New Perlis MB chosen: It’s the Sultan’s choice

 M'sian politics, Malaysian elections  3 Responses »
Mar 162008
 

The NST reports that Shahidan Kassim has failed in his last-ditch attempt today to secure the Perlis Mentri Besar post. It is learnt that Abdullah had already met the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail where they reached a consensus that Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu, who is the Ruler’s choice, would be maintained as Mentri Besar. Dr Isa is expected to be sworn in as the new Mentri Besar of Perlis tomorrow. What does this say about the PM’s position? Let’s see what happens in Terengganu now.

There’s a new opposition newspaper in town

 Democracy, Malaysian elections, Malaysian finance/business, Media  17 Responses »
Mar 152008
 

Soon after it became clear that opposition parties had swept to power in five states, a senior staff member of The Star told me, with a laugh, “Do you know, I am now working for an opposition newspaper – in five states.” Which is true, because The Star is owned by the MCA, now in the Opposition in these states. Hmm, I wonder if The Star will now be subject to the same restrictions as other opposition papers such as The Rocket and Harakah (actually, these two are now, in a sense, state government newspapers!)… These “opposition” newpapers are only allowed to be published once a fortnight and they can only be sold to party members. No, I am not advocating that The Star should be subjected to the same restrictions. Just pointing out how ridiculous and discriminatory our media laws are. It’s time to remove the restrictions on The [Read more]

1,000 join pro-NEP protest in Penang

 Ethnic and inter-religious relations, M'sian politics, Malaysian finance/business  69 Responses »
Mar 142008
 
1,000 join pro-NEP protest in Penang

A friend of mine provides an eye-witness account and pictures of the pro-NEP demonstration around Komtar, Penang, this afternoon. (The Komtar tower houses the offices of the Penang state government offices and the Chief Minister.) The crowd, which included several Umno leaders and reps in the state, were protesting against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s declaration that the new DAP-led state government would discontinue New Economic Policy (NEP) policies. Here is the eye-witness account: At about 2.55pm, I was walking through Komtar and out from the third floor at the Maybank entrance. At first, I saw people lining the balcony railing looking down to three FRU trucks being loaded up with personnel. There was a strong police presence (though not intimidating), vehicles and personnel and a curious but not ruffled crowd. When I asked, I was told the new chief minister was coming. A bit of a heavy welcome, [Read more]

“Business-friendly” or people-friendly state govts?

 M'sian politics, Malaysian elections, Malaysian finance/business, Neo-liberal economics, People's Park/PGCC  6 Responses »
Mar 132008
 
"Business-friendly" or people-friendly state govts?

There’s been a lot of reaction over the selection of the Perak Mentri Besar, which has gone to a Pas candidate. Kit Siang should not have asked his DAP state assembly members to boycott the swearing in. After all, there was an agreement among the DAP, PKR and Pas at the state level that they would respect the Perak Sultan’s choice. And if party leaders believe in democracy, then they should understand their roles in the party. Lim, is just an adviser to the party, though he played a significant role in contributing to the Opposition’s good showing. It should be borne in mind that many Malaysians voted across ethnic and religious lines. By asking DAP assembly members to stay away, how different is that from the BN assembly members staying from Guan Eng’s swearing in ceremony in Penang? Really, Kit Siang should respect the wishes of a large number [Read more]

BN’s popular vote dips below 50% in Peninsula

 M'sian politics, Malaysian elections  13 Responses »
Mar 112008
 
BN's popular vote dips below 50% in Peninsula

Greetings from Ground Zero, three days after the political hurricane that struck a wide swathe all the way from Kedah to Selangor. This morning, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was sworn in as Penang Chief Minister even as Zakaria Md Deros passed away. (Oh, what good is storing worldly treasures in earthly palaces when you can’t take it with you when you go? I think there is a message from above in there, especially in the timing.) It is a historic day for it is the first time the Opposition is taking over the reins of the Penang state government in nearly 40 years. Koh Tsu Koon, still gracious in defeat, was present, but BN state assembly members reportedly stayed away. In fact, Koh deserves to be commended for the calm, collected way he has handled this devastating defeat and for facilitating a smooth transition. Chief Minister Lim pledged to [Read more]

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