Premier

Not a nation obsessed with porn, we want the truth

Apr 29th, 2013
by admin.
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Not a nation obsessed with porn, we want the truth

In an email to the Editor, Aidil Yunus wrote:

 

“Remember the days following the premier of (Datuk Seri) Chua Soi Lek’s video taken in a Batu Pahat hotel?

 

CSL admitted that he is the man in the video and thereafter resigned from his ministerial post.

 

There was never a moment CSL misled the public that it was manufactured by his opponents. He was not caught in the act with a ‘person for hire’.  

 

One of the favourite attacks by Pakatan Rakyat supporters especially those supporting DAP which is going after his blood is that he is a leader with such a low moral and an adulterer thus earning him a top place in the perpetual  race of league of ‘low class’ politicians.

 

By default then, for Pakatan Rakyat, if you are branded as a ‘low moral’ individual, you are not fit to be a leader.
 

If ‘good moral’ equates ‘main criteria to be a leader’, many of us have a right to wonder why Pakatan Rakyat is touting one man with a video or two showing him in a ‘very low moral act’ being endorsed as a their PM in waiting?

 

These endorsements come from so called ‘pious’ Muslims like the PAS top rank to the ‘I Am Classier Than You’ DAP.
 

Yes, their answer is simple; like what a top leader of DAP publicly stated that ‘itu video fitnah, bukan betul, UMNO buat’ (the video is a slander, it is not real, UMNO did it) to ‘video adalah besi’ (am not sure how to translate this one).  

 

Are you satisfied with that answer? Than for PR, that answer is deemed a good to go to endorse Anwar Ibrahim as PM in waiting.  If you question their rationale, they will say ‘oh look at these BN supporters, they are obsessed with porn’.
 

Now have you guys ever heard of American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accrediting Board (ASCLD/LAB)?

 

If you have watched CSI, you must now be quite aware of Audio/Video forensic. ASCLD/LAB is one of the most well recognized regulatory bodies of sort for forensic expert. Audio/Video forensic is one of the thing they cover.

 

If I am Pakatan Rakyat and I want to eliminate the suspicion once and for all and would like to deliver a deadly blow to BN knowing I am right, I would have chosen to hire a forensic expert or two accredited by ASCLD/LAB to solidly debunk the myth of the videos.

 

If following the logic that caught in video = low moral and low moral = unfit leader, than don’t you think Anwar Ibrahim and the gang owe it to us to clear his name?  Take note that they never do this so far.

 

ASCLD/LAB is not the only accredited forensic expert but in US there are more than 35 universities offering audio/video forensic degree course.

 

I do think these videos will be a very good thesis for the final year students. Anwar don’t have to go far. In Asia there are more than 12 forensic labs with expertise to prove that he is not a ‘low class adulterer politician’ like what the DAP supporters like to call Chua Soi Lek.”

Source: MOLE

China quake rescuers battle landslides, debris

Apr 22nd, 2013
by admin.
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LUSHAN: Clogged roads, debris and landslides impeded rescuers Monday as they battled to find survivors of a powerful earthquake in mountainous southwest China that has left at least 188 dead.
Huge boulders blocked rescue vehicles along roads leading to some of the worst-hit areas, and some areas were only accessible by foot along broken passes through the rough terrain.
Survivors including the elderly were carried out on the backs of neighbours as well as by helicopter, as rescuers were also bolstered by thousands of civilian volunteers who rushed to the area to help.
State broadcaster CCTV showed orange-suited emergency workers making desperate dashes past cliff-edges, trying to avoid sudden landslides in a region weakened by more than 2,000 aftershocks.
Industrial diggers clawed through debris including the mangled remains of cars and motorbikes crushed by tumbling rocks, to clear roads also clogged by huge queues of traffic.
The 6.6-magnitude quake which hit Sichuan province Saturday has left another 25 missing and more than 11,000 injured, according to state media, while local authorities said some 17,000 families have lost their homes.
Forecasts of rain in the disaster area increased fears of deadly landslides.
"I dare not go anywhere near a mountainside," a woman named Zhu told AFP as she arrived from the devastated village of Baoxing into the centre of the county of Lushan.
"Many people are worried that the rain will bring more devastation," she added.
Another woman told AFP that she left her rural home for the busy town centre in Lushan because she was worried it was not strong enough to withstand more of the aftershocks that have shaken and terrified the region.
Premier Li Keqiang left the quake zone on Sunday, state media reported, after rushing to the area the day before to direct rescue efforts, in his first public test on disaster management since being appointed to the top post in March.
More than 17,000 Chinese soldiers and police have joined the rescue mission and five drones were sent to capture aerial images of the damage, state news agency Xinhua said.
The disaster comes five years after a massive quake in Sichuan which occurred just 200 kilometres from Lushan, and was one of the worst to strike China in decades, leaving 90,000 dead or missing.
The 2008 quake triggered an outpouring of public anger after the discovery that many schools collapsed while other buildings did not, creating suspicions of corruption and shoddy construction.
However, the response on China's Twitter-like weibo sites to Saturday's disaster has overwhelmingly been one of support, with thousands pledging to donate money and others mourning the victims.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon offered his condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of life, injuries and destruction caused by the earthquake and aftershocks.
Earthquakes frequently strike China's southwest. In April 2010, a 6.9 magnitude quake killed about 2,700 people and injured 12,000 in a remote area of Qinghai province bordering the northwest of Sichuan.

Crossing the lines – BN’s early strategic mistakes

Apr 20th, 2013
by admin.
No comments yet

COMMENT In assessing any electoral campaign, it is essential to review the assumptions and implications of different strategic moves.

Three decisions on the part of BN in the last two weeks are leading to tectonic shifts within the electorate, and thus strengthen the opposition’s position nationally.

These are:

1. The use of sex videos against PAS and possibly other opposition politicians.

2. The fielding of Perkasa leader Zulkifli Noordin in Shah Alam.

3. The action by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in not recognising DAP’s central executive committee (CEC).

The combined effect of these moves have strengthened the opposition coalition and negatively impact the BN’s position with the electorate in the lead up to the May 5 general election.

Let’s take each of these in turn:

1. Smut videos

Since 1999, the use of sex has become the mode of attack by BN. The list includes PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, MCA president Chua Soi Lek, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, and more recently, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, among others.

NONESex videos have also played a role in the Umno polls, including against caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) himself. The aim is to use character assassination to tarnish reputations, and to do so through personal attacks.

Somehow, the incumbent government has in its mind, that by using sex, they can sway voters. This tactic raises some interesting questions: Why has the use of smut become the tool of attack by BN? Why does BN think this can work? And why do they continue to use this tactic when it is clearly not working?

The use of smut by BN reflects more on the party itself than the opposition. It fundamentally shows a lack of respect for the rules of decency, especially given than many of these videos are clearly constructed through technology rather than truth.

It also reveals what their own priorities are. Somehow, there is an assumption that the Malaysian electorate will be swayed by smut. This shows how BN conceives the priorities of the general public.

The evidence shows that the original Anwar sodomy attack backfired politically in 1999. Further questions have been raised through the media barrage and a second trial. Polls show that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians see the second trial and subsequent videos for what they are – shallow political ploys.

The conservative Malays they are targeting are offended by the use of smut. Many in the public do not think that these videos are credible. The now sub-contracted production of such sex tapes has led to diminishing returns that are clearly backfiring.

NONENowhere was this clearer when the video allegedly portraying Mustafa Ali was released last week. Apparently, Najib’s Umno decided to go after one of the most powerful and respected senior leaders in PAS.

However, the impact has ironically led to a strengthening of resolve among the opposition to work together to form a new government. When a party is attacked, people naturally rally together. This has been the pattern for the opposition coalition since the Perak crisis.

BN’s use of smut has ultimately hurt itself as it highlights the use of unchecked personal attacks to hold onto power. Given that one of the BN’s party presidents has his own sex video that he has acknowledged as real, BN appears to be nothing but hypocritical.

Furthermore, they have misread the public by assuming that they can be swayed by base innuendo. Indeed, in terms of the electorate, smut is not a determinant of voting behaviour.

2. Fielding Zulkifli Noordin

Decisions matter, especially those that provoke incredulity. The announcement of lawyer Zulkifli Noordin as a candidate for Umno overshadows all the other candidates, including Najib himself.

While there are some talented names in the Umno list, they are being tainted by the appointment of a person who is perceived to be an ultra chauvinist, and who has openly attacked Hinduism and Christianity in a manner that had provoked public outrage.

The video evidence of Zulkifli disparaging the Hindu religion was already viral and has reached record circulations, especially among the Indian community which will be decisive in this election. The electorate is understandably asking whether the views of Zulkifli are those of Najib’s. He, after all, is the person who appointed the candidate who has openly shown disrespect towards many fellow Malaysians.

NONEThis tactic also raises questions: Does Najib endorse the views that are being advocated by Zulkifli (right)? Why is there so little respect for multicultural tolerance among the candidates in the BN list?

The views of the caretaker prime minister on the racial statements of Zulkifli have not been made clear. These are among the questions that Najib will now be pressured to answer as the video footage goes into outlying areas.

Politically, the use of race has long been a feature of Malaysian politics, but the content and tone of the Zulkifli remarks reflect a defensive (and offensive) anger and reactionary position on ethnic relations.

This election will be shaped by the ability of the winner to reach out across different communities. We have seen tactically the use of racial polarisation since Najib took office in 2009 in the different by-elections, but never has any premier, who is supposed to represent the entire country, opted for endorsing these views through the candidate selection.

This is backfiring, not only among non-Malays, but also among younger and more exposed Malays who do not need the crutch of racial fear and insecurity to be confident and proud of their achievements.

3. ROS’ harassment

The ROS letter to DAP yesterday brought out into the open the persistent use of government departments to threaten political parties, and it showcased underhanded tactics.

This practice has been common for years, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Despite the ROS’ approval of Pakatan’s registration, it has been held up in the ministries for years. The ROS is being used for political aims, thus undermining its reputation and further undermining the credibility of the country’s institutions.

This tactic is perhaps the most blatant. Do they assume that people do not respect fair play? Do they think that Malaysians are willing to accept a process that is unfair?

The decision to deny the CEC of the DAP highlights BN’s tactical decision to use state power at the last minute to create disarray and sow confusion.

The decision foreshadows a possible deregistration and potential use of these legal administrative procedures to hold onto power. By going after DAP in such a manner, the BN underestimates the wishes of ordinary Malaysians for fair play and decency.

NONEThe impact has ironically brought in even more cooperation among the opposition, and the possibility of DAP now contesting under the banners of PAS and PKR has the potential to showcase a shared commitment. The opposition coalition emerged stronger from this move as it reflects confidence and trust in each other.

There is plenty of time for the political parties to communicate the decision to the electorate. Ironically, after bruising inter-party seat negotiations, the ROS action has moved the parties further together.

Losing the PR battle

Tactics are crucial in any campaign. Those that cross the line only undermine those who use them. BN’s moves of late illustrate that the choices they are making do not take into account of how they will be perceived on the ground.

Studies on dirty tactics vary. In this case, however, BN’s tactics are likely to go beyond what is acceptable. They seem to underestimate the sense of fair play among Malaysians. On many fronts, they appear to insult the intelligence of the electorate in the assumptions of how they will vote and why.

Malaysian politics have shown that sentiment is a powerful force, potentially more powerful than money or machinery. This has been crucial in close elections. It is the decisive force that pushes voters toward one side or another. In the battle for sentiment to date, the BN coalition has indeed miscalculated.

DR BRIDGET WELSH is associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. She is travelling around Malaysia to provide her GE13 analyses exclusively to Malaysiakini.

Short URL: http://www.freemalaysiakini2.com/?p=76424







Posted by
on Apr 19 2013. Filed under News.
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Crossing lines – BN’s early strategic mistakes

Apr 19th, 2013
by admin.
No comments yet

COMMENT In assessing any electoral campaign, it is essential to review the assumptions and implications of different strategic moves.

Three decisions on the part of BN in the last two weeks are leading to tectonic shifts within the electorate, and thus strengthen the opposition’s position nationally.

These are:

1. The use of sex videos against PAS and possibly other opposition politicians.

2. The fielding of Perkasa leader Zulkifli Noordin in Shah Alam.

3. The action by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in not recognising DAP’s central executive committee (CEC).

The combined effect of these moves have strengthened the opposition coalition and negatively impact the BN’s position with the electorate in the lead up to the May 5 general election.

Let’s take each of these in turn:

1. Smut videos

Since 1999, the use of sex has become the mode of attack by BN. The list includes PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, MCA president Chua Soi Lek, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, and more recently, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, among others.

NONESex videos have also played a role in the Umno polls, including against caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) himself. The aim is to use character assassination to tarnish reputations, and to do so through personal attacks.

Somehow, the incumbent government has in its mind, that by using sex, they can sway voters. This tactic raises some interesting questions: Why has the use of smut become the tool of attack by BN? Why does BN think this can work? And why do they continue to use this tactic when it is clearly not working?

The use of smut by BN reflects more on the party itself than the opposition. It fundamentally shows a lack of respect for the rules of decency, especially given than many of these videos are clearly constructed through technology rather than truth.

It also reveals what their own priorities are. Somehow, there is an assumption that the Malaysian electorate will be swayed by smut. This shows how BN conceives the priorities of the general public.

The evidence shows that the original Anwar sodomy attack backfired politically in 1999. Further questions have been raised through the media barrage and a second trial. Polls show that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians see the second trial and subsequent videos for what they are – shallow political ploys.

The conservative Malays they are targeting are offended by the use of smut. Many in the public do not think that these videos are credible. The now sub-contracted production of such sex tapes has led to diminishing returns that are clearly backfiring.

NONENowhere was this clearer when the video allegedly portraying Mustafa Ali was released last week. Apparently, Najib’s Umno decided to go after one of the most powerful and respected senior leaders in PAS.

However, the impact has ironically led to a strengthening of resolve among the opposition to work together to form a new government. When a party is attacked, people naturally rally together. This has been the pattern for the opposition coalition since the Perak crisis.

BN’s use of smut has ultimately hurt itself as it highlights the use of unchecked personal attacks to hold onto power. Given that one of the BN’s party presidents has his own sex video that he has acknowledged as real, BN appears to be nothing but hypocritical.

Furthermore, they have misread the public by assuming that they can be swayed by base innuendo. Indeed, in terms of the electorate, smut is not a determinant of voting behaviour.

2. Fielding Zulkifli Noordin

Decisions matter, especially those that provoke incredulity. The announcement of lawyer Zulkifli Noordin as a candidate for Umno overshadows all the other candidates, including Najib himself.

While there are some talented names in the Umno list, they are being tainted by the appointment of a person who is perceived to be an ultra chauvinist, and who has openly attacked Hinduism and Christianity in a vicious manner that had provoked public outrage.

The video evidence of Zulkifli disparaging the Hindu religion was already viral and has reached record circulations, especially among the Indian community which will be decisive in this election. The electorate is understandably asking whether the views of Zulkifli are those of Najib’s. He, after all, is the person who appointed the candidate who has openly shown disrespect towards many fellow Malaysians.

NONEThis tactic also raises questions: Does Najib endorse the views that are being advocated by Zulkifli (right)? Why is there so little respect for multicultural tolerance among the candidates in the BN list?

The views of the caretaker prime minister on the racial statements of Zulkifli have not been made clear. These are among the questions that Najib will now be pressured to answer as the video footage goes into outlying areas.

Politically, the use of race has long been a feature of Malaysian politics, but the content and tone of the Zulkifli remarks reflect a defensive (and offensive) anger and reactionary position on ethnic relations.

This election will be shaped by the ability of the winner to reach out across different communities. We have seen tactically the use of racial polarisation since Najib took office in 2009 in the different by-elections, but never has any premier, who is supposed to represent the entire country, opted for endorsing these views through the candidate selection.

This is backfiring, not only among non-Malays, but also among younger and more exposed Malays who do not need the crutch of racial fear and insecurity to be confident and proud of their achievements.

3. ROS’ harassment

The ROS letter to DAP yesterday brought out into the open the persistent use of government departments to threaten political parties, and it showcased underhanded tactics.

This practice has been common for years, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Despite the ROS’ approval of Pakatan’s registration, it has been held up in the ministries for years. The ROS is being used for political aims, thus undermining its reputation and further undermining the credibility of the country’s institutions.

This tactic is perhaps the most blatant. Do they assume that people do not respect fair play? Do they think that Malaysians are willing to accept a process that is unfair?

The decision to deny the CEC of the DAP highlights BN’s tactical decision to use state power at the last minute to create disarray and sow confusion.

The decision foreshadows a possible deregistration and potential use of these legal administrative procedures to hold onto power. By going after DAP in such a manner, the BN underestimates the wishes of ordinary Malaysians for fair play and decency.

NONEThe impact has ironically brought in even more cooperation among the opposition, and the possibility of DAP now contesting under the banners of PAS and PKR has the potential to showcase a shared commitment. The opposition coalition emerged stronger from this move as it reflects confidence and trust in each other.

There is plenty of time for the political parties to communicate the decision to the electorate. Ironically, after bruising inter-party seat negotiations, the ROS action has moved the parties further together.

Losing the PR battle

Tactics are crucial in any campaign. Those that cross the line only undermine those who use them. BN’s moves of late illustrate that the choices they are making do not take into account of how they will be perceived on the ground.

Studies on dirty tactics vary. In this case, however, BN’s tactics are likely to go beyond what is acceptable. They seem to underestimate the sense of fair play among Malaysians. On many fronts, they appear to insult the intelligence of the electorate in the assumptions of how they will vote and why.

Malaysian politics have shown that sentiment is a powerful force, potentially more powerful than money or machinery. This has been crucial in close elections. It is the decisive force that pushes voters toward one side or another. In the battle for sentiment to date, the BN coalition has indeed miscalculated.

DR BRIDGET WELSH is associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. She is travelling around Malaysia to provide her GE13 analyses exclusively to Malaysiakini.

Short URL: http://www.freemalaysiakini2.com/?p=76327







Posted by
on Apr 19 2013. Filed under News.
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You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Crossing lines – BN’s early strategic mistakes

Apr 19th, 2013
by admin.
No comments yet

COMMENT In assessing any electoral campaign, it is essential to review the assumptions and implications of different strategic moves.

Three decisions on the part of BN in the last two weeks are leading to tectonic shifts within the electorate, and thus strengthen the opposition’s position nationally.

These are:

1. The use of sex videos against PAS and possibly other opposition politicians.

2. The fielding of Perkasa leader Zulkifli Noordin in Shah Alam.

3. The action by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in not recognising DAP’s central executive committee (CEC).

The combined effect of these moves have strengthened the opposition coalition and negatively impact the BN’s position with the electorate in the lead up to the May 5 general election.

Let’s take each of these in turn:

1. Smut videos

Since 1999, the use of sex has become the mode of attack by BN. The list includes PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, MCA president Chua Soi Lek, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, and more recently, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, among others.

NONESex videos have also played a role in the Umno polls, including against caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) himself. The aim is to use character assassination to tarnish reputations, and to do so through personal attacks.

Somehow, the incumbent government has in its mind, that by using sex, they can sway voters. This tactic raises some interesting questions: Why has the use of smut become the tool of attack by BN? Why does BN think this can work? And why do they continue to use this tactic when it is clearly not working?

The use of smut by BN reflects more on the party itself than the opposition. It fundamentally shows a lack of respect for the rules of decency, especially given than many of these videos are clearly constructed through technology rather than truth.

It also reveals what their own priorities are. Somehow, there is an assumption that the Malaysian electorate will be swayed by smut. This shows how BN conceives the priorities of the general public.

The evidence shows that the original Anwar sodomy attack backfired politically in 1999. Further questions have been raised through the media barrage and a second trial. Polls show that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians see the second trial and subsequent videos for what they are – shallow political ploys.

The conservative Malays they are targeting are offended by the use of smut. Many in the public do not think that these videos are credible. The now sub-contracted production of such sex tapes has led to diminishing returns that are clearly backfiring.

NONENowhere was this clearer when the video allegedly portraying Mustafa Ali was released last week. Apparently, Najib’s Umno decided to go after one of the most powerful and respected senior leaders in PAS.

However, the impact has ironically led to a strengthening of resolve among the opposition to work together to form a new government. When a party is attacked, people naturally rally together. This has been the pattern for the opposition coalition since the Perak crisis.

BN’s use of smut has ultimately hurt itself as it highlights the use of unchecked personal attacks to hold onto power. Given that one of the BN’s party presidents has his own sex video that he has acknowledged as real, BN appears to be nothing but hypocritical.

Furthermore, they have misread the public by assuming that they can be swayed by base innuendo. Indeed, in terms of the electorate, smut is not a determinant of voting behaviour.

2. Fielding Zulkifli Noordin

Decisions matter, especially those that provoke incredulity. The announcement of lawyer Zulkifli Noordin as a candidate for Umno overshadows all the other candidates, including Najib himself.

While there are some talented names in the Umno list, they are being tainted by the appointment of a person who is perceived to be an ultra chauvinist, and who has openly attacked Hinduism and Christianity in a vicious manner that had provoked public outrage.

The video evidence of Zulkifli disparaging the Hindu religion was already viral and has reached record circulations, especially among the Indian community which will be decisive in this election. The electorate is understandably asking whether the views of Zulkifli are those of Najib’s. He, after all, is the person who appointed the candidate who has openly shown disrespect towards many fellow Malaysians.

NONEThis tactic also raises questions: Does Najib endorse the views that are being advocated by Zulkifli (right)? Why is there so little respect for multicultural tolerance among the candidates in the BN list?

The views of the caretaker prime minister on the racial statements of Zulkifli have not been made clear. These are among the questions that Najib will now be pressured to answer as the video footage goes into outlying areas.

Politically, the use of race has long been a feature of Malaysian politics, but the content and tone of the Zulkifli remarks reflect a defensive (and offensive) anger and reactionary position on ethnic relations.

This election will be shaped by the ability of the winner to reach out across different communities. We have seen tactically the use of racial polarisation since Najib took office in 2009 in the different by-elections, but never has any premier, who is supposed to represent the entire country, opted for endorsing these views through the candidate selection.

This is backfiring, not only among non-Malays, but also among younger and more exposed Malays who do not need the crutch of racial fear and insecurity to be confident and proud of their achievements.

3. ROS’ harassment

The ROS letter to DAP yesterday brought out into the open the persistent use of government departments to threaten political parties, and it showcased underhanded tactics.

This practice has been common for years, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Despite the ROS’ approval of Pakatan’s registration, it has been held up in the ministries for years. The ROS is being used for political aims, thus undermining its reputation and further undermining the credibility of the country’s institutions.

This tactic is perhaps the most blatant. Do they assume that people do not respect fair play? Do they think that Malaysians are willing to accept a process that is unfair?

The decision to deny the CEC of the DAP highlights BN’s tactical decision to use state power at the last minute to create disarray and sow confusion.

The decision foreshadows a possible deregistration and potential use of these legal administrative procedures to hold onto power. By going after DAP in such a manner, the BN underestimates the wishes of ordinary Malaysians for fair play and decency.

NONEThe impact has ironically brought in even more cooperation among the opposition, and the possibility of DAP now contesting under the banners of PAS and PKR has the potential to showcase a shared commitment. The opposition coalition emerged stronger from this move as it reflects confidence and trust in each other.

There is plenty of time for the political parties to communicate the decision to the electorate. Ironically, after bruising inter-party seat negotiations, the ROS action has moved the parties further together.

Losing the PR battle

Tactics are crucial in any campaign. Those that cross the line only undermine those who use them. BN’s moves of late illustrate that the choices they are making do not take into account of how they will be perceived on the ground.

Studies on dirty tactics vary. In this case, however, BN’s tactics are likely to go beyond what is acceptable. They seem to underestimate the sense of fair play among Malaysians. On many fronts, they appear to insult the intelligence of the electorate in the assumptions of how they will vote and why.

Malaysian politics have shown that sentiment is a powerful force, potentially more powerful than money or machinery. This has been crucial in close elections. It is the decisive force that pushes voters toward one side or another. In the battle for sentiment to date, the BN coalition has indeed miscalculated.

DR BRIDGET WELSH is associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. She is travelling around Malaysia to provide her GE13 analyses exclusively to Malaysiakini.

Short URL: http://www.freemalaysiakini2.com/?p=76327







Posted by
on Apr 19 2013. Filed under News.
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Opposition fails to protect Indian community's needs in Manifesto

Mar 10th, 2013
by admin.
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Opposition fails to protect Indian community’s needs in Manifesto

KUALA LUMPUR — Information Communications and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D’cruz has called on the Indian community to reject the opposition pact, saying the opposition failed to protect the community’s needs in their manifesto.

He said that the opposition pact had chosen to ignore the plight and interests of the Indian community in this country.

“Even in their manifesto, they do not recognise the longstanding woes of the Indian community. They do not seem to value the support or need of the Indian community.

“A vote for them is like locking yourself in a dark cage. Think wisely before you vote. I hope the Indian community will wake-up and reject the opposition,” he said.

Maglin was speaking to Bernama after attending the Mother Tongue Day Celebration at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Saraswathy, at Old Klang Road, here today.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was quoted by an online news portal as saying that the election manifesto unveiled on Feb 25 was still open to feedback and proposals from Indian community leaders so that it could be further refined.

D’Cruz also said that Anwar’s promise to amend the manifesto to include specific commitments to the Indian community, was another feeble attempt at damage control.

“Now his promise is a carrot that he dangles before the Indian voters, hoping they would bite but it is too late. Ever since the last general election, they have not taken any concrete measure to help the Indian community
specifically,” he said.

He said the Indian community should realise and place their trust and confidence in the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, as the premier had kept his promise to uplift the Indians by laying the foundation in all aspects of political, economic and administrative transformation.

“The Indians should follow a government who are there to move them higher, and not to choose a government who had forgotten the community’s needs. The Barisan Nasional government is always one step ahead to assist and upgrade the needs,” he noted.-BERNAMA-

Source: MOLE

What would we have been, if not for UMNO/BN?

Feb 9th, 2013
by admin.
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What would we have been, if not for UMNO/BN?

KUALA LUMPUR: An email from Celestine Ho provided an insightful piece which among others pointed out how some postings in cyberspace that “fly in the face of the truth” which needed to be re-visited. And she chose to re-visit one that was written by lawyer and activist Haris Ibrahim.

 

 

 

The following is Celestine Ho’s piece:  

 

“To wade through today’s murky political waters, it is important for voters to possess the appropriate tools to separate fact from fiction and make the correct conclusions.

 

In the light of this need, it is necessary to revisit some of the postings on cyberspace that fly in the face of the truth. One such piece was written by lawyer and activist Haris Ibrahim headlined:

 

“A glimpse of what might have been but for UMNO/BN,Mahathir, Pak Lah, and … Najib”.

 

He implied that Malaysia could have become as ‘successful’ as Singapore but for…

 

It is however more appropriate to ask the question:

 

“What would we have been, if not for UMNO/BN, Mahathir, Pak Lah, and …Najib”

 

In his blog posted on 29 September 2012, Haris drew conclusions based largely on what former Singapore Premier Lee Kuan Yew had said in an interview with the New York Times in 2010. Haris asks what was it that Singapore had done right, and what was it that Malaysia had done wrong these past few decades.

 

Haris illustrated his article by showing pictures that ostensibly showed Singapore’s transformation from a riverine village to a modern metropolis, the implication being that Malaysia has remained in the backwaters since independence.

 

Haris said LKY was quoted as having made the following statements (shown in italics):

 

LKY: “I think if the Tunku ( Malaysia’s first Prime Minister) had kept us together, what we did in Singapore, had Malaysia accepted a multiracial base for their society, much of what we’ve achieved in Singapore would be achieved in Malaysia.”

 

The fact however is that LKY cannot take all the credit for Singapore’s economic success.  Thanks to the colonial powers, Singapore was already a thriving entrepot trading post in the early 19th century–long before the PAP came into power. Malaysia, on the other hand, started almost from ground zero.  At independence it was considered by foreigners as a basket case, with the same chance of success as the poorest of the global poor. Malaysia’s economic success was therefore also spectacular. (See below)

 

LKY: “We made quite sure whatever your race, language or religion, you are an equal citizen and we’ll drum that into the people and I think our Chinese understand and today we have an integrated society.  Our Malays are English-educated; they’re no longer like the Malays in Malaysia and you can see there are some still wearing headscarves but very modern looking.”

 

Well, not quite true. Ask the Singaporean Malay and he will tell you :

 

 

•  that there is discrimination in the award of scholarships. Last year (and for several years in succession) there was not a single Malay (or Indian) successful candidate among the list of local scholarship recipients.

 

•  that there is discrimination in the private sector. Advertisements for positions today simply state “Must be conversant in Mandarin” or “Must be effectively bilingual” as an essential requirement.  This effectively cuts out Malays and Indians.

 

•  that the Chinese community has been the largest beneficiaries of all of the government’s economic policies.

 

•  that there are elite Chinese only schools and co-ed Special Assistance Plans (SAP) schools where the Chinese outnumber the minority races by a massive ratio. Prestigious scholarships are virtually dished out to them annually by the private and public sectors.

 

 

•  that questions are being asked why many Malays are ‘exempted’ from serving national service.

 

•  that Chinese is the language that is spoken as the native tongue by the greatest number of Singaporeans.  Malay was only chosen as the “national language” by the Singaporean government after independence from Britain in the 1960s to avoid friction with Singapore’s neighbours.

 

•  Social integration is far from smooth on the ground. To some locals, newcomers — particularly Mainland Chinese — are commonly seen as uncouth and prone to objectionable behaviors. Similarly, South Asian construction workers and Filipino domestic workers have also been singled out as targets of public. A spate of online disputes in 2011 involving Mainland Chinese immigrants ridiculing Singaporeans as “ungracious,” “disgusting and inferior” reveals the extent of social discord. In August 2011, an immigrant family from China went so far as to lodge a complaint against their Singaporean-Indian neighbors for the smell of curry emanating from their cooking. In response, a Facebook page urging Singaporeans to prepare curry on a designated Sunday drew over 57,600 supporters.

 

•  why is it that Singaporeans are not trusted to provide security services to LKY and the subsequent Prime Ministers at 38 Oxley Road? That job, for the last 50 years, had been outsourced to Nepali Gurkha soldiers.

 

Another, more subtle, difference between Malaysia and Singapore is this: Singapore believes in a foreigners first, locals second policy. That is why Singapore is haven to the super rich of the world. Forty per cent of Singapore residents are foreigners. The local Singaporeans are beginning to resent their presence because they are partly the reason for the high cost of living.

 

LKY: “Malaysia took the different line. Malay is the language of the schools although it does not get them into modern knowledge.  So the Chinese build and find their own independent schools to teach Chinese, the Tamils create their own Tamil schools, which do not get them jobs. It’s a most unhappy situation”.


That is a jaundiced view, not supported by the facts:

 

A recent scholarly article by A. Abhayaratne of the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka said the following:

 

“In the East and Southeast region, Malaysia stands out as one of the most outstanding economies in terms of the rate of economic growth and poverty reduction. During the last three decades, the annual growth of gross domestic product was higher than 6 percent except during the recession in 1985-86 and the financial crisis in 1997. This is a very impressive rate of growth by developing country standard. Consistent with the high growth rates during the period, per capita income increased from US$ 900 in 1970 to US$ 3400 in 2000 (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2000). Per capita income in Malaysia in 2000 was second highest in Southeast Asia and considerably higher than that of other countries of the region.

 

“During the same period, the Malaysian economy experienced a dramatic reduction in the incidence of poverty. Poverty incidence in Malaysia fell from 52.4% in 1970 to 5.5% in 2000. There was also considerable progress in reducing hard-core poverty as well to only 0.5% by 2000. The reduction in poverty was accompanied by rising living standards with a relatively equal distribution of income.

 

“It has been suggested by a number of studies that the large reductions in poverty incidence in Malaysia was the result of the high growth achieved by the economy.  Some other studies suggest that this success in poverty reduction has not been a result of growth alone. They claim that this success was unlikely without the relentless efforts of the government in including poverty eradication as a major development objective and formulating specific policies and programs aiming at eradicating poverty.”

 

LKY: “We are non-corrupt.  We lead modest lives”.


Sure. If other political leaders are also paid like Singapore politicians (the Prime Minister is paid US$1.7 million per year and the Cabinet Ministers also similarly high salaries), perhaps there will be little or no corruption.

 

Haris then quoted a report by The Wall Street Journal that said Singapore was “the wealthiest nation in the world by GDP per capita, beating out Norway, the U.S., Hong Kong and Switzerland.

 

But that doesn’t say much about the quality of life of the Singaporeans. Every weekend, thousands of islanders cross the Causeway into Johor Bharu, and travel as far inland as Malacca for a taste of the good life.

 

Consider these:

 

•  Four out of five Singaporeans live in cramped high-rise HDB flats.

 

•  More and more Singaporeans are packing up their bags and moving abroad. As of June 2011, an estimated 192,300 Singaporeans live abroad. An average of about 1,200 highly educated Singaporeans (including 300 naturalized citizens) give up their citizenship each year in favor of others.

 

•  In some social surveys among Singaporean youth, more than half of those surveyed would leave the country to build their careers if given the chance.

 

•  A recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit said that Singapore was the sixth most expensive city in the world.  By comparison, Kuala Lumpur ranked 62nd out of 79 surveyed. The cost of living in Singapore is 200% or 300% higher than in Malaysia. There are also other exorbitant costs in Singapore like the S$80,000 license to own a car.

 

And consider these too:

 

•  KL is world’s 10th top destination city

 

•  KL is 5th Best Value International City: Trip Index 2012 

 

•  Malaysia dubbed 14th most competitive economy

 

•  Malaysia is 9th hottest real estate market in the world

 

•  Malaysia ranked 5th in  the best international cities category, outranking Singapore•  KL is Asia’s most attractive property investment market.

 

 What indeed would we have done without UMNO/BN, and Tun Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Badawi and Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak.”

Source: MOLE

Najib: Pakatan envies BN for getting Psy first

Feb 8th, 2013
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Pakatan Rakyat, especially DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, is jealous of BN for scoring with Korean “Gangnam Style” star Psy, claimed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

NONE“Actually, he wants to invite Psy (right) to a function under the Pakatan Rakyat name, but when Psy chose to attend our event, that derailed his plans.

“That is the real story,” the premier told reporters at a press conference after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

“He may have his reasons, but I am baffled with his reaction. Every year we do the same (event),” continued the PM, decrying Pakatan’s alleged politicising of the issue, which included the tearing down of Chinese New Years posters bearing a picture of him wearing a ‘fashionable’ Chinese tunic.

Najib had expressed his sadness over the fact that Pakatan is allegedly making much ado about what is supposed to be just an event to celebrate the Chinese New Year for Malaysians of Chinese descent.

He added that if DAP had their “Ubah Rocket Style” video, then it should be okay if BN has the real thing.

When asked if he is going to accept the invitation from the major Chinese education pressure group, Dong Zong, to their Chinese New Year celebration, the PM appears guarded.

“I am still considering it,” he answered.

This is the first time in 50 years that the Chinese education crusaders have extended an invite to a Malaysian prime minister – the latter who are usually at the end of their urgent proddings about more favours for Chinese schools.

umno disciplinary committee 170309 tengku ahmad rithauddeen tengku ismailAt the press conference, Najib also announced that Umno will tighten its hold over its divisions by forming a disciplinary watchdog committee to stave off any incidental sabotage during the upcoming polls.

He said that Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Ismail (right) has been chosen to lead the seven-men body, with its other members yet to be decided.

The Malay party will also have enforcer-like posts in all divisions, where a representative of the central disciplinary body will be on the committee of each division to keep a closer eye on things.

The system smacks of the political commissars deployed by the communist party in Russia and China, where a central party representative is embedded in all military units and departments to ensure that they toe the party line.

Malaysiakini journalists were barred from entering the Umno building to attend the press conference today. However, an audio recording of the press conference was afterwards made available to the Malaysiakini reporters by other members of the press.

Short URL: http://www.freemalaysiakini2.com/?p=66275







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Psy will cost a bomb, but that’s ‘BN style’

Feb 3rd, 2013
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While the BN claims it helps to curb living cost problems with small cash handouts for the populace, it appears that the party has no problem with spending a bomb on political-entertainment events.

br1m 2.0 launch by najib razak 2On Feb 11, BN will be hosting Korean pop sensation Psy, who is expected to belt his global hit ‘Gangnam Style’ and perform his signature equine dance moves at Penang BN’s Chinese New Year open house event.

A crowd of 60,000 is expected at the Han Chiang college compound for the event. Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) is also expected to be in attendance.

Several concert promoters told Malaysiakini that it is unlikely Psy will be slated for a full blown concert and will most likely make a short appearance, 30 minutes at the most.

“I can imagine that it is going to be a short set. People will be bored waiting for just one song,” said a veteran promoter, who declined to be named on grounds that those in his industry need the close cooperation of the authorities.

Conservatively, promoters estimated that Psy would charge between US$300,000 and US$400,000 (RM932,100 to RM1,242,800) for a short performance with a small crew, and singing “minus one”, which means he would be performing to pre-recorded music, without a band present.

That price, remarked one promoter, would be the equivalent to hiring American chart topper Pitbull to perform two shows.

Entertainment news portal Redcarpet reported that Psy’s fee for the BN even was US$1 million (RM3.1 million).

beyonce knowles 190909However, this estimate is not believed to be accurate, for it would mean that the brief appearance by Psy would cost more than Jennifer Lopez’s recent full fledged concert in Kuala Lumpur.

For further comparison, Justin Beiber’s estimated fee for a full concert in Kuala Lumpur last year was US$600,000 (RM1.8 million) while Beyonce (right) was reported to have demanded US$750,000 (RM2.3 million) to perform in 2007.

Psy will overshadow PM

Khoo Kay Peng, an experienced promoter who has brought in K-pop acts such as Super Junior and B1A4 to Malaysia, noted that Psy could command a higher fee during the Chinese New Year period.

“It coincides with the Korean New Year. He’s a rich man from a rich family. If the fee is not appealing, he’ll stay in Korea where he has other commitments,” said Khoo.

He also estimated that the set-up cost would be in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 range, especially since the even was being held during the holiday period.

Khoo, who is better known for his political analysis work, said BN’s strategy of bringing in Psy for the open house event was “a bit misplaced”, since the performer would overshadow the prime minister.

“Politically, I don’t think it is very smart. BN should not give the impression that the prime minister can’t attract a crowd and needs Psy to do it for him.

y4c ethnic relationship module forum 130307 khoo kay peng“It doesn’t matter if the crowd is 60,000 or 100,000. At the end of the day, it is the quality of the crowd that matters. They should have just asked the premier to come and keep it sober,” said Khoo (left).

He said the message BN was trying to send also appeared contradictory. On one hand, it was taking certain austerity measures and rejecting calls for free tertiary education, but then, it was spending big money to bring in a superstar.

Despite his affinity for K-pop, Khoo, a Penang native, said he would not be attending the event.

“Chinese New Year is a time for family and reflection, particularly for those who are not so privileged,” he added.

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Claims of hacking New York Times 'groundless': China

Feb 1st, 2013
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Claims of hacking New York Times ‘groundless’: China

BEIJING – China on Thursday dismissed accusations that it had hacked into the system of the New York Times, in a cyberattack the paper linked to its expose of the wealth amassed by the family of Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

“The competent Chinese authorities have already issued a clear response to the groundless accusations made by the New York Times,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters in Beijing.

 

Asked about cyberspying and hacking accusations made against China in general, he said: “To arbitrarily assert and to conclude without hard evidence that China participated in such hacking attacks is totally irresponsible.

 

“China is also a victim of hacking attacks. Chinese laws clearly forbid hacking attacks, and we hope relevant parties takes a responsible attitude on this issue.”

 

The New York Times earlier announced it had fallen victim to hackers and said they were possibly connected to China’s military.

 

The hackers had over the past four months infiltrated computer systems and snatched staff passwords, and their probing has been particularly focused on the emails of Shanghai bureau chief David Barboza, the newspaper said.

 

According to a Barboza story published on October 25, close relatives of Wen have made billions of dollars in business dealings.

 

“Chinese hackers, using methods that some consultants have associated with the Chinese military in the past, breached The Times’s network,” the newspaper said, citing a wealth of digital evidence gathered by its security experts.

 

The newspaper said the IT consultants believed the attacks “started from the same university computers used by the Chinese military to attack United States military contractors in the past”.

Source: MOLE

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