- Najib new Finance Minister as part of transition deal
- He faces challenge of global financial markets in panic
- Abdullah goes to defence, may leave earlier
- PM describes Anwar as “threat to security”
- Over 30 MPs to back habeas corpus application for Teresa Kok
- Anwar will succeed, says Nik Aziz
- Khairy, Khir Toyo gunning for Umno Youth’s top post
- 300 attend DAP candle-light vigil in Penang last night
- Mahathir “persuaded” to rejoin Umno
- ACA begins investigations into “cross-over” offers
- Three leading Muslim NGOs condemn ISA arrests
2056: Zorro Unmasked carries an account by Marina Lee of her impression of Raja Petra after visiting him yesterday.
He has lost weight and his sugar level has dived from 8 to 4. I urged him to eat and to drink a lot of water. In fact we brought him his favorites: a 6-pack coke, chocolates, fresh plums, shepherd’s pie and caramel custard. Raja Petra asked us to take them back. He said that those interrogating him would try to use these food items as inducements to get him to co-operate. RPK said he did not want to be beholden to them. They will use favours they grudgingly grant and use these as trade offs.
He complained that the food supplied is such that our two cats will not even eat. But I encouraged him that despite that, he has to eat. He replied that he has no appetite and that most of the time he is tired as they are interrogating him incessantly. They come to his cell (8X8 concrete box without windows) and harass him at all hours of the day and night taking hourly turns having a video camera at all times. Full text here.
2045: Three prominent Muslim groups have so far condemned the ISA arrests: Jim, Abim and Muslim Professionals Forum.
Says Abim in its press statement:
At no time should a person be detained without undergoing due process of law, in which the right to fair hearing is of utmost importance, and criminal prosecution initiated for unreasonable purposes. Such an action, regardless of the initiating party, goes against the principles of natural justice and the Syari’ah which mandates impartiality, justice and fairness.
We strongly condemn the detentions of blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok under the draconian law of the Internal Security Act (ISA). ISA is a draconian instrument that goes against all tenets of fairness, justice and demoting the rule of law. It promotes cruelty and injustice by denying its detainees the right to be heard and a fair trial. In addition, the ISA is also prone to political abuse and there have been instances where the detainees have been mistreated.
2008: Blogger Rocky reports on his last conversation with Kickdefella:
Sheih told me last night he was told the police were looking for him. “Someone who claimed to be a cop came to the office. I missed them by a whisker”.
He said he was not going to run from the law. “If they ask me to go to the police station, I will go.”
In a blog posting on 13 September, Kickdefella wrote:
My fellow Malaysian,
This country is indeed still in distress, politically and economically. Yet, I beg all of you, please let us not tarnish this beautiful Ramadan with violent actions. Let us just do this changes via a whisper. Let us not shout for change but let us beg for one.
1951: Kelantan deputy police chief SAC II Amir Hamzah Ibrahim said he could not confirm blogger Kickdefella’s detention for sedition as the Kelantan police were not informed about it, reports The Star online. The blogger’s wife, however, was informed that he was being arrested for sedition.
1932: Blog reader Sewel tells us:
Anwar, as the leader of the Opposition, is within his rights to invite members of the Government to join his party and form a government. There is no law against it.
So in essence if Anwar has the numbers he just needs to advise the Speaker of the House and the PM and seek an audience with the Agung. The Agung then notifies the Speaker to undertake a head count of members for and against the Government and the PM either survives the motion or a new PM and cabinet is elected. It’s that simple.
1913: More than 30 MPs have agreed to put forward a harbeas corpus application to cancel the ISA detention of Teresa Kok, reports Suara Keadilan. Among those present at the media conference in Parliament were Khalid Ibrahim, Guan Eng, Hatta Ramli, Karpal – and Zaid Ibrahim. “This is the first time that the nation has detained a woman MP using the ISA,” observed Kit Siang, who lamented the absence of BN MPs at the caucus. Meanwhile, Teresa has lodged a police report against Utusan Melayu, columnist Zaini Hassan and Khir Toyo for criminal defamation.
1911: Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy is going for Umno Youth’s top post.
1849: Kickdefella’s wife believes that he was arrested for sedition, reports Malaysiakini.
Abdullah’s description of Anwar as a “threat to the country’s economy as well as a possible threat to (national) security” now sounds ominous.
1820: Rocky’s Bru has revealed that blogger Kickdefella was picked up by police. He was detained in Kota Baru at 5.00pm today.
1815: The ACA has begun investigations into claims by BN MPs that they are being offered money by Pakatan Rakyat to cross over, reports The Star.
1811: Sapp has come up with an 8-point declaration:
- Good governance and non-racial politics,
- Autonomy for Sabah,
- 20% oil royalties,
- Return of Labuan,
- Review of unfair laws and detrimental departments,
- Borneonisation of the federal civil service,
- Solution to the illegal immigrants issue, and
- Redress economic and social imbalances.
1804: Sapp president Yong Teck Lee explains why his party has pulled out of the BN:
The BN has lost its “BN spirit”. It was not that the people who did not want the BN, it was the BN who abandoned the people. In spite of repeated appeals from some BN members to other BN leaders to be more sensitive to the peoples’ feelings, these leaders continue to treat the people with contempt. Perhaps, after 50 years of uninterrupted government, some BN leaders have got it in their heads that they have a divine right to rule.
Full statement here.
1733: Pas information chief Mahfuz Omar says the Cabinet reshuffle reflects Abdullah’s weakened position. Mahfuz is worried that the PM will use the Defence Ministry as a lifeline to thwart Pakatan’s goal of a political transition.
1713: As alluded to earlier, Sapp has pulled out of the BN, a day after its leaders attended a Sabah DAP forum. It will become an independent party. Party deputy chief Raymond Tan is quitting the party. It’s been another dramatic day.
1712: “Panic is mounting in (global) financial markets,” according to an economic report I have just received. Dozens of US banks and many hedge funds are in serious trouble. “The fallout of the financial turmoil in the U.S. is becoming global with stock markets all over the world plunging.”
The Malaysian economy is unlikely to be spared from the fallout. Has the PM, now safely ensconsed in the Defence Ministry, knowingly allowed Najib to assume the hot seat while he “monitors his performance” to see whether his deputy is fit to take over?
1618: Khir Toyo has reiterated his stand that he is going for Umno Youth’s post, according to Bernama. That explains his recent “high profile”. The other hopefuls are Mukhriz and Padang Besar Umno division chief Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
1608: The KLCI has dropped to 1003 now from 1008 around lunch-time.
1600: PM Abdullah Badawi has described Anwar as a “threat to the country’s economy as well as a possible threat to (national) security.” (Malaysiakini)
1556: The global economy slowdown is likely to affect the Malaysian economy and pose a serious challenge for new Finance Minister Najib. It’s not going to be smooth sailing for the new man unless far-reaching pro-people economic policies are introduced to benefit ordinary Malaysian and to help workers and disadvantaged groups cope with rising prices. Does Najib have the right experience for such a critical time?
1523: But why is Abdullah taking over at Defence at this time?
1456: The Sabah DAP forum in Kota Kinabalu yesterday was attended by more a thousand people, according to Sapp. Guest speakers included Yong Teck Lee, Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim and Jeffery Kitingan. Kit Siang presented the closing speech.
1451: By now, we can see what kind of impact 916 has had on the government: The ISA arrests, Mahathir’s planned re-entry into Umno, Zaid’s resignation, Sapp reconsidering its position in the BN today, and now this Cabinet surprise. Are they all isolated incidents or isn’t it more logical to see a common thread running through them: the demand for change from the people post-8 March?
1445: Abdullah is taking over Najib’s defence portfolio.
1434: It may be seen as a serious weakening of Abdullah’s own position in the Cabinet in relation to Najib. The PM says he will not stay on after 2010 but “may go earlier”. Najib has strengthened his hand in government. Perhaps the hope is that this Cabinet swap will pre-empt the Mahathir-inspired faction, Razaleigh and Muhyiddin from gaining momentum and pacify Najib until Abdullah is ready to hand over. In one way, it may be seen as history repeating itself. Abdullah’s current position may be reminscent of the tail-end of Tunku’s tenure in 1969-70 when Najib’s father Abdul Razak for all intents and purposes held real power even though the Tunku only stepped down later. But has Abdullah got a trick or two up his sleeve?
1428: Najib is the new Finance Minister with immediate effect, according to my media sources. I interpret this move as giving him more power in the government as part of the transition deal, perhaps to pacify him until such time as the PM steps aside.
1424: The Sapp meeting scheduled for today is to discuss the party’s status in the BN. Meanwhile, Sapp leaders were at a Sabah DAP forum last night titled “Malaysia Towards a New Era”. Kit Siang referred to Yong’s presence as part of the “Pakatan Rakyat Plus Team”.
1414: Mahathir has been “persuaded” to rejoin Umno, reports the Malaysian Insider. “God willing, he will submit his membership application form soon, possibly before Aidilfitri,” it quotes Mukhriz as saying.
1404: Pastor Sivin Kit of the Bangsar Lutheran Church has set up a “prayer wall” on his blog, where you can post prayers for the immediate release of the ISA detainees.
1358: A Muslim NGO, Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM), has come out strongly to condemn the ISA detentions of Teresa Kok, Raja Petra and others. It has also questioned the detention of journalist Tan Hoon Cheng. Read the full statement here.
Firman Allah s.w.t. dalam surah Al-Hujurat ayat 6, penyebaran perkhabaran dan maklumat yang tidak sahih lagi meragukan menyebabkan berlakunya pertimbangan yang tidak adil, lantaran mengundang kepada musibah fitnah yang melanda masyarakat.
Riwayat hadith Ibnu Majah dan Abu Dawud menyebutkan bahawa kadi yang menetapkan hukuman kepada seseorang bedasarkan sumber-sumber bukti yang tidak benar akan dicampakkan ke dalam api neraka sewajarnya cukup menjadi pengajaran bagi kerajaan untuk mengutamakan prinsip keadilan Islam yang rasional berbanding dengan sentimen-sentimen perkauman yang rapuh dalam menjaga kemaslahatan masyarakat.
Regarding the Azan issue, JIM says:
Penahanan Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok pula merupakan satu ketidakadilan kerana dakwaan bekas Menteri Besar Selangor keatasnya telah dinafikan sekeras-kerasnya. Malah, masjid di Damansara yang dikatakan disuruh perlahankan bunyi azannya telah memberi penjelasan bahawa azan tidak berbunyi dengan kuat kerana alat pembesar suara azannya mengalami kesulitan teknikal, bukannya kerana ditentang penduduk bukan Islam.
Penduduk bukan Islam di kawasan perumahan sekitar sebuah masjid di Puchong pula dilaporkan hanya memohon supaya diperlahankan penggunaan pembesar suara untuk majlis kuliah bacaan ayat al-Quran, bukannya azan itu sendiri.
1347: An hour-long DAP candle-light vigil near Gurney Drive in Penang last night drew about 300 people. Among those who addressed the crowd were MP Liew Chin Tong and a couple of Penang state assembly members. As the crowd swelled and the singing began, police asked the organisers to end the event. Parking tickets were issued and one state government official received a parking ticket!
1336: Waiting for word on the outcome of a press conference in KL involving a senior cabinet minister.
1335: Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) is expected to make a crucial decision this afternoon on its position in the Barisan Nasional (The Star online). Sapp’s two MPs have indicated they will be present at the meeting.
1332: Nik Aziz is confident Anwar will succeed in his plan to take over the federal government, the NST reports:
Nik Aziz said the Sept 16 date was just a “technical” point when told that Anwar had failed to honour his claim that he would be in charge on this date.
“His failure today is nothing… He did not lie to the people as he had tried his best but his efforts were curtailed by others,” Nik Aziz said.
“I support the move to form a new government at the federal level. I will pray that Anwar’s effort will succeed.”
Never have I see it as failure. Come on! Nobody has expected that pakatan Rakyat would deny BN 2/3 majority and capture 5 states. I sincerely believe that the change of government would happen anytime from now.
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I am worried. If new gov comes in how are we going to afford watches costing RM160,000 each as a token of appreciation?
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/09/12/untemly-gift-of-rm160000-watch-for-khir-toyo/
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SAPP leaders’ presence at DAP forum!!!
got photo for a prove!!!
see here!!!
http://gomalaysian.blogspot.com/2008/09/malaysiakini-sapp-leaders-presence-at.html
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Should PR succeed in forming the government, I just wonder how the PR government is going to deal with those who not only have lost powers but also have lots of skeletons stored in their closets? Is there an amnesty for the sake of peace and harmony? Or are we making an effort to unearth the lost billions?
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It is not true to claim that Dato Seri Anwar has not delivered on his Sept., 16 dateline, because the conditions that he requires to put his majourity into place has not yet come into place, ie the convening of Parliament. There is no Parliament in session yet. The PM has given his MPs a all expenses paid holiday and there is no Parliament that Dato Seri Anwar can claim control with his Parliamentry majourity. Therefore it is pre-mature to say that he does not have the numbers.
PM has said that if Dato Seri Anwar has the numbers then why does he not reveal what he has; that is really putting the cart before the horse. If Dato Seri reveals his hand, then UMNO (may)l use emergency powers to detain these defactors. There are some who are being unfair to falsely claim that Dato Seri Anwar has not met his dateline. This is disingenious because we know that the BN MPs were removed from contact from Anwar. It can only be true to say that Anwar has failed if the BN MPs were in Parliament and they did not cross over. In the circumstances the PM has removed these MPs fully knowing that if these recalcitrant MPs were in Parliament they will vote UMNO out. THERE IT CAN ONLY BE TRUE IF THEY ARE IN PARLIAMENT; and that has not happened yet.
It is one of the pillars of Parliamentry democracy that the government and opposition meet in the event that opposition is well placed to take government, as is the case here, but PM just stick his head in the sand and refuse to see what is unpleasant to him ! This is not mature behavour, no class !
It is my opinion that Dato Seri has played his hand in the most skilfully, and in every way a tribute to the mechinations of a true MASTER ! An excellent student of the our great Lou Tze and THE ART OF WAR and a great tactician !
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PM IS STILL IN the stATE of BARE DENIAL
Ya Tuhan
May thy kingdom come
Thy will will be done on earch so as on earth
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I fully support the idea of changing the present government but i believe that the timing is not in anwar’s favour. He may be successful in the next GE but not now.
It would be better for him to establish himself first as a good and efficient opposition leader for the entire rakyat to see and thereafter go for a change in the next GE.
If he continues to issue press statements and with no results, he may very soon find himself losing the people’s trust.
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I sincerely believe that change of government as claim by Anwar is going to happen. Just look the way Pak Lah behaved, the final blow on Anwar could have been done by just meeting Anwar and see whether he can produce the list. What is there to worry if Pak Lah is sincere and honest, but he is scared to know the truth. So people, judge yourself of the quality of PM that is entrusted to run this nation. RELEASE TERESA, RPK AND REST OF ISA DETAINEES.
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Alvin Lee,
Lets not look too far about establishing as an efficient opposition leader, as it is with the BN government behind the charge, do you honestly think Anwar will survive SODOMY 2 having seen what had happened to SODOMY 1?
Anwar is doing his level best to ensure PEACEFUL (didn’t you see how “people” have behaved even tearing Chief Minister’s photo?) transition of federal power. So I suggest we hold our patience.
Lets uphold Malaysia in prayers!
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“Are they all isolated incidents or isn’t it more logical to see a common thread running through them: the demand for change from the people post-8 March?”
Occam’s Razor :p
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“If Dato Seri reveals his hand, then UMNO (may)l use emergency powers to detain these defactors. There are some who are being unfair to falsely claim that Dato Seri Anwar has not met his dateline.”
If BN arrests its own MPs, what does that say about BN? Especially if ministers are in the crossover list. These MPs, humiliated, will never support BN again. They are the king-makers, why would BN want to piss them off or burn the bridge? Especially as a group, they basically call the shots. So I found your argument (which is also DSAI’s argument) shaky. Right now, DSAI can tell them if any of you got arrested, we will release all the videos or documents with pledges from all the crossover MPs.
Maybe we were under the fear regime for too long so DSAI is overcautious?
A more likely scenario is maybe BN can offer them more if their identities are revealed. They can’t offer everyone huge favors, but they can for a few individuals who are leaders in the group. DSAI doesn’t want to risk that. But then what does that tell you about those crossovers.
DSAI should reveal the names now. I also don’t get why he wants to meet Abullah. Can’t all the demands made publicly? If there are dirty deals, they can be done behind the door, why such high profile? …
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I’m uncomfortable with the defense ministry portfolio being held by Pak Lah…
It makes it more disturbing when not long ago the army chief attempted to interfere the civil society affairs…
and the army is given power to “work” with the police in “maintaining internal security”…
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Hi Anil,
I’m just writing to say thanks for keeping us posted with the latest developments – plus the added bonus of your thoughts about them.
Dunno why, but my internet connection is erratic at best, and non-existant a lot of the time. More often than not, it is impossible to get into Malaysiakini to learn of breaking news.
So how? I’ve come to rely on your site: I just sit and watch your headliners change!
So, thanks, again.
Pat
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There should be further shuffling in the cabinet with Zaid’s departure. Oh dear…Nazree to return as defacto law minister? Yuck. That’s distasteful.
We’re still waiting for a complete revamp of cabinet though. …
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why are those from the Peninsula having more than one portfolios.Why none from Sabah and Sarawak given meaningful portfolios.Are we partners in creating the Nation Malaysia?Are Sarawakians and Sabahans so so stupid?I am utterly dissapointed!
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This is the Yin-yang syndrome.
http://blackandwhite999.blogspot.com/2008/09/yin-yang-syndrome.html
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This is the Yin-yang syndrome. You may read it in my blog today’s post
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[...] by ella-mae on September 17, 2008 Anil Netto at 14:34 [...]
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This may help Anwar as he may force Tengku Ku li to side with him with Anwar offering Ku Li 3 years of leadership while he (Anwar) takes over the DPM’s post and strengthens Pakatan. The Age newspaper reported today such scenario is possible. With Abdullah and Najib closing the door on Ku li, I’m sure it will provide an opportunity for both to consider many other options and this scenario was also speculated on by the Financial Times in May, this year. This will also help Anwar as Ku Li is part of the Royalty and the King is married to his (ku li’s) niece, which makes him a tick in getting the King’s permission to form a federal govt. With Anwar bringing like 20 MPs and Ku li 10 MPs, or Anwar bringing 25 and Ku li 5, then we don’t need to wait any longer and I can bet on this option. Mahathir can’t influence the situation because in AMNO, you have to have power for you to be an effective person and that’s why he has left when he couldn’t make it. So, watch this space!
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…with Rosmah at the new finance minister’s (side).
Malaysia shall be spending its way out of recession.
God help us
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What else can you say, when you are weak and just blame others to cover up your weaknesses. That is exactly, why PM said Anwar is a threat to the economy and possible security threat. Disgusting, can’t he come out and say something that people can work on rather than saying something reflecting his high handedness and his inability to face reality. In Malaysia, to ensure you are in power just threaten your opponents and use all the draconian laws.What a shame and they never think what they do is abuse of power. When will they ever learn and wake up. Is there any significant of him taking over Defence Ministry? Or is it just for the fun of it? Well soldiers congrats for getting new boss. The last time as I can remember when Pak Lah was Defence MInister, he was terminated and sidelined by Mahathir. Will history repeat itself?. RELEASE ALL ISA DETAINEES now.
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This is not exactly related to the post, but definitely something of interest to anyone who is fed up with Utusan Malaysia’s role in Theresa Kok’s arrest. It’s from Kamal-Talks’ blog:
The nationwide Utusan Malaysia Boycott Campaign is on. This boycott is applicable to all publications under the Utusan Malaysia group of companies, with immediate effect. All right-thinking Malaysians are requested to cancel their subscription to Utusan Malaysia & related publications. The boycott campaign against any company that advertises in any Utusan Malaysia publication will take off on October 1, 2008. This is to provide some time allowance for advertisers to pull their advertisements & accounts from Utusan Malaysia. The voice of lies, deceits & bigotry must be stopped. Please help to spread the word.
You can check it out here: http://kamal-talksmalaysia.blogspot.com/2008/09/nationwide-utusan-malaysia-boycott.html
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PM(KJ)’s strategies:-
* taking over Defence Portfolio so he can have the last say, military control in case anything happens……..
* Finance Minister for Najib so that he can mess up the economy of the country and PM would say need to prolong his probation (he says the handing over depends on Najib’s perfomrance)
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The PM now controls the Police and the Army effective today.
This is a bad sign as he has strengthen his enforcement powers further.
Now he has Police Power and Army Power. Bad mix.
Let’s pray for Wisdom, Peace and Tranquility to prevail.
Syabas to all Peacemakers.
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Comrades,
We can come to a thousand assumptions and scenarios but it actually only boils down to 2 main ones, based on reliable information but then again the only person who can confirm this is our Flip Flop PM, the Sleepy One as named by the Red Indian warriors :
1. He is killing 3 birds with one stone (A. Cooling down the grassroots that are urging Najib to wrest power from him during Dec UMNO elctions. B. Making Najib feel comfortable that the transition has started and that he is the annointed one. C. Getting ready to (possibly) declare state of emergency when Datuk Seri Anwar makes his move to meet DYMM and (perhaps) detain him under ISA for threatening peace and stability of the county) – By the way, he already gave a hint during his PC earlier !!
2. He is doing Datuk Seri/ PR a favour by moving Najib out of the Defense portfolio so that the latter will not have the power to apply any emergency rule in the event that Datuk Seri meets DYMM. Secondly, he may also laying a trap for Najib as the economy is at the lowest now and if it can’t be improved, he’d say that Najib was a failure. There wold also be a twist in the ongoing Altantuya murder case, check it out yourself and follow up the last few court sessions. You’ll know what I’m talking about…
Whatever it is, do not pick the wrong solution as there will be a rise of all ANAK ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA …
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