In my media statement this morning, I had stated five reasons why Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s apology on behalf of Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail for the latter’s derogatory, offensive, insensitive and racist reference of the Chinese as “squatters” and untrustworthy Malaysians is inappropriate, inadequate and unacceptable.
For the fifth reason, I had said:
“Fifthly, the bona fide of Najib’s apology comes into question when this news is blacked out in the Malay mainstream newspapers owned and controlled by UMNO, in particular Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian. A check with Bernama online shows that Najib’s apology is reported in Bernama’s English news but blacked out in Bernama’s Bahasa Malaysia news.
“With such media manipulation of his apology, how much is one to believe Najib when he said that Ahmad’s statement did not reflect the position and attitude of Umno or the leadership of Umno?”
I now withdraw my statement with reference to Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian as I have found that it is a mistake, for Utusan Malaysia reported it in page 2 under the heading “UMNO minta maaf kenyataan Ahmad – TPM” while Berita Harian reported it in page 2 under the heading “Umno anggap kenyataan pandangan Ahmad”.
I apologise to Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian for this mistake.
It is however correct that Bernama online did not carry the news for its Bahasa Malaysia version although it was carried in the English version.
#1 by firefox on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 3:55 pm
Thank you for Ahmad ruin BN. Thank you Ahmad digg grave for BN.
Thanks alot!
#2 by william62 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:00 pm
Berita baik:
Ramai Menteri dari Sarawak dan Sabah telah bersuara untuk menyokong cadangan LKS untuk menjadikan 16 Sept sebagai Cuti Umum, nampaknya peluang 916 PR menubuhkan kerajaan Persekutuan semakin cerah , teruskan usaha LKS, jangan mudah putus asa!
#3 by william62 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:02 pm
Hello, YB Lim K S, Dap seharusnya kerja lebih kuat sekarang di Sarawak dan Sabah. Kemukakan isu-isu berikut untuk menyemarakkkan semangat berkobar-kobar orang Sabah dan Sarawak ”
1. Isu royalty petroleum
2. Isu tempoh geran tanah ditambah sekurang-kurangya ke90 tahaun dan ke atas.
3. Isu bantuan dan pemberian tanah 1000hektar kepada Sekolah Menengah Swasta Cina.
4. Isu tidak ada jalan raya yang menghubungi kebanyakan kampung dan bandar di bahagian pedalaman misalnya Daerah Baram dan Lawas.
5. Isu Kemiskinan kaum pribumi di Sarawak dan Sabah
6. Isu kemunduran Sarawak dari segi pembangunan dan ekonomi walaupun sudah 45 tahun berada dalam Malaysia.
7. Isu kesusahan untuk mendapat permit membina tempat ibadat bagi penganut bukan Muslim.
8. Isu kemunduran sektor perubatan di Sarawak . Tiada seorang Haemotologist pun yang ada di Hospital Awam di Sarawak hungga sekarang.
Usahalah bersungguh-sungguh dan berikan lebih banyak galakkan dan sokongan supaya orang di sini berani BERTINDAKAK dalam usaha PR membuat CHANGE pada 16hb, Sept tahun ini.
Berita terkini hari ini: Hampir semua lapisan masyarakat dari pelbagai kaum di Sabah dan Sarawaksedang hangat membincangkan isu 16hb Sep, tindak balas menunjukkan 99% menyokong DAP dan PR untuk memawa perubahan , jika DAP dan PKR teruskan usaha, yakin terdapat 40+ MPs sarawak dan Sabah akan pindah ke PR…… ************Dap pula harus mengambilkan peluang ini untuk mendapatkan sebanyak mungkin ahli MPs sarawak dan Sabah untuk menyertai DAP supaya DAP masih menjadi parti BESAR dalam aPkatan Rakayat …….. kalau semua MPs di sini masuk PKR, DAP akan jadi parti nyamuk!!!!!!!!!
Come on, come on YB LIM KIT SIANG, , jangan lepaskan peluang keemasan ini, orang dari timur sedang menunggu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#4 by badak on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:07 pm
No matter what UMNO will always be a racist PARTY.WANT TO SEE THE TRUE COLOURS OF UMNO.WAIT TILL THE UMNO ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.
#5 by AsalUsuLMalaysiaHacked on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:11 pm
Haha… Ipoh Timurr… ipoh Timurrr… xD
Calmdown YB lim next time dont bombard without survey first.
Your truely the man of courage i salut you for that.
This DPM truely mean it cuz his the guy behind it(but denny it), now wheres the fat goose gone running in hiding else where!
#6 by badak on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:17 pm
I attended a meeting regarding the MMSM on the 28 august.What was surprising is that the 4 PR states will not get any funding from the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT .End of the day Malaysian sports will suffer.
Its very childish for BN to behave like this.Can the people of the 4 PR states stop paying federal taxes and start paying their taxes directly to the states.
#7 by Emily Pratt on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:33 pm
Apology usually does not cost a lot, you only lose your ego, but may gain many friend(s)/allie(s).
EP
#8 by Toyol on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:34 pm
Do not accept this apology. Its rubbish. He was there when the seditious statement was made…why then, if he was truly sorry, not censure Ahmad and apologise immediately. Its all sandiwara…all talk no action only. MCA protest also sandiwara to get Chinese support…no sincerity whatsoever. If MCA hold to its principles (if any) then they SHOULD leave BN. Don’t bark like a dog behind bars…its insulting to our mentality.
If DPM is sincere, why no apology from the kris waving maniac? In fact, DPM should also apologise for his seditious remarks at the stadium. Any true leader will think before opening his mouth…but this is BN, what do you expect?
#9 by AsalUsuLMalaysiaHacked on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:49 pm
YB LIM…
Hows everything going with the open letter today?
post youtube pls i wanna see not at home till 11pm.
sorry out topic hehe…
#10 by Jong on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:50 pm
Where’s the sincerity? Yeah don’t we all already know who was the “mastermind” behind Ahmad Ismail’s racist remark/slur? Hypocrite?!!!!
Go, visit Mafrel’s website/blog:
http://mafrel.wordpress.com
#11 by zheng on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 4:58 pm
Malysian Hero YB Kit Siang,
I really appreaciate and highly respect u for your long sacrified to fight for justice and fairness in Malaysia. U always raise issues which will make Malaysia to become a better and more developed country. As a Malaysian Chinese, I had supported u for more than 20 years and Im so proud of u. In my opinion, u should be conferred the title “Tun” for your long contribution to Malaysia. Thank U….Malaysian Hero Lim Kit Siang.
#12 by PureMalaysian on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:08 pm
YB Lim is fast to apologise – and not wait till 9 days later!
Thumbs up!
#13 by a-malaysian on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:12 pm
Why can’t Ahmad come out and apologise just like YB Lim does?
There is nothing wrong to apologise if you have done something wrong or Ahmad prefer to be charged under the sedition act and lock up under the ISA.
Cheers YB Lim Kit Siang.
Blood-Suckers
GE 13 – No matter what, we must ensure that racist umno bn do not regain the power like they had for the past fifty years.
#14 by boh-liao on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:17 pm
How about the next blog on Lim Keng Yaik’s latest enlightened outburst!
So pitiful this guy, baru tahu “money, money, money” and it’s always “money, money, money” that his sleeping partners Umnoputras are interested in.
Only now he knows: “We had the worst kind of Umno arrogance as a result of the 2004 elections. The abuse of power, corruption, negotiated tenders with government tenders going mainly to Umno-associated companies. All this is not decided by the Cabinet but by the Ministry of Finance. You think people don’t know. Prices are jacked up and there is no check on the implementation of these projects.”
“And then you had the Umno assembly and everyone saw how racist its members can become. All these things put us as a component party in a very difficult situation. And then Hindraf came into the picture. So we knew before going into March 8 that it was very bad, ” he said.
Still clinging to Umno. So pathetic!
#15 by khooi on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:22 pm
I agreed with zheng. I heard about Lim Kit Siang since I was in primary school. I appreaciate and highly respect Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng for their contribution to our nation.
#16 by k1980 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:27 pm
Today lumped with Thailand, tomorrow with Somalia
http://www.malaysiainsider.com/index.php/malaysia/8463-credit-suisse-tells-investors-to-avoid-malaysia
#17 by HJ Angus on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:31 pm
It is plain common sense to apologise asp the moment you make a mistake if you are in public life, like politicans.
The way it is sincere and the most damage that can happen is that people may consider your mistake as an oversight or not having taken sufficient time to consider.
But when the Najib apology comes out, after so many days even more questions will be asked as like the ongoing fiasco.
Maybe the word “apology” is not in UMNO’s dictionary after so many years of lording over us all?
#18 by cactus of sarawak on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:35 pm
Dear YB LKS,
I really respect what you did. Can’t this AI do the same thing like YB. I think AI stand for the retarded “Artificial Intelligence”. Dah tahu salah, cepat-cepatlah minta maaf, apa ruginya? hai yaya.
#19 by Bobster on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:40 pm
Can those Hindraf leaders under ISA detention apologize for voicing out for the justice of the oppressed and be released without bail?
BN, please stop making bunch of clowns in the eyes of the Rakyat! BN cronies always above law and ISA! PERIOD!
#20 by gofortruth on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:42 pm
After so many days they finally got the police to perform some wayang -
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/8464-policetorecordstatementfromahmad
Why can’t Abdul Ismail just come out and clarify his stand?
#21 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 5:58 pm
Another non-apology apology and non-denial denial from UMNO, we are all so familiar with this Sandiwara.
#22 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:03 pm
“I apologise to Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian for this mistake.”
Almost a non-apology apology.
#23 by Mr Tan. on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:08 pm
If Ahmad Ismail has said a Racial provocative statement and is not put to jail under ISA, this has proven that ISA is an UMNO tool created to Jail all opposition leaders and citizens who try to expose their corrupted activities and not to protect Malaysia’s stability as claimed by all UMNO leaders.
UMNO always tell us lies as their reputation.
#24 by just a moment on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:14 pm
I suppose we just have to be patient with this one.
Lets hope the truth will be reveal not What Ahmad said
but the manner this whole episode is played out.
The other explanation left …. He’s just carrying out order,
being instructed like the rest cronies?
Or he’s busy attending other pending court cases.
Anyway, its sure a new journey for many of us as well.
#25 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:14 pm
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: “I will tell him not to talk like that again.”
Maybe Abdullah can teach Ahmad Ismail some nonverbal communication styles which is not racist.
#26 by AsalUsuLMalaysiaHacked on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:19 pm
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/8464-policetorecordstatementfromahmad
Penang deputy police chief Datuk Salleh Mat Rasid said they would also be recording statements of witnesses.
“We ask all quarters to not play up racial issues. Leave it to the police to investigate,” he said.
*************************
Instead charging Ismail he insert threat opposition… haha!
Bunch of retard, aren’t you have enough evidence already, what witness do you need more to charge that fat goose. The witness itself are the mastermind behind the seen, enough said.
#27 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:21 pm
“How can Najiib apologise when he did not say such things?” – Penang MCA deputy chairman Lau Chiek Tuan
Lau needs brain surgery to improve his memory.
#28 by boleh-an on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:30 pm
Only if Ahmad Ismail is charged under Sedition Act and put to jail, will I have any faith with Malaysia’s police and judicial system.
#29 by NewsObserver on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 6:34 pm
UMNO are faking apology which they actually don’t mean to but force by the public. We cannot except these clowns playing around and get away with it without punishment. It will happen again and again if nothing concrete put a stop to it. That is why we as True Malaysian wants to change this government desperately. Countdown 13 days to September 16 ….
#30 by FanOfKit on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 7:01 pm
Do you guys hv the same feeling as i have; that whatever the gomen says is irrelevant nowadays. Looking at their lying-corrupted-faces acting all compasionate and there for the masses, makes me wanna puke BIG TIME!
#31 by cvl on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 7:19 pm
The sincerity in LKS apologies has always been there, and I have wondered if it is the timeliness of it or the simplicity in the sentences chosen to convey as in this and the apology to the Perak’s Regent.
To digress with the event Ahmad caused to unfold, I find DAP’s ‘invocation’ of the Sedition Act thumping Ahmad and UMNO roundly on it, to be a hurried and out of synch. The Malaysian Sedition Act is there at the same level as the ISA, if not of one and the same thing as in a cause and effect point for the ‘police’ to invoke the more draconian ISA.
ISA and it abolishment, and by association the Sediton Act, has been one of DAP’s main agenda. Many many Malaysians root for DAP because of its stand against the use of ISA in Malaysia.
Why the hurry to put Ahmad at a discomfort via the Sedition Act? Is this a sign of opportunistic traits in DAP who condems UMNO for being opportunistic?
Ahmad’s ‘Cina tumpang’ should and rightfully be countered by explaining all the good deeds these ‘Cina tumpang’ brought about and still do, for this nation Malaysia. There are countless written documentations on the meritorious deeds the Chinese brought about directly and indirectly from as early as the Malacca Sultanate period right up to the recent resistance movements against the invading Japanese in the Second World War, and the struggle for Independence from the British.
And it is so easy for DAP to organize such public forum as it official repartee to Ahmad.
Why then di DAP make police reports on the grounds of sedition?
#32 by k1980 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 7:23 pm
..the message claims that some Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties from Sabah and Sarawak will begin an exodus from the ruling coalition by Friday. And by Saturday, BN parties from Peninsular Malaysia, with the exception of MCA and MIC, will also signal their exit from the coalition, the message alleges.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com.my/index.php/malaysia/8454-swirling-rumours-as-september-16-looms
#33 by pulau_sibu on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 7:37 pm
What an excellent deputy prime minister. he helps on everything, ranging from sodomy care to take responsiblity for others on all matters
#34 by Damocles on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:00 pm
“Only now he knows: “We had the worst kind of Umno arrogance as a result of the 2004 elections. The abuse of power, corruption, negotiated tenders with government tenders going mainly to Umno-associated companies. All this is not decided by the Cabinet but by the Ministry of Finance. You think people don’t know. Prices are jacked up and there is no check on the implementation of these projects.” – boh-liao
If I’m not mistaken, everytime a finger is pointed at a particular minister for any misdeeds, he’ll say that the decision is made by the cabinet and not individually.
So, why is he now saying that it isn’t so?
What nonsense is going on at UMNO/BN?
Time to kick them out!
#35 by Tulip Crescent on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:10 pm
pulau_sibu
Don’t you ever forget that he also counsels university drop-outs.
And he does it out of office time and in his very home.
I wonder if I had dropped out from university, he would lend me his ear!
#36 by tenaciousB on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:10 pm
Believe me, this is what’s happening. 40 or more BN MP’s are going to defect come this sept 16. Badawi is in absolute distress, he’s making countless transactions from bank negara with millions of the governments money trying to buy these MP’s from defecting. Now whether it’s gonna work or not, we don’t know?
#37 by yhsiew on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:18 pm
An apology for mistake made won’t cost a sen.
Well done Kit!
#38 by penang308 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:30 pm
We are all human beings, we make mistake here and there.
If we find out that we have make a mistake, the most honourable thing to do is APOLOGIZE!
Unlike some people from UMNO who know he is wrong and yet refuse to apologize, SO ARROGANT AND STUBBORN.
#39 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:32 pm
Ahmad Ismail made a great “contribution” to BN, helping it to be buried earlier than expected.
#40 by katdog on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 8:49 pm
Unlike some people from UMNO who know he is wrong and yet refuse to apologize -penang308
He refuse to apologize because he thinks he is right and there is nothing to apologize for.
#41 by just a moment on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 9:10 pm
Guys Gals, sorry to divert but I cannot help it.
Another round of selecting the best University
in Malaysia. See if you can get any logics or
any motives for selection. Very interesting.
http://www.malaysiainsider.com/index.php/malaysia/8469-usm-is-surprise-choice-for-apex-university
#42 by swipenter on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 9:17 pm
LKS,you made a mistake and you apologised; that is the decent thing to do for a decent person.
I advocate that no poltical party should have any investment or control over any MSM in order for journalists to report news and happenings without fear or favour. The local media must fulfil its “solemn duty as one of the most important institutions of a democratic and civilised society” and not ” appears to be merely a pliable propagandistic instrument of the political power that be.” I am merely quoting from Rustam A. Sani’s book titled “Failed Nation? Concerns of a Malaysian Nationalist”
#43 by dapsupporter8888 on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 9:17 pm
I am just thinking, if ever there is such an award like the Astro Wah Lai Toi best actor, best actress, best director, best movie, best movie theme, etc, can be rest assured that ALL, and I mean ALL the awards will be won by BN!
BTW, what suddenly happen to Khairy, the keris wielding Hishamuddin, Ezam and the rest of the UMNO goons?? Before this talk so much, after the Permatang Pauh by-election, all gone into hiding?? I thought Ezam wanted to reveal all of Anwar’s dark secrets? Mana? Where is he? Awww, common, you are can’t be that scared, rite??
#44 by xplora on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 9:45 pm
First of all, if this thing is mentioned by opposition party member, the first thing in BN / Police mind is to use the ISA act and put that guy into jail. Why there is nothing if happen to their own member?
Another Thumbs Down to BN. I feel sorry for LKS and your son because you and your son has been detained under this ISA Act.
#45 by my on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 10:02 pm
this comment has nothing to do with your post. would you be able to provide reason for banning female concert in one of the PR states?
I would like to highlight few issues in relation to the banning:
1) I believed that the people voted for change and that change is to promote equality, freedom of speech, economic growth etc etc…eliminating racism, having said that i ‘sensed’ there is a discrimination or devaluation directed against women> SEXISM. The PR better off ban all concerts which include male artistes as well.
2) If it has something to do with ‘certain culture’, wouldn’t it be better off that tickets can only be sold to non-muslim or place security to prevent the muslims from entering the hall? Voting for opposition, certainly doesnt mean i am ready for islamification, what’s more the ‘extreme way’ although the intention is good!
3) Please pardon my pun, Bak Kut Teh and ‘roast pork’ are so irresistable, how could i ever miss such delicacies over religion. probability is 0.000001% :p:p:p The main issue is unemployment, economy, and education not petty things such as concert, alcohol, gambling.
DAP and PAS have different ideology all together, i doubt that it would work in long term unless you prove me wrong. At this point of time, PKR certainly needs support from PAS and DAP as the ratio of bumis to non-bumis is 60:40. how will it differs if the ratio is 80:20? will PKR still needs ‘the minority’?? can someone answer these uncertainties?
something to ponder about, since sexism is becoming an issue for pas, will the next general election be based solely on gender than race/agenda? shall we start encouraging baby girls? or from the ‘extereme’ point of will, having girl in family will be a burden?? arent we reverting to the old ways where girls should not be competing in sports and education?
#46 by homeblogger on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 10:13 pm
TheStarOnline reports this : “Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail, under investigation for sedition after he allegedly made racist remarks, did not turn up for an interview with the police on Tuesday to give his statement. The police rescheduled the interview to today, and he still hasn’t turned up, while his home in Butterworth is empty.”
Hmmm… I am comfortable in my home. He is scurrying here and there looking for a place to stay. Who’s the squatter I wonder? perhaps he has gone to Thailand to be a “pendatang asing”….
#47 by MZ on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 10:48 pm
DAP (Older) + PKR (Younger) = For All Malaysian
PAS = For Muslim Malaysian
UMNO = For Malaysian Malay
MCA = For Malaysian Chinese
MIC = For Malaysian Indian
If PAS is protecting ISLAM –
Supporting DAP / PKR = Not Protecting ISLAM ?
We can see, a party that not for all Malaysian will be rejected from time to time, agree ?
DPM for leader from DAP is DAP’s right after they get the mandate from Malaysian in GE2008. Is mandate not appreciation !
DAP + PAS, if you aim for higher post – work harder – get more seat in next GE, ok ? This call Democracy – Having discustion with BN will make you loose more seat !
Anwar always say choose the best Malay, Chinese, Indian to run this country. Malaysian Leader must at lease know how to speak in BM and English right ?
PKR + DAP + PAS + All Malaysian – Want to turn it into reality – work harder to convince MP from the corrupt govt to cross over !
#48 by ReformMalaysia on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 10:57 pm
{{Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: “I will tell him(Ahmad Ismail ) not to talk like that again.”}} – Next time let others to ‘ talk like that…..then I would tell him not to talk like that…….
#49 by peanut king on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 11:14 pm
3 salute to YP Lim K S.
He made a mistake about the mistaken blackout of the news and immediately made an apology.What a brave man.
On the contrary some monkey dare to say but dare not admit, went into hiding oversea and dare not apologised. Need his very senior boss to apologise on behalf of him..What a shame. This is call UMm UMm boleh.
This country dont need such a monkey to lead malaysian.We have so much mockery stories , so much so a book is needed to compile the lot.
All this are due to the 51 years of pampering,votes buying, corruption and to remain in power at all cost.
Enough is enough. Give PKR 5 years you can still be alive to kick them out if they dont perform BUT if you give BN another 50 years all the non malai will have no more tears to cry even let alone wanting to change the govt.
Right now we have a god send leader DSAI ready to serve.Pls give him a chance to prove his point.ONLY 5 YEARS IF NOT 4.
It wont cost you ppl an arm or leg..but if you ppl let this govt to rule in this manner, you will loose your lives without knowing why.
PRAY 916 IS REAL..PRAY 916 COME TO REALTY..PRAY 916 SAVES OUR SOUL..
PRAY 916 SAVE THIS COUNTRY FROM FURTHER ROT..
#50 by badak on Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - 11:20 pm
my.. How right you are.We all voted for a change.But not to be cowed by narrow mindedness .Kedah had ban all kinds of concert.PAS youth are so weak that even seeing a women singging on stage is a taboo.
As long as a women is beautiful and has a great body she can,t perform in a concert.If any singer wants to perform in a PAS control state she better be fat and ugly.That goes for the guys too.
Will PAS BAN women from driving next.