The Penang state exco has removed Johari Kassim as councillor of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) with effect from 26 June.
Johari, the PKR whip at the council, had led a boycott of the swearing-in ceremony of new council president Mokhtar Mohd Jait, a former district officer of northern Seberang Perai. Johari claimed that the Council president’s post was reserved for PKR.
It remains to be seen what effect his removal will have on DAP-PKR relations in the state, although reports indicate PKR leaders have been consulted. Johari’s removal was a stern warning by the state government to the other MPSP councillors who followed him in the boycott, a state exco member was reported as saying.
One critic, however, labelled the sacking as “another indication of the arrogance and authoritarian tendencies” of the present administration.
Part of the problem is that some of the leaders and members of the Pakatan parties still have the BN mentality of viewing appointments to municipal council posts as rewards for faithful service rendered to their respective parties over the years. Such appointments have sometimes even caused discontentment among the parties’ own loyal veteran supporters who may feel they have been overlooked by newcomers ‘parachuted’ in.
To avoid all this unpleasantness, it would much better and more democratic to bring back local council elections, including elections for the post of mayor or council president.
In another development, friends of mine in Taman Merbau in Butterworth, which falls under MPSP jurisdiction, have complained that they were traumatised by the harsh methods used by dog-catchers in the area a couple of weeks ago. “We couldn’t bring ourselves to have our lunch after that,” they told me.
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Aha..! Again, another crass example of LGE’s underlying “karat” here. This CM supposedly committed to CAT has no patience nor ability to stomach criticism. Instead, his actions against Johari are reflective of his contemptuous arrogance and his closet authoritarianism. Remember his threat to use the OSA against Penang Civil Servants? Remember his childish threat to ignore Anwar Ibrahim over the DCM1′s resignation issue?
Unlike many people blind to the DAP’s excesses, I see Lim Guan Eng as a kindergarten bully. He bullies to get his way. He is so politically inept in government, he knows little else but to play the cry-baby, blame and bullying game.
I hear the talk now on the corporate sidelines in Penang is how this DAP/PR government is allegedly bullying various property development companies to help contribute to LGE’s poverty initiative. Certainly we should get companies to help and fulfill a social responsibility, but bullying (if that is what is happening here) is certainly not the way, is it? Or has power gone to LGE and DAP’s head?
LGE, resign if you cannot do the job and cannot live up to your own CAT motto. Resign if you cannot take the political hits and democratic dissent. How hypocritical of you to act so high-handedly against Johari when you yourself so often accuse the BN of high-handedness!
Resign LGE. Many others in Penang are able and willing to step up to protect the interests of Penang and Penangites if you obviously cannot. CAT? My foot!
Well done lge show this exbn guys who is the boss,without fear or favour.
I agree, local council elections have to be introduced soon, and preferably before the next General Election. Frankly I don’t believe that Pakatan has done all it can to move towards restoration of the 3rd vote.
The excuse that they can’t do it without Federal control seems just like that – an excuse. There has been very little will to push this reform through, whether in Parliament or to find and exploit loopholes. Call me naive, but surely it can’t be illegal for a state government to organize a referendum? If so, why can it not run a “referendum” which is in practice an election for local council positions, then simply appoint the winners? True, this will not be ideal because the power of appointment would still technically be in the executive, but at least it’s a temporary measure until Federal laws can be amended.
Another excuse that Tony Pua did provide was that it will cost too much to have local council elections outside of a general election. That seems plausible, but again, without disclosing the actual estimated figures (something that both Tony Pua and Lim Guan Eng should be very comfortable with, both in terms of technical ability and political outlook), then it is an unconvincing assertion.
Way to go LGE.
act without fear or favor.
people with BN mentality should be phased out.
pakatan rakyat must be different from BN
if not why should the voters vote PR.
also state civil servants who are against or sabotaging the state
govt effort to bring changes should be sacked immmediately.
i notice after more than a year not much has change especially on cleanliness on this island.
Well done, LGE, on your decisive action. Get rid of all these people with BN mentality the sooner the better.
Keep up the good work, don’t worry about detractors. People who mind doesn’t matter, people who matter doesn’t mind.
Bravo LGE!
That’s nothing wrong with LGE action, malaysian are not used to see the styles similar to how Lim Kuan yew runs singapore in the early days. Sacking is part of the system in Singapore for incompetency and conspiracy leaders who are not align to the leader.
Many of us will support his decision and his instinct to get rid of traitors and incompetent leaders under him. Lim guan Eng is the survivor of the fittest in the politics arena . Johari had his time but never play it right to the tune. Penang people will always support LGE . Bring Penang back to be one of the most develop city like Singapore is the utmost priority. Others are expendable. Johari is expendable. LGE and PEnang is not.
Yes, bring back local council elections, including elections for the post of mayor or council president. This will cut off all politicting and encourage unnecessary favourism.
It will also, be a good training ground for aspiring young talents who have a wish to be full time politicians. Certaintly, it will allow leaders to spot potential ‘FROGS’ before they can do serious damages to the party like in Perak.
No more excuses PR!
Anil, may i know where is Susan Loone as both of u r my favourites. I dont see her in Malaysiakini anymore.
By the way, i just got a copy of “The Silent Roar” today by RPK.
I think it is not out in the Bookstore yet.
Guys, please all of you get a copy asap and support RPK so that
his sacrifices (not forgetting Marina, she is a great woman behind RPK) are not in vain.
God bless RPK and family and those who love justice !!!
LGE with 2/3 majority in Penang still cannot match the ex-Pakatan government in Perak on their seriousness to fulfill the promises made during the election.
I support Johari to be removed for revolting against Pakatan government, but I also too sick with LGE’s “NATO” style.
Have him came out solutions to solve flash flooding in Georgetown? He only know to complain that no huge funds from Federal government for him to mitigate flooding problem.
LGE and his gang shall watch National Geographic discovery channel on how mega cities in USA solving “longkang” clogging problem.
To those detractors, Remember the Extraordinary judges on their extraordinary judgements on Nizar’s case. I rest my case.
That is absurd to say local council election cannot be held by state government.
State government can call an “unofficial” local council election and then State government appoints those winners to council chamber as per current procedure. This is absolutely legal because the councillors are still beinbg appointed directly by state government!
E-voting can be considered to cut down administrative cost.
The truth is LGE and his gang is inheriting BN mindset of using council seats to award their “machai”.
in theory, it is hard to discard the old bn mentality of rewarding loyal party soldiers with plump govt or glc posts. it’s realpolitik. but i hope this practice ends soon… in this case, i agree with lge. he has to crack the whip. in effect, he’s showing, who’s the boss. not lge. not that guy. not dap, not pkr. it’s the rakyat.
politicians shouldn’t … around with the rakyat’s interests.
local counncil elections? again, tie that to realpolitik. all things being equal and normal, i’d bet my money on lge anytime over any individuals from bn.
4RAKYAT
It’s best to get rid of thorns and bad apples, before the Perak episode repeats. Pakatan has yet to prove themselves to the rakyat. PKR members are ex-UMNO so it is not surprising if they behave like UMNO idiots.
DAP seems to be an empty vessel. They make some much noise but have not shown any improvement. Whatever it is the rakyat is still losing BIG TIME to the so called politicians.
When a decision is made
For the collective good of the state
It is best that who had disagreed
To show solidarity to agree
Thrashed it out in inter-party meetings
Raining dissatisfaction claiming of prior agreement
It is for the people benefits one must remember
It isnt for the politician whims and likes
PKR must teach its boys
To be a man to accept decisions
Good or bad intention it is for the council to play
It is the people who will criticize
The cracks appear
In a party of different plateform
The boys should respect the leaders
Runnin the state not otherwise
Unhappy with a decision
Argue and play out in the meeting
This is where problem could be solved
By protesting and showing no respect
It will be a good fodder for UMNO
Don’t Pakatan learn?
They use to do with UMNO
Now don’t play mistakes
Learn the lessons well
Get the leaders who can work for the people
Discard and sack those who are deadwoods
It is the people that counted the most
Nothing else matters in public services
If RM20.0m is spread over the tenure of office of 3 say years, some RM7.0 is worth the value for the community to regulate itself. Overtime, with early implementation, subject to promulgation of appropriate laws, we’ll have started the learning curves earlier instead of delaying it. For the BN, it’s a useful way to “control” rather than regulate life. It should certainly not be the same for PR Penang, it is hoped!
- Penang Working Group Report
A good move indeed. We need a no nonsense government in Penang. Lim knows what he is doing.
Everyone in Penang are happy with LGE policies.
So cut the c*** that DAP is not doing anything. DAP must get rid of the BN remnants still inhibiting inside the system . Penang will be Free soon.
What is 1 year plus as compare to BN . Penang will change in 5 years time if DAP in power.
LGE did the right thing here. PKR should get rid of its Umno’s mentality of its ex-Umno members, the sooner, the better.
The act of this sacked guy was an example of “Ransom Politics”.
Keep it up, Guan Eng and make Penang an envy of of other states of Malaysia.
Andrew, as an individual, what have u done to make Penang progress besides continue barking non stop here? Are you another smart aXs who just talk a lot but no contribution to this society
Another thing, Anil. I disagree with your title “PKR Councilor …”.
A Councilor once appointed or elected, is deemed as People Councilor. He or she supposed to be “impartial”, “non-partisan” and “people’s interest comes first”. He or she should not be deemed as representative of a political party at all.
Better still, a councilor should be someone who is not a politician. Patronage politics should be out of their minds in awarding contracts.
I agree BN mentality must be got rid of.
But, mind your DAP/Pakatan mentality as well. Of course, the ling liong sik made famous — fish rot starts at the head.
And the fish head rots because too many bodek heads around.
Making a Koh Tsu Koon clone is it?
Yes, LGE, CAT MY FOOT!
There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between opposing and governing. The PR Coalition come from a culture that developed over time. I do not wish to comment on DAP-PAS as I have no personal experience in these parties. However, I believe that PKR is only beginning to accept the fact (in denial since 8 March 2008)that it has to firmly establish a new mindset to bring about ” A NEW DAWN FOR MALAYSIA”. HARAPAN BARU UNTUK MALAYSIA cannot be achieved with “otak lama”.
A party that is mainly made up of disgruntled Ex-UMNO, Ex-MIC, Ex-MCA, Ex-Gerakan, Ex-PRM and many current social-activists bent on being anti-establishment, needs to take on an additional dimension for it to be an effective player in governing the Pakatan states.
Yet the fundamental challenge is to create a culture that is consistent with its Vision, Mission and 17 Core Principles. I know that many in PKR are not even aware what the Party/DSAI stand for. To govern you need to understand and implement the PU12 election promises with what you have and can do. How do you deliver the election promises when many members and leaders are not conversant with the PU12 Election promises as articulated in the NEW DAWN FOR MALAYSIA/HARAPAN BARU UNTUK MALAYSIA Manifesto and conducted in the spirit of the 17 Core Principles. For PKR that’s the fundamental and basic problem. Forget about aiming for PUTRA JAYA when you cannot even govern a state well. Governing well starts with Unity within the Party first, Unity with PR partners and humble enough to learn how to govern and not behaving just as social activist…always protesting and demonstrating. There is a time and place for everything.
TIME TO GET OUR ACT TOGETHER-TIME TO LEARN TO GOVERN. DAP-led, PAS-led, PKR-led State Governments must add the responsible-governing mindset for its members, State Exco, MPs, ADUNs and PBT Councilors. I believe many Councilors, MPs, ADUNs are doing the best they can with what they have. But sad to say the leaderships at all levels need to inculcate among all, that governing must compliment opposing. A governing mindset and competency must be the focus for ALL in PAKATAN RAKYAT, otherwise the pendulum will swing back to BN come PU13. Remebers PU10, PU11, PU12 lessons must be learnt, and for many in PR its tough moving from a bunch of protestors to a coalition that governs well.
I only have the best of intentions in writing this note. I do not apologise for being frank. I love my country MALAYSIA, and I believe LGE,DSAI,HADI and all the rest need a “REALITY CHECK”, I hope in my small way this comments helped.TIME FOR CHANGE for the election cry. People are really crying for change among the PR first.
Honestly, he deserves to be sacked. What’s eating him anyway? Can’t get his way and the start to throw tantrums? Good riddance I say.
Way to go LGE. Dont play favouritism, dont be like BN.
As said. …if PKR think Johari shd retain the seat..well pls relect him again. Tats wat Pg governance suggested.
This is to say…PKR doesnt want Johari to stay.
I don’t understand some of you who thought PKR is in the mess or not doing great things for the people, PKR as far as i am concern are doing the great job otherwise not many land scam and white elephant were found. PKFZ , Selangor,Perak,Kedah and Penang will never know all these money gone to . Now we all knows. BN supporters need a “Reality Check”not PR.
I say well done LGE. Good riddance of bad rubbish.
I think this DAP government and LGE will be just a one term government. So much c*** in the PR lead state governments.
Just like a Malay Saying “Paku Dulang Paku Serepih, Mengata Orang, Awak Yang Lebih’.
Nkkhoo, I have lived in Penang all my 50 years and flash floods have occurred all these times – where were you? And the BN government under Koh Tsu Khoon had access to all the federal funds but did nothing! Now you are whining about LGE not doing anything, very aggressively too. Listen, try again in 2018, after 2 terms yah!
Don’t think DAP is one term government. At least better than the coward Ong Takut and the corrupted UMNO . Even Mahathir said UMNO is corrupted. hahah!!!
How could LGE having the guts to dismiss a rebllious staff be compared to the previous CM who dared not even ask for apology when his photograph was torn down and torn and stepped on in front of national TV? Sudahlah NKKhoo…
If PKR cannot discipline its leader and supporter, then the state exco, through its control of the state administration, should discipline insubordination.
Remember, the state government is responsible to the voters whereas the appointed councilor is only responsible to his party.
It’s for the same reason why a local council election is so important.
I agree with LGE.
The PKR councillors’ boycott of the swearing-in reeked of UMNO’s ways, where bullying was resorted to. Ransom politics, as someone aptly described above. That is precisely what the UMNO ruffians did to the old CM, who of course kow-towed cos he was merely UMNO’s puppet.
LGE had little choice but to show who’s boss. If the councillors don’t respect LGE personally, they should at least respect the office, the position of the CM. That is what LGE had to establish.
This time around, the appointments in both MPPP and MPSP were not party-based. They were, in the CM’s estimation, the best people available, having risen from the ranks, and having first-hand experience and knowledge of the system and the job on hand. They transcend politics, and are not UMNO-stoogies or PKR_stoogies, or DAP-stoogies. Isn’t this what we all had been hankering for, merit-based appointments that don’t care what colour your skin is or what party you are affliliated with? Those councillors would have brought us back to our medieval past again.
How interesting it is.
Some think LGE is being decisive. Others think he is arrogant.
But of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. LGE has to make decisions – that’s his job for the next 4 years since he cannot practise as an accountant anymore due to his standing up for the rights of a fellow Malaysian.