The fate and future of the largest political party UMNO as it sails through one storm after another, weathering external and internal threats, lies on the leader’s most intent to see its dismantled and demise, as much as the survival beyond the current Gerontocracy Prime Minister.
Nevermind who has failed in their stewardship of UMNO and capable to steer it back, weathering all the storms.
Amongst those in power now, who would have the strongest desire and determination to see the dismantling and demise of UMNO.
a. Pakatan Harapan Chairman Gerontocracy Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
b. PKR President and de facto Prime Minister Anwar “Mat King Leather” Ibrahim
c. DAP Secretary General and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng
d. PPBM President and Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yasin
e. DAP Adviser and long time leader Lim Kit Siang
Of course, collectively they all have a combined multidimensional reason for the dismantling and demise of UMNO.
However, there is someone amongst them is more motivated then the rest.
The answer itself lies in multidimensional presentation of the spirit and form on the intent.
In the first place, two of them are staunch anti-Malay politicians, whose fundamental struggle to destroy the social-contract between the Malays and Non Malays.
It is believed they have already stretched their captive market and they are unable to grow their power base substantially from their stance of their political ideology and approach.
Hence, it is pointless to tone down for the new captive market and trying to grow and better focus on retaining their political market share.
Who would benefit the most when UMNO has been dismantled and demised?
The Malaysian Government created unnecessary confusion and further public discourse on the official position of the nation’s status regarding the ICERD and Rome Statute, which warranted the Rulers to stand up and give Titah on the matter and in the tone of violation of the Federal Constitution.
The Malay Mail story:
Johor Sultan warns against ratifying UN conventions, accuses Putrajaya of violating Constitution
Published1 day agoon23 March 2019
By Zurairi AR
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has accused Putrajaya today of going against the Federal Constitution in its move to ratify several core human rights conventions, including the recent Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an address at his birthday celebration in Johor Baru, he also harshly labelled those who are allegedly disputing the authorities of state rulers and governments when it comes to Islam, water, forestry, and land as “traitors”.
“Any party that touches the rights and powers of a ruler or state government, is breaking the law and can be considered as traitors,” he said.
“The action of the federal government to ratify ICERD and signed the Rome Statute is an action that is contradictory to the Federal Constitution because it touches on the power of the rulers and the special status of the Malays as well as the sanctity of Islam in the country.”
The text of his speech was published by his crown prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim on his Facebook page.
ICERD refers to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination — which Putrajaya has backed off from ratifying following pressure from Malay-Muslim lobby groups.
The ICERD seeks to oblige countries to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, is able to enjoy a long list of rights some may take for granted, including the right to freedom of expression, the right of peaceful assembly, the right to work, the right to housing, the right to medical care, social security, education and even the right to access places for the public’s use such as restaurants, theatres and parks.
“The government should remember on the social contract in the history of the formulation of the Federation of Malaya, where the special status of the Malays and the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong along with the Malay rulers are not to be touched or infringed,” the sultan added.
The sultan’s remark came even after Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has decreed earlier this month to dispel any misinformation regarding the International Criminal Court Statute, including the claim that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be exposed to the prosecution.
Wisma Putra has also repeatedly explained that the Agong cannot be held responsible towards the four core international crimes covered by the statute: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Putrajaya also explained that ratifying the statute does not require the agreement of the Conference of Rulers, since it does not fall under the nine issues stipulated under Articles 159(5) and 38(4) of the Constitution.
Despite that, it said the Cabinet will still inform the Agong of the decision in respect of the principles of Constitutional Monarchy.
Sultan Ibrahim today warned the federal government against ratifying any international conventions just for the sake of foreign recognition, claiming it would jeopardise the rights and sovereignty of the country and its citizens.
Pakatan Harapan had in its manifesto pledged to ratify core United Nations conventions to in order to protect the human rights of Malaysians.
Sultan Iskandar then reminded members of the public that Johor is an independent sovereign state that has existed prior to the Federation of Malaya and Malaysia.
“This sovereignty means Johor has powers and rights in executing matters as enshrined in the state and Federal Constitution,” he said.
Despite the sultan’s claim, as one of the states in the federation of Malaysia, Johor’s jurisdiction is spelled out in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Foreign policy is under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
The remark today came following a protest by Malay-Muslim groups yesterday in Johor, who submitted a memorandum to the sultan protesting against acceding the Rome Statute.
Recently, Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim has questioned Putrajaya’s ratification of the Rome Statute, causing Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to dismiss the statement made by Tunku Ismail as being his personal opinion, saying the prince is not an elected representative.
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HRH Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar issued the stern Titah after Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah announced that the Cabinet decided 12 December 2018 and recently the Malaysian Government signed the Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court.
NST story:
Msia accedes to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia on Monday signed the Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah signed the instrument following the decision of the Cabinet during its meeting on Dec 12 last year.
The instrument was deposited to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the same day.
“Malaysia’s accession to the Rome Statute reflects its commitment to combating international crimes for global peace and security.
“As a responsible member of the international community, Malaysia stands firm by its belief in the rule of law and acknowledges ICC’s complimentary role to existing domestic laws.
“Malaysia stands ready to work together with all state parties in upholding the principles of truth, human rights, rule of law, fairness and accountability,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.
On Feb 15, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was informed by Saifuddin of the decision of the Cabinet on the matter.
“The prime minister had previously written to His Majesty, the acting Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (Sultan Nazrin Shah) on Dec 26, 2018, informing the latter of the Cabinet’s decision on the matter.”
The ICC was established in 2002 and is governed by the Rome Statute.
The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court, with the objective to end impunity against the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression.
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Further confusion is added that a media report stated Gerontocracy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said there are a few paramount issues of reservation on Malaysia ratifying the Rome Statute.
KUALA LANGAT: Malaysia is keen on ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, subject to conditions and only if it is brings in positives for the country, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
This, he said, was because of the various freedoms spelt out under the statute, some of which could be at odds with Malaysia.
“We want to ratify but it is subject to our conditions in this country. There are certain things that they want to do that under the Rome Statute which we cannot do. For example, under the Rome Statute, there is absolute freedom for everybody to do all kinds of things.
“There are men marrying men, women marrying women. I do not know what they do when they marry. But they are very funny people. We do not have to be funny people like them. That, we do not accept. We only accept the good ones,” Dr Mahathir told a press conference after launching the Love My Palm Oil campaign in Pulau Carey on Sunday.
Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on a statement by the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, whom in his birthday speech, reportedly accused Putrajaya of violating the Federal Constitution by signing the Rome Statute.
Sultan Ibrahim was quoted as saying that the Rome Statute, along with the attempt to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), had touched on the monarchy, Malay privileges and sanctity of Islam.
He was also quoted as saying that “anyone who touches on the rights and powers of a monarch or state government has violated national laws and can be considered traitors.
“The federal government’s intention to ratify ICERD and sign the Rome Statute is a move that is against the Federal Constitution because it touches on the powers of the monarch, Malay special privileges, and the sanctity of Islam in this country.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee will keep his position despite making the move from Barisan Nasional to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
“This is not a legal matter. It is a promise made by Pakatan Harapan. We can do it anytime (replace the PAC chairman). We will stick to our promise but it is not necessary that when moment something happens, you have to drop everything.
“We will think about and we will find a good candidate. At this moment, he (Ronald) remains PAC chairman,” said Dr Mahathir, who is also PPBM chairman.
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The gross inconsistency and lack of clarity for the Federal Government policies, decisions made, announcements and serious doubts on the roll out and implementation brought forth worsening confidence on the Pakatan Harapan Government.
There is a strong rumour that Chinese top commercial leaders also expressed the grave lack on confidence to do business in Malaysia.
Recently, it was believed that Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Political Secretary Tony Pua went to Hong Kong and met several leading Chinese global business owners.
The issue of the unilateral cancellation of Mega Projects was brought up and questioned during the meetings.
This include the ECRL highway project from Port Kelang to Tumpat in Kelantan is Malaysia Government’s is not reliable to follow through a decision and agreement made.
The incompetency of the Malaysian Government to plan and managed the nation on behalf of the rakyat is abundantly clear.
In this instance by acceding to the Rome Statute is a manifestation of inking a document and having after thought, which include not agreeing to the full set of terms.
On 8 December last year, half a million Malaysians, predominantly the Malay-Muslim converged and had a massive anti-ICERD demonstration in Dataran Merdeka.
Other issues which made the majority of Malay-Muslims very concerned had manifested their deep displeasure of not anguish.
It is time they converge again in a massive demonstration. The violation of the Federal Constitution, in letters and spirit is the matter of grave concern.
This violation include as Malay the official language.
DAP Ministers and Deputy Ministers have used Mandarin in their official Federal Government communique.
After all, Islam as the religion of the Federation of Malaysia, the role and position of HRH Rulers and articles pertaining to the Malays are defining ingredients of the nation.
When they ‘Cross the Rubicon’, they have to deal with the wrath.
UMNO should go ahead and sue the sixteen MPs, for the basis of ‘legitimate expectation’.
The Malay Mail story:
Umno to sue 30 lawmakers who quit party
Published6 hours agoon19 March 2019
By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Thirty MPs and assemblymen nationwide who were formerly from Umno will be taken to court for leaving the party after Election 2018, Tan Sri Annuar Musa said today.
The Umno secretary-general refuted news reports that the party will not proceed with the lawsuit, saying he will be writing in to a renowned law firm to initiate the filing.
“This was agreed by the party top leadership, treasury, and a lawyer that is handling the case.
“Another large law firm has been appointed and I will write in a letter to them tomorrow and provide a full list of all the MPs and state assemblymen that has left the party,” he told reporters at Parliament.
Annuar had dismissed a report which stated the party would withdraw the lawsuit due to the high cost.
The Ketereh MP said the MPs and state assemblymen who will be sued include those from Sabah, Johor, Perak, and Kedah.
“I can confirm today that all Adun and MPs that have left the party — they will get the summons respectively no exception,” he said, adding that he could not disclose the cost of the proceeding.
Some of the defections from Umno since GE14 include Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Beaufort MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
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UMNO Secretary General Tan Sri Annuar Musa responded to the media after news portal The Malaysian Insight reported a story about UMNO not going on with the decision to take the elected representatives at 14GE who had abandoned the party.
TMI story:
Kos tinggi, Umno tak jadi saman wakil rakyat keluar parti
SM AminDikemas kini 1 hari yang lalu · Diterbitkan pada 18 Mar 2019 7:00AM ·0 Komen
Umno tidak teruskan saman terhadap bekas wakil rakyatnya kerana kos yang tinggi dan hanya mahu tumukan kepada penstrukturan dalaman parti.– Gambar fail The Malaysian Insight, 18 Mac, 2019
UMNO tidak meneruskan saman terhadap bekas wakil rakyatnya yang kini menyertai Pakatan Harapan (PH) untuk mengelak menanggung kos tinggi, kata sumber parti.
Sumber memberitahu The Malaysian Insight, Timbalan Presiden Umno Mohamad Hasan enggan meneruskan tindakan tersebut dan sebaliknya mahu fokus kepada penstrukturan dalaman parti, kata sumber.
“Tok Mat berpendapat adalah lebih penting pada waktu ini Umno fokus dengan mengukuhkan parti itu sendiri.
“Selain daripada itu, faktor kos juga menjadi pertimbangan utama,” kata sumber yang terlibat dalam proses perundangan ini.
Saman itu dimulakan sebelum Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sudahpun memutuskan untuk bercuti dan sebelum tugas presiden parti itu disandang oleh Mohamad.
Ahmad Zahid mengumumkan bahawa Umno menghantar writ saman ke atas wakil rakyat terbabit sewaktu menyampaikan ucapan dasar presiden sempena perhimpunan agung parti September lalu.
Pada waktu itu, Zahid berkata walaupun sukar untuk menyekat mereka daripada keluar parti, tindakan tersebut terpaksa diambil bagi menghormati kehendak ahli Umno yang berasa dikhianati.
Dalam writ saman itu, Umno menuntut bayaran balik kos dan mengosongkan semula kerusi yang dimenangi atas tiket Umno dan Barisan Nasional.
Setiausaha agung Umno Annuar Musa turut mengumumkan saman dikemukakan dua ahli Parlimen, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) dan Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (Bagan Serai).
Kedua-duanya yang kini menyertai Bersatu merupakan antara yang terawal keluar parti – Dr Azmi pada 24 Jun dan Ermieyati pada 1 Julai.
Pada Disember, sembilan Adun dan lima ahli Parlimen Umno keluar parti kerana hilang keyakinan terhadap kepemimpinan parti.
Pada Februari, Annuar mengumumkan parti itu akan mengemukakan saman ke atas semua wakil rakyat tersebut, dan akan tetap diteruskan walaupun jika mereka mahu kembali menyertai Umno.
Bagaimanapun, setakat ini hanya Mas Ermieyati dan Noor Azmi yang menerima saman.
Umno yang menang 54 kerusi Parlimen dalam PRU14 lalu kini hanya tinggal 37 kerusi selepas 17 ahli parlimen parti itu bertindak keluar parti. – 18 Mac, 2019
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The said elected candidates agreed by their own conscience to represent the BN party in the 14GE and received the warrant from UMNO to qualify them for Election Commission’s purpose to stand on BN’s candidacy for the 14GE.
And they were elected as BN elected representatives on 14GE and has the duty to serve in the respective Legislature.
Hence, UMNO has the ‘Legitimate Expectation’ doctrine as a basis to take the said elected representatives.
The doctrine oflegitimate expectationbelongs to the domain of publiclawand is intended to give relief to the people when they are not able to justify their claims on the basis oflawin the strict sense of the term though they had suffered a civil consequence because theirlegitimate expectationhad been violated.
UMNO President Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced exactly three months ago that UMNO had issued the writ to take the elected representatives who had abandoned the party.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has filed a writ of summons against MPs who defected from the party, its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this evening.
Zahid said the suit was filed by the Umno headquarters on Nov 14.
“We intend to claim back a large sum from the lawmakers.
“We will sue all of them and will use not just the Election Offences Act 1954, but all laws.
“They must repay the goodwill of Umno and its machinery, and know that they did not win their seats on their own accord,” he said during a discourse with party members here this evening.
Zahid said the defecting lawmakers must be grateful to Umno, and not just hop over to other parties.
Umno is now left with 37 MPs after an exodus of its leaders from the party. It had secured 54 parliamentary seats in the May 9 general election.
During the discourse, Zahid also admitted that Umno was now split five ways, with the first group being members who want Umno to stand alone and not merge with any other parties.
“The second group wants Umno to merge with one of the parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH). The third group wants to join forces with a party in PH that has collaborated with DAP.
“The fourth group wants Umno to work together with PAS as an opposition, while the fifth wants the party to move in a grand opposition bloc,” he said.
The Bagan Datuk MP said while he respected the views within the party, the factions needed to respect the views of party grassroots who want to go into the 15th general election and win it without collaborating with any parties.
“We must move as an opposition force, and rebuild our strength and unity.
“I also wish to state that, as the party president, and head of the Barisan Nasional, we have no intention to cooperate politically with DAP.
“That is clear. Period,” he added.
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So, What is the UMNO Management Committee waiting for?
If cost is the issue, let the sixteen MPs worry about their cost they have to bear at their end.
Let them pay for their barristers.
PPBM or any of the ruling parties would not step and stand up for the said UMNO MPs who deserted their party.
The Chairman of UMNO Management Committee is Deputy President Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hj Hasan, who is currently assuming the duties of the UMNO President.
Leaders of Gerontocracy Prime Minister’s own ruling coalition parties oppose on the acceptance of PAC Chairman Ronald Kiandee, originally from UMNO, into his own party yesterday.
Malaysiakini story:
Bersih questions Dr M’s commitment to reforms amid PAC ‘U-turn’
(Updated)
Bersih has questioned Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s commitment to institutional reforms after the latter remarked that newly-minted Bersatu member Ronald Kiandee wouldcontinueto chair the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
When announcing Kiandee’s entry into the Pakatan Harapan component party yesterday, Mahathir had said that the coalition’s promise of an opposition-led PAC was a mere “policy” and not “institutionalised or part of the constitution”.
He later said that Harapan had fulfilled its promise butdid not expectthe former Umno lawmaker to defect.
Today, Bersih questioned if the prime minister would similarly renege on his other promises of institutional reforms because they, too, had not been “institutionalised”.
“For the prime minister to say that because this promise was not institutionalised and, therefore, can be overridden raises more serious concerns about his commitment to structural institutional reforms.
‘Soon after taking power last year, the prime minister administratively released key institutions like the MACC, the Election Commission, Suhakam and the National Audit Department from the control of the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Will he or future prime ministers reverse this move because their independence were not ‘institutionalised’?” it asked in a statement.
The role of the PAC is to hold the government accountable by reviewing all public accounts as well as the auditor-general’s reports. It has the power to call ministers, heads of government and top civil servants to testify before it.
Harapan had promised in its pre-electionmanifestothat PAC would helmed by an opposition MP as part of its commitment to parliamentary reform.
Bersih criticised Mahathir for “unilaterally” deciding on a “U-turn” and urged other politicians to reprimand him for undermining the PAC.
“Backbench and opposition MPs should strongly condemn this move to undermine their role as a check and balance to the cabinet.
“[…] If the prime minister does not reverse his decision to retain Kiandee as PAC chair, then not only is the credibility of the Harapan government at stake but the dignity of Parliament as well,” it said.
‘Amend laws’
In light of this, the electoral reform NGO urged Harapan to amend laws to set in place the institutional reforms it promised.
“Bersih calls on the prime minister and the Harapan government to honour all their manifesto promises and immediately amend legislations in order to institutionalise the independence of these key public institutions.
“(By so doing it) they can effectively guard against abuses by the executive and protect public interests,” it said.
Harapan MPs Hannah Yeoh and Nurul Izzah Anwar madesimilar callsyesterday.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Yeoh urged Parliament to amend the Standing Order to make it compulsory for the PAC to be led by an opposition MP.
Nurul Izzah, a PAC member herself, said she would remind Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof to institutionalise reforms for the PAC.
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This is clearly in breach of the principles laid out for Pakatan Harapan.
Gerontocracy Prime Minister gave a lame excuse “Dia nak masuk parti kita? Apa kita nak buat? Tak kan kita nak halang….”
It is abundantly clear that he in the exercise of increasing the number of MPs of his own party with the ‘reverse take over’ (RTO).
Originally his own party PPBM was the coalition partner with the least number of MPs in the Pakatan Harapan upon successfully establishing the Federal Government after the 14GE on 9 May 2019.
The media if not the public, should remind Gerontocracy Prime Minister on what he said ten months ago of not accepting leaders crossing over from BN.
PKR MPs should have the nerve to demand the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat to ‘test’ amongst the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs whether Gerontocracy Prime Minister still enjoy the majority support within the coalition of four parties plus Warisan.
The Federal Government by PH already completed ten months of administration.
So far, they have failed to deliver the ‘PH Manifesto’ election promises, which include with tolls highways and roads and PTPTN loan burdens abolished.
There is no significant reduction of retail petrol prices and thus, no clear proof of the goods and services would be reduced despite the Good Services Tax has been abolished.
Instead, there is a ban on smoking at eateries and restaurant, which brought forth a lot of anguish.
The business and commercial community, which is controlled by Malaysian Chinese is predominantly displeased with the sluggish economy.
So are the retail and institutional investors, where the KLCI dropped by almost 200 points since the ‘Malaysia Baru’.
Soon the Malays would join the displeasure bee-line when Tabung Haji declare much lower Hibah (earnings) for the 9.3 million depositors.
In the Westminster-styled democracy, there is already a precedence on MPs deciding on the Leader of the Government, by testing the support within the Parliament.
Defence Secretary Michael Hesseltine ran against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in November 1990, upon her own Cabinet colleagues doubted her leadership.
It is the reduced confidence of the British public against Thatcher grew from the systematic job losses from her policy of privatisation of corporations and reduction of subsidies, including the coal and steel industries.
Of course, the heavy poll tax imposed on each household brought the British public uproar.
The resignation of Foreign Minister Geoffrey Howe triggered the motion of her own Cabinet colleagues, whipping the support from her own party MPs.
It is a true test of democracy, especially when the PH Presidential Council at this point of time is unable to provide the transition time table for a proper Prime Minister, to ensure the market confidence on how and where the nation is going.
The public had the impression that Gerontocracy Prime Minister is an interim Leader of the PH ruling Government, in lieu of their victory to form the Federal Government post 9 May 2018 and the time, the defacto Leader Anwar Ibrahim was still serving his jail sentence for sodomy.
Presently, domestic and international investors and business community are voicing the same notion and tune:
1. Lack of political stability, without a proper Leadership transition plan and timetable
2. Gross lack of clarity of policies, process decision making and direction
3. The consistency of the roll out of decision made, implementation and the ever so often Cabinet colleagues negate amongst themselves in the open and through media
This is not withstanding how the PH ruling Government been mocked across the board and the confusion created.
PH already lost two by-elections on a row.
On the geo-political front with global partners and regional common border neighbours, Malaysia’s position and standing have been perceived to be lowered than what it was before after PH ruling party leaders assumed the different strategic Ministries.
As such the Ministries of Finance, International Trade and Industry, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Primary Industries and Housing, Rural Development and Urban Development, are in the basket on Ministers who are seen unable to provide leadership and get the programs rolled out, for the betterment of the people.
Hence, it is time the ruling PH MPs put the confidence and support on the Prime Minister to the test.
It is also a good opportunity to test how Sabah and Sarawak MPs have their confidence and support on the Gerontocracy Prime Minister, especially in issues such as persistently growing demands on the Malaysian Agreement 1963 and slack of security able to defend the Sabah borders from undesirable persons and threatening the peace and security of warga Sabah, especially on the East Coast.
It is a test of wit. It is a test wisdom. It is. Test of confidence and support. It is the real test of playing Parker Bros board game of ‘Risk’.
Gerontocracy Prime Minister and the Aspiring Prime Minister should be mindful of Shakespeare’s classic about ambitious Roman Dictator Julius Caesar forewarned by a soothsayer, in the first act of the tragedy play.
It is a simile, adapted from the 1599 play to dramatise the assassination of Roman much loved charismatic military leader with ambitious madness of power and prostituting the derivatives of the democracy and the mandate obtained, for own personal interpretations and aspirations.
It is contrary against any agreement between the unholy-marriage-of-(in)convenience-between-backstabbing-strange-bedfellows.
On theIdes of Marchof 44 BC, a day used by the Romans as a deadline for settling debts, the conspirators staged a game of gladiatorial sport at the Theatre of Pompey.
The gladiators were provided byDecimus Brutusin case their services were needed. They waited in the great hall of the theatre’squadriportico.
Caesar, however, was late, having received several warnings in the previous days. Therefore, Decimus Brutus was sent to fetch him, and managed to persuade Caesar to attend so as not to disappoint the Senate.
Mark Antony, having vaguely learned of the plot the night before from a terrifiedLiberatornamedServilius Casca,and fearing the worst, went to head Caesar off.
The plotters, however, had anticipated this and, fearing that Antony would come to Caesar’s aid, had arranged for Trebonius to intercept him just as he approached the portico of the Theatre of Pompey, where the session was to be held, and detain him outside (Plutarch, however, assigns this action to delay Antony to Decimus Brutus).
When he heard the commotion from the Senate chamber, Antony fled.
According toPlutarch, as Caesar arrived at the Senate,Lucius Tillius Cimber presented him with a petition to recall his exiled brother.The other conspirators crowded round to offer their support.
Both Plutarch andSuetoniussay that Caesar waved him away, but Cimber grabbed Caesar’s shoulders and pulled down Caesar’stoga. Caesar then cried to Metellus Cimber, “Why, this is violence!” (“Ista quidem vis est!“).
At the same time,Cascaproduced his dagger and made a glancing thrust at the dictator’s neck. Caesar turned around quickly and caught Casca by the arm. According toPlutarch, he said in Latin, “Casca, you villain, what are you doing?”.
Within moments, the entire group, including Brutus, were stabbing the dictator.
Caesar attempted to get away, but, blinded by blood in his eyes, he tripped and fell; the men continued stabbing him as he lay defenseless on the lower steps of the portico. According toEutropius, sixty or more men participated in the assassination. Caesar was stabbed 23 times.
Suetonius relates that a physician who performed an autopsy on Caesar established that only one wound had been fatal.
The dictator’s last words are a contested subject among scholars and historians. Suetonius himself says he said nothing, nevertheless, he mentions that others have written that Caesar’s last words were theGreekphrase “καὶ σύ, τέκνον;“(transliterated as “Kai su, teknon?” (You too, child?).
“Et tu, Brute?” (“You too, Brutus?”);this derives fromWilliam Shakespeare’sJulius Caesar(1599), where it actually forms the first half of amacaronicline: “Et tu, Brute?Then fall, Caesar.”
According to Plutarch, after the assassination, Brutus stepped forward as if to say something to his fellow senators not involved in the plot; they, however, fled the building.
Brutus and his companions then marched to the Capitol while crying out to their beloved city: “People of Rome, we are once again free!”.
They were met with silence, as the citizens of Rome had locked themselves inside their houses as soon as the rumour of what had taken place had begun to spread.
According to Suetonius, all the conspirators made off, and he (Caesar) lay there lifeless for some time, and finally three common slaves put him on a litter and carried him home, with one arm hanging down.
A wax statue of Caesar was erected in the Forum displaying the 23 stab wounds. A crowd who had amassed there started a fire, which badly damaged neighboring buildings.[citation needed]In the ensuing years, theLiberators’ civil warresulted in the end of the Republic and the rise of Imperial Rome.
Let us be reminded that this is not the first time the aspirant Prime Minister conspired to topple Gerontocracy Prime Minister.
On Monday, it is the first Dewan Rakyat session post Gerontocracy Prime Minister’s party admission of the nine defected Parliamentarians, in contradiction against his own proclamation as per obtaining the democratic mandate ten months ago.
It is also with the expressed displeasure of the two largest partner parties in the ruling coalition.
It was rumoured that a major political power play is brewing amidst a lot of gossips amongst punters.
The various versions are so hot that they have not missed in radar of mainstream media.
The Star story:
Dr M: We’ll see if there’s a vote of no-confidence
KUALA LUMPUR:Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad has decided to take the wait-and-see approach on the allegations by PAS that “something is brewing” within the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
“I will wait and see if there is a vote of no-confidence.
“I will see if PAS will support me or not, ” said Dr Mahathir after visiting the Ministry of Defence on Thursday.
He said this in response to statements by the Islamist party pledging support for him in the event of a betrayal from within Pakatan.
Takiyuddin said the party had an “inkling” that something was brewing within Pakatan, and this prompted PAS leadership to discuss the matter with Dr Mahathir during a meeting last week.
The discussion, said Takiyuddin, resulted in a draft letter in which PAS pledged that its 18 MPs would support Dr Mahathir should a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister take place in the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, a blogger had also alleged that a plot was being hatched from within Pakatan against Dr Mahathir via a vote of no-confidence.
Mujahidin Zulkiffli claimed he first heard about the plot to oust Dr Mahathir a few weeks ago from “his sources”.
However, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia said it was confident that its Pakatan allies still backed Dr Mahathir, despite claims he had lost support from PKR and DAP.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said there was a firm commitment from all four parties in Pakatan – PKR, DAP, Bersatu and Parti Amanah Negara – on this, adding that he was not aware of any party losing confidence in Dr Mahathir.
For a vote of confidence to succeed in the Dewan Rakyat, it must have the support of at least 112 out of 222 MPs.
Of course the gossip and ‘market talk’ was refuted by senior ruling coalition partnership leaders.
Bernama story:
Gobind: Pakatan govt stable, no vote of no confidence
Published2 weeks agoon23 February 2019
SEMENYIH, Feb 23 ― The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is in a very stable state and the public is advised not to be influenced by the allegations that say otherwise.
DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo also denied speculation that there was a plot to move a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“The PH government in Putrajaya is very stable. The issue of the vote of no confidence is not true, PAS is playing this issue during the Semenyih state by-election because it has no issue.
“There is no issue between the parties in PH…not at all. People do not have to worry about this,” he said when campaigning for the by-election here last night.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang was previously reported to have said that a vote of no confidence would be tabled during the coming Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Gobind Singh, who is also Communications and Multimedia Minister, said the people should give time to PH government to deliver all manifesto promised during the 14th general election in May last year.
“PH has been given the mandate to administer the country for five years before the next general election, so give us time to deliver all our promises,” he said.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Gobind Singh, when commenting the issue of toll collection on expressways, said that any announcement pertaining to the matter should be done by the relevant minister.
“This toll issue has been brought up since 2008. If it can’t be abolished then we must reduce the rate for the welfare of the people. Even the Barisan Nasional (BN) government that administered the country for 61 years failed to do it, so we (PH) need to show that we are different from them,” he said.
Yesterday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president said that toll-related announcement would be made soon by the relevant ministry.
The Semenyih state by-election on March 2 will witness a four-cornered fight between Pakatan Harapan candidate Muhammad Aiman Zainali and BN candidate Zakaria Hanafi, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)’s Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul and independent Kuan Chee Heng. ― Bernama
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The gossips and rumours are centred in between Gerontocracy Prime Minister, aspirant Prime Minister and favourite third Dark Horse in the whole equation, the Minister who harbours his own aspiration to be the succession plan in the heir of the Prime Minister post Gerontocracy Prime Minister.
The fact that this Cabinet member was conferred more authority than the other Cabinet Minister, who is the party leader of the second largest and most strategic partner of the ruling coalition party warrants the stature of prominence in the books of the Gerontocracy Prime Minister.
In the recent appointment of the National Economic Action Council with the exclusion of the aspirant Prime Minister’s participation despite his own track record in the Cabinet and helm of the Ministry of Finance for seven years, sends a strong message of political power play distrust at the top.
Then, there is also the more premier political aspirant in line also for the Prime Ministership, who is the President of Gerontocracy Prime Minister’s own party.
Metaphorically, Gerontocracy Prime Minister is Julius Caesar, the President of Gerontocracy Prime Minister’s own party is Brutus, the aspirant Prime Minister is Cassius and the third Dark Horse is Octavian.
As the history recorded, assassination or sudden demise of the Dictator saw the Civil War, which paved the way for Octavian to eventually assume the role of Caesar (Emperor).
What is also interesting in this metaphor, the soothsayer is the President of the party of the ruling State Government of the East Coast.
The damning line of Shakespeare’s play by Brutus upon the asasination of Caesar, to justify the treachery of the elite Senators,
“Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”
This begets the further erosion on the lack of confidence for domestic and foreign investors and businesses a like, as the issues of political stability, grave slack of consistency and clarity of policies.
“Naturally, it would affect the operational roll out and translation of the said policies and strategic decisions made”, opined a technology corporation executive Wan Azrain Adnan, who originally came from Bank Negara.
“It is their obligation as the Government to ensure there is ‘Stability, Consistency and Clarity’, over their politics”.
Sabahans should be more concerned whether or not the pot of gold could still be in the hands of Malaysia vis-a-vis ‘Nine-Dash-Line’ problem could be resolved first before being aggressive against the process of getting through their demands as per the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63).
FMT story:
What’s there to negotiate, just implement MA63, says Jeffrey
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STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan says the federal government should implement MA63 or dissolve it.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan today said the federal government should start implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution.
Jeffrey described as “unacceptable” the statement by Chief Minister Shafie Apdal yesterday that the state government was still negotiating with the federal government to realise MA63.
“The Special Cabinet Committee (Steering Committee) to Review the Malaysia Agreement 1963 should focus on implementing what is in the Federal Constitution, including Articles 112c/112d.
“What is there to negotiate? MA63 was concluded and signed in 1963. After more than half a century, it has remained unimplemented and not complied with,” he told reporters.
Articles 112c/112d deal with special grants and assignments of revenue to the two states.
Jeffrey, who is also the Keningau MP and Tambunan assemblyman, said the federal government had two options — implement MA63 or dissolve it.
He said non-compliance by the federal government had made the agreement “illegal”, and called for a new agreement to ” better reflect the needs of the current situation and the expectations and aspirations of the people”.
“Fifty-five years of non-compliance is long enough for an unimplemented agreement to become null and void.
“Sabah and Sarawak have suffered long and hard enough by being treated like colonies, with our sovereignties being usurped by Kuala Lumpur and Malayan political parties.
“During that long period of time, we have also lost most of our revenues and our most-valued resources of oil and gas.
“If this situation remains, what will our future be?” he said.
Jeffrey also said the problem had been compounded by the selfishness of past leaders of Sabah and Sarawak.
Yesterday, Shafie said he was confident Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would take steps towards the realisation of MA63 but admitted that both sides were still locked in negotiation.
Previously, while still in the opposition, Warisan, which is led by Shafie, had called on the then-Barisan Nasional state government to do away with negotiations with the federal government and insisted that the federal government implement MA63 immediately.
Earlier today in Putrajaya, Mahathir held a meeting for almost two hours on the review of MA63 and said there was little disagreement between the federal government and the two governments.
He said several working papers were tabled at the Steering Committee meeting and almost all of them would be referred to the Technical Committee for an in-depth study before further discussion.
The meeting was attended by Shafie, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg and several ministers.
***********
The fact is that China has never soften its claim on the ‘Nine-Dash-Line’.
In fact, they have grown more aggressive, be it on the diplomatic front or military might. This include the Peoples’ Liberation Army Naval Forces projecting its power and flexing its muscle in the disputed areas.
Not to mention the expansion of their military bases in the South China Sea.
If and when Malaysia loses to China’s arm-twisting tactics for the latter’s strategic interest on the ‘Nine-Dash-Line’, it would be just academic to stake a claim on the probably failed implementation on the MA63.
It is not just about portion on the revenue on the hydrocarbon extracted from the said areas but also include maritime right of passage and even fisheries.
At national level, correcting a wrong and having the separation of power and ownership and access to the purse especially on the revenue and the legal right to collect and ownership do take time to resolve.
It is a matter of legality and bureaucracy, not withstanding on the complexity of the interpretation of the various revenue laws and of course, the MA63 itself.
FMT story:
Little disagreement between federal govt and Sabah, Sarawak on MA63, says PM
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Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the meeting on the review of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. (Bernama pic)
PUTRAJAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad today held a meeting for almost two hours on the review of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and said there is little disagreement between the federal government and Sabah and Sarawak governments on the matter.
He said several working papers on the various government functions were tabled at the Special Cabinet Committee (Steering Committee) to Review the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and almost all of them would be referred to the Technical Committee for an in-depth study before they are discussed at the next meeting.
“Those points which we have a little difficulty solving and we could not resolve have been referred to the Technical Committee. They will look into it.
“For example, the stamp duty. This requires an in-depth study,” he told reporters after chairing the meeting at Perdana Putra here.
The meeting was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal and Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.
Others who attended the meeting were Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Liew Vui Keong; Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo; Works Minister Baru Bian, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah; Chief Secretary to the Government Ismail Bakar and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.
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Then again, Sabahans should also be mindful that Gerontocracy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has demonstrated his tendency to be very sticky on the demands and claims on oil royalties.
His track record the past three decades on Kelantan and Terengganu is a matter profoundly worrying.
No amount of any of the MA63 provisions could be in the interwar of Sabahans and Sarawakians if the nation’s sovereignty and right on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is inhibited by a Super Power despite there is UNCLOS.
They should be insistent that Wisma Putra follow through the Code of Conduct on the Document of Conduct inked by South East Asian countries in 2002.
It is pointless to dial the wrong number in the quest getting positive outcome of their call.
Gerontocracy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad saw another Waterloo defeat in agony and humiliation, with bigger losses in Semenyih last night five weeks right after the last one where his own party candidate’s poorly gaining on the shift of 10,000 votes since the last one.
PKR President and defacto Prime Minister-in-waiting Anwar “Mat King Leather” Ibrahim conceded that the sentiments of the rakyat is reflected by-election result.
CNA story:
Semenyih by-election result reflects feelings of the people: Anwar
File photo of Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim. (Photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
(Updated:)
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PORT DICKSON: TheSemenyih by-election defeatreflected the feelings of the people, especially the sentiments shown by the Malay community, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday (Mar 2).
“We must take into account but we must continue with our tasks well and I am confident that with a little time, the people will understand why we take the necessary measures in implementing our programmes.
“… we must also remember that the nature of the constituents is important for us to study,” he said.
The PKR leader, whose party is part of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, made the comments after Barisan Nasional (BN) won the state legislative assembly seat.
BN candidate, Zakaria Hanafi polled 19,780 votes to achieve a majority of 1,914 votes in the four-cornered fight.
Zakaria defeated PH candidate, Muhammad Aiman Zainali, who polled 17,866 votes, Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul, 25, from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) (847 votes) and independent candidate who is also a social activist, Kuan Chee Heng, 56, (725 votes).
Barisan Nasional candidate Zakaria Hanafi. (Photo: Bernama)
Anwar added that in the democratic process, the government respected the decision made by the people and it was their right.
“As a government, that is the Selangor State Government is still strong under Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and the Federal Government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
“It is also my opinion that Malaysia must continue with the spirit of the constitution which promised to preserve the position of Islam and the Malays but the government must also be firm in preserving racial harmony and the PH must represent the sentiments and needs and aspirations of all races,”he said.
Asked Dr Mahathir’s aura had disappeared following the defeat of PH in two by-elections including the Cameron Highlands parliamentary election, Anwar said it was inappropriate to make such interpretation.
“Because Cameron Highlands is not a seat held by the PH but the majority votes, we accept.
“The Semenyih by-election actually gave a picture that there are several problems that we have yet to resolve,”he said.
Earlier, Anwar who is also the member of parliament for Port Dickson, said in a speech that the government under the leadership of Dr Mahathir was endeavouring to bring changes to the people but it was not possible to see the outcome within a period of several months.
“If people ask me what is the biggest success achieved by Pakatan Harapan under Tun Mahathir, I say that the biggest success was that we managed to save the country from a government that was committing major robberies of the national income, not a minor robbery, not stealing chicken but stealing national wealth,” he added.
PKR Deputy President Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali conceded that the rakyat rejected the Pakatan Harapan administration despite barely nine months given the mandate.
Pakatan Harapan menginsafi suara penduduk Semenyih – Azmin Ali
Najib Aroff, Astro Awani|
MOHAMED AZMIN: Kerajaan akan segera mengambil inisiatif meringankan beban ekonomi rakyat termasuk melalui Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi. -Gambar fail/Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR:: Pakatan Harapan (PH) akan segara menggarap mesej pengundi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Semenyih dan menginsafi suara rakyat.Menurut Naib Presidennya Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, kerajaan PH akan terus menjiwai sentimen yang dizahirkan rakyat dan komited untuk mengambil langkah proaktif bagi menyelesaikan isu-isu yang membelenggu rakyat.“Keputusan Pilihan Raya Kecil Semenyih semalam menyaksikan keputusan rakyat dengan mesej yang jelas.“Keputusan ini adalah tuntutan rakyat akar umbi agar Kerajaan Pakatan Harapan segera bertindak menyelesaikan masalah dan kebajikan rakyat tanpa perlu menyalahkan mana-mana pihak.“Kita harus bertindak secara kolektif dalam satu semangat untuk melaksanakan agenda reformasi dan pembangunan untuk rakyat,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan.Justeru, menurut Azmin, kerajaan akan segera mengambil inisiatif meringankan beban ekonomi rakyat termasuk melalui Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi yang akan berusaha mengurangkan kos sara hidup, memperkukuh pendapatan rakyat, membasmi kemiskinan dan meningkatkan tahap pemilikan rumah.“Pakatan Harapan juga akan menggandakan usaha melaksana perubahan sehingga menjadi sumber kekuatan rakyat.
“Kita harus berani dan tidak gundah-gulana untuk segera melaksanakan janji-janji khususnya kepada masyarakat Melayu dan Bumiputera yang merupakan bagian integral daripada agenda nasional,” katanya.
PENAFIAN: Astro AWANI tidak bertanggungjawab terhadap pendapat yang diutarakan melalui artikel ini. Ia pandangan peribadi pemilik akaun dan tidak semestinya menggambarkan pendirian kami. Segala risiko akibat komen yang disiarkan menjadi tanggungjawab pemilik akaun sendiri. Terima kasih.
Semenyih by-election result reflects feelings of the people: Anwar
File photo of Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim. (Photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
(Updated:)
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PORT DICKSON: TheSemenyih by-election defeatreflected the feelings of the people, especially the sentiments shown by the Malay community, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday (Mar 2).
“We must take into account but we must continue with our tasks well and I am confident that with a little time, the people will understand why we take the necessary measures in implementing our programmes.
“… we must also remember that the nature of the constituents is important for us to study,” he said.
The PKR leader, whose party is part of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, made the comments after Barisan Nasional (BN) won the state legislative assembly seat.
BN candidate, Zakaria Hanafi polled 19,780 votes to achieve a majority of 1,914 votes in the four-cornered fight.
Zakaria defeated PH candidate, Muhammad Aiman Zainali, who polled 17,866 votes, Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul, 25, from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) (847 votes) and independent candidate who is also a social activist, Kuan Chee Heng, 56, (725 votes).
Barisan Nasional candidate Zakaria Hanafi. (Photo: Bernama)
Anwar added that in the democratic process, the government respected the decision made by the people and it was their right.
“As a government, that is the Selangor State Government is still strong under Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and the Federal Government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
“It is also my opinion that Malaysia must continue with the spirit of the constitution which promised to preserve the position of Islam and the Malays but the government must also be firm in preserving racial harmony and the PH must represent the sentiments and needs and aspirations of all races,”he said.
Asked Dr Mahathir’s aura had disappeared following the defeat of PH in two by-elections including the Cameron Highlands parliamentary election, Anwar said it was inappropriate to make such interpretation.
“Because Cameron Highlands is not a seat held by the PH but the majority votes, we accept.
“The Semenyih by-election actually gave a picture that there are several problems that we have yet to resolve,”he said.
Earlier, Anwar who is also the member of parliament for Port Dickson, said in a speech that the government under the leadership of Dr Mahathir was endeavouring to bring changes to the people but it was not possible to see the outcome within a period of several months.
“If people ask me what is the biggest success achieved by Pakatan Harapan under Tun Mahathir, I say that the biggest success was that we managed to save the country from a government that was committing major robberies of the national income, not a minor robbery, not stealing chicken but stealing national wealth,” he added.
PORT DICKSON: TheSemenyih by-election defeatreflected the feelings of the people, especially the sentiments shown by the Malay community, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday (Mar 2).
“We must take into account but we must continue with our tasks well and I am confident that with a little time, the people will understand why we take the necessary measures in implementing our programmes.
“… we must also remember that the nature of the constituents is important for us to study,” he said.
The PKR leader, whose party is part of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, made the comments after Barisan Nasional (BN) won the state legislative assembly seat.
BN candidate, Zakaria Hanafi polled 19,780 votes to achieve a majority of 1,914 votes in the four-cornered fight.
Zakaria defeated PH candidate, Muhammad Aiman Zainali, who polled 17,866 votes, Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul, 25, from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) (847 votes) and independent candidate who is also a social activist, Kuan Chee Heng, 56, (725 votes).
Barisan Nasional candidate Zakaria Hanafi. (Photo: Bernama)
Anwar added that in the democratic process, the government respected the decision made by the people and it was their right.
“As a government, that is the Selangor State Government is still strong under Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and the Federal Government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
“It is also my opinion that Malaysia must continue with the spirit of the constitution which promised to preserve the position of Islam and the Malays but the government must also be firm in preserving racial harmony and the PH must represent the sentiments and needs and aspirations of all races,”he said.
Asked Dr Mahathir’s aura had disappeared following the defeat of PH in two by-elections including the Cameron Highlands parliamentary election, Anwar said it was inappropriate to make such interpretation.
“Because Cameron Highlands is not a seat held by the PH but the majority votes, we accept.
“The Semenyih by-election actually gave a picture that there are several problems that we have yet to resolve,”he said.
Earlier, Anwar who is also the member of parliament for Port Dickson, said in a speech that the government under the leadership of Dr Mahathir was endeavouring to bring changes to the people but it was not possible to see the outcome within a period of several months.
“If people ask me what is the biggest success achieved by Pakatan Harapan under Tun Mahathir, I say that the biggest success was that we managed to save the country from a government that was committing major robberies of the national income, not a minor robbery, not stealing chicken but stealing national wealth,” he added.
Barisan Nasional and Pas flags seen along the paddy field in Sungai Limau area during the run up of the Sungai Limau by-election, November 1, 2013. — Picture by KE Ooi
PETALING JAYA, March 3 — Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS’s success in the Semenyih by-election is a referendum that the Malays are not with the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) government as they feel it is DAP-dominated.
The two Malay-based parties had made their battle line clear before the by-election even began on February 16, the nomination day.
The political rivalry has been bitter and the Semenyih battle ground was rough where defending PH was put in a defensive position before the battle even started — unfulfilled May 9 general election promises and ridding the general perception that new Cabinet is DAP-dominated.
BN’ success was easy to read — with help and support from Islamist PAS whose members are loyal, combined election machinery which tentacles reached even the most remote houses in deep villages, a clear battle slogan which was to register to the ruling coalition that the new government is not protecting Malays and Islam.
In addition, the opposition fielded a popular man, Zakaria Hanafi, 58-year old administrative officer who has been helping out the community in mosques and suraus from wedding functions to funeral rites.
PH which fielded Malay-based Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) candidate, a 30-year old engineer Mohammad Aiman Zainali was a newbie who has had problem in blending with the Malay community in the constituency.
With issues laid down and most importantly the rising cost of living that is the basic bread and butter issue, PH in particular PPBM’s Aiman found himself pushed in a corner.
Aiman’s party PPBM had no election machinery which made him dependent and at the mercy of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which members had difficulties in penetrating the Malay hearts and minds.
Malay voters were the target of both rival parties as PH had the Chinese and Indian voters based on GE14 results last May, but with the perception that Malays are marginalised and Islam fundamentals being chipped off bit-by-bit, PPBM is seen as just a stool of the DAP.
On the side of the campaign trail which got PH losing focus of the real issue was the Bosku Datuk Seri Naiib Razak’s appearance that local Malays or rather hardcore voters waited patiently for.
Najib, whose appearance was not in the main campaign programme list had haunted PH leaders during the campaign trail to the extent PH forgot the main issues raised, but focused on Najib’s scandals.
Even Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made Najib the main gist of his speech rather than addressing the real issues raised and explaining the delay in fulfilling the coalition’s pledges.
The effect of PH lost in Semenyih is far reaching which PH leaders may brush aside — the coalition has widen the racial segregation and in turn increased the resentment of Malays towards the new Malaysia concept.
At the same time, PPBM is seen as a mosquito party in the coalition and it does not deserve to be treated on par with even Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), which is considered the weakest link in the coalition.
For BN and PAS, the Semenyih victory is proof that both parties have reached an understanding and solid platform upon which they can move forward and create a new political equation in the country’s political landscape and scenario.
The co-operation will now be moved further to Rantau state seat by-election in Negri Sembilan after proven success in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih.
The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles.... 
Cross the Rubicon
The Malaysian Government created unnecessary confusion and further public discourse on the official position of the nation’s status regarding the ICERD and Rome Statute, which warranted the Rulers to stand up and give Titah on the matter and in the tone of violation of the Federal Constitution.
The Malay Mail story:
HRH Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar issued the stern Titah after Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah announced that the Cabinet decided 12 December 2018 and recently the Malaysian Government signed the Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court.
Further confusion is added that a media report stated Gerontocracy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said there are a few paramount issues of reservation on Malaysia ratifying the Rome Statute.
NST story:
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The gross inconsistency and lack of clarity for the Federal Government policies, decisions made, announcements and serious doubts on the roll out and implementation brought forth worsening confidence on the Pakatan Harapan Government.
There is a strong rumour that Chinese top commercial leaders also expressed the grave lack on confidence to do business in Malaysia.
Recently, it was believed that Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Political Secretary Tony Pua went to Hong Kong and met several leading Chinese global business owners.
The issue of the unilateral cancellation of Mega Projects was brought up and questioned during the meetings.
This include the ECRL highway project from Port Kelang to Tumpat in Kelantan is Malaysia Government’s is not reliable to follow through a decision and agreement made.
The incompetency of the Malaysian Government to plan and managed the nation on behalf of the rakyat is abundantly clear.
In this instance by acceding to the Rome Statute is a manifestation of inking a document and having after thought, which include not agreeing to the full set of terms.
On 8 December last year, half a million Malaysians, predominantly the Malay-Muslim converged and had a massive anti-ICERD demonstration in Dataran Merdeka.
Other issues which made the majority of Malay-Muslims very concerned had manifested their deep displeasure of not anguish.
It is time they converge again in a massive demonstration. The violation of the Federal Constitution, in letters and spirit is the matter of grave concern.
This violation include as Malay the official language.
DAP Ministers and Deputy Ministers have used Mandarin in their official Federal Government communique.
After all, Islam as the religion of the Federation of Malaysia, the role and position of HRH Rulers and articles pertaining to the Malays are defining ingredients of the nation.
When they ‘Cross the Rubicon’, they have to deal with the wrath.
- Commentary
on March 24, 2019 at 20:00 Leave a Comment