As the Prime Minister-in-waiting, Datuk Seri Najib Razak cannot be so ignorant as not to know that his statement that there could not be any Perak State Assembly meeting until the courts decide on the status of the state government is completely untenable, as it has no basis in law or constitutional practice.
The question is whether Najib is making this statement as Deputy Prime Minister after getting the proper advice of the Attorney-General’s Chambers or as UMNO Deputy President without the benefit of any proper expert legal opinion.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had acted most improperly when he had earlier advised the “pretender” Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir to lodge police report against the Perak State Assembly Speaker, V. Sivakumar for suspending Zambry and the other six “pretender” state exco members from the state assembly, which also attracted the criticism of former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, when the Speaker’s decision or action is protected by law and conferred immunity from civil or criminal proceedings.
Clearly, Abdullah’s advice could not have emanated from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
But it has resulted in gross abuses of power by the Police as well as by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in subjecting the Perak State Assembly Speaker to interrogation, which are gross violation of established world-wide parliamentary laws, practices ,conventions and traditions.
Najib’s statement that the Perak State Assembly cannot meet until the courts have decided on the status of the Perak state government is another example of a federal government position unsupported by law and made without reference or consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
One is reminded of the increasing calls by more and more Cabinet Ministers for DAP National Chairman and MP for Bukit Gelugor Karpal Singh to be charged under the Sedition Act 1948 when Karpal had merely stated the legal position that Rulers can be taken to court in their official capacities and, after the UMNO-initiated 1994 Constitution Amendment, also in their personal capacities in a Special Court.
Cabinet Ministers, particularly those with legal background, know that Karpal had committed no offence under the law, let alone the Sedition Act, when he stated the simple legal position – but yet we have Cabinet Ministers publicly pressurising the Attorney-General to prosecute Karpal under the Sedition Act with the threat to challenge his credibility and fitness to hold office if there is no such prosecution.
The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister should know that Karpal had not violated the law, let alone the Sedition Act, but why are they adopting a “hands-off” stance in the face of increasing pressures by UMNO leaders including UMNO Ministers to subvert the constitutional process to reduce the Attorney-General for Malaysia into an UMNO Attorney-General serving UMNO interests rather than upholding the Constitution?
With the daily countdown of his ascension as the sixth Prime Minister, this is the time for Najib to show that will be a Prime Minister for all Malaysians and be the national “unifier” to rally Malaysians regardless of race, religion, political affiliation or region to unite as one people to face the world’s worst economic crisis in 80 years.
But Najib has done the opposite – emerging as the most divisive national leader in the country.
Najib should be forewarned that his unethical and unconstitutional power grab in Perak may sow the seeds for his downfall as the sixth Prime Minister because of public revulsion not only in Perak but throughout the country.
It is not too late for Najib to undo the damage he has done to himself, Umno, Barisan Nasional and national unity with his unethical and unconstitutional power grab in Perak – by allowing the people of Perak through a new state general election to elect the state government of their choice.
Najib should not compound his political mistakes and miscalculations and should allow the emergency sitting of the Perak State Assembly on Tuesday to be held as convened by the Perak Speaker.
#1 by computation on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 12:57 pm
why can’t PR file a suit against the
igp of the police force for sheer incomptence
in allowing the police to “investigate”
sivakumar?
what a super fella sivakumar is!
#2 by computation on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:02 pm
wah what a genious the second finance minister
nor mohamed is. telling malaysians to
“accept the realities of a prolonged financial crisis”.
wah! he is so intelligent. telling malaysians all this
rubbish after all that rubbish about malaysia being in
a solid position to ride out the storm.
these umno ministers are bloody celaka.
#3 by computation on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:03 pm
i hope lots of indians name their sons sivakumar!
what a champ he is!
#4 by computation on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:06 pm
the indians shouldn’t settle for semi value.
sivakumar’s the man!
#5 by limkamput on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:20 pm
Sdr Lim, you know that no one is talking and following laws, constitution and civility anymore. It is raw power that they know best. It is raw power that will keep them in power. To ask them to return the power to the people, to follow the law and the constitution is to ask them to commit hara-kiri. It is hard for me to grasp how we could fight raw power with legality and constitution.
#6 by Taxidriver on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:34 pm
I cannot see how UNMO the party can be saved except making drastic reforms. This must include pressuring the top leadership to step down. AAB, NTR, KERISMUDDIN, KJ, SAI ABBA TOYOL ……… These people will be the reason for UNMO’s demise. The longer they stay, the faster the UNMO ship sinks.
#7 by Rocky on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:36 pm
najib is screwed thus he will do anything to come out of this looking like he won. he knows now that he forgot the speaker and his win is not a win at all. Najib moved too fast and that was his biggest mistake. he looks far worse than Pak Lah now.
#8 by ALLAN THAM on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:39 pm
All these guys are not ignorant BUT they simply ARROGANT TO such an extent to disregards ALL LAWS WE HAVE.
They can also influence all agencies to work for them as such there is no difference whether we have the law or no.
#9 by Taxidriver on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 1:45 pm
UNMO members must realise this one fact: If the present leadership do not go, and come next GE, you all go with them!!! Whip up the Spirit OF ’46 now.
#10 by orang_cina on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 2:00 pm
The whole world knows it’s best to dissolve Perak’s state assembly. The whole world agrees… But where’s the effort to make it? Don’t talk loud in coffeeshop while hiding at home when we need you.
I always agree if one day can host a mammoth gathering to stomp and make Sultan to understand about Ketuanan Rakyat, not Ketuanan Melayu. Tung Chee Hwa resigned because 500,000 Hongkies paraded on the street in 2004.
I’ve personally experienced the arrogance and pride of UMNOPutras. They became too obsessed with their jaguh kampung status due to over-spoonfed by UMNO putras themself. City councils, police, ACA, civil servants, judges…… all take bribes; thanks to culture cultivated by UMNOultras! They are as corrupted as our late Ching dynasty government; corruption and control over the emperors leading to demolition of a great empirer.
It’s sad to see that after 50 years, there are still UMNO kampungs think they own this country. We are becoming more and more like Indonesia. If you are in Medan/Jakarta, take a bus ride to the suburban areas and you will know what I mean.
I respect the King. I always a feel country without King has no souls…
But on consitution point of view, it’s clear that Sivakumar has done nothing wrong. The Rakyats has the right to choose, so why must we, the rakyat be afraid of all these demons? If they give the Rakyat hard times, we give them HELL!!! Keep the Kings out of this mess!
p/s: “Lee Kuan Yew must be laughing at our UMNO ultras. He must have predicted this would happpened. He must have thanked the heaven for being expelled by Tunku. Afterall PAP/DAP comes from the same root…”
#11 by merdekablog on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 2:33 pm
Mr Lim, could you please raise up the following pleas to debate in the parliament? They are related to April 7 by-elections?
1. To allow postal votes for all voters who find difficulty of returning to their hometowns to vote on April 7;
2. To challenge the refusal of the EC to vacant the state seats of Changkat Jering, Behrang, and Jelapang for the by-elections;
3. To update the electoral roll to provide the opportunities to the qualified ones to participate in the by-elections;
4. To expand the postal votes to the qualified Malaysian voters who work overseas however not fall into the categories of armed forces, Police Field Force, election officials on duty, government officers serving overseas, students studying overseas, and spouses.
5. To order Abdul Aziz to step down from his position should he fail to explain how the decision regarding both nomination and polling days was taken with consideration of the interest of ALL parties involved.
http://merdekablog.com/2009/02/23/april-7-by-elections-1-change-now-or-abdul-aziz-should-resign/
#12 by merdekablog on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 2:37 pm
Some more pleas for a more professional way of interrogating Najib’s involvement in the murder case. Thank you for your help! It’ll be a disaster of having a potential murderer to be the next PM.
1. Najib to be investigated due to his significant linkage to this case;
2. A new truly professional and independent investigation team to be formed;
3. Gan to be investigated for bribery based on his reluctance in questioning Najib;
4. Gan to hand in all proofs that justify his report against RPK. Should Gan fail to do so, he should be terminated from his post and sued for defamation against RPK;
5. Have Najib suspended from all posts, especially the coming PM position, until he is clear of the allegations against him in this case.
http://merdekablog.com/2009/02/15/interrogate-gan-suspend-najib/
#13 by chai on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 2:44 pm
Bn ‘kia su’….so they scare to dissolve the assembly n they now only use defend to protect their state power….but this is short-term only, most of people guess their will be corrupt soon….1 or 2week
#14 by merdekablog on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 3:12 pm
Mr Lim, is there a way to “propose” so the silly Abdullah could unshamefully extend his position as the PM till all accussations against Najib are professionally investigated?
Based on a poll I conduct in my blog regarding voters’ preferance of PM after 331, only 1% of the voters (out of 1654 voters as of now) choose Najib to be the PM. 9% of the voters support Abdullah to continue his post. 65% pick Anwar to be the PM. The remaining 25% pick someone else. But we see a strong support to Anwar to be the next PM! Or that someone else may be even coming from Chinese or Indian!!
Najib should not be propelled to be the next PM till he is clean of all allegations! Please help us debate with these unreasonable MBs… I know it’s hard, but the rakyat can do nothing because this bunch of guys just do not care about the Laws. We have been talking and talking but things do not get any better… It’s really sad sometimes… These guys are the true Rukun Negara violaters!! BUT they can lie to your face without blinking their eyes…
Their punishment on the Judgement Day will be extremely terrible!
#15 by wanderer on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 3:26 pm
It is the malay intellects that should come out openly and condemn the abuse of our Constitutions by the UMNO goons. The lead must come from the educated and deprived malays themselves, coupled with the voices of the opposition, will there be a real effect.
When C4 comes in, the future of Bolehland will be clouded with gloomy days ahead. Fight fire with fire or resign yourselves to be slaves to this immoral UMNO led govt.
#16 by limkamput on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 4:09 pm
Sorry a bit off topic. Just read MCA’s President speech and feel like commenting…..
The MCA president asked these rhetorical questions during the party 60 anniversary: What do we [MCA] stand for? Who do we serve? Are we able to deliver? Can we, at MCA continue to be relevant? Will there be an MCA in the next 60 years?
He said people are clamouring for change and the party must listen.
But my question to him is: Does he know what changes we are clamouring for?
He said the party needs to be more proactive in addressing the nation’s economic woes; that piecemeal and short-term solutions will not help. Instead, the party should put in the best possible ideas forward so that the people and nation benefits.
Sure, but may I know what significant role has he played and what contribution has he made to the stimulus package being formulated at the moment? Has he and his party been consulted. Don’t lie ok, we know.
He said, transparency and accountability must be the order of the day and take the place of red-tape, delays and leakages that run foul of our genuine effort to effectively reduce income disparity.
Really, I suggest he take a look at all the assistance programs, the disbursement of loans by development banks and government budgetary allocations. Please take a look who are benefiting. I give him a hint: I am not even talking on racial line. Please don’t talk the obvious when the baloneys are right in front of him.
He said, to keep our rice bowls, we will promote micro-credit and SME financing for Malaysians based on their innovativeness and zeal to succeed, and not by whom they know and patron.
Sure, I agree fully. If he is able to achieve what he said based on the existing scheme of arrangement, I shall not eat for one month and shall forever not to write in this blog again.
He said, as a major partner in the Barisan coalition, we are able to and should be perceived as playing this crucial role in major decision making and implementation.
See, he does not even know MCA is an insignificant partner in BN. In fact, he does not even know how major government decisions are made and implemented. Hello, major government policies are not made in the Cabinet or Parliament. They are made in the UMNO Supreme Council or General Assembly.
He said, let this ring out loud clearly today. We Malaysian Chinese are not mere passengers in this country. We are here to build a nation in our home, Malaysia.
I say he should add a little more. We are here making many others living more comfortably through our blood and sweat, lest he forget.
He said, we owe obligations to one another not only legal obligations to obey the law and pay taxes, but wider obligations such as respecting each others choices and beliefs.
I ask where were successive MCA leaders when the country’s development has skewed beyond recognition.
He said, as a major Barisan Nasional component party, we must stand up to injustice, and engage any other like-minded forces to seek redress on issues of public concerns. We have to be bold and we have to be loud if and when we have to.
Sorry, to me it is like loud thunder and threatening cloud but without a single drop of rain.
He said, we need to transform and energize MCA that will be fearless in championing equal opportunities and a level playing field, not only for the Chinese community, but for all Malaysians.
Yes, I heard this growing up and I am still hearing this, now growing old.
He said, leaders must serve with a new spirit of professionalism and pro-activeness. I do not say to you that MCA’s struggle for freedom and equality will be easy. I do not promise a quick panacea for our nation’s problems.
You know what; I have a simpler solution for him. Dissolve MCA and join a more inclusive political party.
He said, these are not just mere rhetoric.
What an irony. He was exactly engaging in endless rhetoric.
Coming back the questions he asked at the very beginning:
1. What do we [MCA] stand for? My answer, nothing
2. Who do we serve? My answer, Some perks and allowances for those holding some insignificant government positions
3. Are we able to deliver? No, you can’t. Hope you can still remember what PR has done on the land titles to Chinese new villagers in Perak?
4. Can we, at MCA continue to be relevant? No, you are irrelevant long ago.
5. Will there be an MCA in the next 60 years? I don’t think so. You may be history in the next general election.
#17 by Loh on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 4:12 pm
Najib said that the Speaker of Perak should wait for the outcome of the court case regarding the status of the three Kataks. That statement means that he considers their status doubtful, now. How come the status of the thr Kataks can be different at different time according to how it suits Najib. He is demonstrating to the world that he practices double standards. Najib knows that but he insisited to do it because he could. Bill Clinton regretted his affair with Monica Lewinsky saying that he erred because he thought he could do it. When is Najib going to regret his action?
How come Najib told the Sultan of Perak that they had the support of the three Kataks as if the kataks were ADUN without question? If he has doubt now, he must have doubt at the time he met the Sultan. What he told the Sultan was lie. That was ‘bullying the King, or taking advantage of the King’ – it was an offence which would have cost his head in the days of absolute monarchy. In the modern days of constitutional monarchy, the action of the King and Sultans has to be in accordance to the constitution. So the court can decide whether official action of the Sultan or the King met constitutional requirement. It cannot be seditious to suggest that the court review royal decision. Any accusation hurled against people suggesting judicial recourse reflects poorly on the mental capacity of the persons making those uncalled for remarks. Investigation by police only shows that the country is in pseudo-police state, where police is being used for intimidating political opponents.
If suggestion that official decision of the Sultan can be referred to court is termed as seditious, then proposal that Rulers can be tried for the personal actions should amount to lese majestie. But that has been passed into law. Obviously, the party in power which established the law should be charged for sedition, if it was the intention of the government to put the status of rulers on equal term with those in other countries. A law against lese majestie would not stay because it conflicts’ with the law of having a special court to try the rulers on their personal conduct. That law is humiliating to the royal houses. When UMNO youth found it proper to suggest that Karpal Singh be charged for whatever UMNO youth could think of, why did they not consider it proper to have the provision of special court for trying rulers removed from the constitution? Obviously UMNO youth does not understand what is right or wrong. They only follow the leaders and acted like mat-tua rempit.
#18 by Godfather on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 4:14 pm
“If he is able to achieve what he said based on the existing scheme of arrangement, I shall not eat for one month and shall forever not to write in this blog again.” Limkamput
Well, if you don’t eat for one month, then it’s kaput for you, so the second part about not writing in this blog again does not arise. Seriously, however, your observations about the MCA are correct. They will be history at the next GE.
#19 by Godfather on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 4:16 pm
Can you imagine a prime minister of Malaysia having such colourful nicknames like C4, Najis, Mongolian, etc ?
#20 by waterfrontcoolie on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 5:37 pm
I like to think and believe that N in the name of the first PM of Malaysia stands for the in-coming PM and at the same time I also believe in the Will of Heaven.
It is the end of a dynasty founded by the Tengku. A ‘new’ one will take its place, come the 13th GE! or even ealier!
All the current happenings are pointing to this direction. BN seems oblivious to the changing scenario in the country. With tons of cash, they could not change nor capture the heartland of the very community they proudly proclaimed they respresented. KT by-elaction.
The destiny of FATE can not be changed. It is WILLED ABOVE!
Hence, all Malaysians, enjoy your blogging!
#21 by Onlooker Politics on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 6:41 pm
Is YB Kit trying to count on AAB and Najib to give us an accurate interpretation on the Perak State Constitution and the Federal Constitution of Malaysia? I think it will be a waste of time to count on these two half-past-six national leaders who know nothing much about law if no advice is sought after by them from a qualified legal advisor.
As we could notice from what they had attempted to say about the constitutions, all the explanations and conclusions uttered by them were just their wishful thinkings which were being tailored in accordance with their personal taste. There would be no legal basis for them to rely upon when they talked about these issues:
1) The Perak Speaker was unlawfully harrassed by AAB’s commenting that the former should be investigated by the Police for exercising the discretionary powers of a Speaker as permitted by the State Constitution of Perak for barring the second MB from attending the State Assembly due to disciplinary violation of showing contempt of the State Assembly because accepting the appointment to be the second MB without a proper proceeding being carried in the State Assembly for casting a vote of no confidence against the first MB (The folly of AAB);
2) The Perak Speaker was said by Najib to have committed a contempt of court by exercising the discretionary powers of a Speaker to call for an emergency assembly in the State Assembly in order to pass resolutions about the solution for resolving the Perak Constitutional Crisis (The folly of Najib).
The above two follies, one made by AAB and the other by Najib, clearly exposed to us about the inferiority of Umno’s leadership quality. Malaysia would be a nation of no future if those leaders whom Umno could nominate to be the Prime Minister were only some incompetent people who liked to twist and turn the interpretation of the Law and the Constitution in order to suit their personal taste and to satisfy their personal desire of wishful thinkings.
#22 by alberttye on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 6:54 pm
It is obvious that Najib had made a bad mistake. We shall boycott his administration peacefully and lawfully as far as possible.
There is no doubt he will crumble sooner or later.
Evil can never win the day.
#23 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 7:33 pm
I am tired listening and reading all about the stupid BN and its really ridiculous leadrers like Pak LAh and Najib.
They literally make me puke. There is a limit to how much a person can be outraged. These two and the rest of the UMNO mob and BN wags – ugh! I have already written them off as utter rubbish of the greatest order, worse than ordinary, decent citizens, considering their horrendous visible records and worse-still all those rumours about them.
#24 by ktteokt on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 7:38 pm
What BN has done in Perak may not be all bad. At least, it has set a precedent on “frogs” hopping parties. Pay them back, tooth for tooth and eye for eye when the time is right. Let BN frogs hop over to PR and see what BN is going to say then!
#25 by KennyGan on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 7:59 pm
MCA, MIC, Gerakan and other component parties are definitely out of the govt (read Umno) decision making loop. Sometimes you can find them issuing statements commenting on govt policy and calling govt to do this and that as if they are part of the opposition. As a case in point, recently Gerakan’s Koh Tsu Koon call for govt to renegotiate toll agreements.
How pathetic to be partners in govt and be treated as wallpaper.
#26 by isahbiazhar on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 8:04 pm
It looks like Najib should go on a introductory law course to be conducted by the AG before he decides anything on law.Even Abdullah should take up a degree on law at the International Islamic University before he is made a senior advisor otherwise these people could make the same mistake as Mahathir did during his era.Now UMNO must be feeling miserable after they had taken the clout from the royalty.Supporting the Perak royalty looks like they want the sultans to be back in power.It is too late and the opposition know well that any decision against them may result in an international insult;two ways to interpret the powers of the royalty.It is best the Perak Sultan calls for an understanding and declare a fresh election ahead of the courts decision which will be in favour of the PR government; based on cases which had similar verdicts.
#27 by ch on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 8:22 pm
Dear All,
One must always be reminded that in politics, real can be unreal and unreal can be real. This is exactly what Malaysians had been led around for the past one year, ever since UMNO-Barisan Nasional displayed a dismal performance in the last general election. Political rhetorics continue on to be on high gear as UMNO-Barisan Nasional lost two by-elections and appeared lost as to how they could devise an effective strategy to win back the support of the rakyat that they have lost considerably. As ordinary citizens, you and I will never have access to insider information nor have the time or ability to deal with all of the complexities of a political campaign. The political situation in Malaysia now after “308” is extremely convoluted and therefore it is similarly difficult to gauge which side is telling the truth, right and reliable. On the face of it, many would believe that Pakatan Rakyat had been doing a fairly good job to contain the media onslaught from UMNO-BN. However, if an effective political explanation on the current situation in Perak to the rakyat is to be envisaged, I certainly believe Pakatan Rakyat lacks the financial and resources ability. Unlike Pakatan, UMNO-BN has the complete backing of the mass-media and other surrounding important authorities so as to enable them any effective campaign.
Although, we may have a fairly large internet savvy community to check out the nation’s political on-goings but I certainly believe the community is not large enough to enable all and sundry know what is actually going on. Therefore Pakatan Rakyat has to do more so as to reach the masses. Reaching the masses isn’t something that is easy to do as it needs time, engineerlity, bureaucracy, money and most of all it takes time. Even if the masses are able to hear the speeches of their respective leaders, I am of the opinion that the ability of them to have a good analysis of political language is rather limited. Deciphering political language can be quite complex.
The recent large crowd from UMNO coming out in support of the Sultan has somewhat overwhelmed the memory as to how Dr. Mahathir bull-dozed himself on ammending the Constitution in 1993. While what YB Karpal Singh has been saying regarding the Sultan is perfectly correct within the ammended Constitution but the real effect of changing the views and minds of certain segment of the Malaysian society on Pakatan Rakyat appears to have been somewhat successful. On top of that, the campaign of supporting the Sultan has increased the amount of “hot heads” against Karpal and Pakatan Rakyat. These “hot heads” had been allowed to roam freely, chanting racial invectives, slogans with thumping chests.
#28 by lee wee tak_ on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 8:28 pm
Ihe fact is that PDRM had acted on a police report with no legal grounds justification worries me. This proves that PDRM is acting base on political instruction and do not assess the validity of the report, bearing in mind that lodging false report is a crime.
In today’s Oriental Daily, Dato Bakri, the Chief of Criminal Investigation spoke of being weary of all these reports causing normal police work to be affected. Then why not put aside the report in the first place and let it rot. That’s what happen to joe public whenever we made a report anyway.
By the way, what’s Najib’s qualification to run matters than concern law, finance and economics. I am sure Karpal and Tony Pua are miles ahead of him. Love to hear a one on one debate between Najib and either one of them.
#29 by Onlooker Politics on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 9:54 pm
‘On top of that, the campaign of supporting the Sultan has increased the amount of “hot heads” against Karpal and Pakatan Rakyat. These “hot heads” had been allowed to roam freely, chanting racial invectives, slogans with thumping chests.’ (ch)
While ch is making a very accurate comment about the possible negative impact of the campaign of supporting the Sultan on Karpal and Pakatn Rakyat, there is also adverse effect on Umno of such a pro-royalty approach which is being adopted by Umno Youth. Many veteran politicians of Umno would have to be hurt by such a pro-royalty approach.
For instance, if the pro-royalty approach has not been kept under the proper containment, Tun Dr. Mahathir will be the first person who will be blamed for causing the Special Court clauses to be added into the Federal Constitution of Malaysia in 1994. If Tun Dr. Mahathir is to be attacked for being anti-royalty, then his son, Mukhriz Mahathir who is now contesting for the post of Umno Youth Chief, will be the victim who is going to suffer big loss of votes in the March 2009 Umno Party Election.
The second Umno politician who will be victimised by such a pro-royalty strategy in Umno campaign will be Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is now contesting for the post of Deputy President of Umno. Some Johoreans of good memory might still be able to remember about the incident of a hockey coach being assaulted by present Sultan of Johor, which was the immediate cause of the introduction of Special Court clauses into the Federal Constitution in 1994 by Tun Dr. Mahathir. Muhyiddin Yassin was the Menteri Besar of Johor during the happening of the incident. Muhyiddin Yassin had always been taken by the Sultan of Johor as the hardcore supporter of Tun Dr. Mahathir. The Sultan was displeased by the role which had been played by Muhyiddin Yassin during the incident. Instead of pledging his loyalty to the Sultan, Muhyiddin Yassin served as the arbiter to call for an apology to be made by the second prince (who took heel to hide himself in a hotel in Singapore when wanted by the Police) of Johor to a commoner hockey player who had been assaulted by the second prince in a hockey game. Therefore, to some Malays, Muhyiddin Yassin was also a member of the anti-royalty camp.
The general opinion always holds that Muhyiddin Yassin will be the candidate who has the highest chance to win the post of Deputy President of Umno. Some analysts even hold the opinion that Muhyiddin Yassin has been promised with the post of Deputy Prime Minister by Najib Razak. However, not many political analysts really realized that the pro-royalty strategy had been adopted by Najib Razak since 2004. The positioning of Dato Seri Mohamad Hj. Hassan in the post of the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan was the first move in the pro-royalty strategy. It is a known fact that Mohamad Hj. Hassan is married to a close cousin of the present Yamtuan, Tuanku Mukhriz of Negeri Sembilan. The intimate partnership between Mohamad Hj. Hassan and Mohd Ali Rustam in the Umno party election will pose a big threat to Muhyiddin Yassin, since Mohd Ali Rustam is also the contestant being endorsed by Paklah’s camp for the post of Deputy President of Umno.
If the pro-royalty strategy of Najib is to be enlarged into a massive onslaught on the suspected anti-royalty Umno faction, then the rift between the pro-royalty faction and anti-royalty faction will most likely be further intensified and escalated into a big party feud. When the feud really happens, then Najib will most likely flip flop in his promise to Muhyiddin Yassin. Then Muhyiddin Yassin will turn to be an abandoned child and be required to fight on his own for extension of his political life. It will not be surprised that after the Umno party election Muhyiddin Yassin may be put into a political situation which is quite similar to what Dr. Chua Soi Lek of MCA is experiencing now.
Therefore pro-royalty strategy which is adopted by Najib, Hishammuddin, Khairy and the rest will not do good to some Umno political warlords like Muhyiddin Yassin and his teammates. It is only wise for Tun Dr. Mahathir and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to initiate a rapid and united effort in order to put off the fire seed of the pro-royalty campaign before the fire seed has been extensively inflamed into a towering inferno which will eventually engulf the political life of the anti-royalty faction.
#30 by KennyGan on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 10:15 pm
Onlooker Politics, I don’t think there’s any pro-royalty and anti-royalty faction in Umno. Umno politicians change principles, stands and loyalties as they see fit, depending on which way the wind blows. Umno itself can be anti-monarchy as in Terengganu or pro-monarchy as in Perak depending on what suits them. The only ideology they all hold hard and fast consistently is MONEY.
#31 by Godfather on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 10:55 pm
Uneithical is a matter of individual opinion. Unconstitutional can only be tested in the courts. With an UMNO Chief Justice, what chance do we have of a truly independent hearing ? This was UMNO’s insurance policy all along. I say that we must go all the way – even if it is just to prove ourselves correct in terms of how uneven the playing field is.
#32 by Onlooker Politics on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 11:12 pm
“I don’t think there’s any pro-royalty and anti-royalty faction in Umno.” (KennyGan)
KennyGan,
If there is no factionalism embedded in Umno, then how do you think the Umno Central Delegates are going to choose a Deputy President of Umno during the party election? Do you think they will choose along the line of checking which candidate can afford to offer a much thicker buddle of CASH notes?
Umno party election usually works by way of MENU. While the name of Muhyiddin Yassin may top the list of Najib’s MENU at the present moment, I will not be surprised that “Muhyiddin Yassin” will be replaced with “Mohd Ali Rustam” in Najib’s MENU during the last minute. Najib did it once in 1987 by replacing in his MENU the name “Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah” with the name “Dr. Mahathir Mohamad”. He can also do it twice now. He will have good reason to replace the name “Muhyiddin Yassin” with the name “Mohd Ali Rustam” in March 2009. Mohd Ali Rustam is seen as a lesser intimidating No. 2 man than Muhyiddin Yassin. Don’t forget that Najib is a believer and a practitioner of Sun Tze’s Art of Wars and Machiavellianism. Why shoud Najib keep an potential intimidator such as Muhyiddin Yassin by his side and then deprive his buddy cousin, Hishammuddin Hussein, of his chance of becoming the next Prime Minister after Najib? Didn’t Najib’s beloved mother always remind Najib in the past that he should take good care of his buddy cousin?
Najib would probably think, “What is there so good about Muhyiddin Yassin to me? I am not so dumb to know that Muhyiddin Yassin is perceived by many to have strong grass-root support. Somemore, he has gotten such a big mouth! If he could ask Paklah to quit party post and PM post few months ago, he would also ask me to quit someday in the future! He is really a stitch at the backbone of mine!”
#33 by Onlooker Politics on Sunday, 1 March 2009 - 11:34 pm
“The only ideology they all hold hard and fast consistently is MONEY.” (KennyGan)
KennyGan,
MONEY is not the single most decisive factor which assures the success of political career in Umno. POWER is also another crucial factor! Someone who has already held on to the Executive power will be reluctant to give in to the Sultan and let go some of his inherent power to the Monarch. The head of the Executive Branch will also find that it is sometimes disgusting of having to entertain the demand of the Royal subject. Therefore, although there are plenty of Umno Youth members who are keen to support the Sultan, there are also not lack of Umno veteran politicians who will refuse to give in to the Sultan because they are so tired of having to “mengadap Sultan” too often in order to give explanation on the rationale of decisions which are made over some trivial matters!
#34 by One4All4One on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 12:15 am
February 2009 could be looked upon as a watershed in modern Malaysian history.
On the brighter and positive side of it, February 2009 could be considered as the month which afforded us, ordinary Malaysians, and perhaps even the supposedly “not-so-ordinary” Malaysians who proudly claim to be the more informed ones (but, not truly so in real terms), lessons about our country which we did not bother to learn or had the opportunity to know during normal times.
As a result, it triggered a greater awareness and a clearer and broader perspective among the citizens regarding the laws of the nation, their rights (especially the importance of their votes and the ballot box), the role of elected representatives, the kind of politicians that the people really need, the role and effect of the media (especially the alternative and electronic media) in disseminating true, timely and accurate information. We also learn not to take any thing for granted.
In a sense, there is an awakening among many Malaysians. Events of February 2009 allow Malaysians to distinguish the good, the bad, and the ugly in the political realm. They have become more discerning and sensitive about their roles in shaping the future of the country.
After the 308 tsunami, as everyone who cares enough knows, the political landscape of the nation underwent a “makeover”, even touted by some political observers as eclipsing May 13 1969.
Truly, Malaysia is in uncharted waters, if the events which happened in the past month were any indications; all of which are well documented, deliberated, debated and archived, for example in blogs such as UNCLE LIM’s, for all to see.
More unknowns and the unexpected are to be played out in the coming days and weeks. No one knows for sure what the eventual outcomes will be. Truly all of us have reasons to be concerned about, especially during such uncertain and grave economic situation.
March 2009 and thereafter will prove to be even more suspenseful and unnerving, maybe heartbreaking. But, we, right-thinking Malaysians do certainly hope and wish that truth and good sense will prevail.
#35 by LG on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 12:43 am
Najib still cannot realise that he does not have the major support from the people not only in Perak but in Malaysia. If he wants to be the next PM he will probably be the last PM as he will be major cause of the downfall of BN in the next GE (or maybe earlier).
#36 by Onlooker Politics on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 12:50 am
“Unconstitutional can only be tested in the courts. With an UMNO Chief Justice, what chance do we have of a truly independent hearing?” (Godfather)
Even if the UMNO Chief Justice would finally skew towards UMNO, the constitutionality of the dismissal of the first MB Nizar by the Sultan of Perak and the appointment of the second MB Zambry by the same Sultan should still be tested in the Federal Court. Judicial review shall be the last resort to solving the political dispute when all other possible ways have been attempted but failed.
At least, when the Federal Court has dropped a judgement in favour of “interventionist monarch”, we are able to find out the true logical reasoning behind such a court decision from the verdict of the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice will finally have to show his true colour to the whole world on what he knows and how much he knows! In view of a British Queen Counsel’s possible involvement in such a case, I don’t think the verdict which is going to be prepared by the Chief Justice will be something which is not worth-reading by us at all.
I look forward to reading such a verdict, which is believed to have possibly brought about great implication for the future transformation of the power structure of our system of Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Democracy.
#37 by Onlooker Politics on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 1:13 am
If the Chief Justice has to drop judgement in favour of “the interventionist monarch” on hearing of the case of Perak Constitutional crisis, that will probably set a precedent which will give the monarch the discretionary power to determine the selection of a Menteri Besar who is the personal choice of the Sultan, probably from among the members of the party which commands majority of the State Assembly or from among the several parties of a unity government.
No matter what, Malaysia is still an immatured democracy. Therefore the path for the democracy in Malaysia will not be a smooth one unless both competing political parties in a two-parties parliamentary system can learn how to compromise with one another by adopting the give-and-take attitude in sharing the powers of the Government. In a plural societies, all must understand that in order for the various races to live in peace and harmony, then the people must be taught about the principles of unity which require us to follow the basic rule-of-thump which stipulates that “winner must not take all because the interest of the minority shall also be well taken care of in order to ensure social equality!”
#38 by Onlooker Politics on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 2:37 am
The Secretary to the Perak State Assembly, Abdullah Antong Sabri, refused to send out notices to the State Assemblymen in accordance with the instruction of the Perak Speaker for the convene of an emergency assembly on 3.3.3009 based on the reason that the approval from the Perak Sultan for such an emergency assembly has not been sought by the Perak Speaker. According to the Secretary, the Perak Sultan has been given the “absolute power” for calling the convention of the State Assembly in accordance with the Perak State Constitution. On the other side, The Perak Speaker Sivakumar is of the opinion that calling for the convene of an emergency assembly without seeking for the Royal consent is still constitutional because there is a wrongful interpretation on the State Constitution being done by the Secretary.
As far as I know, the Board of Directors of a limited company is much more powerful than a company secretary. If the company secretary does not provide a satisfactory service to the Managing Director of the limited company, the service of the company secretary can be terminated by the Board of Directors at the same time when a second company secretary has been duly appointed by the Board of Directors. In a limited company, the company secretary is not the only person who is authorised to sign a notice of calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company shareholders. A company director is also authorised to sign such a notice. So long as the notice has been duly served to all shareholders in a proper and lawful manner, there is practically nothing which can be used to obstruct the Board of Directors from calling the company shareholders to meet in an EGM.
I think the Secretary of the Perak State Assembly may have overstepped into the territority of the Perak Speaker by accusing the Perak Speaker of doing something which is unconstitutional when calling for the re-convene of the legislation assembly. The State Assembly is an independent branch of the government which can exist by its own omnipresent in relation to the Law Making Process. If the Federal Constitution allows a law be made with two thirds majority votes by the Members of Parliament even without the approval of the Yang Dipertuan Agong, the State Assembly may also amend the State Constitution by two thirds majority votes of the State Assembly. Dr. Mahathir had clearly shown us a model of leadership by example that if the Monarch is not going to cooperate with the Legislature in signing the Bill into Act, then the Legislature may simply take a passed law as becoming enacted authomatically and becoming effective with immediate effect if the law is passed with two thirds majority of the Legislature! Such a defiant act against the Monarch is called revolution by a peaceful way! If Dr, Mahathir can do such a defiant act in the Parliament during 1994, Sivakumar may also do it in the Perak State Assembly during 2009!
#39 by Onlooker Politics on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 2:38 am
Sorry, typo… The emergency assembly date shall be 3.3.2009.
#40 by yhsiew on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 2:58 am
Najis has failed to safeguard his integrity and moral standing in a rush to prove himself to be UMNO hero.
ntv7 poll predicted difficult days ahead for Najis.
#41 by Evenmind on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 5:48 am
No doubt about that, he is going to be the most corrupt PM ever., the verdict of the two remaining charged for the Altantuya would be not guilty and the presiding judge has already been paid handsomely,the trail was just a farce to placade the public. From here on everything that happens in Malaysia will be remote controlled by Najis, by every ruthless means necessary, just stay tuned, this is no joke.
#42 by gyp on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 7:48 am
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#43 by chengho on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 7:49 am
Abdullah and Dr Mahathir from by gone era
Najib is the future , Najib just need to emulate LKY no nonsense leader
#44 by Godfather on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 8:06 am
Najis is the future ? Najis just need to emulate LKY ? Do you even know the meaning of the word “emulate” ? Nah, C4’s fate is sealed with his non-transparent governance.
#45 by k1980 on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 8:55 am
Malaysians too can call for early elections
–>http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/01/news/01armenia.php
#46 by KennyGan on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 8:57 am
Najib will become PM with the lowest approval rating of any Malaysian PM. His approval rating is less than 50% now and even lower than the outgoing PM, Badawi. His rule will also be the shortest. It cannot last beyond the next G.E. which is a max of 4 years away and God willing, he may not even last 4 years if he continues to disregard public opinion and scandals continue to dog him.
#47 by undergrad2 on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 9:42 am
“It is not too late for Najib to undo the damage he has done to himself …” Kit
You’re too kind. It is too late for him and perhaps too for the country. We can only pray.
#48 by undergrad2 on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 9:46 am
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#49 by Toyol on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 10:04 am
Enough said. Lets kick them out the next GE. Tell your friends, relatives or anyone you come into contact with…the only way we can stop this rot is to change the government through the ballot box: do this for yourself, your children and for the future of our beloved M’sia.
#50 by Joshua Tan Kok Hauw on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 12:15 pm
Umno Youth should protest and make a police report against itself for what they did in 1993 constitutional crisis where the royal family was humiliated by Umno. Logically almost all the Umno members should be charged for what they did.
Why there was no action taken against Umno?Umno youth action against Karpal should be seriously condemned and uprooted. It just showed how stupid they were. Damn you Umno youth!
Who is crazy for the ruling power of Perak? It is BN, not the PR accused by Zambry, the unconstitutionally appointed Mentri Besar of Perak.
How can Najib take the role of a judge of deciding what is illegal or illegal? Who does he think he is?
#51 by taiking on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 1:30 pm
What business has najib to allow or disallow the perak state assembly sitting? If the assembly was called upon for a meeting then all assembly men and women jolly well attend.
Umno punya style. Everything is umno and umno is everything. Jangan jangan King and sultan too dibawah kawalan and arahan umno. The perak incident already gave people the impression that azlan shah is under najib’s control and direction.
Perakians in their official correspondence with the state government really ought to make express reference to nizar and his exco members and must not acknowledge the unlawful bunch currently enjoying a sojourn (I am sure it will be a sojourn merely).
#52 by AhPek on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 3:14 pm
YB Lim,even though you may have the most consummate faith in the goodness of man,surely you can tell that this najis guy is Satan Incarnate,can’t you?
#53 by Bobster on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 5:02 pm
Since Najis is so desperate of winning to the extend of robbing from people of Perak, just let him win.
Let him win UMMO election.
Let him complete the RAHMAN prophesy and C4 UMMO once and for all.
My Malay buddies are equally piss esp his wify. How on earth such controversial man be allowed to the next PM of this country? Only God knows.
#54 by budak on Monday, 2 March 2009 - 11:47 pm
for every single boy born tomorrow should name after SIVAKUMAR… to show our gratitude to our beloved Perak Speaker…
Siva, Perakian always with you…
I’m a Perakian with you and DAP forever…!
#55 by Taxidriver on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 - 2:54 am
Chengho says:
“Najib is the future,Najib just need to ’emulate’ LKY no nonsense man”
Najib is YOUR future, Najib is UNMOPUTERAS’ future. Without Najib, YOU ALL will have no more future; like little children without a father. How pitiful.
To “emulate” LKY, one must possess a great working brain and good fore-sight. Najib has neither of the two, only good at womanising and perhaps MAN-nising also, so some people say. Are those your good reasons for sticking to him, chengho?
#56 by Taxidriver on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 - 3:12 am
Najib interpretes the Laws according to his whims and fancies. He is an e-cocknomiss who wants to be a lawyer lor.
#57 by Taxidriver on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 - 3:58 am
HRH Raja Azlan Shah, being a learned man who once held the highest post in our Malaysian Judiciary as Lord President, is the best person to resolve the Perak crises and put all uncertainties to rest. Just one word from him-“enough”- then orders the dissolution of the Perak State Assembly and let his subjects decide who they want to rule over them. Like all Malaysians, I am most perplexed as to why he is allowing turmoil to continue.
Patek mohon derhaka to say that your good reputation you have built over ypur lifetime as a wise ruler and Lord President will go down the drain no matter what the outcome of this crises.
Whatever that is holding you back from making this very important decision will never be a good enough reason if you think of the consequences should the matter spills out of control. By then it will be too late for regrets, and HRH will go down history with all sorts of nicknames ( patek mohon derhaka )
Please believe that going back to your subjects is the way to go (patek mohon derhaka)
#58 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 - 10:46 pm
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