Pak Lah - A Failed Legacy of Malaysia

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister (Perdana Menteri) of Malaysia, known for falling asleep during meetings and conferences.

Under this prime minister, gas price at the pump for unleaded RON97 was increased from RM1.92 to RM2.70, a whopping 78cents increase in one go, while the country itself is a net exporter for petrolium. And there onwards, everything in our daily lives increased with no ability to bring them back down later to relief the suffering on citizens.

Under this prime minister, Malaysia continue to worsen in terms of corruption in every possible areas link to government or semi-government. Acts of corruption and cronism floated to the surface without the need to take cover.

Under this prime minister, dissenting voices appeared to be tolerated, but probably due to his inability in effort of clamping down.

Under this prime minister, divide-and-rule based on race continues in its bid to favour the Malay supremist political party - UMNO.

Under this prime minister, judiciary and anti-corruption agencies were renamed and restructured but remained impartial and political apparatus for UMNO/BN against oppositions, with heads of the agencies came from or supporting UMNO.

Under this prime minister, commitments to election manifesto were all forgotten and trashed down the drain.

Under this prime minister, the legacy of a premiership and leadership FAILED.


The following news article is taken from Malaysian Insider.

I was planning to stay two terms, admits Pak Lah
By Lee Wei Lian

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 – At a dinner soiree in honour of his time as prime minister last night, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wistfully admitted that he was planning to stay for two terms until it was cut short by the transition plan.
He said that his second term was when he had planned to introduce his reforms.
The prime minister told the members of the Kuala Lumpur Business Club that he was proud of the two commissions he managed to persuade parliament to pass – the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) and the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

“That, to me, is satisfying,” he said in response to a question from a dinner guest on what was his proudest achievement as prime minister and Umno president.

“It was what was promised but a bit late. It may not be the best but it is a beginning – a good beginning. In the coming years, there will be amendments made.”

He said that he had been discouraged as many doubted he could pass the laws without a two-thirds majority in parliament or working with the opposition.
“I said ‘never mind, just try it’,” he said, adding that he made the decision not to try to amend the constitution rather than work with the opposition.

When asked on his advice for Muslims leaders trying to deal with a world that has become increasingly suspicious of Islam, Pak Lah replied that the solution lies with the Muslims themselves.

“The real threat to the Muslim community is not from the non-Muslims,” he replied.

“The real threat is that the big percentage of Muslim countries suffer from poverty, illiteracy and are lacking in progress.”

Asked what his advice was for Malaysians facing adversity, he replied that Malaysians should work hard and have faith in their ability to survive.
“I myself was thrown out of the cabinet for three years and nine months,” he recalled.

“I called it my sabbatical. And I still made it to the top. We have survived so many crises because we have faith in our abilities and ourselves.”

When asked for his comments on his role as the person who expanded the space for expression in the country, he said that he wished for more responsible exercise of expression.

“I know I have a high level of tolerance. But I wish that, if I give you more freedom, please remind yourselves you have to be more responsible. There is no such thing as absolute freedom. We have to think what is good for the public.”
When asked what he plans to do next, Pak Lah replied: “Gardening, planting fruit trees and melons. A kampung boy returning to his old ways.”

When the moderator – noted regional news presenter Lorraine Hahn – pressed him on what he will miss the most about being prime minister, he said he would not know “until I am out of office.”

Pak Lah’s term as prime minister is expected to end by the end of March or early April, soon after he hands over the reins of the Umno presidency to his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

By convention within the BN coalition, the Umno president also assumes the mantle of prime minister.

The nation’s fifth prime minister was pressured into stepping down prematurely after the worst ever showing by the BN coalition in the general elections in March last year.

His time in office began on an optimistic note when he promised to tackle corruption and be the prime minister for all Malaysians, regardless of race.
In the intervening years, however, he failed to make good on his promises and also suffered relentless attacks from his predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and this resulted in the opposition making unprecedented gains in the 2008 general elections, winning five states and denying BN a two-thirds majority in parliament.

His two proudest achievements – the JAC and MACC – have also come under heavy criticism for not being fully independent of the executive branch and not being answerable to parliament, rendering them flawed from inception.
There are some quarters within Umno who are believed to be urging Pak Lah not to step down as prime minister as it is not a written requirement that the Umno president has to be prime minister.

The Pakatan Rakyat is also said to prefer Pak Lah over Najib who is seen to as a throwback to the more authoritarian Mahathir era.

But Pak Lah is not giving them much hope.

“Who is interested to listen to a prime minister about to leave the stage?” he quipped at the beginning of the evening.

Perak - constitutional crisis in Malaysia

The Flag of Perak state, Malaysia.

The Royal Emblem of Perak state, Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) of the Perak state, Malaysia

Clown Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, self-proclaimed [UMNO/BN installed] Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) of Perak state, was suspended in less than 2 weeks by the Speaker of the State Assembly together with his 6 excos.

Sultan Azlan Shah, ruler of Perak state and being a UMNO/BN puppet, has completely lost the respect of his subjects and all Malaysians overnight - simply because he does not practise what he preaches on good governance and the integrity of the judiciary.
..

Perak snap polls inevitable?

The following article is taken from THE NUT GRAPH.

Perak snap polls inevitable?
19 Feb 09 : 5.00PM

By Deborah Loh
deborahloh@thenutgraph.com

COULD fresh state elections in Perak, which Barisan Nasional (BN) worked so hard to avoid, happen after all?

In its haste to topple the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government, BN rushed to grab three independents, and the Menteri Besar and executive councillor positions. But it appears to have forgotten the powerful Speaker in the state legislative assembly.

BN's newly-installed Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six executive councillors yesterday found themselves suspended from the assembly for 18 months and 12 months, respectively.

If the 59-seat house were to sit today, PR would have 27 assemblypersons on its side (the 28th being the Speaker) and BN only 21. The three independents are no longer members of the House, as far as PR is concerned.

This unprecedented move throws up questions about parliamentary democracies under a constitutional monarchy never before faced by Malaysia.

Can the Speaker, V Sivakumar from the DAP, run a House with an MB (Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin) who was sacked by the Sultan? Was the Speaker's move sub judice considering that a court case to declare the appointments of Zambry and his exco illegitimate is still pending?

Lawyers are at loggerheads over what has been done. But politically, it was a masterstroke by PR to drag the impasse in attempts to force a snap poll.

In limbo

The Perak state assembly must convene before May 13, six months from its last sitting on 13 Nov 2008.

With Zambry and his excos out of the House, it is possible that PR would call a special assembly to vote out the BN government earlier, in the middle of the Umno party elections which are from 24 to 28 March.

To forestall that, Zambry and his excos could go to court to seek a declaration that the suspensions were ultra vires. But even that would take time.

"If Sultan Azlan Shah wants to avoid a continued impasse, or worse, to have his appointments booted out through a vote in a special sitting, he would have to make a new decision on whether to allow a dissolution," Perak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) legal adviser Mohamed Asri Othman tells The Nut Graph.

The BN side is now locked in meetings to decide whether to take the suspensions up in court. Gerakan deputy president and Perak MCA chief Datuk Chang Ko Youn told The Nut Graph this morning via text message that they were still discussing the issue.

Chang, a lawyer, is advising the new BN state government on the impasse. Chang is also one of the special advisors with exco status appointed to assist Zambry on Chinese Malaysian affairs.

All powerful Speaker

Even without the suspensions, Perak was likely heading for a showdown in elections anyway.

"If the House is in constant deadlock, if bills cannot be passed, it would be bad for the state. Investors would not come, the state budget cannot be passed, the administration would grind to a halt. Ultimately, elections would be required," says Asri, a former DAP deputy secretary-general, and the Dermawan assemblyperson in 1990.

All scenarios hinge on Speaker Sivakumar who holds wide-ranging powers and whose position gives him the authority of a High Court judge, Asri notes.

Law lecturer Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari of the International Islamic University adds that the Speaker's decisions, if reached according to the House's standing orders, are final and difficult to challenge in court.

"This was BN's biggest mistake. They overlooked the problem with the Speaker," he says.

Even if the assembly sat with all BN assemblypersons present, Sivakumar could:

block the entry of the three independents, Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) and deputy speaker Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), and create a hung assembly with 28:28 ratio of BN:PR assemblypersons. The three PR party deserters have disputed their undated and pre-signed letters of resignations with the Election Commission. But as far as PR is concerned, they are resigned from their elected positions.

block any motion to pass a BN-initiated vote of no-confidence against Nizar; and,

block any attempt to vote him out as Speaker. The Speaker is elected by the House, and can only be removed by a vote, his resignation or if he ceases to become an assemblyperson.

Another possibility would be for all the 28 PR assemblypersons to protest the new BN government by not attending the assembly when it convenes.

"They would render the house dysfunctional. The BN assemblypersons on their own cannot elect a Speaker without first having removed Sivakumar. The House cannot proceed without a Speaker," Asri says.

Partisan vs professionalism

Sivakumar's powers as Speaker, and what he chooses to do with it, are lessons on being professional versus partisan.

Clearly, Sivakumar will continue to hold fast to PR's stand that the palace-endorsed takeover of the state was illegal and unconstitutional.

But even in such a situation, should he act as Speaker or as PR representative?

"The Speaker has the power to block motions initiated by BN, but on what basis would he do this? He is supposed to be neutral. If Sivakumar's decisions are biased, PR would be guilty of the same thing they complain about in Parliament regarding the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's (lack of) neutrality," says lawyer Andrew Khoo.

"This is where you need [leadership]. If PR refuses to let the assembly sitting proceed by throwing up obstacles at every juncture, then it is really a question of whether this is a political tactic to force elections," Khoo notes.

People's will?

PR can arguably say that the partisan actions of its Speaker are meant to let the will of the people settle the impasse through a snap poll.

Ipoh-based Asri believes this is inevitable. He speculates that Sultan Azlan Shah will be left with little choice.

He also believes that BN itself is considering this possibility, based on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement that he will brief the Conference of Rulers on Perak's political crisis at their next meeting.

"If BN now wants the state assembly to be dissolved, Umno akan malu. I wouldn't be surprised if the PM will seek the advice of the Conference of Rulers on a dissolution. It would be convenient for Umno to say they have to abide by the Rulers' decision as they have been rallying in support of the royalty."

Considering Asri's political affiliations, he may just be agitating for a snap poll. But if his speculations turn out to be true, what a bitter irony it would be for BN.

Press Release from YB Elizabeth Wong

This is indeed sad. Sad to see that an energetic, hardworking, and talented human rights fighter, given up just to retain her dignity and privacy. As a responsibled citizen who would uphold justice and human rights, I urge all bloggers...to refrain from further publishing, relaying, circulating, or describing her controversial photos.

We have lost a fighter for justice, and we must do no more damages. Spare YB Elizabeth the privacy she deserved by not dwelling further into, and give her time to heal. We must stand firm together, fight against the corrupts, the immoral, and the tyrants.

If you would hope YB Elizabeth to, hopefully, reverse her decision, and plead to YAB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Menteri Besar Selangor to retain her, you may participate and support the following petition:

Sign the Petition to retain YB Elizabeth Wong

The incident had assainated a selfless person, but let's remember her contributions to the society, the rakyat, and the country during her public serving time.

Sincerely,
datoseri


Below is the Press Release from YB Elizabeth Wong:

Dear friends,

I have departed today.

Despite having tendered my resignation from all posts, the media and websites continue to intrude into my private life and privacy. I have been informed by several media that they will continue to publish even more lewd graphical, sensational stories of my private life. I have also been told there will be a fresh assault, with more photographs and videos released and circulated in order to completely degrade and bury me.

This is the darkest episode in my life. I have never felt so alone, vulnerable and humiliated. I need to rest and to search for peace of mind to get away from the stormy events surrounding me.

I appreciate the overwhelming support from all quarters, especially my voters, women in particular and party comrades. Words cannot express my gratitude for your gentle kindness. I have informed my party leaders that I am determined to relinquish all my positions, as a Selangor State Exco Member as well as the State Assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan. I am thankful for the party leadership's concern and encouragement. I seek their understanding for my predicament.

My commitment to the ideals of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat remains unwavering. I shall retain my party membership and continue to struggle for a just society with the party.

The nation is at a crisis facing a serious economic recession. Unemployment is rising, while corruption remains rampant. I wish public discussions would concentrate on these important issues rather than analysing my private life. My principle remains the same –

I will not answer any questions pertaining to my private life. My private life is not for public scrutiny as I have not broken any law or caused harm to anyone.

I plead to the media as well as my supporters to allow me some peace of mind, and to give me space. I urge the media to leave my family, friends and I alone. Please do not continue to shame my family and I, so that we have a chance to lead a normal life as ordinary citizens.

Lastly, I wish to thank the support from the public that has been pouring in ceaselessly. I am very moved and eternally grateful to my friends and colleagues who stand by me. There is nothing in this world that can repay your kindness.

Elizabeth Wong

Great Pleasure to Suspend an Illegitimate Government

The following article is taken from THE NUT GRAPH.

Perak speaker suspends MB and entire exco
18 Feb 09 : 9.38PM

Bernama report
editor@thenutgraph.com

.

IPOH, 18 Feb 2009: In an unprecedented move, Perak state legislative assembly speaker V Sivakumar today suspended Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his executive council members from attending the state legislative assembly.

The latest twist to the Perak political saga came after Sivakumar ruled that Zambry and the six executive councillors (exco) were in contempt of the assembly.

Zambry and his exco were barred for 18 months and 12 months respectively, effective today.

Sivakumar of the DAP announced the decision after Zambry and the six executive councillors were summoned before the state legislative assembly's Rights and Privileges Committee today.

"The decision is taken after they failed to offer any explanation pertaining to their actions which are in contempt of the assembly," Sivakumar said in a statement.

The BN took over the state government when an assemblyperson from the DAP and three from Parti Keadilan Rakyat left their respective parties, the one to rejoin the BN, and the three to become "BN-friendly" independent assemblypersons.

Zambry took his oath of office on 6 Feb, while the six executive councillors were sworn in four days later.

All of them were summoned to appear before the Rights and Privileges Committee following complaints by Wong Kah Woh, DAP assemblyperson for Canning, that the swearing-in ceremony contravened the state constitution, and was in contempt of the assembly as the 10th Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had not officially resigned.

Sivakumar said that after deliberating the complaint, the committee found that Zambry and his executive council were in contempt of the assembly.

Apart from Zambry, the other executive councillors are Manong assemblyperson Datuk Ramly Zahari, Datuk Saarani Mohamad (Kota Tampan), Hamidah Osman (Sungai Rapat), Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin (Sungai Manik), Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid (Kamunting) and Dr Mah Hang Soon (Chenderiang).

Zambry and the executive councillors testified before the committee at the financial division's meeting room of the State Secretary Building at 3pm. They emerged some 30 minutes later but declined to meet the press who were waiting outside.

The Rights and Privileges Committee is chaired by Sivakumar. The committee's other members are Husin Din (PAS-Selingsing), Chan Ming Kai (PKR-Simpang Pulai), Ong Boon Piow (DAP-Tebing Tinggi), Loke Chee Yan (DAP-Kepayang) dan Sum Chok Leng (DAP-Bercham), while the BN's sole representative is Datuk Hasbullah Osman (Temenggor).

In KUALA LUMPUR, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said Sivakumar's move to suspend the MB was a joke, and accused the speaker of making a mockery of the Perak State Assembly.

He said the whole episode was a "comedy" because the decision by Sivakumar was "very ridiculous".

"The speaker took it upon himself to become judge and jury when he has no jurisdiction at all. This is really a joke and a mockery of the whole episode," Nazri told a press conference at the Parliament building here today.

"I feel that this must be stopped. Barisan Nasional state assembly members should take to court to resolve the stalemate to clarify the situation," he said. – Bernama

Bubarkan DUN Perak - Biar Rakyat Perak Pilih

Pak Abu kena tangkap kerana menyuarakan hasrat rakyat Perak, dan tidak mengiktiraf rampasan kuasa UMNO yang tidak mengikut perlembagaan.

Selain dari aktiviti-aktiviti korap yang dijalankan selama 50 tahun, UMNO dan kroni-kroninya dalam BN mengaturkan rampas kuasa di Perak dan menubuhkan kerajaan yang haram.

UMNO/BN telah merampas kuasa di negeri Perak dengan taktik secara tidak berperlembagaan. Perlantikan Menteri Besar baru dan Exco-exco adalah haram dari segi perlembagaan.

Adakah kita akan biarkan mereka yang berdosa begitu sahaja? Adakah kita akan biarkan seorang jenayah yang korap menjadi Perdana Menteri?

Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin today clocked in to work as usual at 10 am, along with his exco members, but 45 minutes later they were forced out of the state secretariat building.

In that 45 minutes, Mohd Nizar's press conference was rudely interrupted twice by state secretary Abdul Rahman Hashim and Ipoh police chief Azisman Alias.

Mohd Nizar refused to hold a meeting with Abdul Rahman and left with his convoy to his official residence where he is expected to hold a press conference later.

And the so called new BN government was conspiring with PDRM and the Royals to supress the voice of democracy. The UMNO has claimed that they are trying to preserve the Malay Rights (Ketuanan Melayu), but look at how they treated the consciencious Malays here. If you are not supporting them, you are their enemies. So, how much do you think this newly installed illegal state government can do for the people of Perak in its sincerity?

YB Elizabeth Wong - Please Fight On

Blog: YB Elizabeth Wong
Come on, Eli, stick to your guns!
INTEGRITY, CONFORMITY and NUDITY