Umno: Doomsday in sight?

Even Tan Sri Muhammad bin Mohd Taib also offers himself for the No.2 possition in Umno as reported by the Malaysiakini today.

11 years ago in 1997, to avoid the embarrassment that might cause by my motion of no confidence against him in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, Mohammad made a wise choice of resigning as the Chief Minister of Selangor after he was arrested in Brisbane Airport for failing to declare the currency worth approximately RM2.4 million carried by him.

With his announcement today, there are now 5 candidated vying for the post of Deputy President of Umno. That is not the end of the list. The much talked about Tan Sri Muyhidin Yasin has yet to make his announcement. If he did in the next few days, the list would be at least 6. That is chaotic and unprecedented for Umno.

Although Abdullah has said that Najib will be his successor, no one should take it for granted that Najib would have a smooth sail to the presidency. At least Tengku Razaleigh will not easily give up his hope especially now that he has Dr Mahathir's support.

This is a once-in-the-lifetime opportunity to see how the infighting within Umno will lead to its self-destruction.

Najib may not be the next PM

(Photo by Malaysiakini)

While all eyes are on Dato Seri Najib Abdul Razak he may end up as the president of the Umno but not the Prime Minister of Malaysia by March 2009.

As I have posted earlies in this blog, there are 2 ways of casting no confidence vote against the Prime Minister in Parliament and as such the Pakatan Rakyat will still be able to change the government in the coming parliamentary sitting commencing on this Oct 13 by rejecting the Budget if a 14-day notice of motion of no confidence is not served in time.

It is still too early for Najib to be overjoyed about Abdullah's decision to throw in the towel in the Umno election.

Abdullah to quit

Latest from Malaysiakini: Abdullah to quit in March next year. Thus, it ends all speculations.

Now all eyes are on Najib.

If Anwar Ibrahim were to have sufficient number to take over the Federal Government from the Barisan Nasional, the same methodology as I wrote in my previuos post would similarly be applicable.

(Edited version)

How to cast no confidence vote against Abdullah?

Everyone is still waiting for Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement. Read Malaysiakini today on the related story.

If Abdullah wanted to retain his position as Umno president, the Pakatan Rakyat would have to resort to casting no confidence vote against him in Parliament.

By virtue of Article 43(4), the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet if he ceases to command the confidence of the majority of Parliament unless at his request Yang DiPertuan Agong dissolves Parliament.

There are 2 ways of passing a no confidence vote against the Prime Minister. Firstly, by giving a 14-day notice in accordance with the Standing Order. Then the whole whole will be waiting for the motion to be debated and decided. Secondly, by rejecting the budget tabled by the Prime Minister cum Finance Minister for which the budget debate will commence on Oct 13.

If the Pakatan Rakyat intended to launch a deadly ambush, the second method would be the better choice as no prior notice is required.

In any event, that would be equally explosive, like the one in Nagasaki in 1945.

Where to, Abdullah?

Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will make announcement tomorrow if he is seeking to retain the president's post of the Umno.

There are a few possibilities. Firstly, he might call it a day and will retain the prime minister's post until the election of the new Umno president next March. This seems to be the view of most of the Umno top leaders.

Secondly, he might fight on against all odds. Of course, one should not underestimate him. He might have had quietly obtained sufficient promises to nominate him to seek re-appointment by tomorrow. If this was the case, it would be a big blow to Dato Sri Najib Abd Razak and his ambitious followers.

Thirdly, Abdullah might bring 40 Umno MPs, and perhaps some other MPs from the Barisan Nasional component parties, to join Pakatan Rakyat and form a coalition federal government on the condition that he would be retained as Prime Minister for the next 2 to 3 years to carry out his reform in the judiciary, anti-corruption and public delivery system. Thereafter, he would hand over the premiership to Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

It looks weird but it is possible. There would be a few advantages if the Pakatan Rakyat were to accept this offer. Firstly, there would be a peaceful transfer of power from the Barisan Nasional to the Pakatan Rakyat. Thus, there would be no declaration for emergency. Thirdly, all those reforms proposed by him could be carried out with full support from the Pakatan Rakyat MPs as against the Barisan Nasional MPs.

Lastly, Anwar would eventually be made the Prime Minister.

Whereto, Abdullah? It's all up to you.

Umno is melting down

Before Datuk Abdullah Ahamd Badawi can annouce his decison whether to contest for the Umno presidency on this Oct 9, he has already been treated as transparent by his own leaders within the Umno.

Everyone in the Umno, except Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, has taken for granted that Dato Najib Abdul Razak will be the only and natural choice of substitute. As such, the relatively unknown leader like Dato Nur Jazlan has also announced that he would contest for the No. 2 post after the announcements by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

Going by the Malay culuture and of course the Umno culture, these leaders are biadap (rude) for being disrespectful to Abdullah Badawi. How could they assume that Abdullah Badawi will certainly step down? This is similar to the situation of a son buying coffin for his ailing father.

They are destroying not only the Umno but the Malay culture which they have been claiming to have cherished all these years.

The Umno is melting down amid the party election heat like the melting down of Antarctica as a result of the global warming.

It takes courage to acknowledge change

Undoubtedly, the Malaysia political landscape has changed after the general election on March 8, 2008. The frontline politicians have also, in the past few months, been learning how to adapt themselves to the change.

It is sometime amusing to see how those established politicians from the previous ruling party have to struggle to pick up new vocabulary in order to suit their roles as opposition now. Of course, the vice versa goes to the previous opposition who have now turned government.

Be it as it may, it takes a lot of courage for everyone in the country to acknowledge that change has taken place and, more importantly, to live with it.

Selamat Hari Raya

To all Muslim readers,

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Progress on Selcat

Report by the Sun today:-

More bite to tackle power abuse

Tan Yi LiangKUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21, 2008) : The Selangor state government will be drafting an Act and amending its Standing Orders to give its State Assembly and committees more bite in compelling witnesses to testify against power abusers.

Its Speaker Teng Chang Khim told theSun today: "We are drafting An Act and amending the Standing Orders (to compel witnesses to give testimony). The moves are in response to difficulties causing delays in investigations into the Wives of Selangor State Assemblymen and MPs Charity and Welfare Organisation (Balkis).

"We intend to hold a public inquiry, which is what we have been entrusted to do. However, there are some obstacles in compelling some witnesses to appear before us. We are dealing with this either by enacting laws and amending the Standing Orders, to facilitate public inquiries."

Investigations into Balkis are being conducted by the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat). It has called five meetings and collected evidence since May," he added.

Teng said the proposed actions would deal with more than just the Balkis investigations."We are not just thinking of this Balkis matter. We are also thinking of the future, if there is a need to call any officer or the public, there will be something that can compel them to come.

Within days after the Barisan Nasional (BN) lost control of Selangor, the wives of the former BN assemblymen transferred about RM10 million of funds belonging to Balkis to Bakti, the federal version of Balkis.

Teng, who is Sungai Pinang assemblyman, said: "Currently, the State Constitution gives the Assembly or its committees the powers to call any witnesses to appear, but there is no penalty that can be imposed if anyone refuses.

"Various models are being studied for the Selangor government. We are actually looking at the UK and US models to study how witnesses can be compelled to appear and testify, and run a public inquiry in the presence of the press."

Teng urged the public to be patient with the state government in handling the probe into Balkis."

This is the first time in Malaysia that a public inquiry will be held to investigate matters which relate to a state administration. So we have to lay the groundwork and make a proper start so that others can emulate," said Teng, adding that the inquiry would be held early next year if "everything goes smoothly".

"There are a few factors that have to be readied, such as getting the laws done, and gathering enough evidence to hold such an inquiry," said Teng, who also spoke on the recent detention of Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"In the last sitting, the State Assembly passed a motion urging the government to release all ISA detainees and the abolition of the ISA as it is against human rights. I believe that in our next sitting in October, our assemblymen will take further action on this issue," said Teng, who pointed out that Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M.Manoharan is still held under the ISA.

Teng said it was up to the assemblymen to decide whether action should be taken against former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for stirring up rumours which resulted in Kok's one-week detention.

"They should table a motion and let it be be debated by the assembly. If anyone feels that Khir Toyo should be disciplined, they should make the move. There is nothing to stop them from moving anything," said Teng.

Selangor Legislative Assembly goes 'live'

The Selangor Legislative Assembly created history today by having its proceedings webcast live (http://www.selangor.gov.my/)

This is another reform bring about by the Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor since March 8, 2008.

The proceeding today only limited to the Royal address delivered by HRH Sultan of Selangor after the ceremonial inspection of guard of honour.

From tomorrow onwards until May 26, 2008, the daily meeting from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.30 pm until 4.30 pm will also be webcast live.

Sworn in as Speaker

I have sworn in as Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly this morning. All the Selangor State Assemblymen and Assemblywomen, except Sdr Manoharan who is still under the ISA detention, and their spouses attended the ceremony which took about two and a half hour to complete.

Much attention was on whether I would wear the Songkok (heargear) and the ceremonial robe after taking the oath of office. Well, I did. I have already explained why we have to change our position before the swearing in of the State Exco members last month. It should not be an issue any more.

I look forward to bringing reform and changes to the legislature in line with the policy of the new government to bring about transparency and accountability to the state adminstration under the leadership of Tan Sri Dato Khalid bin Ibrahim, the Menteri Besar.

Khir praises me?

The former Menteri Besar and possible new Opposition Leader in the Selangor State Assembly, Dato Seri Dr Mohd Khir bin Toyo, praises me, inter alia, for having been an "effective opposition leader with lots of experience" in the Malaysiakini interview today.

Obviously, he has an axe to grind. He would not have had allowed me to be suspended for 30 months and the allowances be stripped off for 18 months if he had truly appreciated my role and my experience in the assembly.

Doesn't he forget that my symbolic act of protest of putting the Standing Order into the waste paper bin was done merely to protest the abuse of power by the then Speaker, Tan Sri Onn Ismail, for not allowing me to table my no confidence motion again Khir although I had duly notified the Speaker in accordance with the provisions of the Standing Order?

The report by the Malaysiakini is as follows:-

"Khir's challenge: Declare assets
Andrew Ong Mar 27, 08 3:05pm

Former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has challenged his successor Khalid Ibrahim and his state executive councillors to declare their assets.

Mohd Khir was responding to Khalid’s recent revelation that there were reservations by some exco members on the matter.

"Before the elections, they (opposition parties) promised that they would declare their assets. I want them to declare now... if they cannot, that would be very unfortunate for the people of Selangor," said Mohd Khir during a phone interview today.

In an interview carried by Malaysiakini yesterday, Khalid said that he would "most likely" compel his exco members to declare their assets publicly.

However, he added that there were reservations by some exco members who do not want their shareholding information to be made public due to "family reasons".

Mohd Khir said that up until now, neither one of the new state governments had compelled their public office bearers to declare their assets, contrary to pledges made prior to the elections.

"All these opposition leaders should declare their assets and their debts. If they have settled their debts, tell us where the money came from," he said.

Two figures which Mohd Khir paid particular interest to, in regards to debts, was Khalid and newly appointed exco member Dr Hassan Ali.

Mohd Khir said previously, he and his exco members had to declare their assets to the Chief Secretary to the Government once every two years.

‘Inexperienced’ MB

On Khalid’s proposal to implement a RM9 monthly levy for each foreign worker in Selangor, Mohd Khir said such a scheme would come under the purview of the federal government and not the state government.

"The first thing he needs to understand is the different powers of the federal and state governments. He should also thoroughly learn the state constitution and laws.

"He has shown signs of an inexperienced menteri besar who did not investigate matters thoroughly," said the former two-term Selangor chief executive.

Khalid, who has come under fire from various groups over the proposal, had said that the RM9 levy was for the purpose of weaning employers from foreign workers.

He also proposed that the collected levy, which is estimated to reach RM150 million annually, would be used for skills training programmes for youths as a means of tackling unemployment.

On Khalid’s announcement that the new state government would pursue its predecessors ‘zero-squatters’ policy, Mohd Khir said that it was due recognition of the previous government’s policy.

"Our zero squatters policy was the best in the world. Many foreign governments had sought my help in order to emulate a similar system in their respective countries.

"PKR on the hand were playing politics. It was only after they were in power they realised what we were doing in the past," he stressed.

‘Teng sidelined’

In the case of Kampung Berembang, Khir said the state government had provided options for squatters to buy affordable and proper housing.

"Last time they were against the policy. Wan Azizah (PKR president) stayed there and gave tents to encourage the people to go against us. But now they seem to be emulating our policy," he added.

Asked about the Kampung Berembang issue, Khalid said the state government would "revisit" the issue, adding that he would try to accommodate both the wishes of the squatters as well as the developer.

Developers Perspektif Masa Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with state-owned Permodalan Nasional Selangor Bhd (PNSB), had sought to forcibly remove Kampung Berembang residents to make way for development projects last year.

Residents however are asserting claim to compensation as they have lived on the land since 1960s with consent from the Selangor government as evident in provision of electricity, water and other amenities by the authorities.

On veteran DAP opposition leader and Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim, Mohd Khir agreed that he had been sidelined in the appointment of exco positions.

"Teng is very senior and I respect him because he was a very effective opposition leader with lots of experience. In contrast, Ean Yong (Hian Wah) is only 29 years old. Why was he (Teng) sidelined?" asked Mohd Khir."

Interesting article in the Star

There is an interesting article on Selangor Menteri Besar for our pleasure of reading, in the Star today.

New era for Selangor

After 50 years of independence and 50 years under the government of Barisan Nasional, the people of Selangor will march into a new era. The new government will swear in today.

The State Executive Council consists of 10 members led by the Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, will swear in before HRH Sultan of Selangor at Balairung Seri, Alam Sham Palace.

The people of Selangor has entrusted the new coalition government to run the richest state in Malaysia for the next 5 years, unless the State Assembly is dissolved earlier. It is imperative for the new government to ensure that the state is properly managed and not to repeat at any degree all the mistakes committed by the previous government.

Meanwhile, the people should also be patient to allowed changes to be made in stages. One should not expect to see results overnight as much damages had been done to the State by the previous BN government for the past 50 years. Give the new government time to bring about the changes. Be sensible and reasonable.

We will wear Songkok

It may or may not be a controversial issue but the Selangor DAP leaders, who will swear in as exco members before HRH Sultan on Monday, will wear Songkok in compliance with the palace dress code.

When the DAP was in the opposition, we had the option not to attend any official function which requires Songkok as part of the dress code. We had exercised that option. That had been the party policy for years.

However, now that the DAP is a partner of the coalition government, the DAP will have no other option but to adhere to the dress code. Otherwise, the coalition government can never be formed.

We have the mandate from the people to form a new government to bring about change to the nation. That is a historical mission given by the Malaysians to the DAP first time after 50 years of independence. That is our priority now.

Don't simply blame

Someone blamed me for not taking the initiative to advise our Selangor State Assemblyperson on the dress code when seeking audience with HRH Sultan.

Well, I must say again that we must get the facts right before making any conclusion.

Like Raja Petra, I knew about the said assemblyperson wearing pants from the photograph published in the media. That was after the event. I did not see her before she went to the palace. How could I advise her? How could I reasonably presume that she, being the third-term Member of Parliament, did not know the protocol?

Clarification on songkok

I do not intend to discuss the issue of songkok at this juncture but I need to clarify a question raised here.

It is not a requirement to wear songkok in the Chamber of the State Assembly for swearing-in ceremony, annual openning ceremony or meeting. It is only a requirement in the palace when seeking audience or attending function, except the state dinner or black tie dinner. This requirement has been made compulsory by HRH Sultan sometime in 2002.

I wish to emphasize again that this issue has not been an issue with the delay, if any, of the formation of the new coalition government now. Everything is in the progress.

Beware of the BN controlled media

Yes, I forgot to remind Raja Petra and his readers. Please beware of the BN-controlled media for digging up and pittiing the old issues, including the Songkok issue, against us. Seek clarification among us, since we are in the same boat, before putting anything into writing. That will help to reduce unnecessary controversy.

Raja Petra must learn how to get facts right

Raja Petra made scathing remarks on me in Malaysia-Today.

Although I am in the rush to go to Penang now, I have to respond immediately.

Firstly, I did not organize any demonstration to pressurize the DAP into making me the Deputy Menteri Besar of Selangor. I do not know how did Raja Petra gather the information that I had done that. If he likes rumours and then to rumour, then that is what he is worth.

There were some gatherings organized by voters and local leaders in Klang to express their views and support for me. They have their democratic right to do so but I have nothing to do with those activities.

Of course, someone will say, "surely you must be the mastermind". Well, can someone teach me how to prove that I have nothing to do with those activities? I really do not know how.

Secondly, I did not boycott it when HRH Sultan granted audience to the DAP respresentatives recently. I was not directed by the party to seek audience with the Sultan. How could I boycott when I was even not directed to be present?

I was also not invited to attend the swearing in of the new Menteri Besar recently. There was nothing I could boycott when I was not even invited. Doesn't Raja Petra know the basic palace protocol that one will not attend any function in palace if not invited.?

Anyway, I agree, and perhaps I am the only one in the DAP who noticed that the DAP state assemblywoman was not in compliance with the palace protocol by wearing pants in seeking audience. If she had cunsulted me beforehand, I would have had advised her accordingly.

Thirdly, the issue of non Malays wearing songkok is a separate issue that has nothing to do in the present forming of the new government. The delay, if any, in forming the new Selangor state government has nothing to do at all with the issue of Songkok. It has been a party policy and needs to be deliberated in view of the new development. In any event, it will not be an issue that deters the swearing in of the new line-up. I will further discuss the issue when I come back from Penang on Monday. We, in the DAP, know the larger picture that emerges.

Meanwhile, Raja Petra and the readers of Malaysia-today should also learn to be patient to find out the truth before jumping up and down on rumuors. Yes, they also have to learn before teaching others.

I am not in the fight

I have been keeping a low profile in the past few days in the midst of various speculations.

My fellow Malaysian, Wan, whom I do not know personally, emailed me and said he needed to hear my side of story. I agree with him that I should say something to clear the air.

It has been reported in the local media that Ronnie Liu (Selangor DAP State Assemblyman for Pandamaran), Teresa Kok (Selangor DAP State Assemblyperson for Kinrara) and I have been fighting for the position of Deputy Chief Minister (Timbalan Menteri Besar) in the new Selangor state government.

I just want to state categorically that, as far as I am concerned, I am not in the fight, if there is one. I did not make even a call to the party leadership to lobby or to offer myself for the position. I leave it entirely to the wisdom of the party leadership.

Some comrades in the party feel that I am qualified for the job. They are entitled to have their own opinions. Some local leaders have expressed support for me to hold the post. They are also entitled to their opinions. Some opinion makers opined that I am eligible for the job. They are also equally entitled to hold that opinion. Nevertheless, that does not necessary mean that I am involved in the fight for the post.

I have made myself clear to the public that I uphold the Confucian teaching, "不患无位，患所以立“, that literally means "do not worry about having no position, do worry about having no capability". If I am offered, I will take up the job. If I am not offered, so be it. Nothing more and nothing less.

I did not intend to join the DAP for an official appointment 18 years ago. Otherwise, I would not have had joined the DAP.

However, I must also express my gratitute to all friends, known and unknown, for their good words and support for me.

I will do my best for whatever entrusted unto me. I am not invloved in any fight for the post.