Mar 18, 08 7:45pm
There was really no surprises in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s announcement today with the MCA’s line-up in his new cabinet.
Of the total four ministerial posts, MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan - who is party president Ka Ting’s elder brother - is the only newcomer to the federal level, while the other appointees had previously served in the 2004 cabinet.
Meanwhile, MCA boss Ka Ting, who has publicly declined to be picked as a minister, is out of the cabinet.
The three promoted to full ministers are vice-president Ong Tee Keat, Wanita chief Dr Ng Yen Yen and Youth chief Liow Tiong Lay.
Ong, who previously served as deputy higher education minister, was promoted to the Transport ministerial portfolio replacing Chan Kong Choy, who did not contest for a seat in the recent polls.
Despite earlier speculations that Ng would be given the health ministry post, she was instead promoted the Women and Family Development portfolio despite her professional qualifications as a medical doctor. Ng graduated in medicine from the Universiti Malaya in 1972 and worked as a medical consultant before she was appointed senator in 1993.
The health portfolio was given to Liow who had previously served as youth and sports deputy minister. Liow replaces Dr Chua Soi Lek who had stepped down in the wake of a sex video scandal two months before the general election.
Liow holds a bachelor of science degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a MBA from Universiti Malaya. His appointment is seen as a slight departure to the previous health minister, Chua, who is a trained doctor before taking up political office.
In any case, the health portfolio in the past had been held by MCA leaders who were not medical doctors including Chan Siang Sun, Lee Kim Sai and Chua Jui Meng.
Six deputy ministers
For the deputy ministers’ line-up, all six except Chor Chee Heung (who previously held the home affairs portfolio) and Kong Cho Ha, had served in the government as deputy ministers before.
Chor, a lawyer by training before joining politics, had served under former party president and transport minister Ling Liong Sik as parliamentary secretary (1995-1999) and was promoted as deputy minister of home affairs in 1999. However, he was left out of the cabinet after the 2004 elections.
He retained his Alor Setar parliamentary seat in the recent general elections - he is only MCA candidate to have won in Kedah. He is now back to his old post as deputy minister in home affairs and internal security.
Kong, who won the Lumut parliamentary seat in Perak, is the new deputy finance minister having previously served in the Science, Technology and Innovation portfolio.
MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong has been promoted from his previous parliamentary secretary post to a deputy minister of education. Meanwhile, Wee Jeck Seng, who was former political secretary to Ka Ting, takes the deputy youth and sports ministerial portfolio.
The newcomers as deputy ministers are Dr Hou Kok Chung (Kluang MP) for Higher Education Ministry and Teng Boon Soon (Tebrau MP) for Culture, Arts, Heritage and National Unity.
Four MCA ministers
MCA has been allotted four cabinet posts and six deputies. But this has not always been so.
In the period between 1955 and 1958, MCA had four cabinet ministers and only one deputy minister.
The four ministers then were Lee Hau Shik (transport), Leong Yew Koh (health and social welfare), Tan Siew Sin (commerce and industry) and Ong Yoke Lin (post and telecommunications). Too Joon Hing was assistant minister of education.
By 1959, Tan was made finance minister. He served in that portfolio for two periods - 1959-69 and 1970-74. Meanwhile, Leong was made minister of justice.
MCA withdrew from the cabinet after its disastrous performance in the 1969 elections. However after the May 13 riots, the situation necessitated the appointment of four MCA leaders as either ministers or deputies by the National Operation Council, which was led by then deputy prime minister Abdul Razak.
MCA rejoined the cabinet on Sept 22, 1970.
By 1974, MCA was given four cabinet posts, three deputies and one parliamentary secretary post. It was also the year, MCA lost its finance portfolio. Later this was increased to four ministers and nine deputies, four parliament secretaries.
For the 2008 cabinet, the party has four ministers and six deputies.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Kedah MB: Ban on vices only with Chinese community's agreement
Mar 18, 08 5:53pm
Kedah Mentri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak has not ruled out a ban on the sale of hard liquor and gambling in the state but this would only happen if the Chinese community agreed to it.
"If the Chinese think that gambling and drinking is fine then we will let it go on. If there are no restrictions from other religions, we’ll let it go on.
"But from how I see it, some of them don’t agree with gambling and drinking.
"So if the Buddhists or Christians say it’s wrong, then we will wait and see if we want to act against gambling and the selling of liquor," he told Malaysiakini.
There is still an air of uncertainty whether the PAS-led state government would implement a ban against vices stated in the Muslim religion.
However, Azizan remains steadfast that there will be no drastic changes in Kedah and that the implementation of Islamic law would come into force only when the people fully understood the religion.
Meanwhile, Anak Bukit state assemblyperson Amirudddin Hamzah echoed Azizan’s stand and said any new policy will only be done with consultation from the people.
"(Policy changes) will not be forced upon the people suddenly. The MB has said that the existing policies will go on. There will not be any major changes.
"If there was, it would be done with consultation and education from the people," he said.
He said liquor shops and gambling licences will carry on and be allowed to open.
"We were also made known that gambling and drinking is prohibited in other religions. Should any policy changes on these matters arise we will not do it instantly, we’ll do it step by step," he added.
Open selling of pork
In another matter, various groups have called for pork to be sold openly in Sungai Petani.
Currently in the town, pork is sold behind tinted screens and black plastic bags are used. This ruling was put in place under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
According to them, parliamentarian Johari Abdul from PKR had promised in his election manifesto that pork will be sold openly.
Azizan when quizzed on whether his government would reverse the ruling, said: "I don’t know. We have to wait and see. Right now we are focused on the development for the people."
Meanwhile, Amirudddin could not confirm if this has been discussed as he was presently in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the Kedah state executive council will be holding a meeting tomorrow and is unclear if the issue of pork will arise.
PAS formed the new state government after winning 16 out of the 36 state seats available. They also won four from the 15 parliamentary seats in Kedah.
Kedah Mentri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak has not ruled out a ban on the sale of hard liquor and gambling in the state but this would only happen if the Chinese community agreed to it.
"If the Chinese think that gambling and drinking is fine then we will let it go on. If there are no restrictions from other religions, we’ll let it go on.
"But from how I see it, some of them don’t agree with gambling and drinking.
"So if the Buddhists or Christians say it’s wrong, then we will wait and see if we want to act against gambling and the selling of liquor," he told Malaysiakini.
There is still an air of uncertainty whether the PAS-led state government would implement a ban against vices stated in the Muslim religion.
However, Azizan remains steadfast that there will be no drastic changes in Kedah and that the implementation of Islamic law would come into force only when the people fully understood the religion.
Meanwhile, Anak Bukit state assemblyperson Amirudddin Hamzah echoed Azizan’s stand and said any new policy will only be done with consultation from the people.
"(Policy changes) will not be forced upon the people suddenly. The MB has said that the existing policies will go on. There will not be any major changes.
"If there was, it would be done with consultation and education from the people," he said.
He said liquor shops and gambling licences will carry on and be allowed to open.
"We were also made known that gambling and drinking is prohibited in other religions. Should any policy changes on these matters arise we will not do it instantly, we’ll do it step by step," he added.
Open selling of pork
In another matter, various groups have called for pork to be sold openly in Sungai Petani.
Currently in the town, pork is sold behind tinted screens and black plastic bags are used. This ruling was put in place under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
According to them, parliamentarian Johari Abdul from PKR had promised in his election manifesto that pork will be sold openly.
Azizan when quizzed on whether his government would reverse the ruling, said: "I don’t know. We have to wait and see. Right now we are focused on the development for the people."
Meanwhile, Amirudddin could not confirm if this has been discussed as he was presently in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the Kedah state executive council will be holding a meeting tomorrow and is unclear if the issue of pork will arise.
PAS formed the new state government after winning 16 out of the 36 state seats available. They also won four from the 15 parliamentary seats in Kedah.
Umno Youth: No action against Mukhriz
Mar 18, 08 7:47pm
Umno Youth today decided to pass the buck back to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi regarding action to be taken against its errant leader Mukhriz Mahathir.
Following the Umno Youth executive council meeting, the movement’s chief Hishammuddin Hussein said no action will be taken against Mukhriz for writing a letter to Abdullah asking him to step down following the March 8 polls.
He said that Umno Youth has accepted the controversial letter as a personal missive which was leaked out to the general public.
"There are so many other more important issues faced by Umno Youth apart from Mukhriz," he told a press conference.
Last week, Abdullah, who is also Umno president, said he will leave it to Umno Youth and Hishamuddin to handle the matter.
Accept responsibility
In his March 12 letter, Mukhriz, the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had urged Abdullah to accept responsibility for Barisan Nasional’s disastrous performance in the elections.
Met after the meeting, Mukhriz, who won the Jerlun parliamentary seat, said he sticks to the points raised in his letter.
"We want to become a party which is more relevant and accepted by the people. I am happy that there is room in Umno Youth to voice issues which are not agreed upon (by the others)," he added.
Mukhriz’s letter was also criticised by Hishammuddin who said that it was the latter’s personal stand and does not reflect the view of Umno Youth which expressed support for Abdullah’s leadership.
Khairy: Not disappointed
In another development, Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he was not disappointed for being left out from the new cabinet line-up.
"I do not have any aspirations to become a minister as long as (his father-in-law) Abdullah is prime minister," he told reporters.
Prior to the March 8 polls, it was speculated that the 32-year-old politician might be given a cabinet position.
Khairy, who won the Rembau parliamentary seat, said he will now focus on the opposition.
"My focus is on the opposition, there is nothing wrong with being a backbencher," he added.
Umno Youth today decided to pass the buck back to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi regarding action to be taken against its errant leader Mukhriz Mahathir.
Following the Umno Youth executive council meeting, the movement’s chief Hishammuddin Hussein said no action will be taken against Mukhriz for writing a letter to Abdullah asking him to step down following the March 8 polls.
He said that Umno Youth has accepted the controversial letter as a personal missive which was leaked out to the general public.
"There are so many other more important issues faced by Umno Youth apart from Mukhriz," he told a press conference.
Last week, Abdullah, who is also Umno president, said he will leave it to Umno Youth and Hishamuddin to handle the matter.
Accept responsibility
In his March 12 letter, Mukhriz, the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had urged Abdullah to accept responsibility for Barisan Nasional’s disastrous performance in the elections.
Met after the meeting, Mukhriz, who won the Jerlun parliamentary seat, said he sticks to the points raised in his letter.
"We want to become a party which is more relevant and accepted by the people. I am happy that there is room in Umno Youth to voice issues which are not agreed upon (by the others)," he added.
Mukhriz’s letter was also criticised by Hishammuddin who said that it was the latter’s personal stand and does not reflect the view of Umno Youth which expressed support for Abdullah’s leadership.
Khairy: Not disappointed
In another development, Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he was not disappointed for being left out from the new cabinet line-up.
"I do not have any aspirations to become a minister as long as (his father-in-law) Abdullah is prime minister," he told reporters.
Prior to the March 8 polls, it was speculated that the 32-year-old politician might be given a cabinet position.
Khairy, who won the Rembau parliamentary seat, said he will now focus on the opposition.
"My focus is on the opposition, there is nothing wrong with being a backbencher," he added.
Ministers, deputies must declare assets
Mar 18, 08 2:56pm
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said all the new cabinet ministers and deputy ministers must declare their assets.
"I want their assets to be known to the public, that is important," he told Bernama.
Abdullah said they would be told at the new government's first cabinet meeting tomorrow about the matter and the time frame for them to submit details of their assets.
He said at the meeting, he would also determine their direction as cabinet ministers and what they should do.
"I will advise them on their conduct whereby they must uphold integrity. That is most important."
The dos and dont's
The prime minister said he would also advise them on what they should adhere to and what they must avoid doing.
"The do's and the dont's will be spelt out to them tomorrow," he said. "I want them to know what I expect of them and how they should run their ministries. That is absolutely important.
"They were appointed to serve the people. These are the things I want to emphasise (tomorrow)."
The premier, who is reeling from a electoral battering on March 8, announced his cabinet line up for the new term this afternoon.
Abdullah had dropped many big names in favour of fresh faces. Rafidah Aziz, who has held the trade portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
Abdullah would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," he said.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said all the new cabinet ministers and deputy ministers must declare their assets.
"I want their assets to be known to the public, that is important," he told Bernama.
Abdullah said they would be told at the new government's first cabinet meeting tomorrow about the matter and the time frame for them to submit details of their assets.
He said at the meeting, he would also determine their direction as cabinet ministers and what they should do.
"I will advise them on their conduct whereby they must uphold integrity. That is most important."
The dos and dont's
The prime minister said he would also advise them on what they should adhere to and what they must avoid doing.
"The do's and the dont's will be spelt out to them tomorrow," he said. "I want them to know what I expect of them and how they should run their ministries. That is absolutely important.
"They were appointed to serve the people. These are the things I want to emphasise (tomorrow)."
The premier, who is reeling from a electoral battering on March 8, announced his cabinet line up for the new term this afternoon.
Abdullah had dropped many big names in favour of fresh faces. Rafidah Aziz, who has held the trade portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
Abdullah would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," he said.
What's next for Pak Lah?
Ong Kian Ming Mar 18, 08 1:30pm
With the attention last week firmly focused on the formation of the opposition led state governments, especially in Perak, much less attention has been paid to the more important issue of how the Barisan Nasional (BN), especially Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will react to the message sent by the voters in the historic elections two weeks ago.
One has to remember that Pak Lah, weakened as he is, is still the prime minister and the BN still controls a majority of seats in the parliament. This means he still has the power to form the cabinet and to pass legislation and spearhead policies moving ahead.
What is not clear is the direction Pak Lah will take moving forward and none of his post election comments have given us a firm idea of his future trajectory.
I want to propose five possible options which Pak Lah can take, which I’ve entitled the 5 ‘R’s. He can Resign, he can be Replaced by someone else, he can take a turn towards greater Repression, he can Remain with the status quo and finally, he can try to implement some of the Reforms he promised in the run up to the 2004 elections.
While past history indicates Pak Lah in all likelihood will take the Remain option, I hope that he will take the recent polls as a concrete sign that the Reform option is the road which voters want him take.
Attacked from within
In the face of the historic losses experienced by the BN (which I’ve discussed elsewhere), there is no indication that Pak Lah will resign from his position as prime minister as well as president of Umno even though there have been calls within Umno, notably by Mukhriz Mahathir, that he should resign.
At the same time, PAS leaders have also contributed to the calls for Pak Lah to resign. Even though the speculation that he would be pressured to step down will remain as will the branding of Pak Lah as a ‘lame duck’ PM, it seems that Resignation is still not on the table and not one option that he is publicly contemplating.
The other possible option, though not one that will be of his own choosing, is that he may be attacked from within Umno and be forced out of his position as president of Umno. It has been speculated that an alliance featuring Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mukhriz and Tengku Razaleigh (Ku Li) is already in place and trying to garner momentum to depose Pak Lah.
It is likely that such sentiments cannot be quelled and will continue right up to the Umno general assembly which will take place later this year. But in the meantime, it is likely that the Replacement option will not occur in the next few months.
Pak Lah may also decide that he may have been too permissive in allowing the opposition a free hand to campaign, bloggers to voice dissent and civil society to take to the streets. He may decide to turn to the Repression option which is to institute a harsh crackdown on any hint of public dissent within the BN, among opposition leaders and among society at large. He may decide to increase the use of the ISA, institute a crackdown on the media and increase his grip on government institutions such as the Election Commission.
He may also decide to divert federal funding from the opposition controlled states away from the state governments and towards BN or Umno controlled channels much like what the BN did in Terengganu after PAS took control of the state in 1999.
Of course, states like Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor do not have petroleum royalty accounts which can be diverted although government projects may be suspended or used as a carrot and stick to prevent corporations from working closely with the governments of the opposition controlled states.
But this option also seems unlikely given that Pak Lah has not shown the willpower or determination (a good thing, in my opinion) to institute a harsh crackdown of this nature. Indeed, early indications are that the press, bloggers and members of civil society seemed to be emboldened by the election results and are speaking out more than before, without having the threat of a government backlash, at least for now.
Maintain status quo
If history is any indication, the path Pak Lah will most likely take is the maintenance of the status quo position which is to Remain in the position he is in now. There has been no indication from Pak Lah that he will do a drastic 180 degree shift in his policy decisions or implementation.
The new cabinet, will be a reflection of the fact that many BN leaders lost their seats rather than a fundamental shift in the way in which the BN will operate. With Pak Lah’s focus on trying to stem the growing dissent within Umno, it is not likely that he will be able to shift his focus towards more substantive policy changes.
But there is a final option on the table which Pak Lah could possibly take. It will take a great degree of willpower, courage and determination on his part. It will involve fighting against entrenched interests, many of which are found within the BN. This option is to carry out his Reform promises which gave so many people hope and caused so many to vote for the BN in 2004.
He can use this historic opportunity to fundamentally alter the political landscape in Malaysia. He can move on the legislative front to abolish the ISA so that the threat of political repression is removed, revamp the UUCA so that students are allowed once again to take part in political activities, to revoke the PPPA so that the media can be freed up, to give teeth to the ACA so that it can fully live up to its mandate and to make the EC a truly independent institution.
To those who say that this is not possible, I point to the example of Lee Teng Hui, the former president of Taiwan and leader of the KMT, which was, for a long time, the dominant party in Taiwanese politics. In the 1990s, Lee moved against dissenters within his own party and used the threat of the then opposition, the DPP, to institutionalise far reaching institutional changes that lead to a more open and democratic Taiwan.
If Pak Lah realises that his time as prime minister is up whether or not he chooses the status quo option, why not use this opportunity instead to try to implement long lasting institutional changes? At least this way, his legacy will be one of a Reformist prime minister, albeit belatedly, rather than one who was pushed out because of his failure to keep his promises. It is not too late to go down the Reform path, Pak Lah, one that the voters were hoping you would take way back in 2004.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONG KIAN MING is a PhD candidate in political science at Duke University. His areas of interests are in ethnic and electoral politics.
With the attention last week firmly focused on the formation of the opposition led state governments, especially in Perak, much less attention has been paid to the more important issue of how the Barisan Nasional (BN), especially Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will react to the message sent by the voters in the historic elections two weeks ago.
One has to remember that Pak Lah, weakened as he is, is still the prime minister and the BN still controls a majority of seats in the parliament. This means he still has the power to form the cabinet and to pass legislation and spearhead policies moving ahead.
What is not clear is the direction Pak Lah will take moving forward and none of his post election comments have given us a firm idea of his future trajectory.
I want to propose five possible options which Pak Lah can take, which I’ve entitled the 5 ‘R’s. He can Resign, he can be Replaced by someone else, he can take a turn towards greater Repression, he can Remain with the status quo and finally, he can try to implement some of the Reforms he promised in the run up to the 2004 elections.
While past history indicates Pak Lah in all likelihood will take the Remain option, I hope that he will take the recent polls as a concrete sign that the Reform option is the road which voters want him take.
Attacked from within
In the face of the historic losses experienced by the BN (which I’ve discussed elsewhere), there is no indication that Pak Lah will resign from his position as prime minister as well as president of Umno even though there have been calls within Umno, notably by Mukhriz Mahathir, that he should resign.
At the same time, PAS leaders have also contributed to the calls for Pak Lah to resign. Even though the speculation that he would be pressured to step down will remain as will the branding of Pak Lah as a ‘lame duck’ PM, it seems that Resignation is still not on the table and not one option that he is publicly contemplating.
The other possible option, though not one that will be of his own choosing, is that he may be attacked from within Umno and be forced out of his position as president of Umno. It has been speculated that an alliance featuring Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mukhriz and Tengku Razaleigh (Ku Li) is already in place and trying to garner momentum to depose Pak Lah.
It is likely that such sentiments cannot be quelled and will continue right up to the Umno general assembly which will take place later this year. But in the meantime, it is likely that the Replacement option will not occur in the next few months.
Pak Lah may also decide that he may have been too permissive in allowing the opposition a free hand to campaign, bloggers to voice dissent and civil society to take to the streets. He may decide to turn to the Repression option which is to institute a harsh crackdown on any hint of public dissent within the BN, among opposition leaders and among society at large. He may decide to increase the use of the ISA, institute a crackdown on the media and increase his grip on government institutions such as the Election Commission.
He may also decide to divert federal funding from the opposition controlled states away from the state governments and towards BN or Umno controlled channels much like what the BN did in Terengganu after PAS took control of the state in 1999.
Of course, states like Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor do not have petroleum royalty accounts which can be diverted although government projects may be suspended or used as a carrot and stick to prevent corporations from working closely with the governments of the opposition controlled states.
But this option also seems unlikely given that Pak Lah has not shown the willpower or determination (a good thing, in my opinion) to institute a harsh crackdown of this nature. Indeed, early indications are that the press, bloggers and members of civil society seemed to be emboldened by the election results and are speaking out more than before, without having the threat of a government backlash, at least for now.
Maintain status quo
If history is any indication, the path Pak Lah will most likely take is the maintenance of the status quo position which is to Remain in the position he is in now. There has been no indication from Pak Lah that he will do a drastic 180 degree shift in his policy decisions or implementation.
The new cabinet, will be a reflection of the fact that many BN leaders lost their seats rather than a fundamental shift in the way in which the BN will operate. With Pak Lah’s focus on trying to stem the growing dissent within Umno, it is not likely that he will be able to shift his focus towards more substantive policy changes.
But there is a final option on the table which Pak Lah could possibly take. It will take a great degree of willpower, courage and determination on his part. It will involve fighting against entrenched interests, many of which are found within the BN. This option is to carry out his Reform promises which gave so many people hope and caused so many to vote for the BN in 2004.
He can use this historic opportunity to fundamentally alter the political landscape in Malaysia. He can move on the legislative front to abolish the ISA so that the threat of political repression is removed, revamp the UUCA so that students are allowed once again to take part in political activities, to revoke the PPPA so that the media can be freed up, to give teeth to the ACA so that it can fully live up to its mandate and to make the EC a truly independent institution.
To those who say that this is not possible, I point to the example of Lee Teng Hui, the former president of Taiwan and leader of the KMT, which was, for a long time, the dominant party in Taiwanese politics. In the 1990s, Lee moved against dissenters within his own party and used the threat of the then opposition, the DPP, to institutionalise far reaching institutional changes that lead to a more open and democratic Taiwan.
If Pak Lah realises that his time as prime minister is up whether or not he chooses the status quo option, why not use this opportunity instead to try to implement long lasting institutional changes? At least this way, his legacy will be one of a Reformist prime minister, albeit belatedly, rather than one who was pushed out because of his failure to keep his promises. It is not too late to go down the Reform path, Pak Lah, one that the voters were hoping you would take way back in 2004.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONG KIAN MING is a PhD candidate in political science at Duke University. His areas of interests are in ethnic and electoral politics.
Anwar predicts more turmoil in Umno
Mar 18, 08 2:29pm
PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today warned that the new cabinet line up will spark off more turmoil in Umno.
Responding to questions prior to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement of the new line-up this afternoon, he said: "The way Umno conducts itself, they are in serious trouble and they cannot claim to have the support of the Malays anymore."
Anwar also appeared to have got wind that Umno veteran Rafidah Aziz would be dropped from the cabinet line-up.
"Do you know that she would resign?" he quipped at a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya just as Abdullah was announcing his new cabinet in Putrajaya at 12 noon.
Rafidah, who has held the international trade and industry portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
The prime minister would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," said Abdullah.
PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today warned that the new cabinet line up will spark off more turmoil in Umno.
Responding to questions prior to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement of the new line-up this afternoon, he said: "The way Umno conducts itself, they are in serious trouble and they cannot claim to have the support of the Malays anymore."
Anwar also appeared to have got wind that Umno veteran Rafidah Aziz would be dropped from the cabinet line-up.
"Do you know that she would resign?" he quipped at a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya just as Abdullah was announcing his new cabinet in Putrajaya at 12 noon.
Rafidah, who has held the international trade and industry portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
The prime minister would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," said Abdullah.
PM unveils trimmed-down cabinet
Mar 18, 08 10:46am
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced his new cabinet.
During a 20-minute press conference at his office in Putrajaya, Abdullah said he has decided not to appoint any parliamentary secretaries - bringing the number of appointments to 68.
He has also dropped many notable veterans and roped in new faces, who now make up half of the cabinet.
"I hope they can serve the people effectively," he told journalists.
Those axed are veteran leaders Rafidah Aziz, Jamaluddin Jarjis, Azmi Khalid and Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, who is known to be close to the prime minister.
PM still finance minister
The premier has dropped his portfolio of internal security and outgoing foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar will run a newly merged Home Affairs and Internal Security Ministry.
However, Abdullah retained his finance portfolio and Nor Mohamed Yakcop will continue to serve as second finance minister.
The number of ministries have also been slashed from 32 to 27.
Abdullah's previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries, with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Zaid Ibrahim a new face
Among the interesting new faces are Zaid Ibrahim, who has been appointed minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of legal affairs.
According to Abdullah, Zaid will be put in charge of legal affairs and oversee reforms in the judiciary.
Only 17 of the 32 ministers in the previous cabinet have been retained - with five keeping their old posts while 12 moved to new profolios.
Among them are Dr Rais Yatim, who has been named foreign minister and Ong Tee Keat (transport minister).
Shahrir returns to cabinet, Muhd Taib makes comeback
Making a return to the cabinet is Shahrir Samad who is appointed domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.
Also back from the political wilderness is Muhammad Muhd Taib, who is now rural development minister. Muhd Taib quit as Selangor mentri besar after he was charged for breaching Australian financial regulations in bringing in huge amount of undeclared cash. He was later acquitted.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's son Sulaiman has been appointed deputy tourism minister.
Khairy not in the line-up
Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin was not named in the cabinet line up announced by his father-in-law.
Prior to the elections, it was speculated that Khairy - the 32-year-old Oxford graduate - will be given an important post.
However, the March 8 polls reversed his fortunes. Many blamed the young politician for BN's disastrous performance.
Since then, pressure had mounted on the prime minister not to include his son-in-law in the line-up.
Ka Chuan takes over from brother
MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan has been made housing and local government minister replacing his brother and MCA president Ka Ting.
Party vice-president Ong Tee Keat is transport minister replacing deputy president Chan Kong Choy. Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai is health minister and Women's wing chief Dr Ng Yen Yen is women, family and development minister.
MCA was also trounced in the elections. The party only managed to retain 15 out of its 40 parliamentary seats.
MIC loses Works Ministry
MIC failed to retain its control over the works ministry and party's secretary-general Dr S Subramaniam has been appointed human resources minister.
The previous works minister was MIC president S Samy Vellu. The party suffered heavy losses in the March 8 polls, losing six out of nine parliamentary seats and 12 out of 19 state seats.
MIC information chief M Saravanan has been appointed deputy federal territories minister while central working committee (CWC) member S Devamany is deputy natural resources and mining minister.
Rafidah dropped: No explanation
Rafidah, who has held the trade portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
Abdullah would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," he said.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced his new cabinet.
During a 20-minute press conference at his office in Putrajaya, Abdullah said he has decided not to appoint any parliamentary secretaries - bringing the number of appointments to 68.
He has also dropped many notable veterans and roped in new faces, who now make up half of the cabinet.
"I hope they can serve the people effectively," he told journalists.
Those axed are veteran leaders Rafidah Aziz, Jamaluddin Jarjis, Azmi Khalid and Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, who is known to be close to the prime minister.
PM still finance minister
The premier has dropped his portfolio of internal security and outgoing foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar will run a newly merged Home Affairs and Internal Security Ministry.
However, Abdullah retained his finance portfolio and Nor Mohamed Yakcop will continue to serve as second finance minister.
The number of ministries have also been slashed from 32 to 27.
Abdullah's previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries, with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Zaid Ibrahim a new face
Among the interesting new faces are Zaid Ibrahim, who has been appointed minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of legal affairs.
According to Abdullah, Zaid will be put in charge of legal affairs and oversee reforms in the judiciary.
Only 17 of the 32 ministers in the previous cabinet have been retained - with five keeping their old posts while 12 moved to new profolios.
Among them are Dr Rais Yatim, who has been named foreign minister and Ong Tee Keat (transport minister).
Shahrir returns to cabinet, Muhd Taib makes comeback
Making a return to the cabinet is Shahrir Samad who is appointed domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.
Also back from the political wilderness is Muhammad Muhd Taib, who is now rural development minister. Muhd Taib quit as Selangor mentri besar after he was charged for breaching Australian financial regulations in bringing in huge amount of undeclared cash. He was later acquitted.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's son Sulaiman has been appointed deputy tourism minister.
Khairy not in the line-up
Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin was not named in the cabinet line up announced by his father-in-law.
Prior to the elections, it was speculated that Khairy - the 32-year-old Oxford graduate - will be given an important post.
However, the March 8 polls reversed his fortunes. Many blamed the young politician for BN's disastrous performance.
Since then, pressure had mounted on the prime minister not to include his son-in-law in the line-up.
Ka Chuan takes over from brother
MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan has been made housing and local government minister replacing his brother and MCA president Ka Ting.
Party vice-president Ong Tee Keat is transport minister replacing deputy president Chan Kong Choy. Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai is health minister and Women's wing chief Dr Ng Yen Yen is women, family and development minister.
MCA was also trounced in the elections. The party only managed to retain 15 out of its 40 parliamentary seats.
MIC loses Works Ministry
MIC failed to retain its control over the works ministry and party's secretary-general Dr S Subramaniam has been appointed human resources minister.
The previous works minister was MIC president S Samy Vellu. The party suffered heavy losses in the March 8 polls, losing six out of nine parliamentary seats and 12 out of 19 state seats.
MIC information chief M Saravanan has been appointed deputy federal territories minister while central working committee (CWC) member S Devamany is deputy natural resources and mining minister.
Rafidah dropped: No explanation
Rafidah, who has held the trade portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.
Abdullah would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.
"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," he said.
Full list of 2008 cabinet
Mar 18, 08 1:02pm
The following is the list of cabinet ministers and their deputies as announced by the prime minister at 12 noon today.
Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)
Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)
Finance Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)
Second Finance Minister
Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Umno)
Deputies: Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (Umno), Kong Cho Ha (MCA)
Defence Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)
Deputy: Abu Seman Yusop (Umno)
Housing and Local Government Minister
Ong Ka Chuan (MCA)
Deputy: Robert Lau Hoi Chew (Supp), Hamzah Zainuddin (Umno)
Works Minister
Mohd Zin Mohamed (Umno)
Deputy: Yong Khoon Seng (Supp)
Energy, Water and Communications Minister
Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Joseph Salang Gandum
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister
Mustapa Mohamad (Umno)
Deputy: Rohani Abdul Karim (Umno)
International Trade and Industry Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)
Deputy: Leow Wei Keong (LDP), Yaakob Dungau Sagan
Foreign Minister
Rais Yatim
Deputy: Sultan Azlan Abu Bakar (Umno)
Education Minister
Hishammuddin Hussein (Umno)
Deputies: Dr Wee Ka Siong (MCA), Razali Ismail (Umno)
Transport Minister
Ong Tee Keat (MCA)
Deputy: Anifah Aman
Health Minister
Liow Tiong Lai (MCA)
Deputy: Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Umno)
Human Resources Minister
S Subramaniam (MIC)
Deputy: Noraini Ahmad (Umno)
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister
Syed Hamid Albar (Umno)
Deputies: Chor Chee Heung (MCA), Wan Ahmad Farid (Umno)
Women, Family and Community Development Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen (MCA)
Deputy: Norliah Kasmon (Umno)
Culture, Arts, Heritage and National Unity Minister
Shafie Apdal (Umno)
Deputy: Teng Boon Soon (MCA)
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister
Dr Maximum Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof
Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Minister
Noh Omar (Umno)
Deputy: Saifudin Abdullah
Higher Education Minister
Khaled Nordin (Umno)
Deputies: Idris Haron (Umno), Dr Hou Kok Chung (MCA)
Information Minister
Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno)
Deputy: Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan)
Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Douglas Uggah Embas (PPB)
Deputy: Abdul Ghapur Salleh (Umno)
Rural and Regional Development Minister
Senator Muhammad Muhammad Taib (Umno)
Deputy: Joseph Entulu
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister
Abdul Shahrir Samad (Umno)
Deputy: Jelaing Mersat
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister
Peter Chin Fah Kui (Supp)
Deputy: Kohilan Pillay (Gerakan)
Youth and Sports Minister
Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno)
Deputy: Wee Jack Seng (MCA)
Tourism Minister
Azalina Othman Said (Umno)
Deputy: Sulaiman Abu Taib (PBB)
Federal Territories Minister
Zulhasnan Rafique (Umno)
Deputy: M Saravanan (MIC)
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
Zaid Ibrahim (Umno, to be appointed senator) - legal affairs
Zahid Hamidi (Umno)
Bernard Dompok (Upko)
Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Umno)
The following is the list of cabinet ministers and their deputies as announced by the prime minister at 12 noon today.
Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)
Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)
Finance Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno)
Second Finance Minister
Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Umno)
Deputies: Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (Umno), Kong Cho Ha (MCA)
Defence Minister
Najib Razak (Umno)
Deputy: Abu Seman Yusop (Umno)
Housing and Local Government Minister
Ong Ka Chuan (MCA)
Deputy: Robert Lau Hoi Chew (Supp), Hamzah Zainuddin (Umno)
Works Minister
Mohd Zin Mohamed (Umno)
Deputy: Yong Khoon Seng (Supp)
Energy, Water and Communications Minister
Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Joseph Salang Gandum
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister
Mustapa Mohamad (Umno)
Deputy: Rohani Abdul Karim (Umno)
International Trade and Industry Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)
Deputy: Leow Wei Keong (LDP), Yaakob Dungau Sagan
Foreign Minister
Rais Yatim
Deputy: Sultan Azlan Abu Bakar (Umno)
Education Minister
Hishammuddin Hussein (Umno)
Deputies: Dr Wee Ka Siong (MCA), Razali Ismail (Umno)
Transport Minister
Ong Tee Keat (MCA)
Deputy: Anifah Aman
Health Minister
Liow Tiong Lai (MCA)
Deputy: Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Umno)
Human Resources Minister
S Subramaniam (MIC)
Deputy: Noraini Ahmad (Umno)
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister
Syed Hamid Albar (Umno)
Deputies: Chor Chee Heung (MCA), Wan Ahmad Farid (Umno)
Women, Family and Community Development Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen (MCA)
Deputy: Norliah Kasmon (Umno)
Culture, Arts, Heritage and National Unity Minister
Shafie Apdal (Umno)
Deputy: Teng Boon Soon (MCA)
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister
Dr Maximum Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof
Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Minister
Noh Omar (Umno)
Deputy: Saifudin Abdullah
Higher Education Minister
Khaled Nordin (Umno)
Deputies: Idris Haron (Umno), Dr Hou Kok Chung (MCA)
Information Minister
Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno)
Deputy: Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan)
Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Douglas Uggah Embas (PPB)
Deputy: Abdul Ghapur Salleh (Umno)
Rural and Regional Development Minister
Senator Muhammad Muhammad Taib (Umno)
Deputy: Joseph Entulu
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister
Abdul Shahrir Samad (Umno)
Deputy: Jelaing Mersat
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister
Peter Chin Fah Kui (Supp)
Deputy: Kohilan Pillay (Gerakan)
Youth and Sports Minister
Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno)
Deputy: Wee Jack Seng (MCA)
Tourism Minister
Azalina Othman Said (Umno)
Deputy: Sulaiman Abu Taib (PBB)
Federal Territories Minister
Zulhasnan Rafique (Umno)
Deputy: M Saravanan (MIC)
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
Zaid Ibrahim (Umno, to be appointed senator) - legal affairs
Zahid Hamidi (Umno)
Bernard Dompok (Upko)
Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Umno)
PM to announce new cabinet at 12 noon
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be announcing his new cabinet at 12 noon today.
The unveiling of the new cabinet, which will be carried live on television, will be made at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
Abdullah's previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries - 91 posts in all - with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the coalition.
The large cabinet had been criticised as unwieldy and wasteful, and there is speculation that some ministries could be merged now that there will be just 140 BN lawmakers, compared to 198 in the outgoing administration.
Abdullah has said that the new line-up will reflect the coalition's racial power-sharing concept and include all the communities - majority Muslim Malays and minority ethnic Chinese and Indians.
Will Khairy be appointed?
But observers have said he will have difficulty finding ethnic minority candidates to fill prominent posts, after the Chinese and Indian parties in the coalition were punished in the elections.
The only Indian cabinet minister in the outgoing administration, S Samy Vellu, lost his parliamentary seat, which he had held since 1974.
All eyes will also be on his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, who was elected as a first-time member of parliament in the March 8 general elections.
Khairy, who is Umno deputy Youth chief, has been blamed by some quarters within the party for the unprecedented setback suffered by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
The unveiling of the new cabinet, which will be carried live on television, will be made at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
Abdullah's previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries - 91 posts in all - with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the coalition.
The large cabinet had been criticised as unwieldy and wasteful, and there is speculation that some ministries could be merged now that there will be just 140 BN lawmakers, compared to 198 in the outgoing administration.
Abdullah has said that the new line-up will reflect the coalition's racial power-sharing concept and include all the communities - majority Muslim Malays and minority ethnic Chinese and Indians.
Will Khairy be appointed?
But observers have said he will have difficulty finding ethnic minority candidates to fill prominent posts, after the Chinese and Indian parties in the coalition were punished in the elections.
The only Indian cabinet minister in the outgoing administration, S Samy Vellu, lost his parliamentary seat, which he had held since 1974.
All eyes will also be on his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, who was elected as a first-time member of parliament in the March 8 general elections.
Khairy, who is Umno deputy Youth chief, has been blamed by some quarters within the party for the unprecedented setback suffered by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
Anwar says BN MPs mull defection
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today said he had held talks with a number of ruling coalition members of parliament interested in defecting after this month's landmark elections.
Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, helms a three-party alliance that made unprecedented gains in March 8 polls against the Barisan Nasional coalition which has ruled for half a century.
"People have come and approached me," Anwar said, adding that he had spoken with "quite a number" and told them their support would not be bought.
"If you want to surrender at a price, then you have chosen the wrong party," he told reporters, adding that they would be welcomed "if they accept our agenda".
Anwar confirmed he was canvassing support from coalition lawmakers in East Malaysia, which represents a power bloc that could unseat the government if it changed hands.
Barisan Nasional will have 140 lawmakers in the new 222-seat parliament, against 199 in the outgoing 219-seat parliament. The opposition alliance claimed 82 seats from just 20 previously, and four more states.
The opposition was today sworn into power in the last of the five states it now controls, including Kelantan which was already held by the Islamic party PAS, while Barisan Nasional was still trying to resolve its power struggles.
Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin from PAS was installed as chief minister in Perak, ending a public squabble among the three opposition parties who will rule there in coalition.
Fighting for political life
Abdullah is fighting for his own political life as he fends off calls for his resignation to take responsibility for the election debacle.
The premier has rejected the pressure to quit, and pushed ahead with the formation of his new administration, with a new slimline cabinet expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
Abdullah has promised "new faces" and observers said the line-up will indicate his appetite for reform after the polls, which have transformed Malaysia's political landscape.
The previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries, with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the coalition.
The large cabinet had been criticised as unwieldy and wasteful, and there is speculation that some ministries could be merged in line with the smaller Barisan Nasional representation in parliament.
Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, helms a three-party alliance that made unprecedented gains in March 8 polls against the Barisan Nasional coalition which has ruled for half a century.
"People have come and approached me," Anwar said, adding that he had spoken with "quite a number" and told them their support would not be bought.
"If you want to surrender at a price, then you have chosen the wrong party," he told reporters, adding that they would be welcomed "if they accept our agenda".
Anwar confirmed he was canvassing support from coalition lawmakers in East Malaysia, which represents a power bloc that could unseat the government if it changed hands.
Barisan Nasional will have 140 lawmakers in the new 222-seat parliament, against 199 in the outgoing 219-seat parliament. The opposition alliance claimed 82 seats from just 20 previously, and four more states.
The opposition was today sworn into power in the last of the five states it now controls, including Kelantan which was already held by the Islamic party PAS, while Barisan Nasional was still trying to resolve its power struggles.
Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin from PAS was installed as chief minister in Perak, ending a public squabble among the three opposition parties who will rule there in coalition.
Fighting for political life
Abdullah is fighting for his own political life as he fends off calls for his resignation to take responsibility for the election debacle.
The premier has rejected the pressure to quit, and pushed ahead with the formation of his new administration, with a new slimline cabinet expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
Abdullah has promised "new faces" and observers said the line-up will indicate his appetite for reform after the polls, which have transformed Malaysia's political landscape.
The previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries, with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the coalition.
The large cabinet had been criticised as unwieldy and wasteful, and there is speculation that some ministries could be merged in line with the smaller Barisan Nasional representation in parliament.
Khalid: Water agreement to be reviewed
Selangor’s newly appointed Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim today said that he was going to review a water supply agreement entered by the previous state government with two companies on the eve of the polling day.
This is due to the possibility that the agreement - to operate, manage and maintain the raw water intake and the treatment plant at Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang - is lopsided in favour of certain quarters with an interest in the concession agreement.
“I have noticed there is some imbalance between the revenues (that would have been accorded) to the state and the people. It may have enriched the people who got the concession,” Khalid told a press conference at his official residence in Shah Alam.
“Because of this, I will review this agreement,” he added.
Other than the question of lopsidedness, the agreement - entered by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB), Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) and the Selangor state government - had raised eyebrows for several reasons.
Among them was the questionable timing that the deal was inked: according to media reports, the agreement was dated Dec 15, 2004, was to take effect on April 1, 2007 and due to expire on April 30, 2034.
However an agreement between the three parties and the federal government was signed on March 7, 2008 - a day before the recent general election.
Secretary to the state government Ramli Mahmud told reporters last week that this was nothing out of the ordinary as “some negotiations take a long time” to conclude.
Free water supply
The other questionable aspect of this agreement, however, was the issue of who signed it on behalf of the state government.
“I signed it (on behalf of the state government), not (Datuk Seri) Dr Mohamad Khir (Toyo),” said Ramli.
Former MB Mohd Khir Toyo was earlier quoted in media reports as having no knowledge of the deal.
Constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari today commented on the matter and said that the new government could rescind the contract if it was found to be illegal.
On a related matter, Khalid said the state government will also look into reviewing its agreement with PNHB to realise PKR’s pre-election promise of supplying for free the first 20 cubic meters of water for every household in the state.
This will be contingent, however, upon the government being able to lower the unit costs of the water supplied from PNHB and passing on the savings incurred thereby onto consumers, said Khalid.
“If I am able to reduce the unit costs by a certain amount and still maintain the same price, I can save a certain amount of revenue. That revenue will be passed back to the consumer,” he said.
This is due to the possibility that the agreement - to operate, manage and maintain the raw water intake and the treatment plant at Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang - is lopsided in favour of certain quarters with an interest in the concession agreement.
“I have noticed there is some imbalance between the revenues (that would have been accorded) to the state and the people. It may have enriched the people who got the concession,” Khalid told a press conference at his official residence in Shah Alam.
“Because of this, I will review this agreement,” he added.
Other than the question of lopsidedness, the agreement - entered by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB), Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) and the Selangor state government - had raised eyebrows for several reasons.
Among them was the questionable timing that the deal was inked: according to media reports, the agreement was dated Dec 15, 2004, was to take effect on April 1, 2007 and due to expire on April 30, 2034.
However an agreement between the three parties and the federal government was signed on March 7, 2008 - a day before the recent general election.
Secretary to the state government Ramli Mahmud told reporters last week that this was nothing out of the ordinary as “some negotiations take a long time” to conclude.
Free water supply
The other questionable aspect of this agreement, however, was the issue of who signed it on behalf of the state government.
“I signed it (on behalf of the state government), not (Datuk Seri) Dr Mohamad Khir (Toyo),” said Ramli.
Former MB Mohd Khir Toyo was earlier quoted in media reports as having no knowledge of the deal.
Constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari today commented on the matter and said that the new government could rescind the contract if it was found to be illegal.
On a related matter, Khalid said the state government will also look into reviewing its agreement with PNHB to realise PKR’s pre-election promise of supplying for free the first 20 cubic meters of water for every household in the state.
This will be contingent, however, upon the government being able to lower the unit costs of the water supplied from PNHB and passing on the savings incurred thereby onto consumers, said Khalid.
“If I am able to reduce the unit costs by a certain amount and still maintain the same price, I can save a certain amount of revenue. That revenue will be passed back to the consumer,” he said.
NEP poster boy hits back at criticism
Far from ‘forgetting’ his debt to the New Economic Policy (NEP) - as his detractors have accused him of doing - Selangor Mentri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said his state government seeks a return to the policy’s original spirit.
That spirit, he said, is of an affirmative action for all and which does not discriminate between the various races in Malaysia or among the Malays as Umno’s implementation of the NEP had done.
“The NEP after it was introduced ... catered for everybody. In subsequent years, because of political demands, it was used to discriminate not only against (people of) other races but against persons even within the (Malay) community.
“Only the selected few within Umno and their agents benefitted from it. My contention is, if this is the way it’s going to be done, we better not do it at all.
“We might as well go back to the basics: the idea of an affirmative action plan to provide opportunities to (all) those in need of opportunities,” he told a press conference at his official residence in Shah Alam.
Khalid, 61, who is PKR secretary-general, was responding to criticisms voiced by Umno leaders after he was reported as having called for the abolition of the NEP.
Among them, Umno information chief Muhammad Muhd Taib said Khalid had “forgotten” that he himself had implemented the NEP when he headed state investment firm Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and unit trust scheme Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN).
Through PNB and ASN, the NEP had given Malays the opportunity to attain an equal standing with the other races, said Muhammad according to a report in Malay-language Mingguan Malaysia.
“(Khalid) says the NEP did not give any benefits to Malays, but hasn’t the policy raised Malays above the poverty line through educational and economic activities and so on?” Muhammad was quoted as saying.
“I wonder how he can forget and issue such statements (against the NEP) whereas he was among those who planned and implemented development programmes under this policy.”
Khalid was to move on to become chief executive officer of plantation giant Guthrie, a government-linked company.
His debt of gratitude
Meanwhile, former Umno secretary-general Sabaruddin Chik suggested that Khalid - considered a poster boy of NEP - had forgotten his debt of gratitude to the policy.
“Abdul Khalid is himself a product of the NEP. If it were not for the (NEP), he would not be in the position he is in today and living comfortably,” said Sabaruddin.
Denying the accusations today, Khalid said he was thankful for the opportunities given to him by the NEP. While helming PNB and ASN, Khalid said he had implemented the policy in a fair manner.
“After (I left), the policy was not implemented in an inclusive manner but selectively. That selectiveness is what leads me to propose that it not be used,” he said.
Khalid said the policy has been abused to provide opportunities to a few people within Umno to enrich themselves as well as those well-connected individuals outside the party.
“I’m quite sure that a lot of Malays are in need of these opportunities. A number of Chinese are also in need of such opportunities. We have Indians also who ... want to be part of the mainstream of the economic activities,” he said.
Khalid also said Selangor and Kuala Lumpur as the financial, commercial, and administrative hubs of the country are rich enough to benefit everyone.
“This is not a zero-sum game in the sense that if I help the Malays, I cannot help the Chinese or the Indians. Selangor has all the resources for everybody’s needs. Why are we squabbling about who should get (what) when everyone who is in need can enjoy (their share)?” he said.
Khalid argued that to enable this, the state government must be run “effectively, efficiently and free of corruption and abuse of power”.
“Only then can you distribute it all (equitably). The state cannot afford to do (otherwise),” he said.
Scare tactics from Umno
Also present at the press conference was PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, who urged the public not to be taken in by Umno leaders’ ‘scare tactics’ and stoking of racial tensions.
Such leaders are only fearful of losing their vested interests due to the scrapping of the NEP in those states controlled by PKR, DAP and PAS, he claimed.
“This climate of fear and insecurity is only deployed to cater to the interest of the few,” said Anwar.
He also said the NEP was not in line with the aspirations of most people who believe in the provision of opportunities to everyone in need regardless of race.
“The NEP is obsolete. We have crafted a new Malaysian Economic Agenda,” he said, referring to the new ‘fair to all’ policy mooted by his party.
“We must allow for Malays, Chinese, and Indians to feel that they are all part and parcel of this society,” he added.
Khalid and Anwar later visited Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam - a low-income community made up predominantly of Malays and Indians - which they claimed is testimony to the ‘failure’ of the NEP.
Bersih: Opposition could have won gov't
The Coalition for Free and Clean Elections (Bersih) has claimed that opposition parties could have won the 12th general election had it been conducted in clean, fair and transparent manner.
PKR, DAP and PAS took 82 parliamentary seats between them - the biggest number in electoral history - and denied the Barisan Nasional (BN) a two-thirds majority in the 222-seat House.
"We would have had an outright win if this were a free and fair election," said Bersih's R Sivarasa, who was elected to parliament.
"To win another 30 seats (to form a majority in parliament) all we needed was just another 56,000 votes," he said.
At a press conference today, Bersih - a coalition of NGOs and opposition parties - reiterated a string of previously-reported claims.
These covered ‘fraud, misconduct and irregularities’ during the 13-day election period up to March 8.
Among the allegations were that voters living in one area had been registered in other areas without their knowledge; possible manipulation of postal votes; existence of numerous voters at a single address; and the ‘luring’ of voters to Kelantan by BN leaders.
The New Sunday Times reported yesterday that 72,058 ballot papers were unreturned in the March 8 general election. Of this number, 41,564 were parliamentary ballot papers and 30,494 were state ballot papers
Election Commission secretary, Kamaruzzaman Mohd Noor was quoted saying that all of the unreturned ballot papers were postal ballot papers.
Based on this, Bersih is arguing that most of these could have been in favour of opposition parties or, at very least, spoilt votes.
Royal commission idea
Pandamaran MP, Ronnie Liu said the missing postal votes are unacceptable and that Bersih was calling for a thorough investigation.
"We suspect that the missing votes are for opposition parties or spoil votes. They must have thrown it away because they don’t want to get embarrassed." he said.
Suaram executive director Yap Swee Seng (right), who chaired the press conference, said the EC has another five years to change election laws.
"We challenge the EC to change the laws - no more excuses," he said.
On March 4, the EC abruptly called off its plan to use indelible ink, citing public order and security reasons, but mainly because the Election (Conduct of Election) Regulation 1981 had not been amended to allow for the use of indelible ink.
Bersih also dismissed claims by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other BN leaders that the opposition’s electoral gains proved that the election process was clean.
"Just because the opposition won big does not mean the election was free and fair," said Sivarasa. "We are calling for a royal commission to investigate the electoral process."
Yellow-clad members of the group and supporters had held a huge street protest last November, to back the submission of a memorandum to the King, asking for his intervention to delay the general election until reforms could be implemented.
So, will their famous ‘yellow wave’ be back on the streets again?
Responding, Bersih committee member Anuar Tahir said Bersih is currently focused on getting public support for its petition to set up a royal commission on electoral reform to investigate allegations of election fraud and misconduct.
It is also compiling all complaints and reports on electoral fraud for publication soon. In this respect, it called on the public to send in any evidence in hand.
Media criticised
Syed Azman, the Batu Buruk assemblyperson, also took the print and broadcast media to task over their election coverage, claiming that it had done much harm to the opposition parties.
"It is now time for news people to check their practice (of journalism) and to be more democratic," he said.
He said Bersih could take to the streets again, this time to demand fairer media coverage for opposition parties.
Dzulkifli said the EC had promised Bersih at two meetings that opposition parties will get "equal space in the media" but that this had not materialised.
Pusat Komas director Jerald Joseph pointed out that the media should serve their audience and not the government of the day.
"If the people can send the message that they want change in the government, the same people can send a similar message to the media," he added.
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