Malaysia's PM plans to hand over power later this year!

Adiós Abdullah

The PM of Malaysia, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has finally accepted responsibility for Barisan Nasional’s very poor election results and is reported to be planning how he will hand over power to his deputy after UMNO General Assembly in December 2008, said UMNO vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Abdullah reportedly assured party officials at a private meeting on Friday evening that he would discuss a succession plan with DPM Najib Razak, a party official reportedly said on condition of anonymity since he said he was not authorised to make any media statements.

Najib as Malaysia's PM, no way José!

Meanwhile, UMNO deputy president, and DPM Najib Razak said. UMNO would not issue any gag orders, which would suppress its leaders expressing their views as it “shows democracy is alive in the party”.

There has not been much, if any, democracy in UMNO thus far.

Perhaps this may be a new policy, or more likely it is just Najib, talking the talk?

The same goes for the following statement Najib made:

"What is important now is to provide an avenue to the grass roots to express their views in an open and sincere manner.”

The following statement from Najib sounds more like how an autocracy operates, rather than a democracy :

"We will then leave it to the party's leadership particularly the UMNO president to come up with the best measures to reform the party and regain the people's trust," he said.

There is report from CNN HERE

Under the headline “Malaysia’s PM Badawi plans to hand over power”

See BBC report HERE

Under the headline “Malaysian PM hints at hand over”

"Malaysia's embattled Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has signalled he would support a transition of power to his deputy.

The move comes after the government suffered its worst ever showing in last month's general election.

Since them Mr Abdullah has been under intense pressure from within his own party to step aside.

While his UMNO party won the election, the surge in opposition support left him vulnerable."

Obviously UMNO and BN is in a state of flux, and is very very unstable, UMNO leaders appears to be nervously jockeying for position and secretly trying to decide which horse to back, anything could happen, however BN and it's components political parties look as though they are in big trouble.

Malaysiakini reports: HERE “BN will topple, get ready", [extract below-]

by Fauwaz Adbul Aziz | Apr 12, 08 7:17pm

"Gear up and change your mind-set from that of opposition leaders to that of government, because the possibility of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) taking over at the federal level is becoming very real, PAS Youth told PR parliamentarians and state representatives today.”

We live in very interesting times!

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

- A precipice in front, wolves behind

(between a rock and a hard place)

Dr M, Mukhriz & UMNO dissdents launch attack on PM Abdullah

Kuala Lumpur 1st April 2008. Sources AP & REUTERS

Malaysia's former Mahathir Mohamad, (at left) who was PM of Malaysia for over 22 years before handing power to Abdullah in 2003. has urged his UMNO compatriots to openly rebel against the present prime minister after massive losses in general elections plunged the ruling party into its worst ever crisis.

Approximately 2,000 United Malays National Organization (UMNO) members attended to hear Dr Mahathir and his son Mukhriz speak at a local hotel conference centre, in what was the biggest display of defiance to date against the UMNO President , and present PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The meeting was called to analyse the historic massive losses suffered by Abdullah's Barisan Nasional (BN), which is the UMNO controlled National Front coalition, in the general elections, which were held on 8th March 2008..

Today's meeting turned into an open session which bitterly criticized Abdullah, who is seeing his tentative hold on power progressively weaken more and more, he however still insists he has the full support of UMNO and the other BN member political parties.

"I call on him to resign. Anyone else would have done so already, but he is shameless," Mahathir said. "If he waits until the party is totally destroyed, it would be useless."
Mahathir accused Abdullah (left) of failing to curb unbridled corruption, nepotism and cronyism.

He also referred repeatedly to Abdullah's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, better known as KJ, who is believed to wield huge influence on the PM, and some UMNO / BN members.

Mahathir is now an ordinary party member, but he still has considerable influence, and his criticism will likely be relished the party's grass-roots workers.

"We have reached a crossroads. There is something very wrong with our leadership, which is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi," Matahir's son Mukhriz (left) said to a huge round of applause.

The open show of defiance, criticism and outright anger is a clearly a sign of the deep crisis in UMNO and BN coalition which are reeling from their worst electoral result ever.

The BN coalition lost five of Malaysia's 13 states and its cherished two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time since 1969, even then they only lost it briefly before introducing a state of emergency; UMNO / BN had changed the Malaysia Constitution and Laws willy nilly as and when they deem fit, this happened regularly in the past 50 years since independence from the British.

See what was reported in the Straits Times of Singapore HERE

A bove majori discit arare minor

- The young ox learns to plough from the older

The 'Autumn' of Discontent

Fallen Leaves Rotting

Like the falling of leaves in autumn, BN component party members seem to be wanting to drop out from their political parties.

However, this seems to be a case of too many potential defectors falling out too quickly and too soon?

A report in China Press yesterday (28 March 2008) stated that, Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is "troubled" and "concerned" by the huge number of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties' members applying to join the party.

The report goes on to say that not only are the "defectors" abandoning ship, they are also bringing along "other recruits", prompting PKR division leaders to be on their guard, since they are understandably worried that they might be embarking trouble since the early mass defections may turn out to be less advantageous than it may first appear.

Some of the defectors could even perhaps be troublemakers, fifth columnists, or double agents!

BN is a sinking ship, so it is not unusual that the rats will be deserting it en-mass.

The BN is sinking, let's quickly abandon ship!

Sources have said that in the two weeks since the general election, which was held on 8 March 2008, some PKR divisions have given out more than 2,000 membership application forms each, and most of these application forms have been completed and returned to the respective divisions.

The sources also pointed out that amongst those crossing over to the party are previous and current branch and divisional leaders from BN component parties (UMNO, MCA, Gerakan and MIC, etc.).

These BN component party grass-root leaders are apparently bringing along with them many of their followers and supporters, raising the concern of some PKR division leaders who are worried that the defectors may eventually pose a possible threat to the PKR in general and the divisions concerned in particular.

Festina lente PKR
Hasten slowly PKR

UMNO the headless chicken, the plot thickens

Is UMNO / BN like a Headless Chicken?

Well, a new day has dawned, the morning is already over, and until now there is no mainstream media news regarding the audience that Abdullah had with HM The King yesterday morning, my early morning post is here. The mainstream media are full of diversionary stuff, a selection of which is below, but it is certain that BN in general and UNMO in particular, is running about like a headless chicken!

This is a selection of the news spin obtained from the NST and the Star of today, 27 March 2007.

Terengganu State UMNO liaison committee secretary Rosol Wahid said they expected an end to the stalemate.

“All the 22 assemblymen will accept whatever decision is made by the Prime Minister,” he added.

On speculation that the palace would retain Datuk Ahmad Said, Rosol replied: “Let us see the outcome tomorrow (today). Let the speculation be as it is.”

A state Umno source said a Deputy Mentri Besar might also be appointed.

A close aide of Ahmad said the Kijal assemblyman would get the nod from the supreme council to be sworn in as Mentri Besar.

He claimed that Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had agreed to Ahmad’s appointment as Mentri Besar and would make the announcement today.

“Ahmad met the Prime Minister in Kuala Lumpur early today (Wednesday). There is a positive outcome. Ahmad explained his rationale for accepting the appointment by the palace to the Prime Minister, who then gave his blessings,” he added.

The aide also said that Ahmad remained a loyal UMNO member and would not betray or go against the party as “his heart and soul remain with UNMO”.

In a related development, it appers that the three official vehicles, which had been used Idris Josoh (ex MB of Terengganu) were returned to the state government early yesterday. The vehicles were seen parked at Wisma Darul Iman.

It was reported that PM Abdullah had had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (HM The King) Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

This was a regular appointment before the weekly Cabinet meeting, however is understood that the Terengganu MB issue was raised.

It is also reported that Abdullah then met with Idris Jusoh, the ex MB at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.

The outcome of both meetings have not been officially announced.

Now some spin and sulky remarks which have been reported.

Zaid Ibrahim was quoted as saying:

State constitutions that are outdated need to be reviewed to prevent conflicts between the monarchy and the current parliamentary democratic system.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zaid Ibrahim said some state constitutions dated as far back as the beginning of the last century, and sometimes caused problems.

“That is why there is a need to look at reform,” he said. “Sometimes things get complicated because of an old law, but it is still law although it is old. It has to be observed as it is there.”

Zaid said the matter needed be discussed to obtain consensus, and to find ways to harmonise the expectations of the democratic Government.

“We live in an institution with a monarchy with certain powers, so, if there is a conflict, we have to iron it out, but it must be done with consultation,” he said, adding that the Attorney-General would look into the review.

Zaid was speaking to reporters on the problems in Terengganu – where the state Ruler and the Federal Government have separate choices for Mentri Besar – after chairing the post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

Where was the PM?

Zaid had described the Terengganu problem as a combination of legal and constitutional issues.

He also reportedly said the Cabinet reaffirmed yesterday the need for judicial reform, one that would be far-reaching and fundamental.

Stating that he would be submitting a Cabinet paper in a month’s time, adding that he wanted to preserve the institution of the separation of powers, as there would be no meaning in a constitutional government without checks and balances.

I thought that that institution had already be torn assunder by BN / UNMO

“Power will be abused (without checks and balances); we have seen it. I want a corrupt-free, honest government,” he said, and added that he wanted to see the judiciary strengthened, with capable people and with integrity.

Oh really, UMNO and BN should know all about that!

An UMNO supreme council meeting has been scheduled this afternoon, it will be no doubt be a hectic meeting, dealing with a host hot of issues, problems and dilemmas which have upset the party since the failure of BN / UMNO to retain the holiest of holies the 2/3 parliamentary majority.general election.

This will be the second meeting of the UMNO supreme council since the 8 March 2008 election, in which UMNO and almost all of its Barisan Nasional [minor] partners performed very badly with the ruling coalition losing its two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Sources said the council was likely to include in the agenda, the following matters:

-Appointment of the Terengganu MB and the membership of Ahmad Said, who was appointed MB by the Terengganu Regency Council;

-The proposal to postpone the UMNO elections to next year;

-The call for an EGM by former UMNO vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, and others, to discuss the election results; and

-To discuss the initial post-mortem of the polls outcome.

UNMO management committee reportedly met at the DPM’s office in Putrajaya yesterday.

Sources said the committee discussed a report on the Terengganu MB crisis and would submit its recommendations to the council today.

“The Terengganu side wanted Ahmad to be sacked from the party for accepting his appointment as MB, which they said was tantamount to insubordination as the Prime Minister had said only Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh could be the Mentri Besar,” said a senior council member.

It was unclear if the committee had supported the Terengganu side’s recommendation for disciplinary action to be taken against Ahmad. What was clear is that the supreme council will endeavour to end the seemingly never-ending story at it's meeting today.

Sources were reported as saying a topic which could prove to be even more contentious was the proposal to postpone the party elections scheduled for this year. Three senior council members have already made it clear that many rank and file UMNO members were unhappy with any move to put off the party polls.

So later today we may see an official announcement, which may see the cap-in-hand PM backing down and eating humble pie!

Saepe ne utile quidem est scire quid futurum sit

- Often it is not even advantageous to know what will be.

Did BN leaders study at the ANT University of Corruption, Deviation and Selfishness?

Ants are renowned for their ability to work together, and put the good of the community ahead of personal concerns.

But,

New research suggests that ant colonies are actually hotbeds of devious, selfish and corrupt behaviour.

And it is the “royal family” [alias BN leaders?] - or male ants carrying a so-called "royal" gene - that are largely to blame.

Please see the enlightening BBC article on this subject HERE

Bibere venenum in auro - Drink poison from a cup of gold!

Penang Global City Centre PGCC

- "Nothing to review”:
Lim Guan Eng

There was at one time widespread apathy and institutionalised complaisance under BN rule.

No wonder Malaysia is now in such a dreadful state, you must have seen the decaying infrastructure, non-maintained buildings, overt bribery and corruption, the brazen plundering, the universal misuse of power, fearless non-accountability, the list is very long.


In Penang, there was the contrived PGCC project, the developers Abad Naluri Sdn. Bhd., are said to be closely related to the UNMO leadership.

(as is the UMNO linked company UEM which is building the Penang Second Bridge and interconnected infrastructure projects, and other companies, such as, Equine Capital Bhd. which was to build the new race course, to replace the one which the PGCC was supposed to occupy, and implement other projects in the Batu Kawan area on the mainland part of Penang)

The PGCC project will not benefit the people of Penang, in fact it will be festering sore which will cause great harm far and wide.

It will of course make a few well connected opportunists revoltingly rich.

The Malaysian way (culture) was to grim and bear it, this pathetic subservient attitude has changed now that there is a new State Government in Penang under the leadership of Chief Minister Lim Guang Eng, and also new governments in Perak, Selangor, and Kedah, as well as in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

Lim Guan Eng

Now Penang can, and must, stand up for itself, and not give the BN UMNO led Federal Government a free hand to oppress Penang whilst simultaneously bleeding the country dry

Penangites, generally are strongly opposed the PGCC and other wasteful and non-beneficial, environmentally disastrous projects which will further tarnish the Pearl of the Orient.

The Wind of Change is blowing every stronger.

The Sun Malaysia, reported

“Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said on Wednesday there is no need to review the controversial Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project as it had not been given any official approval in the first place.

He made the revelation after the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Town and Country Planning Department reported to him that the council had not given the green light to project developer Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd for the RM25 billion mega project.

“I was informed that not a single letter of approval was given for the project by any government agency, so it does not need a review,” Lim said.”

See full article HERE

See NST report HERE

Nothing in the Star thus far!

Salve veritate - Saving the truth!

Has the National Front Coalition (Barisan Nasional) just announced its new logo?

In what is seen as a rather late attempt, to be more flexible and transparent, it has been reported, unofficially, that the National Front Coalition (Barisan Nasional) has unveiled a new logo - a Condom!

This logo, a 'Happy Singing Condom', is seen by some to correctly reflect the inherent and proven qualities of Barisan Nasional:

As a condom:

• Allows for inflation
• Halts production
• Destroys the next generation
• Protects an assortment of pricks and,
• Gives a sense of happiness and security whilst being screwed!!!

Official BN coalition head gear:

No official confirmation could be obtained!