Would PAS - UMNO unholy matrimony materialize?

In the name of Malay unity and Islam. That is the catch phrase used by UMNO to court PAS following UMNO's loss of 4 states and 1 Federal Territory. Nik Aziz, PAS Spiritual Leader cum Menteri Besar of Kelantan who earlier said that the unholy alliance matrimony would not take place due to the bitter pill in 1974 now stated that PAS would consider if UMNO is willing to implement hudud law for starters.

It is definitely going to be interesting to hear PAS President Hadi Awang resolving the suspense on the possibility of UMNO - PAS unholy alliance in Perak following Perak UMNO head, Datuk Tajol Rosli Ghazali's proposal to make Perak the guinea pig.

Interestingly yesterday Ipoh timur PAS Youth chairman sent a press statement that chided Tajol ROsli for the proposal. He even told Tajol to stop dreaming.

If UMNO was truly sincere they should have made the proposal in Kedah where PAS commands the state cabinet instead of Perak. Apart from MB Nizar Jamaluddin, PAS only has one state Exco. Seat wise it only commands six state seats compared to DAP's 18.

I shall await patiently for Hadi Awang's decision.

Though the suspense is too much to bear....

Update: Hadi Awang has ruled out any form of cooperation with UMNO especially in forming governments but will continue talks with UMNO

Sodomy debacle

In the latest twist PUSRAWI stated that the medical examination done on Saiful Azlan Bukhari is not standard procedure for sodomy victims, despite details stated as was published by Malaysiakini. Anwar has refused to provide his DNA sample. It clearly indicates the buasness on the part of the police.

The best way now is to engage with parties that are neither pro BN nor pro Anwar. Since US has been keeping close watch on the developments here, Uncle Sam should be ruled out. Instead expertise from France and Britain can be roped in. At least these anal serials can end for once and forever.

As for the PDRM, it is high time for the force to go back to basics:- crime busting and regain public confidence.

Would Zulkifli win the petition?

Anwar Ibrahim has set his eyes on P18 Kulim Bandar-Baharu seat in the event a by-election is called to nullify the March 8 elections results. In that elections, Zulkifli Noordin of PKR beat Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir 22,255 to 16,672.

BN is trying hard to stop PKR de facto leader from getting into Parliament via various methods including the sodomy charges, I wonder whether they are going to misuse the judiciary just as they had done in 1998. It would be easier, in a sense to dismiss the petition UMNO's Aziz Sheikh Fadzir and retain Zulkifli Noordin in that seat.

Zulkifli would win the seat and that would prevent Anwar from becoming a Member of Parliament and even forming the next government, for the time being.

Wait and see

Premier's wishes go unheeded

Looking at the current developments it is clear that Premier cum UMNO president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's plan of power transition to deputy Najib ain't going well. While the introduction of a code of ethics within UMNO may have slowed Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's campaign for the presidency, it definitely did not deter UMNO branches to nominate other leaders for the supremo post.

The Malaysian Insider story clearly indicates the unhappiness of grassroot UMNO members as they nominate other names for the top two position in the party. The road ahead is certainly not a bed of roses for Abdullah as immediate past UMNO president cum predecessor to Abdullah, Dr Mahathir has yet to cease his calls for Abdullah to step down from outside UMNO. The Najib - Muhyiddin duo has been nominated by some branches. However for an election to take place, candidates need to obtain a minimum amount of nominations.

Having said that, while UMNO members in general have lost confidence in Abdullah, he had an ally who is confident of his administration. The statement by party president of PAS, Hadi Awang, came in as a surprise as he supported Abdullah's administration. On the other hand, PAS Spiritual Leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat's statement was shocking. Statement of PAS leaders were shown on Buletin Utama and NTV 7 News (July 26 2008).

Nik Aziz had called for the formation of a new Malay Islamist party that would be done after the dissolution of UMNO and PAS.

And only weeks ago, Nik Aziz rejected the notion of PAS - UMNO unification in the interest of the Malays and Islam. On a similar note, Khoo Kay Peng questions whether there is a disunity among the Malays.

Threading Malay unity talks and racist remarks

Following the revelation by Khir Toyo I have to agree Lim Kit Siang that it is Malaysian unity that has to be emphasized. The unity exemplified by the voters had brought in the strongest opposition legislators post 1969. Many UMNO leaders may claim that there is no unity.

I beg to differ. What they see as disunity to me, is merely difference in political leanings, regardless whether a Malay supports UMNO, PAS or PKR. Come to think of it, there were already rumours that there is going to be a demonstration by grassroot PAS Youth in front of their headquarters.

Doesn't that that cause disunity among PAS members? Is UMNO trying to create a discord within PAS at a time when UMNO itself is having problems.

Khir Toyo's statement on the talks is displays a high tendency of racism. This is despite the fact that the non Malays would never threaten the position of the Malays. Plus they are not in a position to do so. So the very notion of Malay unity, I believe, is only meant to be a tool for UMNO to use as a last resort when it undergoes its lowest point.

The PKR brawl

It seems that an aide to Sri Setia assemblyman cum political secretary to Selangor MB, Nik Nazmi had punched Kelana Jaya MP, Loh Gwo Burne (PKR) when the latter questioned the need for the construction of mosque.

Feedback from Selangor MB, Khalid Ibrahim, is far from satisfactory. He only attempted to undermine the issue by terming it difference in opinion.

While I agree to have diversity in views, it must not turn physical. The people are watching. It is not just the 100 days that would be in the spotlight but the entire term of administration. Pushing the issue under the carpet would only aggravate the scenario. There is an urgent need to bring the issues to the negotiation table but it must not be a la BN style where UMNO dictates and the other component parties simply bows to the pressure.

This issue was covered by Buletin Utama. Unfortunately they took an extra mile to get feedback from Muhammad Muhammad Taib. I feel that the comments given by him was totally uncalled for. Perhaps he had forgotten the row between Datuk Sri Samy Vellu and the immediate past MB, Dr Khir Toyo over the demolition of a Hindu place of worship. That incident underlined the fact that municipal council with Little Napoleans can be more powerful than a federal minister.

They just don't get it

Anwar Ibrahim refused to undergo a DNA test in his arrest episode following the police report lodged against him by Saiful Bukhari Azlan. He and his counsel has since given a reason on why the former deputy PM ahs not allowed it to be so. Anwar Ibrahim cited the precedent case that involved him a decade ago.

While the police are considering the legal option, Premier Abdullah Badawi has joined the chorus calling Anwar to provide a sample of DNA. Foreign Minister Rais Yatim in a statement assured the sovereignty of law and justice would be maintained.

It is my view that the premier and his cabinet ministers have forgotten something. How would Anwar trust the police if they are alleged to have tampered with the evidence in 1998? I would not trust the police in this case since the Badawi administration has yet to implement the Independent Police Commission on Misconduct and Complaints (IPCMC)? To add salt to the injury, both the AG and IG are not even suspended from their jobs following Anwar’s police report against them?

As if this wasn’t enough the image of Malaysian judiciary to have been restored wholly in the post Lingam Tape period. Recommendation for the appointment and promotion of a judge is yet to be made by a judicial commission.

Thus Anwar leads with 3-0 scoreline.

Malay unity talks

My gut instinct feel that the talks that have been mooted by premier Abdullah Badawi has its own political benefits. Its been there ever since I heard a Malay audience at the social contract forum by the Bar Council mentioned that he fears that the Malays in Malaysia would end up like their counterparts in Singapore.

In addition the Barisan Nasional performed badly and UMNO is plagued with internal conflicts. Ku Li had even gone to the extent of suggesting the union UMNO-PAS. While Hadi Awang's assurance to remain in Pakatan is gratifying chances for the talks to take place is indeed very real.

Personally I do not have an issue with the talks but the topic of Islam and Malays seem exclusive. Looking at it in a wider sense, it actually underlines UMNO's unspoken motive to turn PAS into a racially based party similar to UMNO.

Political conspiracy

Is there a political conspiracy orchestrated by individuals who walk along the corridors of power? Before venturing further into the topic, I would like to state that I am aware of the Sedition Act. At the same time many issues of public interest have been shrouded in cloud of secrecy that has led to conspiracy theorists.And there are instances when these 'conspiracy theorists' such as popular blogger and owner of Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) are proven true.

Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) was arrested. Here is what Nurul Izzah had to say about her dad's arrest. An arrest warrant has been issued for RPK. Several days earlier, Mohd Ezam Noor warned DSAI that he would reveal dark secrets of the latter. At the same time UMNO is also pushing for negotiations on Malay and Islam related issues with PAS knowing fully well that PAS disagreed to some developments in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance. It clearly looks like a divide and conquer strategy orchestrated by some people from UMNO. At the same time, the ACA had questioned the IGP and AG following a report that DSAI had made previously.

If UMNO led Barisan believes that DSAI is guilty of the sodomy charges, by all means present the evidence beyond reasonable doubts in the court of law without any attempt to influence the judiciary. A rumour that Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Fairus was stepping down was shown on Buletin Utama. He denied it. Is this a method to severe the alliance of PKR-DAP in Penang?

I am also unhappy over the manner DSAI was detained. Why is there a need for 15 jeeps of UTK to detain DSAI when Sankara Nair had mentioned yesterday that DSAI would give a statement in the police station. The police action clearly indicates their low level of professionalism. A flip flop police force for a flip flop prime minister.

Update: Does Khairy Jamaluddin have access to police reports lodged against Anwar? The plot thickens but rays of justice may diminish.

Hari ini jadi Perdana Menteri Esok Harga Minyak Turun

This was the title of the debate between PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Ahmad Shabberry Cheek, the Information Minister. The latter actually stated that he would resign if he failed to defend the government's stand.

The debate methodology and rules reminded of school. There was one glaring mistake on the part of the MC, Datuk Johan Jaafar as he did not announce the victorious candidate between the two. Shabbery deviated more than Anwar did and the moderator did not play a good role in ensuring that the arguments were related to the topic.

Though a fresh face in the cabinet, I want to praise Shabberry Cheek for standing up against a personality who is no stranger to debates. On the whole I felt that Anwar's argument were much more convincing. It would have been better if Anwar faced off with Abdullah Badawi, the PM on these issues as the latter is also Finance Minister I.
Based on the polls ran by Malaysiakini, where 19,000 people voted and 95% are of the opinion that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had won the debate.

Havoc Minister

Today roadblocks were set up at key entry points into Kuala Lumpur by the cops despite the fact that there was no demonstration whatsoever from the Pakatan Rakyat or Anwar Ibrahim. And after all that the Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Home Minister had to offer was an apology.

Perhaps they should consult their fellow Finance Minister the amount of loss a company suffers due to staffs coming in late. Isn't the police intelligence working? On the other hand if there was indeed a demonstrations, it would definitely be easier to detain the group at one spot. Perhaps its time for the police to learn military strategies in theory, for starters. Divide and rule is more suitable for political maneuvring, not crowd controls

As for the Home Minister, I have one question, where was the security threat? If this goes on, it would be better for him to be Havoc Minister, not Home Minister

Withering allies

There are some underground tones that the alliance of PKR, DAP and PAS is withering. The most obvious tell tale sign is the withdrawal Unit Amal during the Protes sponsored People's Assemblyon 6th July 2008. The Unit Amal happens to be unit the coordination of PAS Youth to coordinate security for the event. Senior leaders of PAS such as PAS Spiritual Leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat have come out with strong statements with regards to this issue. This has happened despite the fact that PROTES chairman is Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai).

On another hand, PAS has demanded that all four states under the Pakatan Rakyat use Islamic administrative measures as a guideline. Lately, Nik Aziz Nik Mat made a ruling that appointments and promotions of civil servants would be based on how pious they are, especially the head of departments.

PAS had won their 28 parliament seats to become the third opposition party by campaigning on issues that appealed across faiths and races.

On the other hand PKR de-facto leader has been embroiled in the sodomy scandal II. Thus Anwar Ibrahim has to concentrate on facing the issue at hand.

As for the DAP, they seem to be more adjustable with PKR as bed fellows instead of PAS.

Utusan Malaysia actually broke the story of the purported "Pangkor Treaty II" between Nizar Jamaluddin, the Perak Menteri Besar and the DAP. Utusan has made a great disservice to the Pakatan Rakyat by interviewing Nizar's brother. Apparently Nizar was not supposed to implement Islamic administration in Perak. From a political sense, there can be nothing much that the MB himself can do since Perak state government is majority DAP.

Is Abdullah a reformist?

In justifying the extra two years prior to handing over power, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reasoned the extra two years is needed not only to prepare deputy, Najib for the premiership but also for him to continue his reforms.

Lim Kit Siang is skeptical since Abdullah did not implement reforms after winning the elections with the largest percentage of vote, over 80%, in the 11th general election. Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh has also shot down the motion.

In my opinion, I am sceptical that he would implement reforms simply because Abdullah Badawi is not a reformist. He has been proven himself to be a reluctant reformist. Looking back the Royal Commission on Police and Commission to enquire the Lingam tape, for instance, only materialised due to pressure from various quarters and even then recommendations has yet to be implemented.

Thus Abdullah Badawi will go down the annals of history as a reluctant reformist.

Live debates

For the first time in Malaysian history there is going to be an open debate between two political personalities from opposition camp. Organised by Agenda Daily, an online Bahasa news website, it will feature Ahmad Shabbery Cheek, the Information Minister and de facto Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim who would be debating an issue that is close to all Malaysians - the 78 sen fuel price hike. Shabbery Cheek would be defending the government's decision to raise the prices whereas Anwar would propose for the end of raise in fuel prices. After all Anwar's main campaign these days is a pledge to reduce fuel pricesafter taking office as Malaysian premier.

TV3 is telecasting the program live on 15.7.2008. Personally I would prefeer Second Finance Minister to defend the government's stand. Anwar himself preferred to debate this issue with premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or deputy premier, Najib Tun Razak. On another note, I hope that the host/chair would not disrupt the flow of the arguments that is laid put by both debaters.

Also I do hope that TV3 does not delay the telecast by 8 seconds as that would be enough time for the broadcasting company to snip off parts that are pro opposition. This is due to the fact that TV3 has been more effective as a propaganda tool for the Barisan Nasional government compared to TV3.

The perils of being a Prime Minister

In any position, job performance is requisite on whether an individual would obtain the job on a permanent basis. In any job, that is except the job of a Prime Minister. What was shown today over the prime news (Buletin Utama, 8pm 10.7.2008) is Mr PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announcing that he would relinquish power in 2010. His successor is none other than his deputy, Najib Tun Razak.

This, I believe is largely due to the dismal performance of the Barisan Nasional in the 12th General Election. Here is one job that depends on how good the entire party performs in an election.

By relinquishing his power in 2010, our premier would be the first Malaysian premier to relinquish his power to his deputy due to political pressure. He would also be the frist Malaysian premier fails to finish his term in office.

This development would definitely create ramifications on interested parties largely due to the existence of patronage politics in Malaysia. First and foremost to be affected is Khairy Jamaluddin, UMNO Youth deputy chief cum MP for Rembau cum son-in-law. He had once said that he would like to be the youngest Prime Minisiter by taking over the premiership by the age of 40. With Abdullah no longer at the helm, Khairy's dream would remain a dream.

This doesn't mean that Najib would have a bed of roses to achieve the prime ministership. PKR de facto leader, Anwar Ibrahim has constantly kept the BN - led government on their toes by repeating the threat of crossover by 30 BN MPs. Of course these threats has ceased temporarily because of the Najib-Anwar sodomy blame game.

Unparliamentary Gestures

Kinabatangan (UMNO) MP, Bung Mokhtar Radin does it again. Previously famous for his 'bocor' remark to Batu Gajah (DAP) MP, Fong Po Kuan, this member of parliament violated parliamentary rules by showing his finger. Initially he denied but later he redefined it. It goes to shows to show the level of breach a backbencher can go to compared to the opposition law makers.

This guy happens to be Deputy Chair of Barisan Nasional Backbencher's Club (BNBBC). Shame on you and shame on the BNBBC for having such a personality to lead them.

This episode also is evidence that the speaker of the august house is bias. Bung should be referred to the Committee of Privileges and be suspended. This is definitely not the path for achieving a First World Parliament. Secondly in doing what he did, Bung definitely did not adhere to the fifth pillar of the Rukunegara. Mr Prime Minister, why come after bloggers when MPs from your own party fail to uphold the Rukunegara?

Baik dibuang sahaja Bung dari Parlimen kerana mencemarkan kehormatan Parlimen Negara.

Video on Indians in Malaysia

Panas makin panas

This poem is for all who attended Protes on 6.7.2008:

Panas makin panas

Panas makin panas
panas bukan setakat panas sang suria
panas bukan setakat panas lantaran kebocoran ozon
panas bukan setakat air mendidih
panas bukan setakat panas bak pengembara di gurun

Panas makin panas
panas kini makin panas di pentas sandiwara
panas kini dirasa antara politikus yang mengejar kekuasaan
panas kini makin panas dengan tuduhan fitnah liwat-meliwat
panas kini makin panas antara Islam dan Islam Hadhari
panas kini makin panas dengan gertakan dan lompatan katak politikus
panas kini makin panas pabila mantan pembesar negara membuka bicara mengutuk tindakan pewarisnya
panas kini makin panas hinggakan peruntukan bertambah

panas makin panas
bila harga petrol naik mendadak
hati rakyat bukan panas tapi menggelegak
siapa tak panas?
Jika bisa naik kereta kini naik motor
jika bisa naik motor kini bersesak dalam komuter, LRT dan bas
Jika bisa bersesak dalam komuter, LRT dan bas masakan boleh berjalan kaki

Panas makin panas
bila wang RM100 hilang nilai satu ratusnya
panas makin panas
bila rakyat disuruh berjimat sedangkan kerajaan boros
panas makin panas
sedangkan rakyat tidak lagi bercuti, anak bini politikus sibuk terbang dari Australia ke Singapura
panas makin panas
jangan sampai hati rakyat bergelora
kerana kesannya akan bagaikan kejatuhan Marcos di Filipina
dan kejatuhan Pak Soeharto di Indonesia

Pray and you shall get a job in Kelantan

This entry is in response to Malaysiakini report, Pray and you shall get a state job in Kelantan.

As stated in the report, I find it not only controversial but nonsensical. That too coming from a man who has immense knowledge on Islam and Syariah law.

I do not agree with this notion simply because job performance cannot be assessed by the number of times my Muslim brothers and sisters pray. It is simply based on what is also known as key performance index and scheduled internal assessments.

My second point would be on the human - Allah relations. I understand that this attempt by Tok Guru Nik Aziz is a way to call the ummah to be closer to Allah. However how is the Kelantan adminsitration going to monitor every single Muslim men in the state government machinery while they are in prayer.

At the end of the day, only the individual concerned can decide the level of his/her relationship with Allah.

P.S. I used the term Allah because I understand that it is equivalent to GOd in Arabic and because majority of the Kelantan state government staff are Muslims.

MIC oh MIC

The MIC has promised reforms. Thus far it looks superficial in the sense that there are no infusion of young blood. Of course T Mohan the current coordinator for the Youth Wing following SA Vigneswaran's departure from the party cannot be considered as new blood. Officiating a MIC meeting yesterday, he castigated those threatening him as 'mere kids'. Being a non supporter of MIC I am quite sceptical about the rebranding efforts undertaken by Samy Vellu for the MIC. ALl three Tamil news papers gave adequate covereage on the MIC meeting in today's edition.

It is my belief that the MIC would not be able to play a larger for now. Previously even with a sizeable representation in various levels of the government, there was nothing much that the MIC was able to do.

."Opposition is playing dirty politics"

I saw that statement in the news roll on Bernama TV on July 05 2008. Look who is talking. It was stated by Najib, our Deputy Prime Minister who is being implicated in the Altantuya murder via two statutory declarations - Raja Petra Kamarudin of Malaysia Today and P Balasubramaniam's flipsy flopsy statutory declaration. In the initial stages of the Altantuya murder trial, the prosecution team also went ot great length to state Najib's non involvement.

I am not an Anwarista but it would be best for Najib to keep a low profile and eventually back off from claiming the title of prime minister-in-waiting instead of giving such a statement.

The return of body snatching

Body snatching by officials of the state religious departments has made a comeback. It was a contentious issue prior to March 8 among the minority non Muslim Malaysian community. Beginning with the Moorthy several years ago, the latest to join the list is Elangesvaran Benedict. (New Straits Times July 5 2008) The syariah court has ruled the deceased a Muslim even though family of the deceased have contested the notion based on the fact that the late Benedict had lived his life as a Hindu.

There are two points that is worth noting here. I am pessimistic that the current judicial reforms would ensure the superiority of the civil courts. I am saying on the basis that syariah law is only applicable to Muslims and matters raised are directly related to familial laws for Muslims. I do not, and will not prescribe to the superiority of syariah law in the judicial system based on my above mentioned points.

Second, looking at the number of inter religious cases and the number of body snatching that has been reported in the media, it is fair to say that the victims are general of Indian/ Hindus in origin. Despite of increase in the number of cases, I strongly believe that the Hindus have yet to understand the repercussions of conversion to Islam. In such a scenario, the responsibility of spreading the awareness should be beared by the Hindu Sangam. They should in fact ensure the unity of all temple organisations and use it as a centre for disseminating information. A good example is the manner Catholic churches create awareness through the publication of The Herald.

Protesting against price hikes

I am eagerly looking to be at PROTES people's assembly that would be held at the new venue:- Stadium Kelana Jaya. It was initially scheduled to be held at Padang Timur near Amcorp Mall. I believe that the change in venue is due to police intervention. There are two elements that would make this demonstrations stand out. First, apart from the protest against petrol and price hike, Anwar Ibrahim would kick start his nation wide campaign to clear the air with regards to the sodomy allegation against him. Second, for the first time a demo has been endorsed by state government. Selangor MB, Khalid Ibrahim has confirmed his attendance.

As much as I hope that there wold be elements of surprise from the police, I hope they wouldn't combine forces with the military to cordone off the venue. As the saying goes, twenty fours hours is a long time in politics. Comprehending the current political political scenario, I would just keep my fingers crossed.

Race relations

In the phase of post March 8, the issue of Malay unity, racial sensitivities has been constantly raised by certain quarters, especially those with political links. In recent times I can recall at least three incidents. First is the demonstrations by Penang UMNO Youth at the premises of the Penang government. Next would be Ezam's claim that the politics that Anwar has brought in would be lethal and detrimental to the upliftment of the Malays and thirdly the objections made by Malay groups against Bar Council of Malaysia for hosting a forum on the social contract. A Kelantan based group had earlier objected to the function and most recently a groups of NGOs lodged a police report. An UMNO state legislator also made a remark that was seditious in the Perak state assembly

This trend indicate one disturbing fact- politicians are responsible for the deterioration of race relations. This is further exacerbated via implementation of certain policies. For instance the inculcation of Islamic values policies implemented during Anwar's tenure as the minister of education during only served to increase wariness of the non Muslims. From a political perspective it was done to counter PAS' brand of Islam but UMNO did not consider the sensitivities of the other races.

In truth UMNO has used this as a tool whenever they are in the phase of losing support as can be seen now. Now that Malaysians in general have used their voting power to send a message, I do sincerely hope that the average Malaysians would be able to see beyond the racial sphere to have a Malaysia United

Masha Allah

The Herald case by the Catholic Church against the Government over the usage of the term, Allah, in the Malay Bible has taken a new twist as both the Perak Religious Department (JAIPP) and the Gurdwara Council had sought to intervene. This was reported in the Star, July 4 2008.

I wonder when the Hindu Sangam would intervene. After all there is a hymn sung in temples and related to Gandhi. Part of it goes as the following:
"Ishvara Allah Tero Naam, Sanmo Sanmathi Hey Bhagwan"

Notice the term Allah. Basically the entire hymn's message is the oneness of God and man calls God with different names. Contrary to the classification of religion that classifies Hinduism under polytheism, the Hindu faith monistic in nature.

Personally I have got no issue with other religious groups using the term Allah in their prayer. From a linguistic perspective, the term Allah means God in Arabic. So what's the big deal. it is more important for us to lead a righteous life instead claiming copyright over how we address God.

From a political perspective, furthering feuds over God's name is detrimental to the progress of Malaysia as race is unique factor that bind Malaysians. Race and religion is interconnected. As Malaysia undergoes a turbulent phase in politics this type of cases can be used by certain quarters to create civil unrest and race relations breakdown. The closest scenario to race relations breakdown would be May 13, 1969 and the Kg Medan incident in 2001.

Social contract II

I read on Utusan Malaysia July 4, 2008 that a group of fifteen, so called NGOs have lodged their police report against Malaysian Bar Council for organisng the Social Contract forum on June 28, 2008.

I've written "so called NGOs" because the group was made up of, among others, the Silat Gayung Patani Association. Doesn't their association name itself qualify them to be known as a sports association, not NGOs.

Interestingly enough, during the press conference to promote this event, I asked Mr Lim Chee Wee, the Bar Council Sec-Gen about objections from various quarters to which he responded, "Come, participate and engage". Unfortunately those groups objecting to the forum never made the effort to participate and engage with the speakers and the rest of the audience and yet they have the audacity to dmeonstrate their unhappiness through improper channels.

Sodomising Malaysians

Damn, why the hell did P Balasubramaniam implicate Najib if he did not know the individual concerned were? And this guy is a former cop with a stint with Special Branch.

Politics is the art of the possible and the characters in Malaysia are living upto it. As former cop, this guy should know better than to simply give statutory declaration. On the other hand, was he forced to retract the statements since Najib has jurisdictions over the men in blue and green. Nat had implied this in his entry. It seems that not only had he change his amendment, he even changed his lawyer.

In short as Anwar and Najib accuse and counter - accuse each other of sodomy, P Balasubramaniam has sodomised the rest of the Malaysians with his flip flop statutory declaration.

What is to become of my Malaysia?

At this juncture of time, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is clearly implicated in the elimination of Altantuya Shaariibuu. He is the prime minister-in-waiting in a true sense. He has denied all links to this Mongolian beauty and called P Balasubramaniam’s statutory declaration a lie. As if this wasn’t enough, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a press conference called upon Malaysians not to believe the news and assured that everything in the country is stable.

These developments are much more interesting than the Clinton – Lewinsky, even though it is tarnishing the image of this country in the international arena.

On the other hand, Malaysia’s top cop, Inspector General of Police, Musa Hassan and legal adviser, Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail has been implicated in a case of hiding medical evidence of current PKR leader, Anwar Ibrahim a decade ago.

These implicated personalities are no ordinary people. In fact they represent the police and Malaysia’s foremost legal team respectively. Since both have been implicated the task of investigation has fallen upon the ACA.

What has become of our bureaucracy? It is so tainted that there would definitely erosion of public confidence over the institutions that they represent.

To add salt to the wound, the policed force is contemplating to engage the military to assist in controlling crowds. This is in light with the PROTES demonstrations on the 6.7.2008.

Are the police that incompetent that they are forced to engage the military? The ramifications of military interference into the public space are best exemplified through Pakistan. The military has practically damaged the development of democracy and even were at odds with the judiciary under President General Musharraf.

Prime Minister-in-waiting to Prime Minister-in-waiting

This is mind blowing.

First Saiful, an aide to an aide of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claims to be sodomised by the de-facto leader of PKR. Do take note that he has been photographed with many political leaders including an aide to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the current Deputy Prime Minister and PM-in-waiting. Instead of countering those allegations, Anwar Ibrahim has opened up another can of worms of Najib Razak through the statutory declaration of Balasubramaniam who was hired by Razak Baginda to keep stop Altantuya from harassing Razak Baginda. This is also means that the statutory declaration by Raja Petra previously may be true after all. Attached here is the statutory declaration made by Balasubramaniam as published by Malaysiakini:

I, Balasubramaniam a/l Perumal ... do solemly and sincerely declare as follows:

1. I have been a police officer with the Royal Malaysian Police Force, having joined as a constable in 1981 attached to the police field force. I was then promoted to the rank of lance corporal and finally resigned from the police force in 1998 when I was with the Special Branch.

2. I have been working as a freelance private investigator since I left the police force.

3. Sometime in June or July 2006, I was employed by Abdul Razak Baginda for a period of 10 days to look after him at his office at the Bangunan Getah Asli, Jalan Ampang between the hours of 8am to 5pm each working day as apparently he was experiencing disturbances from a third party.

4. I resigned from this job after 2½ days as I was not receiving any proper instructions.

5. I was however re-employed by Abdul Razak Baginda on the Oct 5, 2006 as he had apparently received a harassing phone call from a Chinese man calling himself ASP Tan who had threatened him to pay his debts. I later found out this gentleman was in fact a private investigator called Ang who was employed by a Mongolian woman called Altantuya Shaaribuu.

6. Abdul Razak Baginda was concerned that a person by the name of Altantuya Shaaribuu, a Mongolian woman, was behind this threat and that she would be arriving in Malaysia very soon to try and contact him.

7. Abdul Razak Baginda informed me that he was concerned by this as he had been advised that Altantuya Shaaribuu had been given some powers by a Mongolian ‘bomoh’ and that he could never look her in the face because of this.

8. When I enquired as to who this Mongolian woman was, Abdul Razak Baginda informed me that she was a friend of his who had been introduced to him by a VIP and who asked him to look after her financially.

9. I advised him to lodge a police report concerning the threatening phone call he had received from the Chinese man known as ASP Tan but he refused to do so as he informed me there were some high-profile people involved.

10. Abdul Razak Baginda further told me that Altantuya Shaaribuu was a great liar and good in convincing people. She was supposed to have been very demanding financially and that he had even financed a property for her in Mongolia.

11. Abdul Razak Baginda then let me listen to some voice messages on his handphone asking him to pay what was due otherwise he would be harmed and his daughter harassed.

12. I was therefore supposed to protect his daughter Rowena as well.

13. On Oct 9, 2006 I received a phone call from Abdul Razak Baginda at about 9.30am informing me that Altantuya was in his office and he wanted me there immediately. As I was in the midst of a surveillance, I sent my assistant Suras to Abdul Razak Baginda’s office and I followed a little later. Suras managed to control the situation and had persuaded Altantuya and her two friends to leave the premises. However Altantuya left a note written on some Hotel Malaya notepaper, in English, asking Abdul Razak Baginda to call her on her handphone (number given) and wrote down her room number as well.

14. Altantuya had introduced herself to Suras as ‘Aminah’ and had informed Suras she was there to see her boyfriend Abdul Razak Baginda.

15. These three Mongolian girls however returned to Abdul Razak Baginda’s office at the Bangunan Getah Asli, Jalan Ampang again, the next day at about 12 noon. They did not enter the building but again informed Suras that they wanted to meet Aminah’s boyfriend, Abdul Razak Baginda.

16. On Oct 11, 2006, Aminah returned to Abdul Razak Baginda’s office on her own and gave me a note to pass to him, which I did. Abdul Razak Baginda showed me the note which basically asked him to call her urgently.

17. I suggested to Abdul Razak Baginda that perhaps it may be wise to arrange for Aminah to be arrested if she harassed him further, but he declined as he felt she would have to return to Mongolia as soon as her cash ran out.

18. In the meantime, I had arranged for Suras to perform surveillance on Hotel Malaya to monitor the movements of these three Mongolian girls, but they recognised him. Apparently they become friends with Suras after that and he ended up spending a few nights in their hotel room.

19. When Abdul Razak Baginda discovered Suras was becoming close to Aminah he asked me to pull him out from Hotel Malaya.

20. On the Oct 14, 2006, Aminah turned up at Abdul Razak Baginda’s house in Damansara Heights when I was not there. Abdul Razak Baginda called me on my handphone to inform me of this so I rushed back to his house. As I arrived, I noticed Aminah outside the front gates shouting “Razak, bastard, come out from the house”. I tried to calm her down but couldn’t, so I called the police who arrived in two patrol cars. I explained the situation to the police, who took her away to the Brickfields police station.

21. I followed the patrol cars to Brickfields police station in a taxi. I called Abdul Razak Baginda and his lawyer Dirren to lodge a police report but they refused.

22. When I was at the Brickfields police station, Aminah’s own private investigator, one Mr Ang arrived and we had a discussion. I was told to deliver a demand to Abdul Razak Baginda for US$500,000 and three tickets to Mongolia, apparently as commission owed to Aminah from a deal in Paris.

23. As Aminah had calmed down at this stage, a policewoman at the Brickfields police station advised me to leave and settle the matter amicably.

24. I duly informed Abdul Razak Baginda of the demands Aminah had made and told him I was disappointed that no one wanted to back me up in lodging a police report. We had a long discussion about the situation when I expressed a desire to pull out of this assignment.

25. During this discussion and in an attempt to persuade me to continue my employment with him, Abdul Razak Baginda informed me that:

1 He had been introduced to Aminah by Najib Razak at a diamond exhibition in Singapore.

2 Najib Razak informed Abdul Razak Baginda that he had a sexual relationship with Aminah and that she was susceptible to anal intercourse.

3 Najib Razak wanted Abdul Razak Baginda to look after Aminah as he did not want her to harass him since he was now the deputy prime minister.

4 Najib Razak, Abdul Razak Baginda and Aminah had all been together at a dinner in Paris.

5 Aminah wanted money from him as she felt she was entitled to a US$500,000 commission on a submarine deal she assisted with in Paris.

26. On Oct 19, 2006, I arrived at Abdul Razak Baginda’s house in Damansara Heights to begin my night duty. I had parked my car outside as usual. I saw a yellow Proton Perdana taxi pass by with three ladies inside, one of whom was Aminah. The taxi did a U-turn and stopped in front of the house where these ladies rolled down the window and wished me ‘Happy Deepavali’. The taxi then left.

27. About 20 minutes later the taxi returned with only Aminah in it. She got out of the taxi and walked towards me and started talking to me. I sent an SMS to Abdul Razak Baginda informing him “Aminah was here”. I received an SMS from Razak instructing me “to delay her until my man comes”.

28. Whist I was talking to Aminah, she informed me of the following:

1 That she met Abdul Razak Baginda in Singapore with Najib Razak.

2 That she had also met Abdul Razak Baginda and Najib Razak at a dinner in Paris.

3 That she was promised a sum of US$500,000.00 as commission for assisting in a submarine deal in Paris.

4 That Abdul Razak Baginda had bought her a house in Mongolia but her brother had refinanced it and she needed money to redeem it.

5 That her mother was ill and she needed money to pay for her treatment.

6 That Abdul Razak Baginda had married her in Korea as her mother is Korean whilst her father was a Mongolian/Chinese mix.

7 That if I wouldn’t allow her to see Abdul Razak Baginda, would I be able to arrange for her to see Najib Razak.

29. After talking to Aminah for about 15 minutes, a red Proton Aeroback arrived with a woman and two men. I now know the woman to be lance corporal Rohaniza and the men, Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azahar. They were all in plainclothes. Azilah walked towards me while the other two stayed in the car.

30. Azilah asked me whether the woman was Aminah and I said “Yes”. He then walked off and made a few calls on his handphone. After 10 minutes another vehicle, a blue Proton Saga, driven by a Malay man, passed by slowly. The drivers window had been wound down and the driver was looking at us.

31. Azilah then informed me they would be taking Aminah away. I informed Aminah they were arresting her. The other two persons then got out of the red Proton and exchanged seats so that lance corporal Rohaniza and Aminah were in the back while the two men were in the front. They drove off and that is the last I ever saw of Aminah.

32. Abdul Razak Baginda was not at home when all this occurred.

33. After Oct 19, 2006, I continued to work for Abdul Razak Baginda at his house in Damansara Heights from 7pm to 8am the next morning, as he had been receiving threatening text messages from a woman called ‘Amy’ who was apparently ‘Aminah’s’ cousin in Mongolia.

34. On the night of Oct 20, 2006, both of Aminah’s girlfriends turned up at Abdul Razak Baginda’s house enquiring where Aminah was. I informed them she had been arrested the night before.

35. A couple of nights later, these two Mongolian girls, Mr Ang and another Mongolian girl called ‘Amy’ turned up at Abdul Razak Baginda’s house looking for Aminah as they appeared to be convinced she was being held in the house.

36. A commotion began so I called the police who arrived shortly thereafter in a patrol car. Another patrol car arrived a short while later in which was the investigating officer from the Dang Wangi police station who was in charge of the missing persons report lodged by one of the Mongolians girls, I believe was Amy.

37. I called Abdul Razak Baginda who was at home to inform him of the events taking place at his front gate. He then called DSP Musa Safri and called me back informing me that Musa Safri would be calling handphone and I was to pass the phone to the inspector from Dang Wangi police station.

38. I then received a call on my handphone from Musa Safri and duly handed the phone to the Dang Wangi inspector. The conversation lasted 3-4 minutes after which he told the girls to disperse and to go to see him the next day.

39. On or about Oct 24, 2006, Abdul Razak Baginda instructed me to accompany him to the Brickfields police station as he had been advised to lodge a police report about the harassment he was receiving from these Mongolian girls.

40. Before this, Amy had sent me an SMS informing me she was going to Thailand to lodge a report with the Mongolian consulate there regarding Aminah’s disappearance. Apparently she had sent the same SMS to Abdul Razak Baginda. This is why he told me he had been advised to lodge a police report.

41. Abdul Razak Baginda informed me that DPS Musa Safri had introduced him to one DSP Idris, the head of the criminal division, Brickfields police station, and that Idris had referred him to ASP Tonny.

42. When Abdul Razak Baginda had lodged his police report at Brickfields police station, in front of ASP Tonny, he was asked to make a statement but he refused as he said he was leaving for overseas. He did however promise to prepare a statement and hand ASP Tonny a thumbdrive. I know that this was not done as ASP Tonny told me.

43. However ASP Tonny asked me the next day to provide my statement instead and so I did.

44. I stopped working for Abdul Razak Baginda on Oct 26, 2006 as this was the day he left for Hong Kong on his own.

45. In mid-November 2006, I received a phone call from ASP Tonny from the IPK Jalan Hang Tuah asking me to see him regarding Aminah’s case. When I arrived there I was immediately arrested under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.

46. I was then placed in the lock up and remanded for five days. On the third day, I was released on police bail.

47. At the end of November 2006, the D9 department of the IPK sent a detective to my house to escort me to the IPK Jalan Hang Tuah. When I arrived, I was told I was being arrested under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. I was put in the lock up and remanded for seven days.

48. I was transported to Bukit Aman where I was interrogated and questioned about an SMS I had received from Abdul Razak Baginda on Oct 19, 2006 which read “delay her until my man arrives”. They had apparently retrieved this message from Abdul Razak Baginda’s handphone.

49. They then proceeded to record my statement from 8.30 am to 6pm everyday for seven consecutive days. I told them all I knew including everything Abdul Razak Baginda and Aminah had told me about their relationships with Najib Razak but when I came to sign my statement, these details had been left out.

50. I have given evidence in the trial of Azilah, Sirul and Abdul Razak Baginda at the Shah Alam High Court. The prosecutor did not ask me any questions in respect of Aminah’s relationship with Najib Razak or of the phone call I received from DSP Musa Safri, whom I believe was the ADC for Najib Razak and/or his wife.

51. On the day Abdul Razak Baginda was arrested, I was with him at his lawyers office at 6.30am. Abdul Razak Baginda informed us that he had sent Najib Razak an SMS the evening before as he refused to believe he was to be arrested, but had not received a response.

52. Shortly thereafter, at about 7.30am, Abdul Razak Baginda received an SMS from Najib Razak and showed, this message to both myself and his lawyer. This message read as follows: “ I am seeing IGP at 11am today … matter will be solved … be cool”.

53. I have been made to understand that Abdul Razak Baginda was arrested the same morning at his office in the Bangunan Getah Asli, Jalan Ampang.

54. The purpose of this statutory declaration is to:

1 State my disappointment at the standard of investigations conducted by the authorities into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Altantuya Shaaribuu.

2 Bring to the notice of the relevant authorities the strong possibility that there are individuals other than the three accused who must have played a role in the murder of Altantuya Shaaribuu.

3 Persuade the relevant authorities to reopen their investigations into this case immediately so that any fresh evidence may be presented to the court prior to submissions at the end of the prosecutions case.

4 Emphasise the fact that having been a member of the Royal Malaysian Police Force for 17 years, I am absolutely certain no police officer would shoot someone in the head and blow up their body without receiving specific instructions from their superiors first.

5 Express my concern that should the defence not be called in the said murder trial, the accused, Azilah and Sirul will not have to swear on oath and testify as to the instructions they received and from whom they were given.

55. And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory Declaration Act 1960.

Balasubramaniam a/l Perumal

July 1, 2008

While Anwar Ibrahim has yet to give further statements with regards to the allegation of sodomy against him, he has planned a tour around the nation to explain his predicament, beginning with the GERAMM protest on July 6, 2008 at Padang Timur near Amcorp Mall. In relation to this the police has not rule out engagement with the military to disperse the crowd. It hasn’t come down well on the rakyat.

Apparently the incumbent Prime Minister in-waiting will have to bow down to the wishes of the Malaysian people. The inaction of the current PM would also cause him to bow out soon

Sharing the nation or renting the nation?

While I am very much aware that at this moment the Anwar sodomy case is very hot, I am diverting my attention to the social contract.

Currently reading Sharing the Nation: Faith, Difference, Power and the State - 50 Years after Merdeka by Norani Othman, Mavis C Puthucheary and Clive Kessler, I was enlightened by the fact that in the original agreement there was no such thing as the special rights for the Malays. It was special position of the Malays. The other point that struck me is that the special position had a time limit as in a contract. However UMNO has altogether changed the concept to special rights. The chapter by Dr Puthucheary also revealed how the concept of bumiputera came to be used and included Sabah and Sarawak native people. This has, over the years, created sentiments among the non Malay, non Muslims in Malaysia as they have continued to be seen as immigrants.

Interestingly if a non – Malay non Muslim converts to Islam and practices Malay lifestyle as prescribed in the Federal Constitution, he or she would be identified as Malay Muslim and enjoy privileges meant for the bumiputras. An example would be Malaysia’s well known political scientist, Dr Chandra Muzaffar. He was active in leftist politics via Parti Keadilan Rakyat rallying for Anwar Ibrahim. Though he is an Indian converted to Musllim faith, he was never seen as representing the Malaysian Indian members of the party.

Based on the above points, the question for the minority Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians would be; Are we sharing the nation with the Malay Muslim majority or are we renting the nation from the Malay Muslim community? At what cost is it? Over the years the younger generations of Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians have sought greener pastures in foreign lands. They wanted to share the nation not rent.

On an addition, it is noteworthy to mention here that the MCA has defended the Bar Council for organising the forum on social contract.

Anwar & the US Factor

The US has come out strongly urging that there be no political persecution against Anwar in the light of the new sodomy allegations by his former aide. It is a known fact that the US has always favoured Anwar over Dr Mahathir. So this statement from Uncle Sam is nothing surprising.

A decade ago, then Vice President, Al Gore, openly supported Anwar's call for Reformasi in the APEC summit that was hosted by Kuala Lumpur under the Mahathir administration. During the phase of Anwar's political wilderness he was offered a position as a visiting professor at Georgetown University in the US.

Most recently Alfred Wolfowitz nominated Anwar Ibrahim as one of the Top 100 leaders in the Time magazine.

My question is, would Democrat candidate, Barack Obama support Anwar? If he does, wouldn't Mr Obama's campaign be affected since he has been denying being a Muslim despite having lived and studied there? Would the Jew factor, that plays a key role in decisions, swing their support for Robert McCain of the Republicans?

These questions have no answers at this point of time but there would definitely be no harm in Obama having a close relationship with Anwar once both leaders are in the position of power. On this note also see our Home Minister rambling that Anwar complains to Uncle Sam everything something happens to him.

Anwar Ibrahim factor in PR

Li Tsin had already questioned the illogical scenario of the police report against Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy. I would like to look at it from a political perspective. Would Pakatan Rakyat(PR) be able strongly hold together?

The losers in this case would definitely be Abdullah Badawi and the BN government as pointed out by Ong Kian Meng and Oon Yeoh.

As for PR, the current status of it is similar to BBA a decade ago. The coalition has not been registered as the BN. There are no mechanisms to resolve differences as seen in the spate between Kedah MB Azizan (PAS)and Penang CM Guan Eng (DAP).

The strongest factor gluing all PKR, DAP and PAS is Anwar Ibrahim. Thus this new set of sodomy allegations against him has put the PR under the limelight instead of the BN that had been on their toes lately.