27/9 Tengku Razaleigh Plans to contest Umno presidency regardless if PM pulls out. He calls for division members to push for Dec Assembly and not March.
27/9 Two bottles of molotov cocktails were thrown into Seputeh MP Teresa Kok's house in Kuala Lumpur early today; nobody was hurt in the incident.
27/9 Apple Inc has started selling unlocked models of iPhone 3G in Hong Kong; 8GB selling for RM2380, 16 GB selling for RM 2740.
27/9 John McCain,Barack Obama complete first US presidential debate with both camps declaring victory minutes after debate ends.
27/9 Hollywood legend Paul Newman has died at the age of 83 after battle with cancer.
2008年9月28日星期日
2008年9月26日星期五
Dr Mahathir: What is happening to the United States of America?
THE UNITED STATES
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 26, 2008 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (30) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. I wonder what is happening to the United States of America. It used to lay down the laws and rules which the whole world must abide. If any country refuses then blacklisting, sanctions and even invasions by the US forces might ensue.
2. It set the forms and standards for everything; systems of Government, human rights, economic transparency etc etc. Now it seems to be breaking or ignoring its own rules, regulations and laws.
3. It had condemned the Internal Security Act as unjust and a violation of human rights. Following the shock and awe invasion of Iraq, it has detained alleged terrorists without trial and without rights and habeas corpus proceeings. Some detainees have been there for five years.
4. Then in Abu Ghraib detention camp detainees have been tortured and humiliated. They were treated like animals. If it had happened in some weak Asian country, the US would demand for all kinds of punishment which the US is ever ready to inflict. But no one can drag Americans to court and punish them. If at all American courts would try these miscreants and the punishment would be very light.
5. Because of the extraordinary greed of American financiers and businessmen, they invent all kinds of ways to make huge sums of money. We cannot forget how in 1997-98 American hedge funds destroyed the economies of poor countries by manipulating their national currencies.
6. When as a result of the so-called trade in currencies the companies in the poor countries faced bankruptcy, the Governments were told not to bail out any company or bank which was in deep trouble. The Americans claimed that these companies or banks were inefficient and they should be allowed to go bankrupt and perish. Better still they should be sold at fire-sale price to American investors.
7. Yet today we see the US Government readying US700 billion to brazenly bail out banks, mortgage companies and insurance companies.
8. Where does the money come from? From thin air as no real money in cash or bullion or anything tangible are moved into the bankrupt banks. The money is just in the form of loan papers and entries in the books of the banks or companies.
9. The US 700 billion has no backing whatsoever. No gold reserves, no foreign currency reserves as required for other countries. Without such backing the US Dollar is actually useless. Only the military power of the US is forcing the world to give value to the US Dollar.
10. Desperate to avoid a serious recession the US has abandoned all its principles. It has now banned short selling, limited currency trading and insist that the accounts of hedge funds and currency traders to be open for inspection and be published.
11. In the final spasm of fear, the Government has given itself the right to resolve the problem of bankrupt banks and companies by the Government taking over i.e. the great capitalist country has accepted what is nothing more than nationalisation which it had condemned so much before.
12. The US now owes the world US 14 trillion. There is no way it can ever settle this debt. If other countries fail to repay or service their debts, the US would demand that they be made bankrupt. Now the US is literally bankrupt but it still insists that the pieces of paper, the famous or infamous greenbacks have some value. It actually has no value. Certainly it cannot be used to finance wars of aggression against Iraq and Afghanistan, to finance the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) activities in undermining Governments and countries. But still the US' ability to threaten countries is undiminished.
13. An attempt is being made even in Malaysia to achieve a regime change. Money has been funnelled to certain individuals and parties to ensure that a well-known candidate with extensive connection to the US Jewish lobby would somehow become the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
14. US intervention in the politics of Malaysia is clear. I may not agree with the leadership of the present Government but I resent and object to US manipulations to make a satellite of this nation.
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 26, 2008 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (30) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. I wonder what is happening to the United States of America. It used to lay down the laws and rules which the whole world must abide. If any country refuses then blacklisting, sanctions and even invasions by the US forces might ensue.
2. It set the forms and standards for everything; systems of Government, human rights, economic transparency etc etc. Now it seems to be breaking or ignoring its own rules, regulations and laws.
3. It had condemned the Internal Security Act as unjust and a violation of human rights. Following the shock and awe invasion of Iraq, it has detained alleged terrorists without trial and without rights and habeas corpus proceeings. Some detainees have been there for five years.
4. Then in Abu Ghraib detention camp detainees have been tortured and humiliated. They were treated like animals. If it had happened in some weak Asian country, the US would demand for all kinds of punishment which the US is ever ready to inflict. But no one can drag Americans to court and punish them. If at all American courts would try these miscreants and the punishment would be very light.
5. Because of the extraordinary greed of American financiers and businessmen, they invent all kinds of ways to make huge sums of money. We cannot forget how in 1997-98 American hedge funds destroyed the economies of poor countries by manipulating their national currencies.
6. When as a result of the so-called trade in currencies the companies in the poor countries faced bankruptcy, the Governments were told not to bail out any company or bank which was in deep trouble. The Americans claimed that these companies or banks were inefficient and they should be allowed to go bankrupt and perish. Better still they should be sold at fire-sale price to American investors.
7. Yet today we see the US Government readying US700 billion to brazenly bail out banks, mortgage companies and insurance companies.
8. Where does the money come from? From thin air as no real money in cash or bullion or anything tangible are moved into the bankrupt banks. The money is just in the form of loan papers and entries in the books of the banks or companies.
9. The US 700 billion has no backing whatsoever. No gold reserves, no foreign currency reserves as required for other countries. Without such backing the US Dollar is actually useless. Only the military power of the US is forcing the world to give value to the US Dollar.
10. Desperate to avoid a serious recession the US has abandoned all its principles. It has now banned short selling, limited currency trading and insist that the accounts of hedge funds and currency traders to be open for inspection and be published.
11. In the final spasm of fear, the Government has given itself the right to resolve the problem of bankrupt banks and companies by the Government taking over i.e. the great capitalist country has accepted what is nothing more than nationalisation which it had condemned so much before.
12. The US now owes the world US 14 trillion. There is no way it can ever settle this debt. If other countries fail to repay or service their debts, the US would demand that they be made bankrupt. Now the US is literally bankrupt but it still insists that the pieces of paper, the famous or infamous greenbacks have some value. It actually has no value. Certainly it cannot be used to finance wars of aggression against Iraq and Afghanistan, to finance the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) activities in undermining Governments and countries. But still the US' ability to threaten countries is undiminished.
13. An attempt is being made even in Malaysia to achieve a regime change. Money has been funnelled to certain individuals and parties to ensure that a well-known candidate with extensive connection to the US Jewish lobby would somehow become the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
14. US intervention in the politics of Malaysia is clear. I may not agree with the leadership of the present Government but I resent and object to US manipulations to make a satellite of this nation.
Dr Mahathir on pegging
PEGGING
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 25, 2008 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (397) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. I am not in the business of advising the Government. When I mentioned the advisability of pegging the Ringgit, it was in answer to a question posed by a reporter. If the Government noticed the report I would feel flattered.
2. Pegging currencies is not as easy as it sounds. The whole thing must be studied very carefully. Even getting agreement by a select panel is not easy. A decision made on the spur of the moment that pegging is not possible cannot really reflect the assessment made together with experts in consultation.
3. Pegging need not be always with the US Dollar. But the fact that the US Dollar is currently not stable is no reason why the idea should be summarily dismissed.
4. There can be other options. Other more stable currencies can be used or a basket of currencies may be used to reduce extreme volatility.
5. The US Dollar is backed by nothing, not even reserves in foreign currencies and gold which other countries hold in order to back their own currencies. The US is a bankrupt nation which means it is not in a position to provide foreign currency backing for its money.
6. The gold in Fort Knox has been depleted long ago and the pegging to gold of a certain amount as agreed to at the Bretton Woods has been done away with by President Nixon. No more gold standards. Yet the US Dollar still commands a certain value in the market. It is still being used for trade payments. This in fact gives the US Dollar a certain value even though the value, in exchange rate terms may change.
7. If the US Dollar is not used in international trading, it will have no value at all. This will of course hurt a lot of countries including Malaysia which carry substantial sums of US Dollar as reserves. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and tiny Singapore would want to support trade payments made in US Dollar. They do not want their huge reserves of US Dollar to become worthless.
8. What we see here is the importance of international trade payments in sustaining the value of a currency.
9. Long, long ago I suggested the use of a special currency for trade. The currency should be equal in value to a fixed amount of gold. It should not be used domestically as each country would have its own currency pegged to the special trading currency.
10. The price of gold may go up and down but we know that the price of gold today is more than, say, 30 years ago. If we keep gold long enough we will eventually see it appreciating. It is not as volatile as currency notes.
11. So gold is an ideal standard for a trade currency. Effectively we would be going back to the Gold Standard, both for the trading currency and the domestic currency. For the domestic currency the rate against gold can change in keeping with inflation.
12. It was suggested that we call this trading currency the "dinar". Transactions would of course not be in solid gold dinars but with equivalent papers. It is not practical to carry around so much gold dinars but this will not be necessary if a country's export to another country and its import from that country is fairly balanced and only the difference need to be paid.
13. I am not an expert in this area but we can get experts to study whether pegging or the gold dinar are feasible. I would not dismiss the eficacy of these so easily.
14. Perhaps I can make a ridiculous suggestion. Why not make all Malaysian trade payments in Malaysian Ringgit?
15. We are a big trading nation. We export more than 200 billion Ringgit worth of raw material and manufactured goods and we import slightly less than that. Traders cannot just ignore us or boycott us. They need our exports and they need to sell their products to us.
16. All we need to do is to demand payment in Malaysian Ringgit for our exports. We can require payment for our imports in Ringgit according to the current value in an international trading currency or gold.
17. If we do this there will be a constant demand for Ringgit and this will keep the value of the Ringgit at a certain level which we can fix, taking into consideration factors which influence its value.
18. This may sound like a ridiculous suggestion. But not being a trained economist or financier I can allow myself the privilege of unorthodox thinking.
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 25, 2008 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (397) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. I am not in the business of advising the Government. When I mentioned the advisability of pegging the Ringgit, it was in answer to a question posed by a reporter. If the Government noticed the report I would feel flattered.
2. Pegging currencies is not as easy as it sounds. The whole thing must be studied very carefully. Even getting agreement by a select panel is not easy. A decision made on the spur of the moment that pegging is not possible cannot really reflect the assessment made together with experts in consultation.
3. Pegging need not be always with the US Dollar. But the fact that the US Dollar is currently not stable is no reason why the idea should be summarily dismissed.
4. There can be other options. Other more stable currencies can be used or a basket of currencies may be used to reduce extreme volatility.
5. The US Dollar is backed by nothing, not even reserves in foreign currencies and gold which other countries hold in order to back their own currencies. The US is a bankrupt nation which means it is not in a position to provide foreign currency backing for its money.
6. The gold in Fort Knox has been depleted long ago and the pegging to gold of a certain amount as agreed to at the Bretton Woods has been done away with by President Nixon. No more gold standards. Yet the US Dollar still commands a certain value in the market. It is still being used for trade payments. This in fact gives the US Dollar a certain value even though the value, in exchange rate terms may change.
7. If the US Dollar is not used in international trading, it will have no value at all. This will of course hurt a lot of countries including Malaysia which carry substantial sums of US Dollar as reserves. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and tiny Singapore would want to support trade payments made in US Dollar. They do not want their huge reserves of US Dollar to become worthless.
8. What we see here is the importance of international trade payments in sustaining the value of a currency.
9. Long, long ago I suggested the use of a special currency for trade. The currency should be equal in value to a fixed amount of gold. It should not be used domestically as each country would have its own currency pegged to the special trading currency.
10. The price of gold may go up and down but we know that the price of gold today is more than, say, 30 years ago. If we keep gold long enough we will eventually see it appreciating. It is not as volatile as currency notes.
11. So gold is an ideal standard for a trade currency. Effectively we would be going back to the Gold Standard, both for the trading currency and the domestic currency. For the domestic currency the rate against gold can change in keeping with inflation.
12. It was suggested that we call this trading currency the "dinar". Transactions would of course not be in solid gold dinars but with equivalent papers. It is not practical to carry around so much gold dinars but this will not be necessary if a country's export to another country and its import from that country is fairly balanced and only the difference need to be paid.
13. I am not an expert in this area but we can get experts to study whether pegging or the gold dinar are feasible. I would not dismiss the eficacy of these so easily.
14. Perhaps I can make a ridiculous suggestion. Why not make all Malaysian trade payments in Malaysian Ringgit?
15. We are a big trading nation. We export more than 200 billion Ringgit worth of raw material and manufactured goods and we import slightly less than that. Traders cannot just ignore us or boycott us. They need our exports and they need to sell their products to us.
16. All we need to do is to demand payment in Malaysian Ringgit for our exports. We can require payment for our imports in Ringgit according to the current value in an international trading currency or gold.
17. If we do this there will be a constant demand for Ringgit and this will keep the value of the Ringgit at a certain level which we can fix, taking into consideration factors which influence its value.
18. This may sound like a ridiculous suggestion. But not being a trained economist or financier I can allow myself the privilege of unorthodox thinking.
Abdullah will decide before Oct 9 if he will defend Umno president's post
26/9 PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will decide before Oct 9 if he will defend Umno president’s post.
26/7 PM says Umno elections postponed to facilitate early transition of power; he says this means the original June 2010 handover plan is off.
26/9 Umno divisional meeting will go on as scheduled on Oct 9; however, Umno general assembly will be held in March, says Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
26/9 Hong Kong finds melamine in baby cereal, rice crackers; China says 10,000 more children with kidney illnesses after drinking tainted milk.
26/9 Former Serdang MP Yap Pian Hon announced his candidacy for MCA vice-president, a post he held from 1990 to 1999.
26/7 The Kim Hong, 22, and 3 teenagers charged at JB magistrate’s court for the kidnap and murder of 16-year-old Lai Ying Xin.
22/9 All 13 Penang Umno divisions and women, youth and puteri wings have thrown full support to 2010 power transition plan from PM Abdullah to DPM.
22/9 Deputy Minister in PM’s Dept T. Murugiah says he will send proposal to PM, Home Minister to increase detainees’ food allocation to RM 10 a day.
22/9 Japan ‘s ruling Liberal Democratic Party chooses Taro Aso by a landslide to be next prime minister.
22/9 Two goldsmith shop staff returning from Dubai robbed of RM 800,000 worth of jewellery at Penang airport; robbers were armed with pistols.
22/9 Chinese government releases latest figures, says 53,000 children in China sick because of tainted milk, vows to crack down on those responsible.
22/9 Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman has decided to keep deputy Raymond Tan, formerly of SAPP, in his cabinet.
22/9 Actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin, 25, freed by magistrate’s court for causing hurt to housewife Geraldine Mariana Wong, 33, about 4 years ago.
26/7 PM says Umno elections postponed to facilitate early transition of power; he says this means the original June 2010 handover plan is off.
26/9 Umno divisional meeting will go on as scheduled on Oct 9; however, Umno general assembly will be held in March, says Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
26/9 Hong Kong finds melamine in baby cereal, rice crackers; China says 10,000 more children with kidney illnesses after drinking tainted milk.
26/9 Former Serdang MP Yap Pian Hon announced his candidacy for MCA vice-president, a post he held from 1990 to 1999.
26/7 The Kim Hong, 22, and 3 teenagers charged at JB magistrate’s court for the kidnap and murder of 16-year-old Lai Ying Xin.
22/9 All 13 Penang Umno divisions and women, youth and puteri wings have thrown full support to 2010 power transition plan from PM Abdullah to DPM.
22/9 Deputy Minister in PM’s Dept T. Murugiah says he will send proposal to PM, Home Minister to increase detainees’ food allocation to RM 10 a day.
22/9 Japan ‘s ruling Liberal Democratic Party chooses Taro Aso by a landslide to be next prime minister.
22/9 Two goldsmith shop staff returning from Dubai robbed of RM 800,000 worth of jewellery at Penang airport; robbers were armed with pistols.
22/9 Chinese government releases latest figures, says 53,000 children in China sick because of tainted milk, vows to crack down on those responsible.
22/9 Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman has decided to keep deputy Raymond Tan, formerly of SAPP, in his cabinet.
22/9 Actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin, 25, freed by magistrate’s court for causing hurt to housewife Geraldine Mariana Wong, 33, about 4 years ago.
Special Supreme Council meeting to further discuss power transition
25/9 Several Umno leaders confirm a special Supreme Council meeting to be held on Friday to further discuss power transition plan.
25/9 Seven items given the all-clear after testing negative for melamine by Health Ministry, products are from Nestle, Oreo and Walls.
25/9 Heath Ministry advises all who receive gift hampers this festive season to check items carefully for China dairy products.
25/9 Government is to provide additional RM 100 mil to help those earning less than RM 1,500 a month to buy houses, DPM Najib said.
25/9 Global warming: List of worst carbon producers in the world says China is No. 1 culprit, followed by US, Russia and then India.
24/9 Petrol and diesel prices cut by 10 sen effective tomorrow, announced Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad.
24/9 Government cut prices of RON 97 and RON 92 petrol, and diesel by 10 sen each to RM 2.45, RM 2.30 and RM 2.40 per litre respectively.
24/9 53 milk related products were seized yesterday to be tested, says Health Minister Liow Tong Lai.
24/9 Health Ministry puts level 5 alert on all other food products from China; milk and related products already on level 6, the highest alert.
24/9 Election Court dismisses, with costs, petition against Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen(DAP) filed by voter KhoWhai Phiaw on April 28.
24/9 American idol 2003 runner-up Clay Aiken admits he is gay, reveals all in cover story to hit stands on Friday, says People Magazine.
23/9 SAPP founding leader Tham Nyip Shen quits party, citing disagreement with its pullout from Barisan.
23/9 Wee Meng Chee, aka Namewee, being questioned by Cybercrime unit cops over his controversial Negara-ku rap video released on you-tube last years.
23/9 Raja Petra served with order last night to be detained under ISA in Kamunting for 2 years, High Court now hearing habeas corpus application.
22/9 Government has banned dairy products imported from China including confectionary that contain milk as precaution after tainted milk scare.
25/9 Seven items given the all-clear after testing negative for melamine by Health Ministry, products are from Nestle, Oreo and Walls.
25/9 Heath Ministry advises all who receive gift hampers this festive season to check items carefully for China dairy products.
25/9 Government is to provide additional RM 100 mil to help those earning less than RM 1,500 a month to buy houses, DPM Najib said.
25/9 Global warming: List of worst carbon producers in the world says China is No. 1 culprit, followed by US, Russia and then India.
24/9 Petrol and diesel prices cut by 10 sen effective tomorrow, announced Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad.
24/9 Government cut prices of RON 97 and RON 92 petrol, and diesel by 10 sen each to RM 2.45, RM 2.30 and RM 2.40 per litre respectively.
24/9 53 milk related products were seized yesterday to be tested, says Health Minister Liow Tong Lai.
24/9 Health Ministry puts level 5 alert on all other food products from China; milk and related products already on level 6, the highest alert.
24/9 Election Court dismisses, with costs, petition against Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen(DAP) filed by voter KhoWhai Phiaw on April 28.
24/9 American idol 2003 runner-up Clay Aiken admits he is gay, reveals all in cover story to hit stands on Friday, says People Magazine.
23/9 SAPP founding leader Tham Nyip Shen quits party, citing disagreement with its pullout from Barisan.
23/9 Wee Meng Chee, aka Namewee, being questioned by Cybercrime unit cops over his controversial Negara-ku rap video released on you-tube last years.
23/9 Raja Petra served with order last night to be detained under ISA in Kamunting for 2 years, High Court now hearing habeas corpus application.
22/9 Government has banned dairy products imported from China including confectionary that contain milk as precaution after tainted milk scare.
2008年9月25日星期四
Dr. Mahathir talked about Umno Supreme Council
SUPREME COUNCIL
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 23, 2008 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (407) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. The goings on in the UMNO Supreme Council are supposed to be secret. So it was quite a surprise when the press reported some important details regarding the Supreme Council's meeting on Thursday, September 18. What is even more surprising is that the reports expose the attacks against Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by several members of the council and their demand that the transfer of power should take place before the divisional meetings which would nominate the candidates for President.
2. It appears that the words used by some of the members were very strong. Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz even attacked the roles played by Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and the PM's son, Kamaluddin.
3. So harsh were the words used that Abdullah's face changed and he was reeling from the onslaught when Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, ever the protector of Abdullah, stopped the proceedings. Najib promised he would speak on the matter with Abdullah.
4. It seems that the other Supreme Council members were not happy as once again controversial council matters were made into private deals between Abdullah and Najib. It is the kind of negation of council rights that both Abdullah and Najib had frequently resorted to. The two would later come out with decisions which were unsatisfactory to the council members. Najib would then stress on the need to be united and loyal to the President.
5. This time around it is not going to be any different. When faced with a tricky problem Abdullah would consult his family members, usually his son and son-in-law but now also his wife.
6. It is well known that the family is enjoying the power and freedom to shape Abdullah's decisions based on their own personal interest i.e., to accumulate as much wealth as possible and to ensure Khairy's political ambitions, including to become the country's youngest Prime Minister.
7. By the time Abdullah meets Najib he would have been briefed by his family on what to say. And Najib being Najib would then accept Abdullah's solution to the problem. In this case he would want to insist on staying until June 2010 or maybe a short while before. Najib would then have the task of selling this solution to the Supreme Council. By doing so Najib would go down further in the estimation of the members and of the public when Najib's behaviour is leaked to the public.
8. When UMNO was formed the founders wanted to ensure that no decisions which seem to contradict the basis of the party's struggle would get through without the Supreme Council approving them. What happened to Dato Onn Jaafar, the first President (Yang di-Pertua) of UMNO is an excellent example. The President was not obeyed blindly. Instead because he proposed something contrary to the basis of the party's struggle, it was rejected and as a man of honour he resigned.
9. For almost 50 years the Supreme Council played this role. Thus when (Tun) Musa Hitam resigned as Deputy President of the party, the Supreme Council did not just agree with the President but sat until the early hours of the morning and then decided, the President's views notwithstanding, to send a delegation of senior members to London to persuade Musa to reassume his post of Deputy President of the party and Deputy Prime Minister. Musa agreed to return as Deputy President, though not as Deputy Prime Minister. And so he was well positioned to bring me down by persuading Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to contest for president against me. Incidentally during his campaign to become UMNO Deputy President he claimed that I backed him.
10. But after Abdullah took over party Presidency and became Prime Minister the character of the Supreme Council changed completely. It became the personal instrument of Abdullah for approving and legitimising all and everything he did.
11. I believe on Thursday the worm turned partially. A few members found courage to demand the early resignation of Abdullah. Of course the "Yes-men" did not turn. The worm became so twisted that there is real danger it would break into two.
12. I suppose this would worry Najib who wanted a peaceful transfer of power in order to keep the party intact. So he is likely to accept any scheme which would allow Abdullah to relinquish his post in a blaze of glory.
13. Unfortunately Najib will not get his wish. There has never been a President of UMNO who is as much disliked and even hated by the people as Abdullah. Malays, Chinese and Indians, whether members of the Government component parties or mere supporters or ordinary people all want Abdullah to go, the sooner the better.
14. The only people who want him to stay are those who owe their positions to him, or who benefited from contracts and other largesse distributed by him. For some, including civil servants there is just fear of him which keeps them silent but sullen.
15. Strangely the true supporters of Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister and UMNO President are members of the opposition. Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim and Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat want him to stay, at least till the next election.
16. However it is not for love of him but because they believe that with him leading the Barisan Nasional the opposition stands a better chance of winning the 13th General Election and forming a Government. They feel they are within reach of their objective and did not want to see the renegades of UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP returning to the fold and make defeating the BN probably an impossible task.
17. So much for the Supreme Council which is no longer Supreme.
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 23, 2008 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (407) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. The goings on in the UMNO Supreme Council are supposed to be secret. So it was quite a surprise when the press reported some important details regarding the Supreme Council's meeting on Thursday, September 18. What is even more surprising is that the reports expose the attacks against Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by several members of the council and their demand that the transfer of power should take place before the divisional meetings which would nominate the candidates for President.
2. It appears that the words used by some of the members were very strong. Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz even attacked the roles played by Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and the PM's son, Kamaluddin.
3. So harsh were the words used that Abdullah's face changed and he was reeling from the onslaught when Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, ever the protector of Abdullah, stopped the proceedings. Najib promised he would speak on the matter with Abdullah.
4. It seems that the other Supreme Council members were not happy as once again controversial council matters were made into private deals between Abdullah and Najib. It is the kind of negation of council rights that both Abdullah and Najib had frequently resorted to. The two would later come out with decisions which were unsatisfactory to the council members. Najib would then stress on the need to be united and loyal to the President.
5. This time around it is not going to be any different. When faced with a tricky problem Abdullah would consult his family members, usually his son and son-in-law but now also his wife.
6. It is well known that the family is enjoying the power and freedom to shape Abdullah's decisions based on their own personal interest i.e., to accumulate as much wealth as possible and to ensure Khairy's political ambitions, including to become the country's youngest Prime Minister.
7. By the time Abdullah meets Najib he would have been briefed by his family on what to say. And Najib being Najib would then accept Abdullah's solution to the problem. In this case he would want to insist on staying until June 2010 or maybe a short while before. Najib would then have the task of selling this solution to the Supreme Council. By doing so Najib would go down further in the estimation of the members and of the public when Najib's behaviour is leaked to the public.
8. When UMNO was formed the founders wanted to ensure that no decisions which seem to contradict the basis of the party's struggle would get through without the Supreme Council approving them. What happened to Dato Onn Jaafar, the first President (Yang di-Pertua) of UMNO is an excellent example. The President was not obeyed blindly. Instead because he proposed something contrary to the basis of the party's struggle, it was rejected and as a man of honour he resigned.
9. For almost 50 years the Supreme Council played this role. Thus when (Tun) Musa Hitam resigned as Deputy President of the party, the Supreme Council did not just agree with the President but sat until the early hours of the morning and then decided, the President's views notwithstanding, to send a delegation of senior members to London to persuade Musa to reassume his post of Deputy President of the party and Deputy Prime Minister. Musa agreed to return as Deputy President, though not as Deputy Prime Minister. And so he was well positioned to bring me down by persuading Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to contest for president against me. Incidentally during his campaign to become UMNO Deputy President he claimed that I backed him.
10. But after Abdullah took over party Presidency and became Prime Minister the character of the Supreme Council changed completely. It became the personal instrument of Abdullah for approving and legitimising all and everything he did.
11. I believe on Thursday the worm turned partially. A few members found courage to demand the early resignation of Abdullah. Of course the "Yes-men" did not turn. The worm became so twisted that there is real danger it would break into two.
12. I suppose this would worry Najib who wanted a peaceful transfer of power in order to keep the party intact. So he is likely to accept any scheme which would allow Abdullah to relinquish his post in a blaze of glory.
13. Unfortunately Najib will not get his wish. There has never been a President of UMNO who is as much disliked and even hated by the people as Abdullah. Malays, Chinese and Indians, whether members of the Government component parties or mere supporters or ordinary people all want Abdullah to go, the sooner the better.
14. The only people who want him to stay are those who owe their positions to him, or who benefited from contracts and other largesse distributed by him. For some, including civil servants there is just fear of him which keeps them silent but sullen.
15. Strangely the true supporters of Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister and UMNO President are members of the opposition. Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim and Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat want him to stay, at least till the next election.
16. However it is not for love of him but because they believe that with him leading the Barisan Nasional the opposition stands a better chance of winning the 13th General Election and forming a Government. They feel they are within reach of their objective and did not want to see the renegades of UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP returning to the fold and make defeating the BN probably an impossible task.
17. So much for the Supreme Council which is no longer Supreme.
2008年9月20日星期六
Blogger Syed Azidi was released
20/9 Blogger Syed Azidi, aka Kickdefella, detained for alleged sedition, was released from police custody at about 4:30pm today.
20/9 Foreign Minister Rais Yatim calls for cautious review of the ISA, especially to look into the humanitarian aspect.
20/9 The Malaysian Bar, at an EGM today attended by 739 members, urged the government to immediately and unconditionally release all ISA detainees.
20/9 Foreign Minister Rais Yatim calls for cautious review of the ISA, especially to look into the humanitarian aspect.
20/9 The Malaysian Bar, at an EGM today attended by 739 members, urged the government to immediately and unconditionally release all ISA detainees.
Dr Mahathir about Loss of Confidence
LOSS OF CONFIDENCE
1. I was reading the comments on my blog on 'Mengingati Pejuang-Pejuang', when I came across a comment which respectfully disagreed with me that the defeat of BN in the General Election was not due to support for the opposition but disaffection with BN.
2. He said if that was the case they could have voted for the third candidate who actually lost his deposit.
3. I had lost in the Election of 1969 in a constituency with 35,000 voters of whom 30,000 were Malays. I had won in this constituency in 1964 with more than 4,000 votes majority. I figured that in 1969 that even if the non-Malay voters did not vote for me I would still win because support for me amongst the Malays had increased by almost 3,000.
4. But what happened shocked me because Chinese voters not only refused to vote for me, which meant a loss of 3,000 votes but they voted for PAS. I needed 6,000 more votes to replace 3,000 voters who did not vote for me and another 3,000 because they voted for PAS.
5. I lost by 900 votes. If the voters who were dissatisfied with UMNO and BN voted for a third party or refuse to vote, the BN would lose these votes but may still win if the margin previously was big and the opposition did not get additional votes. But when votes were taken away from BN there would be a decrease in BN votes. Then when the votes are given to the opposition there would be an increase in votes for the opposition and so the gap is widened and the opposition would win.
6. Experience has shown that independent third parties hardly ever win. Supporting them would reduce BN votes but that would not be enough to ensure the opposition wins.
7. The rakyat are right in being fed-up with corruption by UMNO "plutocrats". But that had not always been so. It is the corrupt practises of UMNO leaders of today, especially the topmost leader, which has caused deep anger against the party.
8. Actually the present leader's involvement with graft, his support for his son's business, the power he gives to his son-in-law, his well-known sleeping habits, indecision, lack of ability to handle problems, sudden withdrawal of oil subsidy, cancellation of the bridge to Singapore, wasting money on the unused RM800 million (Johor Baru) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine building, cancellation of the railway double tracking and electrification project, the monsoon cup and lots more are what turned the voters against BN.
9. The kampung folks and the ordinary Chinese by and large are not too concerned about human rights or more liberal Government. Even the ISA did not bother them as shown by their strong backing for the Government party, before.
10. The talks in the kampungs and the ordinary Chinese and Indians were about the increase in cost of living, few business opportunities and of course the behaviour of the PM's family.
11. In 2004 they gave wholehearted support for the BN so that the party won 90% of the seats in parliament and recaptured Terengganu. Could it be possible that the voters who were so greatly enchanted with the BN in 2004 but in a space of just four years have changed their collective minds so radically?
12. As for rejection of race based politics, why did the voters vote for PAS, a 100 percent Malay party and DAP, a predominantly Chinese party.
13. I know many who admire the West tend to support their values. They would like to interpret the disastrous performance of the BN based on Western thinking. But we are Asians and in Malaysia our basic racial differences are extreme. All we can do to avoid confrontation between the races is to allow them to form race based parties and to have them cooperate with each other. This was the BN policy and practise. And it worked for almost half a century.
14. We cannot fault the BN concept and governance. We have to look elsewhere for the loss of confidence in the party.
1. I was reading the comments on my blog on 'Mengingati Pejuang-Pejuang', when I came across a comment which respectfully disagreed with me that the defeat of BN in the General Election was not due to support for the opposition but disaffection with BN.
2. He said if that was the case they could have voted for the third candidate who actually lost his deposit.
3. I had lost in the Election of 1969 in a constituency with 35,000 voters of whom 30,000 were Malays. I had won in this constituency in 1964 with more than 4,000 votes majority. I figured that in 1969 that even if the non-Malay voters did not vote for me I would still win because support for me amongst the Malays had increased by almost 3,000.
4. But what happened shocked me because Chinese voters not only refused to vote for me, which meant a loss of 3,000 votes but they voted for PAS. I needed 6,000 more votes to replace 3,000 voters who did not vote for me and another 3,000 because they voted for PAS.
5. I lost by 900 votes. If the voters who were dissatisfied with UMNO and BN voted for a third party or refuse to vote, the BN would lose these votes but may still win if the margin previously was big and the opposition did not get additional votes. But when votes were taken away from BN there would be a decrease in BN votes. Then when the votes are given to the opposition there would be an increase in votes for the opposition and so the gap is widened and the opposition would win.
6. Experience has shown that independent third parties hardly ever win. Supporting them would reduce BN votes but that would not be enough to ensure the opposition wins.
7. The rakyat are right in being fed-up with corruption by UMNO "plutocrats". But that had not always been so. It is the corrupt practises of UMNO leaders of today, especially the topmost leader, which has caused deep anger against the party.
8. Actually the present leader's involvement with graft, his support for his son's business, the power he gives to his son-in-law, his well-known sleeping habits, indecision, lack of ability to handle problems, sudden withdrawal of oil subsidy, cancellation of the bridge to Singapore, wasting money on the unused RM800 million (Johor Baru) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine building, cancellation of the railway double tracking and electrification project, the monsoon cup and lots more are what turned the voters against BN.
9. The kampung folks and the ordinary Chinese by and large are not too concerned about human rights or more liberal Government. Even the ISA did not bother them as shown by their strong backing for the Government party, before.
10. The talks in the kampungs and the ordinary Chinese and Indians were about the increase in cost of living, few business opportunities and of course the behaviour of the PM's family.
11. In 2004 they gave wholehearted support for the BN so that the party won 90% of the seats in parliament and recaptured Terengganu. Could it be possible that the voters who were so greatly enchanted with the BN in 2004 but in a space of just four years have changed their collective minds so radically?
12. As for rejection of race based politics, why did the voters vote for PAS, a 100 percent Malay party and DAP, a predominantly Chinese party.
13. I know many who admire the West tend to support their values. They would like to interpret the disastrous performance of the BN based on Western thinking. But we are Asians and in Malaysia our basic racial differences are extreme. All we can do to avoid confrontation between the races is to allow them to form race based parties and to have them cooperate with each other. This was the BN policy and practise. And it worked for almost half a century.
14. We cannot fault the BN concept and governance. We have to look elsewhere for the loss of confidence in the party.
2008年9月19日星期五
Dr Mahathir about Financial turmoil
FINANCIAL TURMOIL
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (392) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. The world is going through financial turmoil but most Malaysian politicians especially those in the Government seem blissfully unaware or unconcerned. Already 10 major banks in America have collapsed. The almighty US Dollar has depreciated. Now the huge insurance corporation, the American International Group is on the verge of bankruptcy.
2. In the last three quarters AIG lost US$18.5 billion dollars (68 billion Ringgit). AIG is struggling to raise funds to overcome its difficulties. If it fails it may have to opt for bankruptcy. But AIG is going to lose even more.
3. The failures are all due to playing with money, selling mortgages, selling papers and all kinds of financial dealings which have been invented by the finance houses in order to make huge sums of money out of nothing. Currency trading is one of them.
4. I am not a financial expert but I see trouble coming our way. Our currency should be appreciating against the cheaper US Dollar. But instead it is depreciating. This must be caused by weaknesses in our economy.
5. Despite Government propaganda through the controlled media that we are doing well, the reality is otherwise. The foreign investors, including Arabs came, and the reports claim that hundreds of millions of Ringgit in investment would be coming in, but there is no sign that the investors are actually investing. In fact I hear in the IT sector a proposed 600 million Ringgit investment has been withdrawn.
6. Apart from Arabs buying up new skyscrapers there is no sign that investments are really coming in.
7. I talked to potential investors and they told me they would not be investing and they are pulling out from the Malaysian stock market. The KLSE figures show how much market capital has disappeared. I am told that it is more than 100 billion Ringgit.
8. In the meantime the prices of oil and foodstuff are high and may go higher. But incomes are not increasing. In other words we are experiencing inflation. When the American financial crisis really hits us we may not be able to handle it.
9. Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak's appointment as Minister of Finance has come at a crucial time. I pray and hope he will be able to handle the impending crisis. If he fails then he will have to take the blame. Dato Seri Abdullah is now only involved in social issues, reform (of what?) and Islam Hadari. Appropriately he has taken over the Ministry of Defence.
10. We are in for a very interesting time. The PM should read carefully SAPP President Yong Teck Lee's press statement. But I don't think he would. He is reputed to have told Malaysian diplomats undergoing training that if they are asked critical questions they should "buat bodoh" i.e. pretend to be stupid. I believe that is precisely what Abdullah would do to Yong's statement.
PS
1. I read this morning that the Federal Reserve Bank will loan to AIG US$85 billion to prevent it from going into bankruptcy.
2. I remember well how we were told never to bail out failing companies. But in the last one year the Fed has bailed out dozens of failing banks, mortgage corporations and other businesses. Altogether the bail out has cost the Fed almost US$500 billion dollars.
3. I just wonder where the money comes from. Does the Fed hold hundreds of billions of dollars in readiness to rescue failed banks? I don't think so.
4. The money used is "created" through entries in account books. No cash or dollar notes are issued or even printed. Like a magician, the Fed make money from invisible sources.
5. Whatever, the USD will continue to fall.
6. Malaysia would be wise to get rid of dollar holdings. This goes for Bank Negara too. It must have lost quite a bit because of the depreciation of the USD.
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (392) | TrackBacks (0) | Previous Blog
1. The world is going through financial turmoil but most Malaysian politicians especially those in the Government seem blissfully unaware or unconcerned. Already 10 major banks in America have collapsed. The almighty US Dollar has depreciated. Now the huge insurance corporation, the American International Group is on the verge of bankruptcy.
2. In the last three quarters AIG lost US$18.5 billion dollars (68 billion Ringgit). AIG is struggling to raise funds to overcome its difficulties. If it fails it may have to opt for bankruptcy. But AIG is going to lose even more.
3. The failures are all due to playing with money, selling mortgages, selling papers and all kinds of financial dealings which have been invented by the finance houses in order to make huge sums of money out of nothing. Currency trading is one of them.
4. I am not a financial expert but I see trouble coming our way. Our currency should be appreciating against the cheaper US Dollar. But instead it is depreciating. This must be caused by weaknesses in our economy.
5. Despite Government propaganda through the controlled media that we are doing well, the reality is otherwise. The foreign investors, including Arabs came, and the reports claim that hundreds of millions of Ringgit in investment would be coming in, but there is no sign that the investors are actually investing. In fact I hear in the IT sector a proposed 600 million Ringgit investment has been withdrawn.
6. Apart from Arabs buying up new skyscrapers there is no sign that investments are really coming in.
7. I talked to potential investors and they told me they would not be investing and they are pulling out from the Malaysian stock market. The KLSE figures show how much market capital has disappeared. I am told that it is more than 100 billion Ringgit.
8. In the meantime the prices of oil and foodstuff are high and may go higher. But incomes are not increasing. In other words we are experiencing inflation. When the American financial crisis really hits us we may not be able to handle it.
9. Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak's appointment as Minister of Finance has come at a crucial time. I pray and hope he will be able to handle the impending crisis. If he fails then he will have to take the blame. Dato Seri Abdullah is now only involved in social issues, reform (of what?) and Islam Hadari. Appropriately he has taken over the Ministry of Defence.
10. We are in for a very interesting time. The PM should read carefully SAPP President Yong Teck Lee's press statement. But I don't think he would. He is reputed to have told Malaysian diplomats undergoing training that if they are asked critical questions they should "buat bodoh" i.e. pretend to be stupid. I believe that is precisely what Abdullah would do to Yong's statement.
PS
1. I read this morning that the Federal Reserve Bank will loan to AIG US$85 billion to prevent it from going into bankruptcy.
2. I remember well how we were told never to bail out failing companies. But in the last one year the Fed has bailed out dozens of failing banks, mortgage corporations and other businesses. Altogether the bail out has cost the Fed almost US$500 billion dollars.
3. I just wonder where the money comes from. Does the Fed hold hundreds of billions of dollars in readiness to rescue failed banks? I don't think so.
4. The money used is "created" through entries in account books. No cash or dollar notes are issued or even printed. Like a magician, the Fed make money from invisible sources.
5. Whatever, the USD will continue to fall.
6. Malaysia would be wise to get rid of dollar holdings. This goes for Bank Negara too. It must have lost quite a bit because of the depreciation of the USD.
Teresa Kok has been released
19/9 Teresa Kok's lawyer S.N. Nair said the Seputeh MP was released from ISA detention at about 1pm.
19/9 KL Magistrate Court gives 1-day extension on remand order against Syed Azidi aka blogger Sheih Kickdefella, expires 5pm tomorrow.
19/9 KL Magistrate Court gives 1-day extension on remand order against Syed Azidi aka blogger Sheih Kickdefella, expires 5pm tomorrow.
2008年9月17日星期三
SAPP pulled out of BN
Latest News 17/9 SAPP has decided to pull out of Barisan Nasional to become independent.
17/9 SAPP deputy chief Raymond Tan says he will resign as deputy chief minister and state minister within 24 hours; not quitting party yet.
17/9 SAPP deputy chief Raymond Tan says he will resign as deputy chief minister and state minister within 24 hours; not quitting party yet.
ACA opened file into claims tha Opposition is buying MPs
17/9 ACA has opened a file into claims that Opposition is offering money for BN MPs and assemblymen to cross over, says director-general Ahmad Said.
17/9 AIA Bhd assures policyholders it is unaffected by on-going US financial issues, CEO says 96 % of total assets invested in Malaysia.
17/9 AIA Bhd assures policyholders it is unaffected by on-going US financial issues, CEO says 96 % of total assets invested in Malaysia.
Abdullah, Najib swap portfolios
PM will take over the Defence Ministry portfolio from deputy Najib Tun Razak and Najib will take over the Finance Ministry's portfolio.
17/9 PM says he and deputy Najib Tun Razak are committed to the 2010 transition of power agreement.
17/9 Former MCA vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek has announced his candidacy for the party's deputy president.
17/9 Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar failed in his bid to get court order for his release on the grounds of medical neglect and endangerment.
16/9 PM Abdullah says he will not meet Anwar, wants Pakatan leader to first reveal to the public names of MPs allegedly crossing over.
16/9 Anwar claims he has more than 31 MPs crossing over but refuses to give names, says will reveal list when he meets PM Abdullah.
16/9 Federal Court declares Hashim Jasin of PAS the rightful winner for Sanglang state seat in Perlis, not Barisan Nasional's Abdullah Hassan.
16/9 Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra to file habeas corpus application for his release this afternoon; wife says he is not on hunger strike.
16/9 A 16 years old schoolgirl who was kidnapped on Friday was found murdered early this morning in Kulai; police confirm 4 suspects have been arrested.
16/9 Federal Court confirms election of Harun Taib of PAS to Manir state seat after dismission election petition of BN's Wan Sagar Wan Embong.
16/9 De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim says he has not made a decision to leave Umno and join PKR; he says he will keep an open mind.
16/9 Zaid Ibrahim says he will resign despite PM rejecting his resignation; he says he is disappointed.
16/9 The ISA is good but its enforcement should be rational and fair, says Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
10/9 Ahmad Ismail, suspended from Umno, said he won't retract his statements, but urged his supporters to stay calm.
10/9 PM Abdullah also reiterates that if necessary and needed, Internal Serurity Act will be used against those who stoke racial tensions.
10/9 Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy case postponed to Sept 24 to allow parties time to prepare arguments on transferring the case to High Court.
17/9 PM says he and deputy Najib Tun Razak are committed to the 2010 transition of power agreement.
17/9 Former MCA vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek has announced his candidacy for the party's deputy president.
17/9 Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar failed in his bid to get court order for his release on the grounds of medical neglect and endangerment.
16/9 PM Abdullah says he will not meet Anwar, wants Pakatan leader to first reveal to the public names of MPs allegedly crossing over.
16/9 Anwar claims he has more than 31 MPs crossing over but refuses to give names, says will reveal list when he meets PM Abdullah.
16/9 Federal Court declares Hashim Jasin of PAS the rightful winner for Sanglang state seat in Perlis, not Barisan Nasional's Abdullah Hassan.
16/9 Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra to file habeas corpus application for his release this afternoon; wife says he is not on hunger strike.
16/9 A 16 years old schoolgirl who was kidnapped on Friday was found murdered early this morning in Kulai; police confirm 4 suspects have been arrested.
16/9 Federal Court confirms election of Harun Taib of PAS to Manir state seat after dismission election petition of BN's Wan Sagar Wan Embong.
16/9 De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim says he has not made a decision to leave Umno and join PKR; he says he will keep an open mind.
16/9 Zaid Ibrahim says he will resign despite PM rejecting his resignation; he says he is disappointed.
16/9 The ISA is good but its enforcement should be rational and fair, says Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
10/9 Ahmad Ismail, suspended from Umno, said he won't retract his statements, but urged his supporters to stay calm.
10/9 PM Abdullah also reiterates that if necessary and needed, Internal Serurity Act will be used against those who stoke racial tensions.
10/9 Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy case postponed to Sept 24 to allow parties time to prepare arguments on transferring the case to High Court.
2008年9月16日星期二
Perlis Mufti criticised the recent arrests
PETALING JAYA: Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul Abidin has criticised the recent arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Saying that Islam did not need the ISA to defend itself, he added that the Quran or the Hadis should be used as a guide to investigate if a person was accused of insulting Islam.
“The authorities should have provided religious evidence to argue against the accused.
“Detaining someone under the ISA for committing religious offences will not stop misunderstandings about Islam.
“Disallowing a person the opportunity to defend himself is wrong,” he told Mstar Online on Monday.
Dr Asri said Jakim should play a more active role by giving more explanation on religious issues.
“Jakim should also explain on the issue of offences said to be committed by Malaysia Today portal editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin against Islam,” he added.
Saying that Islam did not need the ISA to defend itself, he added that the Quran or the Hadis should be used as a guide to investigate if a person was accused of insulting Islam.
“The authorities should have provided religious evidence to argue against the accused.
“Detaining someone under the ISA for committing religious offences will not stop misunderstandings about Islam.
“Disallowing a person the opportunity to defend himself is wrong,” he told Mstar Online on Monday.
Dr Asri said Jakim should play a more active role by giving more explanation on religious issues.
“Jakim should also explain on the issue of offences said to be committed by Malaysia Today portal editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin against Islam,” he added.
Hishammuddin:used of ISA against Sin Chew reporter not justify
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he personally felt that the Internal Security Act (ISA) should not have been used against Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, and would be raising the matter at the next Cabinet meeting.
He said although he agreed to the use of the ISA to protect national security, it should not be invoked to save or protect any individual, which was given as the reason for Tan’s detention.
“For the other two cases (the ISA arrests of Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin and Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok), I feel the authorities are better in the know of the risks they posed, but I do not have the information to comment if the arrests were justified.
“But in the context of the reporter, the minister concerned (Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar) has stated the reasons but I personally feel the ISA should not have been used for the reasons he mentioned,” he told reporters after the launching the book Malaysia: From Traditional to Smart Schools - The Malaysian Education Odyssey, here on Monday.
Hishammuddin said in a multi-racial country like Malaysia, threats to the nation’s security and racial harmony must also be considered.
He also said the decision by the government to use the ISA should not be disputed by its members openly, but instead at the Cabinet.
He differed in this from de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who opposed the use of the ISA against civilians, and who has tendered his resignation over the issue. -- Bernama
He said although he agreed to the use of the ISA to protect national security, it should not be invoked to save or protect any individual, which was given as the reason for Tan’s detention.
“For the other two cases (the ISA arrests of Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin and Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok), I feel the authorities are better in the know of the risks they posed, but I do not have the information to comment if the arrests were justified.
“But in the context of the reporter, the minister concerned (Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar) has stated the reasons but I personally feel the ISA should not have been used for the reasons he mentioned,” he told reporters after the launching the book Malaysia: From Traditional to Smart Schools - The Malaysian Education Odyssey, here on Monday.
Hishammuddin said in a multi-racial country like Malaysia, threats to the nation’s security and racial harmony must also be considered.
He also said the decision by the government to use the ISA should not be disputed by its members openly, but instead at the Cabinet.
He differed in this from de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who opposed the use of the ISA against civilians, and who has tendered his resignation over the issue. -- Bernama
Press statetment by the Police
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE POLICE ON ISA ARRESTS
In recent weeks, there has been an escalation of racially insensitive, seditious and disparaging acts and remarks by individuals and organisations bringing about a state of unrest and religious tension in the country.
When the police decided to invoke the ISA, the decision was based on intelligence and observation that certain acts by the individuals concerned were detrimental to the calm, peace and harmony of the country.
These acts if not curtailed would cause public disorder and be a threat to national security. An arrest under the ISA is only made when the police strongly believes that certain acts by individual can pose a serious threat to public order and national security.
These are the grounds in which the police based their decision on.
When there are reasonable ground the police will act accordingly under the provisions of Section 73(1) of the ISA. An arrest under the Section provides the police with means to investigate and verify whether the intelligence received can be substantiated.
In the case of the Sin Chew Daily news reporter, she was released as soon as the police had verified the intelligence and found no grounds to detain her further.
In the case of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Teresa Kok, the police need time to investigate further on their alleged involvement in acts that can be considered as prejudicial to the security of the country.
We have 60 days under the ISA to investigate. As soon as we can establish that we have no firm grounds to substantiate our believes that they pose a threat to national security, we will release those persons.
But at any time within the 60 days, we find that our beliefs are substantiated, we will subject the case to the Minister with the recommendation that the person be detained under the Minister’s order of detention under Section 8(1) of the ISA.
In so far as the investigation is concerned, the police will conduct the investigation professionally and expeditiously, as it would not be in the public interest for the police to act otherwise.
The public are hereby advised not to take matters into their own hands except in accordance to law.
Let the police work within the system and laws of the country. Racial and religious unrest can be triggered over small matters and can escalate into situations that are damaging and irreversible.
We cannot allow the May 13, Kg Medan and Kg Rawa incidents to repeat and destroy the country.
The police will have to take pre-emptive measures in order to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
As such, the public must allow the police to act within the perimeters of the law in this country, including the ISA, which is a swift mechanism for effective action.
The police are continuously monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who continues inciting racial and religious issues which are detrimental to the calm, peace and harmony of the country.
In the interest of the nation’s peace and harmony, the police will act without fear or favour. The police wish to reiterate and affirm that at the current moment, the situation in this country is calm and under control.
Tan Sri Ismail Omar Deputy Inspector General of Police
In recent weeks, there has been an escalation of racially insensitive, seditious and disparaging acts and remarks by individuals and organisations bringing about a state of unrest and religious tension in the country.
When the police decided to invoke the ISA, the decision was based on intelligence and observation that certain acts by the individuals concerned were detrimental to the calm, peace and harmony of the country.
These acts if not curtailed would cause public disorder and be a threat to national security. An arrest under the ISA is only made when the police strongly believes that certain acts by individual can pose a serious threat to public order and national security.
These are the grounds in which the police based their decision on.
When there are reasonable ground the police will act accordingly under the provisions of Section 73(1) of the ISA. An arrest under the Section provides the police with means to investigate and verify whether the intelligence received can be substantiated.
In the case of the Sin Chew Daily news reporter, she was released as soon as the police had verified the intelligence and found no grounds to detain her further.
In the case of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Teresa Kok, the police need time to investigate further on their alleged involvement in acts that can be considered as prejudicial to the security of the country.
We have 60 days under the ISA to investigate. As soon as we can establish that we have no firm grounds to substantiate our believes that they pose a threat to national security, we will release those persons.
But at any time within the 60 days, we find that our beliefs are substantiated, we will subject the case to the Minister with the recommendation that the person be detained under the Minister’s order of detention under Section 8(1) of the ISA.
In so far as the investigation is concerned, the police will conduct the investigation professionally and expeditiously, as it would not be in the public interest for the police to act otherwise.
The public are hereby advised not to take matters into their own hands except in accordance to law.
Let the police work within the system and laws of the country. Racial and religious unrest can be triggered over small matters and can escalate into situations that are damaging and irreversible.
We cannot allow the May 13, Kg Medan and Kg Rawa incidents to repeat and destroy the country.
The police will have to take pre-emptive measures in order to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
As such, the public must allow the police to act within the perimeters of the law in this country, including the ISA, which is a swift mechanism for effective action.
The police are continuously monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who continues inciting racial and religious issues which are detrimental to the calm, peace and harmony of the country.
In the interest of the nation’s peace and harmony, the police will act without fear or favour. The police wish to reiterate and affirm that at the current moment, the situation in this country is calm and under control.
Tan Sri Ismail Omar Deputy Inspector General of Police
2008年9月15日星期一
Anwar to take over?PM denies Anwar has got the numbers.
15/9 According to the Star online, Anwar Ibrahim claims Pakatan Rakyat has the numbers and is ready to take over the federal government tomorrow.
Although many people would like a change, many people still doubt this will happen overnight. It is only a few hours to go and every one will know.
15/9 PM Abdullah denies Anwar has got the numbers to form government, scoffed at Opposition claims and said it was preposterous.
15/9 Anwar Ibrahim arrives at PKR gathering in Kelana Jaya Stadium at 9:45pm to thunderous applause and shouts of Reformasi.
15/9 De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim has submitted his resignation letter to the PM.
13/9 SAPP supreme council will decide on Sept 17 its status in Barisan Nasional, says president Yong Teck Lee.
15/9 Kota Kinabalu Election Court dismisses election petition seeking to nullify results of Api Api state seat won narrowly by BN's Yee Moh Chai.
Although many people would like a change, many people still doubt this will happen overnight. It is only a few hours to go and every one will know.
15/9 PM Abdullah denies Anwar has got the numbers to form government, scoffed at Opposition claims and said it was preposterous.
15/9 Anwar Ibrahim arrives at PKR gathering in Kelana Jaya Stadium at 9:45pm to thunderous applause and shouts of Reformasi.
15/9 De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim has submitted his resignation letter to the PM.
13/9 SAPP supreme council will decide on Sept 17 its status in Barisan Nasional, says president Yong Teck Lee.
15/9 Kota Kinabalu Election Court dismisses election petition seeking to nullify results of Api Api state seat won narrowly by BN's Yee Moh Chai.
Law Minister:ISA should be used against terrorists only
14/9 ISA should not be used against civilians, only against terrorists or those trying to topple the government by force:De Facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim.
15/9 Seputeh MP Teresa Kok , via lawyer Karpal Singh, files habeas corpus application against her ISA detention, at High Court civil registry.
14/9 MCA Youth chief Liow to propose replacing ISA with more relevant Race Relations Act to empower Unity Ministry to promote unity and integration.
15/9 Seputeh MP Teresa Kok , via lawyer Karpal Singh, files habeas corpus application against her ISA detention, at High Court civil registry.
14/9 MCA Youth chief Liow to propose replacing ISA with more relevant Race Relations Act to empower Unity Ministry to promote unity and integration.
2008年9月13日星期六
Sin Chew reporter's life was threatened?
13/9 Sin Chew reporter was detained by police because her life was threatened and police wanted to get to the bottom of it:Syed Hamid Albar.
Then why the police detained her under ISA?
The Star online later quoted Syed Hamid Albar saying that the detention order for Sin Chew reporter came from police and not from him.
Then why the police detained her under ISA?
The Star online later quoted Syed Hamid Albar saying that the detention order for Sin Chew reporter came from police and not from him.
Sin Chew reporter has been released
13/9 The Star online just reported that Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng has been released after being detained for one day under the ISA.
This is unprecedented in the history of Malaysia. Ms Tan Hoon Cheng should thank whatever God she prayed for and take a few days holidays from her work.
Sin Chew online made the following reports:
PETALING JAYA: Sin Chew Daily senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was released this afternoon (13 Sep) after being detained overnight under the Internal Security Act for questioning.
Hoon Cheng's family confirmed that she had arrived safely at her home at Bukit Mertajam, Penang. It is uncertain where she was actually detained although it was initially understood to be at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The family said she was alright and now resting.
Hoon Cheng was arrested under ISA for her report on the racist remarks by UMNO Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail during the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Ahmad Ismail was allaged to have labelled the Chinese community as penumpang (lodgers). His membership has been suspended for three years by UMNO, but no police action has been taken against him so far. (MySinchew)
This is unprecedented in the history of Malaysia. Ms Tan Hoon Cheng should thank whatever God she prayed for and take a few days holidays from her work.
Sin Chew online made the following reports:
PETALING JAYA: Sin Chew Daily senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was released this afternoon (13 Sep) after being detained overnight under the Internal Security Act for questioning.
Hoon Cheng's family confirmed that she had arrived safely at her home at Bukit Mertajam, Penang. It is uncertain where she was actually detained although it was initially understood to be at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The family said she was alright and now resting.
Hoon Cheng was arrested under ISA for her report on the racist remarks by UMNO Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail during the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Ahmad Ismail was allaged to have labelled the Chinese community as penumpang (lodgers). His membership has been suspended for three years by UMNO, but no police action has been taken against him so far. (MySinchew)
Home Minister:Sin Chew reporter might be released soon
Sin Chew reporter Tan Hoon Cheng may be released from ISA as soon as today, says Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.
He also told the media that there will be no more ISA arrests expected but it will depend on situation of public order.
He also told the media that there will be no more ISA arrests expected but it will depend on situation of public order.
NUJ is concerned over Home Ministry's show-cause letters
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is concerned over the Home Ministry’s show-cause letters to The Sun, Sin Chew Daily and Suara Keadilan for alleged manipulation and highlighting of sensitive issues.
NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud described the worrying trend as being tantamount to further restriction to press freedom, thus hindering journalists from reporting the truth without fear.
”The union feels the current political temperature was rising because of irresponsible politicians making comments on sensitive issues without thinking what the implications of their remarks would have on the public,” she said in a statement Friday.
Norila said the Government had taken the Printing, Presses and Publications Act as means to issue a show-cause letter to the respective newspapers over the transpired events, while the media merely reported the facts and was not a party to any issue.
”Subsequently, if these (news)papers were to be closed down or suspended, the livelihood of hundreds of journalists and non-journalists who are not involved with the issues will also be affected,” she added.
She said the NUJ hoped the Government would keep to its promise of a freer media and not resort to suspending or closing down newpapers. - Bernama
NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud described the worrying trend as being tantamount to further restriction to press freedom, thus hindering journalists from reporting the truth without fear.
”The union feels the current political temperature was rising because of irresponsible politicians making comments on sensitive issues without thinking what the implications of their remarks would have on the public,” she said in a statement Friday.
Norila said the Government had taken the Printing, Presses and Publications Act as means to issue a show-cause letter to the respective newspapers over the transpired events, while the media merely reported the facts and was not a party to any issue.
”Subsequently, if these (news)papers were to be closed down or suspended, the livelihood of hundreds of journalists and non-journalists who are not involved with the issues will also be affected,” she added.
She said the NUJ hoped the Government would keep to its promise of a freer media and not resort to suspending or closing down newpapers. - Bernama
DAP's Teresa Kok is the latest to be arrested under ISA
KUALA LUMPUR: DAP's Teresa Kok is the latest to be arrested under Section 73 (1) of the ISA Friday.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok - arrested under ISA.
Kok, who is Seputeh MP and also assemblyman for Kinrara, was arrested at 11.20pm Friday.
The above news is reported by The Star online.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok - arrested under ISA.
Kok, who is Seputeh MP and also assemblyman for Kinrara, was arrested at 11.20pm Friday.
The above news is reported by The Star online.
2008年9月12日星期五
PM wants a stop to discussions on transition of power
12/9 PM wants a stop to all discussions on the transition of power from him to his deputy Najib Tun Razak.
Sin Chew reporter Tan Hoon Cheng detained under ISA
12/9 Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng arrested at her home in Bukit Mertajam at 8:30pm.
Later, Deputy IGP Ismail Omar confirms to the media that Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng detained under ISA.
Sin Chew Daily reports in its website as follows:
KUALA LUMPUR: Sin Chew Daily senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng is arrested under the Internal Security Act this evening (12 Sep) around 9 p.m. at her home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
We, her colleagues from Sin Chew Daily are shocked against the arrest.
Before the police could enter her house, Hoon Cheng contacted Chan May May, Legal Consultant of Sin Chew Daily, informing her that the police was outside her home, and she was asked to follow them to the police station for questioning under the Internal Security Act.
Hoon Cheng could not be contacted after that phone call as no calls could be made to her.
As we could not contact Hoon Cheng on her phone, our colleagues in Penang have been going all over Penang, trying to locate her. About an hour later, it was confirmed that she was remanded at Bukit Mertajam police station.
The management and legal team of Sin Chew Daily dashed to the head office in Petaling Jaya immediately after being informed to discuss ways to assist Hoon Cheng. We have also received calls from all parties to express their concern and they have willingly offered their assistance..
Anyone arrested under the Internal Security Act could be detained up to 60 days without trial.
Datuk Liew Chen Chuan, Managing Director of Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad, said the company will offer full assistance to Hoon Cheng to the fullest extent allowed under the law. At the same time, he emphasised that Sin Chew Daily will stand firmly by our editorial position and will continue to discharge our duites responsibly as a newspaper. (Sin Chew Daily)
Later, Deputy IGP Ismail Omar confirms to the media that Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng detained under ISA.
Sin Chew Daily reports in its website as follows:
KUALA LUMPUR: Sin Chew Daily senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng is arrested under the Internal Security Act this evening (12 Sep) around 9 p.m. at her home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
We, her colleagues from Sin Chew Daily are shocked against the arrest.
Before the police could enter her house, Hoon Cheng contacted Chan May May, Legal Consultant of Sin Chew Daily, informing her that the police was outside her home, and she was asked to follow them to the police station for questioning under the Internal Security Act.
Hoon Cheng could not be contacted after that phone call as no calls could be made to her.
As we could not contact Hoon Cheng on her phone, our colleagues in Penang have been going all over Penang, trying to locate her. About an hour later, it was confirmed that she was remanded at Bukit Mertajam police station.
The management and legal team of Sin Chew Daily dashed to the head office in Petaling Jaya immediately after being informed to discuss ways to assist Hoon Cheng. We have also received calls from all parties to express their concern and they have willingly offered their assistance..
Anyone arrested under the Internal Security Act could be detained up to 60 days without trial.
Datuk Liew Chen Chuan, Managing Director of Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad, said the company will offer full assistance to Hoon Cheng to the fullest extent allowed under the law. At the same time, he emphasised that Sin Chew Daily will stand firmly by our editorial position and will continue to discharge our duites responsibly as a newspaper. (Sin Chew Daily)
Raja Petra arrested under ISA
Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin has been arrested under ISA. Home Ministry issues 3 newspapers show cause letters. These 3 newspaper are Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan.
Picture of Raja Petra
12/9 Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin says he is willing to take the risk as he is not afraid of consequences for calling PM to resign earlier.
12/9 Transition of power should be decided by the delegates at Umno division meetings which start after Raya, says Najib Tun Razak.
Picture of Raja Petra
12/9 Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin says he is willing to take the risk as he is not afraid of consequences for calling PM to resign earlier.
12/9 Transition of power should be decided by the delegates at Umno division meetings which start after Raya, says Najib Tun Razak.
2008年9月11日星期四
Missing jokes
Get Vietnamese worker, DOG missing!
Get Bangla, Malay girls missing!
Get Chinese maid, Husband missing!
Call the police, Evidence missing!
Call the witness, whole family missing!
Found medical report, doctor missing!
Government changed, funds and documents missing!
Choose Anwar as PM, Dr Mahathir missing!
Forward this SMS and you will be missing!
Get Bangla, Malay girls missing!
Get Chinese maid, Husband missing!
Call the police, Evidence missing!
Call the witness, whole family missing!
Found medical report, doctor missing!
Government changed, funds and documents missing!
Choose Anwar as PM, Dr Mahathir missing!
Forward this SMS and you will be missing!
Cabinet ordered all blocked websites to be reinstated
11/9 On first day of Ops Warta, 47 people were arrested and 105 notices of arrest posted at homes of traffic offenders said Selangor traffic police.
11/9 Penang CM Lim Guan Eng has directed local council to close down the Balik Pulau NS training camp; no council permit obtained to build the camp.
11/9 Cabinet has ordered SKMM to reinstate access to all blocked websites including Malaysia Today, says Energy, Water and Communications Minister.
11/9 Magnitude 6.7 quake hit North Maluku, Indonesia. There is a Tsunami alert for Indonesia but no tsunami alert for Malaysia.
11/9 Magnitude 7.0 quake rocked Hokkaido, Japan, at 8.20am( Malaysian time). Meteorological department says there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia.
10/9 MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan announced his candidacy for the party’s deputy president’s post.
7/9 Floods up north claiming first victim when 73 year-old woman drowns in Kedah, 1565 people there and 125 from Penang are still in relief centres.
3/9 A special unit was set up 4 months ago under Auditor General’s Dept to conduct surprise spot checks on government agencies and department.
2/9 A Federal Village Development and Securities Committee head Taib Ali was shot dead in front of his children’s school near Bagan Serai at 7:30am.
2/9 Four suspected members of notorious Mamak gang killed in a shootout with police at petrol station in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam this morning.
2/9 Thailand’s SET opens down 2.2% to 660.57 after Thai PM declares emergency in Bangkok.
2/9 Thailand’s PM Samak Sundaravej declares state of emergency in Bangkok. Stock market is still open for trading.
29/8 Protesters have forced Thai authorities to close Haadyai and Krabi airport in addition to Phuket, tension rising at Government House in Bangkok.
29/8 Phuket airport closed after 5000 anti-government protesters staged a blockade, thousands still occupying Government House in Bangkok for fourth straight day.
1/9 Satellite images show the Arctic has become an island for the first time in human history because of climate changes.
11/9 Penang CM Lim Guan Eng has directed local council to close down the Balik Pulau NS training camp; no council permit obtained to build the camp.
11/9 Cabinet has ordered SKMM to reinstate access to all blocked websites including Malaysia Today, says Energy, Water and Communications Minister.
11/9 Magnitude 6.7 quake hit North Maluku, Indonesia. There is a Tsunami alert for Indonesia but no tsunami alert for Malaysia.
11/9 Magnitude 7.0 quake rocked Hokkaido, Japan, at 8.20am( Malaysian time). Meteorological department says there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia.
10/9 MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan announced his candidacy for the party’s deputy president’s post.
7/9 Floods up north claiming first victim when 73 year-old woman drowns in Kedah, 1565 people there and 125 from Penang are still in relief centres.
3/9 A special unit was set up 4 months ago under Auditor General’s Dept to conduct surprise spot checks on government agencies and department.
2/9 A Federal Village Development and Securities Committee head Taib Ali was shot dead in front of his children’s school near Bagan Serai at 7:30am.
2/9 Four suspected members of notorious Mamak gang killed in a shootout with police at petrol station in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam this morning.
2/9 Thailand’s SET opens down 2.2% to 660.57 after Thai PM declares emergency in Bangkok.
2/9 Thailand’s PM Samak Sundaravej declares state of emergency in Bangkok. Stock market is still open for trading.
29/8 Protesters have forced Thai authorities to close Haadyai and Krabi airport in addition to Phuket, tension rising at Government House in Bangkok.
29/8 Phuket airport closed after 5000 anti-government protesters staged a blockade, thousands still occupying Government House in Bangkok for fourth straight day.
1/9 Satellite images show the Arctic has become an island for the first time in human history because of climate changes.
2008年9月2日星期二
Najib aplologises on behalf of Ahmad Ismail
2/9 DPM Najib Tun Razak apologises on behalf of Bukit Bendera Umno chief Ahmad Ismail for the hurt caused by his racist remarks/STAR
Blogger: what is going on here? The one who made those remarks should apologise instead of Najib. If more Umno chief made racist remarks, then Najib will be very busy apologising.
2/9 Thailand's Election Commission recommends the ruling People Power Party be disbanded for vote fraud in another blow to PM Samak Sundaravej/STAR
2/9 Thai PM Samak declares state of emergency in Bangkok, gives army control of public order after clashes between pro and antigovt protesters/STAR
2/9 A Federal Village Development and Security Committee head Taib Ali was shot dead in front of his children's school near Bagan Serai at 7.30am/STAR
2/9 Seremban Umno deputy chief Md Nor Awang charged with corruption for allegedly paying RM700 to be nominated for top post in division polls/STAR
Blogger: what is going on here? The one who made those remarks should apologise instead of Najib. If more Umno chief made racist remarks, then Najib will be very busy apologising.
2/9 Thailand's Election Commission recommends the ruling People Power Party be disbanded for vote fraud in another blow to PM Samak Sundaravej/STAR
2/9 Thai PM Samak declares state of emergency in Bangkok, gives army control of public order after clashes between pro and antigovt protesters/STAR
2/9 A Federal Village Development and Security Committee head Taib Ali was shot dead in front of his children's school near Bagan Serai at 7.30am/STAR
2/9 Seremban Umno deputy chief Md Nor Awang charged with corruption for allegedly paying RM700 to be nominated for top post in division polls/STAR
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