民主行动党八打灵再也北区国会议员潘俭伟昨晚在吉隆坡暨雪兰莪中华大会堂的《大道揭秘？解密？》座谈会上，为出席公众上了一堂“数学课”。他以各种数据计算出，政府收购大道公司及降低大道过路费以减轻人民负担确实可行，并不尽如前工程部长三美威鲁所言，需花上千亿元才能收购所有大道。
潘俭伟表示将继续向政府施压，要政府透明化处理大道事务，并提出数项建议，包括根据国际标准所设定的管制基建工业（regulated infrastructure industry）的合理回酬，调低大道过路费、收购大道、创意性收购某些大道例如收购价码以股价计算、公开招标大道维修与升格管理及公开招标新大道的建设与管理权。
他指出，大道建设属于管制基建工业，即以大笔成本投资基建工业后，再长期获利，而根据一般国际标准，管制基建工业的每年合理回酬仅为8%至15%，远低于我国大道公司的盈利，例如南北大道公司的回酬高达57.3%。因此，他建议政府需和各大道公司谈判，以这个回酬标准限制大道过路费的数额。
“如果某间大道公司服务好、效率高，我们就让它赚12%、13%；如果它效率差，就让它只能赚8%。”
这名国会议员预计大道公司不会轻易妥协，因此他也建议政府收购大道，能调低过路费之余，也避免往后每年需赔偿更多数额予大道公司。针对某些合约内已阐明若政府欲收购则需一并赔偿合约剩余期限的“未来预计利润”的大道公司，例如南北大道公司，则须“创意性”地收购。
他解释，政府的投资臂膀国库控股（Khazanah）及公积金局已分别持有南北大道公司的65%及10%股权，因此政府只需要以略高于股价的价格收购其余25%股权，实际上就能把南北大道收归国有。
潘俭伟不忘提醒，收购大道后必须透明化处理大道的管理，如公开招标大道维修与升格管理及公开招标新大道的建设与管理权。
收购大道可免续赔偿
由隆雪华堂社经委员会、雪兰莪福建会馆社经组及雪隆潮州会馆社经组联办的《大道揭秘？解密？》座谈会昨晚于隆雪华堂举行，由隆雪华堂社经委员会副主席杨有为主持，主讲人是潘俭伟、时事评论人赖昭光及马华公会政府政策监督局委员汤木。相信刚过去的瓜拉登嘉楼补选及新纪元学院打人事件夺走了大众焦点，乃至昨晚出席者不多，约为50人。
潘俭伟以他所关注的白蒲大道（Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong）为例，指此大道合约内的条例阐明，政府有权力收购大道，收购价格包括建筑成本、股东12%的投资回报、债务等。
潘俭伟以他的财经知识，当场计算政府若收购白蒲大道，需付出的代价为约马币14亿元。他解释说，这个收购价格看似天文数字，其实却是划算的，因为此大道过去 13年来由于不调高过路费的原因已获政府赔偿共6亿2800万元，而白蒲大道合约期限还有20年，他估计未来政府还须赔偿约15亿元。
他激动地说：“你赔偿15亿，你收购14亿，你要哪个？你一面赔偿，每个人每天还要付1元60分，过后可能变成2元10分！没有理由嘛！”
“按照30年的合约期限，到2019年，这家大道公司的总盈利估计可达188亿6500万元。白蒲大道的建筑成本是13亿2700万元，但188亿6500万元除30年，每年回酬达47%！”
他指出，除了南北大道和槟威大桥，其余大道的收购条件都和白蒲大道一样，包括建筑成本、股东12%的投资回报、债务等，因此收购大道是可行的。
“以前的工程部长三美威鲁说需要上千亿收购大道，都是骗人的。”
收购南北大道需四百亿元
至于收购条件不一样的南北大道，潘俭伟揭露若政府欲收购该大道，除了建筑成本外，需额外赔偿南北大道公司的“未来利润”，而赔偿额是根据该公司本身的每年利润评估计算。
他批评说，赔偿股东们未来“赚不到”的利润，听起来虽“有点合理”，但其实似是而非，因为政府已让该公司赚取利润多年，而把发出的经营大道权力的执照收购回来，根本不需赔偿该公司的“未来利润”。
“这个‘未来利润’有多少呢？南北大道有权每三年调高10%过路费，而合约期限还有30年。目前南北大道公司的每年净利为约12亿5000万元，30年至少可赚360亿元，加上调高的过路费，400亿至500亿元！这条大道建筑成本为59亿2000万元，市价约150亿元，赔偿400亿元，公道吗？”
他续而揭露，南北大道公司享有多项优惠，包括利润免税、贷款免息以及由政府负责大道的升格工程费用；“大道的升格费用，政府出钱。升格后，车流量增加，南北大道公司白赚！我升格给你赚钱，真是‘西北’好生意。”
赖昭光对国阵民联左右开弓
赖昭光则形容大道私营化根本就是“康头政策”，并且具有“三部曲”。他说，在解密的大道合约内，他所阅读过的三份合约都能发现一样的段落，先是“政府希望……”（The Government desirous…）、继而是“某公司计划……”（X company proposed…），最后是“政府接受……”（The Government accepted…）。
“首先，这是私人公司提出的大道私营化计划，不在政府原先的打算内，但政府却要‘追认’为那是政府政策，因为若做得好，功劳算政府的。接纳私营化计划后，就转变为政府的计划，然后为了推行这计划，就变成一个政府政策。”
他也揭露了某些大道公司背后由谁拥有，其中包括前敦拉萨的私人秘书兼前工程部部长聂哈山阿都拉曼（Nik Hassan bin Abdul Rahman）、前巫统最高理事（2000—2003年）诺莱莎（Norraesah binti Mohd）是槟威大桥的董事，而教育部长希山慕丁的幼弟也是最近才开通的大使路淡江大道（DUKE）背后的大股东。
赖昭光也把矛头指向雪州民联政府，也是某些大道的大股东。潘俭伟这时笑说：“我们继承了前朝政府的遗产。”，赖昭光马上接口说：“继承了，就不要静静（diam-diam）嘛。继承了不要告诉我们？我们投了一票的，懂吗？”潘俭伟只好尴尬地笑笑。
赖昭光质疑民主行动党对槟城外环公路的立场，他频频展示旧新闻指民主行动党曾强烈反对槟岛外环公路，指此公路无法解决交通问题、破坏生态、并且是一条收费大道，然而槟州首长林冠英却在近期因中央政府取消槟岛外环公路计划而跳脚。
曾率众到大道收费站示威抗议过路费起价的汤木（左图）也赞同潘俭伟所提议的政府以股价计算来收购南北大道的另外25%股权。汤木指出，全世界并没有大型道路是不需要付过路费，但人民付了钱后，却又要受塞车之苦，确实不合理，为此他当初才率众抗议过路费起价。
汤木相信，中央政府确有收购大道的议程，减轻人民负担的意愿，而他也对即将接任巫统主席纳吉抱有高期待：“纳吉其实是一个很聪明、果断的人，他是一个相当有素质的领袖。”话音刚落，观众席中却传出一句：“很坏的首相！”无论如何，声音不甚响亮，台上主讲人并无反应。
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Official: PAS wins KT by 2,631 votes
Malaysiakini is going live with the coverage of the Kuala Terengganu by-election. News are updated as they come in. Please refresh your page for the latest updates.
9.55pm: At a press conference tonight, Prime Minister-in-waiting Najib said that the defeat in Kuala Terengganu should not be interpreted as the voters having spurned Barisan Nasional.
He denied that the poll was a vote of no confidence on his leadership.
While Najib conceded that this was a setback for the ruling coalition, he nevertheless played down the importance of the by-election.
"We accept this defeat. This is the decision of the people. In a democratic system, the people's voice is supreme," he said."I am confident that in the end the people will be confident of BN," he added."We will continue with our commitment to serve people even better, to bring them to a greater and higher level of success."
At the 10-minute press conference, BN candidate Wan Ahmad Farid, was sitting next to Najib, did not say a word. Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said and Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
MCA president Ong Tee Keat meanwhile said that although BN was defeated in the by-election, the vote from the Chinese community however had increased compared with the March general election."Despite the unfavourable results, I would like to thank the Chinese voters for staying with MCA during this difficult time," he said in a statement."The outcome strengthens our courage to change and accept that what we strive for the nation may not totally reflect what the people want."There are differences as well as common grounds. We must learn and appreciate better these differences for us to shape a better tomorrow," he added.DAP leaders explained that the low turnout of Chinese voters was the cause of PAS obtaining fewer votes from the minority community. According to them, about 3,000 of the 8,000 voters are residing outside of Kuala Terengganu and did not return to vote as they would have to make the trip again due to Chinese New Year celebrations in a week's time.
9.50pm: It's celebration time in Kuala Terengganu with PAS supporters taking to the streets to celebrate their victory, causing a massive traffic jam in the city.9.30pm: PAS vice-president Ahmad Awang: "The win shows that Pakatan Rakyat is aviable coalition... This win is not just for PAS but for Pakatan Rakyat."
With this win, the Anwar Ibrahim-led opposition now has 82 seats in Parliament. Barisan Nasional meanwhile has 137 seats and the remaining three seats are held by independents.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has just arrived at Terengganu's Mentri Besar residence, where only a few BN supporters were seen. BN has organised a 35-table buffet dinner outside the building but most of them were unoccupied. Najib is expected to call a press conference soon.
9.29pm: The Election Commission's returning officer announced that PAS has won Kuala Terengganu.
9.26pm It's official. PAS has won the Kuala Terengganu by-election with a 2,631-vote.
Its candidate, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, obtained 32,883 votes while BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh garnered 30,252 and Independent candidate Azhazudin Mamat obtained 193.
9.20pm: The EC is expected to announce official results at any time now. Only PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut is present. No BN leaders are seen at the main tally centre at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium.
Thousands of opposition supporters outside the stadium appeared jubilant.
9.10pm: According EC official tally: PAS (32,393 votes), BN (29,969), Independent (191) with two more boxes to be tallied. The majority so far is 2,424.
9.05pm: PAS leaders on the other hand, led by party president Abdul Hadi Awang, are heading towards the counting centre at Stadium Negeri to wait for the official announcement.
9.04pm: Terengganu MB's official residence is still bereft of any top BN/Umno leaders. DPM Najib was supposed to be here at 8pm. The whereabouts of both and BN candidate Wan Ahmad Farid is unknown. At the residence, MB Ahmad Said is huddled with about 20 of his supporters.
8.55pm: Latest count - BN has reduced PAS' lead to 1,751 votes - PAS (28,249), BN (26,498), Independent (160). With another 9,000 votes to be counted, it is very unlikely for BN to stop PAS.
Thousands of PAS supporters have gathered outside the main tally centre at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium. Meanwhile, the official Election Commission tally has PAS leading by 543 votes - PAS (24,004), BN (21,461), Independent (136). This is based on 100 polling boxes while 44 boxes yet to tallied.
8.45pm: According PAS leaders, the party has won Kuala Terengganu by a majority of 1,600 votes. It is learnt that PAS has won in all four state constituencies. In the last general election, the party won three of the four state constituencies.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is to call a press conference soon.
8.35pm: Unofficial - PAS now leads by 2,132 votes with 52,466 votes counted so far - PAS (26,971), BN (24,839), Independent (152). Another 20 percent of votes, or about 10,000 votes, yet to be counted.
PAS is certain to win the crucial Kuala Terengganu by-election with this unassailable lead.
8.20pm: BN sources say the party is ready to admit defeat.
Meanwhile, the EC official board at the main tally centre is now showing PAS leading - PAS (18,532 votes), BN (18,364), Independent (119). This tally is based on 85 boxes while 59 yet to be tallied.
8.16pm: With 48,842 votes counted, PAS has extended its lead over BN by 2,224 votes. PAs garnered 24,604 votes while BN has 22,380. Independent is way back with 142. There are about 15,000 votes left to be counted.
8.13pm: Unofficial PAS has won the Bandar state seat by 190-vote majority. This is the only state seat the party lost in the March general election. About 80 percent of the Chinese voters in the Kuala Terengganu constitutency are from Bandar.
8.08pm: Latest unofficial count: PAS increased lead to 2,026 votes. PAS (23,640 votes), BN (21,614), Independent (136). About 30 percent of votes yet to be tallied.Meanwhile, the Election Commission's unofficial tally has BN still leading - BN (15,385 votes), PAS (15,189), Independent (92). This tally is from 70 boxes while another 74 have yet to be tallied.
7.55pm: EC's unofficial tally put's BN in the lead with 11,120 votes. PAS has 10,802 votes while Independent has 69. This tally is from 50 boxes received, with 94 boxes yet to come in.
7.48pm: PAS is now leading by 1,554 votes. Its candidate has garnered 22,030 votes as opposed to BN's 20,476. Independent candidate has bagged 134 votes so far.
7.42pm: PAS has now obtained 19,487 votes, leading by a 1,007-vote majory over BN which has gained 18,480. Independent has 117 votes. PAS is also leading in all four state constituencies.
7.40pm: PAS has extended its lead to 1,078 votes. Latest count from sources - PAS (18,934 votes), BN (17,907), Independent (113).The official Election Commission tally board has BN in the lead with less than 10,000 votes being counted - BN (4,676 votes), PAS (3,966), Independent (26).
7.26pm: It is learnt that Deputy Prime Minister Najib has asked all BN leaders, including the BN candidate, to assemble at Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said's official residence at 8pm. 7.25pm: PAS is leading by 778 votes. PAS (16,795 votes), BN (16,795), Independent (107). PAS is slightly ahead in all four state constitutencies.
7.15pm: PAS has increased its lead to 530 votes. PAS (16,237 votes), BN (15,707), Independent (89). Another 50 percent of votes yet to be tallied.
7.06pm: EC's unofficial voter turnout is 79.73 percent (63,967 voters).
The highest turnout is at the Pasir Panjang polling district under the Ladang constituency - 91.72 percent (or 2,845) of the 3,102 voters had voted.And the lowest turnout was recorded at the Paya Bunga polling district at the Bandar state constituency at 61.81 percent - only 1,429 came out to vote from a total of 2,509 voters.
7.05pm: PAS is now leading by 158 votes - PAS (14,802 votes), BN (14,644). According to inside sources, PAS is leading in all areas except the Ladang state constituency.There are hundreds of PAS supporters outside the state stadium where the main tally centre is located. Few Umno supporters spotted.
7.04pm: Unofficial result for postal votes - BN (1.039 votes), PAS (86) and Independent (1). Majority - 953.
6.50pm: BN is leading PAS by 53 votes. BN candidate has 13,095 votes against PAS' 13,042. The Independent candidate has bagged 72 votes so far.
Another 60 percent of the votes yet to be tallied.
6.40pm: According to inside sources, of the 14,370 votes counted so far, BN is leading by 259. Another 80 percent of votes yet to be counted.
5.30pm: Counting begins at all 36 polling centres. When counting is completed, all votes are tallied at each centre and sent to main centre located at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium where the final result will be announced.
5pm: Polling is closed at all 36 polling centres for the Kuala Terengganu by-election.
The votes will now be counted at respective polling centres from 5.30pm, after which they would be tallied at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium.
Officials results will then be announced at the stadium by 10.30pm the latest.Voter turnout is around 80 percent, which is slightly lower than the 82.45 percent at the March 8, 2008 general elections.
4.55pm: EC said that as at 4pm, the voter turnout stood at 76 percent. That means 60,794 of the 80,229 voters have voted so far.
4.45pm: PAS candidate's agent Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah claimed that he received reports regarding BN trying to "sneak in phantom voters in the final hour" of the polling day."It is quite strange, because starting at 2pm today, the voters' streams are getting slower and at some parts, there were no queues at all."But FRU started to line up in front of school's gates. What are their motives? In the morning, when the turnout was high, there was not a single FRU personnel in sight!" he said.Wan Sukairi said such incidents occurred at Ladang, Sekolah Menengah Bandar and Durian Burung. He however was positive on PAS winning the by-election despite a 'lower turnout' this time around.He also said PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid was currently riding on his motorcycle from a polling station to another to monitor the situation.Meanwhile BN candidate's agent refused to comment when contacted.4.30pm: Malaysiakini observation: A quick survey of polling stations between 4pm and 4.30pm indicated that PAS campaigners were outnumbering the BN people.Many BN campaigners in these stations were seen resting and appeared unenthusiastic compared to PAS party workers.PAS has also lined-up a team of lawyers on the streets in case of a need for legal help.The voter flow also appeared to be slow in some of these stations.
4.15pm: NST reports the unofficial voter turnout stands at 72 percent. The EC will give its official figure at 6pm.4.10pm: Independent candidate Azharuddin is nowhere in sight and could not be contacted as his mobile phone is switched off.4.05pm: When contacted, election observers Mafrel said that many party supporters were still campaigning at the polling centres despite it being against the election laws to be campaigning today."It is even more disappointing when they are using minors to campaign today," said Mafrel's BK Ong.He added that the party candidates should have made public their expenses during the 11 days of campaigning, including "the use of public facilities".
3.30pm: PAS's official organ Harakah reported that Putera Umno chief Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was ‘caught' by PAS monitoring team trying to pass himself off as an election agent.The report said that the incident happened this morning at 10.45am at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Cabang Tiga, Bandar. Abdul Azeez was reportedly using a BN agent pass belonging to one Ibrahim Omar.PAS is expected to lodge a police report on the matter soon.However when contacted by Malaysiakini, Abdul Azeez denied being ‘caught' by anyone from PAS, stating that it was a mischevious lies. He added that he has been at the Tok Ku polling centre, also in Bandar since morning.
Tok Ku polling centre is about 600 metres away from the Cabang Tiga centre.
3.10pm A check at several polling stations indicates an unexpected low turnout. Weather still holding.
2.30pm NST reports: Deputy Umno Wanita leader Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is busy making her rounds to monitor the by-election along with Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz.
2.10pm Campaigners continue their final push under the scorching afternoon sun. Our team members describe the heat as the worst over the past 10 days.
2.00pm Turnout is reported at only 56 percent. PAS is concerned as they feel that this may give rise to phantom voters.
1pm: According to RTM, 44 per cent of voters have turned out to vote. 12:43pm Worried that their ballot papers would be accidentaly spoilt after they were folded by EC officials, voters in SK Bukit Losong polling station made a report to EC and the officials were later instructed not to do so. Earlier, Malaysian for free and fair election (Mafrel) reported that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and some BN supporters entered the polling station even though they have no right to do so. This resulted in a protest by some PAS supporters.
12.15pm A minor scuffle erupts between Umno and Pakatan supporters in front of Sek Men Gong Kapas following a name-calling episode. According to the National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI), the Umno supporters were campaigning at their office next to the school while PAS and PKR supporters were campaigning not far from there.During the heated exchange of words, they started to punch each other before they were dispersed by police officers five minutes later. It was later learnt that the supporters involved are not locals but from other states.
12 noon As of this hour, 42 per cent of the 80,229 electorates have cast their votes, according to the EC chair. Fifty percent of them are elderly voters. Only five percent of young voters turn up. Polling closes at 5pm.
11.45am mStar reports: Election Commission chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof says indelible ink may be used in the next general election. "We are currently doing our research to go on with the use of indelible ink", he said after paying a visit to polling station at Sekolah Menengah Tunku Bariah.
11.25am Under the watchful eyes of dozens of police officers, the polling station in Kubang Ikan is calm and BN/PAS pondok panas seem to attract equal numbers of voters.
11.20am Election Commission officials says they hope for a high turnout among the 80,229 voters who are eligible to cast their ballots, according to AFP. They say that the short lines of voters at polling booths during the morning was normal and that the pace will pick up in the afternoon.
11am Weather still holding although rain is expected in the afternoon. Most polling stations report brisk polling. No uneventful incident reported.
10.30am According Mafrel, a fight between PAS and Umno supporters in Losong Primary School caught the attention of the FRU, who came in four trucks followed by a helicopter. The fight is said to have been sparked by the 'offensive' banners put up by Umno.
10.20am Mostly women supporters from both sides seen outside the five polling stations within the Ladang state seat.These are Malay areas. Situation calm. Heavy police presence at schools. Traffic jams due to campaigning in front of schools.
10.03am: NST reports: In SK Chabang Tiga, BN party workers look worried as a majority of voters are seen stopping at the Pakatan Rakyat pondok panas before entering the polling station.
9.50am At Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman where the Chinese voters of Kg Cina cast their votes, turnout is brisk. Many are seen quietly in queue. Outside, some 50 supporters of both camps are separated by police. Atmosphere is friendly. MCA leaders Dr Chua Soi Lek, Liow Tiong La, Wong Foon Meng are here. Also sighted are DAP's Ronnie Liew, PKR's Tian Chua and PAS' Annuar Tan.
9.27am Bernama reports: Traffic in the city under control, with vehicles carrying party flags seen plying the streets. Police personnel station themselves in strategic locations. The Election Commission expects a 90 per cent voter turnout.
9.00am Over at SK Pusat Chabang Tiga station, about 100 PAS and Umno supporters seen on both sides of road waving flags and placards. PAS group comprises mainly elderly women while Umno seems to be dominated by Puteri members. They exchange shouts with PAS' Allahu-akbar while Umno replies with "PAS kluk klek", "PAS bohong."
8.50am Big groups of BN supporters armed with party flags start converging outside Sek Men Bukit Besar. Shouts of Allahu-akbar and 'Hidup BN' heard.
8.30 am Weather reported good throughout KT when polling started. Morning is cool although some parts are cloudy. Large groups of policemen seen outside some polling stations.
8.15am After voting, Wan Farid told reporters outside, "God willing, voters will choose intelligently and vote for continuity through BN'
7.50am BN's Wan Ahmad Farid arrives at the Sek Men Bukit Besar. Together with his wife, Intan Baizura, they voted at 8.05am.
7.45am PAS candidate Wahid Endut arrives at Sek Men Pusat Chabang Tiga polling station. Accompanied by his wife and five of his nine children, he says he wants to be the first voter at the station.
9.55pm: At a press conference tonight, Prime Minister-in-waiting Najib said that the defeat in Kuala Terengganu should not be interpreted as the voters having spurned Barisan Nasional.
He denied that the poll was a vote of no confidence on his leadership.
While Najib conceded that this was a setback for the ruling coalition, he nevertheless played down the importance of the by-election.
"We accept this defeat. This is the decision of the people. In a democratic system, the people's voice is supreme," he said."I am confident that in the end the people will be confident of BN," he added."We will continue with our commitment to serve people even better, to bring them to a greater and higher level of success."
At the 10-minute press conference, BN candidate Wan Ahmad Farid, was sitting next to Najib, did not say a word. Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said and Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
MCA president Ong Tee Keat meanwhile said that although BN was defeated in the by-election, the vote from the Chinese community however had increased compared with the March general election."Despite the unfavourable results, I would like to thank the Chinese voters for staying with MCA during this difficult time," he said in a statement."The outcome strengthens our courage to change and accept that what we strive for the nation may not totally reflect what the people want."There are differences as well as common grounds. We must learn and appreciate better these differences for us to shape a better tomorrow," he added.DAP leaders explained that the low turnout of Chinese voters was the cause of PAS obtaining fewer votes from the minority community. According to them, about 3,000 of the 8,000 voters are residing outside of Kuala Terengganu and did not return to vote as they would have to make the trip again due to Chinese New Year celebrations in a week's time.
9.50pm: It's celebration time in Kuala Terengganu with PAS supporters taking to the streets to celebrate their victory, causing a massive traffic jam in the city.9.30pm: PAS vice-president Ahmad Awang: "The win shows that Pakatan Rakyat is aviable coalition... This win is not just for PAS but for Pakatan Rakyat."
With this win, the Anwar Ibrahim-led opposition now has 82 seats in Parliament. Barisan Nasional meanwhile has 137 seats and the remaining three seats are held by independents.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has just arrived at Terengganu's Mentri Besar residence, where only a few BN supporters were seen. BN has organised a 35-table buffet dinner outside the building but most of them were unoccupied. Najib is expected to call a press conference soon.
9.29pm: The Election Commission's returning officer announced that PAS has won Kuala Terengganu.
9.26pm It's official. PAS has won the Kuala Terengganu by-election with a 2,631-vote.
Its candidate, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, obtained 32,883 votes while BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh garnered 30,252 and Independent candidate Azhazudin Mamat obtained 193.
9.20pm: The EC is expected to announce official results at any time now. Only PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut is present. No BN leaders are seen at the main tally centre at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium.
Thousands of opposition supporters outside the stadium appeared jubilant.
9.10pm: According EC official tally: PAS (32,393 votes), BN (29,969), Independent (191) with two more boxes to be tallied. The majority so far is 2,424.
9.05pm: PAS leaders on the other hand, led by party president Abdul Hadi Awang, are heading towards the counting centre at Stadium Negeri to wait for the official announcement.
9.04pm: Terengganu MB's official residence is still bereft of any top BN/Umno leaders. DPM Najib was supposed to be here at 8pm. The whereabouts of both and BN candidate Wan Ahmad Farid is unknown. At the residence, MB Ahmad Said is huddled with about 20 of his supporters.
8.55pm: Latest count - BN has reduced PAS' lead to 1,751 votes - PAS (28,249), BN (26,498), Independent (160). With another 9,000 votes to be counted, it is very unlikely for BN to stop PAS.
Thousands of PAS supporters have gathered outside the main tally centre at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium. Meanwhile, the official Election Commission tally has PAS leading by 543 votes - PAS (24,004), BN (21,461), Independent (136). This is based on 100 polling boxes while 44 boxes yet to tallied.
8.45pm: According PAS leaders, the party has won Kuala Terengganu by a majority of 1,600 votes. It is learnt that PAS has won in all four state constituencies. In the last general election, the party won three of the four state constituencies.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is to call a press conference soon.
8.35pm: Unofficial - PAS now leads by 2,132 votes with 52,466 votes counted so far - PAS (26,971), BN (24,839), Independent (152). Another 20 percent of votes, or about 10,000 votes, yet to be counted.
PAS is certain to win the crucial Kuala Terengganu by-election with this unassailable lead.
8.20pm: BN sources say the party is ready to admit defeat.
Meanwhile, the EC official board at the main tally centre is now showing PAS leading - PAS (18,532 votes), BN (18,364), Independent (119). This tally is based on 85 boxes while 59 yet to be tallied.
8.16pm: With 48,842 votes counted, PAS has extended its lead over BN by 2,224 votes. PAs garnered 24,604 votes while BN has 22,380. Independent is way back with 142. There are about 15,000 votes left to be counted.
8.13pm: Unofficial PAS has won the Bandar state seat by 190-vote majority. This is the only state seat the party lost in the March general election. About 80 percent of the Chinese voters in the Kuala Terengganu constitutency are from Bandar.
8.08pm: Latest unofficial count: PAS increased lead to 2,026 votes. PAS (23,640 votes), BN (21,614), Independent (136). About 30 percent of votes yet to be tallied.Meanwhile, the Election Commission's unofficial tally has BN still leading - BN (15,385 votes), PAS (15,189), Independent (92). This tally is from 70 boxes while another 74 have yet to be tallied.
7.55pm: EC's unofficial tally put's BN in the lead with 11,120 votes. PAS has 10,802 votes while Independent has 69. This tally is from 50 boxes received, with 94 boxes yet to come in.
7.48pm: PAS is now leading by 1,554 votes. Its candidate has garnered 22,030 votes as opposed to BN's 20,476. Independent candidate has bagged 134 votes so far.
7.42pm: PAS has now obtained 19,487 votes, leading by a 1,007-vote majory over BN which has gained 18,480. Independent has 117 votes. PAS is also leading in all four state constituencies.
7.40pm: PAS has extended its lead to 1,078 votes. Latest count from sources - PAS (18,934 votes), BN (17,907), Independent (113).The official Election Commission tally board has BN in the lead with less than 10,000 votes being counted - BN (4,676 votes), PAS (3,966), Independent (26).
7.26pm: It is learnt that Deputy Prime Minister Najib has asked all BN leaders, including the BN candidate, to assemble at Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said's official residence at 8pm. 7.25pm: PAS is leading by 778 votes. PAS (16,795 votes), BN (16,795), Independent (107). PAS is slightly ahead in all four state constitutencies.
7.15pm: PAS has increased its lead to 530 votes. PAS (16,237 votes), BN (15,707), Independent (89). Another 50 percent of votes yet to be tallied.
7.06pm: EC's unofficial voter turnout is 79.73 percent (63,967 voters).
The highest turnout is at the Pasir Panjang polling district under the Ladang constituency - 91.72 percent (or 2,845) of the 3,102 voters had voted.And the lowest turnout was recorded at the Paya Bunga polling district at the Bandar state constituency at 61.81 percent - only 1,429 came out to vote from a total of 2,509 voters.
7.05pm: PAS is now leading by 158 votes - PAS (14,802 votes), BN (14,644). According to inside sources, PAS is leading in all areas except the Ladang state constituency.There are hundreds of PAS supporters outside the state stadium where the main tally centre is located. Few Umno supporters spotted.
7.04pm: Unofficial result for postal votes - BN (1.039 votes), PAS (86) and Independent (1). Majority - 953.
6.50pm: BN is leading PAS by 53 votes. BN candidate has 13,095 votes against PAS' 13,042. The Independent candidate has bagged 72 votes so far.
Another 60 percent of the votes yet to be tallied.
6.40pm: According to inside sources, of the 14,370 votes counted so far, BN is leading by 259. Another 80 percent of votes yet to be counted.
5.30pm: Counting begins at all 36 polling centres. When counting is completed, all votes are tallied at each centre and sent to main centre located at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium where the final result will be announced.
5pm: Polling is closed at all 36 polling centres for the Kuala Terengganu by-election.
The votes will now be counted at respective polling centres from 5.30pm, after which they would be tallied at the Kuala Terengganu state stadium.
Officials results will then be announced at the stadium by 10.30pm the latest.Voter turnout is around 80 percent, which is slightly lower than the 82.45 percent at the March 8, 2008 general elections.
4.55pm: EC said that as at 4pm, the voter turnout stood at 76 percent. That means 60,794 of the 80,229 voters have voted so far.
4.45pm: PAS candidate's agent Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah claimed that he received reports regarding BN trying to "sneak in phantom voters in the final hour" of the polling day."It is quite strange, because starting at 2pm today, the voters' streams are getting slower and at some parts, there were no queues at all."But FRU started to line up in front of school's gates. What are their motives? In the morning, when the turnout was high, there was not a single FRU personnel in sight!" he said.Wan Sukairi said such incidents occurred at Ladang, Sekolah Menengah Bandar and Durian Burung. He however was positive on PAS winning the by-election despite a 'lower turnout' this time around.He also said PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid was currently riding on his motorcycle from a polling station to another to monitor the situation.Meanwhile BN candidate's agent refused to comment when contacted.4.30pm: Malaysiakini observation: A quick survey of polling stations between 4pm and 4.30pm indicated that PAS campaigners were outnumbering the BN people.Many BN campaigners in these stations were seen resting and appeared unenthusiastic compared to PAS party workers.PAS has also lined-up a team of lawyers on the streets in case of a need for legal help.The voter flow also appeared to be slow in some of these stations.
4.15pm: NST reports the unofficial voter turnout stands at 72 percent. The EC will give its official figure at 6pm.4.10pm: Independent candidate Azharuddin is nowhere in sight and could not be contacted as his mobile phone is switched off.4.05pm: When contacted, election observers Mafrel said that many party supporters were still campaigning at the polling centres despite it being against the election laws to be campaigning today."It is even more disappointing when they are using minors to campaign today," said Mafrel's BK Ong.He added that the party candidates should have made public their expenses during the 11 days of campaigning, including "the use of public facilities".
3.30pm: PAS's official organ Harakah reported that Putera Umno chief Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was ‘caught' by PAS monitoring team trying to pass himself off as an election agent.The report said that the incident happened this morning at 10.45am at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Cabang Tiga, Bandar. Abdul Azeez was reportedly using a BN agent pass belonging to one Ibrahim Omar.PAS is expected to lodge a police report on the matter soon.However when contacted by Malaysiakini, Abdul Azeez denied being ‘caught' by anyone from PAS, stating that it was a mischevious lies. He added that he has been at the Tok Ku polling centre, also in Bandar since morning.
Tok Ku polling centre is about 600 metres away from the Cabang Tiga centre.
3.10pm A check at several polling stations indicates an unexpected low turnout. Weather still holding.
2.30pm NST reports: Deputy Umno Wanita leader Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is busy making her rounds to monitor the by-election along with Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz.
2.10pm Campaigners continue their final push under the scorching afternoon sun. Our team members describe the heat as the worst over the past 10 days.
2.00pm Turnout is reported at only 56 percent. PAS is concerned as they feel that this may give rise to phantom voters.
1pm: According to RTM, 44 per cent of voters have turned out to vote. 12:43pm Worried that their ballot papers would be accidentaly spoilt after they were folded by EC officials, voters in SK Bukit Losong polling station made a report to EC and the officials were later instructed not to do so. Earlier, Malaysian for free and fair election (Mafrel) reported that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and some BN supporters entered the polling station even though they have no right to do so. This resulted in a protest by some PAS supporters.
12.15pm A minor scuffle erupts between Umno and Pakatan supporters in front of Sek Men Gong Kapas following a name-calling episode. According to the National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI), the Umno supporters were campaigning at their office next to the school while PAS and PKR supporters were campaigning not far from there.During the heated exchange of words, they started to punch each other before they were dispersed by police officers five minutes later. It was later learnt that the supporters involved are not locals but from other states.
12 noon As of this hour, 42 per cent of the 80,229 electorates have cast their votes, according to the EC chair. Fifty percent of them are elderly voters. Only five percent of young voters turn up. Polling closes at 5pm.
11.45am mStar reports: Election Commission chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof says indelible ink may be used in the next general election. "We are currently doing our research to go on with the use of indelible ink", he said after paying a visit to polling station at Sekolah Menengah Tunku Bariah.
11.25am Under the watchful eyes of dozens of police officers, the polling station in Kubang Ikan is calm and BN/PAS pondok panas seem to attract equal numbers of voters.
11.20am Election Commission officials says they hope for a high turnout among the 80,229 voters who are eligible to cast their ballots, according to AFP. They say that the short lines of voters at polling booths during the morning was normal and that the pace will pick up in the afternoon.
11am Weather still holding although rain is expected in the afternoon. Most polling stations report brisk polling. No uneventful incident reported.
10.30am According Mafrel, a fight between PAS and Umno supporters in Losong Primary School caught the attention of the FRU, who came in four trucks followed by a helicopter. The fight is said to have been sparked by the 'offensive' banners put up by Umno.
10.20am Mostly women supporters from both sides seen outside the five polling stations within the Ladang state seat.These are Malay areas. Situation calm. Heavy police presence at schools. Traffic jams due to campaigning in front of schools.
10.03am: NST reports: In SK Chabang Tiga, BN party workers look worried as a majority of voters are seen stopping at the Pakatan Rakyat pondok panas before entering the polling station.
9.50am At Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman where the Chinese voters of Kg Cina cast their votes, turnout is brisk. Many are seen quietly in queue. Outside, some 50 supporters of both camps are separated by police. Atmosphere is friendly. MCA leaders Dr Chua Soi Lek, Liow Tiong La, Wong Foon Meng are here. Also sighted are DAP's Ronnie Liew, PKR's Tian Chua and PAS' Annuar Tan.
9.27am Bernama reports: Traffic in the city under control, with vehicles carrying party flags seen plying the streets. Police personnel station themselves in strategic locations. The Election Commission expects a 90 per cent voter turnout.
9.00am Over at SK Pusat Chabang Tiga station, about 100 PAS and Umno supporters seen on both sides of road waving flags and placards. PAS group comprises mainly elderly women while Umno seems to be dominated by Puteri members. They exchange shouts with PAS' Allahu-akbar while Umno replies with "PAS kluk klek", "PAS bohong."
8.50am Big groups of BN supporters armed with party flags start converging outside Sek Men Bukit Besar. Shouts of Allahu-akbar and 'Hidup BN' heard.
8.30 am Weather reported good throughout KT when polling started. Morning is cool although some parts are cloudy. Large groups of policemen seen outside some polling stations.
8.15am After voting, Wan Farid told reporters outside, "God willing, voters will choose intelligently and vote for continuity through BN'
7.50am BN's Wan Ahmad Farid arrives at the Sek Men Bukit Besar. Together with his wife, Intan Baizura, they voted at 8.05am.
7.45am PAS candidate Wahid Endut arrives at Sek Men Pusat Chabang Tiga polling station. Accompanied by his wife and five of his nine children, he says he wants to be the first voter at the station.
采访瓜登补选获派三百现金 《独立新闻在线》记者报案
瓜拉登嘉楼国会议席补选国席补选前夕，在瓜登新闻部媒体中心收到马币三百元信封的两名《独立新闻在线》记者已在今天傍晚七时左右到瓜登警区总部报案，要警方调查新闻部媒体中心派发这三百元是否牵涉贿赂。
《独立新闻在线》副编辑陈慧思（右图左二）及记者曾薛霏（右图右二）今午3时50分左右，在瓜登选区的新闻部媒体中心收到一个内含六张面值马币50元纸钞的白色信封，她们已在晚上七时左右，到瓜登警区总部报案，要警方调查其中是否牵涉贿赂。
她们是由代表律师哈里斯依布拉欣（Haris Ibrahim）及饶兆颖陪同，于傍晚6时30分左右抵达警局报案，其他在场者还包括马来西亚自由公平选举联盟（公选盟，Mafrel）北马区主任黄文强、维护独立撰稿人联盟主席黄进发等，一些媒体记者也到场采访。案件交反贪污局调查新闻部否认派钱记者
她们在报案书指出，今午大约3是40分，一名在新闻部媒体中心负责人要求两人在一张白色A4纸上填写她们的姓名、工作机构名字以及电话号码。3时50分，该负责人向她们派发一个内含六张面值50元纸钞的白色信封，她们担心这个作法有贿赂之嫌，因而报案要警方调查。事发时，约有13名新闻工作者在瓜登新闻部媒体中心工作，除了陈慧思及曾薛霏，其他同行也都同样收到装有300元的白色信封。陈慧思及曾薛霏报案过后，在晚上9时30分左右接获警方的电话通知，将把此案移交给登嘉楼州反贪污局调查。
另一方面，新闻部否认派钱给在瓜拉登嘉楼采访的新闻工作者。官方新闻社马新社引述新闻部长阿末沙比里仄的新闻秘书希山阿都哈密（Hisham Abdul Hamid）说，新闻部不曾指示任何官员这么做；“这从来都不是新闻部的做法。”
《独立新闻在线》副编辑陈慧思（右图左二）及记者曾薛霏（右图右二）今午3时50分左右，在瓜登选区的新闻部媒体中心收到一个内含六张面值马币50元纸钞的白色信封，她们已在晚上七时左右，到瓜登警区总部报案，要警方调查其中是否牵涉贿赂。
她们是由代表律师哈里斯依布拉欣（Haris Ibrahim）及饶兆颖陪同，于傍晚6时30分左右抵达警局报案，其他在场者还包括马来西亚自由公平选举联盟（公选盟，Mafrel）北马区主任黄文强、维护独立撰稿人联盟主席黄进发等，一些媒体记者也到场采访。案件交反贪污局调查新闻部否认派钱记者
她们在报案书指出，今午大约3是40分，一名在新闻部媒体中心负责人要求两人在一张白色A4纸上填写她们的姓名、工作机构名字以及电话号码。3时50分，该负责人向她们派发一个内含六张面值50元纸钞的白色信封，她们担心这个作法有贿赂之嫌，因而报案要警方调查。事发时，约有13名新闻工作者在瓜登新闻部媒体中心工作，除了陈慧思及曾薛霏，其他同行也都同样收到装有300元的白色信封。陈慧思及曾薛霏报案过后，在晚上9时30分左右接获警方的电话通知，将把此案移交给登嘉楼州反贪污局调查。
另一方面，新闻部否认派钱给在瓜拉登嘉楼采访的新闻工作者。官方新闻社马新社引述新闻部长阿末沙比里仄的新闻秘书希山阿都哈密（Hisham Abdul Hamid）说，新闻部不曾指示任何官员这么做；“这从来都不是新闻部的做法。”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
“不怕丢了工作，就请便！” 市会主席被指威迫属下选国阵
“如果你们敢，而且不怕丢了工作，就请便！”瓜登市议会主席末拉沙里卡欣（Mat Razali Kassim）被指向市议会员工发出上述警戒语，人民公正党青年团副团长法立兹慕沙（Fariz Musa）昨天已就此事向警方投报。
公青团发表文告透露，法立兹慕沙已昨午4时25分到瓜登警局总部，举报末拉沙里昨早十时在瓜登东姑阿都拉曼礼堂向逾590名瓜登市议会员工致词时，公然竞选和威迫其下属在投票日当天投选国阵。
法立兹在报案书中指出：“他向公务员发出的威胁语是，‘如果你们敢，和不怕丢掉工作，就请便’。”（ kalau berani dan tidak takut dibuang kerja silalah.）公务员可能投废票
法立兹指出，已被选委会选为瓜登补选选举官（Pegawai Pengurus）的末拉沙里该公正、正直和不偏不倚地履行职务；《联邦宪法》保障每个有投票权的公民都可在不受威迫的情况下投选任何政党，末拉沙里向下属发出警告和威胁，已然抵触《联邦宪法》和《选举犯罪法令》。
回教党登嘉楼州主席慕斯达法阿里（Mustafa Ali）昨天揭露，位于瓜登的登州国民登记局每天办公至晚上十时，回教党担心国民登记局正联合选委会伪造身份证。该党也接到消息，国阵正召开公务员汇报会，藉此威迫占总选民人数5%的公务员选民投选国阵.
《独立新闻在线》探悉，国阵紧盯公务员，有的公务员或因此而投废票。
公青团发表文告透露，法立兹慕沙已昨午4时25分到瓜登警局总部，举报末拉沙里昨早十时在瓜登东姑阿都拉曼礼堂向逾590名瓜登市议会员工致词时，公然竞选和威迫其下属在投票日当天投选国阵。
法立兹在报案书中指出：“他向公务员发出的威胁语是，‘如果你们敢，和不怕丢掉工作，就请便’。”（ kalau berani dan tidak takut dibuang kerja silalah.）公务员可能投废票
法立兹指出，已被选委会选为瓜登补选选举官（Pegawai Pengurus）的末拉沙里该公正、正直和不偏不倚地履行职务；《联邦宪法》保障每个有投票权的公民都可在不受威迫的情况下投选任何政党，末拉沙里向下属发出警告和威胁，已然抵触《联邦宪法》和《选举犯罪法令》。
回教党登嘉楼州主席慕斯达法阿里（Mustafa Ali）昨天揭露，位于瓜登的登州国民登记局每天办公至晚上十时，回教党担心国民登记局正联合选委会伪造身份证。该党也接到消息，国阵正召开公务员汇报会，藉此威迫占总选民人数5%的公务员选民投选国阵.
《独立新闻在线》探悉，国阵紧盯公务员，有的公务员或因此而投废票。
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Projek kelas F 'bukan rasuah BN'
Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak menafikan pemberian projek kepada 583 kontraktor kelas F di Terengganu pagi tadi sebagai rasuah politik demi memenangkan BN dalam pilihanraya kecil Kuala Terengganu."Ia bukan rasuah, apa yang kita (kerajaan BN) buat sehari dua ini adalah sebahagian pakej rangsangan fiskal saya umum (dulu)," kata timbalan perdana menteri.
Mohd Najib mengumumkan pengagihan kontrak projek kecil berjumlah RM15.8 juta di Kuala Terengganu - sebahagian RM900 juta peruntukan tahun ini untuk kontraktor kelas F di seluruh negara daripada pakej RM7 bilion yang diumumkan di Dewan Rakyat, November lepas."(Pengagihan) itu bukan pembelian undi tetapi pelaksanaan projek yang telah dirancang sebelum (bekas ahli parlimen) Datuk Razali Ismail meninggal dunia."Pemberian projek kepada kontraktor kelas F terbabit adalah sebahagian rangsangan fiskal pembangunan ekonomi seluruh negara," katanya petang ini selepas menyampaikan bantuan kepada sekolah agama rakyat yang berdaftar dengan Kementerian Pelajaran di pantai timur.
Mohd Najib diminta mengulas dakwaan Timbalan Presiden PAS Nasharuddin Mat Isa pagi ini bahawa projek-projek pembangunan yang dijanjikan oleh kerajaan sewaktu pilihanraya kecil ini sebagai taktik lama untuk merasuah pengundi.
Pagi tadi, beliau merasmikan majlis pelancaran pengundian Projek Infrastruktur Awam (PIA) dan Projek Infrastruktur Asas (PIAS) daerah Kuala Terengganu untuk tahun ini di Wisma Darul Iman.Setiap projek bernilai RM30,000 hingga RM200,000 diberikan kepada semua 583 kontraktor kelas F yang hadir melalui undian berkomputer.
Pada pilihanraya kecil parlimen Sabtu depan, calon BN Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh bersaing dengan calon PAS Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut dan calon bebas Azharudin Mamat @ Azam.
开战首五天民联占上风 国阵笼络社团由上攻下
周末（今天）是补选拉票的黄金日子，民联和国阵的国州议员纷纷抵达瓜拉登嘉楼为各自的阵营助威，为这场欠缺热度的补选加温。一般认为，这场补选朝野阵营旗鼓相当，惟从选区氛围看来，回教党占了上风，关键的华人选区有刮起反风的气象。
这是一场慢热的补选。前年马六甲马接补选、雪兰莪州依约补选及去年槟州峇东埔补选期间，马华公会几乎天天设宴吸引选民听领袖演说，且邀请歌乐团天天载歌载舞，与在野党慷慨激昂的政治演说会抗衡，巫统也几乎每日在竞选中心办烧烤会、茶会招待选民；不过，瓜登国会议席补选进入第五个竞选日，国阵的竞选策略竟然尚未成谱。反观民联由人民公正党主打华人区、回教党专攻马来区，每日以小型演说会走入群众，逐渐在草根阶段积攒了支持力量。
过去五日巫统和马华公会中央领袖都专注于与党基层和当地社团打交道，似乎正在走“由上至下”的竞选策略。昨日马华公会总会长翁诗杰与华团交流及走访海南会馆之后，即在华人会堂与该党党员闭门交流，马华公会署理总会长蔡细历则到瓜登潮州会馆与乡亲交流；前日首相阿都拉甫抵达瓜登即与国阵助选人闭门对话，晚间纳吉也在当地一家酒店，与瓜登华人社团展开闭门会谈。
国阵候选人过于“空闲”
从整个竞选形势看来，被各种丑闻缠绕的国阵正处于守势，而民联则可借去年3月8日大选和峇东埔补选的余温趁胜追击。民联透过海报、布条、传单和讲座会，棒打国阵的贪腐现象和管理错失，即刻就能引起选民的共鸣；国阵则耗时向党员和社团代表解释民联的种种指摘，同时打出已在去年大选及峇东埔补选中证实失效的亲民和发展牌，令民联占尽草根优势。
要数国阵采取攻势的议题，恐怕就只有“回教刑事法”一项。马华公会连日来以这个议题攻击回教党和民联，巫统也以此攻击民联三党缺乏共识、结构松散。这个攻势能否凑效还是个未知数，记者日前走访瓜登唐人街时就发现，当地华人并不担心投选回教党可能导致回教刑事法的落实.
国阵的竞选机器未能全面启动，被认为是巫统内部分裂和竞选基金未下达选区所致。登州州务大臣阿末赛益并非阿都拉属意的大臣人选，国阵候选人旺阿末法立（右图）则是阿都拉的亲信，虽说阿都拉和阿末赛益皆否认巫统闹分裂，可是表面看来登州巫统在竞选活动编排中仍有未尽心之处。
对比回教党候选人阿都瓦希（Abdul Wahid Endut）紧密的行程，旺阿末法立的过去五天的行程非常疏松。提名日当天，记者问旺阿末法立接下来要做什么时，他的回应竟是“回家见岳母”；昨日阿都瓦希从早到晚共有18场活动，可是旺阿末法立截至下午三时半，只出席了五个活动，有记者甚至形容，他从未见过如此空闲的候选人，活动完毕后还可与记者一起享用肯德基家乡鸡。
国阵借村委会笼络选民
无论如何，在这个黄金周末，国阵的竞选工作有了改善的迹象。阿末法立的行程已开始紧凑，截至下午三时半共有七个活动，巫统瓜登总秘书罗斯里（Rosli Mat Hassan）接受《独立新闻在线》电访时表示，国阵今天的竞选工作进步许多，各层次的协调工作进行得很好，巫青团、巫统妇女组和女青年团都积极投入张贴海报等工作。
他透露，巫统共在38个投票中心设立竞选中心，由当地领袖坐镇，来自其他州属的助选人员皆被派到各个竞选中心提供支援。他宣称，巫统助选人员全都斗志高昂，现阶段巫统的胜算已超越回教党数个百分比。
虽说国阵首五日的声势逊于民联，可是民联仍处于高度戒备的状态。一名瓜登的公青团员告诉《独立新闻在线》，目前的形势依旧是“五五波”。虽然国阵五日来行事低调，没有举办大型的演说会，可是据他所知国阵已透过熟悉村民的乡村发展与治安委员会（JKKK）成员，依照选民册逐一寻访选民，说服选民投选国阵之余，还分发至少马币50元的“体恤金”。
问道是否有具体例子证明此说，这名公青团员表示：“我的朋友就得到了50元。”
种种迹象显示，渐失民心和政治论述的国阵正在利用金钱收买民心。早在竞选期开始前，国阵就已透过联邦部门和州政府，宣布总额超过1500万元的各项拨款，竞选期间国阵成员党与各社团代表会面时，难保没有作出拨款社团的承诺。
处于下风的国阵今天再出新招，以“人人有奖”的形式笼络马来人承包商。根据《当今大马》的报道，副首相纳吉今早在瓜登出席一项活动时宣布，今年将向登州所有F级承包商发出至少583项总值1580万元的工程，人人有份，绝不落空。
这些瓜登县内的公共与基本建设，每项介于2万至5万元之间。根据目前的条例，只有土著公司能够申请成为F级承包商，这项最新宣布显然是冲着占88%的马来人瓜登选民而来。
部落客为回教党助选
除了民联三党，一批以《今日马来西亚》主编拉惹柏特拉（Raja Petra Kamarudin）和人权律师哈里斯（Haris Ibrahim）为首的部落客也亲临瓜登，为回教党站台及拉票。敢怒敢言的拉惹柏特拉可谓选区红人，所到之处都有人要求与他合影。
哈里斯告诉《独立新闻在线》，主攻华人选区的部落客团发现，瓜登华人区充斥了反对政府和州政府的声浪，很多时候在他们开始数落国阵之前，选民就已主动向他们抱怨政府的施政错失。
他们也惊讶地发现，当地有的中年华人有上网阅读的习惯，对全国性议题有一定程度的了解，可是他们最关心的还是地方议题；登州富丽堂皇的水晶回教堂，周边是破落的甘榜木屋区，登州华人清楚知道州内存在着财务管理的弊端，改变这个现象还需联邦阶段的彻底改变。
这是一场慢热的补选。前年马六甲马接补选、雪兰莪州依约补选及去年槟州峇东埔补选期间，马华公会几乎天天设宴吸引选民听领袖演说，且邀请歌乐团天天载歌载舞，与在野党慷慨激昂的政治演说会抗衡，巫统也几乎每日在竞选中心办烧烤会、茶会招待选民；不过，瓜登国会议席补选进入第五个竞选日，国阵的竞选策略竟然尚未成谱。反观民联由人民公正党主打华人区、回教党专攻马来区，每日以小型演说会走入群众，逐渐在草根阶段积攒了支持力量。
过去五日巫统和马华公会中央领袖都专注于与党基层和当地社团打交道，似乎正在走“由上至下”的竞选策略。昨日马华公会总会长翁诗杰与华团交流及走访海南会馆之后，即在华人会堂与该党党员闭门交流，马华公会署理总会长蔡细历则到瓜登潮州会馆与乡亲交流；前日首相阿都拉甫抵达瓜登即与国阵助选人闭门对话，晚间纳吉也在当地一家酒店，与瓜登华人社团展开闭门会谈。
国阵候选人过于“空闲”
从整个竞选形势看来，被各种丑闻缠绕的国阵正处于守势，而民联则可借去年3月8日大选和峇东埔补选的余温趁胜追击。民联透过海报、布条、传单和讲座会，棒打国阵的贪腐现象和管理错失，即刻就能引起选民的共鸣；国阵则耗时向党员和社团代表解释民联的种种指摘，同时打出已在去年大选及峇东埔补选中证实失效的亲民和发展牌，令民联占尽草根优势。
要数国阵采取攻势的议题，恐怕就只有“回教刑事法”一项。马华公会连日来以这个议题攻击回教党和民联，巫统也以此攻击民联三党缺乏共识、结构松散。这个攻势能否凑效还是个未知数，记者日前走访瓜登唐人街时就发现，当地华人并不担心投选回教党可能导致回教刑事法的落实.
国阵的竞选机器未能全面启动，被认为是巫统内部分裂和竞选基金未下达选区所致。登州州务大臣阿末赛益并非阿都拉属意的大臣人选，国阵候选人旺阿末法立（右图）则是阿都拉的亲信，虽说阿都拉和阿末赛益皆否认巫统闹分裂，可是表面看来登州巫统在竞选活动编排中仍有未尽心之处。
对比回教党候选人阿都瓦希（Abdul Wahid Endut）紧密的行程，旺阿末法立的过去五天的行程非常疏松。提名日当天，记者问旺阿末法立接下来要做什么时，他的回应竟是“回家见岳母”；昨日阿都瓦希从早到晚共有18场活动，可是旺阿末法立截至下午三时半，只出席了五个活动，有记者甚至形容，他从未见过如此空闲的候选人，活动完毕后还可与记者一起享用肯德基家乡鸡。
国阵借村委会笼络选民
无论如何，在这个黄金周末，国阵的竞选工作有了改善的迹象。阿末法立的行程已开始紧凑，截至下午三时半共有七个活动，巫统瓜登总秘书罗斯里（Rosli Mat Hassan）接受《独立新闻在线》电访时表示，国阵今天的竞选工作进步许多，各层次的协调工作进行得很好，巫青团、巫统妇女组和女青年团都积极投入张贴海报等工作。
他透露，巫统共在38个投票中心设立竞选中心，由当地领袖坐镇，来自其他州属的助选人员皆被派到各个竞选中心提供支援。他宣称，巫统助选人员全都斗志高昂，现阶段巫统的胜算已超越回教党数个百分比。
虽说国阵首五日的声势逊于民联，可是民联仍处于高度戒备的状态。一名瓜登的公青团员告诉《独立新闻在线》，目前的形势依旧是“五五波”。虽然国阵五日来行事低调，没有举办大型的演说会，可是据他所知国阵已透过熟悉村民的乡村发展与治安委员会（JKKK）成员，依照选民册逐一寻访选民，说服选民投选国阵之余，还分发至少马币50元的“体恤金”。
问道是否有具体例子证明此说，这名公青团员表示：“我的朋友就得到了50元。”
种种迹象显示，渐失民心和政治论述的国阵正在利用金钱收买民心。早在竞选期开始前，国阵就已透过联邦部门和州政府，宣布总额超过1500万元的各项拨款，竞选期间国阵成员党与各社团代表会面时，难保没有作出拨款社团的承诺。
处于下风的国阵今天再出新招，以“人人有奖”的形式笼络马来人承包商。根据《当今大马》的报道，副首相纳吉今早在瓜登出席一项活动时宣布，今年将向登州所有F级承包商发出至少583项总值1580万元的工程，人人有份，绝不落空。
这些瓜登县内的公共与基本建设，每项介于2万至5万元之间。根据目前的条例，只有土著公司能够申请成为F级承包商，这项最新宣布显然是冲着占88%的马来人瓜登选民而来。
部落客为回教党助选
除了民联三党，一批以《今日马来西亚》主编拉惹柏特拉（Raja Petra Kamarudin）和人权律师哈里斯（Haris Ibrahim）为首的部落客也亲临瓜登，为回教党站台及拉票。敢怒敢言的拉惹柏特拉可谓选区红人，所到之处都有人要求与他合影。
哈里斯告诉《独立新闻在线》，主攻华人选区的部落客团发现，瓜登华人区充斥了反对政府和州政府的声浪，很多时候在他们开始数落国阵之前，选民就已主动向他们抱怨政府的施政错失。
他们也惊讶地发现，当地有的中年华人有上网阅读的习惯，对全国性议题有一定程度的了解，可是他们最关心的还是地方议题；登州富丽堂皇的水晶回教堂，周边是破落的甘榜木屋区，登州华人清楚知道州内存在着财务管理的弊端，改变这个现象还需联邦阶段的彻底改变。
Thursday, January 8, 2009
五百元收买选民身份证, 反贪污局已然介入调查
回教党副主席兼登嘉楼州主席慕斯达法阿里（Mustafa Ali）透露，反贪污局已介入调查有人收集身份证一事，他今早已就此事向反贪污局录口供。登嘉楼德教会紫孚阁昨日举行“孝亲敬老”赠送礼篮活动时收集了老人的身份证，惟该阁阁长陈春发否认此举含政治动机，并说收集身份证的用意是确认老人年龄。
慕斯达法（左图）在瓜登回教党竞选总部召开记者会时表示，回教党接到投诉，指国阵以马币500元收买瓜登选民身份证；该党向反贪污投报之后，该局官员今早已传召他问话。现阶段他相信反贪污局将秉公办事，而回教党也将与反贪污局充分合作，并将视情况需要决定是否向警方报案。
无论如何，他以此事正在调查中的理由，拒绝透露其他详情，也拒绝告知国阵哪一个成员党涉嫌。
慕斯达法也说，他们发现瓜登选区驻入了数目庞大的政治部官员，回教党担心他们有可能被国阵的竞选机器利用。他说：“我们不知道他们的动机，但是从过去的经验看来，他们可能是情报人员，我们关注此事。”
他表示，他们尚无信心选举过程干净无暇，但是从提名日到现在，一切看来尚好。回教党现阶段也没有发现选民册有不寻常之处。
收集身份证无政治意图
另一方面，昨日记者昨日出席登嘉楼德教会紫孚阁举行的“孝亲敬老”赠送礼篮活动时发现，主办单位紫孚阁在派发礼篮前，收集了受惠老人的身份证，并在受惠老人领取礼篮时归还。
这个由登嘉楼州务大臣阿末赛益（Ahmad Said）主持开幕的活动派发约300个礼篮予年龄65岁或以上的老年人，国阵候选人阿末法立（Wan Ahmad Farid）、马华公会总秘书王茀明、马华公会万达区州议员兼登州行政议员杜振耀皆出席了这个活动。
登嘉楼德教会紫孚阁阁长陈春发接受《独立新闻在线》电访时否认有意收集老年人的身份证。他表示，他们对照了受惠老人的年龄、把写有编号的卡片与身份证夹在一处之后，即刻在受惠老人领取礼篮时归还他们的身份证。
陈春发（左图）说，他们每年配合农历新年派发礼篮时都是这么做。他强调，紫孚阁没有参与政治，他们并没有协助任何政党利用身份证做任何记录，如果回教党指的是昨日的活动，就肯定是个误会。
登嘉楼州马华公会党籍州行政议员杜振耀接受《独立新闻在线》电访时表示，他也听说有人收买选民身份证，惟他并不清楚什么人涉及。他说：“巫统党员也有告诉我们他们正在关注此事，如果有这个情况发生，身份证被收买的选民该马上报警，我们也将全力协助。”
他也透露，他们已就此事向警官投诉，希望警方能介入调查。
慕斯达法（左图）在瓜登回教党竞选总部召开记者会时表示，回教党接到投诉，指国阵以马币500元收买瓜登选民身份证；该党向反贪污投报之后，该局官员今早已传召他问话。现阶段他相信反贪污局将秉公办事，而回教党也将与反贪污局充分合作，并将视情况需要决定是否向警方报案。
无论如何，他以此事正在调查中的理由，拒绝透露其他详情，也拒绝告知国阵哪一个成员党涉嫌。
慕斯达法也说，他们发现瓜登选区驻入了数目庞大的政治部官员，回教党担心他们有可能被国阵的竞选机器利用。他说：“我们不知道他们的动机，但是从过去的经验看来，他们可能是情报人员，我们关注此事。”
他表示，他们尚无信心选举过程干净无暇，但是从提名日到现在，一切看来尚好。回教党现阶段也没有发现选民册有不寻常之处。
收集身份证无政治意图
另一方面，昨日记者昨日出席登嘉楼德教会紫孚阁举行的“孝亲敬老”赠送礼篮活动时发现，主办单位紫孚阁在派发礼篮前，收集了受惠老人的身份证，并在受惠老人领取礼篮时归还。
这个由登嘉楼州务大臣阿末赛益（Ahmad Said）主持开幕的活动派发约300个礼篮予年龄65岁或以上的老年人，国阵候选人阿末法立（Wan Ahmad Farid）、马华公会总秘书王茀明、马华公会万达区州议员兼登州行政议员杜振耀皆出席了这个活动。
登嘉楼德教会紫孚阁阁长陈春发接受《独立新闻在线》电访时否认有意收集老年人的身份证。他表示，他们对照了受惠老人的年龄、把写有编号的卡片与身份证夹在一处之后，即刻在受惠老人领取礼篮时归还他们的身份证。
陈春发（左图）说，他们每年配合农历新年派发礼篮时都是这么做。他强调，紫孚阁没有参与政治，他们并没有协助任何政党利用身份证做任何记录，如果回教党指的是昨日的活动，就肯定是个误会。
登嘉楼州马华公会党籍州行政议员杜振耀接受《独立新闻在线》电访时表示，他也听说有人收买选民身份证，惟他并不清楚什么人涉及。他说：“巫统党员也有告诉我们他们正在关注此事，如果有这个情况发生，身份证被收买的选民该马上报警，我们也将全力协助。”
他也透露，他们已就此事向警官投诉，希望警方能介入调查。
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Pulau Pinang negeri pertama realisasikan MPR
Pulau Pinang menjadi negeri pertama daripada lima negeri yang dimenangi Pakatan Rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum lepas menubuhkan Majlis Pakatan Rakyat (MPR) bagi melincinkan pergerakan sekaligus menghindari pertembungan masalah dalaman pentadbiran.
Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri, Ustaz Saleh Man ketika menghubungi Harakahdaily memberitahu, penubuhan itu bermatlamat menyatukan kenyataan media di samping menyelaraskan aktiviti yang diatur agar kelihatan lebih konsisten dan tersusun.
"Melalui penyatuan organisasi pastinya mengorak beberapa langkah positif ke arah meningkatkan kestabilan sesama parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Ianya memberi ruang untuk semua parti menyumbangkan pandangan semata-mata untuk kebaikan rakyat, " ujarnya.
Melalui MPR ini juga satu sekretariat telah diwujudkan antaranya pengerusi dan setiausaha bersama ketiga parti iaitu Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KeADILan), PAS dan DAP.
Sementara itu, Ketua Perhubungan KeADILan Negeri, Dato' Zahrin Hashim dalam kenyataan akhbarnya selepas mengadakan mesyuarat kali pertama MPR di sebuah hotel dekat sini mengatakan, penubuhan MPR selari dengan MPR di peringkat pusat iaitu untuk menyatukan semua pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat di bawah satu bumbung.
Menerusi MPR itu nanti semua kenyataan akhbar akan diseragamkan serta mengadakan perbincangan terlebih dahulu jika sekiranya mahu mengadakan aktiviti atau pelaksanaan program tanpa menyentuh tentang dasar mana-mana parti yang terlibat.
"Penubuhan itu akan menyatukan semua Ahli Parlimen, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) dengan kepimpinan peringkat negeri. Setiap parti akan dianggotai tujuh orang wakil untuk berbincang sebelum pelaksanaan dibuat, " kata beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Bayan Baru.
Sambungnya, MPR peringkat negeri akan dilancarkan oleh Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng pada masa terdekat dengan menghimpunkan semua ahli dan penyokong Pakatan Rakyat di satu lokasi yang akan diberitahu kelak.
Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri, Ustaz Saleh Man ketika menghubungi Harakahdaily memberitahu, penubuhan itu bermatlamat menyatukan kenyataan media di samping menyelaraskan aktiviti yang diatur agar kelihatan lebih konsisten dan tersusun.
"Melalui penyatuan organisasi pastinya mengorak beberapa langkah positif ke arah meningkatkan kestabilan sesama parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Ianya memberi ruang untuk semua parti menyumbangkan pandangan semata-mata untuk kebaikan rakyat, " ujarnya.
Melalui MPR ini juga satu sekretariat telah diwujudkan antaranya pengerusi dan setiausaha bersama ketiga parti iaitu Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KeADILan), PAS dan DAP.
Sementara itu, Ketua Perhubungan KeADILan Negeri, Dato' Zahrin Hashim dalam kenyataan akhbarnya selepas mengadakan mesyuarat kali pertama MPR di sebuah hotel dekat sini mengatakan, penubuhan MPR selari dengan MPR di peringkat pusat iaitu untuk menyatukan semua pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat di bawah satu bumbung.
Menerusi MPR itu nanti semua kenyataan akhbar akan diseragamkan serta mengadakan perbincangan terlebih dahulu jika sekiranya mahu mengadakan aktiviti atau pelaksanaan program tanpa menyentuh tentang dasar mana-mana parti yang terlibat.
"Penubuhan itu akan menyatukan semua Ahli Parlimen, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) dengan kepimpinan peringkat negeri. Setiap parti akan dianggotai tujuh orang wakil untuk berbincang sebelum pelaksanaan dibuat, " kata beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Bayan Baru.
Sambungnya, MPR peringkat negeri akan dilancarkan oleh Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng pada masa terdekat dengan menghimpunkan semua ahli dan penyokong Pakatan Rakyat di satu lokasi yang akan diberitahu kelak.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Najib pushes bad press in a bid to destabilise Pakatan
Knowing that his leadership of the Malay community will be rated by the result of the Kuala Terengganu by-election, the DPM called in key editors from the BN-controlled media and told them to destabilise the Pakatan at all costs.
There has been a steadily escalating drive to get the local press - newspapers such as the Star, the NST and Utusan - to paint the Opposition in a negative light and to portray an image of an imminent bust-up between the three Pakatan Rakyat partners KeADILan, DAP and PAS.
And the man behind this latest push to gag and steer the Barisan Nasional-controlled press has turned out to be none other than Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak!
In a move that goes against civil norms and his own self-professed moderate outlook, Najib is reneging on very public promises made - including during last month’s high-profile Al-Jazeera interview with Riz Khan - that under him, Malaysians can safely and assuredly look forward to greater democratic space.
If Malaysians had believed him then and thought he deserved a second listen, then for sure they know now that they were wrong, and that this adage does indeed apply to him - a leopard cannot change its spots!
For Najib - in the public eye for 33 years - has long been been known for the huge political baggage that he carries, which include a barrage of allegations of multi-billion ringgit corruption.
Although, he has tried hard to rebrand himself, the 55-year old DPM is now desperate to ensure that he gets to sit in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s chair this March.
Although, he has won the Umno presidency uncontested, it is still not a given that he will automatically assume Abdullah’s premiership.
What goes around comes around
What could stand in his way?
Basically, a massive loss of confidence from within the Barisan Nasional and in particular Umno. There is already a growing group of BN and Umno politicians, who are starting to seriously wonder if Najib is indeed made of the ‘right stuff’ to be Malaysia’s sixth prime minister.
Privately, they have been asking among themselves - does Najib even have clear leadership over his own community - the Malays - let alone the respect of rest of the nation’s 25 million people.
Well, they will soon know. A quick test is coming up - the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election slated for Jan 17. The 80,000-strong constituency is 88-percent Malay, with Chinese forming nearly 11 percent, while the rest are Indian and other minority groups.
Many in the politically-savvy Malay community believe that KT will mark either the beginning or the beginning-of-the-end of his hold over Umno and the BN.
They believe that it is crucial for Umno to retain KT and by a more convincing majority than the 628-vote differential it won in the March 8, 2008 general election.
It was during this watershed election that for the first time, the Umno-led BN lost its two-third majority in Parliament.
The result was so disastrous that it paved the way for Najib to oust Abdullah - by scouring support from disgusted Umno and BN leaders to force the latter into accepting early retirement.
But the wheels of fortune keep turning and those who live by the sword die by the sword. As Najib ousted his boss, others are now looking to oust him, the incoming president of Umno.
Deflecting attention from his own scandals
Abdullah - blamed for the March 8 debacle - may have agreed to pass the baton to Najib this March.
But once it is clear that despite the succession plan, Malaysians still prefer to support Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan alliance - then this is when the political clock will start ticking for Najib.
According to independent online news reports and other sources, the DPM summoned key editors from both the electronic and print media to his official residence two weeks ago.
He gave them a tongue lashing and a severe dressing-down. Also present was Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
Despite being used to ‘guidance’ on the angle of their news coverage, the editors were nevertheless stunned by the directness and dead-serious demeanour of the DPM - who told them in no uncertain terms to be distinctly anti-Opposition or else risk his wrath.
Sources said Najib also warned of dire consequences befalling Malaysia if the Opposition formed the federal government. He repeatedly stressed the importance of winning the Kuala Terengganu seat.
Against such manipulation - Malaysians lose most
Thus the reason for the recent all-out assault by the BN-controlled media on the Pakatan and its leaders.
MCA’s recently elected president Ong Tee Keat too was quick to side his boss, Najib, while taking the opportunity to rid his party-controlled Star newspaper of top executives aligned to his predecessors Ong Ka Ting and Ling Liong Sik.
Nevetheless, despite the power play and no matter which way KT turns out, it is Malaysians nationwide who will lose the most if they do not stand up and reiterate their rejection against the brand of manipulation and intimidation being promulgated by Najib now, and by his mentor ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad before.
For how else can they prevent corruption, how else can they stop their national wealth from being eaten up and siphoned out, how else can they protect their children from the endless greed of recalcitrant leaders, how else to ensure that future generations get to inherit what is rightfully due to them.
Said Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim: “Our country is now facing a very uncertain economic future. The effects and implications are only starting to play out. The high inflation rate has caused the price of goods to rush up. There is a crisis of confidence in the security of the country, in its judiciary system. All these do not bode well for us and make it even more difficult to attract investments to stimulate our economy.We cannot remain in a state of denial.”
“The Kuala Terengganu by-election is a crucial and critical one as it will have a major influence on whether the changes started by the March 8 political tsunami last year should be pressed on or be blocked and even reversed,” DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said.
Political baggage revisited
It is clear that Najib will continue pursuing a strategy of directing efforts, resources and time on snuffing out the Opposition rather than focusing on the economic crisis and the never-before-seen retrenchment levels, which are both starting to be felt across the country.
Despite loud calls to Malaysians to stop politicking and focus on the economy, Najib is not heeding his own words.
Perhaps he knows that he cannot allow a two-party system to exist. Perhaps he knows he is not the one to lead Malaysia’s transformation. Lacking in both political firepower and personal drive to rid the country of the corruption crippling it, perhaps Najib knows that his survival lies in destabilising Pakatan at all costs.
This realisation is also starting to dawn on the country, the rest of Umno and the BN.
Until now, despite having entered active politics at age of 22, few Malaysians can actually point out Najib’s contributions to the country.
Many know about about his ‘political aristocracy’ - that he is the eldest son of second premier Abdul Razak - but after that what else?
Sad to say, in 99 times out of 100, when Najib enters the topic of conversation, attention invariably zooms in on his infamous ‘political baggage’, rather than on his achievements for the country.
Always only after a huge public uproar
For example, which Malaysian hasn’t heard about Najib’s recent attempt to privatise the National Heart Institute (IJN) to conglomerate Sime Darby? Or debated the pros and cons of the wasteful RM1.7 billion ringgit air terminal project at Labis - again granted to Sime?
As Finance Minister, Najib was weeks ago accused of selling out lower-income Malaysians, ignoring their concerns about escalating health-are costs. In particular, the IJN deal sparked allegations of cronyism because it was arranged by a bank led by his youngest brother Nazir. The deal was scrapped only after another huge public uproar.
Few Malaysians too have not heard of his alleged involvement with Altantutya Shaariibuu, wherein he was accused of having a sexual affair with the beautiful Mongolian woman before passing her onto his adviser Razak Baginda, who also took her in as his lover.
The sensational murder trial of the 28-year old Altantuya, horrifically killed and bombed to pieces in Malaysia in 2006, has been widely reported in the international press. The suspects are two police officers from a special unit tasked to look after Najib and his office. The two are now being tried for her murder.
Then, who hasn’t heard of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the blogger who broke the news linking Altantuya to Najib and his wife, Rosmah? Raja Petra was later detained under the Internal Security Act and is still facing sedition charges.
What about the RM1.6 billion Eurocopter chopper deal that Najib rushed through during his last days in the defence ministry? Haven’t you heard of that?
And also what happened to its whistleblower - Abu Zahar Hashim, the former Umno Petaling Jaya Selatan division leader. Zahar, who leaked news of the deal which was approved without conducting test flights on the helicopters, was suspended by his party for daring to speak up.
He has since joined PAS and has promised to reveal other misdeeds - starting with the BN government’s purchase of Scorpene submarines during Najib’s time in the defence ministry.
With so much negative press of his own in the pipeline, it is no wonder that the DPM feels the need to go all out to gag his own press.
Even at the risk of futher marginalising the country and obstructing its socio-economic development and prosperity.
There has been a steadily escalating drive to get the local press - newspapers such as the Star, the NST and Utusan - to paint the Opposition in a negative light and to portray an image of an imminent bust-up between the three Pakatan Rakyat partners KeADILan, DAP and PAS.
And the man behind this latest push to gag and steer the Barisan Nasional-controlled press has turned out to be none other than Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak!
In a move that goes against civil norms and his own self-professed moderate outlook, Najib is reneging on very public promises made - including during last month’s high-profile Al-Jazeera interview with Riz Khan - that under him, Malaysians can safely and assuredly look forward to greater democratic space.
If Malaysians had believed him then and thought he deserved a second listen, then for sure they know now that they were wrong, and that this adage does indeed apply to him - a leopard cannot change its spots!
For Najib - in the public eye for 33 years - has long been been known for the huge political baggage that he carries, which include a barrage of allegations of multi-billion ringgit corruption.
Although, he has tried hard to rebrand himself, the 55-year old DPM is now desperate to ensure that he gets to sit in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s chair this March.
Although, he has won the Umno presidency uncontested, it is still not a given that he will automatically assume Abdullah’s premiership.
What goes around comes around
What could stand in his way?
Basically, a massive loss of confidence from within the Barisan Nasional and in particular Umno. There is already a growing group of BN and Umno politicians, who are starting to seriously wonder if Najib is indeed made of the ‘right stuff’ to be Malaysia’s sixth prime minister.
Privately, they have been asking among themselves - does Najib even have clear leadership over his own community - the Malays - let alone the respect of rest of the nation’s 25 million people.
Well, they will soon know. A quick test is coming up - the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election slated for Jan 17. The 80,000-strong constituency is 88-percent Malay, with Chinese forming nearly 11 percent, while the rest are Indian and other minority groups.
Many in the politically-savvy Malay community believe that KT will mark either the beginning or the beginning-of-the-end of his hold over Umno and the BN.
They believe that it is crucial for Umno to retain KT and by a more convincing majority than the 628-vote differential it won in the March 8, 2008 general election.
It was during this watershed election that for the first time, the Umno-led BN lost its two-third majority in Parliament.
The result was so disastrous that it paved the way for Najib to oust Abdullah - by scouring support from disgusted Umno and BN leaders to force the latter into accepting early retirement.
But the wheels of fortune keep turning and those who live by the sword die by the sword. As Najib ousted his boss, others are now looking to oust him, the incoming president of Umno.
Deflecting attention from his own scandals
Abdullah - blamed for the March 8 debacle - may have agreed to pass the baton to Najib this March.
But once it is clear that despite the succession plan, Malaysians still prefer to support Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan alliance - then this is when the political clock will start ticking for Najib.
According to independent online news reports and other sources, the DPM summoned key editors from both the electronic and print media to his official residence two weeks ago.
He gave them a tongue lashing and a severe dressing-down. Also present was Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
Despite being used to ‘guidance’ on the angle of their news coverage, the editors were nevertheless stunned by the directness and dead-serious demeanour of the DPM - who told them in no uncertain terms to be distinctly anti-Opposition or else risk his wrath.
Sources said Najib also warned of dire consequences befalling Malaysia if the Opposition formed the federal government. He repeatedly stressed the importance of winning the Kuala Terengganu seat.
Against such manipulation - Malaysians lose most
Thus the reason for the recent all-out assault by the BN-controlled media on the Pakatan and its leaders.
MCA’s recently elected president Ong Tee Keat too was quick to side his boss, Najib, while taking the opportunity to rid his party-controlled Star newspaper of top executives aligned to his predecessors Ong Ka Ting and Ling Liong Sik.
Nevetheless, despite the power play and no matter which way KT turns out, it is Malaysians nationwide who will lose the most if they do not stand up and reiterate their rejection against the brand of manipulation and intimidation being promulgated by Najib now, and by his mentor ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad before.
For how else can they prevent corruption, how else can they stop their national wealth from being eaten up and siphoned out, how else can they protect their children from the endless greed of recalcitrant leaders, how else to ensure that future generations get to inherit what is rightfully due to them.
Said Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim: “Our country is now facing a very uncertain economic future. The effects and implications are only starting to play out. The high inflation rate has caused the price of goods to rush up. There is a crisis of confidence in the security of the country, in its judiciary system. All these do not bode well for us and make it even more difficult to attract investments to stimulate our economy.We cannot remain in a state of denial.”
“The Kuala Terengganu by-election is a crucial and critical one as it will have a major influence on whether the changes started by the March 8 political tsunami last year should be pressed on or be blocked and even reversed,” DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said.
Political baggage revisited
It is clear that Najib will continue pursuing a strategy of directing efforts, resources and time on snuffing out the Opposition rather than focusing on the economic crisis and the never-before-seen retrenchment levels, which are both starting to be felt across the country.
Despite loud calls to Malaysians to stop politicking and focus on the economy, Najib is not heeding his own words.
Perhaps he knows that he cannot allow a two-party system to exist. Perhaps he knows he is not the one to lead Malaysia’s transformation. Lacking in both political firepower and personal drive to rid the country of the corruption crippling it, perhaps Najib knows that his survival lies in destabilising Pakatan at all costs.
This realisation is also starting to dawn on the country, the rest of Umno and the BN.
Until now, despite having entered active politics at age of 22, few Malaysians can actually point out Najib’s contributions to the country.
Many know about about his ‘political aristocracy’ - that he is the eldest son of second premier Abdul Razak - but after that what else?
Sad to say, in 99 times out of 100, when Najib enters the topic of conversation, attention invariably zooms in on his infamous ‘political baggage’, rather than on his achievements for the country.
Always only after a huge public uproar
For example, which Malaysian hasn’t heard about Najib’s recent attempt to privatise the National Heart Institute (IJN) to conglomerate Sime Darby? Or debated the pros and cons of the wasteful RM1.7 billion ringgit air terminal project at Labis - again granted to Sime?
As Finance Minister, Najib was weeks ago accused of selling out lower-income Malaysians, ignoring their concerns about escalating health-are costs. In particular, the IJN deal sparked allegations of cronyism because it was arranged by a bank led by his youngest brother Nazir. The deal was scrapped only after another huge public uproar.
Few Malaysians too have not heard of his alleged involvement with Altantutya Shaariibuu, wherein he was accused of having a sexual affair with the beautiful Mongolian woman before passing her onto his adviser Razak Baginda, who also took her in as his lover.
The sensational murder trial of the 28-year old Altantuya, horrifically killed and bombed to pieces in Malaysia in 2006, has been widely reported in the international press. The suspects are two police officers from a special unit tasked to look after Najib and his office. The two are now being tried for her murder.
Then, who hasn’t heard of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the blogger who broke the news linking Altantuya to Najib and his wife, Rosmah? Raja Petra was later detained under the Internal Security Act and is still facing sedition charges.
What about the RM1.6 billion Eurocopter chopper deal that Najib rushed through during his last days in the defence ministry? Haven’t you heard of that?
And also what happened to its whistleblower - Abu Zahar Hashim, the former Umno Petaling Jaya Selatan division leader. Zahar, who leaked news of the deal which was approved without conducting test flights on the helicopters, was suspended by his party for daring to speak up.
He has since joined PAS and has promised to reveal other misdeeds - starting with the BN government’s purchase of Scorpene submarines during Najib’s time in the defence ministry.
With so much negative press of his own in the pipeline, it is no wonder that the DPM feels the need to go all out to gag his own press.
Even at the risk of futher marginalising the country and obstructing its socio-economic development and prosperity.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Kezaliman Israel
Di kala dunia menyambut kehadiran tahun baru 2009 yang penuh dengan cabaran bagi memulihkan keadaan ekonomi yang gawat, rakyat Palestin tidak dapat meraihkan sambutan tahun baru malah menderita dan nyawanya terancam berikutan serangan fizikal yang tidak berperikemanusiaan oleh Israel.
Demonstrasi demi demonstrasi telah dilancarkan di seluruh dunia, khususnya para muslim.
Di Sungai Petani, 1 demonstrasi telah diadakan pada Jumaat, 02 January 209. Demonstrasi anjuran Pakatan Rakyat Kedah ini berarak dari Masjid Muzaffar Shah sehingga ke dataran MPSP di jam besar.
Beratus umat Islam menyertai demonstrasi membantah kekerasan Israel itu setelah solat Jumaat, kelihatan juga para pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat. Namum jumlah bukan Islam yang turut serta tidak kelihatan. Selain daripada pemimpin-pemimpin PKR yang berketurunan Cina & India, rakyat biasa yang bukan Islam seolah-olah tidak peka dan tidak menyokong bantahan terhadap pembunuhan yang tidak bertamadun itu.
Tujuan saya mengadirkan diri adalah untuk menyatakan pendirian saya yang membantah segala perang fizikal, tidak kira ianya terjadi di mana. Manusia pada zamn moden yang bertamadun ini, tidak sepatutnya wujud pembunuhan yang zalim.
Oleh yang demikian, adalah menjadi harapan saya unuk melihat lebih ramai keluar untuk menyatakan bantahan terhadap peperangan fizikal yang telah mengorbankan banak nyawa khususnya wanita dan kanak-kanak. Kita harus mengetepikan perbezaan agama, bangsa, budaya dan etnik. Kita harus menyatakan kebencian kita terhadap kekejaman Israel dan menuntut agar dihentikan dengan serta-merta serangan ke atas Palestin.
Demonstrasi demi demonstrasi telah dilancarkan di seluruh dunia, khususnya para muslim.
Di Sungai Petani, 1 demonstrasi telah diadakan pada Jumaat, 02 January 209. Demonstrasi anjuran Pakatan Rakyat Kedah ini berarak dari Masjid Muzaffar Shah sehingga ke dataran MPSP di jam besar.
Beratus umat Islam menyertai demonstrasi membantah kekerasan Israel itu setelah solat Jumaat, kelihatan juga para pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat. Namum jumlah bukan Islam yang turut serta tidak kelihatan. Selain daripada pemimpin-pemimpin PKR yang berketurunan Cina & India, rakyat biasa yang bukan Islam seolah-olah tidak peka dan tidak menyokong bantahan terhadap pembunuhan yang tidak bertamadun itu.
Tujuan saya mengadirkan diri adalah untuk menyatakan pendirian saya yang membantah segala perang fizikal, tidak kira ianya terjadi di mana. Manusia pada zamn moden yang bertamadun ini, tidak sepatutnya wujud pembunuhan yang zalim.
Oleh yang demikian, adalah menjadi harapan saya unuk melihat lebih ramai keluar untuk menyatakan bantahan terhadap peperangan fizikal yang telah mengorbankan banak nyawa khususnya wanita dan kanak-kanak. Kita harus mengetepikan perbezaan agama, bangsa, budaya dan etnik. Kita harus menyatakan kebencian kita terhadap kekejaman Israel dan menuntut agar dihentikan dengan serta-merta serangan ke atas Palestin.
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