Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali today tabled a deficit budget of RM2.42 billion for 2015 focused primarily on the wellbeing of the state's residents. The figure is the biggest ever in its history.
This is also the first time since 2008, when Pakatan Rakyat took over the reins of Malaysia's richest state, that it had tabled a deficit budget.
Under the state's 2015 budget, a massive RM1.13 billion is put aside for the state's development, while RM1.29 billion has been earmarked for operation expenditure.
In contrast, former menteri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim tabled a budget of RM1.85 billion last year, of which 33.78% or RM625 million was for development expenditure, while RM1.225 billion or 66.2% for operating expenditure.
The huge allocation for the development budget is in line with Azmin's pledge to prioritise the needs of residents of Malaysia's richest state and improve local infrastructure. – November 24, 2014.
More HERE.
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Showing posts with label Selangor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selangor. Show all posts
Monday, 24 November 2014
Friday, 26 September 2014
The Calm Before the Storm
Following the swearing-in of Azmin Ali, the dust has finally settled down on the Selangor MB crisis.
But, it is not time to draw a sigh of relief yet, and the crisis is anything but over. We have yet to see how Anwar Ibrahim is going to pick up the pieces, and how Azmin will run the state, and how the three parties that make up Pakatan Rakyat would reconcile. In addition, we are also concerned about possible changes to the country's political system as a result of this crisis.
Without doubt the relationship among the three parties of Pakatan Rakyat has suffered a tremendous blow because of this. PAS has always not been in agreement with DAP over certain issues, and now the Islamic party finds new differences with PKR. How will these three parties which Hadi has said admittingly that have very different political struggle goals, would ever get together again?
In this whole thing, DAP has been playing a passive role right from the start, dancing to the tune of PKR's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. But that also means DAP suffers the least impact among the three parties in this crisis. At least the party will not be like its other allies in Pakatan PKR and PAS, which are going through a period of relative calm for the time being before a major storm strikes.
In the just concluded PAS general assembly, the conservatives and the liberals were locked in a fierce war of words, unreservedly exposing the real discord within the party. The two Selangor reps whom party president Hadi Awang had labeled "accomplices" insisted they supported Kak Wan out of their own accord while vowing they would not quit the party. The outcome of this power wrestling between the conservatives and the liberals would have decisive effects on the party's future directions as well as the cooperation with their allies in Pakatan Rakyat.
Although PKR has managed to keep the MB post, and has accepted the appointment of Azmin Ali as the new MB, anyone with a sound mind should be able to tell that to PKR, this has been a reluctant eventuality, more so to Anwar Ibrahim.
This shows that Anwar's painstakingly designed "Kajang Plan" has flopped completely, and this will have a detrimental toll on his personal reputation and integrity. To make things worse, power struggle within PKR will be aggravated following Azmin's appointment as Selangor MB, making it all the more challenging for Pakatan to put through its Putrajaya plan come the next general elections.
It is unbecoming that a minor power struggle issue that could have been settled internally has now cost the entire party so dearly, that even the cordial working relationship among the three parties is now in peril. Anwar has a responsibility to bear. In this whole thing, Anwar's judgment capacity and the way he handles the crisis are questionable. Once again he has exposed his weaknesses and conceitedness.
The Selangor MB crisis has exposed the stark reality that Pakatan Rakyat is indeed a very lax organization, with vulnerable foundation for the three parties to work together, which is a far cry from what the public have expected from them. If the three parties fail to make amends, Pakatan might as well be inching closer towards decline.
No one can dominate a party forever. It is a matter of time that the "post-Anwar" era will eventually arrive. If the three parties were to work together again, then someone will have to take Anwar's place as the supreme leader of Pakatan.
This is yet another big question mark that hangs over us after the Selangor MB crisis.
Source: SinChew
But, it is not time to draw a sigh of relief yet, and the crisis is anything but over. We have yet to see how Anwar Ibrahim is going to pick up the pieces, and how Azmin will run the state, and how the three parties that make up Pakatan Rakyat would reconcile. In addition, we are also concerned about possible changes to the country's political system as a result of this crisis.
Without doubt the relationship among the three parties of Pakatan Rakyat has suffered a tremendous blow because of this. PAS has always not been in agreement with DAP over certain issues, and now the Islamic party finds new differences with PKR. How will these three parties which Hadi has said admittingly that have very different political struggle goals, would ever get together again?
In this whole thing, DAP has been playing a passive role right from the start, dancing to the tune of PKR's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. But that also means DAP suffers the least impact among the three parties in this crisis. At least the party will not be like its other allies in Pakatan PKR and PAS, which are going through a period of relative calm for the time being before a major storm strikes.
In the just concluded PAS general assembly, the conservatives and the liberals were locked in a fierce war of words, unreservedly exposing the real discord within the party. The two Selangor reps whom party president Hadi Awang had labeled "accomplices" insisted they supported Kak Wan out of their own accord while vowing they would not quit the party. The outcome of this power wrestling between the conservatives and the liberals would have decisive effects on the party's future directions as well as the cooperation with their allies in Pakatan Rakyat.
Although PKR has managed to keep the MB post, and has accepted the appointment of Azmin Ali as the new MB, anyone with a sound mind should be able to tell that to PKR, this has been a reluctant eventuality, more so to Anwar Ibrahim.
This shows that Anwar's painstakingly designed "Kajang Plan" has flopped completely, and this will have a detrimental toll on his personal reputation and integrity. To make things worse, power struggle within PKR will be aggravated following Azmin's appointment as Selangor MB, making it all the more challenging for Pakatan to put through its Putrajaya plan come the next general elections.
It is unbecoming that a minor power struggle issue that could have been settled internally has now cost the entire party so dearly, that even the cordial working relationship among the three parties is now in peril. Anwar has a responsibility to bear. In this whole thing, Anwar's judgment capacity and the way he handles the crisis are questionable. Once again he has exposed his weaknesses and conceitedness.
The Selangor MB crisis has exposed the stark reality that Pakatan Rakyat is indeed a very lax organization, with vulnerable foundation for the three parties to work together, which is a far cry from what the public have expected from them. If the three parties fail to make amends, Pakatan might as well be inching closer towards decline.
No one can dominate a party forever. It is a matter of time that the "post-Anwar" era will eventually arrive. If the three parties were to work together again, then someone will have to take Anwar's place as the supreme leader of Pakatan.
This is yet another big question mark that hangs over us after the Selangor MB crisis.
Source: SinChew
S'gor excos unveiled, PAS loses one to PKR
The new Selangor executive councillor lineup announced today sees PAS' representation slashed following the party's obstructive role in the Selangor MB saga.
With this, PAS' exco members are down from the previous four to three, with PKR taking up the spot to give it four.
However, the deputy speaker post will be given to PAS.
The PKR-DAP-PAS composition of the new lineup, which was approved by the sultan yesterday, was announced by newly-minted MB Mohamed Azmin Ali.
The lineup announced at the press conference this morning is as follows:
Elizabeth Wong (PKR)
Daroyah Alwi (PKR)
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR) *
Amirudin Shari (PKR) *
Teng Chang Khim (DAP)
Ean Yong Hian Wah (DAP)
V Ganabatirau (DAP)
Iskandar Abdul Samad (PAS)
Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PAS)
Zaidy Abdul Talib (PAS) *
* newcomer
[More to follow]
Source: Malaysiakini
With this, PAS' exco members are down from the previous four to three, with PKR taking up the spot to give it four.
However, the deputy speaker post will be given to PAS.
The PKR-DAP-PAS composition of the new lineup, which was approved by the sultan yesterday, was announced by newly-minted MB Mohamed Azmin Ali.
The lineup announced at the press conference this morning is as follows:
Elizabeth Wong (PKR)
Daroyah Alwi (PKR)
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR) *
Amirudin Shari (PKR) *
Teng Chang Khim (DAP)
Ean Yong Hian Wah (DAP)
V Ganabatirau (DAP)
Iskandar Abdul Samad (PAS)
Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PAS)
Zaidy Abdul Talib (PAS) *
* newcomer
[More to follow]
Source: Malaysiakini
Winners and Losers in the Selangor Saga
With the swearing in of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali as the new Selangor menteri besar on Tuesday, a curtain comes down on an infamous political move for which the consequences had dragged on for more than eight months.
It was called, at the height of its popularity, the 'Kajang move'.
It was the easiest way one could coin a political manoeuvring that had such far-reaching implications.
The plan for the Kajang move was to consciously trigger the resignation of Kajang assemblyperson Lee Chin Cheh to force a by-election and then have PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim contest in the seat, and if he wins, become the Selangor MB.
But a 'hastened' sodomy conviction in March disqualified Anwar, and PKR had to go ahead and named his wife party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the state seat.
The move to replace then-Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had to be stalled for months following the by-election.
In July, the motions were put in place again as the friction between Abdul Khalid and his party PKR grew, and probably in an effort to ensure the Kajang move remained relevant, Wan Azizah was proposed as the new Selangor MB, triggering a prolonged crisis.
Plenty had happened in between - Abdul Khalid’s sacking from PKR, and his decision to sack six PKR and DAP excos, PAS’ refusal to support attempts to remove Khalid, PAS’ refusal to endorse Wan Azizah, the Selangor palace’s intervention in demanding several names be nominated, and the palace’s eventual decision to name Azmin as the MB.
And in the entire crisis, there are obvious winners and losers.
Winner: Azmin Ali
Having always been the second strongest man in PKR with a following of his own, Azmin had twice eyed the MB post and had been overlooked in favour of Abdul Khalid on both occasions.
There have been plenty of outspoken doubts expressed about his style of politics, which many detractors claim resembles that of an Umno politician, but the fact remains that Azmin has remained loyal to the Reformasi cause for 16 years when many of his peers had deserted the movement at the earliest available opportunity.
He may not be the first choice to be MB, but he has the post now and has a golden opportunity to show the people what he can actually do and what he can actually offer as a leader. The manner in which he got the post may not matter at the end of the day, if his performance is admirable.
Azmin had played his cards right, waiting for the right moment to finally get the post, and throughout the saga continuously toed the party line until the party reluctantly endorsed him as MB at game point.
Winner: The royalty, Selangor palace
Incidences where the royalty intervene in the appointment of a MB is a rarity, but the indications had been there from very early on - since Wan Azizah’s name was nominated - that the palace was not keen an appointing her as MB.
The Star ran a report quoting palace sources that it did not want a 'remote control' MB. It attributed the claim to the fact that Wan Azizah is seen as following the guidance of her husband Anwar Ibrahim even if she does become MB.
During the impasse Wan Azizah proved she had a majority in the state assembly using statutory declarations after two PAS assemblypersons threw their support behind her. PKR and DAP insisted on sending only her name to the palace throughout the saga even though the palace had asked for at least three names to be nominated from each party.
PAS broke ranks with its coalition partners and submitted several names.
At the end of the day, the palace called in three select candidates and interviewed them, eventually opting for Azmin Ali, who was not nominated on any of the parties' lists.
The royalty in Selangor has thus asserted its authority, and had played an active role - a decisive one - in this entire saga.
Winner: BN
For Selangor BN, the internal strife that took place in the state for months might not have resulted in a state election. Yet, it would result in great fodder for the next general election campaign and even for many more by-elections in the near future.
Apart from that, the lack of cohesion with Pakatan had kept the crisis simmering for so many months that BN escaped scrutiny concerted public campaigns against pressing national issues such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which now only has six months left before implementation, and the indiscriminate use of the Sedition Act to silence political opponents.
Draw: Khalid Ibrahim
The former Selangor MB will divide opinions. There is no doubt he did his own legacy some harm by refusing to resign as MB when his party asked him to, even after he was sacked from his party.
But Abdul Khalid had anyway decided to end his political career the moment he was no longer in the state administration, and as such, stayed on in his post for as long as he could.
In his final days as MB he found criticisms abound, but there was plenty of support from PAS and even BN towards his administration. He had the state reserves of billions to show how his administration had allegedly transformed the state.
It is possible now that he may get another opportunity to administer, maybe not as a politician as a result of this crisis and the new friends he had made along the way. Abdul Khalid’s ability to maintain silence when his critics were busy parroting his alleged wrongdoings, and to always remain professional, had won him a few supporters on its own.
When the party made overtures to remove him, Abdul Khalid had nothing to lose and he acted like someone who had nothing to lose. But how much he had gained from the crisis is anyone’s guess.
The fact that his biggest detractor Azmin did not openly criticise him during the crisis or after replacing him as MB goes to show that he had retained a level of respect that even PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim insisted must be maintained.
But despite that, his ultimate goal to complete two terms as MB did not become a reality. He lost and gained nothing.
Losers: Kajang move architects
PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution and newly elected PKR vice president Rafizi Ramli were the chief architects of the move.
Over the past couple of months, they have been extremely vocal in endorsing Wan Azizah, criticising PAS, and being critical subtly of their own party members who were making other overtures.
The fact that Wan Azizah did not become MB had basically rendered the Kajang by-election and eight months of imbroglio worthless.
Dating back to the Kajang Move, these two individuals had become the 'face' of PKR, speaking on behalf of the party, and contributing to divisions in the party. Their strong rebukes against Pakatan Rakyat partner, PAS, in this crisis, would not help mend ties when the crisis settles down.
The two also combined to form a team during the PKR party polls, which itself dragged on for months after being fraught with allegations of money politics. Saifuddin was only running third in the deputy president race behind Azmin and former Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim until the latter was sacked from the party, and their obvious attempts to put forth an alternative force in the party had failed.
Losers: Hadi and PAS ulama
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had become the pantomime villain over the past couple of months in the eyes of Pakatan Rakyat supporters, thanks to his handling of the MB crisis.
Hadi had acted on his own, overriding the party’s central committee decision and working with the syura council to make veto decisions that threatened the basic understanding within Pakatan.
He also opened fire against his own two party assemblypersons who had supported Wan Azizah with their statutory declarations, calling them "lackeys" at the PAS muktamar recently. This name-calling was something that did not gel well with many PAS grassroots.
Hadi’s actions have not only left huge gaps in Pakatan, but also left huge cracks within PAS. The faction aligned to him became increasingly vocal in backing Abdul Khalid as MB even after the latter was sacked by PKR, and in criticising PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim among others.
Throughout the months, Hadi never physically appeared alongside other Pakatan leaders and almost exclusively acted on his own, designating deputy president Mohamad Sabu to be the face of the party in Pakatan.
His criticism of PKR president Wan Azizah is likely to widen the rift both within Pakatan and PAS itself, and there have been calls for him to apologise and also to resign.
The MB crisis might also end up costing PAS plenty of votes in the next general election, especially among the non-Muslim voters, and the party’s progressive faction are likely to suffer the most in terms of votes in the mixed and urban areas.
In the course of the saga, a leaked chat message in a PAS Whatsapp group also showed how strong the divisions within PAS was, confirming the existence of a faction with radical and religious outlook that is increasingly vocal. It was the undoing of the years PAS had spent to portray the image of a moderate, yet Islamic, party.
Losers: Anwar Ibrahim, Pakatan and PKR
When the Kajang move was announced early this year, PKR said it was making Selangor the 'launchpad' to Pakatan taking over Putrajaya.
However what happened in the next eight months has only set the party back. Relationships within Pakatan Rakyat are now broken and bridges burnt, and it will a formidable challenge in itself if Pakatan could present the same united force it presented in the 13th general election.
With that united force proving insufficient to unseat the federal government in Putrajaya, and after promising to try harder for GE14, PKR and Pakatan now look to have spent an awfully long time mending a crisis of their own making instead of venturing into new territory.
PKR is now stuck in a precarious position. Their de facto leader Anwar has an impending jail sentence hovering above him, that rendered him unable to contest as party president as well.
With the deputy president Azmin as Selangor MB he would now be strong enough to make a challenge for the party presidency eventually.
The open war of factions that has surfaced in the PKR party polls showed the divide within the party. A section of the party is trying to move away from the legacy of Anwar alone, while another wants to keep promoting Anwar’s legacy in the party.
The party is stuck at a new crossroad. By the time it mends relationships internally and within Pakatan, it may not be able to better its GE13 performance.
And as for Anwar, with his increasing age and the increasing party infighting, chances for one of the country’s most charismatic politicians to clinch the prime minister’s post continues to shrink despite his decision to defer his retirement from politics post-GE13.
He is no longer seen as the ultimate element driving Pakatan, more so by many PAS members. Once upon a time, he was that glue that could bring Pakatan together, but he no longer seems to command that all round respect and loyalty.
The MB crisis has dragged for months due to his inability to bring all parties to the negotiation table like how he had done before.
The loose Pakatan coalition and PKR’s strengths are in tatters following this crisis. With Anwar having a looming court battle to worry about, chances are there will not be a magic solution to make things better for the opposition any time soon.
By Ram Anand, Malaysiakini
It was called, at the height of its popularity, the 'Kajang move'.
It was the easiest way one could coin a political manoeuvring that had such far-reaching implications.
The plan for the Kajang move was to consciously trigger the resignation of Kajang assemblyperson Lee Chin Cheh to force a by-election and then have PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim contest in the seat, and if he wins, become the Selangor MB.
But a 'hastened' sodomy conviction in March disqualified Anwar, and PKR had to go ahead and named his wife party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the state seat.
The move to replace then-Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had to be stalled for months following the by-election.
In July, the motions were put in place again as the friction between Abdul Khalid and his party PKR grew, and probably in an effort to ensure the Kajang move remained relevant, Wan Azizah was proposed as the new Selangor MB, triggering a prolonged crisis.
Plenty had happened in between - Abdul Khalid’s sacking from PKR, and his decision to sack six PKR and DAP excos, PAS’ refusal to support attempts to remove Khalid, PAS’ refusal to endorse Wan Azizah, the Selangor palace’s intervention in demanding several names be nominated, and the palace’s eventual decision to name Azmin as the MB.
And in the entire crisis, there are obvious winners and losers.
Winner: Azmin Ali
Having always been the second strongest man in PKR with a following of his own, Azmin had twice eyed the MB post and had been overlooked in favour of Abdul Khalid on both occasions.
There have been plenty of outspoken doubts expressed about his style of politics, which many detractors claim resembles that of an Umno politician, but the fact remains that Azmin has remained loyal to the Reformasi cause for 16 years when many of his peers had deserted the movement at the earliest available opportunity.
He may not be the first choice to be MB, but he has the post now and has a golden opportunity to show the people what he can actually do and what he can actually offer as a leader. The manner in which he got the post may not matter at the end of the day, if his performance is admirable.
Azmin had played his cards right, waiting for the right moment to finally get the post, and throughout the saga continuously toed the party line until the party reluctantly endorsed him as MB at game point.
Winner: The royalty, Selangor palace
Incidences where the royalty intervene in the appointment of a MB is a rarity, but the indications had been there from very early on - since Wan Azizah’s name was nominated - that the palace was not keen an appointing her as MB.
The Star ran a report quoting palace sources that it did not want a 'remote control' MB. It attributed the claim to the fact that Wan Azizah is seen as following the guidance of her husband Anwar Ibrahim even if she does become MB.
During the impasse Wan Azizah proved she had a majority in the state assembly using statutory declarations after two PAS assemblypersons threw their support behind her. PKR and DAP insisted on sending only her name to the palace throughout the saga even though the palace had asked for at least three names to be nominated from each party.
PAS broke ranks with its coalition partners and submitted several names.
At the end of the day, the palace called in three select candidates and interviewed them, eventually opting for Azmin Ali, who was not nominated on any of the parties' lists.
The royalty in Selangor has thus asserted its authority, and had played an active role - a decisive one - in this entire saga.
Winner: BN
For Selangor BN, the internal strife that took place in the state for months might not have resulted in a state election. Yet, it would result in great fodder for the next general election campaign and even for many more by-elections in the near future.
Apart from that, the lack of cohesion with Pakatan had kept the crisis simmering for so many months that BN escaped scrutiny concerted public campaigns against pressing national issues such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which now only has six months left before implementation, and the indiscriminate use of the Sedition Act to silence political opponents.
Draw: Khalid Ibrahim
The former Selangor MB will divide opinions. There is no doubt he did his own legacy some harm by refusing to resign as MB when his party asked him to, even after he was sacked from his party.
But Abdul Khalid had anyway decided to end his political career the moment he was no longer in the state administration, and as such, stayed on in his post for as long as he could.
In his final days as MB he found criticisms abound, but there was plenty of support from PAS and even BN towards his administration. He had the state reserves of billions to show how his administration had allegedly transformed the state.
It is possible now that he may get another opportunity to administer, maybe not as a politician as a result of this crisis and the new friends he had made along the way. Abdul Khalid’s ability to maintain silence when his critics were busy parroting his alleged wrongdoings, and to always remain professional, had won him a few supporters on its own.
When the party made overtures to remove him, Abdul Khalid had nothing to lose and he acted like someone who had nothing to lose. But how much he had gained from the crisis is anyone’s guess.
The fact that his biggest detractor Azmin did not openly criticise him during the crisis or after replacing him as MB goes to show that he had retained a level of respect that even PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim insisted must be maintained.
But despite that, his ultimate goal to complete two terms as MB did not become a reality. He lost and gained nothing.
Losers: Kajang move architects
PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution and newly elected PKR vice president Rafizi Ramli were the chief architects of the move.
Over the past couple of months, they have been extremely vocal in endorsing Wan Azizah, criticising PAS, and being critical subtly of their own party members who were making other overtures.
The fact that Wan Azizah did not become MB had basically rendered the Kajang by-election and eight months of imbroglio worthless.
Dating back to the Kajang Move, these two individuals had become the 'face' of PKR, speaking on behalf of the party, and contributing to divisions in the party. Their strong rebukes against Pakatan Rakyat partner, PAS, in this crisis, would not help mend ties when the crisis settles down.
The two also combined to form a team during the PKR party polls, which itself dragged on for months after being fraught with allegations of money politics. Saifuddin was only running third in the deputy president race behind Azmin and former Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim until the latter was sacked from the party, and their obvious attempts to put forth an alternative force in the party had failed.
Losers: Hadi and PAS ulama
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had become the pantomime villain over the past couple of months in the eyes of Pakatan Rakyat supporters, thanks to his handling of the MB crisis.
Hadi had acted on his own, overriding the party’s central committee decision and working with the syura council to make veto decisions that threatened the basic understanding within Pakatan.
He also opened fire against his own two party assemblypersons who had supported Wan Azizah with their statutory declarations, calling them "lackeys" at the PAS muktamar recently. This name-calling was something that did not gel well with many PAS grassroots.
Hadi’s actions have not only left huge gaps in Pakatan, but also left huge cracks within PAS. The faction aligned to him became increasingly vocal in backing Abdul Khalid as MB even after the latter was sacked by PKR, and in criticising PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim among others.
Throughout the months, Hadi never physically appeared alongside other Pakatan leaders and almost exclusively acted on his own, designating deputy president Mohamad Sabu to be the face of the party in Pakatan.
His criticism of PKR president Wan Azizah is likely to widen the rift both within Pakatan and PAS itself, and there have been calls for him to apologise and also to resign.
The MB crisis might also end up costing PAS plenty of votes in the next general election, especially among the non-Muslim voters, and the party’s progressive faction are likely to suffer the most in terms of votes in the mixed and urban areas.
In the course of the saga, a leaked chat message in a PAS Whatsapp group also showed how strong the divisions within PAS was, confirming the existence of a faction with radical and religious outlook that is increasingly vocal. It was the undoing of the years PAS had spent to portray the image of a moderate, yet Islamic, party.
Losers: Anwar Ibrahim, Pakatan and PKR
When the Kajang move was announced early this year, PKR said it was making Selangor the 'launchpad' to Pakatan taking over Putrajaya.
However what happened in the next eight months has only set the party back. Relationships within Pakatan Rakyat are now broken and bridges burnt, and it will a formidable challenge in itself if Pakatan could present the same united force it presented in the 13th general election.
With that united force proving insufficient to unseat the federal government in Putrajaya, and after promising to try harder for GE14, PKR and Pakatan now look to have spent an awfully long time mending a crisis of their own making instead of venturing into new territory.
PKR is now stuck in a precarious position. Their de facto leader Anwar has an impending jail sentence hovering above him, that rendered him unable to contest as party president as well.
With the deputy president Azmin as Selangor MB he would now be strong enough to make a challenge for the party presidency eventually.
The open war of factions that has surfaced in the PKR party polls showed the divide within the party. A section of the party is trying to move away from the legacy of Anwar alone, while another wants to keep promoting Anwar’s legacy in the party.
The party is stuck at a new crossroad. By the time it mends relationships internally and within Pakatan, it may not be able to better its GE13 performance.
And as for Anwar, with his increasing age and the increasing party infighting, chances for one of the country’s most charismatic politicians to clinch the prime minister’s post continues to shrink despite his decision to defer his retirement from politics post-GE13.
He is no longer seen as the ultimate element driving Pakatan, more so by many PAS members. Once upon a time, he was that glue that could bring Pakatan together, but he no longer seems to command that all round respect and loyalty.
The MB crisis has dragged for months due to his inability to bring all parties to the negotiation table like how he had done before.
The loose Pakatan coalition and PKR’s strengths are in tatters following this crisis. With Anwar having a looming court battle to worry about, chances are there will not be a magic solution to make things better for the opposition any time soon.
By Ram Anand, Malaysiakini
Thursday, 11 September 2014
The apology that was an insult
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has apologised on behalf of DAP for insulting the Sultan of Selangor. PKR’s de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, too, has apologised in the event the Sultan felt slighted by the insult.However, Anwar insists that he did no wrong in submitting only one name for Menteri Besar instead of three names as commanded by the Sultan since, if we follow convention, this is what Umno also does.
In short, if Umno can do it, why can’t PKR also do it? What gives Umno special privilege to be able to submit only one name while PKR is denied that same privilege?
This is almost like being asked to apologise for calling someone stupid and instead of saying, “I am sorry I called you stupid,” you say, “I am sorry you are stupid.” Is that an apology or a further insult?
The Sultan has been slighted, and the custom is for you to have an audience with him and ask for forgiveness. You do not issue a press statement like Lim and Anwar have done. That is not proper adat and protocol.
Instead of repairing the damage, Lim and Anwar have made it worse. They have just given the Sultan a second slap. Now, even if they request an audience, the Sultan will turn them down.
I am not sure whether Lim and Anwar are really that ignorant of proper protocol or whether they purposely wanted to insult the Sultan a second time. Whatever it may be they seem to not only want to close the door but they want to lock it and throw away the key.
Good luck to DAP and PKR in their effort to replace Khalid Ibrahim as the Menteri Besar of Selangor. If you do not even know how to be civil with the Sultan, how are you going to move forward?
By Roslan Bistamam, Free Malaysia Today
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
Forgive us for our Selangor MB trespass, DAP tells palace
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Though spared the full brunt of the monarch’s wrath, DAP formally apologised to the Selangor ruler today for offering only PKR’s Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as its nominee for the next Selangor mentri besar.
Its secretary-general added that it speak again with de facto leader of PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on the Selangor sultan’s previous decree that each of the three Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties submit at least three names to the palace for consideration—a request only their Islamist partner PAS has followed.
“On DAP’s behalf, I would like to seek the forgiveness of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor Darul Ehsan for the disappointment over DAP’s decision to submit only the name of Kajang assemblyman YB Datuk Seri Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail as the new Selangor mentri besar candidate,” DAP’s Lim Guan Eng said in a brief statement.
“DAP reiterates its undivided loyalty to the Constitutional Monarchy institution and will discuss with YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor’s decree as contained in the media statement by his Highness’s private secretary,” he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said yesterday that he will weigh the names put forward by the three PR parties, but will not limit possible candidates to those proposed by the DAP, PKR and PAS in search of Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s replacement.
The ruler expressed disappointment with PKR and the DAP for submitting just one name, despite having requested for more than two names from each PR party.
PAS had initially submitted two names — Dr Wan Azizah and PKR deputy President Azmin Ali — but their list has since been overtaken by a list of three undisclosed names personally submitted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang late last week.
Thirty Selangor assemblymen — all 28 from PKR and the DAP, as well as two from PAS — had signed statutory declarations in support of Dr Wan Azizah, comprising the majority of the 56-seat legislative assembly.
The Malay Mail
Its secretary-general added that it speak again with de facto leader of PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on the Selangor sultan’s previous decree that each of the three Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties submit at least three names to the palace for consideration—a request only their Islamist partner PAS has followed.
“On DAP’s behalf, I would like to seek the forgiveness of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor Darul Ehsan for the disappointment over DAP’s decision to submit only the name of Kajang assemblyman YB Datuk Seri Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail as the new Selangor mentri besar candidate,” DAP’s Lim Guan Eng said in a brief statement.
“DAP reiterates its undivided loyalty to the Constitutional Monarchy institution and will discuss with YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor’s decree as contained in the media statement by his Highness’s private secretary,” he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said yesterday that he will weigh the names put forward by the three PR parties, but will not limit possible candidates to those proposed by the DAP, PKR and PAS in search of Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s replacement.
The ruler expressed disappointment with PKR and the DAP for submitting just one name, despite having requested for more than two names from each PR party.
PAS had initially submitted two names — Dr Wan Azizah and PKR deputy President Azmin Ali — but their list has since been overtaken by a list of three undisclosed names personally submitted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang late last week.
Thirty Selangor assemblymen — all 28 from PKR and the DAP, as well as two from PAS — had signed statutory declarations in support of Dr Wan Azizah, comprising the majority of the 56-seat legislative assembly.
The Malay Mail
Thursday, 21 August 2014
MUST READ: Who Started the Selangor Crisis?
I have a simple question. If Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Guan Eng were still singing Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s praises today, do you think people would have doubts about the menteri besar’s integrity?
This question makes me think about whether we come to our opinions independently, or whether we form our opinions with a view to justifying the positions of our bosses, heroes or people we just happen to like.
No doubt some will feel I fall into the latter category, and that is eminently their right (https://www.facebook.com/notes/nathaniel-tan/the-selangor-debate-being-the-change/10152682286140879).
My feeling is, however, that Pakatan Rakyat is feeling some serious damage from the Selangor crisis, and instead of accurately admitting the source of the problems, it takes the easier route of deflecting blame towards the man who became the target of a massive mudslinging campaign -- in no small part because he is not the kind of man to hit back.
Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming is an old acquaintance and a good man of obvious intelligence. On Monday, he published an article in The Star asking Khalid: Was it worth it?
I think it was definitely worth it for Khalid to stick to his principles. We shall explore why in the rest of this article.
Ong
The third paragraph of Ong’s article asks a series of angry questions, basically implying that Khalid was at the root of this entire crisis. These questions really boil down to the first of them: Was it really worth almost breaking up Pakatan?
I found this mildly amusing given the fact that I essentially asked the same question of Anwar. In my humble judgement, it is Anwar who was willing to sacrifice Pakatan in order to make his wife menteri besar of Selangor.
Whether or not Anwar was right to pursue this path I suppose pivots on whether you think Khalid is corrupt or not.
As I have written before at length, there are two possibilities. Either Anwar created the campaign to remove Khalid because of controversies surrounding Khalid, or Anwar created controversies surrounding Khalid because he wanted to remove Khalid, and replace him with a pliant menteri besar.
Ong points to two cases in particular: the water agreement, and the Bank Islam case. I have written about each of these and more, and try my best not to repeat myself too often, but in deference to his article, I shall summarise a few points.
Khalid believes that there is a fair price for the takeover of water concessionaires in Selangor. Anwar and Rafizi Ramli seem to sympathise with their long time backer Wan Azmi Wan Hamzah and his view that his water concessionaire, SPLASH, is worth 10 times more what Khalid believes it is worth.
I have said that if Anwar can promise that the new MB of Selangor will not pay one sen above RM250 million to buy over SPLASH, that will go a long way to prove that their motivations for wanting to replace Khalid are sanguine.
Of course, neither Anwar nor any of his supporters have been able to make this promise, or answer any questions surrounding this issue. Everyone conveniently ignores it.
I believe Khalid feels a duty to the people of Selangor. That duty includes preventing cronies from plundering state funds. To lock down a fair buyover price for water concessionaires, Khalid went ahead and signed deals with the federal government.
If anyone can prove conclusively that Khalid somehow accrued unethical personal benefits from this deal, I will be the first to turn my back on Khalid.
The strategy of those accusing Khalid of corruption is akin to someone accusing me by saying: “You have cheated on your girlfriend! Now prove that you haven’t!”
How can I prove that I did not cheat on my girlfriend? Is the burden not on the accuser to prove the allegation? Would I have to provide details on every single movement of every single day in my life in order to prove the allegation untrue?
The same principle applies in the Bank Islam case. Khalid’s detractors ignore the need for solid proof, and rely on the notion that if you throw enough mud, some people will believe that some of it sticks.
Ong writes that he feels this and the water agreements are “cause enough for questioning TSKI’s loyalties”.
Well, certainly we are all free to question one another’s loyalties. Observe, however, the difference between questioning loyalties and condoning PKR’s dismissal of principles of natural justice in favour of playing judge, jury and executioner.
The reasons to remove Khalid kept changing, and often times did not make chronological sense. It does not help Ong’s case or increase confidence in his reading through of the legal documents, that the Bank Islam settlement was only finalised in July 2014, not February 2014.
We all know, however, that the Kajang Move was launched in January 2014, well before the finalisation of the water deal or the settlement of the Bank Islam case.
So again, did Anwar create the campaign to remove Khalid because of controversies surrounding Khalid, or did Anwar and gang create controversies surrounding Khalid because he wanted to remove Khalid?
This saga is hopefully coming to an end, and Khalid is increasingly a non-factor in what comes next. I had naively hoped that Pakatan would thus focus on their roads ahead and their own internal problems, but it seems that it is easier to just make Khalid a scapegoat and whipping boy for all of their crises.
Time will tell who was right. After his tenure as MB ends, we will have plenty of time to make a full accounting of Khalid’s work, both the good and the bad.
In the meantime, until the allegations against him amount to more than weak attempts at guilt by association and manipulation of circumstantial evidence, the Kajang Move is likely to have little to do with Khalid, and everything to do with making Selangor’s funds flow more freely.
Was it worth it for Khalid to take the stand he did? I can only answer for myself, and my answer is yes. It was worth it because one day, Malaysians will be able to point to at least one man and say: there is a statesman who chose what was right, instead of what was easy.
NATHANIEL TAN is delighted that the end is in sight. He tweets @NatAsasi.
Haden Hoo congratulates Nathaniel Tan for telling it like it is. Well, done, Nat!
This question makes me think about whether we come to our opinions independently, or whether we form our opinions with a view to justifying the positions of our bosses, heroes or people we just happen to like.
No doubt some will feel I fall into the latter category, and that is eminently their right (https://www.facebook.com/notes/nathaniel-tan/the-selangor-debate-being-the-change/10152682286140879).
My feeling is, however, that Pakatan Rakyat is feeling some serious damage from the Selangor crisis, and instead of accurately admitting the source of the problems, it takes the easier route of deflecting blame towards the man who became the target of a massive mudslinging campaign -- in no small part because he is not the kind of man to hit back.
Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming is an old acquaintance and a good man of obvious intelligence. On Monday, he published an article in The Star asking Khalid: Was it worth it?
I think it was definitely worth it for Khalid to stick to his principles. We shall explore why in the rest of this article.
Ong
The third paragraph of Ong’s article asks a series of angry questions, basically implying that Khalid was at the root of this entire crisis. These questions really boil down to the first of them: Was it really worth almost breaking up Pakatan?
I found this mildly amusing given the fact that I essentially asked the same question of Anwar. In my humble judgement, it is Anwar who was willing to sacrifice Pakatan in order to make his wife menteri besar of Selangor.
Whether or not Anwar was right to pursue this path I suppose pivots on whether you think Khalid is corrupt or not.
As I have written before at length, there are two possibilities. Either Anwar created the campaign to remove Khalid because of controversies surrounding Khalid, or Anwar created controversies surrounding Khalid because he wanted to remove Khalid, and replace him with a pliant menteri besar.
Ong points to two cases in particular: the water agreement, and the Bank Islam case. I have written about each of these and more, and try my best not to repeat myself too often, but in deference to his article, I shall summarise a few points.
Khalid believes that there is a fair price for the takeover of water concessionaires in Selangor. Anwar and Rafizi Ramli seem to sympathise with their long time backer Wan Azmi Wan Hamzah and his view that his water concessionaire, SPLASH, is worth 10 times more what Khalid believes it is worth.
I have said that if Anwar can promise that the new MB of Selangor will not pay one sen above RM250 million to buy over SPLASH, that will go a long way to prove that their motivations for wanting to replace Khalid are sanguine.
Of course, neither Anwar nor any of his supporters have been able to make this promise, or answer any questions surrounding this issue. Everyone conveniently ignores it.
I believe Khalid feels a duty to the people of Selangor. That duty includes preventing cronies from plundering state funds. To lock down a fair buyover price for water concessionaires, Khalid went ahead and signed deals with the federal government.
If anyone can prove conclusively that Khalid somehow accrued unethical personal benefits from this deal, I will be the first to turn my back on Khalid.
The strategy of those accusing Khalid of corruption is akin to someone accusing me by saying: “You have cheated on your girlfriend! Now prove that you haven’t!”
How can I prove that I did not cheat on my girlfriend? Is the burden not on the accuser to prove the allegation? Would I have to provide details on every single movement of every single day in my life in order to prove the allegation untrue?
The same principle applies in the Bank Islam case. Khalid’s detractors ignore the need for solid proof, and rely on the notion that if you throw enough mud, some people will believe that some of it sticks.
Ong writes that he feels this and the water agreements are “cause enough for questioning TSKI’s loyalties”.
Well, certainly we are all free to question one another’s loyalties. Observe, however, the difference between questioning loyalties and condoning PKR’s dismissal of principles of natural justice in favour of playing judge, jury and executioner.
The reasons to remove Khalid kept changing, and often times did not make chronological sense. It does not help Ong’s case or increase confidence in his reading through of the legal documents, that the Bank Islam settlement was only finalised in July 2014, not February 2014.
We all know, however, that the Kajang Move was launched in January 2014, well before the finalisation of the water deal or the settlement of the Bank Islam case.
So again, did Anwar create the campaign to remove Khalid because of controversies surrounding Khalid, or did Anwar and gang create controversies surrounding Khalid because he wanted to remove Khalid?
This saga is hopefully coming to an end, and Khalid is increasingly a non-factor in what comes next. I had naively hoped that Pakatan would thus focus on their roads ahead and their own internal problems, but it seems that it is easier to just make Khalid a scapegoat and whipping boy for all of their crises.
Time will tell who was right. After his tenure as MB ends, we will have plenty of time to make a full accounting of Khalid’s work, both the good and the bad.
In the meantime, until the allegations against him amount to more than weak attempts at guilt by association and manipulation of circumstantial evidence, the Kajang Move is likely to have little to do with Khalid, and everything to do with making Selangor’s funds flow more freely.
Was it worth it for Khalid to take the stand he did? I can only answer for myself, and my answer is yes. It was worth it because one day, Malaysians will be able to point to at least one man and say: there is a statesman who chose what was right, instead of what was easy.
NATHANIEL TAN is delighted that the end is in sight. He tweets @NatAsasi.
Haden Hoo congratulates Nathaniel Tan for telling it like it is. Well, done, Nat!
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Five refuse to acknowledge sacking from state exco
SHAH ALAM: Five sacked Selangor executive council members claim they are still "legitimate members" and will continue to perform their duties until their tenure ends or they are sacked in a proper manner.
In a joint press conference led by DAP's Datuk Teng Chang Khim, the five said their sacking was against the State Constitution, hence they were still legitimate exco members.
"By right, he (Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim) should seek an audience with the Sultan before issuing the letters.
"He was in the office the entire day on Tuesday and we received our letters at about 5.30pm signed by the Mentri Besar, saying that the Sultan had consented to our sackings.
"Khalid also could not have spoken to the Sultan about this on Monday when he met Tuanku, because he said he wanted to see if he had the support of the rest," he told reporters at the lobby of the state secretariat building.
Teng said Khalid's act of expelling the five exco members was akin to "hijacking" the state government from Pakatan Rakyat.
He reminded Khalid that he was elected as Port Klang assemblyman and pushed to be the MB by Pakatan, and should therefore do the honourable act and resign.
Asked what would happen if Khalid chose to remain in his position and appoint new exco members, Teng said Pakatan leaders could seek legal action against Khalid.
However, he replied that it was not their main aim as legal proceedings could take a long time.
"We hope he will step down gracefully to allow the development of the state to continue without any hiccups," Teng said.
Asked if action would be taken against PAS since four of its members had attended the exco meeting despite calls from PKR and DAP to boycott it, Teng said the decision would be left to Pakatan leaders.
Teng the next step it would be for the Pakatan leaders to seek an audience with the Sultan to explain the situation.
By A. Ruban, The Star
In a joint press conference led by DAP's Datuk Teng Chang Khim, the five said their sacking was against the State Constitution, hence they were still legitimate exco members.
"By right, he (Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim) should seek an audience with the Sultan before issuing the letters.
"He was in the office the entire day on Tuesday and we received our letters at about 5.30pm signed by the Mentri Besar, saying that the Sultan had consented to our sackings.
"Khalid also could not have spoken to the Sultan about this on Monday when he met Tuanku, because he said he wanted to see if he had the support of the rest," he told reporters at the lobby of the state secretariat building.
Teng said Khalid's act of expelling the five exco members was akin to "hijacking" the state government from Pakatan Rakyat.
He reminded Khalid that he was elected as Port Klang assemblyman and pushed to be the MB by Pakatan, and should therefore do the honourable act and resign.
Asked what would happen if Khalid chose to remain in his position and appoint new exco members, Teng said Pakatan leaders could seek legal action against Khalid.
However, he replied that it was not their main aim as legal proceedings could take a long time.
"We hope he will step down gracefully to allow the development of the state to continue without any hiccups," Teng said.
Asked if action would be taken against PAS since four of its members had attended the exco meeting despite calls from PKR and DAP to boycott it, Teng said the decision would be left to Pakatan leaders.
Teng the next step it would be for the Pakatan leaders to seek an audience with the Sultan to explain the situation.
By A. Ruban, The Star
Sacked: Five who Violated Pledge
Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he sacked the five PKR and DAP state executive council (exco) members as they had violated the 10-point Aku Janji (pledge).
He said the five exco members could not continue in their posts after stating that they wanted nothing to do with him.
"They said that they will only attend the exco meeting to monitor the state government and will only listen to the party's instruction.
"This goes against the 10 pledges and oath of allegiance when taking oath in front of the sultan," he added.
Khalid also explained that one of the PKR excos Rodziah Ismail has not been sacked as she is currently overseas.
-Malaysiakini- More to follow
He said the five exco members could not continue in their posts after stating that they wanted nothing to do with him.
"They said that they will only attend the exco meeting to monitor the state government and will only listen to the party's instruction.
"This goes against the 10 pledges and oath of allegiance when taking oath in front of the sultan," he added.
Khalid also explained that one of the PKR excos Rodziah Ismail has not been sacked as she is currently overseas.
-Malaysiakini- More to follow
Saturday, 21 June 2014
Water disruption hits 51,500 users in KL, Hulu Langat
In view of the recent dry spell and high demand of water, there will be an unscheduled water disruption in the Hulu Langat district and Kuala Lumpur.
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said in a statement that the margin of reserved treated water that can be produced by the water treatment plants in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya is very low, which is less than 2%.
"Based on the information by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), several ponds had experience low levels of supply due to high demand of water, causing the unscheduled water disruptions in Hulu Langat and Wilayah Persekutuan districts on June 17 and June 19, respectively."
SPAN added that Syabas estimated some of 51,500 users will be affected by the water disruption. SPAN has ordered Syabas to prepare and deploy water trucks to distribute water supply to the affected areas.
It noted that the water supplied to the affected areas comes from the Semenyih and Langat water treatment plants, which have been producing about 688 million litres per day and 482 million litres per day, respectively, about 25% more than the plants' capacity.
"Syabas will also continue to monitor the water supply in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya," it said.
SPAN advised the public to be prudent in using water to allow the supply to be restored to its original capacity soon.
The Sun
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said in a statement that the margin of reserved treated water that can be produced by the water treatment plants in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya is very low, which is less than 2%.
"Based on the information by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), several ponds had experience low levels of supply due to high demand of water, causing the unscheduled water disruptions in Hulu Langat and Wilayah Persekutuan districts on June 17 and June 19, respectively."
SPAN added that Syabas estimated some of 51,500 users will be affected by the water disruption. SPAN has ordered Syabas to prepare and deploy water trucks to distribute water supply to the affected areas.
It noted that the water supplied to the affected areas comes from the Semenyih and Langat water treatment plants, which have been producing about 688 million litres per day and 482 million litres per day, respectively, about 25% more than the plants' capacity.
"Syabas will also continue to monitor the water supply in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya," it said.
SPAN advised the public to be prudent in using water to allow the supply to be restored to its original capacity soon.
The Sun
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Ex-BSM chief forgives Jais, won't sue
The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) had interpreted the law "wrongly" and made a "terrible mistake" in the Bible Society Malaysia raid last January, said BSM's former president.
However, Lee Min Choon, who was arrested by Jais during a raid over the Malay and Iban copies of the Bible at the BSM premises, called on Christians to forgive the Islamic authority.
Lee said that although the attorney-general's (AG) statement that the case is closed vindicates BSM, as Christians, they should emulate Jesus who was forgiving.
"I call upon Christians to forgive Jais. They were doing their job but they had wrongly interpreted the law.
"Nobody is perfect, everybody makes mistakes," he wrote on his blog that chronicled the legal tussle of the Bahasa Malaysia Bible, Alkitab.
Urging the Church to put the matter behind it, Lee also called on Jais to return the 321 copies of the Bible in the Bahasa Malaysian and Iban languages it seized.
Lee, a lawyer, said he would not sue Jais for the arrest, despite now having an "iron-clad" case against the agency.
"I forgave Jais a long time ago and have no intention to sue to punish it in any way.
"The attorney-general's announcement is better than any court judgment.
"There is nothing to be gained from a law suit except to satisfy a lust for vengeance. This is un-Christian."
'Jais wrong from Day 1'
Lee and BSM office manager Sinclair Wong were arrested during the raid at the Petaling Jaya premises, where Jais seized the holy books for allegedly contravening a Selangor enactment which bans the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims.
Yesterday, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said after reviewing Jais' investigation papers and the Home Ministry's testimony, his office concluded that the holy books were not a security threat and did not breach the enactment.
Gani said that this was because the Alkitab is a compilation of the Old and New Testaments and is an essential text for Christians.
The Selangor government had sought advice from the AG on whether the copies of the Bible that were seized should be returned.
Meanwhile, Lee also thanked God for his fortitude.
He said the past six months have been "trying" for him and Wong, although they always knew, from the moment the ordeal began, that Jais had made a "terrible mistake".
"(It) has been a trying experience to endure six months of uncertainty of whether we are lawbreakers or law-abiding citizens until the nation’s highest legal officer confirmed that the Malay Bible did not breach any of the laws of Malaysia or its states," Lee said.
He also urged Jais to put in measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Gerakan: Return bibles immediately
Meanwhile Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang called on Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to "immediately order Jais" to "immediately return" the seized bibles following the AG's conclusions.
"The AG Chambers has already stated its stand on the matter, and there’s no longer any reason for the Selangor Pakatan government not to return these Bible copies to BSM," Tan said in a statement today.
He insisted that the AG had "nothing to do with the seizure of the Bible by Jais" and the raid should have been resolved much earlier as "Jais is within the purview of the Selangor Pakatan government".
This is contrary to the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) statement in January, in which it said Jais has the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's mandate and is not answerable to the federal nor state governments.
Meanwhile MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun echoed Tan in laying the blame squarely on Khalid's government.
Chew berated the MB for pushing the blame on the federal government.
"MCA and the other BN component parties have mooted and abided by the 10-point agreement which allows non-Muslim publications to use the word Allah so long as the words 'For Christians only' is printed on the cover.
"Thus, it is irresponsible for Pakatan to try and shift the blame to us," she said in a statement today.
Despite the 10-point solution, the federal government is still engaged in a court appeal against the lifting of the ban on the Catholic weekly publication, Herald, on the use of the word 'Allah'.
Jais had acted against BSM based on a similar ban enacted in the Selangor Islamic law when BN was ruling the state.
In the latest development this afternoon, Khalid instructed Selangor executive councillor Salehen Mukhyi to assist Jais to return all the seized materials to BSM.
Malaysiakini
However, Lee Min Choon, who was arrested by Jais during a raid over the Malay and Iban copies of the Bible at the BSM premises, called on Christians to forgive the Islamic authority.
Lee said that although the attorney-general's (AG) statement that the case is closed vindicates BSM, as Christians, they should emulate Jesus who was forgiving.
"I call upon Christians to forgive Jais. They were doing their job but they had wrongly interpreted the law.
"Nobody is perfect, everybody makes mistakes," he wrote on his blog that chronicled the legal tussle of the Bahasa Malaysia Bible, Alkitab.
Urging the Church to put the matter behind it, Lee also called on Jais to return the 321 copies of the Bible in the Bahasa Malaysian and Iban languages it seized.
Lee, a lawyer, said he would not sue Jais for the arrest, despite now having an "iron-clad" case against the agency.
"I forgave Jais a long time ago and have no intention to sue to punish it in any way.
"The attorney-general's announcement is better than any court judgment.
"There is nothing to be gained from a law suit except to satisfy a lust for vengeance. This is un-Christian."
'Jais wrong from Day 1'
Lee and BSM office manager Sinclair Wong were arrested during the raid at the Petaling Jaya premises, where Jais seized the holy books for allegedly contravening a Selangor enactment which bans the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims.
Yesterday, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said after reviewing Jais' investigation papers and the Home Ministry's testimony, his office concluded that the holy books were not a security threat and did not breach the enactment.
Gani said that this was because the Alkitab is a compilation of the Old and New Testaments and is an essential text for Christians.
The Selangor government had sought advice from the AG on whether the copies of the Bible that were seized should be returned.
Meanwhile, Lee also thanked God for his fortitude.
He said the past six months have been "trying" for him and Wong, although they always knew, from the moment the ordeal began, that Jais had made a "terrible mistake".
"(It) has been a trying experience to endure six months of uncertainty of whether we are lawbreakers or law-abiding citizens until the nation’s highest legal officer confirmed that the Malay Bible did not breach any of the laws of Malaysia or its states," Lee said.
He also urged Jais to put in measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Gerakan: Return bibles immediately
Meanwhile Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang called on Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to "immediately order Jais" to "immediately return" the seized bibles following the AG's conclusions.
"The AG Chambers has already stated its stand on the matter, and there’s no longer any reason for the Selangor Pakatan government not to return these Bible copies to BSM," Tan said in a statement today.
He insisted that the AG had "nothing to do with the seizure of the Bible by Jais" and the raid should have been resolved much earlier as "Jais is within the purview of the Selangor Pakatan government".
This is contrary to the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) statement in January, in which it said Jais has the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's mandate and is not answerable to the federal nor state governments.
Meanwhile MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun echoed Tan in laying the blame squarely on Khalid's government.
Chew berated the MB for pushing the blame on the federal government.
"MCA and the other BN component parties have mooted and abided by the 10-point agreement which allows non-Muslim publications to use the word Allah so long as the words 'For Christians only' is printed on the cover.
"Thus, it is irresponsible for Pakatan to try and shift the blame to us," she said in a statement today.
Despite the 10-point solution, the federal government is still engaged in a court appeal against the lifting of the ban on the Catholic weekly publication, Herald, on the use of the word 'Allah'.
Jais had acted against BSM based on a similar ban enacted in the Selangor Islamic law when BN was ruling the state.
In the latest development this afternoon, Khalid instructed Selangor executive councillor Salehen Mukhyi to assist Jais to return all the seized materials to BSM.
Malaysiakini
Klang MP threatens legal action against Selangor govt (Updated)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor state government may be in for a legal tussle against a Pakatan Rakyat colleague if they refuse to reveal the findings involving the existence of heavy metal content in water from former mining pools in Bestari Jaya.
Klang MP Charles Santiago (pix) said studies by Universiti Malaya (UM) in the past few years show that the pools contained dangerous levels of heavy metal and is not safe for use.
The state government had utilised water from former mining pools to supplement raw water supply during the dry season in March this year and insisted that it had been tested and is safe for use. Santiago, however, pointed out that the water was tested for rat poisoning, and not heavy metal.
He demanded that the test results be released to refute UM's findings or he will take the state government to court.
“I have repeatedly urged the state to make the test results public, but they have repeated the same mantra, that the water was tested negative.
“Then are you saying that the academics had wasted their time doing the numerous tests and that their test results are flawed?” Santiago said.
He reiterated that the academics at UM have consistently reported contamination in the ex-mining catchment pond there.
Similarly, the Health Ministry had asked the Selangor government to not use the water from the ex-mining pool.
“In fact, the UM analysis demonstrated that the heavy metal concentration in these ponds exceed the permissible limits set by the Malaysian National Water Quality Standards,” Santiago told reporters in Parliament today.
He added that the study involved 15 sampling stations, which also showed high levels of heavy metal concentration in the water, soil, plants and fish.
“The heavy metals mentioned in the study include arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and tin.
“This water, if consumed, can lead to cancer, kidney disease, neurotic disorder, anaemia, lung scarring, diabetes and so on,” he added.
He said he is doing this in the interest of the people and the spirit of transparency and good governance.
“If this fails to get the attention of the state government, I will be left with no choice but to seek legal redress,” Santiago said.
Karen Arukesamy, The Sun
Klang MP Charles Santiago (pix) said studies by Universiti Malaya (UM) in the past few years show that the pools contained dangerous levels of heavy metal and is not safe for use.
The state government had utilised water from former mining pools to supplement raw water supply during the dry season in March this year and insisted that it had been tested and is safe for use. Santiago, however, pointed out that the water was tested for rat poisoning, and not heavy metal.
He demanded that the test results be released to refute UM's findings or he will take the state government to court.
“I have repeatedly urged the state to make the test results public, but they have repeated the same mantra, that the water was tested negative.
“Then are you saying that the academics had wasted their time doing the numerous tests and that their test results are flawed?” Santiago said.
He reiterated that the academics at UM have consistently reported contamination in the ex-mining catchment pond there.
Similarly, the Health Ministry had asked the Selangor government to not use the water from the ex-mining pool.
“In fact, the UM analysis demonstrated that the heavy metal concentration in these ponds exceed the permissible limits set by the Malaysian National Water Quality Standards,” Santiago told reporters in Parliament today.
He added that the study involved 15 sampling stations, which also showed high levels of heavy metal concentration in the water, soil, plants and fish.
“The heavy metals mentioned in the study include arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and tin.
“This water, if consumed, can lead to cancer, kidney disease, neurotic disorder, anaemia, lung scarring, diabetes and so on,” he added.
He said he is doing this in the interest of the people and the spirit of transparency and good governance.
“If this fails to get the attention of the state government, I will be left with no choice but to seek legal redress,” Santiago said.
Karen Arukesamy, The Sun
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Health Ministry calls for halt to using mining pool water
SEGAMAT: The Health Ministry has urged the Selangor government to stop sourcing water from former mining pools.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said he would pursue the matter with the Selangor Water Board and the state government. “Although tests on the quality of water from mining pools have shown it to be safe, the public is still not happy. There has been an overwhelming negative reaction in view of the perception that the water was polluted by a variety of toxins and dangerous substances.” Dr Subramaniam said the state government should note that the water levels in dams in Selangor had gone up and it could provide clean water supply to the people.
Meanwhile, Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago of DAP had ridiculed the Selangor Water Management Authority’s (Luas) threat to take legal action against those who questioned the quality of water.
This was following a New Straits Times front page report detailing high level of toxins and heavy metal content in mining pools in Bestari Jaya, which had been identified by the state as an alternative source of water.
The story had prompted Luas to threaten legal action against the paper.
“I find such intimidating statements irresponsible, especially coming from state-linked agencies tasked with a social responsibility. It is ironic how an agency dedicated to manage water sources can dismiss years of academic research and findings of experts in the field, whose research has been published in reputable journals,” Santiago wrote in his blog yesterday.
He also called on the Selangor government to make public the Health Ministry's study on whether water supplied from the eight ex-mining ponds met Malaysian Water Quality Standards, adding that recent research showed that heavy metals had contaminated Bestari Jaya mining pools.
"Transferring water from these mining ponds to Sungai Selangor amounts to polluting the river.
"Even treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution.
"This has implications on public health," he wrote.
In another blog posting, Santiago said a study entitled "Study of Water Quality and Heavy Metals in Soil & Water of Ex-Mining Area Bestari Jaya, Peninsular Malaysia" conducted in June 2010 suggested that most of physio-chemical parameters and metals concentration found in Bestari Jaya exceeded the limits set in the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The authors note with alarm, the level of degradation in the quality of water and severe heavy metal pollution in Bestari Jaya mining pond.
"This spawns a major environmental challenge to the ecosystem and pollution possibilities to Sungai Selangor, the end recipients," he wrote.
Another study in 2012 concluded that Bestari Jaya mining pools had between moderate to very high levels of heavy metal pollution, posing high environmental and health risks.
Santiago questioned Luas' hesitance in providing credible analysis to refute the findings of the researchers.
"In fact, the agency had not publicly disclosed (the) Health Ministry's certification that mine pond water from the eight ponds conforms to the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"And there is no evidence indicating that Luas has treated and rehabilitated the various mine ponds over the years to suggest that mine water is safe for human consumption."
He said the agencies' inability to assuage public fears through credible explanations and evidence showed weaknesses, adding that threats in the form of suits undermines public confidence in the agency.
"Therefore, Luas has no basis in issuing threats with the view to intimidate the public and stakeholders from raising concerns of public health."
He urged the state government to instruct Luas to reveal whether the heavy metal content found in the pools met Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The agency has to publicly disclose (the) Health Ministry's certification. If it fails to do so, then Luas must be subjected to public scrutiny, including law suits."
Meanwhile, Luas said it would issue a statement on Monday
New Straits Times
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said he would pursue the matter with the Selangor Water Board and the state government. “Although tests on the quality of water from mining pools have shown it to be safe, the public is still not happy. There has been an overwhelming negative reaction in view of the perception that the water was polluted by a variety of toxins and dangerous substances.” Dr Subramaniam said the state government should note that the water levels in dams in Selangor had gone up and it could provide clean water supply to the people.
Meanwhile, Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago of DAP had ridiculed the Selangor Water Management Authority’s (Luas) threat to take legal action against those who questioned the quality of water.
This was following a New Straits Times front page report detailing high level of toxins and heavy metal content in mining pools in Bestari Jaya, which had been identified by the state as an alternative source of water.
The story had prompted Luas to threaten legal action against the paper.
“I find such intimidating statements irresponsible, especially coming from state-linked agencies tasked with a social responsibility. It is ironic how an agency dedicated to manage water sources can dismiss years of academic research and findings of experts in the field, whose research has been published in reputable journals,” Santiago wrote in his blog yesterday.
He also called on the Selangor government to make public the Health Ministry's study on whether water supplied from the eight ex-mining ponds met Malaysian Water Quality Standards, adding that recent research showed that heavy metals had contaminated Bestari Jaya mining pools.
"Transferring water from these mining ponds to Sungai Selangor amounts to polluting the river.
"Even treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution.
"This has implications on public health," he wrote.
In another blog posting, Santiago said a study entitled "Study of Water Quality and Heavy Metals in Soil & Water of Ex-Mining Area Bestari Jaya, Peninsular Malaysia" conducted in June 2010 suggested that most of physio-chemical parameters and metals concentration found in Bestari Jaya exceeded the limits set in the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The authors note with alarm, the level of degradation in the quality of water and severe heavy metal pollution in Bestari Jaya mining pond.
"This spawns a major environmental challenge to the ecosystem and pollution possibilities to Sungai Selangor, the end recipients," he wrote.
Another study in 2012 concluded that Bestari Jaya mining pools had between moderate to very high levels of heavy metal pollution, posing high environmental and health risks.
Santiago questioned Luas' hesitance in providing credible analysis to refute the findings of the researchers.
"In fact, the agency had not publicly disclosed (the) Health Ministry's certification that mine pond water from the eight ponds conforms to the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"And there is no evidence indicating that Luas has treated and rehabilitated the various mine ponds over the years to suggest that mine water is safe for human consumption."
He said the agencies' inability to assuage public fears through credible explanations and evidence showed weaknesses, adding that threats in the form of suits undermines public confidence in the agency.
"Therefore, Luas has no basis in issuing threats with the view to intimidate the public and stakeholders from raising concerns of public health."
He urged the state government to instruct Luas to reveal whether the heavy metal content found in the pools met Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The agency has to publicly disclose (the) Health Ministry's certification. If it fails to do so, then Luas must be subjected to public scrutiny, including law suits."
Meanwhile, Luas said it would issue a statement on Monday
New Straits Times
Thursday, 8 May 2014
MOH to verify English daily's report on water in Selangor
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will seek verification on allegations published in an English daily that water sourced from mining pools was not safe for consumption before taking any action.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) said the Selangor state government had come up with their own analysis to dispute the claim and the Health Ministry would also have to determine the truth.
He said the ministry's health officers will be monitoring heavy metal content in raw water supply on a weekly basis to ensure that the water is not hazardous for consumption.
More to follow from The Sun
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) said the Selangor state government had come up with their own analysis to dispute the claim and the Health Ministry would also have to determine the truth.
He said the ministry's health officers will be monitoring heavy metal content in raw water supply on a weekly basis to ensure that the water is not hazardous for consumption.
More to follow from The Sun
Monday, 5 May 2014
Selangor water management at fault
PETALING JAYA: Selangor would not be struggling with a water crisis if Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) had done their job and had distributed water correctly.
Retired water engineer, A Somnath, 84, has had more than 45 years of experience in the planning, construction, operations and maintenance of water supply in the state of Selangor.
He insists that the current management of Selangor’s water supply do not have the basic knowledge or the experience in how to manage their operations properly.
“Most of them lack knowledge and experience in this particular discipline. They have made wrong estimations and most likely have not followed the proper guidelines in the overall operations of a dam or a water treatment plant (WTP),” he told FMT here today.
“These days there is no universality in the way a dam or WTP is planned and executed.”
“Back then everyone followed the guidelines I had drawn up and we never had any major hiccup because everything was handled professionally,” he said.
Somnath retired in 1985 but continued working as a consultant for another 10 years with a private engineering company. Till today, he has not stopped updating his notes and keeping a close eye on the latest water developments and issues.
He pointed out that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were the only states facing the problem and hinted that the people in charge of managing the water supply are the one’s who need to be questioned.
“I have virtually overseen the construction and operation of almost 30 WTP’s. This, so far, is the worst management system I’ve ever seen,” he chided.
The Sungai Tinggi and Sungai Selangor dams have a combined full capacity of 75 billion gallons of water.
“Syabas should have taken into account the climate changes, rainfall levels and the increase in domestic water consumption, to be able to distribute the water correctly.”
“If this had been done, we would not be in this predicament. It is the distributor’s responsibility to make sure that every household in Selangor has enough water, equally,” he said.
He added that all dam or WTP designers and planners need to conduct a risk analysis study to ensure that the facilities will continue to work perfectly, years into the future.
“It is a must! Predictions of water consumption, climate change, the volume of raw water availability and so on must be taken into account before the construction of these facilities,” he stressed.
The failure to do so, according to Somnath, is what has contributed to the current water supply management failure.
Over the past four years, Somnath had written to the state government forewarning them of the impending water shortage from the Sungai Selangor source and his warnings were ignored by the authorities.
“I wrote to them and received replies, but nobody bothered to conduct an investigation. Now, see what has happened,” he said.
When the predicted drought season hits in June, the rakyat will most probably need to depend on water from the dams.
If the Sungai Selangor dam which provides about 60% of Selangor’s water supply dries up, Somnath says that people “will have to move elsewhere.”
“That is the worst case scenario. Where are we going to get water, if, during the drought season, Sungai Selangor dam dries up?” he asked.
Free Malaysia Today
Retired water engineer, A Somnath, 84, has had more than 45 years of experience in the planning, construction, operations and maintenance of water supply in the state of Selangor.
He insists that the current management of Selangor’s water supply do not have the basic knowledge or the experience in how to manage their operations properly.
“Most of them lack knowledge and experience in this particular discipline. They have made wrong estimations and most likely have not followed the proper guidelines in the overall operations of a dam or a water treatment plant (WTP),” he told FMT here today.
“These days there is no universality in the way a dam or WTP is planned and executed.”
“Back then everyone followed the guidelines I had drawn up and we never had any major hiccup because everything was handled professionally,” he said.
Somnath retired in 1985 but continued working as a consultant for another 10 years with a private engineering company. Till today, he has not stopped updating his notes and keeping a close eye on the latest water developments and issues.
He pointed out that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were the only states facing the problem and hinted that the people in charge of managing the water supply are the one’s who need to be questioned.
“I have virtually overseen the construction and operation of almost 30 WTP’s. This, so far, is the worst management system I’ve ever seen,” he chided.
The Sungai Tinggi and Sungai Selangor dams have a combined full capacity of 75 billion gallons of water.
“Syabas should have taken into account the climate changes, rainfall levels and the increase in domestic water consumption, to be able to distribute the water correctly.”
“If this had been done, we would not be in this predicament. It is the distributor’s responsibility to make sure that every household in Selangor has enough water, equally,” he said.
He added that all dam or WTP designers and planners need to conduct a risk analysis study to ensure that the facilities will continue to work perfectly, years into the future.
“It is a must! Predictions of water consumption, climate change, the volume of raw water availability and so on must be taken into account before the construction of these facilities,” he stressed.
The failure to do so, according to Somnath, is what has contributed to the current water supply management failure.
Over the past four years, Somnath had written to the state government forewarning them of the impending water shortage from the Sungai Selangor source and his warnings were ignored by the authorities.
“I wrote to them and received replies, but nobody bothered to conduct an investigation. Now, see what has happened,” he said.
When the predicted drought season hits in June, the rakyat will most probably need to depend on water from the dams.
If the Sungai Selangor dam which provides about 60% of Selangor’s water supply dries up, Somnath says that people “will have to move elsewhere.”
“That is the worst case scenario. Where are we going to get water, if, during the drought season, Sungai Selangor dam dries up?” he asked.
Free Malaysia Today
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Is PKR 2014 becoming PAS 2009?
I have written on a number of occasions about how while voters choose a ruling party, it is essentially political party members that choose the head of state, because by convention, the leader of the winning party becomes the premier.
This is but one reason why the PKR race for deputy president could potentially have long-term repercussions for the millions of Malaysians who are not party members. While the race for some of the other posts are of some interest, they mostly seem to be proxy battles along the same battle lines.
The choice seems to be between feudalism and business as usual on the one hand, versus a breath of fresh air on the other.
In terms of players and camps, it seems we are facing three main camps - the Anwar Ibrahim gang, the Azmin Ali gang, and Khalid Ibrahim. How much of a gang the latter has is not fully clear.
Some may consider Azmin (right) an Anwarista, but it is now clear that whatever he was in a past, Azmin is now an Azminista.
It appears that over the last few years, Azmin has come to see Anwar as a stumbling block who is perpetually frustrating the former’s ambitions. His refusal to back Azmin openly for the post of Selangor menteri besar is probably the latest in such cases.
The Kajang move clearly showed that between Azmin and Khalid for menteri besar, Anwar chose Anwar.
Anwar didn’t stop there. When it became clear that Azmin was considering running for PKR president, Anwar had himself nominated to scare Azmin away - a tactic that worked, and which quite obviously served no other purpose whatsoever.
Kitchen cabinets
For deputy president, Anwar faced the Khalid or Azmin question again, and answered in a similar fashion. He put forth Saifuddin Nasution, a perfectly nice and affable man who has never before displayed such open political ambition, and who established a reputation instead for quite efficiently doing whatever Anwar wanted done.
Saifuddin quickly established an electoral pact with two other Anwar loyalists, Nurul Izzah Anwar, and Rafizi Ramli, the famed architect of the wonderfully effective Kajang Move. A kitchen cabinet trinity, from the looks of it.
A vote for Saifuddin seems to be a vote for running PKR the same way Anwar has always run it - ‘outer circle need not apply’ personality-based politics, with little regard for transparency, and sustainable institutional strength.
A vote for Azmin seems to be a vote for feudalism as well, albeit probably a brand that is steeped even deeper in money politics. It was truly disheartening to see Azmin loyalists with zero ability or tangible achievements (including some of the most non-performing elected representatives ever) float odiously near to the top of the vice-president and central committee voting results.
In either of these cases, apart from a few differences and cosmetic changes, Umno-style feudalism seems alive and well.
It’s rather harder to say what Khalid (left) intends to do. I’ve heard that there’s a focus on setting up cooperatives for the party youth, and better management of the party finances, but I’ve not personally seen a manifesto or anything similar.
As usual, in terms of traditional partisan politics and political communication, Khalid’s rivals appear to travelled further. I can only imagine that at the heart of it, Khalid wants the party to be run in a manner similar to the way Selangor is run - watertight, above board efficiency, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Three-corner spoilers
It seems clear that the deputy president race for PKR in 2014 could well be headed the same way as the deputy president race for PAS in 2009. That year, incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa garnered 480 votes against Husam Musa’s 281 and Mat Sabu’s 261.
These numbers are very similar to the voting results from the first leg of PKR elections held last weekend, with the total votes for Khalid (2,228) and Saifuddin (2,322) combined amounting to a similar amount as Azmin’s (5,111).
One challenger would have an excellent fighting chance against Azmin, two make it almost impossible.
If Anwar sent Saifuddin (right) to contest (long after Khalid announced his intention to vie for the post) despite being aware of this fact, then that can only mean that when push came to shove, he still preferred Azmin over Khalid - demonstrating the same type of character judgment that has brought him to exactly where he is today.
If this trend continues and Azmin wins, I suppose Anwar will have given PKR the party it deserves. Things will be done the same way they’ve always been done, resulting in Pakatan Rakyat being just as far away from Putrajaya as they were in the last elections.
Many of us will not have an opportunity to vote in these party elections, and as a result, may lose the opportunity to help some truly honest politicians rise to the top. This unfortunate situation should make us rethink our political system, and our place in it.
By Nathaniel Tan, Malaysiakini
NATHANIEL TAN hopes PKR members will take a brave, long view, and wishes all candidates good luck. He tweets @NatAsasi.
This is but one reason why the PKR race for deputy president could potentially have long-term repercussions for the millions of Malaysians who are not party members. While the race for some of the other posts are of some interest, they mostly seem to be proxy battles along the same battle lines.
The choice seems to be between feudalism and business as usual on the one hand, versus a breath of fresh air on the other.
In terms of players and camps, it seems we are facing three main camps - the Anwar Ibrahim gang, the Azmin Ali gang, and Khalid Ibrahim. How much of a gang the latter has is not fully clear.
Some may consider Azmin (right) an Anwarista, but it is now clear that whatever he was in a past, Azmin is now an Azminista.
It appears that over the last few years, Azmin has come to see Anwar as a stumbling block who is perpetually frustrating the former’s ambitions. His refusal to back Azmin openly for the post of Selangor menteri besar is probably the latest in such cases.
The Kajang move clearly showed that between Azmin and Khalid for menteri besar, Anwar chose Anwar.
Anwar didn’t stop there. When it became clear that Azmin was considering running for PKR president, Anwar had himself nominated to scare Azmin away - a tactic that worked, and which quite obviously served no other purpose whatsoever.
Kitchen cabinets
For deputy president, Anwar faced the Khalid or Azmin question again, and answered in a similar fashion. He put forth Saifuddin Nasution, a perfectly nice and affable man who has never before displayed such open political ambition, and who established a reputation instead for quite efficiently doing whatever Anwar wanted done.
Saifuddin quickly established an electoral pact with two other Anwar loyalists, Nurul Izzah Anwar, and Rafizi Ramli, the famed architect of the wonderfully effective Kajang Move. A kitchen cabinet trinity, from the looks of it.
A vote for Saifuddin seems to be a vote for running PKR the same way Anwar has always run it - ‘outer circle need not apply’ personality-based politics, with little regard for transparency, and sustainable institutional strength.
A vote for Azmin seems to be a vote for feudalism as well, albeit probably a brand that is steeped even deeper in money politics. It was truly disheartening to see Azmin loyalists with zero ability or tangible achievements (including some of the most non-performing elected representatives ever) float odiously near to the top of the vice-president and central committee voting results.
In either of these cases, apart from a few differences and cosmetic changes, Umno-style feudalism seems alive and well.
It’s rather harder to say what Khalid (left) intends to do. I’ve heard that there’s a focus on setting up cooperatives for the party youth, and better management of the party finances, but I’ve not personally seen a manifesto or anything similar.
As usual, in terms of traditional partisan politics and political communication, Khalid’s rivals appear to travelled further. I can only imagine that at the heart of it, Khalid wants the party to be run in a manner similar to the way Selangor is run - watertight, above board efficiency, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Three-corner spoilers
It seems clear that the deputy president race for PKR in 2014 could well be headed the same way as the deputy president race for PAS in 2009. That year, incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa garnered 480 votes against Husam Musa’s 281 and Mat Sabu’s 261.
These numbers are very similar to the voting results from the first leg of PKR elections held last weekend, with the total votes for Khalid (2,228) and Saifuddin (2,322) combined amounting to a similar amount as Azmin’s (5,111).
One challenger would have an excellent fighting chance against Azmin, two make it almost impossible.
If Anwar sent Saifuddin (right) to contest (long after Khalid announced his intention to vie for the post) despite being aware of this fact, then that can only mean that when push came to shove, he still preferred Azmin over Khalid - demonstrating the same type of character judgment that has brought him to exactly where he is today.
If this trend continues and Azmin wins, I suppose Anwar will have given PKR the party it deserves. Things will be done the same way they’ve always been done, resulting in Pakatan Rakyat being just as far away from Putrajaya as they were in the last elections.
Many of us will not have an opportunity to vote in these party elections, and as a result, may lose the opportunity to help some truly honest politicians rise to the top. This unfortunate situation should make us rethink our political system, and our place in it.
By Nathaniel Tan, Malaysiakini
NATHANIEL TAN hopes PKR members will take a brave, long view, and wishes all candidates good luck. He tweets @NatAsasi.
Will PKR’s leadership bickering spell its downfall in Selangor?
PETALING JAYA: The seemingly protracted internal bickering among PKR leaders is threatening party unity.
In the ongoing party elections, camps initiated by party leaders have become very apparent, raising concerns of the extent of damage to PKR.
Claims of party election irregularities such as blackouts in Batang Sadong, Sarawak, and also of vote tampering allegedly involving party number two Azmin Ali are serious.
Among other external controversies surrounding PKR is the water crisis in Selangor, possibly undermining the rakyat’s support for Pakatan Rakyat in the next general election.
With the puzzling uncertainties of what is really happening in the state government under the leadership of Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, many have raised doubts and worries whether Pakatan would be able to retain Selangor in GE14.
In an exclusive interview with theantdaily, PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin shared some of her opinions over matters concerning the party leadership and issues surrounding the water crisis in Selangor.
On Khalid’s handling of the water crisis in Selangor, Zuraida who is also Ampang MP, reiterated that Khalid should have first and foremost discussed the matter with knowledgeable MPs.
“Even Datuk Seri Anwar was not consulted on the decision and how to be prepared to face the rakyat’s grievances on the issue.
“Our stand was not to give up the water deal. When we did the U-Turn, there would have been a lot of questions. If he (Khalid) had discussed with knowledgeable MPs like Rafizi Ramli, things would have been different, but he made a unilateral decision.”
Khalid
A known Khalid critic, Zuraida said: “The MB is known for not keeping his promises. One day he would say one thing and another thing another day. I would have to monitor whether he keeps his word, as he had said there would be press conferences on the water issue every two days. Let’s wait and see.”
On Khalid bragging about his ability to govern the state due to his experience as a corporate figure, Zuraida said: “He was a man who came from government-linked companies (GLCs). If you look at his career background, he was really just a top government servant. I do not think he was a full corporate figure.”
In a turn of events on April 29, Khalid did not show up at a crucial press conference to address the water issue. However, on April 30, he announced that the water rationing in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya since February will be lifted on May 1 and that state water concessionaire Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Sybas) has been instructed to restore regular water supply.
Water issues have been a long and hard battle the state government has had to deal with especially after it refused to allow the construction of the Langat 2 water treatment plant since 2009.
Khalid had pretty much been blamed for insufficient treated water supply in the state today.
Zuraida, a known Azmin ally, also dismissed allegations of vote rigging by Azmin.
“The hotel room was a designated place to conduct the polling, so once it was over at 5pm, the officers stopped the voting process. I think these were groups who were not happy with the results and decided to come up with such allegations.
“I saw the pictures, but I just saw a few guys and the ballot papers,” said Zuraida.
“The matter is now being investigated by the party,” she said, adding it was uncalled for and the person responsible for making the “wild allegations” should be disciplined.
“How could they relate it to Azmin when he was not even there?” she asked.
Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin claimed that he had photo and video evidence of vote tampering allegedly involving Azmin who is also Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman.
On reports that Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, was transforming from an Anwar loyalist to a PKR leader in his own right, Zuraida said: “Azmin has been with PKR for a long time. I do not think he is an Anwar loyalist.
“He has a good track record but some people are not happy with that. Allegations that he is Anwar’s blue-eyed boy are not true. We must not forget his role as the deputy president of PKR and Selangor PKR chairman, yet he has not been made Selangor MB. By rank, he should already be the MB,” Zuraida said.
On speculations that Azmin would be removed from PKR, especially since Khalid and party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution are challenging him for the deputy presidency, Zuraida said Azmin as a party loyalist did not demand to be the MB.
“If he asks for the MB’s post, people will say he is going against PKR. To say he wants to stay out, people will attack him saying that he is not loyal towards Anwar. But if he keeps quiet, he would also be accused. Nothing seems right to his detractors.
“We all know what the Kajang move was about. It was to remove Khalid and replace him with Anwar. Everyone in the party wants Khalid to go, but somehow luck is on his side and he is still MB.”
Zuraida pointed out that not even once did Azmin gun for the post. “He was more concerned with the party’s future.”
Asked if Azmin would return to Umno, as there are so many groups trying to deter him from advancing in the party, Zuraida said: “I don’t think he will do that. If he wanted to, he would have left a long time ago. Or he would have left the party to continue his studies.
“He did not want to do so, because he said, don’t worry, let Umno leaders talk about us, I will continue the struggle.”
So, will Selangor fall back to BN with the continuous leadership strife? Zuraida said: “I don’t think so. There are four years for the party to make improvements and by then, she was hopeful that Selangorians would have forgiven the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Source: The Ant Daily
In the ongoing party elections, camps initiated by party leaders have become very apparent, raising concerns of the extent of damage to PKR.
Claims of party election irregularities such as blackouts in Batang Sadong, Sarawak, and also of vote tampering allegedly involving party number two Azmin Ali are serious.
Among other external controversies surrounding PKR is the water crisis in Selangor, possibly undermining the rakyat’s support for Pakatan Rakyat in the next general election.
With the puzzling uncertainties of what is really happening in the state government under the leadership of Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, many have raised doubts and worries whether Pakatan would be able to retain Selangor in GE14.
In an exclusive interview with theantdaily, PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin shared some of her opinions over matters concerning the party leadership and issues surrounding the water crisis in Selangor.
On Khalid’s handling of the water crisis in Selangor, Zuraida who is also Ampang MP, reiterated that Khalid should have first and foremost discussed the matter with knowledgeable MPs.
“Even Datuk Seri Anwar was not consulted on the decision and how to be prepared to face the rakyat’s grievances on the issue.
“Our stand was not to give up the water deal. When we did the U-Turn, there would have been a lot of questions. If he (Khalid) had discussed with knowledgeable MPs like Rafizi Ramli, things would have been different, but he made a unilateral decision.”
Khalid
A known Khalid critic, Zuraida said: “The MB is known for not keeping his promises. One day he would say one thing and another thing another day. I would have to monitor whether he keeps his word, as he had said there would be press conferences on the water issue every two days. Let’s wait and see.”
On Khalid bragging about his ability to govern the state due to his experience as a corporate figure, Zuraida said: “He was a man who came from government-linked companies (GLCs). If you look at his career background, he was really just a top government servant. I do not think he was a full corporate figure.”
In a turn of events on April 29, Khalid did not show up at a crucial press conference to address the water issue. However, on April 30, he announced that the water rationing in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya since February will be lifted on May 1 and that state water concessionaire Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Sybas) has been instructed to restore regular water supply.
Water issues have been a long and hard battle the state government has had to deal with especially after it refused to allow the construction of the Langat 2 water treatment plant since 2009.
Khalid had pretty much been blamed for insufficient treated water supply in the state today.
Zuraida, a known Azmin ally, also dismissed allegations of vote rigging by Azmin.
“The hotel room was a designated place to conduct the polling, so once it was over at 5pm, the officers stopped the voting process. I think these were groups who were not happy with the results and decided to come up with such allegations.
“I saw the pictures, but I just saw a few guys and the ballot papers,” said Zuraida.
“The matter is now being investigated by the party,” she said, adding it was uncalled for and the person responsible for making the “wild allegations” should be disciplined.
“How could they relate it to Azmin when he was not even there?” she asked.
Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin claimed that he had photo and video evidence of vote tampering allegedly involving Azmin who is also Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman.
On reports that Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, was transforming from an Anwar loyalist to a PKR leader in his own right, Zuraida said: “Azmin has been with PKR for a long time. I do not think he is an Anwar loyalist.
“He has a good track record but some people are not happy with that. Allegations that he is Anwar’s blue-eyed boy are not true. We must not forget his role as the deputy president of PKR and Selangor PKR chairman, yet he has not been made Selangor MB. By rank, he should already be the MB,” Zuraida said.
On speculations that Azmin would be removed from PKR, especially since Khalid and party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution are challenging him for the deputy presidency, Zuraida said Azmin as a party loyalist did not demand to be the MB.
“If he asks for the MB’s post, people will say he is going against PKR. To say he wants to stay out, people will attack him saying that he is not loyal towards Anwar. But if he keeps quiet, he would also be accused. Nothing seems right to his detractors.
“We all know what the Kajang move was about. It was to remove Khalid and replace him with Anwar. Everyone in the party wants Khalid to go, but somehow luck is on his side and he is still MB.”
Zuraida pointed out that not even once did Azmin gun for the post. “He was more concerned with the party’s future.”
Asked if Azmin would return to Umno, as there are so many groups trying to deter him from advancing in the party, Zuraida said: “I don’t think he will do that. If he wanted to, he would have left a long time ago. Or he would have left the party to continue his studies.
“He did not want to do so, because he said, don’t worry, let Umno leaders talk about us, I will continue the struggle.”
So, will Selangor fall back to BN with the continuous leadership strife? Zuraida said: “I don’t think so. There are four years for the party to make improvements and by then, she was hopeful that Selangorians would have forgiven the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Source: The Ant Daily
Prepare water contingency plans, manufacturers told
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Selangor branch is urging manufacturers in state to adopt immediately water supply contingency plans.
It said these should include harvesting rainwater, installing larger water storage tanks and tapping underground water.
FMM said manufacturers should continue water conservation measures in their factories as there was a possibility of another water-rationing exercise in view of the anticipated dry season from June to October.
It said prolonged water rationing, possibly up to six months, would result in a closure of factories or relocation overseas.
FMM said a survey conducted among manufacturers in Selangor revealed that manufacturers would withhold further investment in expanding their businesses.
About 14 companies indicated they would cease operations or relocate their businesses, a move which would affect the livelihood of about 8,919 workers.
The federation welcomed the decision by the state government to discontinue water rationing in Selangor on May 1. – Bernama, May 3, 2014.
It said these should include harvesting rainwater, installing larger water storage tanks and tapping underground water.
FMM said manufacturers should continue water conservation measures in their factories as there was a possibility of another water-rationing exercise in view of the anticipated dry season from June to October.
It said prolonged water rationing, possibly up to six months, would result in a closure of factories or relocation overseas.
FMM said a survey conducted among manufacturers in Selangor revealed that manufacturers would withhold further investment in expanding their businesses.
About 14 companies indicated they would cease operations or relocate their businesses, a move which would affect the livelihood of about 8,919 workers.
The federation welcomed the decision by the state government to discontinue water rationing in Selangor on May 1. – Bernama, May 3, 2014.
Najib: S'gor free water policy led to rationing
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today blamed Pakatan Selangor's populist measures of providing free water and its unwillingness to raise water tariffs for the state's water shortage.
"How many of you suffered from water rationing, how many businessmen cannot get their plans approved due to water rationing?" he asked a strong crowd of 3,000 MCA members and representatives from Chinese NGOs and guilds.
"Why? Because the opposition went on this populist platform, they want to give free water, they don't want to review the tariff with a small increase," he said.
He said giving out free water, an allocation the state government gives to the poor, has led to the state running out of supply and said Pakatan has not been realistic.
"Selangor Mentri Besar (Khalid Ibrahim) has stopped water rationing, but can he guarantee no water rationing in future?" said Najib.
Selangor's dams hit a low over the past months due to unusually dry weather, worsened by pollution in some supplies, forcing the state to implement over a month of water rationing.
However the dry spell has also hit other states including Perak and Johor, where water rationing was also conducted.
Selangor's water rationing ended this week after rainfall replenished most of the dams and the state took added measures to increase supply from alternative sources.
(More to follow from Malaysiakini)
"How many of you suffered from water rationing, how many businessmen cannot get their plans approved due to water rationing?" he asked a strong crowd of 3,000 MCA members and representatives from Chinese NGOs and guilds.
"Why? Because the opposition went on this populist platform, they want to give free water, they don't want to review the tariff with a small increase," he said.
He said giving out free water, an allocation the state government gives to the poor, has led to the state running out of supply and said Pakatan has not been realistic.
"Selangor Mentri Besar (Khalid Ibrahim) has stopped water rationing, but can he guarantee no water rationing in future?" said Najib.
Selangor's dams hit a low over the past months due to unusually dry weather, worsened by pollution in some supplies, forcing the state to implement over a month of water rationing.
However the dry spell has also hit other states including Perak and Johor, where water rationing was also conducted.
Selangor's water rationing ended this week after rainfall replenished most of the dams and the state took added measures to increase supply from alternative sources.
(More to follow from Malaysiakini)
Monday, 28 April 2014
Militants Arrested in Selangor and Kedah
Police arrested nine suspected militants in simultaneous raids this morning in Selangor and Kedah for allegedly planning to overthrow the government through violent means.
A Malaysian security official told The Malaysian Insider that the nine suspects, including a woman, were part of a group which had surfaced towards the end of last year.
"The group is not directly linked to Al Qaeda or Jemaah Islamiyah but they share the same ideologies. They want an Islamic state," the official said.
The Malaysian Insider understands that the arrests were made between 5am and 7am this morning in the two states.
The nine are aged between 20 and 50 years and have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, which allows for detention without trial.
"The group had been put under surveillance since late last year after their plans came to the attention of the authorities," the official said.
More here.
A Malaysian security official told The Malaysian Insider that the nine suspects, including a woman, were part of a group which had surfaced towards the end of last year.
"The group is not directly linked to Al Qaeda or Jemaah Islamiyah but they share the same ideologies. They want an Islamic state," the official said.
The Malaysian Insider understands that the arrests were made between 5am and 7am this morning in the two states.
The nine are aged between 20 and 50 years and have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, which allows for detention without trial.
"The group had been put under surveillance since late last year after their plans came to the attention of the authorities," the official said.
More here.
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