Kalah.

Demi kepentingan rakyat Perak, Pakatan Rakyat harus mengaku kalah kepada kerajaan negeri yang kini di bawah BN. Jikalau rakyat benar-benar menyokong PR, biarlah ia diputuskan pada PRU nanti. Jangan menjadi ’sore loser’. PR telahpun berjaya secara psikologi membangkitkan sentimen dan gambaran bahawa kerajaan BN tidak sah di negeri Perak yang sebenarnya boleh dipertikaikan.

Saya bersetuju bahawa kesemua masalah ini berlaku kerana ketiga-tiga katak itu. Jika diteliti, memang tidak ada soal coup d’etat atau rampas-kuasa dsb. DYMM Sultan Perak sememangnya telah memutuskan mengikut perlembagaan negeri di mana ketiga-tiga ahli bebas (bukan katak sebenarnya) itu memberi sokongan kepada BN. Kenapa pulak mencabar kedudukan mereka, sedangkan Anwar Ibrahim yang memulakan permainan sedemikian?

Jika dilihat dari sudut yang lain, parti PKR yang harus dipersalahkan kerana wakil mereka tidak berintegriti atau ‘unprincipled’. Kenapa 6 Adun dari PAS tidak keluar parti? Bukan kali ini sahaja, pada pilihanraya yang terdahulu, PAS di Kelantan hanya memenangi lebih satu kerusi sahaja tetapi sepanjang 5 tahun itu, tidak ada seorang wakil dari PAS yang keluar parti atau lompat. Karpal dan Tok Guru juga mulai menyedari kedudukan gabungan mereka bersama PKR terjejas. Sebab inilah Karpal menyuruh Anwar meletak jawatan. Dengan kata lain, jikalau wujudnya kejatuhan PR satu hari nanti, kemungkinan besar adalah disebabkan oleh PKR.

Soal mengenai kuasa rakyat atau pilihanraya harus diadakan tidak sepatutnya wujud juga. Kalau nak berdebat pasal demokrasi, lihatlah negara Thailand yang telahpun menukar PM 4 kali tanpa sesi Parlimen dan masih berterusan. Pada tahun 2000 juga di negara yang kononnya paling berdemokrasi iaitu Amerika Syarikat, George Bush telah berjaya menjadi Presiden walaupun kalah kepada Al Gore dalam undian majoriti atau ‘popularity vote’. Apa yang ingin saya jelaskan adalah bahawa untuk memerintah sesuatu negeri itu ada pelbagai caranya dan bukan semata-mata memaksa pilihanraya kecil yang kononnnya dianggap sebagai kuasa rakyat oleh PR.

Cukuplah PR, jangan lagi memeningkan kepala mencari taktik untuk membalas dendam. Ini adalah punca ketidakpuas hati kerana kehilangan kuasa kepada BN yang tidak disangkakan. PKR dan UMNO masing-masing berjuang di dalam perkara ini dengan menggunakan pelbagai cara yang tidak mempedulikan kebajikan dan kepentingan rakyat, tetapi bukankah ini politik? Justeru itu demi pembangunan negara, semua pihak harus buat kerja untuk masa depan yang lebih bermakna.

Zambry vs Nizar

Tit for tat, if you can do it, why can’t I. I still want the Camry but you can have the residence. We are both MB of Perak? Jabatan Akauntan is not sure who shall they give this month’s MB’s pay check to. I do not want to indulge into the legitimacy of this power struggles anymore as clearly there is a lacuna and crisis of the state’s constitution. Both have their own interpretation and the case is still pending for the court to decide as the presided judge had recused himself last week due to some conflict of interest. We must look into the controversy rationally (although it will be difficult).

Now as for tomorrow’s anticipated emergency sitting, it is apparent that Pakatan Rakyat will gain majority vote for their motion to reaffirm confidence on Nizar as MB as well as to dissolve the state assembly. The question now lies on whether such sitting is legal or not? If all this while PR accused Zambry’s appointment as invalid, what is that to motion for? Are these acts going against the Sultan’s decision?

First and foremost, why is the Speaker calling the press conference flanked by both the DAP Ngeh and Ngo cousin? Isn’t he suppose to be bipartisan and impartial as a speaker? PR’s contention is that the Speaker has the power to do so under Standing Order 89 and the house regulates its own proceedings as it is an adjourned sitting and not dissolved, therefore does not require the Sultan’s consent. If this is the case, are they saying that the purpose of the sitting is to vote on something that never an issue at all? ie Nizar is still the MB and we are going to reinstate him as MB but also to dissolve, strange uh?

Conversely, pursuant to Standing Order 8 (1), it is stated that the Sultan’s proclamation to convene an emergency sitting of the State assembly is needed. In addition Art XXXVI (1) of the state consitution declares that the Sultan shall from time to time summon the Legislative Assembly …, so who shall has the final say for the emergency meeting now? Definitely not the secretary. Again another lacuna, well not really depending on who is the valid or legitimate government of which both BN and PR are still fighting on it.

This morning Zambry’s lawyers filed an injunction to stop and declare tomorrow’s meeting as invalid. Does the court has the jurisdiction to interfere base on the doctrine of separation of powers? I am inclined to say yes as there is a Federal Court’s decision of such scenario particularly if there is an uncertainty to the law. Would Zambry’s lawyers able to serve the sealed application before tomorrow’s meeting? If yes, I will say the court in this matter will be damn efficient even with the certificate of urgency. Again such would create an impression of double standard.

What will be the conseqence after tomorrow’s meeting? Will Zambry surrender his position? Unlikely. Why not let the court decide once and for all? Doubting the credibility again? So, back to PR supporters’ request to call for a snap election? Lets the people decide. Again a constitutional question and BN is obviously want to buy more time.

Never ending story…