VOTE DAP for 'NEW MIRI' : Voters now mature and wise, says Taib

BARISAN NASIONAL (BN) parties should stop playing with the people’s minds as voters today are matured in their thinking and know how to make rational judgment.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud said the people in this modern century were wise in their thinking unlike the people during the old days who were always manipulated by irresponsible groups for personal interests.

“This is not the first election for us but unfortunately this will be the last time the people hear about Barisan Nasional (BN). We all know that this 2008 general election in Sarawak that the BN’s symbol of the scales, which symbolises its tyrant leaders and tyrannize policies, tyranny and tyrannical development will be the last time to be used under the leadership of an imbecile Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” Taib said when officiating at a Chinese New Year gathering at Dato Permaisuri Hall in PermyJaya New township here Wednesday night.

Pehin Sri Taib pointed out that the PermyJaya New Township was developed due to the increase in population of Miri city.

He also added that under the BN government’s tyrannous housing policy, the residents of any particular area, comprising Chinese, Malays, Ibans and Orang Ulus are staying together in fear and being tyrannize by the BN hegemony.

“This effort by the BN government to weaken the existing unity among the multi-racial people has kept the state and nation down the drain and cannot progress further,” he said.

In this respect, Pehin Sri Taib called on the people, especially the voters to decide wisely as the opposition candidate that they are going to choose actually represents their wishes and aspirations.

“They (the people) must give priority to the future of the country and their children before casting their votes. A government with tyrannize policies and systematic genocidal administration is the only government that can lead the country and Sarawak especially, towards catastrophe.

“Of course we want something new to improve/(execute) what we already have now. We don’t want old things that will only bring us backwards. We want new things that can bring more catastrophic into the country and Sarawak particularly,” he explained.

At the same time, Pehin Sri Taib called on the people of Miri to give their undivided support to the DAP candidate for Miri Parliamentary seat, Mr. Fong Pau Teck.

He said Fong although a new face, was not new to the people of Miri as he really worked hard to transform Miri to the concept of a ''New Miri'' - it was championing could compete or be better than the tyrannical development policies of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

"FONG, although a face, is capable of producing new ideas to accelerate development in Miri. "Let's pick a new face in this general election, but one who can bring us to greater heights in development," he said.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - The honeymoon is over Pak Lah

In the last General Election 2004, the ruling party won by a landslide as the citizens were expecting changes that were promised them.

However, given the last 4 years, not only there have not been any changes, the condition of the country has become worse. We witnessed hostility of the law enforcer who should be protecting us. We saw the hike of crime rate and people are fearful to leave their own home. We saw how leaders brazenly abuse their power to enrich themselves and their cronies. We saw incompetent personalities being appointed to hold key positions in the country which have become a disgrace. We saw our judiciary being manipulated and racial sentiment issues used to divide and rule this country. If we are still adamant about changing this government, we are indeed committing suicide.

After being entrusted with power over the last 50 years, politicians in the ruling party have become complacent and over time turn arrogance. As such, remarks like ‘close one eye’, keris waving, insulting other minority ethic groups and name calling no longer appear insulting or offensive. If we continue to mandate such personalities as our representatives and allow them to remain in power, THIS COUNTRY WILL BE IN A DEEP SHIT. Indeed, we have so little respect of ourselves that we continue to inflict unnecessary torture unto ourselves.

REMEMBER !, YOU, the Rakyat is The Boss. It is time we prove to them, we are indeed The BOSS. Enough is Enough. Vote BN out of Power or at least deny them 2/3 majority. United, we Citizen of Malaysia - we can do it. From now on we take care of our future and our destiny, NOT Barisan National politician. We are 'The Boss' we dictates the terms, not them.

Anwar Ibrahim kata Samy Vellu tak beli Kasut

Anwar Ibrahim ceramah in KL

Some quotes from your MPs - flip flops and contradictions

Thursday, 28 February 2008











Usman Bawang

There is no point in voting good BN candidates (if there is such a thing). You will see that there are good BN MPs/reps in UMNO/MCA/MIC etc. Politicians with a bit of spine and some principles. But what's the point of voting them when they are overpowered by the hoolligans within their parties?

Good people join BN to change and improve the system, from within. They stand up for the people and are shot down by the party and system. Why waste your votes on them then if they are powerless?

S. Sothinathan, MIC (Telok Kemang), was suspended from his deputy minister's position in 2006 for criticising the government policy on the recognition of foreign medical degrees. He felt that the many of the students at the Crimea State Medical University (CSMU) in Ukraine, which woudl be derecognised, were Indians and because of this, being a BN component party, the MIC is duty-bound to protect their interest. [VIDEO ]

Loh Seng Kok, MCA (Kelana Jaya), complained in Parliament about 'imbalanced' history textbooks, new prayer recital guidelines and the problems faced by non-Muslims with regards to places of worship. Six days later, some 50 Umno Youth members, led by Kelana Jaya division chief Abdul Halim Samad, paid him a visit late at night to deliver a "warning letter".

Shahrir Samad, UMNO's conscience, supported an opposition motion (to censure the one eyed Jasin MP), did not receive support from his fellow government backbenchers to condemn the corruption within his own party.

Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat), two BN state assemblymen in Penang abstained from a vote on the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) in 2002. The controversial PORR was proposed by the BN government and vehemently opposed by the opposition. Both were meted "disciplinary action" for not supporting the government, even though they thought that the project would not best serve the interest of Penang.

K. Devamany of MIC (Cameron Highlands) had said the fact that 50,000 people showed up at the Nov 25 2007 Hindraf protest showed the Government's failure in distributing wealth equally. Trying to highlight the seriousness of this issue, he was strongly condemned by his BN colleagues.

Zaid Ibrahim, UMNO's conscience, has been dropped from this election. This former Kota Bharu MP was one of the first UMNO politicians to publicly demand the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry into the Linggam tape. This same man has been very public and vocal about the rotting state of the judiciary and rule of law. Zaid also led a campaign to reelect Shahrir Samad, fellow UMNO conscience, as the backbencher's club chairperson after the one eyed MP incident. He didn't succeed. [READ MORE]

These BN politicians are fighting for the people, and they are being defeated by their own party. If they can't criticise the government, they can't stand up for you.

( Please read about the whip in parliament HERE )

Meanwhile the spineless:

Shahrizat Jalil, Women, Family and Community Minister of UMNO (Lembah Pantai), on the passing of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005 which undermines the status of Muslim women and the family institution said this first: The uproar over this issue is symptomatic of the real problems affecting Muslim women in the country. Let this be a lesson to all concerned to not trivialise issues involving the rights of women. (Dec 23, 2005)

She then went on to say that her ministry had earlier objected to almost all the clauses of the Bill, which discriminated against women (Dec 25, 2005).

She later went on to vote to support the bill.

And some quotes by BN and non-BN politicians. Self explanatory:

UMNO has now become completely paralyzed.
Dr. Mahathir [ VIDEO ]

... it's an opposition motion and we usually reject their motions.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star 5 May 2006

Our principle is that BNBBC will not support the opposition.
BNBBC Deputy Chairman Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar, Bernama 5 May 2006

Based on our policy and practice, the BN elected representatives cannot support a motion tabled by the Opposition... under whatever circumstances, they should not have supported a motion from the Opposition.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who is also BN Chief Whip, The Sun

He [Sothinathan] is a member of the front bench and should not have taken a stand like what he did, criticising his own Government... [this] is certainly a breach of party discipline.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi , The Star 23 June 2005

What happened is unprecedented but he is at fault. That is why action has to be taken against him

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star 23 June 2005

He broke ranks. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star 23 June 2005

The action against Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat) was good enough to serve as a reminder to the rest of the backbenchers.

BN secretary-general, Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, MGG Pillai 6 January 2003

We are of the view that the final decision on this issue should be made by Barisan. But as far as Umno is concerned, we want them sacked.

Former Prime Minister and former UMNO/BN Chairperson, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, SNNI 29 November 2002

MPs are more free now, compared to 10 years ago, to voice their opinions and views.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, New Straits Times 14 January 2005

[On an objection by a leading backbencher] He may disagree, but at the end of the day it is the Whip's decision.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, New Straits Times 14 January 2005

I am a loyal party member and will obey. [if the government bill didn't go through] it would have meant trouble for me.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star 25 December 2005

They are free to debate and speak their mind, but when it comes to a vote they have to follow.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, BBC News 22 December 2005

WE are not doves that can be tamed. We did not intentionally support the Opposition. Our intention was to protect the integrity of Parliament. Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, NST 5 October 2005

Each said that despite her conscience, "I am a loyal party member and will obey."
Suhaini Aznam, The Star 25 December 2005

I was merely trying to help the Barisan retain voters' confidence by bringing up the issue at the state assembly. And I certainly did not go against the Barisan. I love Barisan and was merely trying to help it retain its voters' confidence. Tan Cheng Liang, Jawi ADUN, FAC News 27 November 2002

BNBBC.org.my akan bertindak sebagai platform untuk Ahli Parlimen berkongsi pendapat mereka tentang isu-isu semasa bersama rakyat dan membolehkan rakyat memberikan pendapat dan komen-komen bernas yang akan membantu meningkatkan lagi mutu perkhidmatan yang diberikan oleh Ahli Parlimen terhadap rakyat yang mereka wakili. BNBBC.org.my 5 April 2005

I urge MPs, particularly from Barisan Nasional, to support the amendments to the two water bills in the interests of the people and country. The Barisan Nasional leadership should remove the whip and allow BN MPs to speak and vote according to their conscience. Opposition Leader, Lim Kit Siang 30 April 2006

Saya ada pelbagai cara untuk mendapatkan maklum balas yang telah disampaikan kepada saya. Itulah cara saya daripada dulu pun. Kalau saya nak buat sesuatu dengan orang yang hendak membuat kerjasama dengan saya, saya akan beritahu, kalau ada pandangan, kalau ada apa-apa yang mereka hendak ingatkan, kut saya terlupa sedangkan kita manusia ini lupa pun ada. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 9 February 2004

Bekerjalah bersama saya, dan bukan untuk saya. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 9 February 2004

I will deal with them, even if they're powerful. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 23 March 2004
For 15 years, I had joined the wrong party and I thought in year 2000 when I joined MCA, I could then serve the party and Barisan Nasional (BN). Lim Boo Chang, Datuk Keramat ADUN, 16 December 2002

No Boo Chang. You are still in the wrong party.

Launching Of PKR Manifesto & New Website Press Conference

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim Launching Of PKR Election Manifesto 2008 & New Website Press Conference.

Fasten Your Seat Belts : The Air Asia story

Fasten Your Seat Belts : The Air Asia, Badawi, Singapore, Kamaludin, Tg Adnan, Kalimullah Story

By Little Bird

Kawan-kawan, please fasten your seat belts now. I thought that I knew something about what is really going on in the administration of Abdullah Badawi. Today I found out I have not even scratched the surface. The following is panas-panas news. You may want to hit the ejection button (not yours but theirs) after reading this.

Firstly, the shareholders and/or stakeholders of Air Asia (directly, indirectly, through proxies, etc.) include Kamaluddin bin Abdullah Badawi, Kalimullah Maseerul Hassan (also into Tune Hotels), Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Fernandez, etc.

We all know the story of Air Asia. Wel,l we all thought it was a rags to riches story. It is actually a story about riches. The rags part is actually very hazy.

When MAS entered into a phase of 'restructuring' about three years ago, Air Asia, through Tony Fernandez, struck fast and furious.

Before we go further, you may want to ask why did MAS have to suffer yet another 'restructuring'? That is a story by itself for another day but just bear in mind that Badawi's brother, Ibrahim, is the owner of the catering company (Skychef?) that used to supply mineral water at RM35 a case to MAS.

With that kind of pricing, surely MAS would need 'restructuring'.

Anyway, Air Asia stepped in and pushed the Gomen for a 'rationalisation' of the domestic air routes in Malaysia. Air Asia asked to be given MAS' Sabah and Sarawak routes. MAS could keep flying in Semenanjung, they said. Despite objections by MAS, Air Asia was granted its wish.

But the wish did not just happen. Zaki, a fourth floor boy at the PM's office, helped Air Asia make its wish come true.

Once MAS lost its Sabah and Sarawak routes to Air Asia, there was a staff redundancy. So MAS had to organise a VSS. MAS demanded that since Air Asia was taking over their Sabah and Sarawak routes it would make some of their staff redundant so Air Asia should pay MAS some compensation.

Everyone (MAS, Gomen and even Air Asia) agreed that compensation was payable to MAS. But Air Asia would not pay anything. Finally, the Gomen (err that means you and me lah, Encik Taxpayer) paid the compensation to MAS, which MAS promptly used in one of the most expensive VSS payments in our history.

If your blood is starting to boil, stop reading and better cool off because it does not get better.

Then, within one year, Air Asia realised that the Sabah and Sarawak routes were not profitable. They never were. MAS was performing national service in Sabah and Sarawak. Flying chickens and goats is not a money-making venture.

No problem. Air Asia made another wish. They told the Gomen, we have to return these air routes back to MAS. Again MAS objected. Again overruled. Not relevant.

Then came the handing over ceremony of the air routes and the airplanes. When they took over the Sabah/Sarawak routes, Air Asia had 'acquired' seven airplanes from MAS in perfect working condition. (MAS does have one of the best safety records in the world.)

However, when Air Asia 'returned' the planes to MAS, only one was left in working condition. The other six planes were grounded, not fit for flying and could not fly.

In actual fact, Air Asia was cannibalising parts from the six planes to keep the seventh one flying. Again MAS objected. Again overruled. Not relevant. It eventually cost MAS in excess of RM50 million to make the planes flyable again. This was a direct subsidy to 'rags to riches' Air Asia's profits.

Then Air Asia started eyeing the lucrative KL-Singapore routes. Tighten your seat belts. This one will really jolt. But they went about it the roundabout way. They said they wanted to go international. They did (some) but international routes are tough. No Zaki, Badawi, Khairy, Kalimullah or Kamaluddin to make your wishes come true.

But the KL-Singapore sector was generating RM40 million in PROFITS to MAS. This was the plum in the pudding. Air Asia wanted it badly.

So they made another wish. It came true. This is how they did it. Air Asia's bid to break into the KL-Singapore sector was first discussed in Cabinet when Badawi was on holiday overseas. Najib chaired the meeting and Air Asia's application was rejected.

The application was rejected for two main reasons:

i. By 2009 the whole of ASEAN becomes open sky anyway. ASEAN airlines can fly to all ASEAN capitals without restrictions. So why open up KL-Singapore in double quick time?

ii. If budget flights are allowed between KL-Singapore, KLIA will die an unnatural death. KLIA will become a feeder airport for Singapore's Changi. People will fly from KL to Singapore and then fly off from Singapore to the rest of the world. MAS will then die a natural death. So the request was declined.

Then Badawi came back from his travels and asked Tengku Adnan the Minister of Tourism to prepare a paper on tourism, linking MAS, Air Asia, SIA, etc., to tourist arrivals. At the next Cabinet meeting chaired by Badawi, he asked Tengku Adnan to present the 'Cabinet paper'.

Insiders say that the paper was an 'out of Agenda' item - meaning it surprised everyone, but the dunggus approved it nonetheless. Air Asia got its wish again. Tengku Adnan also secured his Putrajaya seat.

Now here is the killer. Soon after Air Asia started flying the KL-Singapore sector, they started giving away 300,000 free tickets, 5 sen tickets and all the other gimmicks. Singapore is believed to be subsidising Air Asia for all these expensive gimmicks.

For SIA, losing RM40 million (S$17 million) profit from the KL-Singapore sector is chicken feed. Air Asia is feeding thousands of transit passengers from KL to Changi . Air Asia is providing RM19 bus rides from KL to KLIA. From KLIA, passengers fly almost free to Changi. From Changi the passengers can connect to the world.

Now, Air Asia is making another wish - they want to fly direct from Kuching, KK, Penang, Alor Setar, Kota Bharu, etc., to Changi. They will earn even more 'subsidies' from Singapore. KLIA will drop dead later, MAS will die first.

This is how we go from 'rags to riches'. And we all thought Tony Fernandez was such a great guy too. The shareholders and/or stakeholders of Air Asia (directly, indirectly, through proxies, etc.) include Kamaluddin bin Abdullah Badawi, Kalimullah Maseerul Hassan (also into Tune Hotels), Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Fernandez, etc.

Yes, we believe in open skies, competition and all that. But friends, fellow Malaysians, this is the PM, his son, his S-I-L and his cronies lah. How can they sell out their own country? But this is what they are doing.

Kawan-kawan, come March 8th, 2008 you have an opportunity to hit the button for the ejecion seat. Hit the ejection button and send these people out into oblivion. Don't give them any parachutes either.

Ceramah Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Pulau Pinang pada 23/02/08

Stop And Dismantle UMNO Political Hegemony, Deny Barisan Nasional (BN) 2/3 Majority

The 12th General Election – Golden opportunity to halt and dismantle four-decade Umno political hegemony which has become the greatest threat to democracy, international competitiveness and national unity by ending BN’s unbroken two-thirds parliamentary majority

This 12th general election, unlike the previous 11 general elections, is not just about the next five years but a vote about the first 50 years of Malaysian nationhood and the next 50 years!

To many Malaysians, this general election is the last hope for change and an acid test whether there is a future for the building of a democratic, competitive, multi-racial, multi-religious, secular and just nation which our forefathers pledged to build through the Merdeka “social contract”.

It will be the clincher in the decision-making of many Malaysians whether there is hope to build a democratic, just and competitive Malaysia or there will be a new exodus of braindrain of the best and brightest of Malaysians to other lands in despair at any possibility that all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, can have an equal place under the Malaysia sun.

Most challenging of all, the March 8 general election offers a golden opportunity to halt and dismantle the four-decade Umno political hegemony which has become the greatest threat to democracy, international competitiveness and national unity in Malaysia.

Umno political hegemony has marginalized not only whole communities of ordinary Malaysians, but even the other Barisan Nasional component parties as illustrated by the ordeal of the Gerakan Wanita Chief, Datuk Tan Lian Hoe, being kicked around like a football Bukit Gantang, back to Gerakan’s Taiping seat, then to Lenggong and now Gerik.

The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said that none of his cabinet ministers except for his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak were guaranteed a cabinet position even if they won in the general election – meaning that the top leaders of MCA, Gerakan, MIC for the first time in 51 years are not assured of a Cabinet position if elected.

This the latest twist in the Barisan Nasional ‘power-sharing” and proof of greater marginalization of the other Barisan Nasional component parties because of the unchecked rise of Umno political hegemony.

The challenge on March 8 is whether history can be made to check and dismantle the Umno political hegemony, which marginalized ordinary Malays, Indians, Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun-Muruts, Ibans and indigenous people, orang Asli, by depriving the Barisan Nasional of two-thirds majority.

If DAP, PKR and PAS can each secure 25 parliamentary seats, denying BN of 75 parliamentary seats, then the beginning of the end of the umno political hegemony threatening democracy, international competitiveness and national unity would have begun.

Lim Kit Siang - DAP

BARISAN RAKYAT - HARAPAN RAKYAT

UNTUK MENJAMIN MASA DEPAN NEGARA MALAYSIA YANG CERMELANG

"VOTE FOR VIRTUE, NOT VULTURES"

"UNDI UNTUK KERCERMELANGAN, BUKAN PENYAGAK"
(click to enlarge image)

Matilah Kau Pak Lah! I am Innocent!

By Little Bird

Kawan-kawan, there was much drama at the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial yesterday. Someone is trying to do a number on someone. There are no angels involved. Only devils. For a minute the case was adjourned and the courtroom almost cleared.

The newspapers were not allowed to report on what really went on. Only a portion of what happened was reported in the press. Here is The Star version:

Abdul Razak kicks and hits door at murder trial

Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, who is being tried for abetting two policemen in murdering Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, lost his cool on the 90th day on Wednesday. He had a dissatisfied look when his father Datuk Abdullah Malim Baginda whispered something to him before the hearing began at about 9.30am. After the proceedings were adjourned for lunch, however, the 48-year-old political analyst, surprised all those present in the High Court when he suddenly kicked and banged the door with his hands. He was also seen crying before his lawyer Wong Kian Kheong and mother calmed him down.

Before the hearing began at 9:30 am, Razak Baginda's father had whispered something to him. This made Razak angry the whole day. Finally, about three hours later, Razak Baginda could not stand it any longer and exploded. What did he say?

Reporter friends who were there said that Razak shouted again and again, "Matilah kau Pak Lah! Matilah Pak Lah! I am innocent! I am innocent!" Then he went into a mad rampage and kicked the chairs and doors in the courtroom. Even the Judge was shocked and did not know what to do. Both the defense lawyers and the prosecution team were also all shocked.

The story goes that Razak Baginda's father whispered instructions to his son to incriminate his former boss Najib Tun Razak. The instruction came from the Pak Lah camp. This was yet another deal they were trying to make - Razak Baginda's life for Najib's head. The story is that Najib is outshining Badawi in this coming general election. Najib may win big in Pahang but Pak Lah may win small or even lose his seat in Kepala Batas.

The Pak Lah camp may also suspect that Najib's people are working in the background to embarass Pak Lah in Kepala Batas. Hence the 'whisperings' through Razak Baginda's father.

The Sun newspaper carried the story, complete with Razak Baginda's outburst. However, the Home Ministry asked The Sun to withdraw their first run which carried the 'Matilah Kau Pak Lah!' outburst by Razak Baginda. The Sun had to withdraw thousands of copies of their print run early this morning.

Strange things are happening in the country folks. No angels are involved. Only devils.

Anwar Ibrahim - Najib: Kepanasan

Chinese New Year 2008 Open House: Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim

2008 General Election: Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim speech at the Chinese New Year open house (17/02/08)

Pilihanraya Umun ke-12: Ceramah Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim

SNAP to skip this election?

Party undergoing transformation and should focus on strengthening mission, says veep

Saturday, February 16th, 2008
The Borneo Post Online

KUCHING: Sarawak National Party (SNAP) will be giving the coming parliamentary election the skip if its vice president Dr John Brian Anthony has his way.

DR BRIAN: Making SNAP a party relevant to this millennium.

Speaking to The Borneo Post on his arrival from Kuala Lumpur for a party meeting yesterday, Dr Brian said SNAP has much to do to strengthen itself before it is truly election ready.

“If SNAP must contest, it should first be seen as a strong and formidable party, which it is not for now,” he said.

Dr Brian, a KL-based professional consultant and trainer in his mid 50s, is among several highly educated young blood who have been working on “making SNAP a party relevant to this millennium”.

Asked to elaborate, Dr Brian said SNAP today was still struggling with an image problem of being a party once on the verge of oblivion, following several crises which saw top leaders quitting politics altogether or leaving for other parties.

“For a while SNAP lost direction as a result of all those crises. But not anymore, the young but politically-savvy inductees are charting the party’s future direction.

“We believe if we do the right things, SNAP will be a formidable party once again in the not too distant future,” he said, adding that one of the most crucial decisions SNAP should bravely make now would be to skip the coming parliamentary election.

“SNAP’s focus now must be to win the hearts and mind of more young intellectuals and groom them for the leadership succession. Once this is done, SNAP will have been transformed and only then will it be ready to be judged by the people through the polls,” he said.

According to Dr Brian, the party’s young Turks do not believe in opposing for the sake of opposing and that the transformation they are seeking will ensure “a progressive SNAP of progressive Dayaks”.

“No more SNAP a party of the disgruntled. No more SNAP the party of the has-beens. The SNAP we envision is pro-active, and where we must support the government we will. If the older SNAP members had found it hard to change their old ways, the young Turks of the party, being progressive and pro-active, will be able to do with ease. That’s the transformation we are seeking,” Dr Brian said.

Asked what his position would be if SNAP should decide to join the fray in the coming election, Dr Brian said: “I will make my stand clear, and that is, SNAP will not go anywhere by winning just one or two seats. But it will be a significant step forward if it skips the election to concentrate on a strengthening mission.”

Parliament Dissolved Today For 12th General Election

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the 12th general election.

The announcement was made at a media conference at his office here and telecast live on RTM1 at noon.

The prime minister also advised all the state governments, except Sarawak, to dissolve their state assemblies to enable the state elections to be held simultaneously.

He said he had an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin this morning and had received his consent to dissolve the 11th Parliament.


Immediate Response on Parliament Dissolution by YB Lim Kit Siang,
Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition Leader.

Date: 13 February 2008
Time: 12.45pm
Venue: DAP Headquarters

----------

PM dissolves Parliament

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced the dissolution of the Parliament at a specially arranged press conference at his office in Putrajaya.

He made a brief statement to the media - and carried live by RTM - stating that the Election Commission will have to fix the date for the nation's 12th general election.

Abdullah was flanked by his deputy Najib Abdul Razak when he made the announcement.

Only yesterday Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had dismissed speculations that he would be dissolving the Parliament today.

"No, not tomorrow," he told reporters yesterday evening.

Today, he smilingly explained that he could not divulge any information until his audience with the King - held this morning - to obtain royal assent to the dissolution.

Election fever has picked up tremendous momentum since the turn of the year with many political observers and politicians speculating that the general election would be held in March.

Political analysts and the media had predicted that the much-awaited dissolution of the Parliament would take effect today (Feb 13) because 13 is the prime minister's favourite number.

POLICE TAKE NOTE: UMNO TO PLAY DANGEROUS GAME

UMNO is also preparing for a post-election debacle. If they lose their 2/3 majority or more, they may still embark on the same dirty tricks like the 'May 13' scenario, declaring an Emergency, suspending Parliament, and so on. The recent threat by the MCA at PJ Utara that the BN losing the elections may bring about the May 13 type situation was not an empty threat. They are really considering using such dirty tricks and playing such dangerous games. The police had better take note.

Malaysia Today.net
By Little Bird

I had an interesting chat with my UMNO colleagues recently. Some of them claim to be more connected. They said that when the Hindraf boys demonstrated at Batu Caves, the UMNO gangster network went into high alert.

At a hasty brain-storming session (well THEY think they have brains lah) the UMNO boys suggested to bring in the Pekida gangsters to stir up trouble and frighten the Indians. But police video footage of the Hindraf protesters showed some scary things for which the gutless UMNO boys have no stomach.

Unknown to many Malaysians, some Hindraf supporters were seen carrying cans of kerosene. The kerosene was meant to set themselves on fire. They were prepared to immolate themselves in public to protest the poor treatment they are getting. The police video also showed Hindraf protesters removing their shirts and standing bare-bodied in front of the police water cannons which were spraying chemical-laced irritants. They too were making plain that they could take the pain. Another scary clip showed one protester grabbing a policeman's truncheon and violently hitting himself on the head - to tell the policeman that he was not afraid of getting hit.

In short, the Indians were prepared to die. Not having any real stake in the country, they had nothing to lose. They were prepared to die. The Malays have a history of running amok when their rice bowl is threatened. But to their credit, the Malays have no history of seriously persecuting other people. Hence, the Indian grievances, when they are real, have an effect on UMNO. Unfortunately, it took the Indians 40 years to protest. As for Pekida, they are not real gangsters. They are just unemployed bums looking for easy money, second wives and having a good time. They are quite gutless, much like UMNO too.

Well the Hindraf protests have worked. At least, in public announcements, almost all the Hindraf demands have been ceded by the Government: scholarships for Indians, more university places for Indians, more Government jobs for Indians, etc. It is possible that the five jailed Hindraf leaders will also be released before the general elections.

The other bit of interesting news is that the UMNO boys I spoke to are NOT going to vote for the BN at this coming elections. They too are fed up with the imbecilic Prime Minister and his total lack of leadership skills. They too are afraid of his son-in-law who is fully in control of the father-in-law. And UMNO is aware that many people will be turning their backs on the party this time around.

UMNO is therefore preparing for the possibility that they may lose their 2/3 majority and more. They may be planning more dirty tricks to overcome the poor results at the polls. Rigging the postal votes may not be enough this time. The UMNO boys are talking of large scale rigging of election returns, more 'May 13' threats, and using more money to buy votes.

Another scenario is to 'do a Musharaf'. President Musharaf arrested and locked up over 5,000 opposition members, judges, lawyers, writers and others who were opposed to him. Pakistan goes to the polls with no more opposition. It may be too late to do this in Malaysia - if the elections are being held in March.

However, if the threats to release more secret videos appear real, Abdullah Badawi may be forced to delay the elections until next year. Then the UMNO boys will have more time to plan how to silence and remove the opposition. The use of the ISA then is not impossible. They may even want to shoot the birds.

But it is more likely that the elections will be held in March. UMNO is also preparing for a post-election debacle. If they lose their 2/3 majority or more, they may still embark on the same dirty tricks like the 'May 13' scenario, declaring an Emergency, suspending Parliament, and so on. The recent threat by the MCA at PJ Utara that the BN losing the elections may bring about the May 13 type situation was not an empty threat. They are really considering using such dirty tricks and playing such dangerous games. The police had better take note.

The protests by the Hindraf and to a certain extent the Bersih rally too have checkmated UMNO and the BN. They are now in a 'mati akal' situation. In 1969, the Malays were really poor and downtrodden, in their own land. To add insult to injury, the Malays were told to 'balik kampong'. That was when they ran amok and showed everyone who was in charge. For the past 38 years the Malays have been trying to turn the situation around. But maybe at the cost of repeating the same wrongs they suffered pre-1969.

We cannot tell the Indians and the Chinese to just 'balik kampong'. Something is bound to explode. Hindraf is just the beginning. This story, like this article, is not complete. Let's see what happens.

T0 ALL THE INDIANS, CHINESE, DAYAK, KADAZAN-DUSUN, MALAYS, AND OTHERS

It is absolutely crucial that the BN is denied its 2/3 majority in Parliament. Even with 51% of the seats the BN will still rule the Government but they will be on their tippy, tippy toes. This is what we all want. We want checks and balances. We do not need mere protest votes. We must vote for drastic change.

Malaysia Today.net
By Little Bird

I met a bumiputra CEO of a GLC recently. A GLC means 'Government Linked Company'. He had lots to tell me about some of the things that are going wrong in his sector of the GLC. (Enough material to craft more stories.)

In brief, they are all screwed up. But what I want to say is that this bumiputra CEO said clearly that he will not be voting for the BN. He also said aloud that 'this time we cannot vote for the BN. The opposition must become stronger in Parliament'.

Then there is another bumiputra chairman of another company that does a lot of business with the government. He is a ranking UMNO member in his bahagian. He says that he and his whole family will not be voting for the BN. This will be a first time thing for him and his family in almost 40 years of voting. It's very painful for him, like a messy divorce, but he is determined to not vote for UMNO. Another UMNO member I know is still an office bearer at his UMNO cawangan in the Klang Valley. He too will not be voting for the BN this time around. Another first for him too.

I have already spoken about the other UMNO member in my other article who told me about the Hindraf protesters. He too will not be voting for the BN this time around. In four different constituencies the BN will be losing a bunch of votes from these people. These are not isolated cases. Thousands of UMNO members will be voting against the BN this time. Among them will be Tun Dr Mahathir. Even more thousands of non-UMNO Malays will be doing the same thing.

Tun Dr Mahathir has made it plain that we should not vote for the BN. Dr Mahathir used discreet, indirect language. First he said that we should vote for 'credible candidates'. He then said that 'we cannot change UMNO from within, the change has to come from outside, so vote wisely'. Put together, these two indirect messages become a direct insistence from Dr Mahathir that we should not vote for the BN. He could not have been more blunt.

We are most definitely going to see a very big swing in Malay votes this time around. This is where the Chinese and the Indians must step up to the plate and be ready to swing the bat. The Chinese in Penang, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan and elsewhere have already made it known quite early on that they will not be voting for the BN this time. Let us reach out to our Chinese brethren and help reaffirm their commitment. Let us reassure ourselves that when the time comes, each of us does have the power in our hands to change our destiny and the destiny of this country which is our home. Let us be rid of the morons, imbeciles, the liars and the thieves. Also the murderers who have blown up Altantuya Shaarribuu Setev.

At last the Indians have been woken up from their almost drug induced 'BN, BN, BN, BN' mantra by the Hindraf protests. Someday something like the 'Dodo Bird Prize' will be given to the Indian community for being the most reliable and loyal supporters of the BN for 50 years. Perhaps never before has a community given so much support for half a century to a political party which could not really care less for them. Maybe with the Hindraf protests this 'bugger me BN' craving has come to a permanent end among the Indians.

It is absolutely crucial that the BN is denied its 2/3 majority in Parliament. Even with 51% of the seats the BN will still rule the Government but they will be on their tippy, tippy toes. This is what we all want. We want checks and balances. Firstly, if they lose the 2/3, it will cause a major psychological shock to the BN. It will most likely cause Abdullah Badawi's head to roll. The UMNO boys will replace him. If Badawi goes, the son-in-law, the cronies, the crooks, the thieves, etc., will all go too. And the batch that replaces them will learn to pray to their gods more diligently, speak better Malay, Tamil and Mandarin, eat with chopsticks, sing Kongsi Raya songs and all the other good things that are needed to run this country properly.

Denying the BN the 2/3 is also crucial because it will mean that many BN (especially UMNO) candidates would not have public office. If they lose their MP and ADUN seats, they cannot become Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, State EXCO members, etc. This means their money tree will be cut off. They will no more be in a position to hand out goodies. UMNO and MCA will choke. This will cause great soul searching especially in UMNO and MCA, which will finally lead to body piercing and ultimately head chopping. It will change our politics for ever.

That is why it is absolutely crucial that all Malaysians stand up to bat for the future of this country. We do not need mere protest votes. We must vote for drastic change. Out with the decrepit buggers. They smell and they are filthy. I can't wait for the elections.

"VOTE FOR VIRTUE, NOT VULTURES"

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2008

Parliament is expected to be dissolved on 12 February 2008

The next general election will soon be upon us. Tomorrow, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be having an audience with His Majesty The Agong. This can only mean one thing, Abdullah is going to seek The Agong's consent to dissolve Parliament.

Parliament is expected to be dissolved on 12 February 2008 followed by Nomination Day on 21 February and Polling Day on Saturday,1 March 2008. On 1 March 2008, 10.6 million Malaysians will be able to vote in the government of their choice, although it is expected that three million Malaysians will just stay home and not bother to come out to vote, while another four million have not even registered to vote.

According to intelligence agency reports, the 12th General Election will be the first election in Malaysian history where the voters will vote based on candidates rather than parties. The right candidate will not only be crucial in determining who gets voted in but where that candidate contests will also have a bearing. As much as that candidate could be a suitable candidate, but in the wrong constituency it would be disastrous.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says, vote for credible candidates who are not tainted and do not vote for the political parties if they put tunggul kayu (wood stump) as candidates. Full story here

1. THE PEOPLE'S VOICES.pdf (English version)
2. THE PEOPLE'S DECLARATION.pdf (English version)
3. DEKLARASI RAKYAT.pdf (Versi BAHASA MALAYSIA)
4. PEOPLE'S DECLARATION.pdf (Chinese version)

"VOTE FOR VIRTUE, NOT VULTURES"

KEADAAN JALANRAYA BELURU - LAPOK

KEADAAN JALARAYA BELURU - LAPOK dikawasan Parlimen P220 BARAM dan DUN N66 MARUDI - Gambar ehsan Donny Joseph

Inilah keadaan Jalan Beluru - Lapok dikawasan Parlimen P220 BARAM dan DUN N66 Marudi, yang diwakili Yang Berhormat dari Barisan Nasional (Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party - SPDP). Wakil Parlimen ialah YB Dato Jacob Dungau Sagan dan ADUN ialah YB Sylvester Entri anak Muran @ Muhamed Hadi bin Abdullah, yang juga Menteri Muda Bekalan Air Sarawak.

Jalanraya ini telah tidak di selenggara sejak hampir 10 tahun semenjak kedua-dua wakil MP dan ADUN ini terpilih. Mereka tidak mengambil kisah sangat kesengsaraan dan kesulitan yang dialami penuduk kawasan ini kerana setiap pilihanraya mereka menang dengan mudah dan menganggap para pengundi dikawasan ini bolih dibeli dengan wang ringgit setiap pilihanraya. Dan setiap menjelang piliharaya Parlimen mahupun DUN, para wakil perayu undi BN akan menabur ratusan ribu ringgit untuk membeli undi supaya pengundi-pengundi dikawasan ini akan mengundi wakil calon BN. Maka tidak hairan jikalau terdengar orang-orang kampung berkata, "Kalau Anjing sekalipun diletakan sebagai wakil calon BN, sudah pasti memenangi pilaharaya" kerana para pengundi dikawasan ini hanya mementingkan wang ringgit (RM20 - RM100) yang diberi olih wakil calon BN setiap pilihanraya untuk membeli undi. Ada dikalangan orang Cina yang mengatakan para pengundi kaum Dayak (Iban) dikawasan Parlimen Baram dan DUN Marudi sangat murah harga undinya sekadar bolih dibeli dengan sebungkus nasi ayam ataupun setin kecil Sardine Ikan. Inilah tangapan sesetengah para pengundi Cina.

Walapun menghadapi kesulitan perjalanan kerana Jalanraya yang tidak terurus, para pengundi - terutama pengundi Iban dikawasan ini tidak serik untuk mengundi wakil yang sama setiap pilihanraya. Kedua-dua wakil YB Barisan Nasional berkenaan jarang sekali melawat ke kawasan mereka setelah dipilih dan hanya muncul semula menjelang pilihanraya yang akan datang seterusnya. Mereka masing-masing sibuk dengan urusan bisnes peribadi untuk memperkayakan diri mereka sendiri dan keluarga. Inilah wakil rakyat Barisan Nasional.

Jadi kami merayu kepada para pengundi dikawasan ini, undilah calon yang benar-benar bolih menjaga kepenting dan keperluan rakyat untuk masa depan yang lebih terjamin. Pilihlah calon yang berwibawa, bukan parti. Parti adalah hanya sebuah rumah yang usang tanpa penghuni, hanya wakil calon yang berwibawa dan rajin berkerja untuk rakyat perlu terpilih. Singkirkan wakil calon yang tidak memperdulikan nasib rakyat melalui undi anda. Undi hanya calon yang bertanggungjawab dan perihatin keperluan dan hak rakyat untuk mewakili anda. Undi dengan bijak dan tanpa rasa takut. Undi calon yang bertanding bukan PARTI tapi ORANG - yang bersih, cekap dan tidak rasuah untuk masa depan Malaysia yang gemilang.

Malaysians: Vote With Your Eyes Wide Open

I join the CSI-Parliament in calling on our Malaysian electorate to vote without fear and to send the strongest message possible to the Barisan Nasional Government that we will not be cynically fooled and manipulated by them as has happened in past elections.

As we look around with our eyes wide open, we find Malaysian society in a pathetic state due to more than 50 years of BN power without the normal checks and balances found in other countries. We see the sharp rise of corruption, self-enrichment and abuse of power by the BN component parties and its cronies. We see BN representatives – MPs and State Assemblymen - that are out of touch with what is happening at the ground. We see BN leaders playing dirty, resorting to media spin, threats and the use of force to ensure that negative views and truthful news are kept away from the public.

Soaring prices, rising crime in our streets, falling educational standards, increased sense of insecurity and heightened racial and religious polarization: this is only the tip of the mountain of problems, scandals and disasters that the Barisan Nasional leaders and its representatives in Parliament are leaving for our younger generation.

We have it in our power in the coming elections not only to demand a better quality of life and a higher standard of government. We also have the power to vote against the BN and to send a loud signal that Malaysians are fed up with the present system and want change

Let us exercise our right in the polling booth to have better men and women voted in as our representatives so we can have a better future. Let us not fall victim to the scare and gloom and doom tactics played on us by an increasingly arrogant, uncaring and politically bankrupt government.

Dr. Lim Teck Ghee