Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Eric Majimbun is not joining the other Barisan Nasional MPs for their `study tour' overseas.
The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president said he had to be with the people in his constituency, particularly the Muslim constituents during this Holy Month of Ramadan.
"It had been a tradition for SAPP leaders to visit Muslims in their respective ares during the fasting month," the former Kota Kinabalu City Native Court judge said Sunday.
The MPs overseas's trip is seen by the oppostion party as a mean to keep the elected representatives from being `courted' by Permatang Pauh's MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to join him to enable him to topple Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi BN's Government and become Prime Minister on Sep 16, 2008.
The BN MPs are expected to come back home on Sept 19.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Pensiangan's Kurup judgement Monday Sept 8
Kota Kinabalu Election Court Judge David Wong Dak Wah, who had earlier fixed Sept 17, this year to deliver judgement on the election petition by Pensiangan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) division chief Danny Anthony Andipai, will be delivering it tomorrow (Sept 8) at 10am.
Andipai, whose candadicy was rejected on the Feb 24, 2008 nomination day, filed the petition on April 9, 2008 seeking the election of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president and Federal Rural and Regional Deputy Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup in Pensiangan be declared null an void.
Kurup, a former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, won the seat uncontested.
Andipai, whose candadicy was rejected on the Feb 24, 2008 nomination day, filed the petition on April 9, 2008 seeking the election of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president and Federal Rural and Regional Deputy Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup in Pensiangan be declared null an void.
Kurup, a former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, won the seat uncontested.
Wow! Suddenly, Sarawak and Sabah become so important
By Paul Sir in Kuching
I WONDER when was the last time the people of Sarawak and Sabah feel so good in being part of Malaysia as these past few months.
Soon after the March 8 general election, the two East Malaysian states, often deemed by Sabahans and Sarawakians as the forgotten ‘old maids’ in Malaysia, suddenly became so important to the centre.
It is as if, out of the blue, the master is making every effort to return to his first wife whom he had neglected for years in favour of a younger mistress, as the tale goes. He knows that there are now better things at home; so he starts to shower his old wife with renewed love and affection to woo her back.
The case is clear: He needs her more than she needs him.
To put it bluntly, Malaya needs Sarawak and Sabah more (now than ever before) than Sarawak and Sabah need the peninsula.
In a way, I enjoy the way Kuala Lumpur has gone about in courting Sarawak and Sabah. The Barisan Nasional government and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat in Malaya — oh, how much they want to woo East Malaysians now.
The prime minister and his deputy had visited Sabah and Sarawak several times since the March polls, each time delivering goodies and leaving with promises of more deliveries. Oppositionist Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also made similar visits, each time promising better days ahead and each time, leaving his charismatic stamp behind for new Anwarista recruits to savour.
Of course, it is the numbers they want, stupid! What, do you think they consider Sarawak and Sabah so important if we have nothing to offer them? Between the two states, there are 54 seats in parliament — now that’s big deal, man!
Every time the East Malaysian pendulum swings, the guys at the centre will sit up and watch. And right now, the whole nation is looking at September 16.
Will it or will it not happen on September 16?
For the information of the naive minority, September 16 is the day touted by Anwar that the BN government of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will fall and the Pakatan Rakyat coalition which he leads will form the new federal government.
I have written in this column previously that I doubt it could happen. Today is September 6. D-Day is just 10 days away. While it has been said that ‘a week is a long time in politics’, I remain the unbeliever as I write this.
Yah, I know that ‘politics is also the art of the possible’ but the realist in me happens to get the better of me this time around.
Let me put it this cynical way. If there is a new government by September 16, so be it. Or if the same one is still in power on Sept 16, so be it too!
Oh yes, there are talks that a new Pakatan Rakyat federal government will have a Chinese and an Indian as deputy prime minister. That a Kadazandusun will be chief minister of Sabah and a Dayak will helm the Sarawak government.
Then again, the cynic in me will ask what difference does it make if corrupt Chinese, Indians, Kadazans or Dayaks were to be chosen as leaders in the new government? If that is the case, I better retreat into my own fantasy island in Talang Talang where I can find peace of mind in watching the turtles hatching — and no politics.
I do find something disturbing too in the run-up to Sept 16. A cousin of mine rang me from Kuching this week asking whether everything will be okay on September 16. He was worried there would be riots and disturbances. I am actually concerned that there are people in the ‘peaceful and tranquil’ East Malaysian states who are anxious about violence taking place as a result of political upheaval in the country. I thought May 13 only happened in Malaya, not in Sabah or Sarawak.
But let’s take consolation from the notes of one reader that “no concerned Malaysian observes current events without some reminder of May 13, and all the more reason they should not be afraid because to capitulate to the threats of the unprincipled would be to enslave oneself all over again. Anyway this is 2008 and conditions were different then. Today, the conflict is not between races where the battle lines are drawn along ethnic divides but purely political.”
I hope my dear cousin Robert who resides in quiet and peaceful Serian now will stop worrying about his imaginary riots and chaos in the aftermath of September 16. Somehow, I’m still a believer of old-fashioned, orderly power transitions in this country and I doubt anything untoward will unfold on Sept 16. I like to reassure Robert and all that I do really trust this sixth sense of mine on this matter. Ahem!
On a brighter note about September 16, I was very glad to receive a SMS from Diana Ningkan this week. She told me that as September 16 approaches, memories of her late father (Sarawak’s first chief minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan) started flowing back and she remembers her dad with so much love and pride.
Diana also mentioned how proud she and her Mum (Puan Sri Rosalind Ningkan) were to see portraits of dad on Kuching streets as Sarawak prepares to celebrate its 46th Independence Day on September 16. I share the joys and happiness of the Ningkan family, whom I’m proud to call my friends, on this auspicious day and moment which their patriarch had made possible.
Finally, on the talks about replacing August 31 with September 16 as Malaysia Day, I really have no preference because everyday can be my birthday as long as I’m happy. I do not have to wait for a particular day to be happy.
However, it’s also important that we get on the right side of history. Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963 while Malaya obtained her independence from Britain on August 31, 1957. So let’s get that one correct!
Meanwhile, Sarawakians and Sabahans can continue to bask in the attention given by the centre.
(Comments can reach the writer at paulsir99@hotmail.com)
I WONDER when was the last time the people of Sarawak and Sabah feel so good in being part of Malaysia as these past few months.
Soon after the March 8 general election, the two East Malaysian states, often deemed by Sabahans and Sarawakians as the forgotten ‘old maids’ in Malaysia, suddenly became so important to the centre.
It is as if, out of the blue, the master is making every effort to return to his first wife whom he had neglected for years in favour of a younger mistress, as the tale goes. He knows that there are now better things at home; so he starts to shower his old wife with renewed love and affection to woo her back.
The case is clear: He needs her more than she needs him.
To put it bluntly, Malaya needs Sarawak and Sabah more (now than ever before) than Sarawak and Sabah need the peninsula.
In a way, I enjoy the way Kuala Lumpur has gone about in courting Sarawak and Sabah. The Barisan Nasional government and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat in Malaya — oh, how much they want to woo East Malaysians now.
The prime minister and his deputy had visited Sabah and Sarawak several times since the March polls, each time delivering goodies and leaving with promises of more deliveries. Oppositionist Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also made similar visits, each time promising better days ahead and each time, leaving his charismatic stamp behind for new Anwarista recruits to savour.
Of course, it is the numbers they want, stupid! What, do you think they consider Sarawak and Sabah so important if we have nothing to offer them? Between the two states, there are 54 seats in parliament — now that’s big deal, man!
Every time the East Malaysian pendulum swings, the guys at the centre will sit up and watch. And right now, the whole nation is looking at September 16.
Will it or will it not happen on September 16?
For the information of the naive minority, September 16 is the day touted by Anwar that the BN government of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will fall and the Pakatan Rakyat coalition which he leads will form the new federal government.
I have written in this column previously that I doubt it could happen. Today is September 6. D-Day is just 10 days away. While it has been said that ‘a week is a long time in politics’, I remain the unbeliever as I write this.
Yah, I know that ‘politics is also the art of the possible’ but the realist in me happens to get the better of me this time around.
Let me put it this cynical way. If there is a new government by September 16, so be it. Or if the same one is still in power on Sept 16, so be it too!
Oh yes, there are talks that a new Pakatan Rakyat federal government will have a Chinese and an Indian as deputy prime minister. That a Kadazandusun will be chief minister of Sabah and a Dayak will helm the Sarawak government.
Then again, the cynic in me will ask what difference does it make if corrupt Chinese, Indians, Kadazans or Dayaks were to be chosen as leaders in the new government? If that is the case, I better retreat into my own fantasy island in Talang Talang where I can find peace of mind in watching the turtles hatching — and no politics.
I do find something disturbing too in the run-up to Sept 16. A cousin of mine rang me from Kuching this week asking whether everything will be okay on September 16. He was worried there would be riots and disturbances. I am actually concerned that there are people in the ‘peaceful and tranquil’ East Malaysian states who are anxious about violence taking place as a result of political upheaval in the country. I thought May 13 only happened in Malaya, not in Sabah or Sarawak.
But let’s take consolation from the notes of one reader that “no concerned Malaysian observes current events without some reminder of May 13, and all the more reason they should not be afraid because to capitulate to the threats of the unprincipled would be to enslave oneself all over again. Anyway this is 2008 and conditions were different then. Today, the conflict is not between races where the battle lines are drawn along ethnic divides but purely political.”
I hope my dear cousin Robert who resides in quiet and peaceful Serian now will stop worrying about his imaginary riots and chaos in the aftermath of September 16. Somehow, I’m still a believer of old-fashioned, orderly power transitions in this country and I doubt anything untoward will unfold on Sept 16. I like to reassure Robert and all that I do really trust this sixth sense of mine on this matter. Ahem!
On a brighter note about September 16, I was very glad to receive a SMS from Diana Ningkan this week. She told me that as September 16 approaches, memories of her late father (Sarawak’s first chief minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan) started flowing back and she remembers her dad with so much love and pride.
Diana also mentioned how proud she and her Mum (Puan Sri Rosalind Ningkan) were to see portraits of dad on Kuching streets as Sarawak prepares to celebrate its 46th Independence Day on September 16. I share the joys and happiness of the Ningkan family, whom I’m proud to call my friends, on this auspicious day and moment which their patriarch had made possible.
Finally, on the talks about replacing August 31 with September 16 as Malaysia Day, I really have no preference because everyday can be my birthday as long as I’m happy. I do not have to wait for a particular day to be happy.
However, it’s also important that we get on the right side of history. Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963 while Malaya obtained her independence from Britain on August 31, 1957. So let’s get that one correct!
Meanwhile, Sarawakians and Sabahans can continue to bask in the attention given by the centre.
(Comments can reach the writer at paulsir99@hotmail.com)
Prime Minister Anwar on Sept 16????
By Mohd Nasir Yusoff
JAKARTA, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysian parliamentary opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who brought his aspiration to form the next
government on Sept 16 to the attention of the Indonesian media, failed to state who and how many Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs would cross over to the opposition.
Anwar claimed that he had to bring the matter to the Indonesian media because the Malaysian media had been writing lies on what he said.
"I will only name them at the right time. That is the understanding...agreement with my friends (the BN MPs concerned)," he said.
Although he was repeatedly asked by the local and foreign journalists who were covering his meeting with the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI), he declined to reveal who and how many BN MPs had confirmed that they would cross over to his side.
He said he decided to meet up with ICMI because he regarded such an association as important, just like in Malaysia.
Anwar who was adamant that his dream of forming the next Malaysian government would materialise on Sept 16, claimed that he faced no problem in achieving this.
Stating that the media in Malaysia was not free and only carried news from the BN government's point of view, Anwar assured the Indonesian and foreign media that the cross-over would definitely happen on Sept 16 although it was reported otherwise in Malaysia.
On the planned overseas trip for BN MPs until Sept 16, he said: "I will have to deal with this when I get back to KL this evening."
He also claimed that he had received positive feedback from the BN MPs in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as from Peninsular Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
JAKARTA, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysian parliamentary opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who brought his aspiration to form the next
government on Sept 16 to the attention of the Indonesian media, failed to state who and how many Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs would cross over to the opposition.
Anwar claimed that he had to bring the matter to the Indonesian media because the Malaysian media had been writing lies on what he said.
"I will only name them at the right time. That is the understanding...agreement with my friends (the BN MPs concerned)," he said.
Although he was repeatedly asked by the local and foreign journalists who were covering his meeting with the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI), he declined to reveal who and how many BN MPs had confirmed that they would cross over to his side.
He said he decided to meet up with ICMI because he regarded such an association as important, just like in Malaysia.
Anwar who was adamant that his dream of forming the next Malaysian government would materialise on Sept 16, claimed that he faced no problem in achieving this.
Stating that the media in Malaysia was not free and only carried news from the BN government's point of view, Anwar assured the Indonesian and foreign media that the cross-over would definitely happen on Sept 16 although it was reported otherwise in Malaysia.
On the planned overseas trip for BN MPs until Sept 16, he said: "I will have to deal with this when I get back to KL this evening."
He also claimed that he had received positive feedback from the BN MPs in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as from Peninsular Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
Sept 16
Joseph Tawi
Are we celebrating 45 years of the formation of Malaysia or 51 years of Malaya’s independence?
Malaya obtained her independence from Britain on 31 August 1957 that is 51 years to this day. Sarawak, Sabah, Malaya and Singapore (Singapore left the Federation in August 1965) jointly formed the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 as equal partners and on equal footing. However, Sarawak and Sabah have been relegated to a state equivalent to Perlis or Melaka which are smaller compared to some of the divisions in Sarawak.
In fact if Sarawak were smart enough it should have negotiated for at least, at that time, five “states” comprising the five divisions. One of the divisions headed by a resident should have been headed by a governor. Had this been the case, there would have been at least 17 States in the federation of Malaysia.
Two incidents have helped change the partnerships – one was the proclamation of state of emergency in Sarawak by Parliament when the State Constitution was amended to enable the governor to dismiss Stephen Kalong Ningkan as chief minister in 1966. And the other incident was the May 13 1969 racial riots.
Never mind about all this part of our history as nothing we can do about it. But what I would like to ask here is: why are we celebrating the 31 August as Merdeka Day and not 16 September as Malaysia Day? To us in Sarawak, and for that matter the Sabahans, 16 September has greater historical significance as it was the day we were liberated from the yoke of colonialism when we formed the federation of Malaysia. Celebrating it also means we are honouring the memories of our forefathers and the security forces whose efforts, sacrifices and loyalty in the fight against “Indonesian confrontation” and communist terrorism and as a result of their sacrifices we are today enjoying the peace, prosperity and unity.
Especially, I would like to highlight the sacrifices and dedication of our leaders such as Temenggong Jugah, Pengarah Montegrai, Tun Abang Haji Openg, Yao Cheng Hoe, Ling Beng Siew, James Wong and Remigius Durin anak Nganau who negotiated our terms and conditions of our entry into the federation of Malaysia.
I feel that the least the State government should do is to declare 16 September a public holiday rather than observing the nearest Saturday to 16 September as the birthday of Yang Dipertua Negeri. I do not mean to be disrespectful to the Yang Dipertua Negeri.
By the way, all the five States under Pakatan Rakyat have agreed to declare 16 September as a public day to celebrate Malaysia Day. Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and some Sabah State ministers have also voiced similar sentiments.
So far none of the Sarawak leaders has expressed anything to the effect, even though the State acknowledges in its Almanac that 16 September is “Hari Malaysia” with the words printed in small print.
It is really sad.
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Two or three Sarawak BN MPs `to jump'
KUCHING: “Two or three” Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs from Sarawak will cross over to Pakatan Rakyat (PR), claimed state PKR advisor Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi, a Sarawak daily reporterd yesterday.
“I cannot mention names because we do not want what has happened to happen again,” he said, claiming that a BN MP had a change of heart after his name was made public earlier this year.
Zainal said most of the MPs from among the ‘over 40’ who had agreed to make the jump come Sept 16 were from Sabah.On Wednesday the state PKR held a press conference, claiming ‘over 40’ BN MPs would jump ship.
And a press statement it issued yesterday, maintained the number at ‘more than 40’.
The statement, signed by Wan Zainal, read: “More than 40 BN MPs are likely to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat on or before the Merdeka Day on 16 September 2008. This will set a new chapter in the history of Malaysian politics.”
PKR state liaison chief Dominique Ng was also tight-lipped about who the 40 MPs are and how many of them are from Sarawak.
“I am not at a liberty to reveal the number. KL (national PR leaders) will do so when the time is right,” he said when contacted.
State BN leaders have dismissed the claim as false and that it would destabilise the country.
For the last few months PR and PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was claiming that he would take over government from the BN.
The claims of massive crossover became louder when on Aug 26 2008, Anwar succeeded to win the Permatang Pauh (in Penang) by-election with a convincing majority.
Sept 16, 2008 has been bandied around by his supporters to be the deadline of the massive crossover.
After the March 8 general election, the BN MPs were at 140 as against PR’s 82.
Out of the 140 BN MPs, 30 are from Sarawak while 24 are from Sabah.
PR would need at least 31 BN MPs to cross over in order to form a government with a very simple majority.
“The move is significant as a show of disillusionment towards the weak and fragile government administration under Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” the statement claimed.
Zainal also claimed that he was perplexed as to why BN leaders seemed to view the intending crossover of their MPs to PR as something immoral when opposition-to-BN cross-overs had happened in Sarawak and Sabah before.
“In as far as I can remember the crossing over of elected representatives either individually or by party, is nothing new. We have seen that in Sabah, PBS under (Datuk Seri) Joseph Pairin Kitingan crossed over from BN to join the opposition pact in 1990 and subsequently some years later PBS rejoined BN.
“In Sarawak after a snap state election was called, following the infamous Ming Court incident in 1987, a number of crossing overs by opposition state assemblymen to BN did take place.
“Gramong Juna and Michael Ben from PBDS, a (component) member of the Maju Group, crossed over to PBB-BN.
“Two assemblymen from Permas, another member of the Maju Group, namely Hilary Tawan and Bolhassan Kambar, walked over to PBB-BN.
“Subsequently, PBDS as a party also crossed over to BN to form the BN plus government in Sarawak,” Zainal said.
“The BN leaders then welcomed the crossing-overs with much cheers and gratitude. It was then their turn to take advantage of the crossing overs,” he added.
When contacted for his comment on the same issue, Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the crossovers in the 1980s and 1990s were not the same as the bandied sudden change of federal government which would destabilise the country.
He said a political scenario where MPs jumped ship just to form the central government would be illogical in Malaysia because its citizens had ‘first class mentality’ and thus they could see such act as being ‘undemocratic and unprincipled’.
Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, cited Germany as having citizens with first class mentality.
He said the German federal government only governed with a very simple majority like ‘three or four more members’ but its chancellor and government did not experience threats of crossovers.
“German MPs know that crossing over is undemocratic and unprincipled,” he said.
“I cannot mention names because we do not want what has happened to happen again,” he said, claiming that a BN MP had a change of heart after his name was made public earlier this year.
Zainal said most of the MPs from among the ‘over 40’ who had agreed to make the jump come Sept 16 were from Sabah.On Wednesday the state PKR held a press conference, claiming ‘over 40’ BN MPs would jump ship.
And a press statement it issued yesterday, maintained the number at ‘more than 40’.
The statement, signed by Wan Zainal, read: “More than 40 BN MPs are likely to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat on or before the Merdeka Day on 16 September 2008. This will set a new chapter in the history of Malaysian politics.”
PKR state liaison chief Dominique Ng was also tight-lipped about who the 40 MPs are and how many of them are from Sarawak.
“I am not at a liberty to reveal the number. KL (national PR leaders) will do so when the time is right,” he said when contacted.
State BN leaders have dismissed the claim as false and that it would destabilise the country.
For the last few months PR and PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was claiming that he would take over government from the BN.
The claims of massive crossover became louder when on Aug 26 2008, Anwar succeeded to win the Permatang Pauh (in Penang) by-election with a convincing majority.
Sept 16, 2008 has been bandied around by his supporters to be the deadline of the massive crossover.
After the March 8 general election, the BN MPs were at 140 as against PR’s 82.
Out of the 140 BN MPs, 30 are from Sarawak while 24 are from Sabah.
PR would need at least 31 BN MPs to cross over in order to form a government with a very simple majority.
“The move is significant as a show of disillusionment towards the weak and fragile government administration under Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” the statement claimed.
Zainal also claimed that he was perplexed as to why BN leaders seemed to view the intending crossover of their MPs to PR as something immoral when opposition-to-BN cross-overs had happened in Sarawak and Sabah before.
“In as far as I can remember the crossing over of elected representatives either individually or by party, is nothing new. We have seen that in Sabah, PBS under (Datuk Seri) Joseph Pairin Kitingan crossed over from BN to join the opposition pact in 1990 and subsequently some years later PBS rejoined BN.
“In Sarawak after a snap state election was called, following the infamous Ming Court incident in 1987, a number of crossing overs by opposition state assemblymen to BN did take place.
“Gramong Juna and Michael Ben from PBDS, a (component) member of the Maju Group, crossed over to PBB-BN.
“Two assemblymen from Permas, another member of the Maju Group, namely Hilary Tawan and Bolhassan Kambar, walked over to PBB-BN.
“Subsequently, PBDS as a party also crossed over to BN to form the BN plus government in Sarawak,” Zainal said.
“The BN leaders then welcomed the crossing-overs with much cheers and gratitude. It was then their turn to take advantage of the crossing overs,” he added.
When contacted for his comment on the same issue, Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the crossovers in the 1980s and 1990s were not the same as the bandied sudden change of federal government which would destabilise the country.
He said a political scenario where MPs jumped ship just to form the central government would be illogical in Malaysia because its citizens had ‘first class mentality’ and thus they could see such act as being ‘undemocratic and unprincipled’.
Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, cited Germany as having citizens with first class mentality.
He said the German federal government only governed with a very simple majority like ‘three or four more members’ but its chancellor and government did not experience threats of crossovers.
“German MPs know that crossing over is undemocratic and unprincipled,” he said.
More cracks in SAPP expected
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Progressive Party deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan has been removed as its Sandakan zone and Tanjung Papat Constituency Liaison committee (CLC) chairman, suggesting deepening differences with party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.
It is learnt the decision to strip Tan of his CLC chairmanship was made at the party's central working committee meeting on Aug 30.
The Tanjung Papat new CLC chairman is Poon Kee Yang, who also heads the Karamunting CLC.
SAPP secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong confirmed Tan's removal.
Tan, who is one of Sabah's three deputy chief ministers, was among several SAPP leaders who were against the move to support a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Tan, who is Tanjung Papat assemblyman, said he would wait for an official announcement before making any comments.
"In any case, the appointments of CLC and zone chairman are the prerogative of the party president," he said, adding that he would remain as the party's deputy president because he was elected to the post.
It also appears that cracks have emerged in the party with vice-president and Kawang CLC chairman Norbert Chin resigning from the two posts, and several other senior party officials said to be on the verge of quitting.
Chin's place had been taken over by Juil Insing.
Norbert tendered his resignation in July, saying he wanted to concentrate in his legal practice.
Friday, 5 September 2008
SAPP VP quits
One of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)eight Vice Presidents Norbert Chin today confirmed that he had resigned from all posts in the party led by Ex-Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee.
Chin said his resignation had been accepted and ceased to be a member of the party's supreme council effective Aug 30, 2008. He said he resigned to concentrate on his legal practise.
The other VPs are Datuk Frankia Chong,Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui, Au Kam Wah, Melania Chia, Datuk Rashid Gador, Shim Paw Fatt, Jimmy Wong and Don Chin.
Chin's resignation seemed to confirm that SAPP is facing a split with more to follow suit.
This `mass resignation' of party's leaders had to do with Yong's decision to call for no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
My Say:
What's next of this party?
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Pak Samad
Bapak Has Left Us
Nuraina Samad, my former boss in New Straits Times posted the following in her blog at 6.53pm today announcing the passing of her beloved father Tan Sri Samad Ismail. I had the opportunity to work under this great man in NST while he was the Group Editorial Advisor. My condolence to Nuraina and the family of Pak Samad.
Alfatihah. My dad passed away at 5.58 pm today.
Thank you for all your prayers for him.
May God Bless You.
We are taking Bapak's body back from the hospital to the house at 2, Lorong 16/7C, Petaling Jaya now.
The kebumi will be at Bukit Kiara after Friday prayers tomorrow (Sept 5)
Below are words about this `Father of Journalism'
A. Samad Ismail, 1994 Magsaysay Award recipient
The 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts
CITATION for Abdul Samad Ismail
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies in
Manila, Philippines in 1994
Born in British Singapore to Javanese parents, ABDUL SAMAD ISMAIL completed his Senior Cambridge Certificate in the final year of peace before World War II. Spurning the more conventional careers for English-educated Malays, he became a cub reporter at the newly launched Malay daily, Utusan Melayu. Newspaper work suited the restless, brilliant youth and it became his life-long addiction.
Rising during the war years to assistant editor of Utusan Melayu, SAMAD at twenty-one became editor of the Japanese-sponsored Berita Malai. The returning British jailed him briefly after the war, but SAMAD soon assumed effective editorial leadership of the revived Utusan Melayu. In his hands the newspaper covered sympathetically the agitations of radical labor and student movements and became an instrument in the independence struggle.
SAMAD steeped himself in anti-colonial politics. He joined left-wing Malay nationalists in pressing for a decolonization plan in which the interests of Malays would be paramount and met regularly with anti-colonial activists of all races, urging them to stand with the most oppressed social classes, especially poor Malays. Secretly he arranged material support for Indonesian revolutionaries at war with the Dutch. SAMAD's ties to leftist leaders and organizations led the British to arrest him a second time in 1951. Never tried, he was released in 1953 to popular acclaim; he rejoined the Utusan Melayu and, with Lee Kuan Yew, founded Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP).
From his earliest days as editor SAMAD religiously printed the works of Malay poets and short story writers. He now used his influence to support the "fifties generation" of Malay writers by publishing their literary works in Utusan Melayu. Passionately he cautioned Malays not to abandon their own language for English, assuring them that Malay "will gain in richness, utility, and beauty together with the emancipation and growth of Malayan society."
In 1959, having broken with both Utusan Melayu and Lee Kuan Yew, SAMAD moved to Kuala Lurnpur. As editor of Berita Harian and, eventually, as managing editor of the New Straits Times Group, he moved print journalism into the mainstream of Malaysian political life. He developed a nationwide team of correspondents based in rural areas and, as editor and mentor, shaped the thinking and values of Malaysia's rising writers and journalists. His own incisive articles in Malay and English dissected the country's complex electoral processes and drew attention to embarrassing inequities in the national society. He promoted standardization of the national language and the creation of a national university. SAMAD also explored the social complexities of Malaysia's fast-evolving multi-ethnic society in a series of novels, beginning in 1967.
Jailed again in 1976 under Malaysia's Internal Security Act, SAMAD was released in 1981 and rejoined the New Straits Times Group as editorial adviser. Retired in 1988, he was knighted by Malaysia's king in 1992. Today he teaches young writers and continues to write actively himself. He wams up-and-coming reporters about the blandishments of power and money and reminds them of their "moral obligation to the nation as citizens."
A notorious workaholic and jokester, seventy-year-old SAMAD is also famous for his astute political insights and powerful mind. He is "a thinker for his people," as one admirer puts it. Personally, his friends say, he is something of an enigma. SAMAD admits, "Only my Creator knows me well."
In electing ABDUL SAMAD ISMAIL to receive the 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts, the board of trustees recognizes his applying his intellect and journalistic skills to champion national independence, cultural revival, and democratic nation-building in Malaysia.
Nuraina Samad, my former boss in New Straits Times posted the following in her blog at 6.53pm today announcing the passing of her beloved father Tan Sri Samad Ismail. I had the opportunity to work under this great man in NST while he was the Group Editorial Advisor. My condolence to Nuraina and the family of Pak Samad.
Alfatihah. My dad passed away at 5.58 pm today.
Thank you for all your prayers for him.
May God Bless You.
We are taking Bapak's body back from the hospital to the house at 2, Lorong 16/7C, Petaling Jaya now.
The kebumi will be at Bukit Kiara after Friday prayers tomorrow (Sept 5)
Below are words about this `Father of Journalism'
A. Samad Ismail, 1994 Magsaysay Award recipient
The 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts
CITATION for Abdul Samad Ismail
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies in
Manila, Philippines in 1994
Born in British Singapore to Javanese parents, ABDUL SAMAD ISMAIL completed his Senior Cambridge Certificate in the final year of peace before World War II. Spurning the more conventional careers for English-educated Malays, he became a cub reporter at the newly launched Malay daily, Utusan Melayu. Newspaper work suited the restless, brilliant youth and it became his life-long addiction.
Rising during the war years to assistant editor of Utusan Melayu, SAMAD at twenty-one became editor of the Japanese-sponsored Berita Malai. The returning British jailed him briefly after the war, but SAMAD soon assumed effective editorial leadership of the revived Utusan Melayu. In his hands the newspaper covered sympathetically the agitations of radical labor and student movements and became an instrument in the independence struggle.
SAMAD steeped himself in anti-colonial politics. He joined left-wing Malay nationalists in pressing for a decolonization plan in which the interests of Malays would be paramount and met regularly with anti-colonial activists of all races, urging them to stand with the most oppressed social classes, especially poor Malays. Secretly he arranged material support for Indonesian revolutionaries at war with the Dutch. SAMAD's ties to leftist leaders and organizations led the British to arrest him a second time in 1951. Never tried, he was released in 1953 to popular acclaim; he rejoined the Utusan Melayu and, with Lee Kuan Yew, founded Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP).
From his earliest days as editor SAMAD religiously printed the works of Malay poets and short story writers. He now used his influence to support the "fifties generation" of Malay writers by publishing their literary works in Utusan Melayu. Passionately he cautioned Malays not to abandon their own language for English, assuring them that Malay "will gain in richness, utility, and beauty together with the emancipation and growth of Malayan society."
In 1959, having broken with both Utusan Melayu and Lee Kuan Yew, SAMAD moved to Kuala Lurnpur. As editor of Berita Harian and, eventually, as managing editor of the New Straits Times Group, he moved print journalism into the mainstream of Malaysian political life. He developed a nationwide team of correspondents based in rural areas and, as editor and mentor, shaped the thinking and values of Malaysia's rising writers and journalists. His own incisive articles in Malay and English dissected the country's complex electoral processes and drew attention to embarrassing inequities in the national society. He promoted standardization of the national language and the creation of a national university. SAMAD also explored the social complexities of Malaysia's fast-evolving multi-ethnic society in a series of novels, beginning in 1967.
Jailed again in 1976 under Malaysia's Internal Security Act, SAMAD was released in 1981 and rejoined the New Straits Times Group as editorial adviser. Retired in 1988, he was knighted by Malaysia's king in 1992. Today he teaches young writers and continues to write actively himself. He wams up-and-coming reporters about the blandishments of power and money and reminds them of their "moral obligation to the nation as citizens."
A notorious workaholic and jokester, seventy-year-old SAMAD is also famous for his astute political insights and powerful mind. He is "a thinker for his people," as one admirer puts it. Personally, his friends say, he is something of an enigma. SAMAD admits, "Only my Creator knows me well."
In electing ABDUL SAMAD ISMAIL to receive the 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts, the board of trustees recognizes his applying his intellect and journalistic skills to champion national independence, cultural revival, and democratic nation-building in Malaysia.
Most Correct Decision...
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan's former political secretary Kanul Gindol said it would be the most correct decision by the Pakatan Rakyat Government to make Sept 16 a public holiday in the five States its conrtolled - Penang, Perak, Selangor, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Its long overdue, he said in a SMS to me a minute ago. He said it was certainly in the right direction and ought to be supported by all Malaysians.
"It will be foolish not to support just because the people are in different political parties," Kanul said.
Its long overdue, he said in a SMS to me a minute ago. He said it was certainly in the right direction and ought to be supported by all Malaysians.
"It will be foolish not to support just because the people are in different political parties," Kanul said.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Majimbun on Sept 16 issue
As published HERE today.
My Say:
For the record Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan then Chief Minister had during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Malaysia Day in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16, 1988 requested the Federal Government that starting the following year (1989) Sept 16, be declared a national public holiday to mark Malaysia Day.
Pairin had said that Sept 16, 1963 was a special date for all Malaysians as it was the day when the Federation of Malaysia was inaugurated.
Politics Malaysia - Anwar vs UMNO
Posted by/in mindspring on September 3, 2008. Worth reproducing it as post on its own.
Looking at the comments flying through blogshpere, it is apparent that the battle line between Anwar and UMNO will be drawn on the basis of race. UMNO the protector of the Malay’s and Anwar the sell out of the Malay’s.
I think - UMNO and its supporters in particular have a conceptual flaw in their thinking an it is a flaw that Anwar is capitalizing on.
Elections is truly a battle of perceptions - perception of which candidate has a better deal to offer. The challenge with perceptions is that it changes with sociographics change. And these are irreversible changes. Unfortunately for UMNO it is trying to relate to a voter base that has shifted - in terms of understanding, in terms of education, in terms of wealth and in terms of aspirations. In a way it is like the dog that bit the master’s hand - because these are the very malays who became what they are because of UMNO policies.
The flaw in the thinking is that UMNO expects this new sociographic to hold on to values of the past. While the past was described by rural poverty, lack of access to basic education, but balanced with abundance of open spaces and clean air, the present scenario is completely different.
The urban Malay is confronted with Urban poverty, lack of access to quality in education, living in fairly confined spaces and a degrading environment.
The fact that remains the same today as it was 50 years ago is that the Chinese are still in control of commerce and a large portion of wealth. The Malays are richer than before but probably still a gap behind the chinese. The difference between today and then is that in todays world. money speaks louder than ever. Anything that you wish can be bought - even kidneys! And this is credit to the NEP whose goal was to enlarge the pie and accordingly enlarge the bumi share of that pie, thus not robbing the chinese to pay the malays.
What the Malays - especially the urban malays are finding is that after so much of material advancement, life is still hard. Policies are not being put out to address the urban issues. The urban issues are being left to consumerism and wealth to dictate. Worst still, consumerism as pushed by Khazanah and the gods of capitalism will only bow to money. And the more everything becomes oriented to money, the more we will the chinese fingerprints - simply because that is where the money is.
Take the fuel price hike. That increase hurt the urban malay much more then the rural malay. The rural malay probably doesn’t travel as much to get on with his life - hence less usage of petrol. Whereas the urban malay has no choice but to cover all those miles by car or bike - going to work,sending kids to school, doing groceries on top of that having to pay for tolls, sit in congestion etc. Telling the urban malay that he cant drive anymore and should now take public transport - is like asking him to take a step backwards. And then at the same time UMNO says be grateful for all we have done.
No lah… people look at today only. Yes, people are 100% grateful for the past, but our reality is what is happening today. Unfortunately UMNO has not been able to move into the present.
Anwar has seized this position - Anwar is about the present and it is a position that works for him - right time, right place. Anwar may be the devil in disguise but that is not the issue, The issue is that politics and elections is a battle for peoples minds. Its a battle of perception.
The more UMNO tries to push the “protector of malay’s” agenda, the more it will backfire. Assumes that of 100% Malays - 50% are true muslims and 50% are liberal malays. The first lot will always be with PAS and PAS’s position is clear - the islamic way. Forget if PAS can run the country or not, that is not the issue. What is interesting is that more Malays professionals are in PAS that in UMNO (I think) and PAS itself in its line up has a much more professionally qualified leaders than in UMNO. These professionals are unfortunately for UMNO, the urban Malays.
OF the other 50% liberal malays - what do they do? Well they either stay in UMNO , become enlightened and join PAS or go mainstream and be with PKR. the decision of where they throw their support is truly a function of the proposition of the respective parties. So UMNO is indeed fishing from a diminishing pond.
Worst still, UMNO’s real strength has been the BN coalition. But that itself is gone. The Indians woke up and said what has MIC done for us and literally decimated MIC at the polls, likewise for the chinese MCA. So the issues we are facing is not just a MALAY UMNO issue. The county as a whole has grown up, and it is ready for a new politics.
UMNO has failed miserable to present itself as UMNO Baru Baru while PKR, DAP and even PAS have presented themselves with youthful candidates - high on energy and idealism. Just look at the contenders for the UMNO VP position and see if you can find anyone below 50 years old?
So my suggestion to UMNO and its supporters, the real battle is a battle of perception. Right now you have lost every round to Anwar. The only way you will win back support is when people see UMNO Baru Baru - No Pak Lah, No Najib, No Khairy, No Mukhris, No Hishamuddin. UMNO has to put forth an Peoples UMNO and not an UMNO that has been inherited by birth right of marriage.
For now you can't touch Anwar!
Looking at the comments flying through blogshpere, it is apparent that the battle line between Anwar and UMNO will be drawn on the basis of race. UMNO the protector of the Malay’s and Anwar the sell out of the Malay’s.
I think - UMNO and its supporters in particular have a conceptual flaw in their thinking an it is a flaw that Anwar is capitalizing on.
Elections is truly a battle of perceptions - perception of which candidate has a better deal to offer. The challenge with perceptions is that it changes with sociographics change. And these are irreversible changes. Unfortunately for UMNO it is trying to relate to a voter base that has shifted - in terms of understanding, in terms of education, in terms of wealth and in terms of aspirations. In a way it is like the dog that bit the master’s hand - because these are the very malays who became what they are because of UMNO policies.
The flaw in the thinking is that UMNO expects this new sociographic to hold on to values of the past. While the past was described by rural poverty, lack of access to basic education, but balanced with abundance of open spaces and clean air, the present scenario is completely different.
The urban Malay is confronted with Urban poverty, lack of access to quality in education, living in fairly confined spaces and a degrading environment.
The fact that remains the same today as it was 50 years ago is that the Chinese are still in control of commerce and a large portion of wealth. The Malays are richer than before but probably still a gap behind the chinese. The difference between today and then is that in todays world. money speaks louder than ever. Anything that you wish can be bought - even kidneys! And this is credit to the NEP whose goal was to enlarge the pie and accordingly enlarge the bumi share of that pie, thus not robbing the chinese to pay the malays.
What the Malays - especially the urban malays are finding is that after so much of material advancement, life is still hard. Policies are not being put out to address the urban issues. The urban issues are being left to consumerism and wealth to dictate. Worst still, consumerism as pushed by Khazanah and the gods of capitalism will only bow to money. And the more everything becomes oriented to money, the more we will the chinese fingerprints - simply because that is where the money is.
Take the fuel price hike. That increase hurt the urban malay much more then the rural malay. The rural malay probably doesn’t travel as much to get on with his life - hence less usage of petrol. Whereas the urban malay has no choice but to cover all those miles by car or bike - going to work,sending kids to school, doing groceries on top of that having to pay for tolls, sit in congestion etc. Telling the urban malay that he cant drive anymore and should now take public transport - is like asking him to take a step backwards. And then at the same time UMNO says be grateful for all we have done.
No lah… people look at today only. Yes, people are 100% grateful for the past, but our reality is what is happening today. Unfortunately UMNO has not been able to move into the present.
Anwar has seized this position - Anwar is about the present and it is a position that works for him - right time, right place. Anwar may be the devil in disguise but that is not the issue, The issue is that politics and elections is a battle for peoples minds. Its a battle of perception.
The more UMNO tries to push the “protector of malay’s” agenda, the more it will backfire. Assumes that of 100% Malays - 50% are true muslims and 50% are liberal malays. The first lot will always be with PAS and PAS’s position is clear - the islamic way. Forget if PAS can run the country or not, that is not the issue. What is interesting is that more Malays professionals are in PAS that in UMNO (I think) and PAS itself in its line up has a much more professionally qualified leaders than in UMNO. These professionals are unfortunately for UMNO, the urban Malays.
OF the other 50% liberal malays - what do they do? Well they either stay in UMNO , become enlightened and join PAS or go mainstream and be with PKR. the decision of where they throw their support is truly a function of the proposition of the respective parties. So UMNO is indeed fishing from a diminishing pond.
Worst still, UMNO’s real strength has been the BN coalition. But that itself is gone. The Indians woke up and said what has MIC done for us and literally decimated MIC at the polls, likewise for the chinese MCA. So the issues we are facing is not just a MALAY UMNO issue. The county as a whole has grown up, and it is ready for a new politics.
UMNO has failed miserable to present itself as UMNO Baru Baru while PKR, DAP and even PAS have presented themselves with youthful candidates - high on energy and idealism. Just look at the contenders for the UMNO VP position and see if you can find anyone below 50 years old?
So my suggestion to UMNO and its supporters, the real battle is a battle of perception. Right now you have lost every round to Anwar. The only way you will win back support is when people see UMNO Baru Baru - No Pak Lah, No Najib, No Khairy, No Mukhris, No Hishamuddin. UMNO has to put forth an Peoples UMNO and not an UMNO that has been inherited by birth right of marriage.
For now you can't touch Anwar!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Sept 16 - Public Holiday In Sabah
While the five states controlled by the Opposition in Peninsula Malaysia are planning to declare Sept 16 a Public Holiday to celebrate the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963, Sabah has all this while been observing that date a Public Holiday, also to celebrate the official Birthday of the Governor (Yang Dipertua Negeri).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said his party UPKO fully supported the call by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for Sept 16 to be declared a National Public Holiday.
Speaking to the Press in Kota Kinabalu today, the UPKO president said the matter had been discussed in the Federal Cabinet but nothing came out of it to date. Dompok said he would bring up the matter to the Cabinet again.
But in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had shot down the call by the Penang's Chief Minister, saying that the Federal Government had no intention to make Sept 16 a National Public Holiday.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said his party UPKO fully supported the call by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for Sept 16 to be declared a National Public Holiday.
Speaking to the Press in Kota Kinabalu today, the UPKO president said the matter had been discussed in the Federal Cabinet but nothing came out of it to date. Dompok said he would bring up the matter to the Cabinet again.
But in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had shot down the call by the Penang's Chief Minister, saying that the Federal Government had no intention to make Sept 16 a National Public Holiday.
In Loving Memory of Dr CJ
These two photographs were taken at the corner seat where Dr CJ (left) had been the permanent `resident'.
Dr Charles James (CJ) (left in both photographs) was the first man that I met and acquainted with upon my arrival in London on July 5th 1997 to begin my stint as New Straits Times news correspondent.
The NST office cum house (Times of Malaysia (London) Limited) was on the 1st Floor, 31 Chapel Side, Moscow Road, London W2 4LL a stone throw from the Bayswater and Queensway tube stations.
NST correspondent Rashid Yusof whom I was replacing came to the Heathrow Airport to wait for me and as soon as I met Karim Sulaiman and his family (they were staying a floor above me), I went out in search for something to eat.
I passed by King's Head Bar and seeing that there were not many people inside, I went in and sat at the end of the front bar. I ordered a pint and was enjoying that first drink in London, my back resting on the wall came a big build man walking with the aid walking sticks.
When he saw me, I smiled and said: Gentleman, I see you're new here. That place (pointing to where I was seated) is mine. Please, make way." Sensing that I was the only Malaysian inside the bar, I obediently moved away making way for the man to have his seat.
As I was moving to the a table holding the pint, the man said: "Young man, sit here (pointing to the empty chair next to him). I am CJ, join me. I will buy you a pint for moving from my seat."
Yes that was the beginning of a two years' friendship to CJ who was living just across the Bar and just a block away from Chapelside. It would be everyday with CJ at the bar. He introduced me to his friends who were professionals, TV celebrities and high-ranking City officials.
I had also introduced CJ to my friends/students from Malaysia and when I wife and children joined me, CJ was at the bar hosting us lunch.
I still remember when I came back from Germany after a-week-tour with the other London-based journalists that the moment I entered the bar, CJ was there staring at me. He was not amused for not being told where I went saying that he was worried that I went `missing' for a week.
When I told him that I was on official visit to Germany, he said:"Ah ha...young man the penalty is two pints for you for a week (he smiled), on me."
The next time I went to Scotland, I informed me and he gave me a number to call and the man turned out to be his relative. I had a great time. From the first encounter with CJ until I returned home to Kota Kinabalu Sabah, I was always there having a pint with CJ.
I also called CJ sometimes.
Than a shocking news was related to me by Nades (Citizen Nades) that CJ had passed away. I called on the numbers I used to call him, his younger brother Micheal was at the other end of the line crying, confirming that Dr CJ `had returned to the Lord.'
NST last assigned correspondent to London Mr Tony Emmanuel had the opportunity to meet and drink with CJ and he too, informed me of the good doctor's passing.
That was several years ago but Dr CJ, a retired medical consultant, is until now still fresh in my mind.
Monday, 1 September 2008
Still on the SAPP Convention
Those who attended the convention and below Harris giving his talk.
"Convention on Sabah Issues" organised by SAPP was a success participated by over 1,000 people at Putera Theatre Ballroom. Although invitations were sent out to BN component parties, wakil rakyats, MPs, none of them bothered to attend this convention which specifically touched on issues affecting Sabah and its people.
SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, however, thanked Datuk Eric Majimbun (MP Sepanggar), Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (MP Tawau), DAP Dr. Hiew (MP for Kota Kinabalu), Parti Keadilan Rakyat national vice president Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah PKR chief Haji Ansari Abdullah, Datuk James Ligunjang, members and the public who turned up for the important convention.
Yong said that the no show by other BN parties showed that they put BN before/above the problems and issues affecting Sabah which was why the convention being organised in the first place.
Panel of speakers who came were Datuk Harris Salleh, former Sabah Chief Minister, who touches on the 20 points, political situation in Sabah and Malaysia, while emphasizing on BN politicians who kowtow to KL to seek favours and the high level of corruption within Umno during its party elections. The other panelist were Tan Sri Simon Sipaun of Suhakam and Mr. Amde Sidik, Daily Express columnist and writer/author.
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