Apr 8, 08 4:32pm
The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) today revealed that the probe on the alleged abuse of power involving then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad did not involve the agency.
In a rare press conference in Putrajaya today, ACA director of investigation Mohd Shukri Abdul said that the case is with the “police”.
Last week, former UN special rapporteur Param Cumaraswamy there was “sufficient evidence” to show that Mahathir had interfered with the ACA based on testimony during Anwar Ibrahim’s corruption trial eight years ago.
During Anwar’s second trial in June 2000 before Justice Arifin Jaka, then ACA director Shafee Yahya had given sworn testimony that Mahathir had ordered him to halt an investigation on then Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director-general Ali Abul Hassan Sulaiman.
According to Param, reports alleging that Mahathir had interfered with ACA investigations were filed the day after the court testimony - on June 13, 2000.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shukri said that the agency’s investigation against Ali, which began in 1998, was completed three years later.
According Mohd Shukri, the investigation papers were sent to the attorney-general for further action.
However, he said that the AG decided to close the case due to a number of inconsistencies among the witnesses interviewed by the ACA.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Dr M hits back at 'abuse of power' claim
Apr 8, 08 2:45pm
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has staved off accusations that he had interfered with Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigations, saying he is willing to be probed on the matter.
mahathir khir toyo kmu forum 010408 05In a scathing letter published by The Sun today, Mahathir wrote at length about a meeting with former ACA chief Shafee Yahya. This has become a subject of controversy, as highlighted recently by former UN special rapporteur Param Cumaraswamy.
On April 2, The Sun had published Param’s letter which called on the ACA to probe Mahathir for abuse of power based on Shafee’s testimony during the Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trial in 2000.
In the course of his testimony, Shafee had alleged that Mahathir had instructed him to drop investigations involving the director-general of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) then.
Elaborating on the incident, Mahathir admitted that he met Shafee regarding the alleged high-handedness of ACA officers during a raid on the EPU director-general’s office.
Mahathir said he asked Shafee several questions to determine the validity of the complaint, including whether Anwar had ordered the raid.
“He denied it but he became angry when I asked whether he intended to pursue his investigation. Raising his voice, he accused me of trying to stop him from carrying out his duty,” wrote Mahathir.
“Angrily, he said that he was a senior civil service officer and that I had no right to question him about his work. I was shocked at his loud accusation against me. No civil servant however senior had spoken to me like that. I was rendered speechless.”
Mahathir said the exchanges took place in the privacy of the prime minister’s office. As such, his assumption is that Shafee had volunteered information to lawyers involved in the trial.
“(Clearly) Shafee saw Anwar's trial as an opportunity to make statements detrimental to my reputation. Shafee was an angry man and what he said in court was opportunistic and seem(ed) to reflect his desire to take revenge against me.
“I can only assume that this was what motivated him, because what he divulged did not help Anwar much. But it did put me in a very bad light.”
He expressed belief that the Shafee’s allegations were not probed by the authorities because the courts were “busy and there are tens of thousands of cases which have yet to be heard”.
“Maybe the fault is with the Attorney-General or police. I would not know. Still I welcome any investigations by impartial people as to the truth or otherwise of what I say in this letter.”
‘Hatred well known’
The second portion of the letter was dedicated to criticising Param and another senior lawyer Karpal Singh - the latter had also called for Mahathir to be probed over Shafee claims in his testimony.
“Their hatred of me is well known and apparently has not abated even after I am no longer prime minister,” said Mahathir.
On Param specifically, Mahathir said the animosity was the result of his adamance that the former should be brought to court for an allegedly libelous remark.
Mahathir was referring to a libel suit filed by Insas Bhd and Megapolitan Nominees Sdn Bhd - linked to tycoon Vincent Tan - against Param in 1996. Param claimed immunity because of his post with the United Nations at the time.
“My stand was that his immunity was only with regard to the specific work for the UN. If he breached Malaysian laws on matters not related to this work, then he cannot plead immunity.
“His libelous words against a Malaysian individual had nothing to do with his work for the UN. He should therefore be liable, and his immunity could not be invoked.
“But he got the UN to back him. It was even hinted that if Malaysia prosecuted him, then our case before the International Court of Justice on the issue of the ownership of Sipadan and Ligitan would be jeopardised.
“Accordingly I agreed that he should not be prosecuted. Luckily it was only libel. Had Param Cumaraswamy murdered a person, and he claimed immunity, then there would indeed be a miscarriage of justice.”
On suggestions that he should apologise for his role in the sacking of former Lord President Salleh Abbas, Mahathir maintained that he had done what was required of him under the Federal Constitution and the law.
He described the call to apologise as “frivolous, unwarranted and stupid”.
“If Param or Karpal is not convinced perhaps they should use their considerable knowledge of the law to shut my mouth,” he added.
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has staved off accusations that he had interfered with Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigations, saying he is willing to be probed on the matter.
mahathir khir toyo kmu forum 010408 05In a scathing letter published by The Sun today, Mahathir wrote at length about a meeting with former ACA chief Shafee Yahya. This has become a subject of controversy, as highlighted recently by former UN special rapporteur Param Cumaraswamy.
On April 2, The Sun had published Param’s letter which called on the ACA to probe Mahathir for abuse of power based on Shafee’s testimony during the Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trial in 2000.
In the course of his testimony, Shafee had alleged that Mahathir had instructed him to drop investigations involving the director-general of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) then.
Elaborating on the incident, Mahathir admitted that he met Shafee regarding the alleged high-handedness of ACA officers during a raid on the EPU director-general’s office.
Mahathir said he asked Shafee several questions to determine the validity of the complaint, including whether Anwar had ordered the raid.
“He denied it but he became angry when I asked whether he intended to pursue his investigation. Raising his voice, he accused me of trying to stop him from carrying out his duty,” wrote Mahathir.
“Angrily, he said that he was a senior civil service officer and that I had no right to question him about his work. I was shocked at his loud accusation against me. No civil servant however senior had spoken to me like that. I was rendered speechless.”
Mahathir said the exchanges took place in the privacy of the prime minister’s office. As such, his assumption is that Shafee had volunteered information to lawyers involved in the trial.
“(Clearly) Shafee saw Anwar's trial as an opportunity to make statements detrimental to my reputation. Shafee was an angry man and what he said in court was opportunistic and seem(ed) to reflect his desire to take revenge against me.
“I can only assume that this was what motivated him, because what he divulged did not help Anwar much. But it did put me in a very bad light.”
He expressed belief that the Shafee’s allegations were not probed by the authorities because the courts were “busy and there are tens of thousands of cases which have yet to be heard”.
“Maybe the fault is with the Attorney-General or police. I would not know. Still I welcome any investigations by impartial people as to the truth or otherwise of what I say in this letter.”
‘Hatred well known’
The second portion of the letter was dedicated to criticising Param and another senior lawyer Karpal Singh - the latter had also called for Mahathir to be probed over Shafee claims in his testimony.
“Their hatred of me is well known and apparently has not abated even after I am no longer prime minister,” said Mahathir.
On Param specifically, Mahathir said the animosity was the result of his adamance that the former should be brought to court for an allegedly libelous remark.
Mahathir was referring to a libel suit filed by Insas Bhd and Megapolitan Nominees Sdn Bhd - linked to tycoon Vincent Tan - against Param in 1996. Param claimed immunity because of his post with the United Nations at the time.
“My stand was that his immunity was only with regard to the specific work for the UN. If he breached Malaysian laws on matters not related to this work, then he cannot plead immunity.
“His libelous words against a Malaysian individual had nothing to do with his work for the UN. He should therefore be liable, and his immunity could not be invoked.
“But he got the UN to back him. It was even hinted that if Malaysia prosecuted him, then our case before the International Court of Justice on the issue of the ownership of Sipadan and Ligitan would be jeopardised.
“Accordingly I agreed that he should not be prosecuted. Luckily it was only libel. Had Param Cumaraswamy murdered a person, and he claimed immunity, then there would indeed be a miscarriage of justice.”
On suggestions that he should apologise for his role in the sacking of former Lord President Salleh Abbas, Mahathir maintained that he had done what was required of him under the Federal Constitution and the law.
He described the call to apologise as “frivolous, unwarranted and stupid”.
“If Param or Karpal is not convinced perhaps they should use their considerable knowledge of the law to shut my mouth,” he added.
Husam: Islamic state not on Pakatan agenda
Apr 8, 08 2:27pm
Islamist party PAS will continue to champion the cause of an Islamic state although it will not pursue the agenda through the newly-formed opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat, a senior PAS leader has said.
husam musa bangsar 080408 rightVice-president Husam Musa said the Islamic state, a controversial agenda which often caused ideological tiffs between PAS and DAP, shall remain a “guidance” for its members at the party level.
“PAS members need an idealism to serve as their reference. Islamic state is that idealism which differentiate our members from other political parties,” he told Malaysiakini in an hour-long interview in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“If we want to fight corruption, what is the basis? For PAS members, it is based on Islamic teachings that a leader must be clean, transparent and avoid corrupt practice, that is the Islamic description of a leader. If you don’t have this, you will just be another Umno leader.”
Husam, who represents the more open-minded professional group within PAS, stressed that Islamic governance is similar to that of universal good governance standard such as the emphasis on trustworthy, fairness, justice and no discrimination, among others.
He however quickly added that PAS did not seek to pursue its Islamic agenda at PR level.
“We accept the federal constitution as the main frame (in governing) and it is the basis where we move,” he said, assuring coalition partners, especially DAP, not to be worried over the matter.
‘BN post-election agenda’
PAS’ intention to establish an Islamic state has long been a bone of contention among the opposition parties and led to the Chinese-predominant DAP to leave the Barisan Alternatif coalition - which also comprised of PKR - in 2001.
islamic state hadi awang 191103The non-Muslims are in fear that strict Islamic laws, which provide for amputation and stoning to death, will be imposed should an Islamic state is set up although PAS has repeatedly cited the state of Kelantan where it ruled since 1990 as an example to show its respect for other races.
However, with its dismal showing in the 2004 general elections winning only six parliamentary seats, PAS decided to ‘soften’ its image as a hardline Islamic party and toned down on its Islamic state agenda.
Nevertheless, the problem seem to continue to plague the opposition parties with the formation of the new opposition alliance, called PR this time, after their differences on the matter were played up in the media.
DAP chairperson Karpal Singh was quoted in the media last week as telling PAS not to dream of spearheading PR to realise its struggle of making Malaysia an Islamic state to which PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat retorted that the former has belittled PAS’ efforts to promote Islam.
On this, the Kelantan-based Husam claimed these media reports were part of the “post-election agenda by Barisan Nasional to damage and destroy the stability of PR”.
husam musa bangsar 080408 drinks latte“From the PAS perspective, it is a big success where DAP can accept PAS (in forming PR),” said Husam, who holds the influential post of economic planning, finance and welfare in the Kelantan state government’s line-up.
He stressed that none of the three opposition parties could afford to pursue its own agenda as the election results, he argued, have shown the people were expecting PKR, DAP and PAS to work together.
“The parties need to understand that the people wanted to reject BN, deny their two-thirds and reduce their arrogance in power. It is not because they love PKR, DAP or PAS but they hate BN, so we can’t claim it’s just PAS’ victory or DAP’s victory.
“For that, we need to put people’s agenda as the first priority,” he pointed out.
Nik Aziz’s health ‘as good as before’
The 48-year-old PAS leader, who was clad in a red nehru-collared shirt, also laughed off questions on the leadership succession plan in Kelantan - a question where he said has been asked “a thousand times”.
An apparent right-hand man to current Kelantan MB Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also his political mentor, Husam has been seen as the leading contender to succeed the much-respected state’s leader.
pengkalan pasir by election 061205 nik azizThe economics graduate from Universiti Malaya had served as the press and political secretary to Nik Abdul Aziz for nine years before he stood and won the Kubang Kerian parliamentary seat in the 1999 general election.
“When I joined PAS after graduating from university, PAS was at its lowest ebb, it lost in the election and was kicked out from BN. From day one, I just want to support and assist the party in its struggle.
“I never dreamt of being a state assemblyperson or parliamentarian, so the issue of me being a MB candidate do not arise. There can be all sorts of speculations and perceptions but personally speaking, I don’t think I am qualified for the job,” he said, without elaborate.
He said there are many other capable leaders in the state who are potential successors to Nik Abdul Aziz, but added that he has no clue when the elderly leader will step down.
Husam also brushed off speculations on Nik Aziz’s deteriorating health. According to him, the MB’s health condition is “as good as before”.
“Sometimes, he go to hospital just for a rest,” said Husam, pointing out the MB normally will have to receive a stream of visitors when the latter is at home.
Below are other highlights of the interview:
On the opposition’s victories in the March 8 election
It is unique. Now we have PAS ruling Kedah and Kelantan, DAP in Penang and PKR leads Selangor. Each party will have one state which they can show their leadership model. This is a healthy competition among the PR (component parties). It’s up to the respective state governments to launch their initiatives to show whether they are competent to run the country.
On the ‘new politics’
When (DAP supremo) Lim Kit Siang said he can’t accept a PAS menteri besar (in Perak), he received so many comments on his blog from all races including the Chinese who said they don’t mind supporting a PAS MP as long as the old government is replaced by a new government. This is a new trend (in politics). Therefore, at this stage, if you want to pursue your own agenda, you will neglect the people’s expectation (for a change).
On the new opposition-ruled state governments
There shall be two priorities. Firstly, they must strengthen the state government’s machinery and policies which will realise the people’s wish for changes and a better welfare. They must uphold the spirit of good governance and improve the efficiency of local council which have became the complaint of the people. Secondly, the new state government must audit what was done by the previous government, so there is a line drawn on the new and old state governments.
They can also review the structure of the revenue and tax (collection) which is under their jurisdiction. They can use these revenue efficiently, set up a fund to prepare for more housing scheme, especially for the Indians in the estates.
On Selangor’s proposal to impose an additional RM9 levy on foreign worker
I can understand the objective to have that policy but I hope it can be studied further. Foreign workers, especially the Indonesians and Bangladeshi, are among the poorest foreign workers. RM9 is a big burden for them. Since the federal government already imposed an one percent levy on them, collecting more than RM200 million a year, it’s better the Selangor state government can talk to the federal government to get some of these funds. The RM9 is unavoidable going to be transferred onto the workers due to our present labour contracts which are not so clear. In additional to that, the federal government has offered more than 40 types of training, so it could be redundant (for the Selangor state government to impose the levy and use the fund to organise training for locals).
Islamist party PAS will continue to champion the cause of an Islamic state although it will not pursue the agenda through the newly-formed opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat, a senior PAS leader has said.
husam musa bangsar 080408 rightVice-president Husam Musa said the Islamic state, a controversial agenda which often caused ideological tiffs between PAS and DAP, shall remain a “guidance” for its members at the party level.
“PAS members need an idealism to serve as their reference. Islamic state is that idealism which differentiate our members from other political parties,” he told Malaysiakini in an hour-long interview in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“If we want to fight corruption, what is the basis? For PAS members, it is based on Islamic teachings that a leader must be clean, transparent and avoid corrupt practice, that is the Islamic description of a leader. If you don’t have this, you will just be another Umno leader.”
Husam, who represents the more open-minded professional group within PAS, stressed that Islamic governance is similar to that of universal good governance standard such as the emphasis on trustworthy, fairness, justice and no discrimination, among others.
He however quickly added that PAS did not seek to pursue its Islamic agenda at PR level.
“We accept the federal constitution as the main frame (in governing) and it is the basis where we move,” he said, assuring coalition partners, especially DAP, not to be worried over the matter.
‘BN post-election agenda’
PAS’ intention to establish an Islamic state has long been a bone of contention among the opposition parties and led to the Chinese-predominant DAP to leave the Barisan Alternatif coalition - which also comprised of PKR - in 2001.
islamic state hadi awang 191103The non-Muslims are in fear that strict Islamic laws, which provide for amputation and stoning to death, will be imposed should an Islamic state is set up although PAS has repeatedly cited the state of Kelantan where it ruled since 1990 as an example to show its respect for other races.
However, with its dismal showing in the 2004 general elections winning only six parliamentary seats, PAS decided to ‘soften’ its image as a hardline Islamic party and toned down on its Islamic state agenda.
Nevertheless, the problem seem to continue to plague the opposition parties with the formation of the new opposition alliance, called PR this time, after their differences on the matter were played up in the media.
DAP chairperson Karpal Singh was quoted in the media last week as telling PAS not to dream of spearheading PR to realise its struggle of making Malaysia an Islamic state to which PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat retorted that the former has belittled PAS’ efforts to promote Islam.
On this, the Kelantan-based Husam claimed these media reports were part of the “post-election agenda by Barisan Nasional to damage and destroy the stability of PR”.
husam musa bangsar 080408 drinks latte“From the PAS perspective, it is a big success where DAP can accept PAS (in forming PR),” said Husam, who holds the influential post of economic planning, finance and welfare in the Kelantan state government’s line-up.
He stressed that none of the three opposition parties could afford to pursue its own agenda as the election results, he argued, have shown the people were expecting PKR, DAP and PAS to work together.
“The parties need to understand that the people wanted to reject BN, deny their two-thirds and reduce their arrogance in power. It is not because they love PKR, DAP or PAS but they hate BN, so we can’t claim it’s just PAS’ victory or DAP’s victory.
“For that, we need to put people’s agenda as the first priority,” he pointed out.
Nik Aziz’s health ‘as good as before’
The 48-year-old PAS leader, who was clad in a red nehru-collared shirt, also laughed off questions on the leadership succession plan in Kelantan - a question where he said has been asked “a thousand times”.
An apparent right-hand man to current Kelantan MB Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also his political mentor, Husam has been seen as the leading contender to succeed the much-respected state’s leader.
pengkalan pasir by election 061205 nik azizThe economics graduate from Universiti Malaya had served as the press and political secretary to Nik Abdul Aziz for nine years before he stood and won the Kubang Kerian parliamentary seat in the 1999 general election.
“When I joined PAS after graduating from university, PAS was at its lowest ebb, it lost in the election and was kicked out from BN. From day one, I just want to support and assist the party in its struggle.
“I never dreamt of being a state assemblyperson or parliamentarian, so the issue of me being a MB candidate do not arise. There can be all sorts of speculations and perceptions but personally speaking, I don’t think I am qualified for the job,” he said, without elaborate.
He said there are many other capable leaders in the state who are potential successors to Nik Abdul Aziz, but added that he has no clue when the elderly leader will step down.
Husam also brushed off speculations on Nik Aziz’s deteriorating health. According to him, the MB’s health condition is “as good as before”.
“Sometimes, he go to hospital just for a rest,” said Husam, pointing out the MB normally will have to receive a stream of visitors when the latter is at home.
Below are other highlights of the interview:
On the opposition’s victories in the March 8 election
It is unique. Now we have PAS ruling Kedah and Kelantan, DAP in Penang and PKR leads Selangor. Each party will have one state which they can show their leadership model. This is a healthy competition among the PR (component parties). It’s up to the respective state governments to launch their initiatives to show whether they are competent to run the country.
On the ‘new politics’
When (DAP supremo) Lim Kit Siang said he can’t accept a PAS menteri besar (in Perak), he received so many comments on his blog from all races including the Chinese who said they don’t mind supporting a PAS MP as long as the old government is replaced by a new government. This is a new trend (in politics). Therefore, at this stage, if you want to pursue your own agenda, you will neglect the people’s expectation (for a change).
On the new opposition-ruled state governments
There shall be two priorities. Firstly, they must strengthen the state government’s machinery and policies which will realise the people’s wish for changes and a better welfare. They must uphold the spirit of good governance and improve the efficiency of local council which have became the complaint of the people. Secondly, the new state government must audit what was done by the previous government, so there is a line drawn on the new and old state governments.
They can also review the structure of the revenue and tax (collection) which is under their jurisdiction. They can use these revenue efficiently, set up a fund to prepare for more housing scheme, especially for the Indians in the estates.
On Selangor’s proposal to impose an additional RM9 levy on foreign worker
I can understand the objective to have that policy but I hope it can be studied further. Foreign workers, especially the Indonesians and Bangladeshi, are among the poorest foreign workers. RM9 is a big burden for them. Since the federal government already imposed an one percent levy on them, collecting more than RM200 million a year, it’s better the Selangor state government can talk to the federal government to get some of these funds. The RM9 is unavoidable going to be transferred onto the workers due to our present labour contracts which are not so clear. In additional to that, the federal government has offered more than 40 types of training, so it could be redundant (for the Selangor state government to impose the levy and use the fund to organise training for locals).
BN doesn't discriminate, Azalina tells MBs
Apr 8, 08 3:38pm
Newly-appointed Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said refuted two Pakatan Rakyat chief ministers’ claims that her ministry was punishing tourists by terminating its memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the states.
azalina othman 02During the launch of ‘Colours and Flavours of Malaysia’ at Kuala Lumpur today, Azalina (left) said the accusations by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim were unfair.
"This ministry will continue the projects as promised earlier. We do not make changes unnecessarily."
On the way the funds are channeled - instead of money going to the Pakatan state governments and it will now go to ministry-controlled committees - the minister said that it was the federal government’s perogative.
"It applies to all the states which is being led by opposition government. This has happened for the past few years with Kelantan and we've never discriminated as far as tourism projects are concerned. We've been very fair.”
On whether opposition-held states will be left out of tourism projects, Azalina said the ministry will accept any proposals that is “in the interest of the people”.
"But if they (opposition) decide to join Barisan Nasional, it would be much better,” she said.
"As far as we are concerned, the existing programmes will go on. We do not discriminate. I would like to inform Lim Guan Eng and Khalid Ibrahim that they must understand that the BN government doesn't discriminate in tourists programmes or tourists going to such programmes."
She cited the Penang Music Festival and Langkawi Water Festival as examples of plans which will go on whether the state is opposition-held or not.
On why her ministry is channeling the funds to a different committee and not the state Tourism Action Councils (TAC) like other BN-held states, Azalina said it was a “technical” matter.
Ministry to take over TACs
Tourism Ministry secretary-general Dr Victor Wee explained that there were two issues in the matter.
Firstly, TACs in the opposition states will no longer be headed by the state excos for tourism and will instead be led by him or a person appointed by the minister, he said.
"And second, is the way the funds will be channeled. The funds will no longer go through the states but through a federal mechanism. Because of the nature of the new political scenario, the MOUs with the states will be cancelled.
"This, however, doesn't mean that the TACs or the state tourism offices will be closed. Activities will continue to be carried out at the state level and funds will continue to flow too."
Wee said that the state tourism councils, with a new chairman, will continue to bring all the stakeholders together to run the tourism programmes.
On whether the Pakatan state governments will have access to the funds, Azalina said: "The difference is who signs the cheque - they sign the cheques or we sign the cheques?
"This is the federal government, so we sign the cheques. What's the big deal?”
She added that all the programmes were already planned and promoted overseas since last year and that they can't cancel them now, even if the states are run by opposition governments.
"The only changes we are making is the appointment new personalities in the tourism council. This is a federal policy which we have done in Kelantan, and we will do that for (all) the opposition-held states."
Newly-appointed Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said refuted two Pakatan Rakyat chief ministers’ claims that her ministry was punishing tourists by terminating its memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the states.
azalina othman 02During the launch of ‘Colours and Flavours of Malaysia’ at Kuala Lumpur today, Azalina (left) said the accusations by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim were unfair.
"This ministry will continue the projects as promised earlier. We do not make changes unnecessarily."
On the way the funds are channeled - instead of money going to the Pakatan state governments and it will now go to ministry-controlled committees - the minister said that it was the federal government’s perogative.
"It applies to all the states which is being led by opposition government. This has happened for the past few years with Kelantan and we've never discriminated as far as tourism projects are concerned. We've been very fair.”
On whether opposition-held states will be left out of tourism projects, Azalina said the ministry will accept any proposals that is “in the interest of the people”.
"But if they (opposition) decide to join Barisan Nasional, it would be much better,” she said.
"As far as we are concerned, the existing programmes will go on. We do not discriminate. I would like to inform Lim Guan Eng and Khalid Ibrahim that they must understand that the BN government doesn't discriminate in tourists programmes or tourists going to such programmes."
She cited the Penang Music Festival and Langkawi Water Festival as examples of plans which will go on whether the state is opposition-held or not.
On why her ministry is channeling the funds to a different committee and not the state Tourism Action Councils (TAC) like other BN-held states, Azalina said it was a “technical” matter.
Ministry to take over TACs
Tourism Ministry secretary-general Dr Victor Wee explained that there were two issues in the matter.
Firstly, TACs in the opposition states will no longer be headed by the state excos for tourism and will instead be led by him or a person appointed by the minister, he said.
"And second, is the way the funds will be channeled. The funds will no longer go through the states but through a federal mechanism. Because of the nature of the new political scenario, the MOUs with the states will be cancelled.
"This, however, doesn't mean that the TACs or the state tourism offices will be closed. Activities will continue to be carried out at the state level and funds will continue to flow too."
Wee said that the state tourism councils, with a new chairman, will continue to bring all the stakeholders together to run the tourism programmes.
On whether the Pakatan state governments will have access to the funds, Azalina said: "The difference is who signs the cheque - they sign the cheques or we sign the cheques?
"This is the federal government, so we sign the cheques. What's the big deal?”
She added that all the programmes were already planned and promoted overseas since last year and that they can't cancel them now, even if the states are run by opposition governments.
"The only changes we are making is the appointment new personalities in the tourism council. This is a federal policy which we have done in Kelantan, and we will do that for (all) the opposition-held states."
MCA: Changing fortunes of leaders
Apr 8, 08 12:25pm
analysis “Don’t think I am joking,” MCA president Ong Ka Ting told divisional delegates who had gathered at a hotel in Kangar for the Perlis party convention event in 2005.
chan kong choy resignation ong ka ting 100907 serious“I have stated many times that the MCA does not belong to any particular individual who feels that he can cling to power forever.
“If the delegates feel there is somebody else from within the party or even the Chinese community whom they think can perform better than me, then I am willing to give way.”
This message was delivered during the run-up to the MCA elections in August that year, with Ka Ting only having held the reins for 26 months since May 23, 2003.
Interestingly, political observers are comparing the MCA’s changing fortunes to that of an altruistic reminder taught by Chinese elders - that a successful business rarely survives longer than three generations.
Comparatively, less than three years since the 2005 party election reaffirming Ka Ting as the undisputable helmsman, his leadership follies have caused a drastic downturn in the party’s fortunes.
If there is any consolation, Ka Ting could learn from French politician Herriot Edouard’s observation that politics is like a racehorse. So, like a good jockey, Ka Ting must know how to tumble off with the least possible harm when the racehorse collapses.
Detractors in the rival camp are making their quiet rounds, questioning his leadership integrity, double standards in political appointments and high-handedness in party administration, among others.
Factional reformists are directing a more serious charge against him, expressing “no confidence” in his leadership or calling for “changing of the guard” in the political line-up. A ‘Save MCA’ campaign was launched in Ipoh on Sunday by his detractors, a reformist movement which will take its message nationwide.
umno 2007 pak lah abdullah ahmad badawi 061107But like his Umno counterpart Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he has refused to step down.
It is said that building a political image is like mixing cement. When it is wet, you can move it around and shape it. But at some point, it hardens and there is nothing you can do to reshape it.
Like hardened cement, too, words said cannot be withdrawn.
Ka Ting had pledged in the past: “Even I, as president, have to abide by the rules. When the time comes, leave with grace and your integrity intact,” he said at an event inculcating a healthy political culture organised by Selangor MCA in 2006.
“Do not sulk, feign ignorance or make attempts to cling to the post. This is unfair to other potential leaders and disturbs party unity.”
Huxley Thomas said of politics: “There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of ‘practical politics’. None in which there is more need of good pilots and of a single, unfaltering purpose when the waves rise high.”
Indeed, the rolling waves are high. MCA has never before being placed in a victimised position caused by its own fallible leadership.
Risks ahead
Even before delegates are elected for the Oct 18 party elections, many have questions about the future leadership - will Ka Ting defend his presidency and, if not, will his brother Ka Chuan contest the post?
If Ka Ting decides to re-contest, there is the risk that he could end up like a “Mexican air-conditioner”, defined by British historian Deighton Len as “a politician making a lot of noise but who doesn’t work very well”.
Will Ka Ting be effective in winning back electoral support in the Pakatan Rakyat-held states where the party has lost the most seats?
barisan rakyat pas pkr dapThe strengthening of the ‘multi-racial’ Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can have adverse implications for MCA’s political philosophy, if the latter remains a communal party.
Will current unhappiness about the ‘Ong dynasty’ hamper efforts to revamp the party towards greater strength and relevance in the new expanding political landscape (two-party system)?
Ka Ting’s response to the Perak PR government’s decision to issue permanent land titles to new villages was seen by some critics as illustrative of his impotency as a leader in Barisan Nasional.
“For donkey’s years, the MCA could sometimes, if it was lucky, persuade the former BN Perak government to give TOL titles (not even permanent land titles) to some villagers or farmers. People can see the great contrast now,” said businessman HK Lee, whose family still lives in a new village in the state.
Who’s shouting now?
The aftermath of the 12th general election on March 8 continues to take its toll and reality is beginning to sink in.
For the first time, neither the president nor his deputy is in government. Never before has the party leadership suffered so much, losing the political opportunity in the appointment of local and executive councillors at district, municipal and state levels.
Some top leaders are beginning to sound more like opposition members. They talk of “monitoring” and “fulfilling promises” as if the party did not make any pledges during the election campaign. In doing so, they have left their backyard unguarded.
mca new cabinet member 180308 ong ka chuanBefore the general election, secretary general Ka Chuan had publicly chastised the opposition (for shouting), saying MCA gets things done without shouting.
“What is the use of shouting? The opposition does that. Did they ever secure results that way? Were more Chinese schools built because they shout louder?” he had asked.
Has the downturn in MCA’s political fortunes now forced its leaders to play the “shouting” role which they had previously condemned in opposition parties?
It came as a surprise when MCA Education bureau head Lee Seng Chooi made a public call for the open tender system in government projects - the party had been dead silent on such matters in the past.
Next, Ka Chuan announced that the cabinet would restructure or streamline policy changes on allocation of development funding to PR-controlled states through his housing and local government ministry. This was seen by some as a form of punishment, despite vague assurance that the delivery system would not burden the people.
malaysia general election vote ballot partiesKa Chuan also shouted that the Perak exco line-up is incomplete without a woman representative. Yet he faces an allegation that he had over-ruled the selection of a woman candidate in Perak, denying her the chance to contest in the Malim Mawar state seat (under the Kampar parliamentary seat) in the general election.
However, MCA is strangely silent over a land deal in Klang that is said to involve a senior party member, despite Ka Ting’s pledge to become more vocal in reacting to national issues.
The Malay Mail on April 11, 2005, in a report headlined ‘Klang land grab’ had exposed a controversial land deal affecting TOL holders in Kampung Perepat, Kapar. This allegedly involving “a senior member of MCA as well as a Terengganu political figure”.
According to press reports in May 2005, the matter was reported to have been resolved when the former Selangor exco decided to return the 17 land titles to the TOL holders and compensated the “senior MCA member”. The Klang land office also claimed that it had “wrongly” approved the controversial application.
Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim recently announced that all land deals approved by the former state government would be scrutinised and reviewed, specifically mentioning the land deal in Kapar.
‘Show business’
It is expected after the divisional elections, the chorus of voices will grow louder, demanding a change in top leadership.
Some party insiders said they would be conscientiously canvassing support from elected central delegates not to vote in “self-serving” and “un-dynamic” leaders.
“Top leaders lacking political wisdom, intuition and statesmanship should not be voted in,” a central committee member said.
A party detractor who frequents karaoke sessions, sarcastically said that Ka Ting sounds like the lyrics of the Bee Gees’ song: I started a joke (by promising to relinquish his post) ….which started the whole world crying. But I didn’t see that the joke was on me, Oh no…
mca and djz and chinese crowdThe Chinese community and activists will be watching the coming party elections and the changing of the guard, if any, before rendering future moral support to the party.
A NGO leader who declined to be named rationalised that “if voters can vote for change, MCA delegates should also get this wake-up call”.
As Winston Churchill once said: “Some leaders change their party for the sake of their principles, others their principles for the sake of the party.”
As the BN’s second-largest component party faces its moment of truth, a cynical political commentator summed up the situation: “MCA politics is just like show business. It had a hell of an opening in March, will coast for a while and then will face a hell of a close in October.”
analysis “Don’t think I am joking,” MCA president Ong Ka Ting told divisional delegates who had gathered at a hotel in Kangar for the Perlis party convention event in 2005.
chan kong choy resignation ong ka ting 100907 serious“I have stated many times that the MCA does not belong to any particular individual who feels that he can cling to power forever.
“If the delegates feel there is somebody else from within the party or even the Chinese community whom they think can perform better than me, then I am willing to give way.”
This message was delivered during the run-up to the MCA elections in August that year, with Ka Ting only having held the reins for 26 months since May 23, 2003.
Interestingly, political observers are comparing the MCA’s changing fortunes to that of an altruistic reminder taught by Chinese elders - that a successful business rarely survives longer than three generations.
Comparatively, less than three years since the 2005 party election reaffirming Ka Ting as the undisputable helmsman, his leadership follies have caused a drastic downturn in the party’s fortunes.
If there is any consolation, Ka Ting could learn from French politician Herriot Edouard’s observation that politics is like a racehorse. So, like a good jockey, Ka Ting must know how to tumble off with the least possible harm when the racehorse collapses.
Detractors in the rival camp are making their quiet rounds, questioning his leadership integrity, double standards in political appointments and high-handedness in party administration, among others.
Factional reformists are directing a more serious charge against him, expressing “no confidence” in his leadership or calling for “changing of the guard” in the political line-up. A ‘Save MCA’ campaign was launched in Ipoh on Sunday by his detractors, a reformist movement which will take its message nationwide.
umno 2007 pak lah abdullah ahmad badawi 061107But like his Umno counterpart Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he has refused to step down.
It is said that building a political image is like mixing cement. When it is wet, you can move it around and shape it. But at some point, it hardens and there is nothing you can do to reshape it.
Like hardened cement, too, words said cannot be withdrawn.
Ka Ting had pledged in the past: “Even I, as president, have to abide by the rules. When the time comes, leave with grace and your integrity intact,” he said at an event inculcating a healthy political culture organised by Selangor MCA in 2006.
“Do not sulk, feign ignorance or make attempts to cling to the post. This is unfair to other potential leaders and disturbs party unity.”
Huxley Thomas said of politics: “There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of ‘practical politics’. None in which there is more need of good pilots and of a single, unfaltering purpose when the waves rise high.”
Indeed, the rolling waves are high. MCA has never before being placed in a victimised position caused by its own fallible leadership.
Risks ahead
Even before delegates are elected for the Oct 18 party elections, many have questions about the future leadership - will Ka Ting defend his presidency and, if not, will his brother Ka Chuan contest the post?
If Ka Ting decides to re-contest, there is the risk that he could end up like a “Mexican air-conditioner”, defined by British historian Deighton Len as “a politician making a lot of noise but who doesn’t work very well”.
Will Ka Ting be effective in winning back electoral support in the Pakatan Rakyat-held states where the party has lost the most seats?
barisan rakyat pas pkr dapThe strengthening of the ‘multi-racial’ Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can have adverse implications for MCA’s political philosophy, if the latter remains a communal party.
Will current unhappiness about the ‘Ong dynasty’ hamper efforts to revamp the party towards greater strength and relevance in the new expanding political landscape (two-party system)?
Ka Ting’s response to the Perak PR government’s decision to issue permanent land titles to new villages was seen by some critics as illustrative of his impotency as a leader in Barisan Nasional.
“For donkey’s years, the MCA could sometimes, if it was lucky, persuade the former BN Perak government to give TOL titles (not even permanent land titles) to some villagers or farmers. People can see the great contrast now,” said businessman HK Lee, whose family still lives in a new village in the state.
Who’s shouting now?
The aftermath of the 12th general election on March 8 continues to take its toll and reality is beginning to sink in.
For the first time, neither the president nor his deputy is in government. Never before has the party leadership suffered so much, losing the political opportunity in the appointment of local and executive councillors at district, municipal and state levels.
Some top leaders are beginning to sound more like opposition members. They talk of “monitoring” and “fulfilling promises” as if the party did not make any pledges during the election campaign. In doing so, they have left their backyard unguarded.
mca new cabinet member 180308 ong ka chuanBefore the general election, secretary general Ka Chuan had publicly chastised the opposition (for shouting), saying MCA gets things done without shouting.
“What is the use of shouting? The opposition does that. Did they ever secure results that way? Were more Chinese schools built because they shout louder?” he had asked.
Has the downturn in MCA’s political fortunes now forced its leaders to play the “shouting” role which they had previously condemned in opposition parties?
It came as a surprise when MCA Education bureau head Lee Seng Chooi made a public call for the open tender system in government projects - the party had been dead silent on such matters in the past.
Next, Ka Chuan announced that the cabinet would restructure or streamline policy changes on allocation of development funding to PR-controlled states through his housing and local government ministry. This was seen by some as a form of punishment, despite vague assurance that the delivery system would not burden the people.
malaysia general election vote ballot partiesKa Chuan also shouted that the Perak exco line-up is incomplete without a woman representative. Yet he faces an allegation that he had over-ruled the selection of a woman candidate in Perak, denying her the chance to contest in the Malim Mawar state seat (under the Kampar parliamentary seat) in the general election.
However, MCA is strangely silent over a land deal in Klang that is said to involve a senior party member, despite Ka Ting’s pledge to become more vocal in reacting to national issues.
The Malay Mail on April 11, 2005, in a report headlined ‘Klang land grab’ had exposed a controversial land deal affecting TOL holders in Kampung Perepat, Kapar. This allegedly involving “a senior member of MCA as well as a Terengganu political figure”.
According to press reports in May 2005, the matter was reported to have been resolved when the former Selangor exco decided to return the 17 land titles to the TOL holders and compensated the “senior MCA member”. The Klang land office also claimed that it had “wrongly” approved the controversial application.
Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim recently announced that all land deals approved by the former state government would be scrutinised and reviewed, specifically mentioning the land deal in Kapar.
‘Show business’
It is expected after the divisional elections, the chorus of voices will grow louder, demanding a change in top leadership.
Some party insiders said they would be conscientiously canvassing support from elected central delegates not to vote in “self-serving” and “un-dynamic” leaders.
“Top leaders lacking political wisdom, intuition and statesmanship should not be voted in,” a central committee member said.
A party detractor who frequents karaoke sessions, sarcastically said that Ka Ting sounds like the lyrics of the Bee Gees’ song: I started a joke (by promising to relinquish his post) ….which started the whole world crying. But I didn’t see that the joke was on me, Oh no…
mca and djz and chinese crowdThe Chinese community and activists will be watching the coming party elections and the changing of the guard, if any, before rendering future moral support to the party.
A NGO leader who declined to be named rationalised that “if voters can vote for change, MCA delegates should also get this wake-up call”.
As Winston Churchill once said: “Some leaders change their party for the sake of their principles, others their principles for the sake of the party.”
As the BN’s second-largest component party faces its moment of truth, a cynical political commentator summed up the situation: “MCA politics is just like show business. It had a hell of an opening in March, will coast for a while and then will face a hell of a close in October.”
Nation outgrown race-based politics: survey
Apr 8, 08 2:07pm
Malaysians have outgrown race-based politics and overwhelmingly want the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to merge into a multiracial party, according to a survey.
The New Straits Times cited the Merdeka Centre research firm as saying that majority Malays as well as ethnic Chinese and Indians no longer believe they are betraying their race by voting across ethnic lines.
The phenomenon was seen in March 8 elections, when the Malay-dominated coalition suffered an unprecedented setback as support swung towards a three-party coalition alliance led by the multiracial PKR party.
Its partners, the Islamic party PAS and the predominantly Chinese DAP also enjoyed solid support from Malaysians of all races who made a strong protest vote against the coalition.
The Merdeka Centre - which polled 1,000 voters from March 14-21 - found that two in every three voters want the coalition, which is made up of 14 parties representing particular races, to meld into a single entity.
ibrahim suffian merdeka centre 150904 seated"For 40 years, the BN represented the best set of compromises possible in a multiracial society. It now has a chance to reinvent itself," the centre's executive director Ibrahim Suffian (right) told the daily.
Urgent need for reforms
Ibrahim said there was an urgent need for reform within Umno, which helms the coalition that has dominated Malaysian politics since independence half a century ago.
"It is clear what the electorate wants, but that may be at odds with what Umno wants," he said.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has acknowledged that the drubbing in the polls, which saw the coalition lose a third of parliamentary seats and five states, was a call for reform from voters.
However, he has insisted he has a mandate to rule and has rejected calls to stand down to take responsibility for the unprecedented electoral setback.
The survey found that the issues which dominated the polls, including anger over the government's handling of the economy and tense race relations, as well as crime and corruption, continued to concern voters.
Malaysians have outgrown race-based politics and overwhelmingly want the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to merge into a multiracial party, according to a survey.
The New Straits Times cited the Merdeka Centre research firm as saying that majority Malays as well as ethnic Chinese and Indians no longer believe they are betraying their race by voting across ethnic lines.
The phenomenon was seen in March 8 elections, when the Malay-dominated coalition suffered an unprecedented setback as support swung towards a three-party coalition alliance led by the multiracial PKR party.
Its partners, the Islamic party PAS and the predominantly Chinese DAP also enjoyed solid support from Malaysians of all races who made a strong protest vote against the coalition.
The Merdeka Centre - which polled 1,000 voters from March 14-21 - found that two in every three voters want the coalition, which is made up of 14 parties representing particular races, to meld into a single entity.
ibrahim suffian merdeka centre 150904 seated"For 40 years, the BN represented the best set of compromises possible in a multiracial society. It now has a chance to reinvent itself," the centre's executive director Ibrahim Suffian (right) told the daily.
Urgent need for reforms
Ibrahim said there was an urgent need for reform within Umno, which helms the coalition that has dominated Malaysian politics since independence half a century ago.
"It is clear what the electorate wants, but that may be at odds with what Umno wants," he said.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has acknowledged that the drubbing in the polls, which saw the coalition lose a third of parliamentary seats and five states, was a call for reform from voters.
However, he has insisted he has a mandate to rule and has rejected calls to stand down to take responsibility for the unprecedented electoral setback.
The survey found that the issues which dominated the polls, including anger over the government's handling of the economy and tense race relations, as well as crime and corruption, continued to concern voters.
2008 palm oil exports to hit record high
Apr 8, 08 11:43am
Palm oil exports are headed for a record RM50 billion in 2008, boosted by strong global demand.
palm oil palm kelapa sawit 201107Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Sabri Ahmad said continued tight supply and high demand for vegetable oils, as well as bad weather conditions, could see the commodity's bull run continue into 2009.
"We expect the world demand for vegetable oils and fats to increase within the next three to four years," he said according to The Star.
Malaysia, the world's top palm oil producer, saw export revenue jump 42 percent to RM45.1 billion in 2007 compared with RM31.8 billion in 2006, the daily said.
China the biggest buyer
China is the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil, accounting for about 28 percent of palm oil exports.
"China and India are expected to take the lead in demand for palm oil due to mushrooming domestic industries and increasing consumption," Sabri told the state Bernama news agency.
Sabri said the industry achieved a "phenomenal" performance in 2007, with the average price of crude palm oil at RM2,530.50 per tonne against RM1,510.50 the previous year, up by 67.5 percent.
Palm oil exports are becoming an important source of growth for Malaysia as the manufacturing sector experiences a sharp slowdown due to weaker demand from the United States.
Malaysia and Indonesia are the two leading producers of palm oil, which is typically used for cooking and soap-making, but also increasingly for producing biodiesel.
Neighbouring Indonesia had said it plans to rise from second place to become the largest palm oil producer by 2008. Malaysia and Indonesia together account for 85 percent of world production.
Palm oil exports are headed for a record RM50 billion in 2008, boosted by strong global demand.
palm oil palm kelapa sawit 201107Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Sabri Ahmad said continued tight supply and high demand for vegetable oils, as well as bad weather conditions, could see the commodity's bull run continue into 2009.
"We expect the world demand for vegetable oils and fats to increase within the next three to four years," he said according to The Star.
Malaysia, the world's top palm oil producer, saw export revenue jump 42 percent to RM45.1 billion in 2007 compared with RM31.8 billion in 2006, the daily said.
China the biggest buyer
China is the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil, accounting for about 28 percent of palm oil exports.
"China and India are expected to take the lead in demand for palm oil due to mushrooming domestic industries and increasing consumption," Sabri told the state Bernama news agency.
Sabri said the industry achieved a "phenomenal" performance in 2007, with the average price of crude palm oil at RM2,530.50 per tonne against RM1,510.50 the previous year, up by 67.5 percent.
Palm oil exports are becoming an important source of growth for Malaysia as the manufacturing sector experiences a sharp slowdown due to weaker demand from the United States.
Malaysia and Indonesia are the two leading producers of palm oil, which is typically used for cooking and soap-making, but also increasingly for producing biodiesel.
Neighbouring Indonesia had said it plans to rise from second place to become the largest palm oil producer by 2008. Malaysia and Indonesia together account for 85 percent of world production.
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