Dr Amin a politico business bouncer

All names are fictitious and this is not news item

He rises up slow in his career and life, taking cue from the old saying "biar lambat asal selamat" Now he is the other half of Mr Kamarruddin, also a man that comes up slow. That's more reason for the two to be rushing before the light gets too dim they cant see a thing and differentiate between modules and modular, morning and money, wisdom and plain stupidity. Life can be so real when we are suddenly made responsible for millions.

We heard stories about a banker cheating his own bank. He robbed millions. Before robbery make the run, bribery will grease first.

It is not difficult to guess how to go about things.

a shrewd 9million maneuver

All names are fictitious and this is not a news item.

There was once upon a time, a damn rich malay politico businessman by the name Dato Malee. He has kaki at certain strategic point to deliver the damn thing. Poor little guys piously work through the proposal and endorse a big NO GO. The same proposal came down again to be handled by another section, still a NO GO. The price is simply bloody expensive! It came down for the third time, and this time it became a YES GO. Mr Eric son of Aron laughs out loud, looking at all the stupidity. Even Mr Gor and Mr Dol managed to put up sheepish smiles. But Badrul and Khairul went about their usual exchange, a bag at the back of the beautiful car. But Dato Malee attended Hari Raya celebration and deserve a sit beside the VVIP. If we care to scrutinize the bigger transaction, the scale of hyporicy double or triple.

In the end, a 9m deal is considered better than a 2m offer. But who cares...

the burden of ruling party, just a view.

names are fictitious and this is not a news item.

1. It is not limited to Umno, or BN or Malaysia. It applies to any ruling party. At birth, rock solid is the best description of spirit and enthusiasm, but through time the zest dies off and replaced by something else. The new drive is the fighting spirit to keep ruling. It affects everyone involved, more so for the individuals who aspire to go higher. As soon as wisdom diminishes, greed comes in hungry and with such brutal force. How else would individuals retain power?
2. A minister will take guys with suitable loyalty to look after him. Then funny guys of Khair and Hiz character come in to help. As if that's not enough, they keep enough pressure to make sure officers toe the line and even break the rules. A few has to be sidelined and blacklisted, invariably those are the straight, strict and honest guys. The whole ministerial globe turns into an Umno Greedy Division. Names has to be scrutinized. The definition of good officers changes Whoever that can affect maneuver to swing projects, requests and demands to their sides are excellent and fits the quorum of my guys. Guys has to be imported and planted to do the maneuver. Mr. Kamarruddin and Dr Amin hop like greedy Rambo. Even Khairul and Badrul hide behind their handsome faces when heavy bag changed hands. And they are bringing more in, with similar green belly.
3. They are now playing dirty right in front of others. And these people are voters who may swing support and push anger into ballot boxes all over the country. Anybody cares about creating wealth? No, but there is a fine line separating Umno's cause and personal greed in pursuit of political glamor and personal wealth. They disrupt traditions and structure. They create dissent and push the widening gap further. The individuals will go home and talk to their family. Over weekends they talk among friends. After a while the whole family and friends will be sharing anger and dissent. This is the silent vote swing which nobody can stop.
   
4. How would we know they care about Umno, the malays and the nation. We are heading towards a damning vanishing point, where all things will collide with a big bang... poor Umno in dirty hands. Poor voters are blinded by smiles. But there must be a way. It is slow but brutal, waking up the old sleepy tiger, the ruling party.

Apa istimewa WAN FARID untuk Terengganu ?

Blogsfera memberi reaksi pelbagai tentang Wan Farid. Siapa dia untuk Abdullah dan Terengganu? Terdayakah beliau beradu dengan Mat Sabu? Dulu Arwah Razali hanya menang dengan 600 undi. Atau orang sudah jemu dengan politik stail Mat Sabu, yang hanya berbisa untuk berkata, dan masih boleh disoal "untuk apa?".

Senario Terengganu agak lain. Baru saja Istana menolak calon Abdullah untuk MB terengganu. Baru saja Patrick LIM tanggalkan nama dipintu koperat Abdullah, dan nama Wan Farid masih ada dibeberapa helaian koperat Abdullah. Gara-gara orang Terengganu selesa menyebut "I" dan "YOU" dengan raja mereka sendiri masih belum reda dan dilupa.

Dengan ahli politik pilihan Abdullah Badawi bernama Zaid Ibrahim sudah dipecat dari UMNO, apakah credential untuk Abdullah memilih dan meletak calon pilihannya sendiri? Apatah lagi calon itu jika menang akan bermain atas pentas politik melepasi tempoh Abdullah sendiri.

Mampukah Abdullah untuk menilai sesiapa sekarang? Pilihan Abdullah sering berwatak sombong dan individualistik, Kenapa?? Tanya Shahrir untuk maklumat lanjut. Atau Abdullah memerlukan watak-watak sombong yang mampu berkata-kata apa saja tanpa komitmen bagi pihak beliau? Itulah sebabnya kemelut komponen BN di bincang oleh semua pemimpin dalam media, namun Abdullah selesa duduk diam-diam saja!!!

Bacaan lanjut

PERTANDINGAN LIMA PENJURU?
4 hours ago by ibnuabbas
Kalau benarlah begitu, mana mahu letak Dato’ Wan Farid? Mat Kerak pula tidak tahukah bahawa Hazlan itu cenderung kepada Pas? Ataupun mungkin juga ini perangkap untuk memecahkan undi atas alasan Hazlan baik dengan orang-orang Pas di ...

Wan Farid hampir pasti calon BN - Malaysiakini
7 hours ago by si lembik's
Jawatankuasa penyelaras Umno bagi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Batu Buruk dan Ladang sebulat suara menyokong Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh sebagai calon Barisan Nasional (BN) bagi kerusi Kuala Terengganu. ...

Mohamad Sabu pilihan Nik Aziz
10 hours ago by JMA@Tekali
Sementara itu, sahabat baik Khairy Jamaluddin, Wan Farid hampir pasti untuk menjadi calon Umno dalam pilihanraya kecil tersebut. Dalam satu temuramah, dengan angkuhnya (seperti sahabatnya, menantu PM) beliau berkata, “Pengundi Kuala ...

Mohamad Sabu sedia tanding lagi ~ Malaysiakini
11 hours ago by pemudabesut
Malaysiakini ~ Wan Farid hampir pasti jadi calon BN. Jaranganakmelayu ~ Yang Gatal Mulut & yang sebenar (1). Yang gatal mulut : "Pengundi Kuala Terengganu ini lain sedikit, mereka hendak orang yang ada jawatan dalam bahagian," (Ketua ...

YANG GATAL MULUT & YANG SEBENAR (1)
14 hours ago by abdul mubin ismail
"Pengundi Kuala Terengganu ini lain sedikit, mereka hendak orang yang ada jawatan dalam bahagian," (Ketua UMNO Bahagian Kuala Terengganu, Dato’ Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh). Yang sebenar : Sejarah pilihan raya Parlimen Kuala Terengganu : ...

Wan Farid hampir pasti calon BN
19 hours ago by orang kita
Malaysiakini Muda Mohd Noor | Dec 3, 08 7:22pm Jawatankuasa penyelaras Umno bagi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Batu Buruk dan Ladang sebulat suara menyokong Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh sebagai calon Barisan Nasional (BN) bagi ...

MAT SABU VS WAN FARID? ATAU WAN MUTALIB VS WAN FARID ~ Ref ...
20 hours ago by SOFI WAHAB
Saya meramalkan jika Wan Farid diletakkan sebagai calon BN, peluang PAS untuk menang adalah cerah kerana pengundi Kuala Terengganu mengenali siapa sebenarnya Wan Farid. Mereka beliau luar dan dalam. Apa kegemaran, perangai beliau dan ...

Wan Farid calon BN di Kuala Terengganu?
3 Dec 2008 by Mesin Taip Buruk
Betul ke Wan Farid bakal menjadi calon PRK Parlimen K. Terengganu nanti? Itulah suara2 yang bertiup dari negeri Pantai Timur itu yang sampai di telinga aku. Sahih atau tidak belum dapat dipastikan memandangkan UMNO Terengganu pun belum ...

DATUK WAN AHMAD FARID CALON BN DI KUALA TERANGGANU...?
2 Dec 2008 by dariyan
mereka ialah Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri yang juga ketua Umno bahagian Kuala Terengganu, Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, Timbalan ketua bahagian Mohd Sabri Alwi, Ketua penerangan Umno negeri, Datuk Zuber Embong, ...

Timbalan menteri calon BN di KT?
2 Dec 2008 by pinkturtle2
Lima nama tersebut ialah Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri yang juga ketua Umno bahagian Kuala Terengganu, Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (foto); timbalan ketua bahagian Mohd Sabri Alwi; ketua penerangan Umno negeri, ...

'Battle of KT': Wan Mutalib vs Wan Farid?
2 Dec 2008 by ELBI / RISALAH
Wan Farid yang kini adalah senator dan Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri pula adalah calon yang disebut-sebut untuk bertanding dalam pilihan raya lalu di kawasan ini tetapi nama beliau hilang selepas itu. Ramai pihak menganggap pertembungan ...

Dr Chua questioned by cops over Ketuanan Melayu

By Shannon Teoh

Police are now entering the fray in the public debate over Ketuanan Melayu when they questioned MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek over his remarks on the issue.

The former Health Minister had his statement recorded at the Sunway police this morning.

He was interviewed by police for “41 minutes and 22 seconds”, a surprisingly jovial Dr Chua told reporters this afternoon.

“They quizzed me on my specific reference to Ketuanan Melayu and why I used it and whether it was used to incite hate and tension between races,” he said at a press conference in the MCA headquarters.

On Nov 27, Dr Chua had spoken on the terminology Ketuanan Melayu used as the basis of power-sharing in Barisan Nasional (BN) at the Kancil Awards for the advertising industry.

He was, however, accused of questioning the sovereignty of Malay rulers, Malay rights and Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.

On Monday, the Young Malay Graduates Movement (GGMM), a Malay rights group, demanded Dr Chua pay RM2 million in compensation for allegedly questioning the special position of the Malays.

This led to Dr Chua calling a press conference to clarify his statement, where he pointed out he was not challenging any of these rights but merely saying that the phrase Ketuanan Melayu had been exploited by some parties as it gave the impression that BN component parties were slaves to Umno.

Racial tension has been on the rise recently especially between Malays and Chinese due to the public debate on Ketuanan Melayu.

Umno Youth chief candidate, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, had also on Monday suggested that the education system be unified into one where the main medium of instruction would be Bahasa Malaysia, thereby abolishing vernacular schools.

This has led to widespread condemnation from both Pakatan Rakyat and BN leaders and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had to put an end to the bickering yesterday by stating that vernacular schools would remain for as long as the Chinese and Indians wanted them.

Yesterday, BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi suggested that the coalition would develop a mechanism for sensitive issues such as those pertaining to race to be discussed internally.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Dr Chua said.

Dr Chua questioned by cops over Ketuanan Melayu
The Malaysian Insider, Malaysia

POLITICS-MALAYSIA: Alarm at Move to Regulate Media

Saturday, November 29, 2008 07:45:46 PM

A government proposal to set up a media council to ‘regulate’ news reporting has alarmed journalists who see it as an attempt to add yet another layer of control over their profession.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar who made the announcement early November said that the government intends to establish a national media policy and a regulatory body for the media called the National Media Council.

He said that the policy is being drafted and the foundations for the council are being established. But the proposal seems deliberately vague and civil rights lawyers see it as an attempt to rein in the media which has appeared freer and more exertive after the Mar.8 general election that saw the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO)-led coalition government suffer unprecedented losses.

Mainstream media, much of it owned and controlled by ruling parties or individuals allied with government, have responded to the changed political landscape with critical comments and reporting.

However, this response may be an attempt to retain readership, survive as business enterprises and maintain control over advertising revenue. There is competition from Internet-based media which is more aggressive and beginning to poach on advertisement revenues that have traditionally been a preserve of print media.

"The government is hoping that through a media council it could exert greater control over media contents and keep them from reporting opposition views," said Yap Swee Seng, executive director of SUARAM, a leading rights NGO.

"Fear of losing control is driving them," he told IPS adding that alternative, Internet-based media could also be brought under the "regulation" of the proposed council.

So far the government has not specified what the council is for, its area of authority and who may come under its ambit.

Unlike before, when mainstream media were mere mouthpieces of the Barisan Nasional (National Alliance) coalition and toed the official line diligently, the political changes have encouraged the media to be more critical and demanding that authorities account for their actions.

Although the media is freer all the laws that control and regulate publishing remain in place making the proposal to set up media council "highly suspicious" said a senior editor with a Chinese vernacular daily. He declined to be identified for fear of reprisal.

"During a meeting between editors and the authorities we objected strongly to the media council move," he told IPS referring to a meeting between the two sides in early November.

"We asked the government to repeal all the numerous restrictive laws first before carrying through the media council set-up," he said.

Under current laws all media must obtain a publishing permit which is issued for a year and expires automatically at term end. Permits are issued or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the home minister.

Even a court of law cannot challenge the decision of the minister and journalists can be jailed for a mandatory one year for publishing "false" news. "It is a catch all phrase that hangs like a sword of Damocles over our heads," another editor said.

The group chief editor of ‘The Star’ daily, Wong Chun Wai, spoke up in his blog against the media council saying there were "too many stringent laws governing the press and certainly we do not need any (new) regulatory body’’. He said if the proposed media council body takes off it should consist not of politicians but editors, publishers, ministry officials and representatives from NGOs. Some opposition lawmakers have called for an "independent high-powered Media Council" that would promote free and responsible reporting with the powers to expose and punish irresponsible reporting.

They said such a council could curb race and religion based hate reporting that is on the rise and practised by several government-owned daily newspapers and television stations.

"On one side the media is much freer but on the other hand some media is abusing the freedom to create rift among the races," said Yap. "It is a complex issue and needs to be well researched." Others, including bloggers and even former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed, a prominent blogger now, are opposed to the idea.

A media council should not be sprung on the profession without extensive consultations with all stake holders, said Gayathry Venkiteswaran executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism.

"The authorities must first review and repeal regulations and procedures that restrict media freedom and the public’s access to information," she said in a statement. She said the Printing Presses and Publications Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Sedition Act as laws that were outdated and irrelevant in a democratic society. "The government should set up a parliamentary select committee on the media to discuss press freedom and media law reform," Wong Chin Huat, a Monash University academic and political activist told IPS.

"The select committee can collect public feedback as well as consult civil society members to reflect the views of all the stakeholders," he said urging the media fraternity to stand united against any new "control" mechanism.

"A thorough and open review of all the laws and policies that govern media is also urgently needed," he said. (Baradan Kuppusamy)

POLITICS-MALAYSIA: Alarm at Move to Regulate Media
Mindanao Examiner, Philippines

UMNO: Pilihlah timbalan terbaik

Oleh ZULKIFLEE BAKAR
(WARTAWAN UTUSAN)

Walaupun tumpuan pemilihan UMNO diberikan kepada pergolakan yang berlaku dalam Pergerakan Wanita UMNO, Naib Presiden parti, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mengeluarkan kenyataan yang mahu pertandingan merebut jawatan Timbalan Presiden tidak dicemari dengan sebarang unsur fitnah dan memburuk-burukkan calon berikutan kempen tempoh yang panjang.

Sudah pastilah sebagai salah seorang calon yang bertanding jawatan itu, Muhyiddin yang akan bersaing dengan Ketua Menteri Melaka, Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Rustam dan Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd. Taib mahu ia dijalankan secara persahabatan.

Ini kerana seperti mana kata Muhyiddin pemilihan UMNO yang akan berlangsung pada Mac nanti bukanlah satu pertandingan tetapi merupakan satu proses penawaran diri. Justeru berasaskan kepada semangat tersebut, tidak perlu mana-mana penyokong calon begitu taksub melakukan apa juga cara bagi memenangkan calon pilihan mereka.

Bukan sahaja Muhyiddin malah sebelum ini Mohd. Ali dan Muhammad juga pernah membuat kenyataan dalam nada yang sama. Ini kerana mereka tidak mahu perebutan jawatan nombor dua dalam parti itu membawa perpecahan sehingga memungkinkan agak sukar bagi UMNO untuk bangkit semula dalam pilihan raya umum nanti.

Muhyiddin membuat gesaan tersebut kerana memahami ketika ini pelbagai bentuk SMS bertebaran di seluruh negara, ia termasuklah untuk memburukkan seseorang calon atau cuba menggambarkan bahawa salah seorang calon sememangnya tidak sebulu dengan pucuk pimpinan negara.

Semua ini adalah taktik kotor berkempen yang boleh menjebakkan UMNO dalam lembah perpecahan.

Ketika diminta mengulas isu ini, penganalisis politik, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mustafa Ishak berkata, beliau sudah menjangkakan akan berlaku kempen yang sengit bagi merebut jawatan berkenaan.

Ini kerana kata beliau, jumlah pencalonan yang diterima pasti menjadi tidak bermakna lagi kerana setiap calon akan mempunyai peluang yang sama untuk menang.

''Yang menang pasti akan mendapat jawatan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, justeru sangat jelas bahawa yang menjadi rebutan bukan sahaja jawatan Timbalan Presiden parti tetapi juga jawatan nombor dua dalam kerajaan,'' katanya.

Walaupun begitulah kedudukannya tetapi ini tidak bermakna penyokong-penyokong calon atau calon itu sendiri harus bertarung seolah-olah dunia akan kiamat esok.

Mereka perlu memastikan pertandingan berjalan secara bersih dan tidak dicemari dengan sebarang unsur yang bukan sahaja akan memudaratkan kedudukan dalaman parti malah mencemarkan imej UMNO di kalangan rakyat.

Oleh itu, dalam menentukan siapakah yang paling layak ia bergantung kepada track record dan strategi politik masing-masing. Ketika ini perwakilan akan membuat penilaian secara terperinci terhadap setiap tingkah laku seseorang calon itu.

Malah ketika ini turut dimainkan isu kononnya calon-calon tertentu tidak mesra rakyat dan kalau menjadi Timbalan Perdana Menteri nanti susah untuk ditemui. Semua itu adalah andaian semata-mata dalam usaha memastikan calon pilihan mereka mendapat sokongan.

Justeru adalah lebih baik jika kempen pemilihan di peringkat Timbalan Presiden ini dibiarkan berjalan secara matang tanpa perlu memburukkan mana-mana calon.

Pemilihan UMNO kali ini amat penting, ia bukannya untuk menyambung talian hayat politik sesiapa atau hendak memastikan karier politik mana-mana calon berkubur.

Ketiga-tiga calon yang bertanding mempunyai keupayaan, kewibawaan dan kredibiliti masing-masing. Kesemua mereka mempunyai track record dalam parti dan kerajaan.

Oleh itu biarlah perwakilan menentukan siapa antara ketiga-tiga calon tersebut yang terbaik dan sekali gus menghantarnya memasuki pejabat Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

Perwakilan UMNO perlu diberi hak untuk memikirkan dengan semasak-masak siapakah yang sesuai. Mereka sudah tentu memahami bahawa bakal Timbalan Presiden nanti mempunyai tanggungjawab yang cukup besar untuk membantu Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak menguruskan negara dan parti.

Najib memerlukan gandingan yang mampu bekerja bersama-sama beliau bagi memulihkan kekuatan UMNO dan Barisan Nasional (BN) serta memantapkan pentadbiran kerajaan.

Sebagai orang nombor satu, Najib sudah tentulah tidak mempunyai banyak masa untuk memberi tunjuk ajar kepada timbalannya, sebaliknya terus bersama-sama bekerja sebaik sahaja memegang jawatan.

Oleh itu pemilihan Timbalan Presiden harus dilakukan secara berhati-hati kerana ia adalah penentu kepada masa depan negara dan parti.

Ini bukanlah pertarungan merebut jawatan yang bersandarkan kepada 'siapa bayar lebih dia menang', tetapi persaingan bagi mencari calon terbaik untuk memikul tanggungjawab dan amanah yang cukup besar.

Seperkara lagi turut menjadi kebimbangan ialah akan berlakunya perpecahan dalam parti berikutan pertembungan tiga penjuru. Sebenarnya perkara itu tidak perlu difikirkan lagi kerana kalau perpecahan menjadi sandaran sudah pasti UMNO awal-awal lagi akan memastikan mana-mana calon menang tanpa bertanding.

Tetapi sekarang mahu tidak mahu terserahlah kepada pemimpin yang bertanding dan penyokong mereka bagaimana mereka hendak memastikan bahawa UMNO tidak akan berpecah akibat perebutan jawatan tersebut.

Walaupun agak sangsi namun kita juga perlu bertindak adil dengan memberikan keyakinan kepada ahli-ahli UMNO bahawa mereka mampu bersaing secara sihat dan tidak akan merosakkan parti.

Mereka sudah tentu memahami bahawa UMNO memerlukan kepimpinan yang benar-benar ampuh untuk berhadapan dengan pembangkang kepada pilihan raya umum nanti.

Justeru tindakan melaksanakan kempen secara tidak sihat semata-mata untuk merebut jawatan dalam parti hakikatnya boleh mendatangkan bahaya kepada UMNO sendiri.

Seharusnya track record menjadi sandaran terbaik kepada ahli-ahli UMNO dan bukannya melihat seseorang itu daripada satu sudut sahaja.

Kini segala-galanya terserah kepada ahli UMNO terutama mereka yang bakal menjadi perwakilan menentukannya.

Kepada juak-juak atau kumpulan kempen bagi calon-calon, mereka perlu rasional dalam bertindak dan bukannya emosional. Ini kerana rakyat sedang menilai sejauh manakah ahli-ahli UMNO matang dalam menentukan barisan kepimpinannya.

rujuk: Pilihlah timbalan terbaik utusan malaysia

beritadarigunung:

Saya teringat ulasan najib ke atas Muhyiddin waktu ada desakan pelbagai pihak dipercepatkan peralihan kuasa. Katanya "Muhyiddin is a team player". Ramai menterjemahkan kenyataan itu sebagai pengesahan dari Najib bahawa Muhyiddin boleh bekerja dalam satu pasukan, dan tentunya sesuai berada dalam team baru, bila Najib berada di atas. Ramai meneka itu sebagai Endorsement!!

Seorang menteri kabinet juga telah meneliti keghairahan beberapa calon timbalan presiden Umno, dan beliau harap perwakilan faham perspektif yang ada. Seorang calon adalah Ahli Parlimen. Seorang lagi adalah adun. Manakala yang ketiga adalah senator. Kelazimannya timbalan presiden terlantik sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri dari kalangan penghuni-penghuni Dewan yang Mulia ... Menteri itu berkata jujur, walaupun pedih kepada setengah calon.

PM: Umno canvassers who are caught face disciplinary action

Lobby agents, campaign managers and canvassers for Umno candidates in hotels and various meeting places have been told to go home or face disciplinary action.

Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the supreme council had received reports of “rampant lobbying” in hotels in Kuala Lumpur and various states to campaign directly and indirectly on behalf of candidates, including indulging in money politics.

He warned them to stop “before they are detected by observers who have started carrying out their duties”.

“If they are caught doing what is prohibited, disciplinary action will be taken against them,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Abdullah also announced the supreme council’s decision to hold the Umno general assembly from March 24 to 28 next year. It would not be bringing the assembly forward to December.

The Prime Minister was also asked if he would be stepping down on March 28 at the end of the Umno general assembly.

“Surely not on the very day. We need just a few days to sort things out. Don’t you think that should be the way?” he asked.

As to those who had voiced concern about the long campaign period, Abdullah said he had announced the campaign guidelines.

“I think that should be all right,” he added.

Abdullah advised candidates to stop using government machinery directly or indirectly to fish for votes.

He also urged certain groups to stop sending SMSes containing slanderous and baseless allegations. Offenders would face stern action from the party management committee. He said both the senders and the recipients would face action.

Abdullah also said that the meeting yesterday decided to allow candidates for the supreme council posts to meet delegates through events organised by the party headquarters.

“Candidates contesting for supreme council positions can attend the events to meet Umno delegates in certain states. There should not be other opportunities for them to meet delegates other than at these events.”

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin welcomed the proposal, saying that such meetings would give all candidates for top party posts an equal chance to meet the delegates in each state.

Asked about Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said’s directive to state executive councillors who wanted to contest in the party polls not to do so, or risk being dropped from their positions, Abdullah replied: “It is actually wrong. Members who want to contest have the right to do so. They should not be stopped from contesting.”

In Kuala Terengganu, Ahmad said that it was his prerogative as Mentri Besar to appoint or make changes to the exco line-up.

source: PM: Umno canvassers who are caught face disciplinary action
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

UMNO discusses ways to improve image

Malaysia's UMNO party is working on ways to rejuvenate itself.

A special supreme council meeting brainstormed ways to improve its image late Monday.

It also touched on measures to rework its internal mechanisms.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said, “The overall need for UMNO to revamp some of its strategies and policies vis-à-vis the environment of multi-party and multi-interests were discussed. Corruption in the party too was discussed at length.”

Observers had expected a heated debate on suggestions to bring forward UMNO elections, slated for March.

This could hasten the takeover of the party and eventually, premiership, by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.

However, ministers say this was not covered.

Najib moves closer to premiership

Malaysia's deputy prime minister has secured enough endorsements to run for election as the ruling party's next president, according to an official count Monday, moving him closer to succeeding the country's unpopular leader.

Sixty-four branches of the United Malays National Organization party have nominated Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak to become the party's next president, surpassing the minimum 58 endorsements required for a candidate.

Najib is widely expected to win the post unopposed in the party's elections for top office-bearers in March because his sole challenger — Razaleigh Hamzah, a veteran lawmaker — has received no nominations so far.

"Najib will win, definitely," said Mohammad Agus Yusoff, a political science lecturer at the National University of Malaysia.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced earlier this month that he would not defend his presidency of the party amid intense demands for his resignation. Support for Abdullah has slumped since he led the governing coalition to disastrous losses in March general elections.

Abdullah says he will hand power to Najib if he becomes the ruling party president in March.

The government's popularity has plummeted amid racial disputes, a weak economy and corruption claims. It returned to power with only a simple parliamentary majority in March and has since been rattled by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's threats to seize power through defections.

source: Malaysia No. 2 leader moves closer to premiership
The Associated Press

Some want PM to exit earlier

Some want PM to exit earlier

SOME Umno leaders are agitating for an earlier exit date for Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, just a week after top leaders agreed that he should retire by the end of March.

The views from the restive ground were reflected by comments from party vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.....

He told reporters on Thursday that the four-month campaign period for the party election was too long and that many members felt likewise, in a none-too-subtle hint for Datuk Seri Abdullah to step down earlier.

'I am saying this because there are many who share the same concern because there can be the issue of money politics and will drain resources like energy and funds.

'The campaign period is the longest in years and has never happened before. All this because we want to accommodate the so-called power transition plan,' he said.

Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is contesting a vice-president's post, yesterday agreed with Tan Sri Muhyiddin......

A Kedah Umno leader told The Straits Times: 'In all fairness, what can Mr Abdullah do in the next five months? We want to give him a respectful early exit, but his boys have not accepted this fact.'....... . Some want Abdullah to exit earlier Straits Times

Related stories:

From Malaysiakini,

• Intrigue at Umno to topple Abdullah

  Wong Choon Mei | Oct 19, 08 10:10am

• To some, shifting Umno polls back to December is to shorten the campaigning period, not to oust Abdullah. Yet the PM himself has doubts and conspiracy theories abound in the intrigue-laden party.MORE
• 
  

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NEWS UPDATES: UMNO leaders.

Muhyiddin

He’s competent, professional, smart, approachable, talkative and a quietly confident man. And quite importantly he won’t make you wince in embarrassment every time he ventures onto the podium.

TAN Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the 61-year-old Muar-born International Trade and Industry Minister isn’t an easy politician to ‘read’.

First impressions, and let’s be frank, are generally pretty negative. He seems dour, unsmiling and distant — a shadowy player (perhaps even a Malay ultra?) with a checkered reputation stemming from his stint as Mentri Besar of Johor in the early ‘go-go-go’ 90s.

However, with Muhyiddin, his stern appearance (he really needs to smile a little more) masks a relaxed leader who’s very much at ease in his own skin. .. more here Muhyiddin a tactical player The Star

Mukhriz and Khairy

The Umno Youth contest has become the race to watch as the underdog candidate has clinched the coveted nomination count to contest while the once mighty are struggling to catch up.

DATUK Mukhriz Mahathir was probably as surprised as many others in Umno to have zoomed ahead of the assumed strongman candidate Khairy Jamaluddin.

By the end of the first weekend round of Umno Youth divisions meetings on Sunday, he had 40 nominations, more than the minimum 38 he needed to contest the Umno Youth leadership.

Getting the requisite nominations is a key psychological milestone and that he got there before Khairy and Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has been pretty stunning. more here Winds of change in Umno Youth The Star

Khairy

From Malaysiakini

Umno nominations resume, eye on Khairy

Wong Choon Mei | Oct 14, 08 11:11am

Divisional meetings resume, with the focus still very much on the Youth candidates Mukhriz, Khairy and Khir Toyo, while Wanita aspirants Rafidah and Shahrizat are also closely

Najib

Letter questions 'shady' chopper deal
14, 08 2:02pm
A retired army captain questions the logic of paying more for less when the government could pay less for more and save almost RM1.5 billion.MORE from Malaysiakini.

For the benefit of fellow Citizen B, there is an allegation of an exchange of text messages between Najib and Datuk Shafee Abdullah, the prominent lawyer ... more here: Anwar wants probe on Najib
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak however said that all private companies were encouraged to build up a local vendor system to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises.

“So, all big non-bumiputra companies, particularly those which have received licences or contracts from the Government, should give priority towards the development of local small firms, including those owned by bumiputras. More here: Parliament: Keep race out of business, says Najib Malaysia Star, Malaysia

Abdullah Badawi

But outside the House, Abdullah rebutted Anwar’s contention, maintaining that the Malaysian banking system is not facing a liquidity crunch. “Malaysia is not going into recession now. We have very strong economic fundamentals. And we have very strong reserves. Our trade surplus is still strong, our savings are also very high,” Abdullah insisted at a press conference. “We have a currency that today is stable. Our banking system is still strong.” ... DEWAN DISPATCHES: No Anwar Ibrahim power grab…again but he ... New Straits Times, Malaysia

Reliable Updates on UMNO race

I have been searching on updates about UMNO race, October's Bahagian Nominations clearing the way towards Mac 2009 finishing line. I thought these three are reliable:

1. My Kmu Johor .. .. http://www.mykmujohor.com/
2. Another Brick In The Wall
3. Malaysiakini

Read the extracts:

1. My Kmu Johor (look for details in the web)

PRESIDEN
Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
TIMBALAN PRESIDEN
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Dato Seri Ali Rustam
Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad
Tan Sri Muhammad Taib
NAIB PRESIDEN
Dato' Seri Hishammudin
Dato' Seri Khaled Nordin
Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad
KETUA PEMUDA
Datuk Mukhriz
Khairy Jamaluddin
Dato' Seri Khir Toyo

2. Another brick on the wall

Ketua Pemuda
Okt 12hb 1:20 pm: Mukhriz 32: Khairy* 15 + 1(?): Dr Khir* 8
Pencalunan hari ini ...
Mukhriz: Simpng Renggam, Gombak,
Khairy:
Dr Khir:

Naib Ketua Pemuda
Okt 12hb 4:32 pm: YB Razali* 27: Reezal* 18

* not the latest

Senarai mesyuarat2 sini. Khabar dan gosip sini. Senarai yang sudah mencalun di sideb

3. Malaysiakini ( from this Mukhriz 31, Khairy 16, Khir 9, Zahidi 1 Oct 12, 08 3:03pm )


- beritadarigunung

Commenting Malaysiakini: Umno's arrogance can destroy BN

From Malaysiakini,
Umno's arrogance can destroy BN
Sim Kwang Yang | Oct 4, 08 1:01pm

comment The concept of Barisan Nasional is at risk because of the arrogance and racial posturing of Umno. The party is stuck in a time capsule in which the Rule of Man always supersedes the Rule of Law.MORE

BERITADARIGUNUNG:
What is arrogance?. Merriam webster put it this way; Word: ar·ro·gance, Pronunciation: \ˈer-ə-gən(t)s, ˈa-rə-\, Function: noun Date: 14th century, : an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

Umno is the anchor of Barisan Nasional. During Tunku Abdul Rahman era, the coalition was known as Perikatan with sailing boat as the emblem. Now it is Libra, the balance. The Prime Minister of Malaysia has always been a Malay, thus from UMNO. After Tunku, the premiership was held by Tun Razak, Dato Hussein Onn, Tun Mahathir and the current PM is Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi.

We really has to be very sure, what is arrogance in political climate. Politicians as we know say things to rally support from their own members or clans. What they say may hurt other component parties of Barisan Nasional. But they are so used to these. Lets go down the memory lane. When Tan Koon Swan , Neo Yee Pan and Lee San Choon were less than brothers, Musa Hitam had to say this. Get out of BN, sort your things and come back. That is arrogance. But that is the truth. As always truth is bitter.

Managing BN requires a true leader, strong, able, articulate and far sighted. Past Presidents of UMNO has shown real ability to bring people on a round table. Things were discussed and solved. Things cant always be so easy. We have problems with brothers and sisters in a family, we have problems at work, and surely we will have problems amongs BN component parties.

But the real issue is not the problem itself, what is more important is the ability to execute actions through discussion and consultation. Party leaders are reasonable people, therefore however bitter the discussion is, things will settle down peacefully.

UMNO cant forever be blaming Gerakan for losing Penang to Pakatan Rakyat. In fact quite a number of safe seats held previously by UMNO were lost. Election is always funny, because it can swing either way, locally or nationally. One can put scores of excuses for the swing.

The recent swing to the opposition has been blamed on Abdullah and Abdullah alone. Sad to say this, but he exhibited poor governance. He has no real grip on the runnings of the country, so must so that some say this country is on auto-mode. Hence, some wish Mahathir could be back, putting real grips where it should be.

Iron styled Singapore is not for show. It is real. Therefore one may conclude that running a multiracial country like ours requires certain amount of strong grip. That is not arrogance, it is a neccesity to put things under control!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri folks!, and Malaysia is blessed and safe, but dont take things for granted.

- beritadarigunung

Race for Umno deputy president no longer restricted

Analysis
By JOCELINE TAN

UMNO circles have been abuzz for weeks that one of Umno’s most likeable politicians, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, would be going for the party’s deputy president post.

And even before that, the talk was that Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, at one time the most powerful man in Selangor, was also being pushed by some quarters to go for it.

The race is on: Zahid (right) may have inevitably opened the floodgates for Najib’s (left) post.

Then, of course, there is International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who has been elevated into a class of his own for speaking his mind on the leadership transition plan.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam are also said to be keen.

But to date, only Zahid, a junior Cabinet Minister, has confirmed his interest. He is now a sizzling topic of conversation at the Raya open houses of Umno politicians.

The number of names being tossed about for this high-level post has had many in Umno shaking their heads in disbelief.

It is all right, they say, to contemplate going for a seat in the 25-person supreme council or even the three vice-presidents’ positions.

However, they say the No. 1 and No. 2 posts are in another realm. They are not exactly for every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Umno politicians have been watching the way the American presidential race is being conducted. They are amazed at the rigour and depth at which both the Democratic and Republican candidates are being scrutinised by the media and American voters as well as the on-going debate over the role of their respective running mates.

“It’s more than just filling the post. It is about playing a real role because Umno has big problems and challenges,” said Pahang Umno information chief Datuk Sharkar Shamsudin.

Some of the would-be candidates cannot even speak proper English or as the Manglish joke goes, their “England is not so powderful”.

Umno politicians are fierce champions of Bahasa Malaysia but they readily admit that English is the international lingua franca and a good command of English is a prerequisite for top leaders of the country.

But the younger set like Kota Belud MP Datuk Rahman Dahlan do not see why the post should be so exclusive.

“Let it be,” he said a la the Beatles.

Muhyiddin was the presumed forerunner in the race. He is a three-term vice-president, has been both a Mentri Besar and Minister and, besides, he lit the spark that led to the power transition being fast-forwarded to 2009.

Still, some thought Zahid jumped the gun in stating his intention even before the Prime Minister had made a stand on his presidency.

Muhammad, for instance, was more seasoned about his interest.

The Rural Development Minister said that he would wait for the Prime Minister to decide before taking the next step.

But there may be powerful reasons for Zahid’s confidence. It is no secret that the loyal circle around the Prime Minister blames Muhyiddin for derailing the 2010 transition plan. Some Umno insiders suggest that this small circle is backing Zahid to take on Muhyiddin. They know Muhyiddin will not be easy to beat but they intend to give him a run for the money.

But Zahid may have inevitably opened the floodgates for the No. 2 post.

The other would-be candidates probably think that if Zahid, at 55 and basically a Johnny-come-lately who has never contested for vice-president, could see himself as the next deputy president and deputy prime minister, then so can they.

The others have worked their way up the ranks and several of them have been Mentri Besar or Minister or both for several terms.

But there is an important reason that Zahid has caused such a stir. The reason is that despite his inexperience, he looks like a serious contender who will give it his all.

Apart from his powerful backers, he is hungry for power, he has the means to campaign and he has quite solid religious credentials.

His parents were religious teachers from a small town in Perak and he was among the first of the Malay affluent class whose home included a private surau. His people skills are first-class even if his English is fractured.

Some think that several of the other candidates on the list would not be able to even secure the 20% or 38 nominations needed to contest the No. 2 post.

But Zahid should not be taken lightly, least of all by the other serious candidate Muhyiddin.

source: Race for Umno deputy president no longer restricted
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

Malaysia turns a page, and over a new leaf?

AS many had anticipated, the leadership transition in Umno, and by extension Barisan Nasional and the country, will come earlier than previously announced. The process will wend its way forward in a way the party knows best.

Whatever else one may feel about its consequences and implications, this latest development should come as a relief to party insiders. For some time already, tension bordering on factionalism had been building up as to compromise governance.

The latest situation sees no winners or losers. There is no need for some to be disheartened, or for others to feel vindicated. What remains of utmost importance is that governance of service to the people will prevail.

In the larger span of things, this particular transition will be seen as not too unlike many others.

When the time comes for a change of leadership, that event must be embraced in the larger interests of the nation.

However, this does not mean that the Umno General Assem­bly, now rescheduled again to March next year, will not see its share of theatrics.

The party presidency is likely to be contested, as Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has said it would, with all its ramifications for the national leadership.

The debate over the degree of internal party democracy will also continue.

However one looks at the issues, such debates are invariably healthy in opening up legitimate if differing points of view.

In this connection, the opposition Pakatan Rakyat will have to reassess the situation and recalibrate its strategies. It is to be hoped that whatever it chooses to pursue, it will be in the interests of the people and seen to be so.

There is no denying that Malay­sia enjoys a vibrant political culture, and there can be no doubt that Malaysians thrive on a daily diet of political discourse. We do need more and better avenues for political discussion free from the encumbrances of outdated restrictions.

Let us hope that a new leadership also opens up the prospect of a more enlightened and progressive approach to political discussion.

So long as the rights of the various groups are respected, there is no reason for continuing with old-fashioned inhibitions.

source: Malaysia turns a page, and over a new leaf?
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

Mengulas Malaysiakini: AGM ditunda, PM mungkin undur Mac ini.

• AGM postponed, PM may quit in March
• Beh Lih Yi, Sep 26 08 12:17pm

The Umno supreme council dealt a blow to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by putting off party polls and its annual general meeting to March next year in the bid to force the party leader to hand over power to his deputy in six months.

• Abdullah to decide before Oct 9
• No pressure, but he fumbles..

BERITADARIGUNUNG

1. Dua minggu lalu, Mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi Umno digemparkan dengan desakan supaya Abdullah peralihan kuasa disegerakan. Suara Annuar Musa yang membela Abdullah tenggelam dalam asakan Muhyiddin, Rafidah, Shafie Afdal dan Hishamuddin. Melihat Abdullah bergenang air mata, Najib segera meredakan keadaan dengan berjanji akan berbincang dengan Abdullah secara private.

2. Perbincangan Najib dan Abdullah secara private telah mengundang ejekan dari banyak pihak. Kepimpinan pada kebanyakan pemerhati bukan hal peribadi dua pihak. Walaupun Najib berkeras supaya sebarang ketetapan hendaklah diserahkan kepada akar umbi dalam pemilihan UMNO, perbincangan empat mata agak pelik.

3. Tun Mahathir menyifatkan perbincangan dua orang, dekat-dekat dan rapat-rapat. Macam ada muslihat. Razaleigh pula mengulas dengan kata-kata "peralihan kuasa macam budak-budak".

4. Peralihan kuasa sebelum pencalonan kepimpinan UMNO adalah sesuatu yang munasabah dan jujur. Tetapi jika kuasa hanya beralih selepas pencalonan, ia mengundang pelbagai telahan. Keadaan itu akan menjerat seluruh ahli UMNO. Keadaan akan jadi kelamkabut. Ahli UMNO akan jadi keliru untuk mencalon sesiapa. Keadaan yang tidak menentu sebegitu, tentu tidak bijak dalam kemelut politik tanah air. Sementara itu Anwar duduk bertenggung, mengintai apa-apa peluang. Jalanraya akan sesak dengan demonstrasi menuntut macam-macam. Dari ISA, hindraf, reforms dan harga petrol, keadaan akan jadi bingit dan tidak terkawal.

5. Kewangan Amerika pula runtuh dan perlu bail-out yang besar. Tsunami kewangan akan melanda pantai. Ketidaktentuan kepimpinan negara tidak langsung membantu usaha memperkasakan benteng ekonomi negara. Malaysia tidak mampu bertahan secara retorik seperti Anwar akhir 90'an dulu. Anwar gemar menyebut "but our fundamentals are solid and strong". Seolah bila menyebut sebegitu, seseorang sudah dikira layak sebagai economist. Menjaga negara memerlukan lebih dari retorika.

6. Menangguh pemilihan UMNO ke bulan Mac 2009, mampu mengurangkan tekanan. Namun ia masih tidak mampu mengurangkan ketidaktentuan pencalonan diperingkat bahagian. Hanya dengan pengumuman Abdullah tidak akan pertahan jawatan sahaja akan menamat segala teka -teki. Bahagian akan selesa menamakan calon masing-masing. Abdullah masih ada 7 bulan sebelum Mac 2009 untuk memperaga baju Perdana Menteri dari closet. Waktu itu mencukupi untuk Abdullah menyelamatkan anak dan menantu . Masa itu cukup untuk Abdullah berkemas dan mengosongkan Kediaman Perdana Menteri di Putrajaya.

7. Abdullah masih kelihatan segak pada penghujungnya. Tentu sekali perhimpunan agong UMNO bulan Mac membenarkan Abdullah bercakap buat kali terakhir sebagai Perdana Menteri. Perwakilan pula tidak pernah lokek dengan ucapan memuji yang akan datang melimpah-limpah. Abdullah akan turun sebagai statesman dan secebis dignity, manakala Najib dan Razaleigh akan berjuang, sedang Muhyiddin dan Zahid Hamidi(?) akan menguji kelebihan masing-masing bagi mengisi slot kedua. Kedua-duanya secara kebetulan adalah anak Tok Guru.

Akhirnya kemelut akan reda. Sebenarnya kopi memang pahit walau bersudu-sudu gula dikacau.
- beritadarigunung

PM To Announce Decision On Contesting Umno Presidency Before Oct

PM To Announce Decision On Contesting Umno Presidency Before Oct

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will announce whether or not he is defending his post as Umno president before the Umno divisions start their meetings on Oct 9.

Announcing this after chairing the special Umno supreme council meeting here today, Abdullah also said that the Umno general assembly, scheduled for December, was postponed to March next year.

Malaysia PM to step down 'early'

Malaysia's prime minister has said he will step down early amid escalating political pressure on his coalition government.

However, Abdullah Badawi gave no date for his departure from office at an emergency meeting on Friday of his ruling party, the United Malay National Organisation (Umno).

Instead he said the party had postponed leadership elections from December until March next year – a move he said would allow him to leave office early.

He did not elaborate and did not say whether he would contest the leadership in the rescheduled vote.

Abdullah had earlier pledged to stand down in 2010 and hand power to his deputy, Najib Razak.

But on Friday he said "since we have decided to speed up the transition, the original 2010 deadline is out of the question".

The meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday was called amid signs the Umno-dominated coalition government's 50-year grip on power could be under threat by the opposition.

The increasing political tensions have caused nervousness among Umno members over Abdullah's leadership that has threatened to cause a public rift in party ranks.

Mounting pressure

But with the opposition threatening to topple the government, pressure has been growing for him to go sooner.

Abdullah has also been criticised for failing to implement key pledges such as eradicating corruption and boosting the independence of the judiciary.

Critics say the government is out of touch with a population hurt by 27-year high inflation and slowing economic growth.

In March the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition suffered its worst ever results in national elections, losing its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time, although still managing to form the government.

The opposition, led by Anwar Ibrahim, the former deputy prime minister, has said it plans to take power by organising the defection of at least 30 MPs from the BN.

The BN coalition is made up of race-based political parties, representing Malay, ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian voters.

Ethnic Malays account for more than 50 per cent of the population and dominate politics, but Umno relies on the alliance with other parties to hold power.

Those smaller Chinese and Indian based partners, however, have seen support ebb away to Anwar's coalition which has promised a fresh start and to end an affirmative action programme for Malays.

source: Malaysia PM to step down early Aljazeera.net

related stories:

1. Malaysia's ruling party meets to discuss PM's future AFP

2. Malaysia PM says to quit early Reuters UK

3. LATEST! Umno general assembly postponed to March New Straits Times

UMNO: Into uncertain, uncharted waters

Into uncertain, uncharted waters
by P. Gunasegaram

LIKE multi-directional waves colliding and breaking up into swirling, eddying pools of turbulence and dangerous undertows, a confluence of events has raised the uncertainty level tremendously in the country this last couple of weeks.

This is no time to be in denial that things are going to work themselves out and reassure the fickle foreign fund manager that everything is okay by rushing out to talk to them. It is time to put head and heart together to resolve things. If we do, the funds will come back – that may not be entirely good, but that has to be the subject of another article.

We already have a new finance minister but the troubling question is whether we will have a new prime minister as well soon. If that is not bad enough, the nation is not even sure if the new premier will be from the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional or the opposition Pakatan Rakyat which claims it has enough seats in Parliament via crossovers to form the new government.

As if all that were not bad enough, spectacular collapses of major Wall Street investment banks and the ongoing US housing mortgage crisis threaten a market meltdown to rival that of the Great Depression of the late 1920s and 30s. A quick US$700 billion (RM2.4 trillion) rescue plan being cobbled together by the US government has assuaged jittery financial markets somewhat, but expect "uncertainty" to be the operative word for a while yet.

The silver lining in that dark cloud, is for once we have something else even more ominous than our own political uncertainty and lack of direction on which to blame poor stock market performance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should be steadfast in his resolve to hand over the reins of power in Umno to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2010 as planned and not succumb to factions within Umno and step down as leader of the party before that, and as early as next month.

For all the perception of Abdullah being a weak leader, he has undoubtedly the greatest sense of fair play among the current crop of top Umno leaders. He demonstrated his intent to hand over power smoothly to the states which were won by the Opposition on March 8.

That one quality may prove crucial in the current environment where the Opposition may have enough seats to command a majority in Parliament. As morally repugnant as such a route to power may be, it is not illegal and has happened before, most notably in Sabah in 1994 when Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan was forced to step down as chief minister after members of his party crossed over to the Barisan Nasional. In earlier decisions, the courts actually ruled it was unconstitutional to stop crossovers.

Perhaps what goes around comes around. Now Pakatan head and parliamentary Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reputedly the person who engineered the Sabah crossovers when he was with Barisan, claims he has the requisite numbers to form the new government. Unconfirmed talk is he has 34 MPs ready to cross, four more than the requisite 30, with up to another five ready to follow.

While this column, based on the view of a constitutional expert, said last week that the only way forward for Anwar was to move a vote of no confidence in Parliament, it has since reversed its position after taking into account the views of other constitutional experts. We apologise for that.

It appears that there may be other remedies as indicated in the 1994 Sabah case and a 1963 Nigerian case which went before the Privy Council as well as other examples in Commonwealth countries. (For a fuller discussion, see theSun on Monday, Sept 22. See also page 20).

Essentially, it looks like the King can exercise his discretionary powers to bring about a change in government if he is satisfied that somebody else other than the current prime minister commands the majority. That can include a signed document indicating their support of Anwar by the relevant MPs but it is not limited to that. The King can use his discretion too to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh elections. That means if Anwar can show the King that he commands the majority in Parliament and if the King is satisfied with that, the King can take the necessary measures to make Anwar the prime minister or dissolve Parliament in favour of fresh elections.

And here are the billion ringgit questions: If indeed Anwar already has a majority of MPs behind him, what method will he use to convince the King that he has? And will the King agree with him? And if the King does, will there be a smooth transition of power?

And here’s where Abdullah comes in. If a change in government takes place with all legal conditions being met, he more than any other Umno top leader, is likely to accede and facilitate a smooth transition to power. Is that why some Umno leaders want Abdullah to step down sooner rather than later? After all, didn’t all the leaders in Umno agree to the transition plan earlier so why are they changing their minds now?

Hopefully, Abdullah will hold on to his promise to relinquish power in 2010. But no matter who is in charge and what the consequence for Umno and Barisan Nasional, it is incumbent upon him to ensure that the rule of the law is always upheld during these troubled times. Our future depends on it. If you don’t believe us, ask any fund manager.

P. Gunasegaram can be reached at t.p.guna@gmail.com. Question Time, a weekly column, seeks to highlight issues of public importance, stimulate discussion and suggest solutions. Letters can be sent to letters@thesundaily.com.

source: Into uncertain, uncharted waters
The Sun Daily, Malaysia