The Making Of Malaysian Spring: Do Not Ignore Mahathir's Prophecy

Ready for Malaysian Spring? 

The allegations of rigging, tainted electoral rolls and now flying dubious voters from Sabah to KL are reaching epidemic proportion. 

This is how uprising started, flung enough dirt and you will have enough shit excuses to start an uprising when you found yourself at the losing end.

The logistical nightmare is just unbelievable to move 30,000 people from KK to KL and back over a period of 2/3 days.

You need 150 flights of Boeing 747-400, not forgetting board, lodging and busing, to and fro, voting centres.

MAS has only 94 planes of different models and configurations. Using MAS planes will disrupt its entire international/domestic flights. 

Of course, with money you can charter the planes from other companies, but it is almost impossible to charter 20/30 wide-bodied planes over such short notice.

The above flight schedule was posted in a blog here

Well done, Anwar Ibrahim, you have really made my day.  

Send your men to the airports to video tape all the flights and use it as evidence when the general-election is over. 


Read here this most incredible story.

Wailers And Squealers: Malaysia's Moral Decay

Hantu Laut

Ethics is also called "moral philosophy" that systematise, defend and recommend the concepts of right and wrong conduct.

Many of you of my era would have read or knew of the great Greek philosopher Socrates. He was one of the founding fathers of Western philosophy. Most of his works are known through the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon. One of his great contributions was in the field of ethics.

I'll confine my writing to this moral concepts which is fast eroding in Malaysian society.

First, let's start with former IGP Musa Hassan's revelation of ministerial interference during his term of office. He named Home Minister Hishamuddin Onn as the culprit who sidestepped him by issuing directives direct to police officers under his command. He had never revealed his frustrations while in office, how much and how far the infraction has affected the morale of his men. There was complete silence from him then not even the smallest squeak or whimper. Why now? 

I won't rule out the probability of the breakdown of protocol with the Home Minister, who time and again, had shown remarkable talent for atrocious official pronouncements and certainly not the brightest star in the night sky. Some of his official responses had been quixotic and indigestible. 

If the IGP's memory is fleeting and he has no recollection of the chain of events during his term of office let me remind him it was the Home Minister who defended him and the police force and exposed himself to public ire and odium. 

No thanks to Hisham!

Hishamuddin may not be the brightest star and he is not the only one breaking with protocol and standard operating procedures of the civil service, there are dime a dozen of them our there, who domineer and demand respect from those they deem below their level.

While we can forgive Hishamuddin for his indiscretion and illegal excursion into police territory, he may not be the worst of the lot and as bad as the former police chief, who now appears to be trying to score brownie points with opposition Pakatan Rakyat's leaders, the very same people who had severely revile, defile and condemned him kow-kow (strongly) of police wrongdoings, fixing of evidence against Anwar Ibrahim's in his Sodomy I trail and his alleged association with underworld figures. He now claims massive interference from ministers and powerful politicians that undermined his authority.

Why did he not expose the meddlers when he was still the IGP? Why now?

There are numerous damaging articles written by RPK and other writers of this man that Pakatan leaders seemed to have conveniently forgotten and gave him space as battering ram against the BN government and the new IGP.

Musa Hassan is now trying to project his innocence and good cop image. He had never contemplated legal action against his accusers while in office but now decides to get even with his hot political potato. If one were to read between the lines, it's obvious he is angered because the Home Minister refused to extend his term as IGP, due to overwhelming public opposition. 

The police force was at the highest state of disrepute during his time. Should he also blame Hishamuddin for the "state of fear" felt by the people due to increase in criminal activities?

From one renegade to another, Malaysia is not short of ingrates and cocksuckers. 

Another ingrate, a man called Deepak, also the subject of many RPK's political blitz and slur (which he rightly deserved) reputedly to be close to Rosmah has made a 360 degree turn. Of intensity on the Richter's scale this man would qualify a magnitude of over 9 for extremity of lack of moral principle and stupidity. A whim who foresees the end of Najib and BN is trying to sell his soul to the other side. His platitudes and ingratitudes against the Prime Minister and his wife, who he reportedly had excellent relationship with before had turned sour, all for only one thing ......the root of all evils.....money and never enough of it, lucre he couldn't get his hand on angered him and found it expedient to use the Prime Minister and his family as collateral damage.A scrouge who made it good by sucking up to people in high places.

You can only be cheated if you are too greedy or too stupid . It happen all the times to ass lickers and dream merchants who used politicians as shorter alternative route to wealth, but overlooked the risk element involved in such dealings.

When I brought up the issue in a casual conversation with friends of the decaying moral standard, the buying and selling of politicians and the hypocrisy of it all, a good doctor friend told me that it's fine associating with the devils if you think you can win the elections.

He may have a point there, which I believe has become the mindset of Malaysian society in general.

All said and done, I dare say Western politicians have higher moral standard and greater sense of shame than our politicians...no matter which side they are on. 


Looking at the kind of garbage that Pakatan is collecting, will we get a clean government?

As the old adage goes "everyman for himself, the devil takes the hindmost" and I would add, never trust policemen, politicians and smooth talking ass-lickers .

Some quotes from Socrates:

"When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser"

"Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people"

"No man undertakes a trade he has not learned, even the meanest; yet every one thinks himself sufficiently qualified for the hardest of all trades - that of government."

Malaysia welcomes the Gorgons!

Clive Kessler:The Haughty And Idiotic Professor

Hantu Laut

The social engineer

Isn't it commanding of a learned person to know his subject well before he put his thoughts to pen.

Clive Kessler's denunciation of the social contract enshrined in the constitution goes to show his shallow knowledge of Malaysian politics and the Malaysian Constitution or he just simply meddling in the affairs of this country for the benefits of the oppositions.There is no Ketuanan Melayu, there is only Malay majority rule.

Majority rule is common in many countries.The same fear  White Australians have of the continuing migration of Asians to Australia that one day may dilute their power to control the political future of the country, the Malays have the same fear and have every rights to defend the erosion of Malay political power.

Would White Australians accede majority control of their political power to the minority Chinese or Vietnamese or for that matter to the minority Muslim population?

Perhaps, Clive Kessler could answer this question if he still hanged to his tenacious belief that the Malays should not protect the political hegemony in their own country and succor for more support if they felt threatened of losing their grip on political power.

'Ketuanan Melayu' is implicit, social contract is not, it is explicitly defined in Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution that clearly spelled out what the social contract entails.

I would invite the learned professor to read this particular article and see for himself whether the social contract is imaginary or explicitly addressed in the Constitution.

The claim is not plain and simple 'historical revisionist' as inferred by him.It is a plain and simple 'contract' in the Constitution and one that does not need 'historical revisionists' to manufacture it.It is there plain and simple.

You are not happy, you want to change it and you think changing the government would solve the problem. You have to get two-thirds majority in Parliament to agree to kick it out of the Constitution.Can you get all the Malay MPs from both sides of the political fence to agree? No where mates! So stop cursing the Malays for your political troubles.It ain't their making.If you want to curse ..... it's the Brits, they are the culprits.

The proviso is primarily a continuation of previous laws made by the British to protect the indigenous peoples from being overwhelmed by the migrant races, mostly Chinese and Indians, who were much well to do urban dwellers as compared to the Bumiputras, who, at that time, were mostly poor farmers and labourers. The British saw the economic disequilibrium among the races that placed the indigenous peoples at a big disadvantage economically.

To protect the natives further the British even introduced 'Malay Reserve' lands in the then Malaya and 'Native Title' lands in the then British North Borneo and Sarawak.These lands can only be transacted among indigenous people. The British fear that the natives could be robbed of their lands if no such protection is made mandatory.Was the British wrong then? Perhaps, Kessler could also give an answer to this pertinent question.

Why did the British introduced affirmative actions even then.Did they not foresee the precarious economic position of the Malays and the natives of the Bornean states? Those considerations were part and parcel of a 'social contract'.As late as the early seventies the bumiputras controlled less than 5 per cent of the economy.

The Constitution and Article 153 was written on the basis of a report from the 'Reid Commission' which included recommendation for protective clause in the Constitution for safeguarding Malay rights and later the inclusion of natives of Sabah and Sarawak when Malaysia was formed.Article 153 in particular, was incorporated to address the economic imbalance.Kessler, was clearly muted on this.

Even more disappointing is Kessler's haughty remarks that showed his headful of garbage using pseudo-cleft sentences trying to win over uninitiated Malaysians into believing his craps. Because of his academic background some would fall into his web of deceit.
He said:

"Yet there was no “social contract” as such at the time. People have only inferred and argued subsequently that there was, because there somehow must have been, such a contract at the time of Merdeka — and, driven by retrospective wish-fulfilment, they have then “filled in” what it pleases them to believe, or passionately desire, that its terms must have been. They “read back” the politics of the present, and their preferred political future that they like to imagine for themselves, into the historic past."
If Article 153 is not a social contract, what is?

I am not a great proponent of the NEP as it is, I do believe, for the sake of the Malays, it should not be allowed to go on forever. It will only add more sins to the already burdening rent-seeking mentality and demands of certain group of bumiputras who want it easy.

Prime Minister Najib would be better off ignoring the militancy of such groups.

Being a Malay he has every right to perpetuate Malay political power within the ambit of the laws of this country and ignore people like Clive Kessler who can flush his anthropological scroll down the toilet bowl.Knowing anthropology did not make him an expert in Malaysian politics.

His closing paragraph:

"This, quite simply and evidently, is historically erroneous. It is sheer revisionism. It is retrospective meddling with national historical truth and the nation’s constitutional foundations."
Keep your social engineering bullshit at home, Mr Kessler !

What Malaysians should be fighting against is not Malay powers or Ketuanan Melayu , they should be fighting against corruptions, abuses of power and mismanagement of the nation resources.

The civil service must be impartial - How true but can they?

July 22, 2010

JULY 22 — It is unfortunate that the country’s top civil servant chooses not to tell the difference between a political party and a government function.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan asked today if it would be wrong for civil servants to attend programmes organised by Lim Guan Eng, as the latter was the DAP secretary-general.

This question was in relation to the ongoing spat between Penang state development officer (SDO) Nik Ali Mat Yunus, a federal employee, and Lim, the Penang chief minister.

Mohd Sidek was forced in recent days to defend Nik Ali, and had to answer a question from reporters today about whether it was appropriate for Nik Ali to speak publicly as a government officer while attending a function organised by Umno.

The chief secretary added in defence of Nik Ali: “Would it be wrong if I held a media conference with Datuk Seri Najib Razak? If it is his job as the prime minister and my job as the chief secretary, then it would not be wrong I held a press conference with him.”

No, sir, it would not be wrong. As long as it is a government function, like a press conference with the prime minister.

Or the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Or a special briefing for civil servants.

It would not be wrong because Mohd Sidek would be attending as the country’s No. 1 civil servant, and Najib would be there in his capacity as prime minister.

And yes, sir, it would indeed be wrong for a civil servant to attend and speak at a DAP function with Lim.

Nik Ali cannot use a party function as a platform to attack the Penang chief minister.

The one thing which this country inherited from our former colonial masters was a bureaucracy.

And in this bureaucracy, it is of utmost importance that proper channels are used to deal with all matters.

Such red tape ensures professionalism.

Of even bigger significance is the fact that the civil service is seen to be impartial.

Political masters come and go, but the civil service remains.

Therefore, it must be neutral.

But going by Mohd Sidek’s arguments, there would be nothing wrong if he attends the Umno general assembly, too, together with the prime minister, who happens to be the party president.

My titbits:

Gross misconception: Mohd Sidek and all civil servants should be apolitical and not attend any political party functions even if invited. Civil servants must not be seen to be taking sides.

My conclusion:It is alright to call a chief minister rude if that was the case.It's no big deal, but certainly not from a state civil servant.

You know! The boss is always right.

Nik Ali is a federal civil servant, where he stands vis-a-vis a state government, I am not sure.

If Guan Eng attacked him first than he should have a right to response, maybe, not the way he did.

Is This The Malaysia You Want?

Hantu Laut

First it was demolition of Hindu temples by the Selangor BN government to necessitate development. Then there was Hindraf and the oppositions using religious sentiments and massive demonstration to rattle the BN government that almost turn ugly.

They cajoled the people and promised to stop demolishing Hindu temples if they come to power. The Selangor people voted them in.

Now they are in power they never kept that promise, they improvised, they plugged one hole but opened up another hole.




What is happenning to this beloved nation?

Before, mosques, churches and temples stood next to each other, we had no problem, we see it as just other beliefs of our fellow Malaysians, our brothers and sisters. Have we reached the nadir of religious and racial intolerance, we are prepared to destroy this peaceful nation so that some can satisfy their political agenda?

Is this the Malaysia that you want?

Is Anwar Living In A State Of Denial ?

Hantu Laut

There is no rift in Pakatan Rakyat says Anwar Ibrahim.If there is none why bother to meet those embroiled in the crisis.

NST reported here.

Is Anwar Ibrahim living in a state of denial?

We'll see, how long before the next recrimination.

Eddy, a regular commentator to this blog has written an interesting piece which deserves to be on the front page rather than hidden in the comment column.

Eddy says:

I agree that the damage done during Abdullah's tenure needed serious repair but to have Najib do the repairs immediately will be a tall order.

However, Najib has bitten the bullet early and done many reforms to the economic and education landscape to suit the changing times. In less than 100 days of becoming PM, he has made decisions even Dr Mahathir fear to thread lest he be accused of pandering to the non Malays. Even now there are many voices voicing out their dissatisfaction to Najib on even the dismantling of some negative aspects of the DEB while keeping most of the positives which proved to be beneficial to all.

I am very optimistic that the partnership between Najib and his Timbalan, Muhyiddin will yield the right result for a better Malaysia for all races, but the changes and reforms made will take at least two years to get the desired results and that is provided that Najib takes good advise from all, including both the veterans and the youths. For example in carrying out the necessary reforms he must make sure that he do not interfere with the affairs of Petronas and not be beholden to young advisers from Ethos consultant who do not know Malaysia's history and stay clear of any new bridge to Singapore before settling the JB scenic bridge problem. If Najib stays clear from these minefields and others like it, Najib will have the support of the majority Malays/Bumiputras and I dare say Indians.

I am not sure about the majority Peninsular Chinese though, they seemed to want more of everything economically and now politically as well and going by the trend they will probably vote enmasse next GE for DAP or PKR, so, whatever good Najib and BN does will be to no avail "macam simbah air atas keladilah" especially now that DAP a Chinese based party is proving that they are the ones in Pakatan setting the direction that the loose coalition takes. That is my thoughts, I hope I am wrong.

Next stop is the liberalisation of the auto industry, wean Proton and Perodua from Government protection starting with the 1600cc cars and below so that cars like the Honda Jazz can be priced at 60-65k. Cars below 1600cc should be priced between just 35k to 65k only depending on its quality, Malaysians should start paying cars for the price our friends in Thailand pays. If Najib does this, he and BN will be most popular people among the youths of all races I think.Popularity translates into votes for BN.

Personally, I think Najib has a long term plan to ensure that in the next GE but in war as in politics he cannot show all his strategy at once, BN will be assured of victory and regain lost ground with or without the majority of the Peninsular Chinese votes, what he is doing now is to regain as much lost ground for MCA and Gerakan as possible as it seems that both of these parties are still in sixes and sevens due to the DAP merciless onslaught on them, while at the same time keeping a very close eye on Sabah and Sarawak where the next GE will be lost or won actually.

Talking about elections Bro, in Manik Urai, I think its a no brainer that PAS will win, as long as the wily old man Nik Aziz is around in Kelantan, UMNO does not have a chance. Nik Aziz is numero uno in Kelantan, they even say that when you see his potrait you are blessed, with that, I know UMNO is a goner in this by-election and it has nothing to do with politics just Nik Aziz's popularity.

No worries there,Bro, its just a small pitched battle which could be lost , but I hope UMNO/BN would not give up easily without a fight. The war in the next GE is where BN would ultimately triumph, hero selalu kalah dulu, akhir sekali baru menang. Cheers.

July 6, 2009 6:55 PM

Is UMNO in A Fix ?

Hantu Laut

UMNO's Perak Assemblyman for Bota Nasarudin Hashim has crossed over to PKR, even before he tendered his resignation with UMNO. He must be too much in a hurry to catch a train that may not be taking him anywhere.

Nasarudin may have created history as the first Malay frog in many decades that deserted his party. There is no law against changing political affiliation in this country. UMNO has all along been against passing a law to forbid elected representatives from defecting to another political party. How they wish they hadn't done what they did in Sabah in 1994 when PBS was the government and in the opposition. Using the court they repelled the anti-hop law passed by PBS to stop assemblyman from defecting. They plotted and successfully demolished the PBS government by enticing PBS's assemlymen with offer of money and positions to crossover to the BN.

As they say "God's mill grinds slow but sure" and now UMNO is in a fix.

Looking at the history of politics in Malaysia I think the present bunch of politicians running UMNO and the country are pretty much living in the past and still riding the high horses.They still believe arm-twisting, threat and intimidation will keep people subservient and in line.Those days have passed and gone.The political landscape have changed, the people's aspiration have changed, they have new ideals.Demand for openness and accountability not seen before could not be more over-emphasized now.The people want an open book, they want to know exactly how the country is being run and how the people's money are being spent. These are fundamentals of a democratic system.Unfortunately, UMNO leaders can't or refused to see the reality of their surroundings.

The death of an Indian boy at the hand of the police, although not politically motivated, was another wedge between the Indian community and the government.The police force undoubtedly was one of the major contributors to the people's widespread discontent with the government.The government has lost the absolute support of the Indian community and it would be a long time before they can regain the trust, respect and support of this community.

Most of the problems were self-inflicted. Adding to its list of woes is the conflict with the Catholic church's publication the Herald. Another unnecessary disorder.A conflict most unnecessary and one that can be avoided if there were religious tolerance and the government ignoring the ignoramus' ignorance of the whole issue.

The Home Ministry had issued instruction not to use the word 'Allah' in their in-house magazine, The Herald.The case has gone to court and is still awaiting trail.In the meantime, the Minister of Home Affairs Syed Hamid Albar said it was not a ministry decision but a cabinet decision in demanding the prohibition of the use of the word 'Allah' in the publication. Since when and under which provision of the Malaysian Constitution that explicitly says a cabinet decision is the law? Can executive decision becomes law and can it be issued to a non-governmental organisation if it was deemed against the constitution? On that ground the Catholic church has taken the case to court. Syed Hamid should wait and not impose his or the government will on the Herald until the court decides on the case. People take this as another bullying style of the BN government. Least, Syed Hamid forgets, a cabinet decision is not the law, it is an executive decision.

Those are just layman's interpretation of what I think I know.Maybe, some legal eagles can enlighten on the matter.

To the UMNO boys these anomalies are considered small and unimportant and they think they have successfully cowed the people.The people's discontent was first expressed in the 8th March 2008 General Elections, later in the Permatang Pauh by-election and recently at the Kuala Terengganu by-election. So far, nothing has changed in UMNO to show serious reforms and a desire to win back the heart of the people.

The BN is still the better formula of a coalition government if they can clean up their houses. The cleaning up must start in UMNO and time may not be on their sides.

Nasaraudin says he defected in the interest of his constituents. Those who believe him must be bloody fools.The BN government has more money to develop his constituency, if that was the reason he chose to leave UMNO to joint PKR or was it status and position that he seeks in PKR that he couldn't get in UMNO?

Anwar Ibrahim says there will be more defections, Najib says I don't think so.

Will there be a government for Najib to take over?

Look! Who is talking here.

Coming Soon: Pensiangan, Who ?

Hatu Laut

Although, I have given UMNO/BN the edge due to the many offerings of sweeteners, the multitudes of Kuala Terengganu have rejected them.The people of Kuala Terengganu had spoken.It's a bad day for Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak as this is the second time he failed to get victory for the BN. The loss of Permatang Pauh was expected, this one had a good fighting chance, buggered by wrong candidature. 

Najib should not solely be blamed for the loss. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should shoulder greater part of the blame for not putting his ears to the ground and listen to the rumblings of disagreement on the choice of candidate.Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad should be having the last laugh when Abdullah called him irrelevant.UMNO could have pulled through if a more amiable candidate was chosen. I would put the loss more due to rejection of the candidate rather than total rejection of the BN.Although, the majority of votes has increased, it was not substantial enough to write off the BN as becoming irrelevent.

I have in the past wrote about the failure of UMNO to re-invent itself after the embarrassingly poor showing at the March 2008 General Elections.

What happened in the last general elections was not the failure of BN, it was the abomination of UMNO and Abdullah's leadership resulting in the entire fleet being punished, especially the Chinese and Indians component parties. Sabah and Sarawak were untouched by the fury and saved the day  for Abdullah, but astonishingly still remained unappreciated.The arrogance, self-denial and resistance to change in the top echelons of the party is self-perpetuating and becoming a death wish.

Najib has four years, if he doesn't lose the government by cross-over, to set things right in UMNO.When he becomes PM the first thing he should do is to sack half of the present cabinet ministers and replace with new and untainted faces.He must also be prepared to take unpopular actions and spare no effort to bring corruptions under control and distribute government projects not only to party members but equitable distribution to other deserving and capable contractors. 

What happened in KT will have a bearing on other future by-election.The next one expected is Pensiangan in Sabah. Joseph Kurup of PBRS/BN lost his seat in an election petition brought against him.He won the seat uncontested through dubious means.

It is common knowledge among Sabahans that Joseph Kurup is very unpopular in the constituency and is going to lose badly if he is nominated to stand again.Najib may have to take serious note of this and ensure that he chooses the right candidate this time or else another fatality

Yong:The Scientism Of Politics

Hantu Laut

It is now confirmed that the President of SAPP Yong Teck Lee is going for broke.It is now a matter of make it or break it.

He said it was the Supreme Council decision to support a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to be tabled on Monday and Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that he has now 2 more MPs in his pocket.

However, SAPP Deputy President Raymond Tan said it was totally wrong for Yong to say it was an unanimous decision, not all Supreme Council members agree, there were opposing views.

Tan who is Deputy Chief Minister and Au Kam Wah, the Assemblyman for Elopura walked out of the conference room and said he wouldn't have walked out if he was in agreement with Yong.He said Yong just wanted everybody to agree with him without giving others a chance to express their views.

Some sources say Yong has planned this and is doing it partly to gain sympathy from the Chinese community as he had earlier been informed by those in the SLDB corruption case that one of the accused would mention his name in court as one of the recipients of commissions from the illicit sales of SLDB shares, making it looks like he is being victimised by Abdullah. The timing was perfect and it was a very clever move on his part as most Malaysians would believe him rather than Abdullah,whose popularity is at the lower end of the scale at the moment.

Yong's scintillating performance includes waiting to be sacked which will get him more sympathy from the people. In Malaysians politics and more often than not sympathy always go to the underdogs.

Although the motion of no confidence has little chance of getting through, Yong's MPs must introduce it to make sure they are sacked from the BN, to enable them to switch side to Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat.Since the failure of the motion is imminent there is no need to speculate on how DAP and PAS going to vote, as both parties have stated their principle against party hopping.

It is not known yet how many SAPP elected representatives will ditch the party as a show of protest against the decision.

Politic is not a scientism that has hard-and-fast rules, anything can happen.

Buccaneering Blogger:Will Najib Be Prime Minister ?

Hantu Laut

The much awaited succession plan in UMNO has not materialised. There was no definite date or specific plan for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Pak Lah) to hand over the helm to his deputy Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak.

Abdullah has asked UMNO members to refrain from calling for his resignation and to wait till December when he will either consider stepping down or contest the presidency of the party if challenged.

In spite of numerous calls for him to go, beleaguered Abdullah has stood his ground and refused to accede to the demand. Short of saying when he will resign and that Najib is definitely his successor he gave his deputy no glimmer of hope other than to wait for the day that may never come.

Are there things that Pak Lah is privy to that the Malaysian general public are not aware of ? Are there extenuating circumstances that he should not leave office now and hand over the helm to Najib or was it, he hadn't had enough yet and wanted to continue as prime minister as long as possible and to prove to all and sundry that he can bring back BN and UMNO to its former glory.

Despite the overwhelming calls for Pak Lah to step down Najib has been a good deputy and never took advantage to pressure Pak Lah to step aside.Najib's refusal to fish in troubled water has angered former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohammad who had openly supported him to displace Abdullah.The former prime minister called Najib a coward and said he is no more his preference to replace Abdullah.His reluctance to oust Abdullah could be due to lack of support from his comrades in the party.

Irrespective of his claim that he doesn't know her and not having met her before, his relationship with the accused murderers of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu has brought him public odium and ridicule.The photograph where he purportedly had dinner with the mastermind of the murder Razak Beginda and the murdered girl had not surfaced other than the one doctored by Tian Chua, a member of opposition party PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyaat). If there was such a photograph why hasn't it surface or is it being kept as an ace up somebody's sleeve and to be used at a later date.Even more puzzling he had not taken any civil action against Tian Chua for the doctored photograph and against Anwar for implications made against him during electioneering.

Is there a concerted effort to tarnish his name to pre-empt his succession? The possibility is always there.There are others who are covertly interested in the position but would not make it known until they are sure they have eliminated the competition.

In his article "Let's Send The Altantuya Murderers To Hell" the writer Raja Petra Kamaruddin raised some pertinent questions especially the way the court case is being conducted.The abrupt changes to defence team, prosecutors and judges in the early stage of the case are viewed as interference from the powers that be and deemed to be the progenitors of an eventual miscarriage of justice.Even if it was not true these are the widespread public perceptions. Such perceptions would be difficult to change unless there is palatable change in the on going trail.

In the same article Raja Petra also raised the issue on the erasure of immigration records which the prosecution seems not at all interested to investigate and get to the roots of the mysterious disappearance of the immigration records of the murdered victim.Who gave the order? It can either be directly from a very powerful person or some staff in the Immigration Department with password access to the computer received substantial bribes from someone involved in the murder. These are material evidence that the prosecution should have procured but wouldn't do so for reasons only known to themselves.

Is Raja Petra pushing his luck? In his article he also mentioned an affidavit that implicates Najib's wife Rosmah.Would he be able to prove all the allegations if he were called upon in the court of law?

In the past some of Raja Petra's stories have proven to be not far from some of the truth, if not the whole truth. Would he be on the right track this time or would he be dragged to court or worse still to the interrogation chamber.

His article has brought some very surprising outcome.He has received a response here from the Press Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak and in true combat form and buccaneering spirit he has replied to the letter here.

Come December would Abdullah hand over the baton to Najib or would he let Najib challenge him.Looking at the changing political scenario Abdullah may prevail over Najib if it was a straight fight.

A dark horse may make an appearance come this December and Abdullah and Najib better watch out for the unexpected.

New Version:Ketuanan Melayu

Hantu Laut

Everything with Pak Lah is always a little too late. Now ketuanan Melayu takes on a new meaning.

“So when we talk about that (Malay supremacy), we mean we must be successful in many fields. It is never about ruling over others, or forcing our power upon them,” said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“We are not going to be a race that dominates others. We want to be a party that represents the Malays and that is ready to co-operate for the future of Malays and the people, as Malays will also succeed when all Malaysians are successful.That is Malay supremacy and I hope people will understand it,” he said.

He says Malays must not be coolies but must be tuan. Well, that's what supremacy is all about, isn't it, the tuan lord over the lesser mortals and in the case of ketuanan Melayu, the Malays lord over the non-Malays. No matter how hard he tries to re-define the meaning of ketuanan Melayu, the apprehension of the non-Malays will always be there.

Words are not enough to change people's mind.What the PM should do is to follow up his statement with sincere and credible actions.

“We must acknowledge that we are friends in Barisan. This is Umno’s assurance to the other component parties,” he said.

That assurance came a little too late.

Providing mere lip service is not going to convince people to accept the new version of ketuanan Melayu.In fact there was not ketuanan Melayu, it was all made up by UMNO to frighten the non-Malays and to remind them who are the masters in this country.

The Chinese and Indians have no problem with ketuanan Melayu.They have accepted the fact that being in the majority the Malays would naturally be taking leading roles in governing this country.What they want is fairness and preservation of their rights as citizens of this country and not be constantly reminded that they don't belong here.

Not playing the devil's advocate, I think I prefer the original version of ketuanan Melayu.

There is nothing wrong to rule over others.All we need to do are to learn to be good masters.

Saving PM Abdullah

Hantu Laut

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is moving at the speed of light to save himself by introducing radical reforms never seen before under the UMNO led coalition.With radical changes he hopes to endear the people and the oppositions to him.This sudden change of heart although may be seen as flippant by some people could actually restore Abdullah's lost credibility.

Within a span of one week he has announced three glistering changes.

At the end of last week he feted former Lord President Tun Salleh Abas and the other sacked judges at a dinner hosted by the Bar Council where he, short of an apology, announced ex-gratia payment to Tun Salleh Abas and all the judges who had been wrongfully dismissed by the previous administration. He also promised the setting up of a judicial appointment commission but with him still having the last say if he finds the recommedation unacceptable. He was given a standing ovation for the speech he delivered that evening.

Another small surprise announced through his Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar was the granting of permit for PKR's own party's paper.Although not a permit for main stream and full-fledged newspaper it is a good start towards more freedom of expression.Whether his government would give a permit for a full-pledged newspaper to the oppositions is any body's guess. The oppositions should give it a try and see whether his giving more freedom of expression is sincere and extend to a full-blown media for the oppositions.

The most welcome announcement this week is the proposal, which he has accepted in principle, to make the ACA fully independent and report directly to Parliament.It also proposed remodelling of the ACA in ways similar to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong, which is seen as the best in this region.

A Select Committee should be formed in Parliament to oversee and monitor the functions of the ACA. It should also be the watchdog to ensure it is administered judiciously and with the highest integrity. There had been cases of corruption in the ACA before and a vicious watchdog committee is imperative to keep the place squeaky clean. Members of the committee should come from both the ruling party and the oppositions.

Giving away the Anti-Corruption Agency to Parliament is a big sacrifice for the prime minister.Former prime ministers have used this agency to keep party members in line or those who opposed them.As there are not many clean politicians in this country the ACA is a good weapon for the prime minister to keep.As an independent body it can also investigate the prime minister. Well done Pak Lah !

Abdullah is fighting back to show his detractors that he is now beyond the diffidence that they have made of him. He has now re-emerged to show those in his party who had been calling for his exit that he would not be belittled and will not take their ignominious and insolent remarks anymore.If more reforms amiable to the people are coming their way Abdullah may be able to save himself from going into oblivion and carry on as prime minister and business as usual.

The diehards in UMNO will continue to cry foul of Abdullah's reformation and would do every thing possible to hinder or sabotage policies that are likely to curtail their tight grip on power and their access to the gravy train.Those who had burned the bridges are most ardent and will continue with their war cry for him to step down. Hot and hard to handle former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir, a perennial pain in the neck, will intensify his campaign to demolish him. Najib, the prime minister in waiting, may have to wait a little longer if Abdullah succeded in re-establishing himself.

It will be a long and winding road with dangers lurking every where before Abdullah can hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Abdullah biggest problem is still dissatisfaction among BN parliamentarians who can, to show their displeasure, cross over to the oppositions and which can either weaken or bring total collapse of his government.

Although his frog-legged protagonist Jefferey Kitingan denied it is going to be a fishing trip, Anwar Ibrahim is going to Sabah and Sarawak next week hoping to cast his net and catch a few frogs.

The next few months would be crucial for Abdullah to find a formula or the help of a bomoh to keep him in office.

Pak Lah Fooled The Malaysian People

Hantu Laut

On 12th April I wrote an article "UMNO Supreme Council To Decide Who Should Be Prime Minister" whereby I mentioned not to take Pah Lah's promise to step down and hand over the helm to Najib seriously.

Now Pak Lah had made a 360-degree turn and said he will contest for the UMNO President post in December.

Is he misquoted? Read below....

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia at a press conference, after a meeting with elected representatives of the ruling party in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. (Lai Seng Sin/The Associated Press)

Reuters, The Associated Press

Published: April 14, 2008

Malaysian prime minister plans to run again for top party post

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday he would seek re-election as the governing party's leader this year, defying critics and dissidents who want him to resign immediately in the wake of massive election losses.

Abdullah repeated that he would hand over power to his deputy, Najib Razak, but not before party elections in December, in order to ensure a smooth transition. The party president normally becomes prime minister.

"Of course I want the transfer to be smooth. That's very important," Abdullah said. "I do not want to leave the party in a state of chaos. I would not say 'Najib, good luck. That's your problem, not mine.' That's not the way."

His comments were made to reporters after a party meeting to discuss plans in the wake of the March 8 general elections in which the governing National Front coalition suffered its worst losses ever. Carry on........

A Demonised Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Hantu Laut

The once affable Abdullah Badawi has been so much demonised by the oppositions, by some of his party members and most of all, the most vocal of all his critics, his former mentor and ex Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad.

His seemingly weak leadership, irresolution and people's perception of him allowing his family of getting involved in affairs of the nation, notably his unpopular son-in-law, has smudged and damaged his political image. Mahathir's relentless call for him to resign or be removed is making his tenure as prime minister untenable and UMNO divided.

The ex-premier has again called for Abdullah's resignation and accused him of having 'no sense of shame' for hanging on to a job that most people think he should give up. He also accused the PM of poor selection of candidates that led to the substantial erosion of support for the party by letting his son-in-law interfered with the list submitted by state leaders.

“Of course, everyone knows that the list of candidates is chosen and submitted to 'Sultan' Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) by state leaders but once it reached to the party president, somebody else takes over,” he said, referring to Khairy as the culprit.

Mahathir's sarcasm is completely lacking in finesse. Calling Abdullah Sultan only shows his irrational nature and his grudge against the man.

Pak Lah is not fully responsible for UMNO's eroded support. The Mahathir's legacy that he inherited played significant role in its making.The culture of corruptions, nepotism, cronyism and abuse of power have always existed in that regime. Mahathir had always swept the dirt under the carpet if it is not in his favour.

During Anwar’s second trial in June 2000 before Justice Arifin Jaka, then ACA director Shafee Yahya had given sworn testimony when asked about an investigation on the director-general of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

Transcript of the notes recorded by the judge of this part of the testimony (excerpts are unedited):

Counsel: Adakah you search the EPU chief’s office?

Shafee: Yes, I did.

Counsel: Was a big sum of money found in the drawer of the EPU director-general for which he could not explain?

Court: What is the relevancy? No need to answer.

Counsel: Did Anwar Ibrahim directed you to raid the office of the EPU chief?

Shafee: No.

Counsel: Did Anwar ask you to close the case against the director?

Shafee: No.

Counsel: Did anyone ask you to close the case?

Shafee: Yes, the prime minister did.

Counsel: Narrate the circumstances under which the PM asked you to close the investigation.

Counsel: Were you called up by the PM?

Shafee: Yes. I was told off, 'How dare you raid my senior officer’s office?' I was taken aback and I replied 'This was based on official complaint by an aggrieved party'.

I did what was officially required under the law. He accused me of trying to fix the former DG of EPU.

I replied that is totally wrong because it is wrong in law to fix anybody. As a Muslim it is a big sin to fix anybody.

He asked me, 'Did Anwar Ibrahim ask you to raid the office?' I said, 'no'.

It was based on an official complain and to be fair to Anwar when I mentioned the complain against the EPU chief, I inform Anwar of my intention to raid but he said, 'Have you cleared this with the PM?'.

I said, 'I mentioned this to PM, the PM kept quiet'.

Counsel: What was the tone of PM when he asked you whether Anwar asked you to raid? Was it in an angry tone or normal conversation tone?

Shafee: The tone was rather accusatory.

Counsel: The EPU was directly under the PM’s Department.

Court: No more questions on the investigation on the EPU chief. I am not satisfied of the relevancy of such evidence.

Counsel: Was the EPU responsible for awarding privatisation of projects?

Shafee: As far as I know, it is.

Counsel: After you were scolded by the PM did you inform anybody about this?

Shafee: I informed the Chief Secretary to the Government.

Counsel: What was your reaction when the PM scolded you and told you to close the case against the DG of EPU?

Shafee: I was highly dissolution and when I went home I told my wife I wanted to resign. But in view that I have two or three months to finish my extension - my wife persuaded me not to resign.

Counsel: Why did you feel dissolution and decide to resign?

Shafee: In my whole career with the government, this was the first time my boss accused me of trying to fix somebody and also my dissolution in the way the PM was interfering with my duty.

Mahathir was never investigated for interfering with the ACA investigation and Shafee had never been charged for perjury, if he had actually lied about his testimony.

Like most cases involving high level corruption by his men, the case was closed.

Pak Lah's biggest mistake was the promise he made to kill corruption before the 2004 polls. Without giving it much thought he made the promise and later realized the monstrosity of the problem and the difficulty in arresting it. It was so widespread and deeply entrenched a full disclosure would have caused the collapse of his entire administration.

The second biggest mistake he made was to allow certain amount of freedom of disclosure of corrupt practices in his administration where high-level personalities were involved but did not take appropriate actions to push through the cases and charge those involved in the court of law.

If he had followed his predecessors style of putting on the lid on every case that's likely to ruin the name of his administration , he wouldn't have the kind of problem he has now.

Another big mistake he made was to ignore the Internet, the blogging community.

In a country where freedom of the press is only free for the government. The Internet was godsend. The new found vehicle for freedom of expression has created an alternative media that penetrates millions of homes, unrestricted and uncensored. The oppositions which have no access to the mainstream media was quick to jump on the bandwagon. They not only utilised it directly themselves but also have cleverly engaged independent bloggers to their sides. Many well-known bloggers are allied to the oppositions.The government on the other hand looked at bloggers as pests and considered them unworthy of any respect.

Having a self-indulging Minister of Information didn't help either.Instead of advising the PM the benefits of engaging bloggers, he did otherwise, reviled them with all kind of names and declared them enemies of the nation.

The government, of all people, should have known that the urban areas are well wired up. Many households in the urban belt have computers and ready access to the internet.It would be safe to say at least 40 to 50 percent of BN electoral losses would have been attributed to bloggers.E-news websites like Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today had become household names and have strong followings. Those like Raja Petra Kamaruddin who was so convincing with his story, even his fictional writing sounds plausible and readily believed by his readers.

After 22 years of Mahathir's Machiavellian rule most Malaysians are not quite used to Badawai's amiable style which is translated as weakness of character.Neither is he a forceful speaker unlike the former prime minister, who has better oratory skills.

The problems in UMNO are combinations of many things, past and present, and the follies of many leaders including Mahathir and Abdullah which culminated to the current political crisis.

Is it fair to blame it just on one man?

Note:Court's transcript taken from Malaysiakini

Would You Kill A Nation To Save One Man ?

Hantu Laut

"Remember democracy never lasts long.It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet did not commit suicide" John Adams (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States.

Translated in simple language it means no democratic government can last forever and a time will come when it has to go. In a true democratic system that would be the case. In a pseudo democratic system a government can last much longer as in the case of Zimbabwe where a bad dictatorial rule has left the country bankrupt and on the brink of anarchy.

In a continent shrouded in poverty it was once a shining example of prosperity and economic growth. When the blacks took over the country from apartheid driven Ian Smith's government after years of civil war against white rule, it has functional infrastructures, a working economy and a currency almost at par with the US dollar.

Today, hyperinflation runs in unbelievable six digits, the infrastructures broken down and the currency worthless currently exchanging at US$1.00 to 53 million Zimbabwe dollars. Robert Mugabe would rather destroy the country than give up. The damage he has inflicted on the country would take generations to repair

Where the democratic process has completely failed the only option available to remove a bad government is by way of the guns as was the case in some African countries where every successive regime led by selfish and corrupt leaders unwittingly takes the country deeper into the abyss.

Nigeria and Angola are oil producing countries and are examples of states that have failed democratically and economically in spite of being significant oil producers.

Angola is in a shambles after 27 years of civil war which ended in 2002.The war had killed 1.5 million and displaced 4 million people.It produces about 1.26 million bbl/per day of crude oil and with a population of 12 million it is still a poor country. Oil production contributed almost 85% of GDP. Its per capita income is not a true reflection of the actual income distribution.Lots of oil money are going into personal coffers of corrupt politicians.Nigeria shares the same faith or even worse as it has much bigger population. The economy is heavily dependent on oil whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement.It also produces and exports the highest number of con-man in the world.

At the other side of the scale a different ball game is played. This is where oil revenues had been put to good use, in the United Arab Emirates particularly Dubai.From an impoverish region of small principalities 30 years ago, it has been transformed into a modern state with high standard of living.It has successfully diversified its economy and oil is now only 40 % of GDP as compared to Angola's 85 %.

One have to visit the city of Dubai and the port of Jebel Ali to see how oil money had been put to good use to develop a poor region into a modern country with first class infrastructures. Its per capita income (PPP) is currently at US$55,200.

Malaysia is a country with different success story.It has been transformed from a mosquito- infested tropical backwater into a modern nation with good infrastructures, diversified economy and a pluralistic society that have worked together well.

Although it is an oil producer, it is considered small in comparison with Opec members and oil is not the mainstay of the economy.Malaysia is a multi-sector economy with bigger component of its GDP in manufacturing and services. Export of crude oil is a small portion of the GDP. It has journeyed economically well due to good fiscal policy, a fairly efficient civil service and moderately industrious population.

Over the past few years there were rumblings of discontent among Malaysians with the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The euphoria of 2004 has turned to dismay, despair and dislike.Although the economy shows impressive growth rate of over 6 % in 2007 it has not benefited the people directly. The rising cost of goods, petrol, corruption in government and rising crime rates have destroyed the people trust in his leadership.

Although Abdullah should not be totally blamed for things beyond his control, most Malaysians were under the impressions that he can at least lessen the impact as not to burden the people.

The poor showing of Abdullah's ruling coalition (BN) at the just concluded elections was the result of the people's anger at his lack of leadership and some of his ministers' unnerving arrogance and unjustifiable racialist remarks against minority ethnic races in the country. Their imperious and impudent remarks had left deep-rooted resentment among ethnic Chinese and Indians. Most people believe he has no control over his men and they took advantage of his weaknesses.

The Chinese are the economic engines of the country. Malaysia has much to thank this industrious people who have contributed immensely to almost every sector of the economy. Government must be seen to do things for the greater good of all the people in the country and not just for one particular race. The NEP, an affirmative actions for Malays and bumiputras had overstayed its welcome. It has not benefited all Malays, most of it have been used as a gravy train to enrich a few.

Abdullah has lost his credibility and integrity with the people and at least two sultans are at loggerheads with him, two appointees for deputy minister have declined his offer, one deputy minister has resigned, two menteri besar were appointed by sultans in defiance of his choices and the rank and file in his party have lost direction.Some are with him, some are not and some are undecided.

Is there any other good reason that Abdullah has that he should not resign from his Prime Minister's post and also that of President of UMNO ?

Additonal reading:
Nuraina A Samad's Borrowed Time

A Typoon Is Brewing In The "Land Below The Wind"

Hantu Laut

At the rate Sabahan ministers are leaving Abdullah's cabinet very soon there wouldn't be any of them left to represent the state at Federal level. Rumours abound that some more ministers would be leaving soon as most are disappointed with Abdullah's treatment of those from Sabah and Sarawak by giving them minor ministry and deputy ministers ignoring the facts that without them there wouldn't be any Abdullah's government.

When the full result was made known the next day after polling, most Sabahans were exuberant and were in high expectation that they would get better deals this time.Unfortunately, that was not the case, it got worse. Even Shafie Apdal who were in better ministry before was shifted to less important ministry, Ministry of Unity,Arts and Culture.Coffee shop talk says he may be next in line to leave.

While Hanifa Aman, a two-term deputy minister expecting something better was offered a deputy in a less appealing ministry which he rejected outright.Ghapur Salleh left probably for the same reason.

Newcomer Liew Vui Keong of LDP Sabah who won on wafer thin majority was given a deputy in a better ministry, Ministry of International Trade and Industry. This is the same man who slammed him on the Mazu controversy in Sabah.

A strong rumour is going around that a new party is being formed by some unhappy parliamentarians to shift the balance of power.

The possibility is very high as Sabahans felt they are being ignored and belittle by the Prime Minister. He can appoint non elected members to be full ministers and ignored those who have worked hard to bring victory to the party.

What criteria Abdullah used to appoint his ministers is a mystery but it certainly looked like more on ad hoc basis.

It also now appeared that UMNO days may be numbered in Sabah. There is very strong sentiments among Sabahans now wanting to tukaron bangkad (changing shirts).

Watch out Pak Lah ! A typhoon is brewing in the "Land Below The Wind".

Related article:
Will Sabah Change Shirts In The Malaysian Elections

Travel Ban On Sabah Former Chief Minister

Hantu Laut

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has barred former Chief Minister Harris Salleh from leaving the country until he settles RM419,715.62 in Real Property Gains Tax, reported in the Daily Express, a Sabah English daily.

When contacted, Harris insisted that the whole episode was a "a very bad mistake" on the part of the authorities which "bothered on malice or was politically motivated" He didn't delve on his statement.

He said "Who ever is responsible can expect to face a law suit"

According to him he has a letter from IRB issued in 2005 stating that the land involved in the transaction was not subjected to tax.

This is not the first time Harris had sued the authorities for actions he deemed to be unjust.

In late 1990 he sued Labuan Development Authority (LDA) for issuing a closure order on his Labuan Hotel on the basis that it was structurally unsafe.

The court awarded him RM90 million compensation and returned the hotel to him.LDA had appealed and the outcome is awaited. It was learnt that the government has agreed to compensate him an appropriate amount out of court.

Harris was a flamboyant and take no nonsense chief minister who ruled with iron will during the Berjaya era from 1976 to 1985, when Sabah underwent significantly high economic development that boosted the state coffers making it one of the richest state at that time.

Trengganu:No End In Sight

Hantu Laut

There seems to be no end to the crisis in Trengganu. Now it's back to where it started, the 22 assemblymen are still backing Idris Jusoh as MB of Trengganu.

State Umno Secretary Rosol Wahid acting as spokeman for the group said their support is unwavered and remain firm behind Idris but would leave the matter to the Prime Minister.

Trengganu receives between RM800-RM1 billlion in oil royalties annually. The royalties goes through the MB office and how the money was to be spent is decided by Puterajaya.Substantial amount are being spent every year to host the Monsoon Cup.

Has money got to do with the on going tussle for the menteri besar's seat?

Meanwhile, nothing has been disclosed out of the meeting between the PM and the Agong.

Related articles:
Trengganu MB Crisis
Discretion 'not absolute'
Ruler Has Right Over Choice Of MB

Deputy Minister Ghafur Salleh Resigned

Hantu Laut

Another deputy minister has resigned from Abdullah's Cabinet.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gaphur Salleh, MP for Kalabakan, Sabah resigned from the Cabinet without giving any reason.

Why accept an appointment and resigned few days later ?

Wait for updates.

Updated:Ghapur resigns as deputy minister

Nation

Thursday March 27, 2008

Ghapur quits deputy minister post

By MUGUNTAN VANAR and RUBEN SARIO

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Ghapur Salleh has quit his post eight days after accepting his appointment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Ghapur, the Kalabakan MP and Kalabakan Umno chief, told The Star at about 7.30pm yesterday that he had sent his resignation letter to the Prime Minister’s office.

However, he said he remained Kalabakan Umno division chief and dismissed any talk of him quitting the party or joining the Opposition.

»I am not interested in any government post. I just want to do my own thing«DATUK GHAPUR SALLEH

“I’m not interested in any government post. I just want to do my own thing.

“I am still a division chief and I do not want people to speculate as my commitment is to Umno and its leadership under Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,” he said.

Asked why he decided to relinquish the post only now, Ghapur said: “I don’t want to be tied up with government duties.”

“I’m leaving the matter in the hands of the Prime Minister,” said Ghapur, a former Sabah deputy chief minister who quit the post in 1997 but returned to the state Cabinet several years later.

Ghapur, 64, is the second Sabah MP to turn down a Federal deputy minister’s post following the March 8 general election.

Soon after Abdullah named his Cabinet on March 18, Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman declined to take up the post of Deputy Transport Minister.

Anifah’s elder brother, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, later said Anifah declined the deputy minister’s post because he had served in that capacity for two terms.

Anifah had told him that it was time for him (Anifah) to make way for others, Musa said.

Sabah And Sarawak Got The Crumbs

Hantu Laut

The guessing game is over. Abdullah has chosen his retinue of ministers.Although most of them will travel with him comfortably some will be thorns in the flesh.

It seems that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is oblivious and not in the habit of paying compliments and compensations to faithful and loyal supporters. Reward is definitely not in his lexicon but parochialism is.

Sabah and Sarawak delivered 24 and 30MP seats respectively. All the seats from Sarawak have no UMNO content. Johor delivered 25 MP seats and got the most ministerial positions. The saviours, Sabah and Sarawak got the crumbs. This unappreciated and unfair allocation of representations at federal level may cost the BN dearly in the next elections.

Former Deputy Minister Anifah Aman from Sabah has declined the offer of appointment as deputy minister .

Sabah lost only 1 MP and 1 state seats while Sarawak lost only 1 MP seat.There was no state election in Sarawak this time.

A friend of mine jokingly said the day after the full result was announced that the federal capital should be moved either to Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. He said we have given them a comfortable majority and without Sabah and Sarawak they can't form the central government.

Sabahans and Sarawkians have stayed faithful to BN inspite of Anwar's PKR election promises of a 2nd deputy prime minister, to increase oil royalty, to return Labuan to Sabah and many other luring promises.

With the excellent election results, they think they would get better treatment from the federal government as rewards for loyalty. Too bad, that was not the case at the moment.

It's too early to tell what PM Abdullah intended for Sabah and Sarawak.He may reward them in other forms.