Apr 15, 08 10:57am
The police this morning visited the homes of PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim, Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim and party vice-president Azmin Ali over the Black 14 rally in Kampung Baru last night.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 21A three-member police team arrived at Anwar’s house in Bukit Segambut at about 6.30am to give notice of inquiry to his wife and party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on the gathering held to welcome the expiry on the five-year political ban on Anwar.
However, when the police were told that Wan Azizah was unavailable, she was then asked to be present at the Dang Wangi police station at 3.30pm today to give a statement.
The police have told her that the statement was relating to an investigation into a gathering which took place without a police permit.
Party deputy president Syed Husin Ali held an emergency press conference at 11am to give more details on the police action.
wan azizah summoned 150408 press conferenceAt the press conference, Syed Husin said that the police did not raise the issue of permit during meetings and correspondence between the parties.
“Why would we had held discussions with the police on traffic and security if they had problems with permit,” he asked.
"The legal status of this gathering was never raised neither during the discussion nor in the correspondence that followed. The gathering was in a private property," he added.
An act of intimidation
He said that the police action could be a result of “political pressure”. It appeared that there was a police report on the said gathering, added Syed Husin.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 11He also said that the police had also gone to the house of Yahya Sahri this morning for the same purpose. Yahya is Khalid's aide.
"PKR strongly protests police action against Wan Azizah, Khalid, Azmin and Yahya.
"They have been summoned by the police to present at Dang Wangi police station at 3pm today.
"They will only go there after receiving the police report that seemed to have been made against them," said Syed Husin.
He said that the party considered the police action as an act of intimidation and provocation.
"The police seemed to act so speedily on this matter whereas they are known to have dragged their feet on reports that have been made by us and others on other matters."
Wan Azizah not going to Dang Wangi
Wan Azizah was also at the press conference and she said that she would not be going to the police station this afternoon to give her statement.
wan azizah summoned 150408 wan azizah hold summon“I have a full programme today. I am unable to go to Dang Wangi,” she said.
At the same time, PKR lawyers are also demanding to see the police report on the matter before deciding if the other party leaders should go to give their statements.
She also said that Anwar was not in the country as he had left for Abu Dhabi early morning today.
Last night about 20,000 people gathered at the Kelab Sultan Sulaiman to hear Anwar’s first speech after Pakatan Rakyat’s overwhelming victory in the March 8 general election.
The rally also marked the end of Anwar’s political ban as a result of his corruption conviction. He is free to be involved in active politics from today.
The police have previously said that the gathering was illegal as it has no police permit. Last night the police also stopped Anwar from finishing his speech on the grounds that he has no police permit to hold a rally.
In response, Anwar said he would show a "good example" by ending his 60-minute speech and told the crowd to disperse.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Kampung Baru hails 'Ketuanan Rakyat'
Apr 15, 08 2:42pm
Kelab Sultan Sulaiman in Kampung Baru once saw Malay nationalists gathered to fight for independence from the British in 1946.
More than 60 years later, another mass gathering took place at the 99-year-old club last night when some 20,000 people of all walks of life defied police ban to welcome Anwar’s return to active politics following the expiry of his ban.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 23And this time around the rallying cry made to ‘awaken’ the gathered crowd was not ‘Malay supremacy’ as in 1946 but instead one which called for ‘people’s supremacy’.
“All of you will witness this tonight. We will not talk about Malay supremacy but the supremacy for all Malaysians,” said PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim to the cheering crowd.
In his fiery one-hour speech, the charismatic Anwar assured the crowd - the majority of whom were Malays - that while he and his Pakatan Rakyat would champion for the rights of all Malaysians, they would nevertheless continue to protect the constitutional rights of the Malays.
At a press conference later, Anwar said that it was time for new politics to take over this country from the single dominant ideology of Umno, which only fought for the Malay rights.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 16“We are here to counter the massive propaganda campaign by Umno leaders, who are talking on Malay supremacy.
“And giving clear definitive answer in reply of this, to say that what we want, what we desire for is a new Malaysia is supremacy for all Malaysians.” he said.
Also in the crowd was PKR president and Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, daughter Nurul Izzah, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, PKR vice president Azmin Ali and Batu MP Tian Chua.
‘I owe it to you’
At the rally, Anwar also attacked his nemesis, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and accused him of abuse of power.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 12Once seen as the heir apparent to long-time leader Mahathir, Anwar was subsequently convicted on sex and corruption charges and spent six years in jail, before storming back to prominence in March elections.
“He claimed that under his time, the media is free to report anything. He also claims that under his time, the judges are fair and clean.
"Listen Mahathir, the ‘correct-correct-correct’ lawyer was under your administration!” he said, followed by a huge laugh from the crowd which filled to the brim of the club’s main gates.
Anwar also managed to elicit a pin-drop silence from the crowd when he emotionally reminisce his six years in jail and the five-year political ban that followed. The ban expires today.
“When people asked, what do you feel most satisfied after your release from prison? The judge’s verdict? No. But it’s when the people make the decision to release me.
“I owe it to the people. Because of me, some of you were beaten by the police, were thrown in jail, lost your jobs (during the reformasi). I owe it to you.” he said to the loud applause from the crowd.
Azizah as prime minister?
Back at the press conference later, Anwar said it was not his priority to contest in Parliament for now.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 09He added the priority was to ensure that all the states under Pakatan government were well administered.
“We will see whether there’s a possibility of moving in now (to form the federal government), and promoting a candidate, maybe (Opposition Leader) Azizah (as the new prime minister) if we can reach a consensus among the Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
“Alternatively we wait until I’m able to contest in a by-election,” he said.
Anwar also touched on the issue of party-hopping, saying that the Pakatan Rakyat has received enough support from BN elected representatives from all over the country. However, he assured that no money was involved in enticing the party-hopping BN MPs.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 22And to this, he promised that if Pakatan formed the next federal government, Sabah will get up to 20 percent of royalties from petroleum and timber for the development of the state.
Anwar reiterated that Pakatan had already secured the number of MPs but Pakatan wanted to form a government with a strong majority. However, he said that any decision made by Pakatan would be done through consensus.
“Do we want to become a government with a two-seat or five-seat majority? There’s also a decision that’s got to be agreed upon by Pakatan.
“My personal view is we come in strong, at least with a comfortable majority to be able to initiate changes. We are talking about vast changes.” he said.
Speech interrupted
The crowd had started filtering in to the venue since 5pm, fully filling up every available place in the club’s field by the time Anwar took the stage for his speech.
This was his first public speech since the Pakatan Rakyat achieved a remarkable victory in the March 8 general election.
The police, including the Federal Reserve Unit and Light Strike Force, patrolled the area but people were allowed to move about freely. There was also a large foreign media presence, including television crew.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 25After speaking for an hour, at 10.30pm, the police came on stage to interrupt Anwar from finishing his speech on the grounds that he has no police permit to hold a rally.
The police have previously said that the gathering was illegal as it has no police permit.
In response, Anwar said he would show a "good example" by ending his 60-minute speech and told the crowd to disperse.
Organisers claimed a crowd of about 40,000 had attended the rally. The crowd dispersed peacefully by 11.30pm. Many agreeing with Anwar that they had witnesses a historic rally that night.
Kelab Sultan Sulaiman in Kampung Baru once saw Malay nationalists gathered to fight for independence from the British in 1946.
More than 60 years later, another mass gathering took place at the 99-year-old club last night when some 20,000 people of all walks of life defied police ban to welcome Anwar’s return to active politics following the expiry of his ban.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 23And this time around the rallying cry made to ‘awaken’ the gathered crowd was not ‘Malay supremacy’ as in 1946 but instead one which called for ‘people’s supremacy’.
“All of you will witness this tonight. We will not talk about Malay supremacy but the supremacy for all Malaysians,” said PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim to the cheering crowd.
In his fiery one-hour speech, the charismatic Anwar assured the crowd - the majority of whom were Malays - that while he and his Pakatan Rakyat would champion for the rights of all Malaysians, they would nevertheless continue to protect the constitutional rights of the Malays.
At a press conference later, Anwar said that it was time for new politics to take over this country from the single dominant ideology of Umno, which only fought for the Malay rights.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 16“We are here to counter the massive propaganda campaign by Umno leaders, who are talking on Malay supremacy.
“And giving clear definitive answer in reply of this, to say that what we want, what we desire for is a new Malaysia is supremacy for all Malaysians.” he said.
Also in the crowd was PKR president and Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, daughter Nurul Izzah, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, PKR vice president Azmin Ali and Batu MP Tian Chua.
‘I owe it to you’
At the rally, Anwar also attacked his nemesis, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and accused him of abuse of power.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 12Once seen as the heir apparent to long-time leader Mahathir, Anwar was subsequently convicted on sex and corruption charges and spent six years in jail, before storming back to prominence in March elections.
“He claimed that under his time, the media is free to report anything. He also claims that under his time, the judges are fair and clean.
"Listen Mahathir, the ‘correct-correct-correct’ lawyer was under your administration!” he said, followed by a huge laugh from the crowd which filled to the brim of the club’s main gates.
Anwar also managed to elicit a pin-drop silence from the crowd when he emotionally reminisce his six years in jail and the five-year political ban that followed. The ban expires today.
“When people asked, what do you feel most satisfied after your release from prison? The judge’s verdict? No. But it’s when the people make the decision to release me.
“I owe it to the people. Because of me, some of you were beaten by the police, were thrown in jail, lost your jobs (during the reformasi). I owe it to you.” he said to the loud applause from the crowd.
Azizah as prime minister?
Back at the press conference later, Anwar said it was not his priority to contest in Parliament for now.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 09He added the priority was to ensure that all the states under Pakatan government were well administered.
“We will see whether there’s a possibility of moving in now (to form the federal government), and promoting a candidate, maybe (Opposition Leader) Azizah (as the new prime minister) if we can reach a consensus among the Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
“Alternatively we wait until I’m able to contest in a by-election,” he said.
Anwar also touched on the issue of party-hopping, saying that the Pakatan Rakyat has received enough support from BN elected representatives from all over the country. However, he assured that no money was involved in enticing the party-hopping BN MPs.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 22And to this, he promised that if Pakatan formed the next federal government, Sabah will get up to 20 percent of royalties from petroleum and timber for the development of the state.
Anwar reiterated that Pakatan had already secured the number of MPs but Pakatan wanted to form a government with a strong majority. However, he said that any decision made by Pakatan would be done through consensus.
“Do we want to become a government with a two-seat or five-seat majority? There’s also a decision that’s got to be agreed upon by Pakatan.
“My personal view is we come in strong, at least with a comfortable majority to be able to initiate changes. We are talking about vast changes.” he said.
Speech interrupted
The crowd had started filtering in to the venue since 5pm, fully filling up every available place in the club’s field by the time Anwar took the stage for his speech.
This was his first public speech since the Pakatan Rakyat achieved a remarkable victory in the March 8 general election.
The police, including the Federal Reserve Unit and Light Strike Force, patrolled the area but people were allowed to move about freely. There was also a large foreign media presence, including television crew.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 25After speaking for an hour, at 10.30pm, the police came on stage to interrupt Anwar from finishing his speech on the grounds that he has no police permit to hold a rally.
The police have previously said that the gathering was illegal as it has no police permit.
In response, Anwar said he would show a "good example" by ending his 60-minute speech and told the crowd to disperse.
Organisers claimed a crowd of about 40,000 had attended the rally. The crowd dispersed peacefully by 11.30pm. Many agreeing with Anwar that they had witnesses a historic rally that night.
Anwar: We have numbers to topple gov't
Apr 15, 08 12:12am
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim last night said he has the support of enough defectors from the ruling coalition to seize power, although he will not act until he has a bigger majority.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 08"Yes, we have enough MPs to topple the government," he told reporters after a rally to celebrate the end of his ban from politics, which was broken up by police.
"We are saying here for the first time that we are ready (to rule the country)," he said. "But we will only enter when the majority is comfortable.
"When we take over we want to initiate the move. Do we want to be a government with a two- or five-seat majority?"
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 20The Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance claimed more than a third of parliamentary seats and five states from the Barisan Nasional coalition in stunning March general elections.
Anwar has said that government lawmakers from Sabah and Sarawak have approached him about switching sides, but so far none have declared their intentions publicly.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is floundering amid mounting calls to resign and take responsibility for the election results, which were the worst in the coalition's half-century history.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 11"The situation in Malaysia is uncertain at the moment, people don't know when the prime minister is going and who will succeed him, so we will respond to this," Anwar said.
He said that rather than seizing government, the opposition's priorities are to consolidate its gains and work with Sabah and Sarawak lawmakers "who agree with our new Malaysian agenda."
"The priority now is to administer the Pakatan Rakyat states as incorruptible and financially transparent, fulfil our promises to the people and give meaning and essence to participatory democracy."
Minor scuffles
Earlier, his speech to some 20,000 supporters was halted by police who shut down the rally celebrating the end of his political ban, a decade after he was sacked as deputy premier and hit with sex and corruption allegations.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 01"The police chief has asked us to stop so we are stopping, but remain peaceful because soon we will be running this country," Anwar told the crowd.
Witnesses said there were some scuffles between police and supporters as the crowd dispersed.
Political gatherings are strictly controlled in Malaysia, and police had threatened to break up the event, held at a private club in central Kuala Lumpur, because they said it was illegal.
About 300 officers including riot police, backed up with water cannon trucks, formed a heavy security presence, but the event went ahead on schedule and Anwar spoke for an hour before the authorities intervened.
anwar ibrahim april 14 kg baru event 150408 12Once seen as the heir apparent to long-time leader Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar spent six years in jail before leading the opposition back to prominence in the March elections.
The sex conviction against him was later dropped but the corruption count prevented him from standing for public office until Tuesday.
Anwar, 60, had been expected to re-enter parliament quickly through a by-election in one of the seats held by his PKR party, and to challenge Prime Minister Abdullah in a symbolic no-confidence vote soon after.
But in light of the stunning and unexpected gains, he has said he is in no hurry to act and will instead focus on building up the opposition.
Analysts: He's pouring oil into fire
Anwar has said that coalition lawmakers from Sabah and Sarawak have approached him about switching sides, but so far none has declared their intentions publicly.
"It is true MPs are waiting to jump. They will do it for money and power," said James Chin, political science professor with Monash University's Kuala Lumpur campus.
Chin said coalition MPs would defect because of the infighting in Umno and uncertainty over Abdullah's leadership.
"Abdullah is fighting for his political life and Anwar is pouring oil into the fire by stating that he has enough defectors to form the next government."
Tricia Yeoh from the Centre for Public Policy Studies said Anwar was highlighting his ability to form the government in order to "inject in people's mind that there can be an alternate government."
"My gut feeling says yes. He has been rallying support in East Malaysia. It will be risky for him to lie," she said, when asked if he had enough support to take power.
Yeoh said that under Abdullah, the coalition had no political direction.
"The Barisan Nasional is like a ship being tossed on the high seas. We do not know who is the captain."
Shahrir: No defection
However, Domestic Trade Minister Shahrir Samad dismissed Anwar's claims, saying he was not aware of any coalition lawmakers planning to jump.
"Not as far as I know," he told AFP.
Timbon Herbert Lagadan, a state assemblyman from Sabah, said Anwar's comments were merely "political rhetoric."
"I don't think he will get MPs from Sabah or Sarawak to join him," he said.
"Anwar is a man who cannot be trusted. He promised development for Sabah when he was deputy prime minister and finance minister
Ka Ting: My brother is not my successor
Apr 15, 08 1:09pm
In a bid to fend off claims of nepotism, MCA president Ong Ka Ting declared that he will not name his elder brother and party secretary-general Ka Chuan as his successor when he steps down.
ong ka ting interview 140408 06“I won’t name anyone as successor, I am very sure I won’t name Ka Chuan as the successor,” the party chief told Malaysiakini in an exclusive 90-minute interview held in his office at the MCA headquarters last Friday.
Ka Ting, 51, said the party members should have the say in deciding who should be their next leader and rejected arguments that he was paving the way for Ka Chuan to take over the party.
“Party election is coming, you can see whether there is any sign that I want to pass my post to him or I want him to succeed... But I am saying it here first that it won’t happen,” stressed Ka Ting.
He nevertheless defended his elder brother, who is also the Tanjung Malim MP from Perak, as he has proven himself with a sound track record in the party.
The ‘Ong dynasty’ claim
The claim of nepotism has consistently troubled the two brothers and has became the point of contention in an ongoing campaign, dubbed the ‘Save MCA campaign’, aimed to remove Ka Ting following the electoral setback faced by the party in the March 8 general election.
The allegation that the brothers were creating an ‘Ong dynasty’ within the party first started when Ka Ting appointed Ka Chuan as the party’s secretary-general in 2005, two years after he took over as president.
ong ka ting ka chuan mca brothers 080408It reached a high recently after Ka Ting decided not to re-nominate himself as the housing and local government minister in the aftermath of the electoral setback, but the post went to Ka Chuan.
The detractors saw the move as a way of the president - who is due to step down in 2011 - to lay the groundwork for Ka Chuan to take over MCA.
Going by party’s hierarchy, Ka Chuan is considered as the No 4 in the party, after the president, deputy president and vice-presidents but the secretary-general’s position can yield much clout within the MCA.
Ka Ting also rejected his ally-turned-foe Dr Chua Soi Lek’s argument that he was making an inevitable choice to give up the minister’s post to Ka Chuan under a win-win formula.
“It is a non-issue if the two ministerial posts were to go to me and my brother. If you have that capability and the party agreed, that can be done,” said Ka Ting.
Blessing in disguise
ong ka ting biodata 140408Meanwhile, the MCA president said he should not be the only person to be blamed for the electoral setback faced by the second largest, Chinese-based, Barisan Nasional component party.
“No single person can cause everything,” he stressed, attributing the defeat to many other “external factors” and denied that his ‘rejuvenation’ electoral strategy was the main reason.
“It’s not true that I ‘chop’ (get rid of) all the old guards and everyone (fielded in the elections) were new and fresh,” he stressed.
He described the poor electoral outing as a “blessing in disguise” to a certain extent for the
party, making it realise that there was no longer such a thing as traditional ‘safe seats’.
Like any other BN component parties, the MCA was hit badly by the political tsunami, seeing its representation fall from 31 to 15 in Parliament and from 76 to 31 at state-level.
Following the results, some had pointed fingers at Ka Ting’s decision to drop a number of incumbents in favour of fresh faces.
Among the controversial candidates that the party president had decided to field included academician-turned-politician Dr Hou Kok Chung, Chua’s son, Tee Yong and former television personality Victor Gu.
ong ka ting interview 140408 11While Hou and Tee Yong respectively won the Kluang and Labis parliamentary seats in Johor, Gu lost in the Damansara Utama state seat in Selangor with a huge margin of 15,355-majority votes. Hou had since been appointed the deputy higher education minister.
Asked on whether he foresaw a series of defections to the opposition, the MCA chief said he was confident members who subscribe to the party’s cause will not do so.
He also showed a list of the names, saying there were only 38 members who had quit the party after the general election (photo).
In a bid to fend off claims of nepotism, MCA president Ong Ka Ting declared that he will not name his elder brother and party secretary-general Ka Chuan as his successor when he steps down.
ong ka ting interview 140408 06“I won’t name anyone as successor, I am very sure I won’t name Ka Chuan as the successor,” the party chief told Malaysiakini in an exclusive 90-minute interview held in his office at the MCA headquarters last Friday.
Ka Ting, 51, said the party members should have the say in deciding who should be their next leader and rejected arguments that he was paving the way for Ka Chuan to take over the party.
“Party election is coming, you can see whether there is any sign that I want to pass my post to him or I want him to succeed... But I am saying it here first that it won’t happen,” stressed Ka Ting.
He nevertheless defended his elder brother, who is also the Tanjung Malim MP from Perak, as he has proven himself with a sound track record in the party.
The ‘Ong dynasty’ claim
The claim of nepotism has consistently troubled the two brothers and has became the point of contention in an ongoing campaign, dubbed the ‘Save MCA campaign’, aimed to remove Ka Ting following the electoral setback faced by the party in the March 8 general election.
The allegation that the brothers were creating an ‘Ong dynasty’ within the party first started when Ka Ting appointed Ka Chuan as the party’s secretary-general in 2005, two years after he took over as president.
ong ka ting ka chuan mca brothers 080408It reached a high recently after Ka Ting decided not to re-nominate himself as the housing and local government minister in the aftermath of the electoral setback, but the post went to Ka Chuan.
The detractors saw the move as a way of the president - who is due to step down in 2011 - to lay the groundwork for Ka Chuan to take over MCA.
Going by party’s hierarchy, Ka Chuan is considered as the No 4 in the party, after the president, deputy president and vice-presidents but the secretary-general’s position can yield much clout within the MCA.
Ka Ting also rejected his ally-turned-foe Dr Chua Soi Lek’s argument that he was making an inevitable choice to give up the minister’s post to Ka Chuan under a win-win formula.
“It is a non-issue if the two ministerial posts were to go to me and my brother. If you have that capability and the party agreed, that can be done,” said Ka Ting.
Blessing in disguise
ong ka ting biodata 140408Meanwhile, the MCA president said he should not be the only person to be blamed for the electoral setback faced by the second largest, Chinese-based, Barisan Nasional component party.
“No single person can cause everything,” he stressed, attributing the defeat to many other “external factors” and denied that his ‘rejuvenation’ electoral strategy was the main reason.
“It’s not true that I ‘chop’ (get rid of) all the old guards and everyone (fielded in the elections) were new and fresh,” he stressed.
He described the poor electoral outing as a “blessing in disguise” to a certain extent for the
party, making it realise that there was no longer such a thing as traditional ‘safe seats’.
Like any other BN component parties, the MCA was hit badly by the political tsunami, seeing its representation fall from 31 to 15 in Parliament and from 76 to 31 at state-level.
Following the results, some had pointed fingers at Ka Ting’s decision to drop a number of incumbents in favour of fresh faces.
Among the controversial candidates that the party president had decided to field included academician-turned-politician Dr Hou Kok Chung, Chua’s son, Tee Yong and former television personality Victor Gu.
ong ka ting interview 140408 11While Hou and Tee Yong respectively won the Kluang and Labis parliamentary seats in Johor, Gu lost in the Damansara Utama state seat in Selangor with a huge margin of 15,355-majority votes. Hou had since been appointed the deputy higher education minister.
Asked on whether he foresaw a series of defections to the opposition, the MCA chief said he was confident members who subscribe to the party’s cause will not do so.
He also showed a list of the names, saying there were only 38 members who had quit the party after the general election (photo).
Q&A: Tell me straight to my face, not at the back
Apr 15, 08 3:19pm
In Part 2 of the interview, the MCA president counters allegations that he was trying to create an ‘Ong dynasty’ and that his strategy of ‘rejuvenation’ was to be blamed for the poor MCA electoral outing.
Malaysiakini: Do you consider the pressure on MCA to reform in the past one month after the general election as a blessing in disguise for you and the party?
ong ka ting interview 140408 02Ong: We have to be strong and constructive in our thinking, we cannot be too pessimistic, we can’t take things lightly or be complacent. Summarising all this, yes, I can say to a certain extent, there are some blessings in disguise but it’s a big price paid by the MCA and Barisan Nasional. However, we have to face reality, the whole political (scenario followed) from the election results, the impact that it brought about, we have to face it with honest thinking.
The results really made everyone in the party suddenly feel that it’s no longer true that there is such thing as safe seats, (because) even mixed seats are not safe now if you are not doing the right thing. People’s awareness is very high now. We have to go down to the ground and face reality
What are the top three factors for the MCA which caused the dismal electoral results?
There are a combination of factors, it’s more than three. Top three could be people are unhappy with what happened in the country - this could be due to some politicians, the frustrations they face in their day-to-day livelihood and (have) accumulated towards that (outrage shown in the elections). Again, I can’t prioritize three reasons because there are several like why prices are going up so much? Why the (public) security is not safe?
What were said and done by some politicians really made people very angry. A number of things which (people) want to see being improved but didn’t (take place). The information they got were very fast and they were talking about things which are not in favour of the government.
Within the party, a lot of people are of the view that you need to be personally responsible for this electoral disaster. Some in the party were demoralised because of your ‘election strategy’ in dropping a number of incumbents in favour of new faces.
I don’t want to be too defensive if I start to say ‘no’. If I say ‘yes’, I can’t go on with my responsibility and what have been planned by the party leadership. Of course, no single person can cause everything. Since the media have been talking about so many external factors which contributed to the defeat, how can one person cause everything? Other parties faced the same defeat, some even worse (than the MCA).
Isn’t it true that there were a lot of backstabbing and sabotage within the MCA during the elections?
ong ka ting interview 140408 04It happened in a lot of parties, it happened in previous elections. I am not condoning by saying that you have to encourage this act but this is also one factor. We can’t pinpoint one or two persons from the whole party to be responsible for everything.
Do you think that your decision to drop a number of former president Dr Ling Liong Sik’s loyalists has somehow caused discontent on the ground.
I don’t think it’s fair to say I dropped anyone seen to be loyalists of Tun Ling. The party has to go on. Of course not everybody like the word ‘rejuvenation’ but every party has to rejuvenate itself at some point. When it comes to rejuvenation, it is no longer a factor who is close to who anymore, we should talk about their suitability (as a candidate), how long you have been there and whether they are potential winners or not.
It’s not true that I ‘chop’ (get rid of) all the old guards and everyone (fielded in the elections) were new and fresh. A lot of them have been three-term state assemblypersons and slated to go up from state assembly to Parliament. If you look at the total name list, most of them are not freshies.
Let us cite this example in the case of (first-time Kluang MP) Dr Hou Kok Chung where the Kluang division has openly said they don’t want a ‘parachute’ candidate there.
Not true. The division chief is Hoo Seong Chang. The division has discussed about it but they didn’t come to tell me they totally rejected the (parachute) candidate chosen.
It was reported that the division had passed a resolution to reject a ‘parachute’ candidate.
No, no, not true. I read some unofficial reporting (on the matter) and I have asked the division chief directly, no, it’s not true. It’s not necessary all media reports are true. Let me ask you, is Hou Kok Chung qualified as a candidate?
Some said you have abused your discretion as the president in deciding on certain controversial candidates and that you only seek the presidential council’s consent after deciding on them?
I am the first president, who after appointing a candidate, go to explain the reasons why I am doing so in the central committee. It has never been the practice. It was all done in accordance with the party constitution. You can get this testified by party veteran like Wong Mook Leong. He told the central committee that is the first time he sees a president used his power and then explained his action later.
Look at Taiwan, former president Chen Shui-bian and defeated presidential candidate Frank Hsieh - they resigned from party posts - not government positions - when they were defeated. There are views that you should have quit the party post, not government post, as all four MCA ministers now are new to the cabinet. The MCA was not even granted seats at the front row in the Parliament’s seating arrangement for ministers.
These are very superficial arguments. If I join the cabinet, they will also criticised ‘Wah, Ong Ka Ting lost so badly but still can sit at the front row happily’. When we have performed badly in the elections, people will criticise you whatever you are doing. There are many other examples (apart from Chen and Hsieh). There is no point crying over spilt milk or pointing fingers just for the sake of argument.
You said you were de-centralising your power but another viewpoint is that although you gave up your ministerial post, you were actually delegating the power to (elder brother and MCA secretary-general) Ka Chuan by nominating him as the minister, or indirectly seen as creating the ‘Ong dynasty’.
ong ka ting pc 300805 ka ting and ka chuanFrankly, I don’t want to talk about this ‘Ong dynasty’ issue any further because it has been explained so many times. If I talk any more, we are just putting too much focus on it.
To respond it briefly however, Ka Chuan - regardless of his background - indeed is a very senior and capable leader in the party, judging from his track record, experience and capability. Nei ju bu bi qin, wai ju bu bi chou (A leader must be fair to the enemy and those related to him too). It shouldn’t be the case that I have to sacrifice him (as I’m now the president) - if he is a real potential successor as president, no matter who is at the helm of the party today.
There will be another kind of accusation then like I am a selfish brother and only think about myself - ensuring that I stay in power. So there can be another issue too and more gossips on that. It will not end.
Do you have a preferred choice of successor?
I don’t and I won’t have a preferred choice of successor. I will not dictate my influence or even tell my wish who should be the president, deputy president, vice-president or what. To be fair, the party grassroots should have the say, let them decide. I won’t name anyone as successor, I am very sure I won’t name Ka Chuan as the successor.
There is this opinion that your let go of your ministership because it is an inevitable choice.
Why?
Half of the four ministerial posts allocated to the MCA will go to you and your brother then.
Not necessarily true. In fact a lot of people came and told me, I can always go in (to the cabinet) and continue with the present line-up but I’ve made up my mind. I don’t think I should go in purely because of the election results. I have to take responsibility and be accountable in that sense. At the same time, I don’t run away from the responsibility of running the party.
If I just put aside everything and go, that is irresponsible because it is the grassroots who elected me and my term is not up yet. I have to be with the leaders and grassroots at this very difficult time to rebuild the party.
The detractors’ theory is that if you let go your presidency, Ka Chuan may not necessarily secure the party post but by giving him the ministerial post, which comes under your discretion as the president, it’s a win-win formula for both of you.
ong ka ting interview 140408 05This is again their own imagination. I am being frank, I have never thought of the issue on who should be the next president, I seriously don’t. My consideration is as a party president, what responsibility do I need to bear in the aftermath of the elections? In politics, the reality has always been that you want to climb up to the top post as it is the most attractive position but I have given that up - because I want to be responsible and rebuild the party.
When I am doing this, I can see myself as not being greedy to stay in power - it’s not easy to do so, but I have done it. The accusations are really not corresponding with what I am doing, call it political courage or whatever.
It is a non-issue if the two ministerial posts were to go to me and my brother. If you have that capability and the party agreed, that can be done. If the party had won big (in the elections) with many leaders elected, this will not be questioned. But when we have this result and if I continue to be a government minister, not being able to spend time on the party, this will be a problem. The person who have to pay the price (of this poor election results) should be the president. And I am shouldering that responsibility.
What about this perception of the creation of an ‘Ong dynasty’ in the MCA?
This is not true at all. Time will tell and prove that this is not true. Party election is coming, you can see whether there is any sign that I want to pass my post to him or I want him to succeed me. It’s still six more months away but I am saying it here first that it won’t happen. You can wait for six, seven months to see whether that is true or not.
The accusation is definitely a lie, I have no intention of paving the way for Ka Chuan and neither has he this ambition to be like that. It would not take very long (to prove this), the next party election will show. Take my word for it.
Then, there is no clear direction for members on the party’s succession plan?
Or you are trying to say there is no clear direction about my political future? (Laughs) There is a very clear direction and my priority is to rebuild the party. We want to see the party bounce back, only then we can talk about what (party) posts one should go for.
Assuming that you will be defending the presidency, you would have three more years to go and what is the legacy that you would like to leave behind for MCA and the Chinese community?
For the last few years, people who really understand what happened in the MCA saw the real effort to reform the party but all that has been overtaken by this (March 8) result. The biggest challenge ahead for us now is how to bring the party up again after this big defeat. If we can overcome this challenge, this will be the legacy.
Why do you think party leaders dare not bring up many issues in front of you in the presidential council but instead, they made insinuations outside?
The presidential council is very open. (Every time we meet,) it is not less than four hours. For this short time you have with me (in the interview), do you think I am that fierce? It’s very easy to talk to me.
Is it because you have discretionary powers as president and therefore the rest are afraid to go against you?
This is not a healthy political culture. If you are not bold enough to speak up in the party, how could you go and talk to the Umno leaders and fight for the rights of the Chinese community?
You prefer party leaders and members to tell you straight in your face then?
Of course, all the things they told me I take it with an open mind and I appreciate it very much. If they tell me certain thing which I don’t know, I’ll appreciate it. In all the presidential council and central committee meetings, we spend hours talking about issues - major issues - to the end and only then we decide what to do.
Do you foresee a lot of defections among MCA members to take place?
ong ka ting interview 140408 11The report given to me today by the headquarters showed that after the March 8 election, there were only 38 people across the country who had left the party, excluding the Pandamaran’s case. But (Klang division chief) Teh Kim Poo has said the Pandamaran branch never had 400 members. Only about 10 members quit the branch.
Are you worried of party members jumping ship?
I am confident that our members who really believe in the MCA’s cause, their loyalty and commitment to the party, will not jump ship. If they jump ship because they think there are better opportunities elsewhere, we can’t stop them.
The majority of MCA members are very genuine, they work for the party for years (and yet) they didn’t get anything. There are only a handful of people yet to stand in the elections and 99.9 percent don’t, not even getting (honorary titles) PJN or PJK. They joined the party because they believe this party can represent the community, can provide the service to the people and it’s their political hope.
In Part 2 of the interview, the MCA president counters allegations that he was trying to create an ‘Ong dynasty’ and that his strategy of ‘rejuvenation’ was to be blamed for the poor MCA electoral outing.
Malaysiakini: Do you consider the pressure on MCA to reform in the past one month after the general election as a blessing in disguise for you and the party?
ong ka ting interview 140408 02Ong: We have to be strong and constructive in our thinking, we cannot be too pessimistic, we can’t take things lightly or be complacent. Summarising all this, yes, I can say to a certain extent, there are some blessings in disguise but it’s a big price paid by the MCA and Barisan Nasional. However, we have to face reality, the whole political (scenario followed) from the election results, the impact that it brought about, we have to face it with honest thinking.
The results really made everyone in the party suddenly feel that it’s no longer true that there is such thing as safe seats, (because) even mixed seats are not safe now if you are not doing the right thing. People’s awareness is very high now. We have to go down to the ground and face reality
What are the top three factors for the MCA which caused the dismal electoral results?
There are a combination of factors, it’s more than three. Top three could be people are unhappy with what happened in the country - this could be due to some politicians, the frustrations they face in their day-to-day livelihood and (have) accumulated towards that (outrage shown in the elections). Again, I can’t prioritize three reasons because there are several like why prices are going up so much? Why the (public) security is not safe?
What were said and done by some politicians really made people very angry. A number of things which (people) want to see being improved but didn’t (take place). The information they got were very fast and they were talking about things which are not in favour of the government.
Within the party, a lot of people are of the view that you need to be personally responsible for this electoral disaster. Some in the party were demoralised because of your ‘election strategy’ in dropping a number of incumbents in favour of new faces.
I don’t want to be too defensive if I start to say ‘no’. If I say ‘yes’, I can’t go on with my responsibility and what have been planned by the party leadership. Of course, no single person can cause everything. Since the media have been talking about so many external factors which contributed to the defeat, how can one person cause everything? Other parties faced the same defeat, some even worse (than the MCA).
Isn’t it true that there were a lot of backstabbing and sabotage within the MCA during the elections?
ong ka ting interview 140408 04It happened in a lot of parties, it happened in previous elections. I am not condoning by saying that you have to encourage this act but this is also one factor. We can’t pinpoint one or two persons from the whole party to be responsible for everything.
Do you think that your decision to drop a number of former president Dr Ling Liong Sik’s loyalists has somehow caused discontent on the ground.
I don’t think it’s fair to say I dropped anyone seen to be loyalists of Tun Ling. The party has to go on. Of course not everybody like the word ‘rejuvenation’ but every party has to rejuvenate itself at some point. When it comes to rejuvenation, it is no longer a factor who is close to who anymore, we should talk about their suitability (as a candidate), how long you have been there and whether they are potential winners or not.
It’s not true that I ‘chop’ (get rid of) all the old guards and everyone (fielded in the elections) were new and fresh. A lot of them have been three-term state assemblypersons and slated to go up from state assembly to Parliament. If you look at the total name list, most of them are not freshies.
Let us cite this example in the case of (first-time Kluang MP) Dr Hou Kok Chung where the Kluang division has openly said they don’t want a ‘parachute’ candidate there.
Not true. The division chief is Hoo Seong Chang. The division has discussed about it but they didn’t come to tell me they totally rejected the (parachute) candidate chosen.
It was reported that the division had passed a resolution to reject a ‘parachute’ candidate.
No, no, not true. I read some unofficial reporting (on the matter) and I have asked the division chief directly, no, it’s not true. It’s not necessary all media reports are true. Let me ask you, is Hou Kok Chung qualified as a candidate?
Some said you have abused your discretion as the president in deciding on certain controversial candidates and that you only seek the presidential council’s consent after deciding on them?
I am the first president, who after appointing a candidate, go to explain the reasons why I am doing so in the central committee. It has never been the practice. It was all done in accordance with the party constitution. You can get this testified by party veteran like Wong Mook Leong. He told the central committee that is the first time he sees a president used his power and then explained his action later.
Look at Taiwan, former president Chen Shui-bian and defeated presidential candidate Frank Hsieh - they resigned from party posts - not government positions - when they were defeated. There are views that you should have quit the party post, not government post, as all four MCA ministers now are new to the cabinet. The MCA was not even granted seats at the front row in the Parliament’s seating arrangement for ministers.
These are very superficial arguments. If I join the cabinet, they will also criticised ‘Wah, Ong Ka Ting lost so badly but still can sit at the front row happily’. When we have performed badly in the elections, people will criticise you whatever you are doing. There are many other examples (apart from Chen and Hsieh). There is no point crying over spilt milk or pointing fingers just for the sake of argument.
You said you were de-centralising your power but another viewpoint is that although you gave up your ministerial post, you were actually delegating the power to (elder brother and MCA secretary-general) Ka Chuan by nominating him as the minister, or indirectly seen as creating the ‘Ong dynasty’.
ong ka ting pc 300805 ka ting and ka chuanFrankly, I don’t want to talk about this ‘Ong dynasty’ issue any further because it has been explained so many times. If I talk any more, we are just putting too much focus on it.
To respond it briefly however, Ka Chuan - regardless of his background - indeed is a very senior and capable leader in the party, judging from his track record, experience and capability. Nei ju bu bi qin, wai ju bu bi chou (A leader must be fair to the enemy and those related to him too). It shouldn’t be the case that I have to sacrifice him (as I’m now the president) - if he is a real potential successor as president, no matter who is at the helm of the party today.
There will be another kind of accusation then like I am a selfish brother and only think about myself - ensuring that I stay in power. So there can be another issue too and more gossips on that. It will not end.
Do you have a preferred choice of successor?
I don’t and I won’t have a preferred choice of successor. I will not dictate my influence or even tell my wish who should be the president, deputy president, vice-president or what. To be fair, the party grassroots should have the say, let them decide. I won’t name anyone as successor, I am very sure I won’t name Ka Chuan as the successor.
There is this opinion that your let go of your ministership because it is an inevitable choice.
Why?
Half of the four ministerial posts allocated to the MCA will go to you and your brother then.
Not necessarily true. In fact a lot of people came and told me, I can always go in (to the cabinet) and continue with the present line-up but I’ve made up my mind. I don’t think I should go in purely because of the election results. I have to take responsibility and be accountable in that sense. At the same time, I don’t run away from the responsibility of running the party.
If I just put aside everything and go, that is irresponsible because it is the grassroots who elected me and my term is not up yet. I have to be with the leaders and grassroots at this very difficult time to rebuild the party.
The detractors’ theory is that if you let go your presidency, Ka Chuan may not necessarily secure the party post but by giving him the ministerial post, which comes under your discretion as the president, it’s a win-win formula for both of you.
ong ka ting interview 140408 05This is again their own imagination. I am being frank, I have never thought of the issue on who should be the next president, I seriously don’t. My consideration is as a party president, what responsibility do I need to bear in the aftermath of the elections? In politics, the reality has always been that you want to climb up to the top post as it is the most attractive position but I have given that up - because I want to be responsible and rebuild the party.
When I am doing this, I can see myself as not being greedy to stay in power - it’s not easy to do so, but I have done it. The accusations are really not corresponding with what I am doing, call it political courage or whatever.
It is a non-issue if the two ministerial posts were to go to me and my brother. If you have that capability and the party agreed, that can be done. If the party had won big (in the elections) with many leaders elected, this will not be questioned. But when we have this result and if I continue to be a government minister, not being able to spend time on the party, this will be a problem. The person who have to pay the price (of this poor election results) should be the president. And I am shouldering that responsibility.
What about this perception of the creation of an ‘Ong dynasty’ in the MCA?
This is not true at all. Time will tell and prove that this is not true. Party election is coming, you can see whether there is any sign that I want to pass my post to him or I want him to succeed me. It’s still six more months away but I am saying it here first that it won’t happen. You can wait for six, seven months to see whether that is true or not.
The accusation is definitely a lie, I have no intention of paving the way for Ka Chuan and neither has he this ambition to be like that. It would not take very long (to prove this), the next party election will show. Take my word for it.
Then, there is no clear direction for members on the party’s succession plan?
Or you are trying to say there is no clear direction about my political future? (Laughs) There is a very clear direction and my priority is to rebuild the party. We want to see the party bounce back, only then we can talk about what (party) posts one should go for.
Assuming that you will be defending the presidency, you would have three more years to go and what is the legacy that you would like to leave behind for MCA and the Chinese community?
For the last few years, people who really understand what happened in the MCA saw the real effort to reform the party but all that has been overtaken by this (March 8) result. The biggest challenge ahead for us now is how to bring the party up again after this big defeat. If we can overcome this challenge, this will be the legacy.
Why do you think party leaders dare not bring up many issues in front of you in the presidential council but instead, they made insinuations outside?
The presidential council is very open. (Every time we meet,) it is not less than four hours. For this short time you have with me (in the interview), do you think I am that fierce? It’s very easy to talk to me.
Is it because you have discretionary powers as president and therefore the rest are afraid to go against you?
This is not a healthy political culture. If you are not bold enough to speak up in the party, how could you go and talk to the Umno leaders and fight for the rights of the Chinese community?
You prefer party leaders and members to tell you straight in your face then?
Of course, all the things they told me I take it with an open mind and I appreciate it very much. If they tell me certain thing which I don’t know, I’ll appreciate it. In all the presidential council and central committee meetings, we spend hours talking about issues - major issues - to the end and only then we decide what to do.
Do you foresee a lot of defections among MCA members to take place?
ong ka ting interview 140408 11The report given to me today by the headquarters showed that after the March 8 election, there were only 38 people across the country who had left the party, excluding the Pandamaran’s case. But (Klang division chief) Teh Kim Poo has said the Pandamaran branch never had 400 members. Only about 10 members quit the branch.
Are you worried of party members jumping ship?
I am confident that our members who really believe in the MCA’s cause, their loyalty and commitment to the party, will not jump ship. If they jump ship because they think there are better opportunities elsewhere, we can’t stop them.
The majority of MCA members are very genuine, they work for the party for years (and yet) they didn’t get anything. There are only a handful of people yet to stand in the elections and 99.9 percent don’t, not even getting (honorary titles) PJN or PJK. They joined the party because they believe this party can represent the community, can provide the service to the people and it’s their political hope.
Be fair to me, Kok tells critics
Apr 15, 08 12:07pm
As both Seputeh parliamentarian and Kinrara state assembly representative, Teresa Kok has had to deflect criticism that she has taken on too many political posts.
She explains the situation in an interview and also talks about how she is managing the Selangor investment, industry and commerce portfolio.
Tell us more about your state portfolio on investment, industry and commerce.
teresa kok interview 140408 06My job is to put investors in contact with the business community, to understand their problems, assist them and woo them to put their investments in Selangor. As you know Selangor is an industrialised state and our economic growth rate (about 6.4 percent) is slightly higher than the national rate (6 percent).
I have to learn about businesses, learn about economy and economic planning. It is not entirely new (to me) because I’ve learnt about investment and business from here and there. But this gives me the opportunity to know more about businesses in Malaysia and to be in touch with investors. So this is something new for me as I have been an activist for many years.
What kind of investors have you been speaking to?
At the moment I need to understand the whole state, the economic situation, all the projects carried out by the previous government. I have to understand what they have done in the past. Over the past few weeks I have been meeting business people, investors, and I appreciate those who voluntarily come to provide information and suggestions.
But those who have touched me are those who told me that they (originally) had been planning to migrate and shift their capital abroad, but because of the change of government, they are prepared to stay back to give us a chance. I know those who say it to me genuinely think in that way. They have already lost hope in this country but this new scenario gives them hope.
There is also a group of professionals who are ready to give the state government advice on how to revive abandoned housing projects. And they said they would do it free of charge. So I appreciate this kind of initiative from these group of professionals; this is what we need.
We need to prove to Malaysians that this new (state) government can do better than the previous one - that we can garner more support from the business community and create a pro-business environment in the state. We hope to achieve higher economic growth and make (the) application (process) more efficient and clean.
Have you encountered problems with civil servants or government agencies so far?
So far, not really, because they see it as a change of bosses. Whatever we enquire, they give us full cooperation. So far so good, I should say.
What about your relationship with the federal government?
I have asked the SSIC (Selangor State Investment Centre) to arrange a meeting with Mida (Malaysian Industrial Development Industry) for two weeks already, I haven’t heard anything. (Laughs) Anyway, that day we had a state exco meeting and we approved sending our SSIC officer to join Mida and the minister’s trip to the United States, where our country has planned to participate at a car expo.
muhyiddin yasin muhyiddin yassinWe can still work together but I wish to hear from them personally. I wish to be able to speak to (International Trade and Industry Ministry) Muhyiddin (Yassin, photo), and wish to have a closer relationship with Mida.
What kind of industries are most people investing in?
All sorts. Look at Selangor, we have so many industrial zones. To woo investors into Malaysia is very competitive. Since Malaysia has lost competitiveness to neighbouring countries, we have to work extra hard. Malaysians should understand that we need to woo hi-tech investors.
teresa kok interview 140408 09If we still go back to manufacturing industry, we have import more foreign workers and provide all the facilities for investors, but Malaysians are not being employed. We will not benefit from the whole exercise. So it is time to go hi-tech and it is good for the country also.
I’m most interested in environment or technology related to energy because I think this is the future. People are more concerned with the environment now especially with the rain, floods and haze. Also for investors from China, many of them are quite interested in the halal hub. They find the location is very good for them.
There are more Middle Eastern people entering Malaysia and they have a rather good impression of Malaysia. They have more faith in our halal stamp than the one in China. It is actually a good move but we have to develop that.
How much time would you need to prove that the Pakatan Rakyat government is doing a better job than the previous government?
I really have no idea. I can only say that in our closed-door dialogues with business people, they appear generally positive with the change of government. My business friend said the new government in Selangor can actually help the business sector cut costs - in the past they had to pay people at so many layers and after paying they still don’t get things done.
What about red-tape? Is the state government cutting down on bureaucracy?
The idea behind setting up the SSIC - by the previous state government - was to help investors cut red-tape. When foreign investors come to Malaysia, they need officers to help them run around. It is like a one-stop centre for investors when the prepare their project papers, whatever they need from land applications to getting hold of licences - the SICC officers will assist them to make their lives easier so they can quickly set up their factories and cut the red-tape.
What are your views on the US-Malaysia free trade agreement (FTA) talks?
fta free trade agreement and usa and malaysiaWe have been questioning it...we MPs (have had to) learn (about it) from NGOs. The government has not bothered to give a briefing to the MPs or state representatives. So everything is (under) OSA (Official Secrets Act). How are we going to form an opinion whether we are doing the right thing or not?
Of course we know there some good things from the FTA (but) these are things that are making the government refuse to sign the agreement - that is, to have transparency and operations based on merit. But of course if I go on, it will touch on the NEP (New Economic Policy) and there will be another controversy so I better not go further than that. (Laughs)
You have been criticised for contesting and winning both the Seputeh parliament and Kinrara state seat. You are also currently being seen as taking on too many posts and earning a substantial sum in allowances. What is your response?
You must understand why in the March elections I walked the extra mile to contest in a state seat. Nobody expected us to be in the government, to be honest. So when things happen in that way, then you have to look at the DAP line-up in the state assembly. You have to look at their background and you know there are so many new faces in politics.
The more qualified ones are in Parliament and I am one of the more senior politicians who is now a state rep. The choice (open to) the party to nominate exco members is in a way limited. You have to recognise this fact first. I read Malaysiakini and Dr Kua (Kia Soong)’s comments and felt it was very unfair to me and my colleagues.
Going back to why I contested in Kinrara - the seat was seen as difficult to win by DAP Selangor. There was no strong leader or candidate who wanted to contest in that seat.
So I was asked to use my reputation and my identity as a woman candidate to try to capture a state seat and strengthen the opposition force in the Selangor assembly. That was the intention. That made me walk the extra mile, spend extra money, hire extra people to help win that seat.
When we won, the party had to choose who would become state exco members. Look at the background of the four who were nominated - Teng Chang Khim, Ronnie Liu, Ean Yong Hian Wah and me - three of us are the more senior ones.
teresa kok interview 140408 01Now it came back to whether I should take the challenge or not. I’ve been in Parliament for two terms, I’m more senior in politics. I’m wearing two hats only - as state exco and MP. What I can do now is to work harder.
I need to work harder, spend more money and hire more assistants. Do you know how much is needed to maintain this office? I hire three staff-members. It costs me RM10,000 per month. My rental is RM1,000 plus, telephone bill RM1,000 plus, electricity comes up to RM600-700, and my three staff are paid RM2,000 plus.
The Kinrara side has three full-time staff now. With all these expenses you can imagine how much I spend in maintaining my service centres. When people say that I earn more it’s very unfair.
I remember when Dr Kua was a MP for Petaling Jaya, he didn’t hire any staff or assistants, how is he going to explain that when he accuses (us of) shortchanging the voters? I think he did not really do grassroots work or organise the people on the ground.
I have high respect for Dr Kua, he has been my sifu (mentor) but some statements especially about the DAP (sound) somehow like a grudge against the party. I think this is very unhealthy; he has forgotten to analyse things in a more objective manner.
Do you think Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim would have been more suitable as an exco member?
Personally I would prefer Teng to be a state exco but we were only given three seats. The best we can do now is nominate him as a Speaker. In terms of protocol, the position is very high. The Speaker can direct the MB and excos to sit down, get up in the assembly. (Laughs) In terms of experience in the state assembly, Teng has the most experience.
If you compare (it) to Western countries, the Speaker is a very powerful position. In the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi’s appointment is such an honour for the Democrats. It’s time for us to re-examine the power and position of the Speaker so see how we can make the Selangor assembly vibrant.
What are your views about PAS deputy spiritual leader Dr Haron Din's statement that PAS will amend the constitution and turn Malaysia into an Islamic state if it has control of the federal government?
(Sighs) This is something that really makes us worried. Over the past 10 years that I have been working with PAS or PKR people, from reformasi until now, I have had no problem working with those leaders. We are very sincere, we can joke and work together. It is always statements like these that divide us and drive us apart.
barisan rakyat pas pkr dapIn Perak, Penang and Selangor, we are trying to make ourselves better governments compared to the past and yet every alternate day we face a bad press - whether it’s about the pig farm issue or Islamic state or NEP.
I’m sad that a lot of times, certain quarters have not been practical or understanding of a position that is so fragile. They are still talking about issues that can break us especially on Islamic state. So in the Malay press we have to deal with the pig farm issue and in the Chinese press, about the Islamic state. (Laughs)
Can the parties reconcile their differences over such problems?
It looks like individual party leaders need to sit down and find understanding of political realities. I believe that many Malays don’t want Malaysia to be an Islamic state, we have to recognise this fact first. Look at Sabah and Sarawak, they have so many non-Muslims there. We really hope we will not repeat the mistake of Barisan Alternatif (which preceded Pakatan Rakyat).
As both Seputeh parliamentarian and Kinrara state assembly representative, Teresa Kok has had to deflect criticism that she has taken on too many political posts.
She explains the situation in an interview and also talks about how she is managing the Selangor investment, industry and commerce portfolio.
Tell us more about your state portfolio on investment, industry and commerce.
teresa kok interview 140408 06My job is to put investors in contact with the business community, to understand their problems, assist them and woo them to put their investments in Selangor. As you know Selangor is an industrialised state and our economic growth rate (about 6.4 percent) is slightly higher than the national rate (6 percent).
I have to learn about businesses, learn about economy and economic planning. It is not entirely new (to me) because I’ve learnt about investment and business from here and there. But this gives me the opportunity to know more about businesses in Malaysia and to be in touch with investors. So this is something new for me as I have been an activist for many years.
What kind of investors have you been speaking to?
At the moment I need to understand the whole state, the economic situation, all the projects carried out by the previous government. I have to understand what they have done in the past. Over the past few weeks I have been meeting business people, investors, and I appreciate those who voluntarily come to provide information and suggestions.
But those who have touched me are those who told me that they (originally) had been planning to migrate and shift their capital abroad, but because of the change of government, they are prepared to stay back to give us a chance. I know those who say it to me genuinely think in that way. They have already lost hope in this country but this new scenario gives them hope.
There is also a group of professionals who are ready to give the state government advice on how to revive abandoned housing projects. And they said they would do it free of charge. So I appreciate this kind of initiative from these group of professionals; this is what we need.
We need to prove to Malaysians that this new (state) government can do better than the previous one - that we can garner more support from the business community and create a pro-business environment in the state. We hope to achieve higher economic growth and make (the) application (process) more efficient and clean.
Have you encountered problems with civil servants or government agencies so far?
So far, not really, because they see it as a change of bosses. Whatever we enquire, they give us full cooperation. So far so good, I should say.
What about your relationship with the federal government?
I have asked the SSIC (Selangor State Investment Centre) to arrange a meeting with Mida (Malaysian Industrial Development Industry) for two weeks already, I haven’t heard anything. (Laughs) Anyway, that day we had a state exco meeting and we approved sending our SSIC officer to join Mida and the minister’s trip to the United States, where our country has planned to participate at a car expo.
muhyiddin yasin muhyiddin yassinWe can still work together but I wish to hear from them personally. I wish to be able to speak to (International Trade and Industry Ministry) Muhyiddin (Yassin, photo), and wish to have a closer relationship with Mida.
What kind of industries are most people investing in?
All sorts. Look at Selangor, we have so many industrial zones. To woo investors into Malaysia is very competitive. Since Malaysia has lost competitiveness to neighbouring countries, we have to work extra hard. Malaysians should understand that we need to woo hi-tech investors.
teresa kok interview 140408 09If we still go back to manufacturing industry, we have import more foreign workers and provide all the facilities for investors, but Malaysians are not being employed. We will not benefit from the whole exercise. So it is time to go hi-tech and it is good for the country also.
I’m most interested in environment or technology related to energy because I think this is the future. People are more concerned with the environment now especially with the rain, floods and haze. Also for investors from China, many of them are quite interested in the halal hub. They find the location is very good for them.
There are more Middle Eastern people entering Malaysia and they have a rather good impression of Malaysia. They have more faith in our halal stamp than the one in China. It is actually a good move but we have to develop that.
How much time would you need to prove that the Pakatan Rakyat government is doing a better job than the previous government?
I really have no idea. I can only say that in our closed-door dialogues with business people, they appear generally positive with the change of government. My business friend said the new government in Selangor can actually help the business sector cut costs - in the past they had to pay people at so many layers and after paying they still don’t get things done.
What about red-tape? Is the state government cutting down on bureaucracy?
The idea behind setting up the SSIC - by the previous state government - was to help investors cut red-tape. When foreign investors come to Malaysia, they need officers to help them run around. It is like a one-stop centre for investors when the prepare their project papers, whatever they need from land applications to getting hold of licences - the SICC officers will assist them to make their lives easier so they can quickly set up their factories and cut the red-tape.
What are your views on the US-Malaysia free trade agreement (FTA) talks?
fta free trade agreement and usa and malaysiaWe have been questioning it...we MPs (have had to) learn (about it) from NGOs. The government has not bothered to give a briefing to the MPs or state representatives. So everything is (under) OSA (Official Secrets Act). How are we going to form an opinion whether we are doing the right thing or not?
Of course we know there some good things from the FTA (but) these are things that are making the government refuse to sign the agreement - that is, to have transparency and operations based on merit. But of course if I go on, it will touch on the NEP (New Economic Policy) and there will be another controversy so I better not go further than that. (Laughs)
You have been criticised for contesting and winning both the Seputeh parliament and Kinrara state seat. You are also currently being seen as taking on too many posts and earning a substantial sum in allowances. What is your response?
You must understand why in the March elections I walked the extra mile to contest in a state seat. Nobody expected us to be in the government, to be honest. So when things happen in that way, then you have to look at the DAP line-up in the state assembly. You have to look at their background and you know there are so many new faces in politics.
The more qualified ones are in Parliament and I am one of the more senior politicians who is now a state rep. The choice (open to) the party to nominate exco members is in a way limited. You have to recognise this fact first. I read Malaysiakini and Dr Kua (Kia Soong)’s comments and felt it was very unfair to me and my colleagues.
Going back to why I contested in Kinrara - the seat was seen as difficult to win by DAP Selangor. There was no strong leader or candidate who wanted to contest in that seat.
So I was asked to use my reputation and my identity as a woman candidate to try to capture a state seat and strengthen the opposition force in the Selangor assembly. That was the intention. That made me walk the extra mile, spend extra money, hire extra people to help win that seat.
When we won, the party had to choose who would become state exco members. Look at the background of the four who were nominated - Teng Chang Khim, Ronnie Liu, Ean Yong Hian Wah and me - three of us are the more senior ones.
teresa kok interview 140408 01Now it came back to whether I should take the challenge or not. I’ve been in Parliament for two terms, I’m more senior in politics. I’m wearing two hats only - as state exco and MP. What I can do now is to work harder.
I need to work harder, spend more money and hire more assistants. Do you know how much is needed to maintain this office? I hire three staff-members. It costs me RM10,000 per month. My rental is RM1,000 plus, telephone bill RM1,000 plus, electricity comes up to RM600-700, and my three staff are paid RM2,000 plus.
The Kinrara side has three full-time staff now. With all these expenses you can imagine how much I spend in maintaining my service centres. When people say that I earn more it’s very unfair.
I remember when Dr Kua was a MP for Petaling Jaya, he didn’t hire any staff or assistants, how is he going to explain that when he accuses (us of) shortchanging the voters? I think he did not really do grassroots work or organise the people on the ground.
I have high respect for Dr Kua, he has been my sifu (mentor) but some statements especially about the DAP (sound) somehow like a grudge against the party. I think this is very unhealthy; he has forgotten to analyse things in a more objective manner.
Do you think Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim would have been more suitable as an exco member?
Personally I would prefer Teng to be a state exco but we were only given three seats. The best we can do now is nominate him as a Speaker. In terms of protocol, the position is very high. The Speaker can direct the MB and excos to sit down, get up in the assembly. (Laughs) In terms of experience in the state assembly, Teng has the most experience.
If you compare (it) to Western countries, the Speaker is a very powerful position. In the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi’s appointment is such an honour for the Democrats. It’s time for us to re-examine the power and position of the Speaker so see how we can make the Selangor assembly vibrant.
What are your views about PAS deputy spiritual leader Dr Haron Din's statement that PAS will amend the constitution and turn Malaysia into an Islamic state if it has control of the federal government?
(Sighs) This is something that really makes us worried. Over the past 10 years that I have been working with PAS or PKR people, from reformasi until now, I have had no problem working with those leaders. We are very sincere, we can joke and work together. It is always statements like these that divide us and drive us apart.
barisan rakyat pas pkr dapIn Perak, Penang and Selangor, we are trying to make ourselves better governments compared to the past and yet every alternate day we face a bad press - whether it’s about the pig farm issue or Islamic state or NEP.
I’m sad that a lot of times, certain quarters have not been practical or understanding of a position that is so fragile. They are still talking about issues that can break us especially on Islamic state. So in the Malay press we have to deal with the pig farm issue and in the Chinese press, about the Islamic state. (Laughs)
Can the parties reconcile their differences over such problems?
It looks like individual party leaders need to sit down and find understanding of political realities. I believe that many Malays don’t want Malaysia to be an Islamic state, we have to recognise this fact first. Look at Sabah and Sarawak, they have so many non-Muslims there. We really hope we will not repeat the mistake of Barisan Alternatif (which preceded Pakatan Rakyat).
The power of choice
Apr 7, 08 12:34pm
There are many management theories in the market place to help organisations and individuals improve. Some of these are new, others are old theories dressed up as new and some others are words of wisdom from experts.
I would like to introduce a fundamental theory that is very powerful and easy to apply but often overlooked. I am talking about 'choice'.
Webster defines choice as, ‘a selection, an alternative, the right or power to choose’.
It comes down to a very simple step - to act or not to act on the choice. It represents a verb, an action, thereby giving the chooser the power to choose from a selection or if just two, an alternative. What it ultimately points to is that the power is with you.
process of choiceTo make a choice, we need options. There are times when we have no options and therefore the choice is automatic. But in most cases we do have options available to us and I want to work through the deduction process here.
Options are derived based on a stimulus. A stimulus is a trigger in the form of information or an event that requires action from us. Stimuli present themselves to us every day; and very quickly and sometimes automatically we know the options available to us based on the stimulus. From here we make our choice.
I was at a mall recently. Having parked my car, I walked towards the lift. To get to the lift required me to open a set of doors to the waiting area. As I opened the door, I realised that a lady was walking some distance behind. I knew that within four steps she would be at the door too. I proceeded to wait with the door opened for her. I saw a little startled face looking back at me.
She said “Thank you, not many people bother these days.”
I responded by saying ”You are welcome. You were not too far away, so I thought I would wait for you.”.
She then said, “Most of the time I have the total opposite experience.”
I had a couple of options - to hold the door open or to let it shut behind me. I had the power of choice and I chose to act on it. The result - a small action on my part – had a huge impact on the recipient.
This simple example is applicable to any situation. How many such incidents have we let pass in our organisations that led to revenue floating out the door? I see it all the time in the service industry because a staff member did not exercise his/her choice with regard to helping a customer, colleague, manager or department.
Evaluating options
Now that we have deduced options, what does evaluating our options involve? :
In the case of the lady at the car park, it seemed like pure common sense to treat her as a fellow human being and hold the door open for her. This required me giving her the respect that I wanted bestowed upon me.
It requires courage and commitment to act on your choice. This is the ‘locking in’ step in the ‘power of choice’ process.
There have been many instances where I have held the door open for others and not received any form of gratitude, let alone acknowledgement of the act. Sometimes the indifference of the offer is shown prior to the other person getting to the door.
This is where courage comes in. No matter what the response, I still hold on to my original intent or choice - the courage to stand by my offering and the commitment to follow through with action.
Information or an event is the stimulus that makes us take action. There are various stimuli that present themselves everyday to us. Between the stimulus and our response, lies choice!.
Attitude is our ‘way of being’ or ‘steady state’. Generally, we are all aware of our general attitude towards people and situations. Sometimes due to circumstances, like having a bad day, our attitude could vary from its natural ‘steady state’.
Where information is the stimulus that helps us derive our options, attitude is the component that helps us make the choice from our options. Attitude is therefore an important ingredient in the choices we make. It has a huge impact in making our choice and its consequences.
Making great choices
We have all made unwise choices at some point in our lives. It is sometimes inevitable, sometimes intentional, sometimes regrettable and sometimes transformational.
Inevitable choices are where the alternative is not a viable option. This is a case where an organisation needs to downsize, assuming all other avenues have been explored. In this instance the best thing one can do is to carry this out in the most humane manner with honesty and integrity.
Intentional choices are where you know that the alternative option is the wisest option, yet you intentionally choose the opposite option. In organisations, this is when we may bypass a certain process or person intentionally for various reasons. Or where we circumvent a certain procedure because we have the power and privilege to do so. Corruption is a classic example of the latter
Regrettable choices are where at the point of making the choice you are ‘aware’ of what the wisest choice is, however your steady state or way of being at that moment stops you from acting on it. These are usually choices made when emotions are running high, where you regret your choice as soon as have you made it or regret the choice as the words have left your mouth.
How many of us have been in this situation in the workplace and personal life? The power is still in the chooser’s hands to undo the wrong and recover the situation.
Transformational choices are what we should all be aspiring to achieve. In this instance, we take control and are accountable for making great choices. Accountability means taking responsibility for the choices made.
Even if you have made an unwise choice, you are in control to remedy it or to deal with the consequences. It is a big responsibility to be accountable, but one with many rewards when executed.
Learning to make transformational choices gives us the power to be extraordinary, therefore directly impacting you as an individual and the organisation that you represent.
Choice is an active process. It is the difference between a customer continuing to do business with your organisation versus taking their business elsewhere. Use it wisely.
======================================================================
YOGA NESADURAI is founder of O & C Advisory, which focuses on choice as a basis for leadership and organisational development and executive coaching.
There are many management theories in the market place to help organisations and individuals improve. Some of these are new, others are old theories dressed up as new and some others are words of wisdom from experts.
I would like to introduce a fundamental theory that is very powerful and easy to apply but often overlooked. I am talking about 'choice'.
Webster defines choice as, ‘a selection, an alternative, the right or power to choose’.
It comes down to a very simple step - to act or not to act on the choice. It represents a verb, an action, thereby giving the chooser the power to choose from a selection or if just two, an alternative. What it ultimately points to is that the power is with you.
process of choiceTo make a choice, we need options. There are times when we have no options and therefore the choice is automatic. But in most cases we do have options available to us and I want to work through the deduction process here.
Options are derived based on a stimulus. A stimulus is a trigger in the form of information or an event that requires action from us. Stimuli present themselves to us every day; and very quickly and sometimes automatically we know the options available to us based on the stimulus. From here we make our choice.
I was at a mall recently. Having parked my car, I walked towards the lift. To get to the lift required me to open a set of doors to the waiting area. As I opened the door, I realised that a lady was walking some distance behind. I knew that within four steps she would be at the door too. I proceeded to wait with the door opened for her. I saw a little startled face looking back at me.
She said “Thank you, not many people bother these days.”
I responded by saying ”You are welcome. You were not too far away, so I thought I would wait for you.”.
She then said, “Most of the time I have the total opposite experience.”
I had a couple of options - to hold the door open or to let it shut behind me. I had the power of choice and I chose to act on it. The result - a small action on my part – had a huge impact on the recipient.
This simple example is applicable to any situation. How many such incidents have we let pass in our organisations that led to revenue floating out the door? I see it all the time in the service industry because a staff member did not exercise his/her choice with regard to helping a customer, colleague, manager or department.
Evaluating options
Now that we have deduced options, what does evaluating our options involve? :
In the case of the lady at the car park, it seemed like pure common sense to treat her as a fellow human being and hold the door open for her. This required me giving her the respect that I wanted bestowed upon me.
It requires courage and commitment to act on your choice. This is the ‘locking in’ step in the ‘power of choice’ process.
There have been many instances where I have held the door open for others and not received any form of gratitude, let alone acknowledgement of the act. Sometimes the indifference of the offer is shown prior to the other person getting to the door.
This is where courage comes in. No matter what the response, I still hold on to my original intent or choice - the courage to stand by my offering and the commitment to follow through with action.
Information or an event is the stimulus that makes us take action. There are various stimuli that present themselves everyday to us. Between the stimulus and our response, lies choice!.
Attitude is our ‘way of being’ or ‘steady state’. Generally, we are all aware of our general attitude towards people and situations. Sometimes due to circumstances, like having a bad day, our attitude could vary from its natural ‘steady state’.
Where information is the stimulus that helps us derive our options, attitude is the component that helps us make the choice from our options. Attitude is therefore an important ingredient in the choices we make. It has a huge impact in making our choice and its consequences.
Making great choices
We have all made unwise choices at some point in our lives. It is sometimes inevitable, sometimes intentional, sometimes regrettable and sometimes transformational.
Inevitable choices are where the alternative is not a viable option. This is a case where an organisation needs to downsize, assuming all other avenues have been explored. In this instance the best thing one can do is to carry this out in the most humane manner with honesty and integrity.
Intentional choices are where you know that the alternative option is the wisest option, yet you intentionally choose the opposite option. In organisations, this is when we may bypass a certain process or person intentionally for various reasons. Or where we circumvent a certain procedure because we have the power and privilege to do so. Corruption is a classic example of the latter
Regrettable choices are where at the point of making the choice you are ‘aware’ of what the wisest choice is, however your steady state or way of being at that moment stops you from acting on it. These are usually choices made when emotions are running high, where you regret your choice as soon as have you made it or regret the choice as the words have left your mouth.
How many of us have been in this situation in the workplace and personal life? The power is still in the chooser’s hands to undo the wrong and recover the situation.
Transformational choices are what we should all be aspiring to achieve. In this instance, we take control and are accountable for making great choices. Accountability means taking responsibility for the choices made.
Even if you have made an unwise choice, you are in control to remedy it or to deal with the consequences. It is a big responsibility to be accountable, but one with many rewards when executed.
Learning to make transformational choices gives us the power to be extraordinary, therefore directly impacting you as an individual and the organisation that you represent.
Choice is an active process. It is the difference between a customer continuing to do business with your organisation versus taking their business elsewhere. Use it wisely.
======================================================================
YOGA NESADURAI is founder of O & C Advisory, which focuses on choice as a basis for leadership and organisational development and executive coaching.
Political culture under siege
Apr 7, 08 12:05pm
The ancient science of prophecy, “ECK-Vidya” depicting the life cycles of men, nations and planets once described the law of cause and effect (karma) as the “wheel of the cart which follows the hooves of the ox”.
“Nations and civilizations determine their own destinies which in turn are determined by collective mindsets and consciousness of their citizens. In older civilizations, many have all ultimately suffered, some were eventually destroyed, withered away and with them their science, literature, traditions and knowledge.”
“Even Rome fell, and afterwards Europe and Middle East were wastelands for many centuries for that long sleep called the Dark Ages,” author Paul Twitchell wrote in his ECK-Vidya publication.
On this basic premise, we can understand the recent political fallout affecting the Barisan Nasional government, and the weakening collective leadership within those component parties especially Umno, MCA, Gerakan and MIC.
This year is truly a karmic year and it is only the beginning when politicians shall continue to pay the price of their own follies as their collective perverse and immature political culture is under siege.
For once, many veteran politicians were treated like diapers and Malaysian voters had the courage to throw them out. Honour ceased to be the self-acclaimed exclusive property of many political parties in the Barisan Nasional.
Majority of Malaysians voted across racial lines and censured many whose “careers begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance and finish with contempt,” to paraphrase the quotation made by American writer Thomas Paine.
What makes a nation great? Is it due to its political cultural environment?
Or is it because of its voting population who are better educated and informed, more participative and demanding, and having their voices heard beyond the ballot box?
Leadership casualties
Malaysians have finally learnt that changes of government are not in themselves a discouraging sign as it signalled an emergence of fresh leadership and a birth of an alternative government in the near future.
Leadership casualties (candidates) particularly within Umno, MCA and Gerakan become bitter lessons for them that traditional way of running things is inadequate. As a coalition government trying to govern a 21st century job with a 1950s mindset is no longer acceptable.
BN parties should realize by now that as parties of government, their political cultural practices are causes to the growing failures in their legitimacy to govern. Unless reforms are instituted, their future role as opposition parties is a certainty.
In the words of the great American army General McArthur, “Politicians never die, they simply fade away.”
Some don’t fade away, they chose to leave or step down from the political scene. It is not in the Malaysian political culture for politicians in power so willingly giving up their positions and power even when public sentiments and support are not with them.
MIC president S Samy Vellu learnt it the hard way in the recent general election when he lost his electoral seat. Yet time and again, Malaysians have to tolerate these leaders who chose to cling to power and see them fighting, coup and after coup to keep their power seats.
Gerakan acting president Koh Tsu Koon had set a good example by having offered to step down vis-à-vis compatible a healthy political culture unlike the MCA leadership, preaching but not practicing it.
Reminiscent of former secretary general Dr Ting Chew Peh’s speech at MCA’s 56th anniversary (on Feb 27, 2005) who reminded his party leadership in cultivating a healthy political culture.
“A party that does not recognise capable and talented people will lead to its downfall.”
Citing examples of a “bad” political culture, he elaborated: “Leaders who are for selfish gains, who hold on to position and who think of prospering themselves. Leaders who only carry out self-publicity and public relations or perform shows everywhere like “stars” (movie), glorifying themselves and images.”
Unity, integrity and truthfulness are ingredients for a party leadership to behold. Ting said that in the 1980s, the Chinese Communist Party launched a “5-talk, 4-beauty and 3-love” campaign to educate its people and enhanced their political culture spiritually.
China’s former premier Deng Xiaoping stressed that unity depended firstly on ideals and secondly, on discipline. There must be leadership credibility to bridge harmony between grassroots and leaders. A leader must not only speak the truth but should also be open-minded to divergent views from his followers.
Fear culture in MCA
There must be beauty in attitude, in speech and in conduct from a leader. He must have love for the nation, community and especially for themselves.
“If a leader gains popularity through dishonest and deceitful means or by deception, he or she is not fit to be a leader,” Ting said in the context of building a healthy political culture.
Is MCA’s political culture purportedly in a healthy state?
MCA president Ong Ka Ting in his widely distributed publication, “The Man and his ideas”, said “Many politicians talk but they never carry out their actions, which is why sometimes it can be hard to gain the public’s trust.
“I believe that if we want to convince others, we must show it through our actions. When you want to do something you should also consider your community and country. Don’t be selfish and self-centred by wanting everything for yourself.”
His words have now backfired, disputed by some of his former loyal supporters notably former vice president Chua Soi Lek.
In a interview with Malaysiakini, Chua questioned Ka Ting’s recent moves in opting out of government and re-positioning himself as Johor state chairman.
“He expressed wanting to spend more time doing party work but why become Johor state chairperson instead of Penang when the party had lost all the seats there.”
“I have also received feedbacks that there are moves to cut me off (from participating) in the party’s mainstream political activities, as an attempt to make others to forget me because they said I am a tainted leader,” Chua added, also from Johor.
Describing MCA’s prevailing political culture, Chua stressed, “There is this fear culture inculcated by or from the president as he has lots of prerogative power, in giving or recommending (title awards), in appointment of party posts and other ‘goodies” dished out as rewards for political favours.”
“There must be room for building consensus and freedom for others to be critical. Something must be wrong when everybody sings in the same tune,” Chua expressing sentiments on nurturing a healthy political culture in the party.
The ancient science of prophecy, “ECK-Vidya” depicting the life cycles of men, nations and planets once described the law of cause and effect (karma) as the “wheel of the cart which follows the hooves of the ox”.
“Nations and civilizations determine their own destinies which in turn are determined by collective mindsets and consciousness of their citizens. In older civilizations, many have all ultimately suffered, some were eventually destroyed, withered away and with them their science, literature, traditions and knowledge.”
“Even Rome fell, and afterwards Europe and Middle East were wastelands for many centuries for that long sleep called the Dark Ages,” author Paul Twitchell wrote in his ECK-Vidya publication.
On this basic premise, we can understand the recent political fallout affecting the Barisan Nasional government, and the weakening collective leadership within those component parties especially Umno, MCA, Gerakan and MIC.
This year is truly a karmic year and it is only the beginning when politicians shall continue to pay the price of their own follies as their collective perverse and immature political culture is under siege.
For once, many veteran politicians were treated like diapers and Malaysian voters had the courage to throw them out. Honour ceased to be the self-acclaimed exclusive property of many political parties in the Barisan Nasional.
Majority of Malaysians voted across racial lines and censured many whose “careers begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance and finish with contempt,” to paraphrase the quotation made by American writer Thomas Paine.
What makes a nation great? Is it due to its political cultural environment?
Or is it because of its voting population who are better educated and informed, more participative and demanding, and having their voices heard beyond the ballot box?
Leadership casualties
Malaysians have finally learnt that changes of government are not in themselves a discouraging sign as it signalled an emergence of fresh leadership and a birth of an alternative government in the near future.
Leadership casualties (candidates) particularly within Umno, MCA and Gerakan become bitter lessons for them that traditional way of running things is inadequate. As a coalition government trying to govern a 21st century job with a 1950s mindset is no longer acceptable.
BN parties should realize by now that as parties of government, their political cultural practices are causes to the growing failures in their legitimacy to govern. Unless reforms are instituted, their future role as opposition parties is a certainty.
In the words of the great American army General McArthur, “Politicians never die, they simply fade away.”
Some don’t fade away, they chose to leave or step down from the political scene. It is not in the Malaysian political culture for politicians in power so willingly giving up their positions and power even when public sentiments and support are not with them.
MIC president S Samy Vellu learnt it the hard way in the recent general election when he lost his electoral seat. Yet time and again, Malaysians have to tolerate these leaders who chose to cling to power and see them fighting, coup and after coup to keep their power seats.
Gerakan acting president Koh Tsu Koon had set a good example by having offered to step down vis-à-vis compatible a healthy political culture unlike the MCA leadership, preaching but not practicing it.
Reminiscent of former secretary general Dr Ting Chew Peh’s speech at MCA’s 56th anniversary (on Feb 27, 2005) who reminded his party leadership in cultivating a healthy political culture.
“A party that does not recognise capable and talented people will lead to its downfall.”
Citing examples of a “bad” political culture, he elaborated: “Leaders who are for selfish gains, who hold on to position and who think of prospering themselves. Leaders who only carry out self-publicity and public relations or perform shows everywhere like “stars” (movie), glorifying themselves and images.”
Unity, integrity and truthfulness are ingredients for a party leadership to behold. Ting said that in the 1980s, the Chinese Communist Party launched a “5-talk, 4-beauty and 3-love” campaign to educate its people and enhanced their political culture spiritually.
China’s former premier Deng Xiaoping stressed that unity depended firstly on ideals and secondly, on discipline. There must be leadership credibility to bridge harmony between grassroots and leaders. A leader must not only speak the truth but should also be open-minded to divergent views from his followers.
Fear culture in MCA
There must be beauty in attitude, in speech and in conduct from a leader. He must have love for the nation, community and especially for themselves.
“If a leader gains popularity through dishonest and deceitful means or by deception, he or she is not fit to be a leader,” Ting said in the context of building a healthy political culture.
Is MCA’s political culture purportedly in a healthy state?
MCA president Ong Ka Ting in his widely distributed publication, “The Man and his ideas”, said “Many politicians talk but they never carry out their actions, which is why sometimes it can be hard to gain the public’s trust.
“I believe that if we want to convince others, we must show it through our actions. When you want to do something you should also consider your community and country. Don’t be selfish and self-centred by wanting everything for yourself.”
His words have now backfired, disputed by some of his former loyal supporters notably former vice president Chua Soi Lek.
In a interview with Malaysiakini, Chua questioned Ka Ting’s recent moves in opting out of government and re-positioning himself as Johor state chairman.
“He expressed wanting to spend more time doing party work but why become Johor state chairperson instead of Penang when the party had lost all the seats there.”
“I have also received feedbacks that there are moves to cut me off (from participating) in the party’s mainstream political activities, as an attempt to make others to forget me because they said I am a tainted leader,” Chua added, also from Johor.
Describing MCA’s prevailing political culture, Chua stressed, “There is this fear culture inculcated by or from the president as he has lots of prerogative power, in giving or recommending (title awards), in appointment of party posts and other ‘goodies” dished out as rewards for political favours.”
“There must be room for building consensus and freedom for others to be critical. Something must be wrong when everybody sings in the same tune,” Chua expressing sentiments on nurturing a healthy political culture in the party.
MP: Seek underground water instead of building dams
Apr 15, 08 3:51pm
Klang parliamentarian Charles Santiago questioned the rational behind the Selangor government's decision to continue with the Pahang-Selangor dam project.
klscah launch civil society award 191207 charles santiagoNoting that the project would bring more harmful effects than benefits, the DAP politician said that Selangor should re-consider and look at other options.
"Instead of building a dam in Pahang, which will cause many environmental and ecological detriments, the Selangor state government should explore other options.
"And while there is no guarantee (as rainfall may reduce drastically due to global warming and climate change) that a dam in Pahang will provide a steady flow of raw water to Selangor, the effects of a permanent dam are irreversible," said the 48-year-old political scientist when contacted today.
Instead of a dam, Selangor should explore the possibility of tapping into Perak's underground water reserve, Santiago suggested.
Enough underground water
According to Santiago, who is a director of NGO Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN), there is enough underground water in Batang Padang, Perak to solve the state’s water woes.
"According to our studies, the catchment is capable of providing some 2,000 million litres per day (mld).
"Furthermore, the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project overestimated Selangor's needs. The report said that Selangor needed 3,000mld in 2001 but in reality the actual usage was only 2,647.6mld that year.
"Added to the fact that population growth in Selangor is only 1.6 percent as opposed to the report's estimates of four percent growth per annum, Selangor should have adequate water," said Santiago.
Besides the environmental damage, Santiago said that many orang asli who live in the area would also have to be relocated.
Higher cost to consumers
Not helpful either, he added, is the higher cost to consumers in Selangor.
"If they piped the water down from Perak, it would be cheaper as no mega infrastructures would need to be built," he reasoned.
The Pahang-Selangor dam project is estimated to cost RM9 billion to construct.
"What the Selangor government should also do is to create more projects to conserve water, not build more mega dams. Climate change and global warming is a reality and people should be educated on its preciousness and not abuse it," he added.
The Pahang-Selangor dam was mooted by the National Water Council to avert water crisis in Klang Valley in 2000. Under the plan, a 37.5km tunnel from Telemong Dam and Kelau Dam in Pahang to rivers in Selangor.
The tunnel which will go through the Main Range will enable 1,000mld of water to be piped into Selangor. Water, diverted into Selangor's rivers, will be subsequently channeled into the Langat and Semenyih dam.
Klang parliamentarian Charles Santiago questioned the rational behind the Selangor government's decision to continue with the Pahang-Selangor dam project.
klscah launch civil society award 191207 charles santiagoNoting that the project would bring more harmful effects than benefits, the DAP politician said that Selangor should re-consider and look at other options.
"Instead of building a dam in Pahang, which will cause many environmental and ecological detriments, the Selangor state government should explore other options.
"And while there is no guarantee (as rainfall may reduce drastically due to global warming and climate change) that a dam in Pahang will provide a steady flow of raw water to Selangor, the effects of a permanent dam are irreversible," said the 48-year-old political scientist when contacted today.
Instead of a dam, Selangor should explore the possibility of tapping into Perak's underground water reserve, Santiago suggested.
Enough underground water
According to Santiago, who is a director of NGO Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN), there is enough underground water in Batang Padang, Perak to solve the state’s water woes.
"According to our studies, the catchment is capable of providing some 2,000 million litres per day (mld).
"Furthermore, the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project overestimated Selangor's needs. The report said that Selangor needed 3,000mld in 2001 but in reality the actual usage was only 2,647.6mld that year.
"Added to the fact that population growth in Selangor is only 1.6 percent as opposed to the report's estimates of four percent growth per annum, Selangor should have adequate water," said Santiago.
Besides the environmental damage, Santiago said that many orang asli who live in the area would also have to be relocated.
Higher cost to consumers
Not helpful either, he added, is the higher cost to consumers in Selangor.
"If they piped the water down from Perak, it would be cheaper as no mega infrastructures would need to be built," he reasoned.
The Pahang-Selangor dam project is estimated to cost RM9 billion to construct.
"What the Selangor government should also do is to create more projects to conserve water, not build more mega dams. Climate change and global warming is a reality and people should be educated on its preciousness and not abuse it," he added.
The Pahang-Selangor dam was mooted by the National Water Council to avert water crisis in Klang Valley in 2000. Under the plan, a 37.5km tunnel from Telemong Dam and Kelau Dam in Pahang to rivers in Selangor.
The tunnel which will go through the Main Range will enable 1,000mld of water to be piped into Selangor. Water, diverted into Selangor's rivers, will be subsequently channeled into the Langat and Semenyih dam.
'Penang needs state-owned bus company'
Apr 15, 08 4:18pm
The Penang government should form a public bus company and then privatise its operations to one or more companies, so that it retains control of services in the state.
penang transportation 191206 ong boon keong organicBus Users Group (Bug) spokesperson BK Ong suggested that the state government could exercise its legislative powers to do so.
“This is imperative if the DAP-led Pakatan Rakyat government is serious about providing a good bus service to the people,” he said.
“A state-controlled bus operation would be ideal because only the local, not federal, leadership would have in-depth knowledge of commuter requirements.”
Saying that this would enable the state to provide efficient, reliable and affordable bus service, Ong also said the would be revenue for the government from the privatisation project.
The schedule, route, fare and ticketing system can be decided on the basis of localised needs, while issuance of permits to bus companies will remain in state hands.
rapidpenang bus penang transportation transport 030307The previous Gerakan-led administration had planned to start a bus company, only to drop the idea when the federal government brought in RapidPenang, under finance ministry’s Prasarana Negara Bhd.
Six other bus companies, such as KGN.Hin Bus Co, Milan, Transit Link, United Traction Company and Park May Holdings, also provide services in Penang.
Approval of bus permits is vested with the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB), which is also empowered to enforce related rules. However, critics have said that the board has proved to be “incompetent and unreliable”.
Penang-based Citizens for Public Transport (Cepat) has even threatened to initiate legal action against it for neglecting its statutory duties.
chow kon yeow 01State executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, who is in charge of local government, traffic management and the environment, has expressed support for the legal action.
Social-reform movement Aliran, a member of Cepat, has applauded the state government’s stand on the issue.
“At least, it is not shirking its responsibility to provide an efficient and affordable public transport system,” said Aliran executive committee member Angeline Loh.
CVLB chairperson Markiman Kobiran has claimed that he has no evidence of the unsatisfactory public transport situation in Penang.
Loh refuted this, saying that Markiman had been given strong evidence on the subject at a meeting between Cepat, CVLB and state government in April last year.
‘End lease system’
The bus service is worse on the island, which Chow has attributed partly to the leasing system practised by Milan, Transit Link and KGN-Hin.
The three companies lease out their buses, collectively to an estimated 100 drivers, for a daily rental ranging between RM150 and RM200. Drivers bear the cost of fuel, maintenance and repairs.
public transport penang busesGiven the difficulty in making ends meet, the drivers frequently infringe the rules by not adhering to the stipulated routes, timing and work schedules.
The buses are dirty and not properly maintained; ply only profitable main routes while keeping off social routes; and are only keen to operate the service during peak hours.
During a recent dialogue session with representatives from the bus companies, Chow told them to stop the lease system and replace it with corporate-style management.
It means that the companies will have to hire drivers, pay their salary and provide perks and benefits. In addition, they will have to adhere to all rules and regulations, as well as conditions of the permit as stated by CVLB.
Ong, however, suggested that the state government could abolish the lease system by absorbing the three companies under its own operational permit.
The Penang government should form a public bus company and then privatise its operations to one or more companies, so that it retains control of services in the state.
penang transportation 191206 ong boon keong organicBus Users Group (Bug) spokesperson BK Ong suggested that the state government could exercise its legislative powers to do so.
“This is imperative if the DAP-led Pakatan Rakyat government is serious about providing a good bus service to the people,” he said.
“A state-controlled bus operation would be ideal because only the local, not federal, leadership would have in-depth knowledge of commuter requirements.”
Saying that this would enable the state to provide efficient, reliable and affordable bus service, Ong also said the would be revenue for the government from the privatisation project.
The schedule, route, fare and ticketing system can be decided on the basis of localised needs, while issuance of permits to bus companies will remain in state hands.
rapidpenang bus penang transportation transport 030307The previous Gerakan-led administration had planned to start a bus company, only to drop the idea when the federal government brought in RapidPenang, under finance ministry’s Prasarana Negara Bhd.
Six other bus companies, such as KGN.Hin Bus Co, Milan, Transit Link, United Traction Company and Park May Holdings, also provide services in Penang.
Approval of bus permits is vested with the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB), which is also empowered to enforce related rules. However, critics have said that the board has proved to be “incompetent and unreliable”.
Penang-based Citizens for Public Transport (Cepat) has even threatened to initiate legal action against it for neglecting its statutory duties.
chow kon yeow 01State executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, who is in charge of local government, traffic management and the environment, has expressed support for the legal action.
Social-reform movement Aliran, a member of Cepat, has applauded the state government’s stand on the issue.
“At least, it is not shirking its responsibility to provide an efficient and affordable public transport system,” said Aliran executive committee member Angeline Loh.
CVLB chairperson Markiman Kobiran has claimed that he has no evidence of the unsatisfactory public transport situation in Penang.
Loh refuted this, saying that Markiman had been given strong evidence on the subject at a meeting between Cepat, CVLB and state government in April last year.
‘End lease system’
The bus service is worse on the island, which Chow has attributed partly to the leasing system practised by Milan, Transit Link and KGN-Hin.
The three companies lease out their buses, collectively to an estimated 100 drivers, for a daily rental ranging between RM150 and RM200. Drivers bear the cost of fuel, maintenance and repairs.
public transport penang busesGiven the difficulty in making ends meet, the drivers frequently infringe the rules by not adhering to the stipulated routes, timing and work schedules.
The buses are dirty and not properly maintained; ply only profitable main routes while keeping off social routes; and are only keen to operate the service during peak hours.
During a recent dialogue session with representatives from the bus companies, Chow told them to stop the lease system and replace it with corporate-style management.
It means that the companies will have to hire drivers, pay their salary and provide perks and benefits. In addition, they will have to adhere to all rules and regulations, as well as conditions of the permit as stated by CVLB.
Ong, however, suggested that the state government could abolish the lease system by absorbing the three companies under its own operational permit.
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