Isn't 22 YEARS Enough DAMAGE on MALAYSIA?

I refer to UMNO's desperate move during the latest 3 by-elections when they even got Mahathir to canvass for the BN.
The response of malaysiakini readers has been swift as seen in this article 'Have we now forgiven Mahathir?'.
Mahathir's rule can be considered the best and the worst for Malaysia.
Impressive edifices were built like the Petronas twin towers and a good network of roads were established especially in West Malaysia.
However, he ruled in an iron fist bull-dozing anything and everything that stood in his way.

Among the casualties:
1.He brought the royalty under control - a plus
2.He created a highway authority that is a heavy financial burden - not a PLUS
3.He destroyed the credibility of the Judiciary.
4.He allowed the PDRM to become more corrupt.
5.He made democracy in political parties a joke.

The only reason for UMNO to bring him back for such an official role is that the leadership lacks good ideas on how to untangle the mess he created.
It is akin to some people justifying the high retention bonus paid to some AIG executives as they claim "they know where the bodies are buried."

I must confess I used to admire TDM in the early years when he showed great drive and was able to get things done. The operative phrase is "used to".

malaysiakini and BEING FREE but WITHOUT FREEDOM

That seems to be the situation with the grand declaration of Najib about freeing the 13 detainees from the ISA, that draconian piece of legislation that deprives Malaysians of basic human rights and puts everyone under the threat of arbitrary arrest, torture and detention without trial.
Of course the families of the released can be grateful that they have their loved ones back as decribed in this malaysiakini article Hindraf duo and 11 others set free .
But the condition imposed for being released is not acceptable as it shows that a different type of abuse is being perpetuated by the Home Ministry.
According to the Malaysian Insider, Ganabatirao free to walk, not to talk.
To me this condition negates completely any goodwill that Najib wanted for his quick action. Even worse, it indicates that some detainees were subjected to harsh and cruel torture during their ISA detention.
It shows that the government has really abused the ISA laws for political reasons and not to protect public security.
We need to put this government on trial for the misrule of law.

malaysiakini on the NEW PM'S Interesting START

It is good that Najib has decided to free 13 ISA detainees but as the new PM he should know this is not going to go down well with some of his political opponents as described in this malaysiakini article Don't release and then arrest again, Najib told.
The move to review the ISA is also noteworthy as I am sure tardy work by the PDRM to secure arrerts on charegable offences has been covered up with the heavy use of the ISA.
As the top leader whatever you do will be questioned from all angles but the basic question is,
"Do you really believe that your decision is based on the truth and doing the right thing and not based on political expediency?"
He could have been bolder with the ISA release by saying that all ISA detainees would be released and the police will charge some of the really serious cases with:

1.public disorder
2.refusing to follow police instructions etc
3.possession of firearms etc.

Any case that still requires the use of the ISA will be subject to a more stringent requirements that will be proposed at the next sitting of the Dewan Negara. That should include charging the person in court and a proper legal defence.
We had recent cases when people were arrested under ISA for frivolous reasons.

malaysiakini and the NEW PRIME MINISTER for MALAYSIA?

I guess many Malaysians are relieved that Najib has become the PM for that fulfills the RAHMAN prophesy and exactly little else.
According to this malaysiakini report,81 MPs ask king to put off Najib's appointment which probably explained the indecent haste to get him to the palace.
I believe the MSM reported that he had planned to accompany AAB when the latter was supposed to see the Agong to resign his post.
The reason for the question mark in the topic is that the new PM must act for the benefit of all Malaysians in all states and not just those under BN control.
It was quite telling to watch the Kelantan MB requesting better state-federal relations as after all we are "a persekutuan".
You can read the NST article here.

The new PM has a very daunting task as he must be able to face challenges on many fronts in order to survive.

I suggest he could do the following to get a good start on his OneMalaysia concept.

1.Since the economy is in dire straits, he could call an economic summit of all the states and work out how best to help the different state economies. I would even go as far as allocating perhaps 25% of the RM60bil stimulus package to the state governments so they too can coordinate local economic programs.

2.The public has a serious perception problem with the Police and Corruption in high places. I would order the AG to speed up the Lingam case and relook at the inquiry's findings. Also the Selcat hearing has been throwing up a lot of dirty laundry. It looks like a few people from different departments need to go to the cleaners. KUGAN is another case that must be handled now.

3.Downsize the Cabinet. Maximum should be 15 full ministers. Each minister can have 2or 3 deputy ministers as that is a good testing ground.

4.Let the Perak voters decide on the government they want and don't accept any cross-overs for state and federal seats.

Of course be aware that your own party members are waiting to see you falter. Know that some, no maybe many near you are just hoping you will trip and fall. That is when you will feel the political dagger in the back.

The ultimate test is that in 3 years, the Malaysian voters will decide if you pass the test of being Prime Minister of all Malaysians.

malaysiakini on ENDORSING a NEW PRIME MINISTER for MALAYSIANS

Students of the democratic process must be wondering about how exactly do Malaysians select their Prime Ministers.
In some really democratic nations, when the Prime Minister resigns in office and his party does not command a decisive majority in Parliament, the head of state like the President allows the PM to continue for a few weeks as a caretaker PM while the person most likely to succeed him is allowed to hammer out deals with the other political parties in order to take over the nation's lead role.
A recent case of this happened in Israel. Of course many Malaysian readers have become prejudiced by the propoganda spewed by Malaysia's MSM but that is a good example of democracy in practice.
In Malaysia it seems that picking the new PM falls in the hands of just 3 persons - the outgoing PM, the incoming PM and the Agong. It seems the MPs who are the elected reps of the people have no say in the process.
Even more unpalatable is the idea that a failed PM, who was ousted by his own party is given the authority to select his successor, the person who did the utmost to unseat the incumbent. Isn't it a weird scenario?
It can be considered a form of political inbreeding and should be discouraged as Malaysians are being deprived of their rights.
Once the Prime Minister decides to resign, he should do just that and nothing more like trying to pass the baton to his successor. After all, that function does not even exist as the PM's job is not transferable like in your grandfather's company.
So this article in malaysiakini shows a contempt for the electoral rights of all Malaysians when it is declared that the Agong to swear in Najib on Friday.
I think AAB has belittled the office of PM by inviting Najib to accompany him as it reduces the dignity of that office as if it is something he can just pass on. After all Najib took over the UMNO's leadership even without a leadership contest.
By right Najib and the entire Cabinet should also resign with the PM as done by Shahrir as we really do not know at this stage who officially commands the majority in the house.
After all, Malaysia allows cross-overs and also step-overs as part of the political process.

malaysiakini and FANTASTIC LEADS for the MACC

There was a recent call by the PDRM for the public to assist them in reducing crime rates.
That is a difficult task as the police have somehow been tainted too often with deaths in police custody and nothing seems to happen as in the case of that unfortunate young adult KUGAN.
The other body to combat corruption, the MACC claims that it will investigate all leads and action will be taken if there is good evidence.
So I wonder why thus far no one has moved an inch to get things moving in the case where according to malaysiakini 'State agency funded Khir's Paris Disney tour'.
In fact this case that also implicated Balkis and the Registrar of Societies smacks of cheating and criminal negligence.
It should give the MACC a good case to establish their credentials in the eyes of ordinary Malaysians.
Otherwise, the taxpayers may believe that someone is taking the Mickey out of them.

malaysiakini and a SERIOUS APRIL FOOL's Joke

According to malaysiakini Opposition banned from raising Altantuya as her ghost is causing some people nightmares.

This action of the PDRM is really the low in human intelligence.
Someone from the Social Studies Dept of UM should go and do some IQ tests on the people in charge of this department.
Treating grown-up voters like small children will surely backfire on their plans.
For example, a skilled orator like Anwar and the others will entertain the crowd with:

Speaker: "Today we have been told by the Polis that we cannot mention a certain lady's name...Do you know whom I'm referring to?"

Crowd: "ALTANTUYA!"

Speaker: "No, No. Cannot say the full name lah or the Polis will be unhappy. Let's see....when I count one, say the first half of the name-OK?"
OK --- One!

Crowd: "ALTAN!"

Speaker: Two!

Crowd: TUYA!
We cannot say what happened to her in Malaysia...Do you know what happened?"

Crowd: C4!

I can tell you why we are not allowed to say her name....Her immigration records of entering Malaysia were all deleted....That is in Malaysia's X-files.
Maybe Syed Hamid can explain?"

Crowd: BOTAK!

This type of police directive reminds me of the Dark Ages when people were burnt at the stake for believing that the sun is the centre of the solar system or that the world is round. But then again, people do get killed in police lock-ups nowadays.