Najib’s first task is to get rid of the corrupt in his Cabinet whether Minister or Deputy Minister


The first task of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is to get rid of the corrupt in his new Cabinet team – whether Minister or Deputy Minister.

He should seek an appointment with former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who though praised the new cabinet as “more or less graft-free” nonetheless qualified his praise when he said that Najib “did very well by dropping most of the people who have been accused of corruption, although one or two slipped in”.

“One or two” corrupt Ministers or Deputy Ministers succeeded in slipping through the integrity scrutiny and firewall to get into Najib’s first Cabinet?

This is clearly unacceptable if Najib is to lead a clean and incorruptible administration with zero tolerance for corruption.

As Prime Minister for 22 years, Mahathir had shown great tolerance for corruption – as demonstrated by the fact that in the last seven years of his premiership, Malaysia’s ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index fell from No. 23 in 1995 to No. 37 to 2003 – which could only mean that more than “one or two” corrupt Ministers and Deputy Ministers had got onto his government without any protest or action by the longest-serving Prime Minister of the country!

If by Mahathir’s very lenient attitude towards corruption – after all, it was the new Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who a decade ago had stood up as Umno Youth Leader at the Umno Youth General Assembly in 1998 to denounce Mahathir as the “father” of Malaysian KKN, corruption, cronyism and nepotism – he could still talk about “one or two” corrupt members of the new cabinet, a more stringent integrity standard would have faulted many more members of the Najib Cabinet.

Be that as it may, Najib should identify the “one or two” corrupt Ministers or Deputy Ministers who slipped through to be on the Najib Cabinet so that they could be flushed out and removed.

Alternatively, this could be the first task of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for Unity and Performance Management, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, to locate and flush out the “one or two” corrupt Ministers or Deputy Ministers who could not even pass Mahathir’s very low integrity benchmark for the Najib Cabinet to be completely “graft-free”.

Mahathir said Najib had dropped most of the Cabinet members accused of corruption.

Who are they?

Those dropped from the Cabinet are from a very small circle, seven Ministers, viz:Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (Home); Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Tourism), Senator Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib (Rural and Regional Development), Senator Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz (Prime Minister’s Department), Datuk Ong Ka Chuan (Housing and Local Government), Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed (Works), Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique (Federal Territories) and two Deputy Ministers, Datuk Idris Haron (Higher Education) and Datuk Noraini Ahmad (Human Resources).

Everyone of them may want to clear their names and reputation from Mahathir’s public aspersions on their integrity.

  1. #1 by limkamput on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 2:22 pm

    Dear PM,
    To me it is simple, reforms and changes must involve pains and sacrifices for the greater good at a later stage. Are there pains and sacrifices? If so, who is suffering pains and who is sacrificing? After May 1969, Tun Sambathan was appointed National Unity Minister, described as an important and senior ministry. But we all know by now nothing much has been achieved in that front. Now KTK is again appointed Minister in charge of national unity. Is national unity really that important to UMNO? If so, why non Malays were always entrusted with this task? Alternatively, why must non Malays only be responsible for national unity? I think all of us must get the basis of national unity right.

  2. #2 by limkamput on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 2:24 pm

    Dear PM,
    If we want genuine reform and better efficiency, I suggest it is time to appoint some non Malays to important ministries. UMNO, as major party, can continue to decide on programmes and projects that genuinely benefit the Malays and the poor but please let a chinaman (for example) to take charge of the national coffer to ensure value for money spending and proper implementation of programmes and projects.

  3. #3 by limkamput on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 2:29 pm

    Dear PM,
    Why appoint a chinaman to take charge of performance measurement? I can assure you that it is not going to work. For too long this country has been saddled with this “third world culture” where those entrusted with decision making and spending are not really responsible and accountable for their decisions and implementation. Instead, other people who have no power whatsoever to make decisions are asked to account for the success or failure of all government decisions and programmes. We don’t have to go very far to know this – just look at some ministers and deputy ministers answering questions in Parliament. Nine of ten don’t really know what was going on and yet they have to stand there like idiots to defend and explain government decisions and policies. Dear PM, please don’t treat non Malay ministers like non Malay government servants. Give them true responsibility and truly ask them to account. As long as UMNO has not got rid of xenophobia, there will be no reform.

  4. #4 by limkamput on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 2:36 pm

    Sdr Lim,
    Mahathir talking about integrity and getting rid of corruption in government. Mahathir talking about not knowing APs been abused when he was PM for 22 years. I think we all have better use of our time.

  5. #5 by ALLAN THAM on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 2:55 pm

    As I always believe this old hat simply pretend don’t know this don’t know that. He is simply sarcastic and pretending too be a fool but as such he was the most dangerous man in Malaysia.

    He has done so much sins. The corruption was his making and yet he say he did not know what happen to this and that AP and he was not the minister. Can you imagine that!

    The way he sack Tun Salleh Abbas and other. He think he was a fool. He sack for his own agenda? Right? So what has happen to our judiciary! What he can do other will follows and they will do it again and again.

    Can’t you see the return of this wolf ! and he new PM has already taking his bait or simply just afraid of him.

    With the old hat around No changes can be expected and worst could be coming!

  6. #6 by monsterball on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 3:13 pm

    So nice to know exam is over for limkamput to start commenting again.
    First time I read….he is hinting Mahathir is a hypocrite.
    Better late than never.
    Yes……Limkamput…Mahathir knew Rafidah was very corrupted but dare not touch her. So was Samy Vellu…Mat Tyson.. Muhyiddin.
    Only Mhuyiddin….the…softie….he transfered him back to Johore…for a low class post.
    All the others were ready to pounced and confront him…as the biggest crook of all.
    Now he talk of corruptions like he was an angel from heaven.
    Mahathir is a real sick man with no dignity at all.
    Glad the two by-elections where he was the Film Star..the Messiah..spoke and got slapped by powerful People’s Power.
    Sultan of Johore showed us how…..we follow.

  7. #7 by taikohtai on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 3:18 pm

    Asking Najis to drop the corrupt is akin to asking him to kill the man he sees in the mirror.
    No, let him be and lets stop telling him what to do and what not to do.
    The rakyat has now wisened up to decide that they will lord over the servants (read BN) by way of the ballot box. Let BN enjoy their dying days and let them think that they are still in the driver’s seat. Come next GE, Malaysia shall surely witness the mother of all Tsunamis as the rakyat decide to bury BN and Cabinet six kaki underground!

  8. #8 by cintanegara on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 3:23 pm

    Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who a decade ago had stood up as Umno Youth Leader at the Umno Youth General Assembly in 1998 to denounce Mahathir as the “father” of Malaysian KKN, corruption, cronyism and nepotism…..

    All of a sudden we start hearing word like “nepotism” appeared on this blog. DAP, as usual, likes to condemn others of nepotism…. but they are the one practice it to the fullest.

    This is what we called “Cakap tak serupa bikin” At Least Najib, Mukhriz, Hisham came into picture when their fathers no longer served as the MPs…..

  9. #9 by voice on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 3:45 pm

    cintanegara, yes, dap bad, dap evil, umno good, umno best, umno is god, this is what you wanted to say right? I hope you can give a more constructive criticism than slamming dap without thoughts.
    Those track record with corruption must be eliminated from holding any position in government, namely azalina and ali rustam, MACC is not functioning as it should be.

  10. #10 by taiking on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 4:03 pm

    Oi only one or two slipped in. Only one or two he said. Its a small problem then. Najib. Come on. You should have no problem eliminating them from your list. Oh Shit! You would have no one suitable to pick as replacement unless you looks outside umno and outside barisan. Sorry. Never thought of that!

    Hei hei hei. Mahathir is at work najib. He has started work before you. Guess what? The public perceived you as weak and beholden to mahathir. And you wanna know the reason? True or not. Its unimportant. But the perception has everything to do with the mongolian woman. The perception is that mahathir is using this ace against you in his hands to the fullest.

    Remember. As a leader you cannot afford to be doubted by the people you lead. It just wont work. The only way to make it work is by dictatorship. Alternatively, you have the nice option of clearing your name. Have a formal inquiry held and do it soon.

  11. #11 by monsterball on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 4:11 pm

    Who cares who is being dropped by UMNO BARU in the cabinet?
    We want to see Samy go to court on RM100 million lost by his community..o MIKA shares.
    We want to see Rafidah hurled up to court…answering all the APs..given to her friends and relatives…..and most of all…Toyo for blatant outright corruptions….fling no guilty at all…..still talking cock and bull. Maybe Toyo will expos few….if ever goes to court…so will Mat Tyson???
    We want to see Mat Tyson tell us where he got all the millions stacked up in his house and got caught in Australian custom.
    He is found not guilty..by Australia..because Australia cannot prove it is stolen money..that’s all…and he must have also proven…he brought millions into Australia too.
    You think Malaysians are stupid…..UMNO BARU????
    Let others talk about Nazri….Hishammuddin….Khairy..Muhkriz and all. Malaysians can easily forget?….dream on UMNO BARU.
    UMNO BARU cannot sweep..hide..forget corruptions….by saying nice things. Malaysians are quite sick of UMNO BARU’s wayang kulit shows.

  12. #12 by trublumsian on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 4:13 pm

    cintanegara, u slapped urself on the mouth real hard! stupid a-x-x!
    their fathers no longer MPs… precisely the keyword “fathers”, who WERE MPs. how else do we think they even get the exposure, by their merits and qualifications?? u moron airhead.

    this mamakthir finally sees the daylight after 5 yrs of aab. time to flex the old muscles.

    sdr lim, it takes a crook to spot another. mamakthir can sniff out the worst corruptors cos he is the super-curruptor.

    so what exactly does a minister of unity and performance management do? what CAN he do? and a chinaman at that? when that umno bark dog ali guy calls the chinese pendatang is the minister supposed to crack a whip in the name of unity? he will be hanged by the malays for chrissakes.

    as for performance mgt., the first thing he did was ask for KPIs from all deparments.

  13. #13 by monsterball on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 4:24 pm

    If Najib dare to set up a Royal Commission to investigate and question Mahathir for taking out RM1.2 billion of EPF money to bail out his son….than he is on the right track.
    But first he must set up another Royal Commission to investigate himself on the submarine deal giving out more than RM500 million commission..into Baginda’s bank account.
    Then his last noble act…..in life..ready to met Allah…tell all about Alantuya blown to pieces by C4……and he was Min. of Defence.
    Come on…..make life easy for Malaysians…tell the truth.
    PS: No harm to dream fool’s dream for truths from Najib.
    It’s one way to keep not forgetting …as they all hope ..we would.

  14. #14 by k1980 on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 4:26 pm

    Koh Tsu Koon is appointed Unity and Performance Management Minister because of his excellent performance in re-assembling and re-uniting the scattered shreds of his photo torn by Ahmad Ismail’s henchmen

  15. #15 by mauriyaII on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 5:16 pm

    KTK is a pathetic lap dog given a low-level ministry without any actual power because whatever he suggests and the PMI he sends to the PM would find their way to the rubbish bin. That forfolio is just an eyewash to appease the Chinese from Gerakan.

    Mamakthir the firaun must be the happiest man as his useless son, Mukhriz has become a deputy minister even after losing in the UMNO Youth election. Either Mamak Kutty has some very damaging evidence against Najib to blackmail or Najib is really scared stiff of the mamak expediting his removal as the PM by going on a crusade to topple him as he did to AAB.

    The talk about being people centric is all cock and bull. He can’t even appease the UMNO factions. Instead he has fallen prey to the advice of the firaun by sidelining Khairy. This folly of his is going to ruin his premiership. Khairy is no fool. At least he is better educated and as the UMNO Youth President he would make sure BN/UMNO would pay dearly for their perfidy.

    Najib’s cousin, Hishamuddin, as the Education Minister made a royal mess of the education system by his flip flop policies. He did not even wait to see the results before he replaced one with another. Yet being the cousin of the PM, he is given a very important ministry that deals with almost life and death situations of the rakyat.

    Would he turn out to be another Alblur, …who harassed and tortured innocent, ordinary citizens with silly roadblocks, chemically laced water cannon barrage and the detention of journalists and others for their own protection? Would he also prefer to ban publications of Opposition parties whenever UMNO is cornered and has no answer to the so-called allegations? Would he also release arbitrarily detained persons but with a lot of preconditions to their freedom? Would he as a caring Home Minister see the light of day and reccommend the repeal of the ISA? Would he review the newspapers and other publications act so as to ensure that the freedom of expression is not stifled? After all there are enough laws in the country to try people with seditious intent and for defamation without resorting to another draconian act.
    Let us wait and see.

    If Najib, not withstanding the outward semblance of his lean cabinet, is going to be guided by the wily old goat who is welknown for his crooked bridge and other meglomaniac fantasies, then the country is going to suffer during the current economic recession.

    If Najib is his own man, then he should tell the old goat stay out and not to meddle in the administration of the country. People are truly fed up of the 22 years of misrule, corruption, cronyism and nepotism of this selective amnesiac.

  16. #16 by monsterball on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 5:19 pm

    hi guys/gals….Our PM new name is ….
    “Datuk Seri Naif Ton Rasa”….as reported in Benama paper.
    For details…go to Susan Loone’s blog.

  17. #17 by monsterball on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 5:50 pm

    It seems…it means.’Adorable young fut”….but now said..typing error,
    If the DAP paper write like this…sure cancel printing license.
    Everything and anything always OK with UMNO BARU with good reasons.
    How can we expect these idiots learn from their mistakes…when they are so smart to defend themselves.
    I am beginning to believe…UMNO BARU minds are really weird…..or those crooks are trained to deny and deny.
    One false move…all go to jail.

  18. #18 by yhsiew on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 6:07 pm

    “I think Najib did very well by dropping most of the people who are accused of corruption, although one or two somehow or other slipped in,”he told a small group of reporters.

    @@http://asia.news.yahoo.com/090409/3/3ywzj.html
    ====================================================

    What a disappointment to hear from Tun Dr. M. that there are still black sheep in Najib’s cabinet team.

    If Najib is really serious about wiping out corruption, it is time that he takes drastic action to flush out the “corrupt remnants” in his team.

  19. #19 by sotong on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 6:15 pm

    BN had lost credibility and integrity.

    They had betrayed the ordinary people with decades of narrow, divisive and damaging politics……their days in government are numbered.

    Nothing could save them…if they have any grain of dignity left, they should apologise to the ordinary people for decades bad leadership and gross mismanagement of our country.

  20. #20 by ekans on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 6:36 pm

    …former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who though praised the new cabinet as “more or less graft-free” nonetheless qualified his praise when he said that Najib “did very well by dropping most of the people who have been accused of corruption, although one or two slipped in”.

    So, who are the one or two who slipped in?
    The old doctor should identify them to the MACC, unless of course, he doesn’t want to also incriminate himself in the process…

  21. #21 by khairi ali on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 6:46 pm

    Well, arent we all Malaysian? Why cant we all help anyone, including PM or MPs, to get rid of corruptors? We have read news of corruption not only coming from BN governments but also PR governments. As such why are we still playing with words. Get those culprits, put them in jails, no matter whether from UMNO or DAP. Or may be, the governments know best.

  22. #22 by ekans on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 7:18 pm

    On 10 April 2009 at 15:23.21, cintanegara said:
    Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who a decade ago had stood up as Umno Youth Leader at the Umno Youth General Assembly in 1998 to denounce Mahathir as the “father” of Malaysian KKN, corruption, cronyism and nepotism…..

    Yes, we all know that your hero, the old doctor, isn’t exactly flawless…

    On 10 April 2009 at 15:23.21, cintanegara said:
    All of a sudden we start hearing word like “nepotism” appeared on this blog. DAP, as usual, likes to condemn others of nepotism…. but they are the one practice it to the fullest.

    This is what we called “Cakap tak serupa bikin” At Least Najib, Mukhriz, Hisham came into picture when their fathers no longer served as the MPs…..

    When a politician gets to be elected MP or even ADUN, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she suddenly gets to be powerful/influential enough within his/her own political party to influence the appointment of his/her family members/relatives to certain key positions.
    Yes, the respective fathers of the Pekan MP & his cousin have already passed on and of course, are no longer MPs, but both of these cousins are, and are also members of the same federal government cabinet.
    Yes, the father of the Jerlun MP has retired from office, and no longer an MP, but are we supposed to honestly believe that the old doctor, a former head of government (and also your hero), still does not wield any form of influence within the party itself?
    You should remember how the party members responded to the old doctor’s sudden appearance at the party’s recent general assembly although, at that time, he had not officially rejoined the party yet (and also still no longer an MP).
    May be, you should present your views on nepotism on the ‘1 Malaysia’ website, and hope that the Pekan MP will do something to allay your fears, suspicions, etc.
    Then may be, you’ll see who else is also “Cakap tak serupa bikin”…

  23. #23 by ktteokt on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 7:34 pm

    Corruption has been the foundation of the BN all these years, so it is obvious that any cabinet formed by it will be CORRUPT!

  24. #24 by ALLAN THAM on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 7:43 pm

    The Koh fellow is against being sue by the Naji to keep the gerakan. For any principle politician KTK should resigned long time ago, when he was ridicule by umno fellow yet he wish to stay on to hold the eggs.

    What KPI ? it is all BN slogan shouting and will just died prematurely.

    Again the old balls also will play his role by ensure that his way of doing thing will make corruption to stay, cronyism to stay.

    The old balls just could not at his twilight years to play racist card. and yet naji say unity? If he want unity the first thing should do is totally disregard the old balls. What as Zaid and Tunku say, who dare to touch him, he is untouchable anyway. That also explain why his son was in and KJ was parked out side to play rempit around!

    Never hope too much until there is change of government! Be ware the wolf is back. The wolf is back!

  25. #25 by wanderer on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 7:47 pm

    YB LKS, how can be possible. If he hung all in his cabinet, who is going to hang him!
    Where got any clean fellas in BN?

  26. #26 by boh-liao on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 7:56 pm

    Brilliant to appoint Koh Tsu Koon as as a minister in the Prime Minister’s department, in-charge of national unity. Ha, ha!

    Afterall, it is well known that KTK is the ever-ready punching-bag of Umnoputras. Whenever Umnoputras need to cut someone’s head or tear someone’s face, KTK is the ever-ready target. Truly great for national unity.

    There should be a factory producing punching bags with photos of KTK to be punched to relieve stress and tension. A stress-free nation will lead to great national unity.

  27. #27 by Ramesh Laxman on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 8:13 pm

    When you want to clean a dirty pot you must start from the inside working your way to the ouside of the pot. Then you can put in fresh food to be cooked. Only by this way can you ensure that the new food in the pot will not be contaminated.
    The same also applies to the individuals.First you have to remove all the bad elements before you can trust him again to do the job in a manner in which he is supposed to do it.
    The same also applies to an organisations. It has to be cleaned first from the inside before it can be enthrusted to peform in a manner in which it is expected to perform.
    The rats will always nibble on the cheese and when no one is looking will take whatever it can take. To prevent that you must have laws that are applied consitantly and without fear or favour.
    Here we can take a page from the hundreds of Cowboy films that we have seen in the 50s and 60s. The Shariff locks up the town’s gang leader. A mob gathers outside the Sheriff’s office demanding that the Gang Leader be released. What does the Sheriff do? He goes for the leader of the mob and shoots him in the head. The rest of the chicken liver mob runs and hide. The mob returns to the bar with their tails inbetween their legs. You get the drift

  28. #28 by Godfather on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 8:48 pm

    Najib’s first task is to get rid of the nauseating influence of the Mamakthir once and for all, otherwise this cabinet will forever be known as the Chedet Cabinet.

  29. #29 by Elwin Heng on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:17 pm

    No offensive.
    P.man, Pj.woman; should you re-evaluate your integrity or creditability before acceptance of re-awarded?!

    Sincere & humble…

    I & my lovely wife, from Selangor & Penang; live with no regret, decided and voted our life most ever worthiest vote against DAP during 12th GE, by formed PR state government.

    We think, we talk, we object or etc. -no result.
    Calm down, eliminate chance to be victimize (or be detainee?).

    We think, we wait, we vote & etc. -13th GE.
    Stand up, make chance to be (vote) king-maker, victory of PR.

    TQ.
    Warmest regards.

  30. #30 by kevchua on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:31 pm

    “Najib’s first task is to get rid of the corrupt in his Cabinet whether Minister or Deputy Minister”
    =====

    Err… I believe, his first task is to clean himself of accusations of his involvement in Aminah’s murder. He’s been keeping absolutely silent even after the French paper had exposed his involvement.

    As long as he’s not clean, he has no right to cleanse other people’s wrongdoings.

  31. #31 by UzMiNoOnist on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:42 pm

    MACC should be at TDM’s doorstep to summon him to Putrajaya to investigate. Or we are going to have “Mata Ada Cuik Cuik” for UMNO/BN.

  32. #32 by UzMiNoOnist on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:46 pm

    I mean “Mana Ada Curi Curi”

  33. #33 by LG on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:47 pm

    It is very difficult for a person in high position whether in a government office or in private sector to be clean throughout his term.

    Ministers, deputy ministers and those in higher positions are no exception. The higher the position the easier and quicker to be contaminated. They may start clean but generally become corrupt and dirty. History has shown us and it keep repeating itself.

    However we acknowledged that there are few, very few, even in very high positions that are clean throuoghout his service and are worthy of our respect, admiration and praise.

  34. #34 by fairvoice on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 9:47 pm

    Koh Tsu Koon, for getting your picture torn to pieces you are now appointed a minister in a form of compensation.

    You should be thankful to Ahmad Ismail and pay some commission…oops sorry…..be careful,this will land you into corruption and back to jobless.

  35. #35 by Anti Corruption on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:06 pm

    I remember sometime ago, TDM said he knows who are the corrupts. Why didn’t he send the list to MACC or MACC to ask him. Isn’t it against the law not to reveal?

  36. #36 by Taxidriver on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:10 pm

    LKS,

    You heaed Mahatir said one or two succeeded in slipping into Najib’s cabinet? But I heard something different. I heard he said ” 102 succeeded in slipping into Najib’s cabinet”

    Now, who heard right, you or me?

  37. #37 by owlz on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:15 pm

    Assalamualaikum (in Malay it means “sejahtera ke atas kamu”) and good day to everybody.
    —————————————————————
    Owh, there’s a lot of people talking about Tun Mahathir recently. Hurm, Im a University of Malaya student. 22 years old. Now if we want to talk about Mahathir, then lets start with the history. Mahathir’s father was a Malayalee (NOT MALAY) from Kerala, India. While his mother was a Malay. Despite being a half Malay , he led UMNO. Okay, next – let me elaborate something from Wikipedia.
    Mamak:
    Mamak is a term (derived from a Tamil word meaning uncle) used in Malaysia to describe the Tamil Muslim community and culture.
    Mamak may also refer to:
    1. Mamak Gang, a Malaysian gang active since the early 1990s.
    2. Mamak rojak (or Indian rojak), the Malaysian version of a dish commonly prepared in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
    3. Mamak stall, a type of food establishment that serves mamak food.

    p/s: Then now who said its Malay who are powerful in UMNO???!!! Do I have to state more then 15-17 names more here who were mamak but have a high post in UMNO???!!! I think you all (my brothers Chinese and Indian) already knew the name right?

    Sekian dari saya daripada University of Malaya.
    .
    .
    .
    Here is more about Mahathir
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahathir_bin_Mohamad

    During World War II, he sold pisang goreng (banana fritters) and other snacks to supplement his family income during the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Mahathir attended a Malay vernacular school before continuing his education at the Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Star. Mahathir then attended the King Edward VII Medical College (the predecessor of present-day National University of Singapore) in Singapore, where he edited a medical student magazine called The Cauldron; he also contributed to the The Straits Times newspaper anonymously under the nickname “Che Det”.

  38. #38 by negarawan on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:16 pm

    Well LKS, sorry to say this, but PR also needs to get rid of its own corrupt first. Let’s not have this “holier than thou” attitude and complacency. Otherwise PR will end up to be BN2. PR has to prove itself first to the people who have elected them in. Do PR MPs have KPI’s? Not trying to bash, but just a reality check.

  39. #39 by Taxidriver on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:19 pm

    Anti Corruption,

    Are you nuts asking Mahatir to send to MACC the list of corrupt people? He must also be nuts to do it because the name ‘MAHATIR BIN MOHAMMAD’ is also included in the list.

  40. #40 by Taxidriver on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:33 pm

    Dear owlZ,

    All these years I only half believed Mahatir father is Indian because usually the race of a person follows that of his father. So, how come when Mahatir’s father is an Indian, the son can become a Malay? Please enlighten me on this.

  41. #41 by ReformMalaysia on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 10:50 pm

    ‘All these years I only half believed Mahatir father is Indian because usually the race of a person follows that of his father. “-Taxidriver

    Have you ever heard about ‘masuk Melayu’? Mahathir’s father ‘masuk Melayu’ and married a Malay girl… So the son is declared as Malay too!

    That racist Ahmad Ismail of Bukit Bendera too… and he is more racist than many ordinary Malays!

  42. #42 by sheriff singh on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 11:37 pm

    At least Pak Lah did a virus scan when he asked the ACA (then) to check all the members of his Cabinet. Whether the anti-virus software was effective or not is another matter.

    Najib however, was anxious to get everybody sworn in as quickly as possible as he wants to go to…ah, Pattaya, to meet the Red Shirts. No virus scan even. So alot of Trojans must have got through.

    28 Ministers and 40 Deputies. That’s why it took 2 hours. The King must be pleased.

  43. #43 by waterfrontcoolie on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 11:39 pm

    If the logic put up by RPK is accepted then my brother Indians should not make so much noise, their fellow leader is now the Emperor Dowager [ED} to the gomen. So Samy, your prayer for just another Minister is more than answered by Heaven. Now UMNO have decided to give your community an Emperor Dowager!
    I thought the ED owed NTR when the later sold out TRH in ’87?
    PM, how come you still need to pay Him by putting his son to issue APs? Or did you ‘owe’ him a few rounds?

  44. #44 by jasonlam25 on Friday, 10 April 2009 - 11:44 pm

    i would really ask Tuan Lim Kit Siang to argue in the press…that..last time..the koh tsu koon said.that even if he has lose in the general election he WOULD NEVER ASK for any ministerial post…but NOW>>>u see????he even a MINISTER now!!!!i am not joking but..it is fact..even newspaper last time..before the tsunami stated koh tsu koon said ..about this..by HIMSELF..

    i think he is really DOUBLE STANDARD!!!!please..YB lim…screw him up..many ppl fed up of him especially the penangites!!!!!

  45. #45 by owlz on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 12:03 am

    Taxidriver Says:
    All these years I only half believed Mahatir father is
    Indian because usually the race of a person follows that
    of his father. So, how come when Mahatir’s father is an
    Indian, the son can become a Malay?

    ——————————
    ReformMalaysia Says:
    Have you ever heard about ‘masuk Melayu’? Mahathir’s
    father ‘masuk Melayu’ and married a Malay girl… So the
    son is declared as Malay too!

    That racist Ahmad Ismail of Bukit Bendera too… and he
    is more racist than many ordinary Malays!

    —————————–
    .
    .

    To Abang Taxidriver:
    Well, Im not sure the “exact” specifically law in Malaysia
    on how the fathers can bring the “race title” down to
    sons or daughters. Im sorry. Im an engineering student,
    not law. Huhu. Plus Im still young and not good in this
    LAW things.

    To Abang ReformMalaysia:
    Uiikkss? “Masuk Melayu?” Aiyaa… Hurm, Im a Malay and
    Im a muslim… Actually, we muslims doesnt agree and
    seriously not comfortable with this phrase… As I know,
    previously the phrase “Masuk Melayu” means the
    non-muslim (in Arabic, its called kafirin) being a muslim,
    rite? That is what you mean, Abang ReformMalaysia, was
    it? Well, in my religion, race is nothing related to the
    religion… Islam doesnt belong to any races… We can see
    that even in recent census counts imply that there are
    up to 20 million Muslims in China. 20 millions!!! (based on
    US Department of State’s International Religious Freedom
    Report). Their numbers are much more than the Malays
    here in Malaysia… Our prophet Muhammad and in our
    Holy Quran never taught us to be racist or use a religion
    for our own benefit or power… In our Holy Quran, we
    MUST respect other people and religion… Never ever
    touch other people’s right and freedom. It is sadden
    actually that current UMNO leaders dont understand what
    is their own religion is about. I can see most of them just
    use the Islam to portray their religious image in order to
    get the votes. What the fiiissshh????!!!

  46. #46 by owlz on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 12:07 am

    Typing error:
    “Actually, we muslims doesnt agree and
    seriously not comfortable with this phrase…”

    to

    “Actually, we muslims dont*** agree and
    seriously not comfortable with this phrase…”

    p/s: Grammar? Haha…. Ampunkan saya….
    Goodnite all brothers. Huhu.

  47. #47 by Taxidriver on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 12:08 am

    waterfrontcoolie,

    Najib cannot afford to offend Mahatir because Mahatir keeps reminding Najib that ‘ I Know What You Did Last Summer ‘

  48. #48 by Taxidriver on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 12:35 am

    Dear owlZ,

    Am I right to say that you’re saying when a person of one race marries a Muslim Malay girl and thereby embraces Islam, he does’nt become a Malay automatically. Additionally, the Race he was born into cannot be changed. Too, from your comments, when one converts to Islam he becomes a Muslim. There is no such thing as a Chinese Muslim or an Indian Muslim as UMNO Muslims commonly categorise them?

  49. #49 by frankyapp on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 1:03 am

    Good thinking,taxidriver,yeap,now confirmed TDM’s father was indeed an Indian ,hence he should be an Indian according to malaysia rule but somehow he becomes a full malay .Here again you guys have proof that the Federal government practises double standard or discrimination. In Sabah and Sarawak,a chinese father,your child is automatically registered as a chinese althrough the wife is a sabah bumi example dusun or kadazan.Atleast under colonial time, the child was considered “sino-dusun or sino-kadazan. TDM’s father deserved it and why not Sabahan and Sarawakian. I hope NR and new team should consider it and ratify it immediately.

  50. #50 by pwcheng on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 1:26 am

    Now that this good old fox (so called the good the bad and the ugly guy) is back on the fast track of UMNO politics, it is time that all the good people of this country must unite and send this good, bad and ugly guy into oblivion lest he will create chaos and racial strife for the country and corruption will manifest again and the scourge will be worst than ever before as he knows it will be his last lap. This witty old fox is ever witty and likes to speak with double tongue. Remember when he said that he did not know about the lob-sided toll agreement and blamed the EPU and MOF officers for misleading him. Remember a time when he said a little corruption is OK and now he said UMNO must elect untainted people (strategy to get his son elected) and the quick turnaround from wrong to right of power grabbing of Perak. He said he is not a judge and also not an angel. Not an angel all right but definitely a devil in disguise and he will talk what suits him best, not the interest of the country or the rakyat but his own interests. A leopard will never change its skin and more aptly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

    Referring to his article “Return to the true national struggle” published in The Star on wed. 30/04/08, he is every inch a racialist, but cleverly made himself a sheep, but never in my wildest doubt he is a wolf. With courtesy I am glad I had the opportunity to rebuke him under “Dr Mahathir’s comment uncalled for” published in The Star on 9/5/08 and of which I had reproduced in my blog, http://www.towardsgoodgovernance.blogspot.com.

    WE DO NOT WANT CORRUPTION TO POUR ON US LIKE TORRENT RAIN AGAIN!!

  51. #51 by zak_hammaad on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 1:36 am

    “one or two corrupt people?” – Who are they and what is the evidence against them?

    Maybe Pakatan reflect on the corruption in its own ranks before lecturing others (especially a determined Najib’s government) on ridding itself of corruption.

    Let’s talk about former Penang DCM Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin… How long did it taken for Pakatan to realise the extent of his involvement in covering up illegal quarry operations? Who else received kickbacks? Who is heading the investigation?

    For all too often now, Pakatan seems to be losing its irony on itself!

    ‘1Malaysia’ is not a mere slogan like “reformasi” which Pakatan likes to repeat like a broken record. The past few years has proven how hollow this Pakatan slogan has become.

    The truth is that Abdullah was given a formidable mandate in 2004 elections and yet he squandered it. Najib is picking up the mess left by Abdullah and he is making the right decisions so far. Najib’s team may still be a little overweight, but is probably as lean as a coalition government of more than a dozen parties can ever be.

    The signs are there for an all-inclusive government and only time will send Pakatan into political oblivion.

  52. #52 by sean on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 1:42 am

    Mr.Lim

    We need to get the momentum on going.It seems that the call for those who have yet to register for voting arrived only when it is near GE time.Strategy needs to change before all those political parties(PR) AND those that have yet to register are caught by surprise.The new voter our our best hope to topple BN once and for all.So..kindly get the momentum on an ongoing basis.We do not want to regret it when it is too late knowing that the best chance to form the next federal govt is just round the corner ie GE13.

  53. #53 by Taxidriver on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 1:43 am

    Just to be on the fair side, we cannot expect Najib’s new cabinet to comprise of 100% clean ministers and deputy ministers. If it is true that just one or two corrupt people succeeded in slipping into Najib.s cabinet as said by Mahatir, Malaysians have nothing to say. The problem is: Is it 102 or 1 or 2?

    But the real problem with Najib’s new cabinet is not because it is not 100% clean. The real problem is it is 100% DIRTY!! And what Malaysians cannot stand is that the dirtiest person among them is talking and behaving like he is ‘Mr Clean’

    Mr Altantuya, don’t say you were not warned. Beware of Mr Clean. He succeeded in eliminating Mr Nice Guy. You are next on his hit list.

  54. #54 by frankyapp on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 2:03 am

    Get rid of the corrupt ones, it’s easily said than done ; yeap it’s simple when you are clean but it’s most difficult ,next to impossible for NR because he’s part and parcel of the corrupt. The problem is himself.How can you solve the problem when you yourself is the main problem?.Simple thing , get rid of yourself ! But that’s simply too naive thinking for a politican/cumumnopresident/cumprime minister.This is the real scenario he’s in.You guys can be assured he will not fulfill your idealism of running a up right and fair government but expect a lot of “sandiwara ” dramas .Hey guys moreover,corruption is a kind of world phenomenal and no one country in the world has yet claim it’s free from corruption. Let’s be fair to both sides say for once oaky guys,We know umno/bn government is corrupt. How about PR,can any one of you guys dare say with proof that PR guys are all clean ie free of corruption ?. My humble opinion is corruption will remain no matter who forms the government. The good thing is when PR forms the next government,the degree of corruption will be much,much less than it is under umno/bn.

  55. #55 by anna brella on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 2:19 am

    Any country that sanctions the appointment of government ministers and other public servants to serve in public service roles based on anything other than personal integrity, probity and personal ability based on professional merit is operating an odious system of bad public governance that will logically lead the country down into the sewers in time.

    And the People who allow that mechanism to operate through their direct, tacit or ignorant acceptance of it will no doubt deserve the Government they get.

    “Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.

  56. #56 by Taxidriver on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 2:27 am

    frankyapp,

    You will be disappointed to know this: The Director-General is wise enough not to bring up this matter to change things or else UMON will will change the Director-General. Then he will become unemployed.

    UMNO wants to keep the status quo otherwise Najib’s cabinet will become truely ‘Multi-National’ as there will be Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Arabs, Malaysian Indians, Malaysian Indonesians, Dayaks,Kadazans, and the list goes on.

    UMNOputras will hear nothing of this. The Malay voters will run to Pakatan Rakyat! Now you know why,frankyapp?

  57. #57 by pulau_sibu on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 4:10 am

    There are too many thick skin ministers who have been rejected by the people, and yet still sought back-door entry into the cabinet. They are so desperate for power. This also indicated that there are no more better people around in BN compared to the rejected ones.

    Uncle Lim and Karpal were not elected last time, but they did not seek back door entry in the parliament. There were other MPs who were willing to give way seats for them to contest but the two decided to wait until last year.

    Many years ago in the parliamentary election, the then SUPP Dr. Wong Soon Kai of Sibu was defeated by DAP representative Ling Sie Ming (who now disappeared). The rumour at that time was WSK, upon winning the election, would become a federal minister (note: he was a classmate of Mahathir). Wong Soon Kai was again defeated at the state level by DAP Wong Ho Leng and then retired from politics. He had chance to be appointed as senator or to have some one giving away seats for him to contest, but he did not take it. It seems like all these BN senators-ministers are too thick skin compared to Wong Soon Kai. They must be ashamed of themselves.

  58. #58 by Jeffrey on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:24 am

    A leader’s choice of cabinet ministers bear strategic value to make or break his power and rule. The last PM could not push his reform agenda and was accused by public of not walking the talk. This is in part due to many within bloated cabinet not going with his agenda and in fact later rebelled against his continuance based on exuse of March 8th 08 electoral debacle..

    Cabinet posts represent – to politicians – the pinnacle of career achievement. For a minister has substantial policymaking influence in strategic areas, as well as access to largese and patronage.

    In ordinary times cabinet posts are offered to political allies within one’s political party as a reward for political support and allegiance.

    But now is extraordinary time – at least for the BN . As YB Kit said, “old faces, ideas and approaches” have been rejected vin March 8th 08 political tsunamy and 2 bukit by-elections!

    So what’s new approach for political survival?

    First is to placate former PM (TDM) by flattering his king maker’s aspirations by appointing or dropping some people according to his wishes. This is to avert a fate worser than predecessor (Pak Lah) who incurred the Octogenarian’s wrath and suffered his machiavellian importunations! Besides dropping persons embroiled in allegations and controversies is generally a safe thing in politics to avoid criticisms from the Opposition.

    Of course the more radical – and most controversial – approach is to offer and include some prominent Opposition figures cabinet posts.

    There are – to a PM/leader – pros & cons in such a move.

    The cons: his warlords will object. Why reward Opposition?

    The arguments for:

    · It looks inclusive; it has propaganda value in deflecting allegations that one’s minister is not appointed on merits but rewards for blind allegiance;

    · It silences or confuses and sometimes disunites the opposition. Here there is concept of Cabinet solidarity. Under the Westminster system, decisions of the Cabinet, once taken, must be honoured by all members of the Cabinet, regardless of their personal/partisan views. As Cabinet members are also members of the Parliament, they must vote in Parliament in accordance with all Cabinet decisions. This potentially places a member of an opposition party who is also a member of the Cabinet in an invidious position, namely voting against their party!

    · If you think about it, it is not out of line with the Barisan Nasional original concept (conceived during Tun Razak’s time). To diffuse Opposition parties, behave like Amoeba – absorb them within fold of coalition so that they “power share”, a euphemism for partaking in spoils and largese in gravy train. If one now offers cabinet positions to politicians of opposition parties outside the coalition, it is just one extra step further beyond the existing coalition arrangement for same purpose….

    · The only downside : Opposition cabinet ministers will then have knowledge of contracts awarded to who and who at cabinet level. However what’s the worry if you’re transparent govt and minutes of cabinet are covered by Official Secrets Act?

  59. #59 by passerby on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:34 am

    The whole country is run on corruption basis. The umno led goverment is one long gravy train and everyone has been waiting for a long time to get in.

    Now that they are in, do you think anyone is will to change? Hey, even the mamak is eager to join in again. Tell me who is not interested in receiving a submarine deal or a lucrative contract like Gamuda? If you don’t, I am sure your children will curse you to death.

  60. #60 by sotong on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:37 am

    Owlz….is a real Malay and true Muslim.

    You can see real the Malays’ culture and values in him…he addressed people with respect eg. Abang and always humble and sopan in his approach.

    The disgraceful character and behaviour of our ” leaders”/” politicians ” do not represent the true Malay and Muslim.

  61. #61 by Jeffrey on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:38 am

    Taking a broad view, it is said that in a Westminster parlimentary system as practised in UK, Australia and Canada etc , this has never happened – an opposition member been appointed a cabinet member in the ruling government!

    It happens only in tin pot 3rd, 4th and 5th world countries where cabinet is made more bloated by having many ministries within Prime Minister Department of either no specific portfolios or some insignificant and abstract and fanciful portfolios that provide no real power; they are then offered as cabinet posts to Opposition politicians who take the bait. There won’t be shortage of people taking the bait. If 3 in Perak would cross the Assembly floor, what more at Federal level for cabinet posts?

    One may try justify such a move as to test mettle of Opposition, whether they can resist blandishment of being offered the ‘carrot’ of perfunctory cabinet positions – all in the name of democratic inclusive power sharing under “Unity Government” that some members of Opposition have been talking about of late.

    The unpalatable alternative for those offered positions that they decline for reasons of principles is to stay outside the circle of official positions and to criticise at the risk of being incarcerated under the ISA.

    The traditional carrot and stick : want to eat the carrot or bear the pain of the stick????

    The discussion above proceeds on premises that we’re Westminister style politics where all cabinet members in the Westminster system come from the governing party , or the governing coalition parties and definitely none from Opposition, so that the day the PM were shrewd enough to offer Opposition politicians selective cabinet posts, there is perhaps a real cause for concern.

    However these considerations do not necessarily apply to systems as practised in USA.

    President Obama is “supposedly” above party politics : he can thereotically recruit cabinet members from all walks of life and even the opposition Republican Party if they represent merit and capability. So there is nothing sinister under US’s system to offer Opposition members cabinet positions where it may be argued otherwise in our Westminister system supposedly structured along lines practised in UK, Australia & Canada.

  62. #62 by lopez on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:42 am

    welcome back

    we have new gang of clowns in this new season
    let the games begin

    lets welcome the new spectators in the arena.

    clap, clap

    As we can see we have two dynastic groups in the circus, so the competition will be extremely intense,
    so sit tight and
    lets hope that the spectators would be the losers this time.

  63. #63 by Godfather on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:57 am

    “Cabinet posts represent – to politicians – the pinnacle of career achievement. For a minister has substantial policymaking influence in strategic areas, as well as access to largese and patronage.” Jeffrey QC

    Are you kidding us ? Cabinet posts represent gaji buta to those failed politicians who would otherwise be scrounging the streets to make ends meet. Career achievement ? Does former taxi driver Noh Omar really know how to run a ministry ? Does the person who lost RM 12 billion of our money really know how to run the entire privatisation machinery of this country, the EPU ? What qualification does Anifa Aman have to become foreign minister ? According to the STAR, it is because he could speak English.

    Each minister gets a whopping salary, allowances, a car, and two private secretaries. Their priority is to use these for their political aims, not to run the ministries.

  64. #64 by lopez on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 6:58 am

    when a world famous singer started to dye himself white, he is advocating that people all colours are the same, but to his dismay he is still taken as a black first and being white….er….er…but he is damn rich from his music and people of all colours bought his music that doesnt mean his ways are correct….we all know that

    similarly like a bat, it may look like a fox but have wings and flies so can be a bird
    but actually this fellow is neither , because this fellow is very specialize, it gets the best of both worlds. it is call survival

    likewise we have to survive and when all hope fell down on you what would you do….be a bat or a penguin

    is there any more hope left?

  65. #65 by Godfather on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 7:04 am

    These clowns will continue to gorge themselves till they are flightless. We know what happened to the Dodo, right ?

  66. #66 by Godfather on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 7:27 am

    Najib has announced the creation of a council of economic advisors, with the chairman of the council having ministerial status. There’s another minister for us ! Seriously, will the chairman of the council be a a world-renowned professional or will he just be an UMNO stooge to reap the perks that come with being a minister ?

  67. #67 by Godfather on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 7:36 am

    The BN football team is a collection of failed football players who are in the team only because they support the team manager, Najib. So when the goalkeeper (who is incompetent in the first place) gets injured, Najib puts a (failed) centreforward to keep goal. And all his incompetent substitutes are on their handphones to the bookies.

    No wonder the stadium is empty whenever they play !

  68. #68 by limkamput on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 7:59 am

    Any country that sanctions the appointment of government ministers and other public servants to serve in public service roles based on anything other than personal integrity, probity and personal ability based on professional merit is operating an odious system of bad public governance that will logically lead the country down into the sewers in time. Anna Brella

    Is this another Sir Jeffrey QC in the making?

  69. #69 by limkamput on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 8:22 am

    Najib has announced the creation of a council of economic advisors, with the chairman of the council having ministerial status. There’s another minister for us ! Seriously, will the chairman of the council be a a world-renowned professional or will he just be an UMNO stooge to reap the perks that come with being a minister ? Godfather

    Usually these council members are wasters of oxygen. They are the ones who created all these problems and now we are looking to them to solve them, high hope lah. We shall see, those appointed are themselves deal makers. They will give advices on how to further exploit ordinary Malaysians to further the interests of business and elite class.

  70. #70 by limkamput on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 8:23 am

    sorry repost:

    Usually these council members are wasters of oxygen. They are the ones who created all these problems and now we are looking to them for solutions, high hope lah. We shall see, those appointed are themselves deal makers. They will give advices on how to further exploit ordinary Malaysians to further the interests of business and elite class.

  71. #71 by Anti Corruption on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 9:18 am

    Taxidriver,

    Sorry, I didn’t know ‘MAHATIR BIN MOHAMMAD’ is also included in the list.

    owlz… agree with Sotong, it’s good to have you on board. Comments and criticism from the young generation of Malays. Our country and our children would definately be better if we have more people like you.

    The problem now is that Umno Malays are using religion for their own gains. In politics, race and religion shouldn’t mix. The country should be governed by “PEOPLE”, not based on religions or race. If a white man is capable, let him be the PM. What the heck !! the important thing is that everyone is happy and prosperous.

    Godfather Says:
    Today at 07: 27.19 (1 hour ago)
    Najib has announced the creation of a council of economic advisors, with the chairman of the council having ministerial status.

    If the council of economic advisors are good, why not appoint them directly to the cabinet. Why waste tax payers’ money to have a minister who just “makam gaji buta”

  72. #72 by taiking on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 10:01 am

    Najib’s Theorem:

    For improved efficiency, effectiveness and results a large grouping of people who are tasked to do a job may be replaced by a smaller group of people consisting of a larger number then the group to be replaced to do the same job.

    Wow! This is nobel prize material.

    Najib. Najib. Najib.

  73. #73 by boh-liao on Saturday, 11 April 2009 - 7:05 pm

    Koh Tsu Koon has defended his appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, saying that it was not done through the “back door.”

    Why need to defend?
    Just shut up and count his blessing and enjoy the big fat cheque and allowances that come with the class-monitor post.

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