Anwar puts his foot down

ANALYSIS By JOCELINE TAN

The de facto PKR leader’s hand in the party polls has been evident in the last few days as he turned on his charm as well as used a heavy fist to fine-tune the list of candidates.

PKR politician Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has always had this polished and casual chic kind of look. But the past few days have found him looking harassed and rather out of sorts, as though the world is slowly crumbling around his ears.

He cannot be blamed because he was almost “played out” by three ladies in a private home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail on Thursday.

During the meeting, the three ladies managed to elicit three promises from him: one, he would not contest the PKR No. 1 post; two, he would pull out from the No. 2 post; three, he would instead go for a vice-president post.

The three ladies were none other than PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, her daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar and political secretary to the Selangor Mentri Besar, Faekah Husin, whose petite frame belies her political cables in the party.

Zaid agreed to the proposals because he was told that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim would also quit the race and that Wan Azizah would persuade the other candidate Mustaffa Kamil Ayob to withdraw.

The idea was to pave the way for a face-off between Nurul Izzah and Azmin Ali. Both mother and daughter have very personal feelings about Azmin and they evidently felt that this would be the moment to take him on.

On Friday, Zaid and Nurul Izzah met again to discuss a joint press conference on Saturday where he would withdraw and she would confirm her candidacy. His only condition was that she should not quit midway.

But the press conference never took place, the three women went incommunicado, calls were not returned and SMSes went unanswered.

Zaid must have felt as if he was in one of those weird twilight zone movies – did the meeting actually take place or had he imagined all of it?

Well, it was definitely for real and when things went all silent on the other side, he dashed off e-mails to all those who had attended, confirming the discussion. Only Nurul Izzah acknowledged the e-mail.

Zaid was totally cheesed off and has since confirmed he is in the race against Azmin and Mustaffa. Khalid is staying out whereas Nurul is going for the vice-president post.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim apparently blew his top and put his foot down on the deal, despite the fact that his wife is his party president and his daughter is an MP in her own right.

Anwar, weighed down as he is by the sodomy trial, has been working behind the scenes to prevent the party elections from getting out of hand.

He is convinced an early general election is in store after Friday’s Budget and he cannot afford any big splits. The party adviser turned on his legendary charm for some, and used a heavy fist on others to avert all-out fights.

Khalid evidently bowed to Anwar’s determination that Azmin should be the next deputy president.

At a private meeting last week, Anwar asked Khalid to concentrate on his duties as Selangor Mentri Besar.

He told Khalid that going for No. 2 did not make sense given that he has to focus on defending Selangor in the next election. He reminded Khalid that it was why he was replaced by Azmin as Selangor PKR chief a few months ago.

The contest for the PKR No. 2 post has had more twists and turns than the East-West Highway. There has also been collateral damage and a PKR-aligned news portal had to publish a long editorial insisting that, “We are nobody’s poodle,” following accusations that its coverage of the PKR polls was one-sided.

The real power lies with Anwar. He let things take its course earlier on but began pressing the control buttons in the days leading to the confirmation of candidates.

He would probably step up his role again when the divisions convene to vote for the supreme council between Oct 29 and Nov 21.

Those who had pressured him to go for No. 1 must be slapping themselves. Why should he, when he has such unlimited and undefined power as the de facto leader?

At the same time, his word is not what it used to be with the new one-man-one-vote system of election.

For instance, Zaid, who defied Anwar so openly, still managed to secure some 40 nominations for the No. 2 post and more than qualified for the No. 1 post.

Rafizi Ramli, Anwar’s calon wahyu for the leadership of Angkatan Muda Keadilan or AMK, did poorly in the nominations race and has pulled out, reportedly on Anwar’s advice.

The AMK fight is now between two street-fighter style politicians – Badrul Hisham Shaharin and incumbent Shamsul Iskander Akin. Although Shamsul has been unremarkable as AMK chief, Anwar is said to prefer him over Badrul who has an independent spirit.

Anwar’s alignment to personalities in the party seems to suggest that this election has more to do with his sodomy trial than the future of the party.

His all-time favourite Azmin is primed to look after Anwar’s personal interest as keenly as he does that of the party. Even Anwar’s approval of Shamsul and Tian Chua is related to their ability to whip up demonstrations which will be useful in his trial.

As for Wan Azizah, who was returned unopposed as president, her loyalty to the party is second only to her loyalty to her husband.

Those contesting the party polls have to realise that they are there not only to take on the Barisan Nasional but also to rise to Anwar’s defence in the sodomy trial.

KEADILAN DI MALAYSIAKINI: antara Lingam, Khalid dan MACC

Sehari dalam kemelut. Tidak ada lagi dalam dunia ini, politik jadi kopi dan teh. Untuk dihirup dan diluah. Dalam senario itu, ingatan dari Raja Muda perlis tentang budaya mob sesuai diikuti rapi. Manakala Zaid waktu beralih ke longgok pembangkang menyentuh tentang Anwar, lebih kurang seperti ini, "Baik jika Anwar kurangkan grandstanding". Kita ketagih selalu. Yang ketagih candu dan kafein satu hal, yang ketagih dengan stail mob, hal yang lain pula.

2. Politik dimainkan oleh beberapa kerat. Selebihnya adalah pelengkap, manakala majoriti adalah pengundi, turun untuk memangkah bila waktunya tiba. Tetapi suasana politik adalah irama yang dialun oleh orang politik. Mereka ghairah dan dahagakan kemenangan dan kuasa. Sekali sekala ada juga yang suka menyebut tentang keadilan.

Keadilan.

3. Menamakan parti sebagai keadilan, tidak semestinya memperjuangkan keadilan. Tonggak keadilan adalah Mahkamah. Tetapi oleh kerana sebarang keputusan mahkamah akan mewujudkan dua rasa, yang menang tentu gembira, manakala yang kalah akan kecewa, keadilan itu juga berwajah dua, hitam dan putih. Malang jika yang kalah bukan hanya kecewa malah marah. Anwar adalah contoh manusia yang sudi jadi contoh. Dia kecewa dan marahkan mahkamah bila dipenjara. Beliau dalam sekelip mata memuji mahkamah bila dilepas dari tuduhan. Manusia dua rasa, seperti jua menu restoran ikan dua rasa.

4. Isu lingam menarik, kerana ada usaha ketara mengheret dan mencalar manusia sebelum asas-asas keadilan dilaksana. Maka terheretlah Hakim, pemimpin dan peniaga. Dalam mencari keadilan, kita lemparkan tuduhan dan hukuman sekali gus, sebelum neraca keadilan dipasang. Anwar berjaya menghakis kepercayaan terhadap kerajaan dan jenteranya, manakala Abdullah berjaya mencalar aura Mahathir. Namun Mahathir jarang tunjuk rasa kecewa, apatah lagi dengan permainan seperti itu.

5. Isu Khalid lebih menarik kerana ianya adalah terkini selepas siri-siri kejutan, bota, perak, nizar, zambry, sivakumar dan elizabeth wong. MACC mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa ada bukti untuk dakwa Khalid berkaitan dengan lembu dan kereta. Dengan segera Anwar dan rakan-rakannya menyerang kononnya kerana MACC mendahului proses keadilan.

6. Dari satu sudut, tidak ada beza Lingam dan Khalid. Ada usaha menerangkan secara kasar dan ringkas latarbelakang kes, tanpa proses penghakiman. Tidak ada orang sudi membantu Lingam. Ramai pula menggelegak mempertahankan Khalid. Dengan laporan demi laporan yang telah dibuat dalam tempuh kemelut politik kini, adalah dipercayai ramai masih suka dengan proses keadilan yang ada. Juruvideo Lingam disanjung dan diusung ke Parlimen, manakala nasib jurugambar Elizabeth Wong belum tentu.

7. Isu Lingam dan Khalid wajar dilihat dalam perspektif yang sama. Sudahnya apalah yang dihairankan sangat. Kalau salah, salahlah, kalau betul, betullah.

8. Namun usaha membawa lembu ke perkarangan MACC adalah manifestasi kepada minda pejuang-pejuang keadilan.

9. Betul macam rakan kopitiam kata, ada bahaya bila lawyers jadi ahli politik dan ada bahaya bila tokoh agama jadi ahli politik. Erti keadilan dan agama disolek sedemikian rupa hingga ramai jadi terpesona dan terkeliru, kerana yang naive tidak sedar politics is an art of manipulative seduction. Hanya Don Juan yang tahu............


beritadarigunung

KHALID IBRAHIM WITH MALAYSIAKINI: Cows for car

I paste this news clip because the title sounds amusing...., Cows for car!

Cows for cars...

KUALA LUMPUR

Feb 21 2009

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption body has claimed that they have concrete evidence against a state chief minister for misusing funds to purchase cows and pay for maintenance of his car.

A top official of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said that the agency has completed its probe into the allegations against Selangor chief minister Khalid Ibrahim and that the matter would soon be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action. An assemblyman had complained that Khalid had misused state funds to pay for the maintenance of his personal car and purchase of 46 cows worth 110,400 ringgit for slaughter during Id. PTI

ref: Cows for cars...
The Statesman, India

SELANGOR WITH MALAYSIAKINI: MB dan Sultan Shafaruddin

Khalid has said the right thing in the right tone....

Selangor MB Agrees With Sultan's Views

SHAH ALAM, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today said he agreed with the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's reminder for the people to think carefully before resorting to actions which challenged the rights, role and position of the rulers as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

"I agree with the Sultan of Selangor's views in reminding the people that the federal constitutional system and state constitutional system are the constitutional monarchy system.

"The Sultan has given a clear message to the people on acceptable ways and decorum in communicating and interacting with the rulers or palace," Khalid told reporters after handing over the prizes to winners of Stage 6 of the Le Tour de Langkawi cycling event, here, today.

Khalid was asked about the Selangor Sultan's statement yesterday in which the Sultan expressed sadness and disappointment over what he regarded as rudeness towards the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, following the ruler's consent for the formation of a new Perak state government recently.

The Selangor Sultan also reminded the people not to be misled by those who were willing to take high risks through their display of rudeness, treachery, arrogance, ignorance of knowledge and lust for power.

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Sultan's statement and sadness and disappointment over what happened in Perak would surely be shared by the other rulers, while the opposition's actions had also gone against the spirit of the Perak State Constitution and Federal Constitution.

"The position of the Malay rulers is stipulated in the constitution. So, loyal citizens should respect their decisions like that made by the Perak Sultan, and not resort to actions which can tarnish the image and dignity of the rulers," he said after officiating at a golf championship organised by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, here, today.

When asked about DAP chairman Karpal Singh's view that his move to sue the Perak Sultan was allowed under the law and that the ruler was aware of it, Muhyiddin said it was Karpal's personal opinion.

"We all know that the Perak Sultan is a former Lord President and this fact cannot be belittled. The Sultan would know how to interpret the provisions in Perak State Constitution, which allows him to use his discretion.

In JOHOR BAHARU, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said people should take note of the Selangor Sultan's views over rude behaviour such as the unruly street demonstrations in protest of the Perak Sultan's decision.

He said every citizen of this country, especially the political leaders, should realise that the country had a constitution and that they should respect the rule of law.

"As leaders, we should understand the constitution better. We must separate emotions from the law. If we act on emotions, it is not good for the country," he said when launching a carnival organised by an association of owners of gas-powered vehicles, here, today.

On the arrest of four Umno leaders, including supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for taking part in a demonstration against DAP chairman Karpal Singh yesterday, Shahrir said there should be no more street demonstrations.

"The police need to disperse demonstrators if they only serve to up the tension. A politician taking part in a street demonstration should face the risk of being place in a police lock-up," he said.

Meanwhile, the Cheras Umno division will send a memorandum to the Conference of Malay Rulers on Monday to appeal for the convening of a special meeting "to discuss the actions of certain groups of late which threaten the country's constitutional monarchy system".

Division head Datuk Syed Ali AlHabshee said in Kuala Lumpur that the special meeting was necessary as these groups had displayed insolent behaviour and were testing the patience of the Malays over the rights and authority of the Malay rulers.

Speaking to reporters after a gathering to show loyalty to the rulers held at the Cheras Recreation Centre today, Syed Ali said insolence was clearly demonstrated by DAP chairman Karpal Singh's move to sue the Perak Sultan over the appointment of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar.

He called for stern action to be taken against the DAP leader, including invoking the Internal Security Act.

-- BERNAMA

Selangor MB Agrees With Sultan's Views
Bernama

CLIMBING MALAYSIAKINI: on 99 hillside projects

Qu'est-ce que vous avez dit? [What did you say?].... a simple question to what has been mentioned in Parliament as reported by Pathma Subramaniam in Malaysiakini. A total of 99 hillside projects had been approved by the Selangor government under then menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo. [ 99 hillslope projects approved by Khir Toyo, says S'gor MB Pathma Subramaniam ]

2. Lets take a tour through The New Straits Time on the issue of Higeki Bukit Antarabangsa.



The blame game has begun. While victims are trying to come to terms with the tragedy, and while those trapped are wondering how they would get basic needs like food, the former and current menteri besar of Selangor are trading blows. It began when former menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo lashed out at the present administration, accusing it of not being on top of the problem.

"During my time, the state Public Works Department, with the assistance of the Public Works Institute of Malaysia (Ikram), the Geology Department and the Drainage and Irrigation Department, provided reports every three months on hillslope conditions in Hulu Kelang," Dr Khir said.

"This started after the last landslide in the area, which happened in Kampung Pasir in May, 2006."

Dr Khir said the currenthousing area where the landslide happened was not approved during his tenure but more than 15 years ago.
He said during his tenure, the state had established a special committee headed by the state secretary to oversee all hillslope developments.

"There was no problem then. I don't know what happened after the new administration came in," Dr Khir said.

"The state government should be more strict. During our time, the state government collected RM6 million in fines from developers who did not build proper retention ponds. We even stopped some projects."

In an immediate response, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim came out with guns blazing, denying allegations that the state administration had failed to monitor or be strict with developments on hillslopes.

Khalid said there were more than 90 ongoing hillside projects in the state and that it had ordered the developers to submit monthly reports on the progress of their work, adding that all these projects were approved by the previous administration.

"The state cannot rescind the development orders given to these developers as there are legal implications involved."

He said the state government would blacklist developers and companies that failed to adhere to its directives and was even prepared to face the legal consequences of stopping the projects.

Khalid said the Pakatan Rakyat government had placed a blanket ban on development in Class Three and Four slopes, and that this was among the first decisions taken by the new administration.

These two categories refer to slopes with steep inclines of more than 20 degrees.

Following consultation with various agencies and parties, Khalid had on Sunday order-ed all developments on steep hillsides in Selangor to be suspended with immediate effect.

State executive councillor in charge of local authorities Ronnie Liu said he wanted the previous state administration to explain how it approved a total of 114 Class 3 and 4 hillslope projects that were deemed a risk to occupants of properties there.

"Looks like they have not learnt from the 1993 Highland Towers tragedy. I can't imagine how they could approve projects which could endanger the lives of its residents."

[ Khalid and Khir trade blows over hillside projects
New Straits Times, Malaysia ]


And lets agree at least that politics will eventually separate man amongs boys as they say, as we crawl up the hillslopes of Bukit Antarabangsa searching for true meaning of Higeki........

Isu Bangsa dan Agama sedang menggelegak.

Ada dua insiden baru-baru ini, dibimbangi mampu menjadikan isu Bangsa dan Agama panas menggelegak.

Pertama:
Apabila forum umum Bar Council dipaksa berhenti pada 9 Ogos lalu. Difahamkan antara isu yang dibincangkan ialah pertindihan kuasa antara Mahkamah dan Mahkamah Syariah. Hampir 1000 orang berkumpul diluar bangunan bar council membantah forum berkenaan.

Kedua:
Apabila Khalid, dipercayai bercakap bagi pihak Anwar Ibrahim, mengocak isu sensitif dengan memberi saranan Uitm dibuka juga kepada bukan bumiputra dan warga asing sekurang-kurangnya dengan kadar 10 peratus.

Kedua-dua insiden berlaku berturut-turut menjelang pilihanraya kecil Permatang Pauh. Ketegangan bangsa dan agama di negara ini dijangka boleh meningkat jika tidak diurus dengan teliti dan berhati-hati. Kedua-dua Abdullah dan Anwar inginkan kemenangan parti masing-masing, bagi mengukuhkan kedudukan mereka. Ramai percaya, yang kalah akan berundur, baik Anwar, baik Abdullah. Kawasan parlimen Kepala Batas dan Permatang Pauh adalah bersempadan.

Khalid defends proposal to open UiTM's doors to others

SHAH ALAM (Aug 13, 2008): The Selangor government's proposal for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to open its doors to non-bumiputras is to help raise the standard of education in institutes of higher learning in the state.

Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim

"Opening a 10% admission quota will help raise standards via healthy competition among a multi-ethnic student population," said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
"It is a holistic proposal. Neither is the proposal a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) or Parti Keadilan Rakyat's policy, so there is no reason for it to be politicised," he added.
Speaking in his weekly post-exco meeting media briefing today, Khalid said he was saddened that certain quarters chose to politicise education for political mileage.
"My statement was made in the context to enhance UiTM's academic quality in this era of globalisation and to open up more opportunities for both Malay and non-Bumiputra students to have healthy academic competition.
"In fulfilling the Malay aspirations, UiTM should not just focus on quota matters but concentrate on lifting its standard and university facilities to a higher and more reputable level," he said.
Asked if the state government was going to apologise to UiTM, Khalid said: "There is no need to apologise on this issue. All it needs is a proper explanation on the statement."
He said the important matter is that all universities and institutes of higher learning in the state should cooperate with the (state) government in its effort to raise their status to be national and international recognition.

The protest led by UITM students yesterday.

"One of the ways to achieve is the openness and the students' active participation in open dialogues and sharing of ideas. The PR state government regrets that my statement was reported out of context and skewed into a racial issue instead," said Khalid.
He reiterated the state government's stand that it never meant to discuss the bumiputra's special rights.
"I am aware UiTM was set up to raise the status of bumiputra students and the state government still respects the Federal Constitution which includes Acticle 153 which speaks of Malays special rights," he said.
"Stop harping on and distorting the proposal. I urge UiTM students not to be influenced by certain quarters' propaganda," said Khalid.

Some 5,000 UiTM students marched to the Selangor State Secretariat in Bangunan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah from Dataran Shah Alam to hand over a memorandum of protest over the MB's suggestion that 10% of UiTM quota be opened to non-bumiputras and foreigners.

The protest, led by UiTM student body president Luqmann Ulhakim Mohamad Idris, saw the students carrying banners and placards with various declarations - "Jangan Rampas Hak Kami" (Do not take away our rights), "Selamatkan UiTM"' (Save UiTM) and "UiTM di Hatiku"' (UiTM in our hearts).
The memorandum was received by Khalid's press officer Hazril Abu Hassan.

click here: Khalid defends proposal to open UiTM's doors to others
Sun2Surf, Malaysia

BERITADARIGUNUNG: Huh??... dangerous game plan...