Mar 27, 08 11:17am
"Noise proves nothing - often a hen merely laid an egg crackles as if she has laid an asteroid," said famous American novelist Mark Twain.
So when party president Ong Ka Ting introduced the imposition of term limits on office holders, capping the tenure of ministers and state executive councillors including his own presidency post to a maximum of nine years under constitutional amendments passed in 2003, his reform agenda was hailed as a refreshing change to the country’s political landscape.
Ka Ting won praises for his many reforms since he took over in 2003. It included overhauling the membership registration system making it easier for recruitment of new members, limiting the number of delegates to the general assembly, setting new rules and regulations for electioneering campaign like stamping out money politics and discouraging practices in the distribution of election menu during party elections.
Also put in-charge was his brother, Ong Ka Chuan, of the responsibility to set up a political training school offering three areas of study, namely politics, professionalism and humanities. It was an ambitious plan to groom political leaders for the party.
Undisputed leader
In short, Ong Ka Ting’s image was projected publicly as the "kampong boy" (with added emphasis on riding a bicycle) who grew up to become the president of Malaysia’s second largest political party.
It was in 2005 that Ka Ting was reportedly perceived as the undisputed leader of MCA. Elected as president by the central committee under Articles 40 and 43 of the party’s constitution in May 2003 following a protracted crisis between Dr Ling Liong Sik and Lim Ah Lek. "Many of his detractors were quick to cast doubts about his leadership capability and political staying power," wrote the Sun in an interview with Ka Ting.
Ka Ting’s famous repetitive advice to his party subordinates patterned along the Chinese saying, "tang tang zheng zheng zuo ren, qing qing bai bai zuo guan, ta ta shi shi zuo shi."
It means that political leaders in MCA must aspire to be principled and of upright attitude; an official in the party and in government must be virtuous, endowed with integrity, responsible, diligent and conscientious in discharging official duties.
In 2005, Ka Ting appointed his brother Ka Chuan as secretary- general to keep him "politically afloat" following his electoral defeat in 2004 having lost the Batu Gajah seat in Perak.
The appointment raised some eyebrows but it was a well thought publicity tact that Ka Ting pulled through the endorsement by the central committee.
29 years to reach the top
Nobody is exactly sure when and how everything started to go sour in the party. But one thing was certain, the party began to see the crack soon after the party elections of 2005 when Ka Ting emerged the victor with "less than two-third" of votes polled (1,515) while his challenger, former minister Chua Jui Meng obtained 819 votes.
Even for the hyperactive president, time was running out. In 2006, on the fourth day of the lunar Chinese New Year, a small group of MCA headquarters staff gathered at the main entrance of Wisma MCA. The drumming and prancing of four lion dance troupes sought a good symbolic omen for the Ong leadership as two brothers formally stood gallantly to receive the blessings for that year.
The event was both jolting and memorable.
It had taken the two 'Ong' brothers almost 29 years in their political climb to the pinnacle of power in the party. It was a symbolic achievement since their first humble beginning as political voluntary activists, joining the MCA Federal Territory under the leadership of Tan Koon Swan (who was MCA vice-president and member of Parliament for Damansara constituency in 1984).
Between 1979 and 1982, Ka Ting played his activist role under the mentorship of Tan Koon Swan (who later became the party president in 1985) while Ka Chuan served actively under Wang Choon Wing (former MCA national organising secretary) in the Federal territory constituencies of Damansara and Setapak respectively.
When the party leadership tussle between Dr Neo Yee Pan and Tan Koon Swan reached its height following the expulsion of 14 MCA leaders on 19 March 1984, the Ong brothers were actively travelling across the country within 24 hours obtaining signatures from more than two-third of party delegates calling an EGM to resolve the phantom members issue.
The rest is history.
Friday, March 28, 2008
S'gor reps lend voice to Bkt Gasing residents
Mar 27, 08 6:04pm
Property developer Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd found a bigger stumbling block against its ambition to build bungalows on Bukit Gasing today.
While in the past, DAP's Edward Lee Poh Lin (Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson) was merely an opposition squeak, today he has a more powerful voice backed up by his PKR colleagues.
Together with Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson), PKR's S Sivarasa (Subang MP) and Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan MP), they made another plea to the developer to halt their work on Bukit Gasing.
"Residents around the Bukit Gasing area have received letters from the developer Gasing Meridien saying that the project will proceed," said Wong.
"As of today, we noticed that trees have been cut in the Kuala Lumpur side of Bukit Gasing. Although, we don't have legal jurisdiction, nonetheless, we are very concerned as the effects are on the residents of Selangor," she said.
"As state exco for environment, we are urging that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) stop this work order until the legal matter is settled."
Wong, who was at the site today, expressed her surprise that trees were felled and work had resumed.
Among the initiatives, they will undertake is to ask the Federal Territory MPs to raise the matter with DBKL to halt the work and to re-purchase the land from the developer before gazetting it as a green lung.
"The question of the compensation will be done in detail but it should not be done at the profit of the developer," said Lee.
Prevent heavy vehicles
Another idea raised was to prevent heavy vehicles from entering the work site from Selangor jurisdiction areas but the routes have not been identified as yet.
It was reported on March 18 that the Kuala Lumpur High Court has set April 23 to hear an application for leave by the Joint Action Committee of Bukit Gasing (JACBG) and a group of residents for a judicial review against DBKL to compel them to have a public hearing on the development.
The residents have also asked to see the technical reports and studies on the development. During a meeting with DBKL planning officials on Nov 14, their request for a public hearing was turned down.
Gasing Meridien earmarked 15.4 ha for development on Bukit Gasing. Out of the 68 plots of bungalow land, 54 will be sold with the buildings erected while the remainder will be sold as land only.
It is currently being marketed as Sanctuary Ridge and a check with them revealed that "almost half had already been taken up". Work is expected to commence in August.
In one of the reports on its website, general manager KC Tan said that hoarding of the perimeters will commence over the next several weeks. The hoarding is being erected pursuant to approvals dated Oct 2 and Nov 16, 2007 from DBKL.
Meeting with MBPJ
Meanwhile, a group of PKR, DAP and PAS state representatives and MPs met Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Roslan Sakiman and officials of MBPJ today.
"We had very good discussions and were briefed on how the system works and brought up some of the issues pertaining to planning, maintenance and how complaints are addressed," said Wong.
"This is just a start and we are pleased that some of the complaints were already dealt with," she added.
Among the matters discussed were the need for greater transparency in MBPJ's dealings with the public, zero tolerance for corruption and that local councilors will be appointed by April.
Meanwhile, Lee said the new local council is also expected to have a higher representation from professionals and members of civil society.
"In my opinion, a fair representation would be 30 percent from civil society, 30 percent professionals and 30 percent nominees from professionals within political parties," said Lee.
"This is a fair spread and will give everyone a chance to be heard," he added.
However, this formula is still preliminary and is subject to further discussion and approval by the state government, he pointed out.
Another important point though was that plans for elected local councilors are in the pipeline.
"It could be a year or as long as three years but we are definitely committed to bringing back local council elections. Full democratic local council elections," said Wong.
Although nothing concrete was agreed on how greater transparency will be implemented, Wong said that everyone agreed that future MBPJ initiatives, tenders, applications for development land or development work will be conveyed to the public via the press.
On the issue of declaration of assets by councilors and the mayor, Wong said that it was not discussed.
"We were thinking in terms of tenders and contracts but that is something we will bear in mind in our future discussions," she noted.
Property developer Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd found a bigger stumbling block against its ambition to build bungalows on Bukit Gasing today.
While in the past, DAP's Edward Lee Poh Lin (Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson) was merely an opposition squeak, today he has a more powerful voice backed up by his PKR colleagues.
Together with Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson), PKR's S Sivarasa (Subang MP) and Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan MP), they made another plea to the developer to halt their work on Bukit Gasing.
"Residents around the Bukit Gasing area have received letters from the developer Gasing Meridien saying that the project will proceed," said Wong.
"As of today, we noticed that trees have been cut in the Kuala Lumpur side of Bukit Gasing. Although, we don't have legal jurisdiction, nonetheless, we are very concerned as the effects are on the residents of Selangor," she said.
"As state exco for environment, we are urging that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) stop this work order until the legal matter is settled."
Wong, who was at the site today, expressed her surprise that trees were felled and work had resumed.
Among the initiatives, they will undertake is to ask the Federal Territory MPs to raise the matter with DBKL to halt the work and to re-purchase the land from the developer before gazetting it as a green lung.
"The question of the compensation will be done in detail but it should not be done at the profit of the developer," said Lee.
Prevent heavy vehicles
Another idea raised was to prevent heavy vehicles from entering the work site from Selangor jurisdiction areas but the routes have not been identified as yet.
It was reported on March 18 that the Kuala Lumpur High Court has set April 23 to hear an application for leave by the Joint Action Committee of Bukit Gasing (JACBG) and a group of residents for a judicial review against DBKL to compel them to have a public hearing on the development.
The residents have also asked to see the technical reports and studies on the development. During a meeting with DBKL planning officials on Nov 14, their request for a public hearing was turned down.
Gasing Meridien earmarked 15.4 ha for development on Bukit Gasing. Out of the 68 plots of bungalow land, 54 will be sold with the buildings erected while the remainder will be sold as land only.
It is currently being marketed as Sanctuary Ridge and a check with them revealed that "almost half had already been taken up". Work is expected to commence in August.
In one of the reports on its website, general manager KC Tan said that hoarding of the perimeters will commence over the next several weeks. The hoarding is being erected pursuant to approvals dated Oct 2 and Nov 16, 2007 from DBKL.
Meeting with MBPJ
Meanwhile, a group of PKR, DAP and PAS state representatives and MPs met Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Roslan Sakiman and officials of MBPJ today.
"We had very good discussions and were briefed on how the system works and brought up some of the issues pertaining to planning, maintenance and how complaints are addressed," said Wong.
"This is just a start and we are pleased that some of the complaints were already dealt with," she added.
Among the matters discussed were the need for greater transparency in MBPJ's dealings with the public, zero tolerance for corruption and that local councilors will be appointed by April.
Meanwhile, Lee said the new local council is also expected to have a higher representation from professionals and members of civil society.
"In my opinion, a fair representation would be 30 percent from civil society, 30 percent professionals and 30 percent nominees from professionals within political parties," said Lee.
"This is a fair spread and will give everyone a chance to be heard," he added.
However, this formula is still preliminary and is subject to further discussion and approval by the state government, he pointed out.
Another important point though was that plans for elected local councilors are in the pipeline.
"It could be a year or as long as three years but we are definitely committed to bringing back local council elections. Full democratic local council elections," said Wong.
Although nothing concrete was agreed on how greater transparency will be implemented, Wong said that everyone agreed that future MBPJ initiatives, tenders, applications for development land or development work will be conveyed to the public via the press.
On the issue of declaration of assets by councilors and the mayor, Wong said that it was not discussed.
"We were thinking in terms of tenders and contracts but that is something we will bear in mind in our future discussions," she noted.
Q&A First Madam Opposition: It's a daunting task
Mar 27, 08 5:26pm
The nation’s first female parliamentary Opposition Leader tells Malaysiakini about her new role, the need to strengthen ties of the three opposition parties, the possibility of her not quitting politics as yet and the opposition’s First Family in the 45-minute interview. Malaysiakini: Let’s talk about your appointment as the first female parliamentary Opposition Leader in the country after the three opposition parties gave their backing to you.
Wan Azizah: It is a daunting task, it is also an honour for Malaysian women (to have a woman) for the first time to hold the post in the Malaysian Parliament. It augurs well for democracy in the country. I am grateful that the three parties agreed that I take the position. I thanked them for the trust but I also feel the burden in that sense filling in the shoes after Lim Kit Siang, Ustaz Fadzil Noor, Ustaz Abdul Hadi Awang and Asri Muda before that. There has been a history of very good Opposition Leaders and I have to fill in the shoes. I hope there is a bit more of gender sensitivity (in the House with a) woman opposition leader.
There have been a lot of sexist remarks made in the House in the past.
By virtue of me being a woman, being there and (having) a motherly image, that would probably put them (the MPs) in their places. When they see me, they will have a little bit more restrain, it comes naturally because when you have a motherly image, men tend to be a bit more well-behaved.
Compared with Lim or Hadi, who have a rather tough image as Opposition Leaders, you are often seen as soft-spoken. Would you change your style?
No, I think you can be soft-spoken and have your feminity, yet getting your message across. It's just different styles. You can bring home your message justly but firmly.
Like it or not, you have not been seen as outspoken in Parliament.
It’s my first time as the Opposition Leader. I have never been confrontational, that is part of my weakness in that sense because usually the Opposition Leader has this image of (giving) fiery speeches like how Mr Lim Kit Siang has served his term. Give me a chance, probably I will develop a different attitude now. There was only one (PKR’s) seat in 2004 and before that (1999) I was a first-time MP. Now in my third term, I’ll be more experienced. I’ll be a little bit more outspoken, I think (grins).
As the new Opposition Leader, how are you going to strengthen the cooperation among the three opposition parties in Parliament? It was seen as slightly lacking in the last term because prior to that, we understand that the parties will usually meet to coordinate with each other on issues raised in Parliament, something like a pre-council meeting. Any immediate plan to strengthen the ties of the parties in Parliament?
There is a different scenario pre-election and post-election. For post-election, we have already broken the two-thirds majority of BN and the reality is we have to work together because that will be the way forward for a two-party system that hails well for the future of Malaysian politics. The three parties themselves realise this (so) the working (model) will be on such that we will work on this and therefore we will take on the government much better. If we work separately, it will not be a force to be reckoned with by the BN government. Now that we are together, we see that the BN will have to be on their toes. After 50 years of being in power, they have became complacent, sometimes arrogant and quite insensitive to the need of the rakyat.
Is there a need to formalise the cooperation of the three parties?
It has already been working. We have a different scenario now, PKR being the youngest party among (the three) but DAP and PAS have been around (for years), they know the scenarios have changed (and we have) to work together towards a two-party system, which is actually the way forward. I have been through this in 1999 - as a novice then and new to this game - (but) we have worked together before.
How about a formal structure? Is there a possibility to go back to Barisan Alternatif, which would also include the DAP?
DAP has come to terms. They were with us in 1999, although now we don’t use (the term) Barisan anymore - we agreed on that - but we have came together after the results. Look at Penang, DAP also knows in the working of a government, they also need us (PKR) to make it work. In Perak too, even though the DAP has the most seats, yet the (state’s) constitution also is such that we have to work together, it has to be a multi-ethnic (coalition government), so reality checks in. DAP has come to terms with that, we have been working together before that - Yes, (it was) on-and-off, hot-and-cold sometimes, but we are here together.
But in Penang, the sole PAS state assemblyperson has been more or less excluded from the DAP-PKR coalition government?
No, he is included, he (his seat) is in the Permatang Pauh constituency, so he has been taken care off.
So you do agree that there is a need to formalise the structure of cooperation among the opposition parties?
It can be better.
As the Opposition Leader, you may be the target of the backbenchers in the House on the different stands of PAS and DAP on issues like the New Economic Policy (NEP) and Islamic state. How would you address that?
We are a democratic country, they have different views and ideologies. PAS has its ideology and it has been like that since PAS was established. They talk about Islam, we accept that. DAP too talks about a secular state. We (nevertheless) have the Federal Constitutional and (what is) under the constitutional framework, that will be how (my) answer should be.
From one seat to 31 seats and the biggest opposition party, is that something that you are still trying to adjust to?
You don’t really need much adjustment. Of course it was quite a low morale (in 2004), we have only one seat, I was the lone ranger then. Going to Parliament also not very much bersemangat (not in high spirit) (laughs). Now suddenly we have a change, it’s exciting time, altogether we have 82 seats in Parliament, a lot of us who were in the wilderness are now in the limelight. You can see there is a (possibility) of changing the government, you never thought of that.
We should not give up hope, we should try, we give credit to the electorates because they can see it. Many young people have made the change, politically being sensitised and awakened. It’s an exciting time. I am quite happy to be in this position now and with the back-up behind, I think I can do it.
The election results nevertheless also show that the oppositions can’t keep on using the argument that the Election Commission is not free and fair.
I thanked the electorates but why the EC stopped the indelible ink (implementation at eleventh-hour)? Why are we having evidence that one name appears 47 times on the electoral roll? Why people over 100-year-old were all over the electoral roll? In Permatang Pauh, they chased away five Indonesians and Pakistani (who intended to pose as voters to vote). Thank God to the people for voting the oppositions en bloc, therefore the electoral fraud cannot overturn.
You have listed five issues as your agenda, would you like to elaborate?
Our economy competitiveness has dropped, we want more investors to come in, we should embark on measures to boost (the competitiveness) again. What has happened over the years, our voters have felt it too and that’s why voters give their fresh mandate and reduced the support to BN. Now we have Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan - these are important states and these are the places where we can actually invest in to boost up the economy.
On the corruption index, what we can go after is what he (Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) promised when he took office, to go after the big fish - where are the big fishes that were supposed to be caught? What are the measures that you do then? What are the measures to prevent anymore people from being victims of crime? After 50 years, what about our national integration? What about the Malays still feeling marginalised and think they still need the NEP? We have other races and we are all Malaysians. We have to build our nation together now, this integration of being truly Malaysians will help to boost the economy as well.
Then we have the media. Malaysiakini is almost spearheading media freedom, I thank it for that, it has been kept up to this level now and progressing very well. Now the internet has became very important to us.
Also, there is the issue of the ISA (Internal Security Act) detainees. We have human rights but the record is not that great comparatively. ISA has always been used against political dissidents, (Hindraf legal adviser and newly-elected Kota Alam Shah state assemblyperson) M Manoharan especially has to be freed unless you charge him in open court. What crime has he done? I also feel that the environment itself is a very big issue, we have laws but the enforcement is something else.
On ISA, you have called for the release of Manoharan and four others Hindraf leaders but there has been question on why (husband and PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim is rather quiet on that? Was that due to the whispering campaign on the ground that he was pro-Hindus or pro-Hindraf?
He has - even though I think there is no formal statement - but he has spoken about it and he always call for the ISA to be repealed and all ISA detainees to be released. It is just that through me, we have both came out with the statement. The (rival’s) election campaign before said that Anwar was pro-Hindraf, he is actually pro-Malaysians, pro-human rights. He actually said we do not agree with all what Hindraf is seeking but their basic right to speak and association, we have to give them that, as it is enshrined in our constitution.
You have always preferred to take a backseat in politics and it has been 10 years since you first thrust into politics. With your new role as the parliamentary Opposition Leader now, it looks like you however will not be able to take a backseat anytime soon.
Perhaps it was a repeat of 1998. I was a politician’s wife, I was happy doing my work in the hospital and I was happy just making coffee then. I was thrust into this limelight and having to deal with so many things, my life was kind of in a turmoil.
My husband went to jail, having all these terrible, terrible crimes thrown at him. My children were young, the youngest was six. It was a difficult time but I went through it. Now it’s a different scene, my husband is out, I can bank on him to help me. I have so much goodwill among friends who assured they will help me out. My role will be together with the rest, I have a group of MPs behind me now. In any debate, there will be so many debaters who can do well. It will be like I am there also, but I have a lot of help.
So you won’t quit politics anytime soon?
I did mention I was going to set aside my seat for Anwar, but of course there were views that is just one option. There are other views like why don’t we get another seat for Anwar and he may not take just Permatang Pauh. There are few other seats the MPs are actually willing to give up the seat for him. Quitting politics? In the first place I was quite accidental (to enter politics), it will be alright if I just fade away with the sunset.
Having said that, this won’t be your last term?
Given a choice, I will prefer to go back and lead a not-so-political life. But sometimes providence says I am together with a politician husband, now my daughter (Nurul Izzah) a MP, so basically I will be there to help out if the need arises. Being an Opposition Leader is something that I would like to do my utmost.
It appeared quite certain earlier that you would be the one to give up your seat for Anwar.
Yes, that’s right. (But) we also have a few other people holding both Parliament and state seats, so that is another option (for Anwar to consider to stand in a by-election).
About Anwar’s plan, there is talk now that Anwar feels he is not in a hurry to stand in a by-election immediately after April 15.
Yes, it may not be as urgent as we thought it to be. If we had been government, yes, it would have been urgent for him. Now as the opposition leader, he can take a longer time.
Meaning his priority now is to form the next government than to stand in the by-election?
I think so. We have enough opposition MPs at the moment, Anwar can then go to other work, try to formalise this coalition.
Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin has said there are 16 BN MPs who have approached PKR and keen to cross over to the opposition?
I believe he has his sources, I was not in the discussion, I am not in the know at the moment so I think we leave it as that.
Are you concerned with the perception that despite you officially being the party president, you are not in the know of some party matters?
Anwar is the de facto leader, I accept that and he has proven himself as the leader. Just because the government did not allow him to contest and I am in the position, I will take whatever responsibility that is for me to fulfill. I am a doctor, if I want to go to a doctor, I want a doctor who has clinical acumen, with experience and all that. I am not a political leader, he has experience, we get his advice and decisions. He has proven himself, I have no problem with that.
You have no problem with Anwar and to a certain extent, your daughter, overshadowing you?
I am really proud of my husband and daughter. I am the mom - it is not overshadowing me, there is nothing to overshadow - they are to serve the country. I am so proud and thank God for this opportunity for them to do so.
Do you encourage your children to be in active politics after having gone through the trauma for your family during Anwar’s sacking?
(Sighs) No, I don’t encourage them but I give them a choice. They make their own choices and if they like to, I won’t stop them, I support them. When Izzah wanted to contest (in Lembah Pantai), I wasn’t very happy because she was going to take on a giant (ex-minister Sharizat Abdul Jalil), a well-known woman minister. It’s not easy, she is a novice - not quite a novice - but she is young and inexperienced. I am a mom, I want to protect my daughter until the end of my life. But she made her choice and once she made her choice, being a mom, you support your daughter, because mommy’s love is something that you can’t question too much.
How about other children, are they keen to be in politics?
(Second daughter, Nurul) Nuha, she is sometimes interested, sometimes not, she haven’t make up her mind. My son is not interested. The youngest two (daughters) are still in school. They really love to go and support their sister, dad, we are happy to be in that way.
How would you address the criticism of political dynasty in the case of your family?
I don’t see it as a political dynasty. I suppose (political dynasty is) if you are in government and you are in power then you dispense the power down the road. Now we don’t actually have power, we are opposition, quite in a wilderness and nothing much. I don’t consider it as a dynasty,.
How life has changed for you being a grandmother?
When she (Nur Safiyah, Nurul Izzah’s daughter) was first born, it was a very emotional moment for me. I took care of Nur Safiyah, clean her and bathe her, it is such an enjoyable experience. It has been six months and she has grown. It is an enjoyable experience being a grandmom (also) because I am not responsible for her in a sense. Last time as a mom, you are more tense, you are responsible for the children, now I can just pass her over to her parents if I have something to do (laughs).
Your family remains a close-knit family, how do you keep that up with the fact three of the family members are now full time in politics?
We have no real family programme, not so much planning. It’s not easy but I pray a lot.
The nation’s first female parliamentary Opposition Leader tells Malaysiakini about her new role, the need to strengthen ties of the three opposition parties, the possibility of her not quitting politics as yet and the opposition’s First Family in the 45-minute interview. Malaysiakini: Let’s talk about your appointment as the first female parliamentary Opposition Leader in the country after the three opposition parties gave their backing to you.
Wan Azizah: It is a daunting task, it is also an honour for Malaysian women (to have a woman) for the first time to hold the post in the Malaysian Parliament. It augurs well for democracy in the country. I am grateful that the three parties agreed that I take the position. I thanked them for the trust but I also feel the burden in that sense filling in the shoes after Lim Kit Siang, Ustaz Fadzil Noor, Ustaz Abdul Hadi Awang and Asri Muda before that. There has been a history of very good Opposition Leaders and I have to fill in the shoes. I hope there is a bit more of gender sensitivity (in the House with a) woman opposition leader.
There have been a lot of sexist remarks made in the House in the past.
By virtue of me being a woman, being there and (having) a motherly image, that would probably put them (the MPs) in their places. When they see me, they will have a little bit more restrain, it comes naturally because when you have a motherly image, men tend to be a bit more well-behaved.
Compared with Lim or Hadi, who have a rather tough image as Opposition Leaders, you are often seen as soft-spoken. Would you change your style?
No, I think you can be soft-spoken and have your feminity, yet getting your message across. It's just different styles. You can bring home your message justly but firmly.
Like it or not, you have not been seen as outspoken in Parliament.
It’s my first time as the Opposition Leader. I have never been confrontational, that is part of my weakness in that sense because usually the Opposition Leader has this image of (giving) fiery speeches like how Mr Lim Kit Siang has served his term. Give me a chance, probably I will develop a different attitude now. There was only one (PKR’s) seat in 2004 and before that (1999) I was a first-time MP. Now in my third term, I’ll be more experienced. I’ll be a little bit more outspoken, I think (grins).
As the new Opposition Leader, how are you going to strengthen the cooperation among the three opposition parties in Parliament? It was seen as slightly lacking in the last term because prior to that, we understand that the parties will usually meet to coordinate with each other on issues raised in Parliament, something like a pre-council meeting. Any immediate plan to strengthen the ties of the parties in Parliament?
There is a different scenario pre-election and post-election. For post-election, we have already broken the two-thirds majority of BN and the reality is we have to work together because that will be the way forward for a two-party system that hails well for the future of Malaysian politics. The three parties themselves realise this (so) the working (model) will be on such that we will work on this and therefore we will take on the government much better. If we work separately, it will not be a force to be reckoned with by the BN government. Now that we are together, we see that the BN will have to be on their toes. After 50 years of being in power, they have became complacent, sometimes arrogant and quite insensitive to the need of the rakyat.
Is there a need to formalise the cooperation of the three parties?
It has already been working. We have a different scenario now, PKR being the youngest party among (the three) but DAP and PAS have been around (for years), they know the scenarios have changed (and we have) to work together towards a two-party system, which is actually the way forward. I have been through this in 1999 - as a novice then and new to this game - (but) we have worked together before.
How about a formal structure? Is there a possibility to go back to Barisan Alternatif, which would also include the DAP?
DAP has come to terms. They were with us in 1999, although now we don’t use (the term) Barisan anymore - we agreed on that - but we have came together after the results. Look at Penang, DAP also knows in the working of a government, they also need us (PKR) to make it work. In Perak too, even though the DAP has the most seats, yet the (state’s) constitution also is such that we have to work together, it has to be a multi-ethnic (coalition government), so reality checks in. DAP has come to terms with that, we have been working together before that - Yes, (it was) on-and-off, hot-and-cold sometimes, but we are here together.
But in Penang, the sole PAS state assemblyperson has been more or less excluded from the DAP-PKR coalition government?
No, he is included, he (his seat) is in the Permatang Pauh constituency, so he has been taken care off.
So you do agree that there is a need to formalise the structure of cooperation among the opposition parties?
It can be better.
As the Opposition Leader, you may be the target of the backbenchers in the House on the different stands of PAS and DAP on issues like the New Economic Policy (NEP) and Islamic state. How would you address that?
We are a democratic country, they have different views and ideologies. PAS has its ideology and it has been like that since PAS was established. They talk about Islam, we accept that. DAP too talks about a secular state. We (nevertheless) have the Federal Constitutional and (what is) under the constitutional framework, that will be how (my) answer should be.
From one seat to 31 seats and the biggest opposition party, is that something that you are still trying to adjust to?
You don’t really need much adjustment. Of course it was quite a low morale (in 2004), we have only one seat, I was the lone ranger then. Going to Parliament also not very much bersemangat (not in high spirit) (laughs). Now suddenly we have a change, it’s exciting time, altogether we have 82 seats in Parliament, a lot of us who were in the wilderness are now in the limelight. You can see there is a (possibility) of changing the government, you never thought of that.
We should not give up hope, we should try, we give credit to the electorates because they can see it. Many young people have made the change, politically being sensitised and awakened. It’s an exciting time. I am quite happy to be in this position now and with the back-up behind, I think I can do it.
The election results nevertheless also show that the oppositions can’t keep on using the argument that the Election Commission is not free and fair.
I thanked the electorates but why the EC stopped the indelible ink (implementation at eleventh-hour)? Why are we having evidence that one name appears 47 times on the electoral roll? Why people over 100-year-old were all over the electoral roll? In Permatang Pauh, they chased away five Indonesians and Pakistani (who intended to pose as voters to vote). Thank God to the people for voting the oppositions en bloc, therefore the electoral fraud cannot overturn.
You have listed five issues as your agenda, would you like to elaborate?
Our economy competitiveness has dropped, we want more investors to come in, we should embark on measures to boost (the competitiveness) again. What has happened over the years, our voters have felt it too and that’s why voters give their fresh mandate and reduced the support to BN. Now we have Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan - these are important states and these are the places where we can actually invest in to boost up the economy.
On the corruption index, what we can go after is what he (Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) promised when he took office, to go after the big fish - where are the big fishes that were supposed to be caught? What are the measures that you do then? What are the measures to prevent anymore people from being victims of crime? After 50 years, what about our national integration? What about the Malays still feeling marginalised and think they still need the NEP? We have other races and we are all Malaysians. We have to build our nation together now, this integration of being truly Malaysians will help to boost the economy as well.
Then we have the media. Malaysiakini is almost spearheading media freedom, I thank it for that, it has been kept up to this level now and progressing very well. Now the internet has became very important to us.
Also, there is the issue of the ISA (Internal Security Act) detainees. We have human rights but the record is not that great comparatively. ISA has always been used against political dissidents, (Hindraf legal adviser and newly-elected Kota Alam Shah state assemblyperson) M Manoharan especially has to be freed unless you charge him in open court. What crime has he done? I also feel that the environment itself is a very big issue, we have laws but the enforcement is something else.
On ISA, you have called for the release of Manoharan and four others Hindraf leaders but there has been question on why (husband and PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim is rather quiet on that? Was that due to the whispering campaign on the ground that he was pro-Hindus or pro-Hindraf?
He has - even though I think there is no formal statement - but he has spoken about it and he always call for the ISA to be repealed and all ISA detainees to be released. It is just that through me, we have both came out with the statement. The (rival’s) election campaign before said that Anwar was pro-Hindraf, he is actually pro-Malaysians, pro-human rights. He actually said we do not agree with all what Hindraf is seeking but their basic right to speak and association, we have to give them that, as it is enshrined in our constitution.
You have always preferred to take a backseat in politics and it has been 10 years since you first thrust into politics. With your new role as the parliamentary Opposition Leader now, it looks like you however will not be able to take a backseat anytime soon.
Perhaps it was a repeat of 1998. I was a politician’s wife, I was happy doing my work in the hospital and I was happy just making coffee then. I was thrust into this limelight and having to deal with so many things, my life was kind of in a turmoil.
My husband went to jail, having all these terrible, terrible crimes thrown at him. My children were young, the youngest was six. It was a difficult time but I went through it. Now it’s a different scene, my husband is out, I can bank on him to help me. I have so much goodwill among friends who assured they will help me out. My role will be together with the rest, I have a group of MPs behind me now. In any debate, there will be so many debaters who can do well. It will be like I am there also, but I have a lot of help.
So you won’t quit politics anytime soon?
I did mention I was going to set aside my seat for Anwar, but of course there were views that is just one option. There are other views like why don’t we get another seat for Anwar and he may not take just Permatang Pauh. There are few other seats the MPs are actually willing to give up the seat for him. Quitting politics? In the first place I was quite accidental (to enter politics), it will be alright if I just fade away with the sunset.
Having said that, this won’t be your last term?
Given a choice, I will prefer to go back and lead a not-so-political life. But sometimes providence says I am together with a politician husband, now my daughter (Nurul Izzah) a MP, so basically I will be there to help out if the need arises. Being an Opposition Leader is something that I would like to do my utmost.
It appeared quite certain earlier that you would be the one to give up your seat for Anwar.
Yes, that’s right. (But) we also have a few other people holding both Parliament and state seats, so that is another option (for Anwar to consider to stand in a by-election).
About Anwar’s plan, there is talk now that Anwar feels he is not in a hurry to stand in a by-election immediately after April 15.
Yes, it may not be as urgent as we thought it to be. If we had been government, yes, it would have been urgent for him. Now as the opposition leader, he can take a longer time.
Meaning his priority now is to form the next government than to stand in the by-election?
I think so. We have enough opposition MPs at the moment, Anwar can then go to other work, try to formalise this coalition.
Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin has said there are 16 BN MPs who have approached PKR and keen to cross over to the opposition?
I believe he has his sources, I was not in the discussion, I am not in the know at the moment so I think we leave it as that.
Are you concerned with the perception that despite you officially being the party president, you are not in the know of some party matters?
Anwar is the de facto leader, I accept that and he has proven himself as the leader. Just because the government did not allow him to contest and I am in the position, I will take whatever responsibility that is for me to fulfill. I am a doctor, if I want to go to a doctor, I want a doctor who has clinical acumen, with experience and all that. I am not a political leader, he has experience, we get his advice and decisions. He has proven himself, I have no problem with that.
You have no problem with Anwar and to a certain extent, your daughter, overshadowing you?
I am really proud of my husband and daughter. I am the mom - it is not overshadowing me, there is nothing to overshadow - they are to serve the country. I am so proud and thank God for this opportunity for them to do so.
Do you encourage your children to be in active politics after having gone through the trauma for your family during Anwar’s sacking?
(Sighs) No, I don’t encourage them but I give them a choice. They make their own choices and if they like to, I won’t stop them, I support them. When Izzah wanted to contest (in Lembah Pantai), I wasn’t very happy because she was going to take on a giant (ex-minister Sharizat Abdul Jalil), a well-known woman minister. It’s not easy, she is a novice - not quite a novice - but she is young and inexperienced. I am a mom, I want to protect my daughter until the end of my life. But she made her choice and once she made her choice, being a mom, you support your daughter, because mommy’s love is something that you can’t question too much.
How about other children, are they keen to be in politics?
(Second daughter, Nurul) Nuha, she is sometimes interested, sometimes not, she haven’t make up her mind. My son is not interested. The youngest two (daughters) are still in school. They really love to go and support their sister, dad, we are happy to be in that way.
How would you address the criticism of political dynasty in the case of your family?
I don’t see it as a political dynasty. I suppose (political dynasty is) if you are in government and you are in power then you dispense the power down the road. Now we don’t actually have power, we are opposition, quite in a wilderness and nothing much. I don’t consider it as a dynasty,.
How life has changed for you being a grandmother?
When she (Nur Safiyah, Nurul Izzah’s daughter) was first born, it was a very emotional moment for me. I took care of Nur Safiyah, clean her and bathe her, it is such an enjoyable experience. It has been six months and she has grown. It is an enjoyable experience being a grandmom (also) because I am not responsible for her in a sense. Last time as a mom, you are more tense, you are responsible for the children, now I can just pass her over to her parents if I have something to do (laughs).
Your family remains a close-knit family, how do you keep that up with the fact three of the family members are now full time in politics?
We have no real family programme, not so much planning. It’s not easy but I pray a lot.
No rush for hubby to contest, says Azizah
Mar 27, 08 4:48pm
Opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim has no plan to stand in a by-election immediately after the ban from active politics against him is lifted on April 15, according to his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
"It may not be as urgent as we thought it to be. If we had been government, yes, it would have been urgent for him. Now as the opposition leader, he can take a longer time," she told Malaysiakini in a 45-minute interview at her office in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Instead, she added, Anwar’s priority now would be to form the next government which came amid claims of elected parliamentarians from the ruling BN are in talks to defect to the oppositions.
The opposition is short of 30 seats to get a simple majority to form the government.
Wan Azizah, an ophthamologist-turned-politician, officially heads the PKR - where Anwar is the de facto leader.
Anwar is banned from active politics for five years as a result of his conviction on corruption charges. The ban will be lifted on April 15.
First female Opposition Leader
Wan Azizah, 55, was initially expected to make way for her husband after mid-April by relinquishing her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat - which she held since 1999 - and allow Anwar to make a comeback to Parliament.
But she hinted in the interview that she may not do so after all, as Anwar may seek to contest elsewhere, where the party’s MPs are ready to give up the seat for the PKR de facto leader.
There is also another possibility that Anwar will contest in a seat which is not held by the opposition at the moment, if BN’s victory is successfully challenged via election petition.
"I did mention I was going to step aside for Anwar but there are some views that is just one option. There are other views why don’t we get another seat for Anwar and he may not take just Permatang Pauh," said Wan Azizah.
The ever soft-spoken politician is also set to make a record with her impending appointment as the first female Parliamentary Opposition Leader when the new Parliament session commences, succeeding DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.
By convention, the opposition party with the highest number of seats is named the Opposition Leader in the House.
In the March 8 general election, Wan Azizah’s PKR won 31 seats, DAP 28 and PAS 23. The multi-racial based party had only won one parliamentary seat - held by Wan Azizah - during the 2004 election.
PKR, DAP and PAS leaders have agreed to make Wan Azizah the next Opposition Leader until Anwar wins a parliamentary seat.
Wan Azizah described her new role as an "honour for Malaysian women".
"I thank them (the three parties) for the trust but I also feel the burden in that sense filling in the shoes after Lim Kit Siang, Ustaz Fadzil Noor, Ustaz Abdul Hadi Awang and Asri Muda before that," she said.
Always known for her non-confrontational approach in parliamentary debates, Wan Azizah quipped that she will try to be more outspoken in assuming her new role.
She has unveiled a five-point ambitious agenda to boost economic growth and fight corruption earlier as the nation’s first female Opposition Leader. She also hoped her new role will help to inculcate more gender sensitivity during parliamentary debates.
"When they see me, they will have a little bit more restrain, it comes naturally because when you have a motherly image, men tend to be a bit more well-behaved," she noted.
‘Mommy’s love can’t be questioned’
Meanwhile, Wan Azizah said she did not encourage her children to be in active politics.
"I don’t encourage them but I give them a choice. They make their own choices and if they like to, I won’t stop them, I support them," said the mother of six, whose eldest daughter Nurul Izzah is the newly-elected MP for Lembah Pantai.
Nurul Izzah, who contested for the first time, defeated the popular ex-minister of women, family and community development Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
Wan Azizah conceded she "wasn’t very happy" at first with her daughter’s plan to take on the well-known and "giant" Sharizat.
"But she made her choice and once she made her choice, being a mom, you support your daughter, because mommy’s love is something that you can’t question too much," she stressed.
Opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim has no plan to stand in a by-election immediately after the ban from active politics against him is lifted on April 15, according to his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
"It may not be as urgent as we thought it to be. If we had been government, yes, it would have been urgent for him. Now as the opposition leader, he can take a longer time," she told Malaysiakini in a 45-minute interview at her office in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Instead, she added, Anwar’s priority now would be to form the next government which came amid claims of elected parliamentarians from the ruling BN are in talks to defect to the oppositions.
The opposition is short of 30 seats to get a simple majority to form the government.
Wan Azizah, an ophthamologist-turned-politician, officially heads the PKR - where Anwar is the de facto leader.
Anwar is banned from active politics for five years as a result of his conviction on corruption charges. The ban will be lifted on April 15.
First female Opposition Leader
Wan Azizah, 55, was initially expected to make way for her husband after mid-April by relinquishing her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat - which she held since 1999 - and allow Anwar to make a comeback to Parliament.
But she hinted in the interview that she may not do so after all, as Anwar may seek to contest elsewhere, where the party’s MPs are ready to give up the seat for the PKR de facto leader.
There is also another possibility that Anwar will contest in a seat which is not held by the opposition at the moment, if BN’s victory is successfully challenged via election petition.
"I did mention I was going to step aside for Anwar but there are some views that is just one option. There are other views why don’t we get another seat for Anwar and he may not take just Permatang Pauh," said Wan Azizah.
The ever soft-spoken politician is also set to make a record with her impending appointment as the first female Parliamentary Opposition Leader when the new Parliament session commences, succeeding DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.
By convention, the opposition party with the highest number of seats is named the Opposition Leader in the House.
In the March 8 general election, Wan Azizah’s PKR won 31 seats, DAP 28 and PAS 23. The multi-racial based party had only won one parliamentary seat - held by Wan Azizah - during the 2004 election.
PKR, DAP and PAS leaders have agreed to make Wan Azizah the next Opposition Leader until Anwar wins a parliamentary seat.
Wan Azizah described her new role as an "honour for Malaysian women".
"I thank them (the three parties) for the trust but I also feel the burden in that sense filling in the shoes after Lim Kit Siang, Ustaz Fadzil Noor, Ustaz Abdul Hadi Awang and Asri Muda before that," she said.
Always known for her non-confrontational approach in parliamentary debates, Wan Azizah quipped that she will try to be more outspoken in assuming her new role.
She has unveiled a five-point ambitious agenda to boost economic growth and fight corruption earlier as the nation’s first female Opposition Leader. She also hoped her new role will help to inculcate more gender sensitivity during parliamentary debates.
"When they see me, they will have a little bit more restrain, it comes naturally because when you have a motherly image, men tend to be a bit more well-behaved," she noted.
‘Mommy’s love can’t be questioned’
Meanwhile, Wan Azizah said she did not encourage her children to be in active politics.
"I don’t encourage them but I give them a choice. They make their own choices and if they like to, I won’t stop them, I support them," said the mother of six, whose eldest daughter Nurul Izzah is the newly-elected MP for Lembah Pantai.
Nurul Izzah, who contested for the first time, defeated the popular ex-minister of women, family and community development Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
Wan Azizah conceded she "wasn’t very happy" at first with her daughter’s plan to take on the well-known and "giant" Sharizat.
"But she made her choice and once she made her choice, being a mom, you support your daughter, because mommy’s love is something that you can’t question too much," she stressed.
Umno polls in Dec, Ahmad backed as MB
Mar 27, 08 7:14pm
After a four-hour marathon supreme council meeting, Umno today decided it will not defer its party polls and to declare its support for Kijal state representative Ahmad Said as the new Terengganu menteri besar.
Party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Umno has decided to give its backing to the palace-backed Ahmad over the party’s choice of incumbent Idris Jusoh, because the impasse has to be resolved immediately.
"Apart from the fact that it was crucial to form the state government, (the decision) is also based on the public statement made by Idris that he will support any decision by the Regency Advisory Council," he told reporters after the meeting held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
"With that, the supreme council decides to resolve this matter as we have to form the state government. BN has to give its support to Ahmad which is backed by the Regency Advisory Council and we will give our full support to him," he added.
Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, thanked Idris for his one-term service as the MB.
Idris was present at the council meeting in his capacity as the Terengganu party chief.
He did not comment when approached by reporters. He went straight to meet a group of the state assemblypersons from the state who have pledged their supports for him at another room at the Umno building.
‘Not for the press to know’
Asked on Idris’ response during the meeting, Abdullah reiterated that Idris has openly said he will accept any decision on the matter. The president added that he believed the 22 BN state assemblypersons will work with the new MB.
Abdullah, who has earlier declared Ahmad’s appointment as unconstitutional, said the legality aspect of the issue was not discussed and that it did not wish to pursue on that.
To another question on whether the party’s decision today may be seen as ‘losing face’ for BN, Abdullah countered, "Not necessarily", and reiterated that the palace has made the decision.
Pressed on why BN compromised in the matter, Abdullah told off the journalists: "All the details that have been discussed is not for the press to know. What you should know is the decision has been made, that is for the interest of the Terengganu people, we can’t go on disputing it."
The decision today to accept Ahmad as the new MB is believed to be a result of a meeting between Abdullah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, yesterday.
With the decision today, the Umno supreme council is also expected not to take any further action against Ahmad, which the party has threatened to do so earlier should Ahmad take up the MB post.
According to a source, none of the council members objected to the appointment of Ahmad, who took office on Tuesday.
Nominations quota to remain
Meanwhile, Abdullah also revealed that the Umno polls would be held during this year’s annual general assembly which begins on Dec 16 to 20 this year, killing off all earlier speculations that it could be deferred.
Branch-level elections will be held between July 17 to Aug 24, while divisional level is slated for Oct 9 to Nov 9.
Abdullah also said he was ready to face any challenger for his party presidency.
"If they have the support and they want to challenge, I have to face it, I am not going to run away," said the president, adding that there will not be any amendment on the party’s election procedures.
This means that, among others, the requirement of getting nominations from at least 30 percent of the 191 divisions in order for a candidate to challenge for the president's post will stay.
So far, Umno veteran and Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has offered himself to contest the top post. In the 2004 party poll, Razaleigh also took on Abdullah but only managed to secure one nomination from his Gua Musang division.
Asked on Razaleigh’s proposal to call for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss Umno’s electoral disaster, Abdullah replied: "It was not our proposal".
Resignation due to ‘private reason’
On the resignation of Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Ghapur Salleh yesterday, Abdullah denied it was signalling the loss of confidence in his administration.
"He has given the reasons, it has nothing to do with that. It was very private reason, I have read the letter, he left the letter, he wanted to see me but I couldn’t because I was involved in so many things," said the premier.
Ghapur, a former Sabah deputy chief minister, is the second Sabah MP and Sabah Umno leader to turn down a federal deputy minister position following the March 8 general election. Kimanis MP Anifah Aman declined to take up the deputy transport minister's post on the day he was appointed.
Similarly, another Umno leader from Pahang, Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, also declined the deputy foreign minister’s post. Both of them said that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
After a four-hour marathon supreme council meeting, Umno today decided it will not defer its party polls and to declare its support for Kijal state representative Ahmad Said as the new Terengganu menteri besar.
Party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Umno has decided to give its backing to the palace-backed Ahmad over the party’s choice of incumbent Idris Jusoh, because the impasse has to be resolved immediately.
"Apart from the fact that it was crucial to form the state government, (the decision) is also based on the public statement made by Idris that he will support any decision by the Regency Advisory Council," he told reporters after the meeting held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
"With that, the supreme council decides to resolve this matter as we have to form the state government. BN has to give its support to Ahmad which is backed by the Regency Advisory Council and we will give our full support to him," he added.
Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, thanked Idris for his one-term service as the MB.
Idris was present at the council meeting in his capacity as the Terengganu party chief.
He did not comment when approached by reporters. He went straight to meet a group of the state assemblypersons from the state who have pledged their supports for him at another room at the Umno building.
‘Not for the press to know’
Asked on Idris’ response during the meeting, Abdullah reiterated that Idris has openly said he will accept any decision on the matter. The president added that he believed the 22 BN state assemblypersons will work with the new MB.
Abdullah, who has earlier declared Ahmad’s appointment as unconstitutional, said the legality aspect of the issue was not discussed and that it did not wish to pursue on that.
To another question on whether the party’s decision today may be seen as ‘losing face’ for BN, Abdullah countered, "Not necessarily", and reiterated that the palace has made the decision.
Pressed on why BN compromised in the matter, Abdullah told off the journalists: "All the details that have been discussed is not for the press to know. What you should know is the decision has been made, that is for the interest of the Terengganu people, we can’t go on disputing it."
The decision today to accept Ahmad as the new MB is believed to be a result of a meeting between Abdullah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, yesterday.
With the decision today, the Umno supreme council is also expected not to take any further action against Ahmad, which the party has threatened to do so earlier should Ahmad take up the MB post.
According to a source, none of the council members objected to the appointment of Ahmad, who took office on Tuesday.
Nominations quota to remain
Meanwhile, Abdullah also revealed that the Umno polls would be held during this year’s annual general assembly which begins on Dec 16 to 20 this year, killing off all earlier speculations that it could be deferred.
Branch-level elections will be held between July 17 to Aug 24, while divisional level is slated for Oct 9 to Nov 9.
Abdullah also said he was ready to face any challenger for his party presidency.
"If they have the support and they want to challenge, I have to face it, I am not going to run away," said the president, adding that there will not be any amendment on the party’s election procedures.
This means that, among others, the requirement of getting nominations from at least 30 percent of the 191 divisions in order for a candidate to challenge for the president's post will stay.
So far, Umno veteran and Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has offered himself to contest the top post. In the 2004 party poll, Razaleigh also took on Abdullah but only managed to secure one nomination from his Gua Musang division.
Asked on Razaleigh’s proposal to call for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss Umno’s electoral disaster, Abdullah replied: "It was not our proposal".
Resignation due to ‘private reason’
On the resignation of Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Ghapur Salleh yesterday, Abdullah denied it was signalling the loss of confidence in his administration.
"He has given the reasons, it has nothing to do with that. It was very private reason, I have read the letter, he left the letter, he wanted to see me but I couldn’t because I was involved in so many things," said the premier.
Ghapur, a former Sabah deputy chief minister, is the second Sabah MP and Sabah Umno leader to turn down a federal deputy minister position following the March 8 general election. Kimanis MP Anifah Aman declined to take up the deputy transport minister's post on the day he was appointed.
Similarly, another Umno leader from Pahang, Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, also declined the deputy foreign minister’s post. Both of them said that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Khir to MB, exco: Declare assets
Mar 27, 08 3:05pm
Former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has challenged his successor Khalid Ibrahim and his state executive councillors to declare their assets.
Mohd Khir was responding to Khalid’s recent revelation that there were reservations by some exco members on the matter.
"Before the elections, they (opposition parties) promised that they would declare their assets. I want them to declare now... if they cannot, that would be very unfortunate for the people of Selangor," said Mohd Khir during a phone interview today.
In an interview carried by Malaysiakini yesterday, Khalid said that he would "most likely" compel his exco members to declare their assets publicly.
However, he added that there were reservations by some exco members who do not want their shareholding information to be made public due to "family reasons".
Mohd Khir said that up until now, neither one of the new state governments had compelled their public office bearers to declare their assets, contrary to pledges made prior to the elections.
"All these opposition leaders should declare their assets and their debts. If they have settled their debts, tell us where the money came from," he said.
Two figures which Mohd Khir paid particular interest to, in regards to debts, was Khalid and newly appointed exco member Dr Hassan Ali.
Mohd Khir said previously, he and his exco members had to declare their assets to the Chief Secretary to the Government once every two years.
‘Inexperienced’ MB
On Khalid’s proposal to implement a RM9 monthly levy for each foreign worker in Selangor, Mohd Khir said such a scheme would come under the purview of the federal government and not the state government.
"The first thing he needs to understand is the different powers of the federal and state governments. He should also thoroughly learn the state constitution and laws.
"He has shown signs of an inexperienced menteri besar who did not investigate matters thoroughly," said the former two-term Selangor chief executive.
Khalid, who has come under fire from various groups over the proposal, had said that the RM9 levy was for the purpose of weaning employers from foreign workers.
He also proposed that the collected levy, which is estimated to reach RM150 million annually, would be used for skills training programmes for youths as a means of tackling unemployment.
On Khalid’s announcement that the new state government would pursue its predecessors ‘zero-squatters’ policy, Mohd Khir said that it was due recognition of the previous government’s policy.
"Our zero squatters policy was the best in the world. Many foreign governments had sought my help in order to emulate a similar system in their respective countries.
"PKR on the hand were playing politics. It was only after they were in power they realised what we were doing in the past," he stressed.
‘Teng sidelined’
In the case of Kampung Berembang, Khir said the state government had provided options for squatters to buy affordable and proper housing.
"Last time they were against the policy. Wan Azizah (PKR president) stayed there and gave tents to encourage the people to go against us. But now they seem to be emulating our policy," he added.
Asked about the Kampung Berembang issue, Khalid said the state government would "revisit" the issue, adding that he would try to accommodate both the wishes of the squatters as well as the developer.
Developers Perspektif Masa Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with state-owned Permodalan Nasional Selangor Bhd (PNSB), had sought to forcibly remove Kampung Berembang residents to make way for development projects last year.
Residents however are asserting claim to compensation as they have lived on the land since 1960s with consent from the Selangor government as evident in provision of electricity, water and other amenities by the authorities.
On veteran DAP opposition leader and Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim, Mohd Khir agreed that he had been sidelined in the appointment of exco positions.
"Teng is very senior and I respect him because he was a very effective opposition leader with lots of experience. In contrast, Ean Yong (Hian Wah) is only 29 years old. Why was he (Teng) sidelined?" asked Mohd Khir.
Former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has challenged his successor Khalid Ibrahim and his state executive councillors to declare their assets.
Mohd Khir was responding to Khalid’s recent revelation that there were reservations by some exco members on the matter.
"Before the elections, they (opposition parties) promised that they would declare their assets. I want them to declare now... if they cannot, that would be very unfortunate for the people of Selangor," said Mohd Khir during a phone interview today.
In an interview carried by Malaysiakini yesterday, Khalid said that he would "most likely" compel his exco members to declare their assets publicly.
However, he added that there were reservations by some exco members who do not want their shareholding information to be made public due to "family reasons".
Mohd Khir said that up until now, neither one of the new state governments had compelled their public office bearers to declare their assets, contrary to pledges made prior to the elections.
"All these opposition leaders should declare their assets and their debts. If they have settled their debts, tell us where the money came from," he said.
Two figures which Mohd Khir paid particular interest to, in regards to debts, was Khalid and newly appointed exco member Dr Hassan Ali.
Mohd Khir said previously, he and his exco members had to declare their assets to the Chief Secretary to the Government once every two years.
‘Inexperienced’ MB
On Khalid’s proposal to implement a RM9 monthly levy for each foreign worker in Selangor, Mohd Khir said such a scheme would come under the purview of the federal government and not the state government.
"The first thing he needs to understand is the different powers of the federal and state governments. He should also thoroughly learn the state constitution and laws.
"He has shown signs of an inexperienced menteri besar who did not investigate matters thoroughly," said the former two-term Selangor chief executive.
Khalid, who has come under fire from various groups over the proposal, had said that the RM9 levy was for the purpose of weaning employers from foreign workers.
He also proposed that the collected levy, which is estimated to reach RM150 million annually, would be used for skills training programmes for youths as a means of tackling unemployment.
On Khalid’s announcement that the new state government would pursue its predecessors ‘zero-squatters’ policy, Mohd Khir said that it was due recognition of the previous government’s policy.
"Our zero squatters policy was the best in the world. Many foreign governments had sought my help in order to emulate a similar system in their respective countries.
"PKR on the hand were playing politics. It was only after they were in power they realised what we were doing in the past," he stressed.
‘Teng sidelined’
In the case of Kampung Berembang, Khir said the state government had provided options for squatters to buy affordable and proper housing.
"Last time they were against the policy. Wan Azizah (PKR president) stayed there and gave tents to encourage the people to go against us. But now they seem to be emulating our policy," he added.
Asked about the Kampung Berembang issue, Khalid said the state government would "revisit" the issue, adding that he would try to accommodate both the wishes of the squatters as well as the developer.
Developers Perspektif Masa Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with state-owned Permodalan Nasional Selangor Bhd (PNSB), had sought to forcibly remove Kampung Berembang residents to make way for development projects last year.
Residents however are asserting claim to compensation as they have lived on the land since 1960s with consent from the Selangor government as evident in provision of electricity, water and other amenities by the authorities.
On veteran DAP opposition leader and Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim, Mohd Khir agreed that he had been sidelined in the appointment of exco positions.
"Teng is very senior and I respect him because he was a very effective opposition leader with lots of experience. In contrast, Ean Yong (Hian Wah) is only 29 years old. Why was he (Teng) sidelined?" asked Mohd Khir.
Umno polls in Dec, Ahmad backed as MB
Mar 27, 08 7:14pm
After a four-hour marathon supreme council meeting, Umno today decided it will not defer its party polls and to declare its support for Kijal state representative Ahmad Said as the new Terengganu menteri besar.
Party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Umno has decided to give its backing to the palace-backed Ahmad over the party’s choice of incumbent Idris Jusoh, because the impasse has to be resolved immediately.
"Apart from the fact that it was crucial to form the state government, (the decision) is also based on the public statement made by Idris that he will support any decision by the Regency Advisory Council," he told reporters after the meeting held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
"With that, the supreme council decides to resolve this matter as we have to form the state government. BN has to give its support to Ahmad which is backed by the Regency Advisory Council and we will give our full support to him," he added.
Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, thanked Idris for his one-term service as the MB.
Idris was present at the council meeting in his capacity as the Terengganu party chief.
He did not comment when approached by reporters. He went straight to meet a group of the state assemblypersons from the state who have pledged their supports for him at another room at the Umno building.
‘Not for the press to know’
Asked on Idris’ response during the meeting, Abdullah reiterated that Idris has openly said he will accept any decision on the matter. The president added that he believed the 22 BN state assemblypersons will work with the new MB.
Abdullah, who has earlier declared Ahmad’s appointment as unconstitutional, said the legality aspect of the issue was not discussed and that it did not wish to pursue on that.
To another question on whether the party’s decision today may be seen as ‘losing face’ for BN, Abdullah countered, "Not necessarily", and reiterated that the palace has made the decision.
Pressed on why BN compromised in the matter, Abdullah told off the journalists: "All the details that have been discussed is not for the press to know. What you should know is the decision has been made, that is for the interest of the Terengganu people, we can’t go on disputing it."
The decision today to accept Ahmad as the new MB is believed to be a result of a meeting between Abdullah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, yesterday.
With the decision today, the Umno supreme council is also expected not to take any further action against Ahmad, which the party has threatened to do so earlier should Ahmad take up the MB post.
According to a source, none of the council members objected to the appointment of Ahmad, who took office on Tuesday.
Nominations quota to remain
Meanwhile, Abdullah also revealed that the Umno polls would be held during this year’s annual general assembly which begins on Dec 16 to 20 this year, killing off all earlier speculations that it could be deferred.
Branch-level elections will be held between July 17 to Aug 24, while divisional level is slated for Oct 9 to Nov 9.
Abdullah also said he was ready to face any challenger for his party presidency.
"If they have the support and they want to challenge, I have to face it, I am not going to run away," said the president, adding that there will not be any amendment on the party’s election procedures.
This means that, among others, the requirement of getting nominations from at least 30 percent of the 191 divisions in order for a candidate to challenge for the president's post will stay.
So far, Umno veteran and Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has offered himself to contest the top post. In the 2004 party poll, Razaleigh also took on Abdullah but only managed to secure one nomination from his Gua Musang division.
Asked on Razaleigh’s proposal to call for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss Umno’s electoral disaster, Abdullah replied: "It was not our proposal".
Resignation due to ‘private reason’
On the resignation of Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Ghapur Salleh yesterday, Abdullah denied it was signalling the loss of confidence in his administration.
"He has given the reasons, it has nothing to do with that. It was very private reason, I have read the letter, he left the letter, he wanted to see me but I couldn’t because I was involved in so many things," said the premier.
Ghapur, a former Sabah deputy chief minister, is the second Sabah MP and Sabah Umno leader to turn down a federal deputy minister position following the March 8 general election. Kimanis MP Anifah Aman declined to take up the deputy transport minister's post on the day he was appointed.
Similarly, another Umno leader from Pahang, Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, also declined the deputy foreign minister’s post. Both of them said that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
After a four-hour marathon supreme council meeting, Umno today decided it will not defer its party polls and to declare its support for Kijal state representative Ahmad Said as the new Terengganu menteri besar.
Party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Umno has decided to give its backing to the palace-backed Ahmad over the party’s choice of incumbent Idris Jusoh, because the impasse has to be resolved immediately.
"Apart from the fact that it was crucial to form the state government, (the decision) is also based on the public statement made by Idris that he will support any decision by the Regency Advisory Council," he told reporters after the meeting held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
"With that, the supreme council decides to resolve this matter as we have to form the state government. BN has to give its support to Ahmad which is backed by the Regency Advisory Council and we will give our full support to him," he added.
Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, thanked Idris for his one-term service as the MB.
Idris was present at the council meeting in his capacity as the Terengganu party chief.
He did not comment when approached by reporters. He went straight to meet a group of the state assemblypersons from the state who have pledged their supports for him at another room at the Umno building.
‘Not for the press to know’
Asked on Idris’ response during the meeting, Abdullah reiterated that Idris has openly said he will accept any decision on the matter. The president added that he believed the 22 BN state assemblypersons will work with the new MB.
Abdullah, who has earlier declared Ahmad’s appointment as unconstitutional, said the legality aspect of the issue was not discussed and that it did not wish to pursue on that.
To another question on whether the party’s decision today may be seen as ‘losing face’ for BN, Abdullah countered, "Not necessarily", and reiterated that the palace has made the decision.
Pressed on why BN compromised in the matter, Abdullah told off the journalists: "All the details that have been discussed is not for the press to know. What you should know is the decision has been made, that is for the interest of the Terengganu people, we can’t go on disputing it."
The decision today to accept Ahmad as the new MB is believed to be a result of a meeting between Abdullah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, yesterday.
With the decision today, the Umno supreme council is also expected not to take any further action against Ahmad, which the party has threatened to do so earlier should Ahmad take up the MB post.
According to a source, none of the council members objected to the appointment of Ahmad, who took office on Tuesday.
Nominations quota to remain
Meanwhile, Abdullah also revealed that the Umno polls would be held during this year’s annual general assembly which begins on Dec 16 to 20 this year, killing off all earlier speculations that it could be deferred.
Branch-level elections will be held between July 17 to Aug 24, while divisional level is slated for Oct 9 to Nov 9.
Abdullah also said he was ready to face any challenger for his party presidency.
"If they have the support and they want to challenge, I have to face it, I am not going to run away," said the president, adding that there will not be any amendment on the party’s election procedures.
This means that, among others, the requirement of getting nominations from at least 30 percent of the 191 divisions in order for a candidate to challenge for the president's post will stay.
So far, Umno veteran and Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has offered himself to contest the top post. In the 2004 party poll, Razaleigh also took on Abdullah but only managed to secure one nomination from his Gua Musang division.
Asked on Razaleigh’s proposal to call for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss Umno’s electoral disaster, Abdullah replied: "It was not our proposal".
Resignation due to ‘private reason’
On the resignation of Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Ghapur Salleh yesterday, Abdullah denied it was signalling the loss of confidence in his administration.
"He has given the reasons, it has nothing to do with that. It was very private reason, I have read the letter, he left the letter, he wanted to see me but I couldn’t because I was involved in so many things," said the premier.
Ghapur, a former Sabah deputy chief minister, is the second Sabah MP and Sabah Umno leader to turn down a federal deputy minister position following the March 8 general election. Kimanis MP Anifah Aman declined to take up the deputy transport minister's post on the day he was appointed.
Similarly, another Umno leader from Pahang, Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, also declined the deputy foreign minister’s post. Both of them said that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Umno meeting to look at various issues
Mar 27, 08 11:29am
Heated debates and lengthy discussions are expected at the Umno Supreme Council meeting later today at 3pm with party leaders trying to find solutions to many outstanding issues.
And it promises to be a long session with the meeting still on the way as at 6.40pm. Members of the council also expect a long night.
Among the top agenda for discussion is definitely the controversy surrounding the Terengganu menteri besar's post.
It is learnt that the party would now support the palace-backed Ahmad Said for the post following a meeting between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the king, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
Ahmad was given his appointment letter by the Terengganu palace on Sunday and he started work on Tuesday.
However he has not been sworn-in yet. Sources say the swearing-in of Ahmad and his exco members will take place over the “next few days”. The 22 BN state representatives who had backed Idris Jusoh for the post are expected to leave Kuala Lumpur for Kuala Terengganu today.
They are now said to be willing to support Ahmad following the green light given by Abdullah.
Before his meeting with the king, Abdullah, also the Umno president, had insisted on the re-appointment of Idris to the post, calling the appointment of Ahmad as unconstitutional.
The Umno Supreme Council today is expected to rubberstamp Ahmad’s appointment. No action is also expected to be taken against Ahmad for disobeying the party by taking up the post.
As a compromise, it is learnt that Chukai state representative Muhamad Awang Tera will be made the deputy menteri besar, a newly created post aimed at healing the rift between the party and the palace.
Other unconfirmed reports also indicate that the palace had stripped the datukship granted to Idris and state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid. Palace officials could not be contacted for confirmation. However Rosol denied this.
Calls to defer party polls
The supreme council is also expected to look at proposals from Umno divisional leaders on the need for party polls to be deferred to next year, a move widely seen to protect Abdullah from facing challenges to his posts.
While the move has gained some support from the divisional leaders, several party leaders have called for the party not to postpone the elections, expected to be held this August.
This matter could lead in a lengthy debate in the council meeting.
Several top leaders are also believed not to be in favour of any postponements. Last night's party management meeting has also unanimously agreed with the elections to be held this year.
The supreme council will also be looking into a call made by former party vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the election results. Generally the party leaders have not been in favour of this proposal and it could be rejected today.
On a related matter, the party leaders are also expected to discuss a call made by the Cheras Umno division for the abolition of the quota system for nominations in order to contest the top posts.
The division wants the party to revert to its original principles whereby a candidate only required two nominations in order to contest the top two posts.
Presently a candidate needs nominations by at least 30 percent of the 193 Umno divisions in the country to contest for the post of president or 20 percent for the deputy president's post. This strict ruling has hampered many aspiring candidates to offer a successful challenge for the top posts.
Vacancies for deputy ministers
The supreme council may also be looking into the three empty deputy ministers’ post available for the party in the government.
Two of the posts - deputy transport minister and deputy foreign minister - were rejected by Anifah Aman and Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar respectively, claiming that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Yesterday another Umno deputy minister, Ghapur Salleh quit his natural resources and environment deputy ministry post, saying that he wanted to “do my own thing”
Finally, the party leaders are also expected to discuss the post-mortem of the polls outcome which saw Umno and BN suffering terrible defeats.
The March 8 general election saw BN losing four states to the opposition as well as failing to retain Kelantan. In the federal level, BN also was denied its two-thirds majority.
Various quarters, from within BN and Umno, have asked Abdullah to take responsibility for the humiliating blow given by the voters.
Abdullah himself admitted that he was slow in implementing his projects and assured Malaysians that he would fulfill their demands.
Meanwhile, just as the supreme council meeting was underway, Tengku Razaleigh was also testing his own strength by meeting with more than 100 party members.
The meeting took place at his residence in Kuala Lumpur and among the division leaders who attended the meeting included former Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir (from the Kulim/Bandar Baharu division), Ibrahim Saad (Batu Kawan) and Malek Hanafiah (Taiping).
Heated debates and lengthy discussions are expected at the Umno Supreme Council meeting later today at 3pm with party leaders trying to find solutions to many outstanding issues.
And it promises to be a long session with the meeting still on the way as at 6.40pm. Members of the council also expect a long night.
Among the top agenda for discussion is definitely the controversy surrounding the Terengganu menteri besar's post.
It is learnt that the party would now support the palace-backed Ahmad Said for the post following a meeting between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the king, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
Ahmad was given his appointment letter by the Terengganu palace on Sunday and he started work on Tuesday.
However he has not been sworn-in yet. Sources say the swearing-in of Ahmad and his exco members will take place over the “next few days”. The 22 BN state representatives who had backed Idris Jusoh for the post are expected to leave Kuala Lumpur for Kuala Terengganu today.
They are now said to be willing to support Ahmad following the green light given by Abdullah.
Before his meeting with the king, Abdullah, also the Umno president, had insisted on the re-appointment of Idris to the post, calling the appointment of Ahmad as unconstitutional.
The Umno Supreme Council today is expected to rubberstamp Ahmad’s appointment. No action is also expected to be taken against Ahmad for disobeying the party by taking up the post.
As a compromise, it is learnt that Chukai state representative Muhamad Awang Tera will be made the deputy menteri besar, a newly created post aimed at healing the rift between the party and the palace.
Other unconfirmed reports also indicate that the palace had stripped the datukship granted to Idris and state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid. Palace officials could not be contacted for confirmation. However Rosol denied this.
Calls to defer party polls
The supreme council is also expected to look at proposals from Umno divisional leaders on the need for party polls to be deferred to next year, a move widely seen to protect Abdullah from facing challenges to his posts.
While the move has gained some support from the divisional leaders, several party leaders have called for the party not to postpone the elections, expected to be held this August.
This matter could lead in a lengthy debate in the council meeting.
Several top leaders are also believed not to be in favour of any postponements. Last night's party management meeting has also unanimously agreed with the elections to be held this year.
The supreme council will also be looking into a call made by former party vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the election results. Generally the party leaders have not been in favour of this proposal and it could be rejected today.
On a related matter, the party leaders are also expected to discuss a call made by the Cheras Umno division for the abolition of the quota system for nominations in order to contest the top posts.
The division wants the party to revert to its original principles whereby a candidate only required two nominations in order to contest the top two posts.
Presently a candidate needs nominations by at least 30 percent of the 193 Umno divisions in the country to contest for the post of president or 20 percent for the deputy president's post. This strict ruling has hampered many aspiring candidates to offer a successful challenge for the top posts.
Vacancies for deputy ministers
The supreme council may also be looking into the three empty deputy ministers’ post available for the party in the government.
Two of the posts - deputy transport minister and deputy foreign minister - were rejected by Anifah Aman and Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar respectively, claiming that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Yesterday another Umno deputy minister, Ghapur Salleh quit his natural resources and environment deputy ministry post, saying that he wanted to “do my own thing”
Finally, the party leaders are also expected to discuss the post-mortem of the polls outcome which saw Umno and BN suffering terrible defeats.
The March 8 general election saw BN losing four states to the opposition as well as failing to retain Kelantan. In the federal level, BN also was denied its two-thirds majority.
Various quarters, from within BN and Umno, have asked Abdullah to take responsibility for the humiliating blow given by the voters.
Abdullah himself admitted that he was slow in implementing his projects and assured Malaysians that he would fulfill their demands.
Meanwhile, just as the supreme council meeting was underway, Tengku Razaleigh was also testing his own strength by meeting with more than 100 party members.
The meeting took place at his residence in Kuala Lumpur and among the division leaders who attended the meeting included former Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir (from the Kulim/Bandar Baharu division), Ibrahim Saad (Batu Kawan) and Malek Hanafiah (Taiping).
Permas: New MB's statements 'chilling'
Mar 27, 08 1:46pm
The community residents' association of Selangor and Federal Territory (Permas) is disappointed with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s decision to continue with the ‘zero squatters’ policy.
In a statement yesterday, Permas president Tan Jo Hann said Khalid’s "general sweeping statements" about squatters were uncalled for.
"We are very disappointed that he has made such a serious pronouncement as the Selangor MB without sufficient consultation and discussions with the wider community of residents’ groups, civil society organisations and especially the urban poor settlements themselves about their housing and land issues," he said.
In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini two days ago, Khalid said the new state government will not scrap the policy initiated by the previous government.
"You can't allow people to become squatters in a state. There's the balance that we have to abide by. We want to accommodate the wishes of the squatters as much as we have to take into account the costs (incurred by) the developer," said the menteri besar.
Tan said the statements have a ‘chilling effect’ and are similar to the 'pro-developer' sentiments often expressed by former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.
"There are actually many different cases of housing and land where the developers have acted very irresponsibly and even criminally abusing state facilities, and ignoring basic human decency and rights of the people in their endeavour to pursue profits," he said.
Tan revealed that he has communicated with Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
"We have spoken and Permas plans to mobilise 1,000 residents to gather outside the MB’s office next week to submit a memorandum.
"Nik Nazmi also said that he will look into organising a meeting between Permas and Khalid. We are quite optimistic about collaborating with the new state government," he said.
Proper methods will be used
Contacted latter, Nik Nazmi said he had explained to Tan that certain statements made by Khalid could have triggered the concern of some quarters but stressed that the interview must be read in its entirety.
"People became overexcited over several statements made but the interview must be seen in its totality and you can see that Khalid’s anti-squatter policy will be executed properly.
"He (Khalid) has said he will reduce squatters through a proper method and he would not resort to the form of implementation done by the previous government," he added.
Nik Nazmi also said that a date will be decided soon for a meeting between Permas and the menteri besar.
On the planned gathering, he said: "Even if it is a protest, they are still free to gather outside the office but I am sure we will find room to discuss this matter."
In the previous state administration, several squatter settlements were controversially demolished with the residents forcefully evicted in Kampung Berembang in Ampang and Taman Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam.
The community residents' association of Selangor and Federal Territory (Permas) is disappointed with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s decision to continue with the ‘zero squatters’ policy.
In a statement yesterday, Permas president Tan Jo Hann said Khalid’s "general sweeping statements" about squatters were uncalled for.
"We are very disappointed that he has made such a serious pronouncement as the Selangor MB without sufficient consultation and discussions with the wider community of residents’ groups, civil society organisations and especially the urban poor settlements themselves about their housing and land issues," he said.
In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini two days ago, Khalid said the new state government will not scrap the policy initiated by the previous government.
"You can't allow people to become squatters in a state. There's the balance that we have to abide by. We want to accommodate the wishes of the squatters as much as we have to take into account the costs (incurred by) the developer," said the menteri besar.
Tan said the statements have a ‘chilling effect’ and are similar to the 'pro-developer' sentiments often expressed by former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.
"There are actually many different cases of housing and land where the developers have acted very irresponsibly and even criminally abusing state facilities, and ignoring basic human decency and rights of the people in their endeavour to pursue profits," he said.
Tan revealed that he has communicated with Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
"We have spoken and Permas plans to mobilise 1,000 residents to gather outside the MB’s office next week to submit a memorandum.
"Nik Nazmi also said that he will look into organising a meeting between Permas and Khalid. We are quite optimistic about collaborating with the new state government," he said.
Proper methods will be used
Contacted latter, Nik Nazmi said he had explained to Tan that certain statements made by Khalid could have triggered the concern of some quarters but stressed that the interview must be read in its entirety.
"People became overexcited over several statements made but the interview must be seen in its totality and you can see that Khalid’s anti-squatter policy will be executed properly.
"He (Khalid) has said he will reduce squatters through a proper method and he would not resort to the form of implementation done by the previous government," he added.
Nik Nazmi also said that a date will be decided soon for a meeting between Permas and the menteri besar.
On the planned gathering, he said: "Even if it is a protest, they are still free to gather outside the office but I am sure we will find room to discuss this matter."
In the previous state administration, several squatter settlements were controversially demolished with the residents forcefully evicted in Kampung Berembang in Ampang and Taman Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam.
Umno meeting to look at various issues
Mar 27, 08 11:29am
Heated debates and lengthy discussions are expected at the Umno Supreme Council meeting later today at 3pm with party leaders trying to find solutions to many outstanding issues.
And it promises to be a long session with the meeting still on the way as at 6.40pm. Members of the council also expect a long night.
Among the top agenda for discussion is definitely the controversy surrounding the Terengganu menteri besar's post.
It is learnt that the party would now support the palace-backed Ahmad Said for the post following a meeting between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the king, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
Ahmad was given his appointment letter by the Terengganu palace on Sunday and he started work on Tuesday.
However he has not been sworn-in yet. Sources say the swearing-in of Ahmad and his exco members will take place over the “next few days”. The 22 BN state representatives who had backed Idris Jusoh for the post are expected to leave Kuala Lumpur for Kuala Terengganu today.
They are now said to be willing to support Ahmad following the green light given by Abdullah.
Before his meeting with the king, Abdullah, also the Umno president, had insisted on the re-appointment of Idris to the post, calling the appointment of Ahmad as unconstitutional.
The Umno Supreme Council today is expected to rubberstamp Ahmad’s appointment. No action is also expected to be taken against Ahmad for disobeying the party by taking up the post.
As a compromise, it is learnt that Chukai state representative Muhamad Awang Tera will be made the deputy menteri besar, a newly created post aimed at healing the rift between the party and the palace.
Other unconfirmed reports also indicate that the palace had stripped the datukship granted to Idris and state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid. Palace officials could not be contacted for confirmation. However Rosol denied this.
Calls to defer party polls
The supreme council is also expected to look at proposals from Umno divisional leaders on the need for party polls to be deferred to next year, a move widely seen to protect Abdullah from facing challenges to his posts.
While the move has gained some support from the divisional leaders, several party leaders have called for the party not to postpone the elections, expected to be held this August.
This matter could lead in a lengthy debate in the council meeting.
Several top leaders are also believed not to be in favour of any postponements. Last night's party management meeting has also unanimously agreed with the elections to be held this year.
The supreme council will also be looking into a call made by former party vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the election results. Generally the party leaders have not been in favour of this proposal and it could be rejected today.
On a related matter, the party leaders are also expected to discuss a call made by the Cheras Umno division for the abolition of the quota system for nominations in order to contest the top posts.
The division wants the party to revert to its original principles whereby a candidate only required two nominations in order to contest the top two posts.
Presently a candidate needs nominations by at least 30 percent of the 193 Umno divisions in the country to contest for the post of president or 20 percent for the deputy president's post. This strict ruling has hampered many aspiring candidates to offer a successful challenge for the top posts.
Vacancies for deputy ministers
The supreme council may also be looking into the three empty deputy ministers’ post available for the party in the government.
Two of the posts - deputy transport minister and deputy foreign minister - were rejected by Anifah Aman and Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar respectively, claiming that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Yesterday another Umno deputy minister, Ghapur Salleh quit his natural resources and environment deputy ministry post, saying that he wanted to “do my own thing”
Finally, the party leaders are also expected to discuss the post-mortem of the polls outcome which saw Umno and BN suffering terrible defeats.
The March 8 general election saw BN losing four states to the opposition as well as failing to retain Kelantan. In the federal level, BN also was denied its two-thirds majority.
Various quarters, from within BN and Umno, have asked Abdullah to take responsibility for the humiliating blow given by the voters.
Abdullah himself admitted that he was slow in implementing his projects and assured Malaysians that he would fulfill their demands.
Meanwhile, just as the supreme council meeting was underway, Tengku Razaleigh was also testing his own strength by meeting with more than 100 party members.
The meeting took place at his residence in Kuala Lumpur and among the division leaders who attended the meeting included former Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir (from the Kulim/Bandar Baharu division), Ibrahim Saad (Batu Kawan) and Malek Hanafiah (Taiping).
Heated debates and lengthy discussions are expected at the Umno Supreme Council meeting later today at 3pm with party leaders trying to find solutions to many outstanding issues.
And it promises to be a long session with the meeting still on the way as at 6.40pm. Members of the council also expect a long night.
Among the top agenda for discussion is definitely the controversy surrounding the Terengganu menteri besar's post.
It is learnt that the party would now support the palace-backed Ahmad Said for the post following a meeting between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the king, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
Ahmad was given his appointment letter by the Terengganu palace on Sunday and he started work on Tuesday.
However he has not been sworn-in yet. Sources say the swearing-in of Ahmad and his exco members will take place over the “next few days”. The 22 BN state representatives who had backed Idris Jusoh for the post are expected to leave Kuala Lumpur for Kuala Terengganu today.
They are now said to be willing to support Ahmad following the green light given by Abdullah.
Before his meeting with the king, Abdullah, also the Umno president, had insisted on the re-appointment of Idris to the post, calling the appointment of Ahmad as unconstitutional.
The Umno Supreme Council today is expected to rubberstamp Ahmad’s appointment. No action is also expected to be taken against Ahmad for disobeying the party by taking up the post.
As a compromise, it is learnt that Chukai state representative Muhamad Awang Tera will be made the deputy menteri besar, a newly created post aimed at healing the rift between the party and the palace.
Other unconfirmed reports also indicate that the palace had stripped the datukship granted to Idris and state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid. Palace officials could not be contacted for confirmation. However Rosol denied this.
Calls to defer party polls
The supreme council is also expected to look at proposals from Umno divisional leaders on the need for party polls to be deferred to next year, a move widely seen to protect Abdullah from facing challenges to his posts.
While the move has gained some support from the divisional leaders, several party leaders have called for the party not to postpone the elections, expected to be held this August.
This matter could lead in a lengthy debate in the council meeting.
Several top leaders are also believed not to be in favour of any postponements. Last night's party management meeting has also unanimously agreed with the elections to be held this year.
The supreme council will also be looking into a call made by former party vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the election results. Generally the party leaders have not been in favour of this proposal and it could be rejected today.
On a related matter, the party leaders are also expected to discuss a call made by the Cheras Umno division for the abolition of the quota system for nominations in order to contest the top posts.
The division wants the party to revert to its original principles whereby a candidate only required two nominations in order to contest the top two posts.
Presently a candidate needs nominations by at least 30 percent of the 193 Umno divisions in the country to contest for the post of president or 20 percent for the deputy president's post. This strict ruling has hampered many aspiring candidates to offer a successful challenge for the top posts.
Vacancies for deputy ministers
The supreme council may also be looking into the three empty deputy ministers’ post available for the party in the government.
Two of the posts - deputy transport minister and deputy foreign minister - were rejected by Anifah Aman and Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar respectively, claiming that they were senior enough to be made full ministers.
Yesterday another Umno deputy minister, Ghapur Salleh quit his natural resources and environment deputy ministry post, saying that he wanted to “do my own thing”
Finally, the party leaders are also expected to discuss the post-mortem of the polls outcome which saw Umno and BN suffering terrible defeats.
The March 8 general election saw BN losing four states to the opposition as well as failing to retain Kelantan. In the federal level, BN also was denied its two-thirds majority.
Various quarters, from within BN and Umno, have asked Abdullah to take responsibility for the humiliating blow given by the voters.
Abdullah himself admitted that he was slow in implementing his projects and assured Malaysians that he would fulfill their demands.
Meanwhile, just as the supreme council meeting was underway, Tengku Razaleigh was also testing his own strength by meeting with more than 100 party members.
The meeting took place at his residence in Kuala Lumpur and among the division leaders who attended the meeting included former Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir (from the Kulim/Bandar Baharu division), Ibrahim Saad (Batu Kawan) and Malek Hanafiah (Taiping).
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