Live TV Coverage Brings Parliament 'Circus' To The Bedroom

The Dewan Rakyat session has never been the same since Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) started live coverage showing government backbenchers in a war of words with the opposition.

The key players are oldtimers like Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu) and Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur).

The new kids on the block include Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau), Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (BN-Jerlun), Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak), Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR-Machang).

The high temperature in parliament was due to the political tsunami from the last general election where Barisan Nasional (BN) only won 140 seats of the 222 seats with 82 going to the opposition, thus losing the two-thirds majority.

Veterans Karpal Singh and Datuk Bung Moktar turned parliament into a circus when they traded barbs, calling each other names like 'bigfoot' and 'big monkey', resulting in only three questions answered during the question and answer session.

Karpal: "I hope that the 'bigfoot' from Kinabatangan will not disturb me. 'Bigfoot' sit down".

Bung Moktar: "I dare you to stand. If I am 'bigfoot', you are 'big monkey'," he told off Karpal who kept questioning the manner a member of parliament (MP) had taken his oath.

The name calling did not end there as Karpal then dragged seasoned politician Ibrahim Ali into the fray calling him 'frog' for contesting on a PAS ticket but remaining an independent.

It all broke loose on the first day of the parliament sitting where RTM1 made live coverage for 30 minutes, keeping many Malaysians glued to the TV sets.

After this episode, several quarters called on the government to review the rationale of the live coverage aimed at proving its media transparency with some calling for it to be scrapped.

The Cabinet then decided that the live coverage should continue while the MPs were advised to behave properly and choose their words carefully.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and his two deputies Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Datuk Ronald Kiandee had been likened to headmasters trying to control a bunch of schoolchildren.

Some of Pandikar Amin's decisions had caused dissatisfaction to Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), Chong Chieng Jan (DAP-Bandar Kuching) and Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) who were ejected and suspended from questioning them.

The entry of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim into parliament replacing wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail as opposition leader in August only served to crank up the heat in the Dewan Rakyat.

Anwar, who won the Permatang Pauh seat vacated by Wan Azizah, wasted little time in making his presence felt by claiming that some BN MPs would switch to the opposition enabling him to form the federal government on Sept 16.

His claim that at least 13 BN MPs from East Malaysia would jump ship fueled talks of a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, prompting calls for an anti party-hopping law.

It turned out to be a bluff as no BN MPs had defected except for Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (BN-Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (BN-Tawau), who quit Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP) to become independents.

The Dewan Rakyat was also at the centre of a boycott by the media as pressmen were barred from making coverage in the lobby area.

The boycott was called off after government backbenchers stepped in by cutting the ribbon put up to prevent pressmen from entering the lobby. (Bernama)

***** While we cannot expect a C-Span type of coverage in Malaysia, the present live telecast is a good first step.

DBP To Get More Powers Under New Legislation To 'Enforce' Use Of Bahasa Malaysia

The Education Ministry is studying the best way to give more powers to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in enforcing the use of Bahasa Malaysia, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the DBP Act 1959 would be amended to realise the plan but the draft was still at the ministry's legal adviser.

"It will involve many parties and has something to do with several matters including the appointment of DBP director-general and provisions to strengthen DBP's administration," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2009 on the ministry's behalf.

He said the Bill was expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.

On the appointment of new DBP director-general, Wee said the candidate had been identified and the appointment would be made soon. The ministry was also paying attention to solving several matters affecting DBP, he added.

Wee said the supposed crisis in DBP was due to opinion differences in selecting a suitable candidate to bear the big responsibility of dealing with issues regarding the national language and DBP's role.

"Maybe, the board and the administrator have different views. It is important that we pick the right candidate who can bring them together and reach a consensus for common benefits in dignifying the national language.

"When we have made the final decision on the matter after looking at the candidate's suitability to carry out the responsibility, I am sure the candidate appointed can honour the responsibility and understands DBP's functions to explain particular concepts," he said.

On a suggestion for the setting up of a National Language Implementation Commission, he said the ministry did not have plans for it but was committed to putting DBP, presently under the Education Ministry, on a platform where it could dignify Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.

Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali (Independent-Pasir Mas) had earlier suggested that DBP be placed under the Prime Minister's Department to enable it monitor language issues more effectively.

On the closure of Sri Inai private school, Wee said the school must first ensure the students had completed their examinations and arrange the students' transfer to other schools systematically. (Bernama)

***** Bahasa Malaysia is the medium of instruction in national schools, the language of Parliament and the courts, the sole language of official government communication, is given prominence on banners and signboards, dominates the government television and radio networks and has without doubt evolved into the undisputed lingua franca of Malaysia. One cannot pass a government school exam without a pass in BM and a credit in the language is essential for entry into our varsities and the civil service.

What more can they expect to achieve by empowering DBP to 'dignify the national language'? As it is the national school and tertiary education system in the country is at a dismally low level after the government, pandering to 'nationalists' and Malay language fanatics, downgraded English at great expense to our competitiveness. What more 'enforcing' is being conceived? Compelling every citizen to publicly and privately speak BM? Systematically reducing vernacular content in advertisements, entertainment programmes and events? Abolishing Chinese and Tamil medium schools?

More importantly can any language truly attain a 'dignified' status by the legislative fiat of Parliament?

Najib's Laughable Defence Of MPs' Taiwan 'Study' Trip

The Barisan Nasional Backbenchers’ Club (BBC) can go on trips any time it wants as it was bearing all expenses and they were for a good cause, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said these trips were productive and it was perfectly all right to go on the trip to Taiwan.

“The trip (to Taiwan is not borne by the Government, it is by the BBC; as long as it is something productive, there is nothing wrong with having such a trip,” he told reporters after opening a conference on Islamic Smart Economy here on Tuesday.

“What is more immoral is trying to buy them over. It is subverting the principles of Parliamentary democracy,” he said, adding that the members of the BBC were elected on the Barisan ticket and they should remain Barisan supporters.

Najib however claimed he was not making a link between the threats of a takeover by PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the BBC members’ trip to Taiwan to study agriculture techniques. (The Star Online)

***** Apart from making Malaysia the laughing stock of the world, the so-called study trip has clearly shown the desperation of the ruling party, indirectly acknowledging their deep unpopularity within the country and their propensity to go to any extent, as shameful as it may be, to cling to power.

Now Najib adds to that ignominy by pathetically trying to maintain the study trip lie. He must take all Malaysians for fools.
Image - Source

Malaysian Circus With Fifty Clowns Goes To Taiwan

Fifty members of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BBC) will leave for Taiwan on an eight-day study trip starting Monday.

Some 50 MPs out of a total of 78 are expected to take part in the programme, which was organised to explore Taiwan’s agricultural and industrial technology.

BBC chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said they decided to go to Taiwan, and not China, as they were short of time.

“Initially, we wanted to go to China but as we did not have enough time to process our visas, we decided on Taiwan instead,” he told The Star’s Malay news portal mStar.

He said the initial plan was to have a 12-day trip, but it was shortened due to the Ramadan.

Deputy BBC chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said the delegation would depart from the KL International Airport at 11.15am today.

He said their trip was self-funded, while their itinerary would be handled by the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei.

The trip had been widely speculated by some quarters as a move to thwart Pakatan Rakyat’s efforts to form the Federal Government by Sept 16.

However, this was dismissed by Bung Mokhtar, who said that no Government in Malaysian history had been formed by MPs from the ruling coalition being bought over.

Asked about Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s comments that he would meet with BBC members after they return from Taiwan, Bung said it was typical of Anwar to seek attention.

“It is only empty talk. Anwar likes to cause a commotion. Until now, we have not gone anywhere (switched parties),” he said. (The Star)

***** For all of the government's denial and dismissal of a mass defection from the ruling party, this one trip is sure proof that many of our Umno pemimpin are shaking in their shoes and under their sarung. This 'lawatan sambil belajar' is nothing but a desperate attempt to postpone the inevitable.

The ruling party is living testimony to that saying, 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely'. And the people have had enough. We simply can't wait another five years to boot out those who have led our country into disunity and impending economic ruin. Let Anwar Ibrahim do all of us a favour by showing the racists the door and then perhaps we can get down to governing properly in this once fair land of ours.

Opposition Stage Parliament Walkout Over DNA Identification Bill

The opposition walked out in protest from parliamentary proceedings this afternoon, following the rejection by the Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar to refer the DNA Identification Bill to a select committee. As a result of the walkout, the third reading of the Bill will be dealt with only after the tabling of the Budget tomorrow.

Earlier newly-appointed Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim challenged the DNA Bill by saying, "don't Yang Berhormat agree with me that the one with no credibility is the corruption-ridden Government? This is the Government which tabled a Bill last Monday, giving no opportunity to MPs, including those of friends from the other side, to study it, and presented it with malicious intention.

"This is a Bill which has seen opposition from both the Bar Council and non-governmental groups," adding that the Opposition would support any Bill that would benefit the people. "But we are against the method employed by the Government to push this Bill through without taking heed of the public's voice," he said.

The Opposition had argued that the Bill was "politically motivated" in light of the sodomy case against Anwar.

Wan Azizah Resigns As Permatang Pauh MP To Pave Way For Anwar Ibrahim

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has resigned as member of parliament for Permatang Pauh to make way for her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest in a by-election.

She handed her resignation letter to Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia today.

At a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, she said she would remain party president.

Anwar Ibrahim had in June announced that he had to put off a contest in an election – which would have given him a chance to enter Parliament – in order to deal with the sodomy accusation against him.

He was then expected to have announced that he was to contest in Bandar Tun Razak where the Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid was to step down to allow Anwar to contest. These plans were then shelved in order to clear his name.

Lately the Kulim-Bandar Baru parliamentary constituency became the centre of speculation. But according to Anwar, the election petition issue there might take too long to settle and thus this decision to contest at Permatang Pauh. Of course this sudden resignation by Wan Azizah must surely take everyone by surprise, especially those from Umno.

Party insiders have for some time publicly said that once his name was cleared and the truth was out on the sodomy issue, Anwar will contest a by-election and also that he is expected to win by a large margin due to the current antipathy and anger against the Barisan National.

Malaysian Opposition Says Parliament Under Siege

Malaysia's opposition on Monday accused the government of turning parliament into a "war zone", as armed police sealed off the building amid fears of a protest.

Roads leading to parliament, which are important entry points to the capital Kuala Lumpur, were closed down by at least 400 heavily armed police, causing massive traffic jams that left motorists fuming over the move.

The security measures were put in place as the opposition attempted to hold a parliamentary debate on the shortcomings of beleaguered Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is fending off calls to resign.

As expected, the parliament's speaker rejected the motion, triggering a walkout of lawmakers from the three-party opposition alliance led by Anwar Ibrahim.

"Today is a day we have never seen before in the history of the country, where parliament has become a war zone," said Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who leads their Keadilan party.

Anwar was banned from coming to parliament by a court order. Instead he was called for an interview with police over new accusations of sodomy -- the same charge that saw him jailed a decade ago.

The opposition always denied it was planning a protest and there were no signs of gatherings at parliament. Lim Guan Eng from the Democratic Action Party condemned the decision to roll out police and barbed-wire barricades.

"Why do we put parliament under siege, turning parliament into a police state? It is unnecessary and the government is trying to instil fear using the police," he told reporters.

"Parliament should be open to the public to participate so they can listen to the debates and see how participatory democracy works. What we want to see is democracy in action, not police in action," he said.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar defended the police measures, which included officers armed with assault rifles patrolling inside the parliament building, saying they had to take "preventive action. I apologise to the public for the traffic jams but the police have to do their job to ensure a smooth access to parliament. With all sorts of threats and intimidation that come out, we cannot wait for things to happen," he said.

Nazri Aziz, the minister in charge of parliament, criticised the opposition's attempt to stage a debate that would have addressed criticisms of Abdullah and accusations that he has lost the country's confidence.

"I think the no-confidence motion is a waste of time. It is eating into the house's time to debate this motion which has no voting element and so it cannot resolve anything," he said.

In the March polls, the opposition alliance won a record number of 82 seats in the 222-seat lower house of parliament.

Anwar -- a former deputy premier who was jailed for six years on sodomy and corruption charges before making a return to politics -- has rattled Abdullah's ruling coalition by saying he is poised to oust the government with the help of defecting lawmakers.

***** The filing of a no-confidence motion by the opposition, in accordance with the rules of Parliament, is 'a waste of time' says Nazri. Speaks volumes of the contempt that the ruling party has for procedures and the law.

No-Confidence Motion Against Pak Lah At 3PM Today

Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR- Permatang Pauh) is expected to file a no-confidence vote in Parliament against the Prime Minister under an emergency motion at 3pm today.

While there has been some speculation that a no-confidence vote was in the offing, this sudden announcement comes like a bolt from the blue.

What has prompted the decision to go for a vote at this point in time is unclear but suffice to say that PKR will not venture into such a risky move without considerable deliberation and some strong back-up. After the disappointing turnout at the recent rally to protest the fuel price hike, another poor performance by the opposition would not be of much help to its cause or credibility.

More on the above as events unfold.
Image - Source
Update from The Star: Speaker to decide on no confidence motion on Monday

Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin Makes Lewd Gesture In Parliament

Kinabatangan BN member of Parliament Bung Mokhtar Radin, a three-term MP was caught red-handed on a RTM1 live telecast making a lewd gesture during the parliament proceedings this morning.

However this notorious specimen had the temerity to flatly deny that the incident ever took place!

Bung Mokhtar, a bad example for politicians generally and who accurately epitomises the terrible quality of the current crop of Barisan 'leaders' is better known for the many controversial remarks he has made in Parliament. This includes the infamous ‘bocor’ incident, use of the ‘F’ word and quipping that opposition veteran Karpal Singh was ‘about to die’. And this bloody ape is the Deputy Chairman of Backbenchers Club!

Will RTM kindly re-telecast the disputed segment of this morning's session so that the people can decide whether this man is fit to continue as a member of Parliament.

In the meanwhile please view an earlier Bung Mokhtar Radin stunt in Parliament.

BN Backbenchers Club Upset With Nazri For Branding Them 'Childish' & 'Gangster-Like'

The Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBCC) is upset with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz for branding them childish and gangster-like for removing a barricade at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday.

The barricade was initially put up to ban reporters from the lobby.

BNBCC chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the backbenchers felt insulted by the description as they were merely trying to rectify the situation.

He said BNBCC members felt that it was unfair to restrict the media's movement in Parliament it was there to do its job.

"When we felt this thing was not proper (not allowing the media to enter the lobby), we try to rectify it (situation). This was after we had checked with the Speaker who seemed to have no knowledge about it (barricade).

"Then, my colleague went to see Nazri who said he did not know. Later, we checked with the Parliament House Committee and they also said they did not have such ruling.

"Therefore, we felt we should open it. No point in having such (a) barricade as this will create unnecessary misunderstanding between the media and BN," he told Bernama here today.

Without naming the person who give the order to barricade the lobby, Tiong said: "Why did the person who made the decision (to have the barricade), does not dare to face the problem? (sic) Why run away?

"We must be brave enough. If we make a mistake, we must apologise. In this world, nobody can claim he did not make a wrong decision as we are human beings."

He said it was inappropriate to brand MPs in such a manner as they were elected by the people in their respective constituencies.

"If you think we (MPs) are not right, you must at least, respect our constituencies. Don't simply label us as gangsters and the BNBCC as a gangster club," he added.

Therefore, Tiong said, the BNBCC would hold a meeting this Monday to discuss the issue and decide on the next course of action to be taken, as they felt Nazri had gone overboard by branding them in such manner.

Meanwhile, BNBCC deputy chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin clarified that it was not just the Opposition MPs, but also the BNBCC members who had raised the issue in Parliament.

"However, there was no decision from the deputy speaker at that time. At lunch break, we went to see Tan Sri Speaker (Pandikar Amin Mulia). It was only after we removed the barricade as they did not make any decision on that," he said.

Bung said BNBCC was bold enough to take that action as they (members) believed the media was unfairly treated by such a ruling.

"We are not like Opposition MPs who only want to talk, but take no action. We talk, but we also take action," he added. (Bernama)

***** Typical of our Boleh-style of politics and governing - total absence of accountability. No one wants to take responsibility when the crap hits the fan. Not surprising really. As for Nazri, after lying low following BN's debacle in the last GE, he's slowly getting back into form. Expect more faux pas from the past master himself.

Four PKR MPs Cycle To Parliament As Mark Of Protest. SAPP MPs Nowhere To Be Seen

Four Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs - Tian Chua (Batu), Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan), N. Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai) and Zulkifli Nordin (Kulim Bandar Baru) - cycled to Parliament Monday as a mark of protest against the recent fuel hike.

Tian Chua said move was also to "appeal to the Cabinet Ministers to understand the difficulty in using bicycles or public transport" in the country. "Changing of lifestyles is not as easy as what the Government claims," he told reporters.

He said that he and the three others had taken about 20 minutes to cycle from Bank Negara to the Dewan Rakyat.

"It's a difficult task because the road transport system here is not designed for bicycle use and cyclists will face problems cruising around town," he said.

Asked if they would cycle to Parliament again, he said the MPs would discuss it further.

"Today, because of the debate on petrol price hike, we rode our bicycles here to make a point," he said. (The Star)

Meanwhile the much awaited tabling of a vote of no-confidence against Pak Lah has apparently fizzled out, at least for the time being as the two SAPP Members of Parliament, Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) were not seen at the august house today, where a business as usual mood prevailed. Any idea where the mavericks are at the moment? At some lock-up perhaps?

"Anwar Offering Yong Teck Lee DPM's Post," Says KJ! What Rubbish

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's declaration that his party has lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is believed due to him being taken in by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's offer.

Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he was made to understand that Yong would be appointed to the number two post in government if Anwar was to be Prime Minister.

"I heard loads were offered (to Yong) like the deputy prime minister's post and oil royalties. Actually I want to know what was the offer which came individually from Anwar to Yong. Was Yong offered the DPM's job if Anwar becomes PM?. If this is true, it proves it is not a stance based on principles but with conditions because they did meet," he told reporters.

He also criticised the move by Yong and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser who held the meeting in Hong Kong.

"In terms of morality this is wrong because after admitting he had met Anwar and then wanting to support a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, he still not being direct and said not leaving Barisan Nasional (BN). This raises questions.

"Why would they meet in Hong Kong? Afraid of people seeing? This raises a lot of questions. We know the Anwar and Yong history in 1994 which brought down the Sabah government. This is not something new," Khairy said.

The Rembau Member of Parliament said SAPP's move to table a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister also showed the party's inconsistent stance. This was because, he said, it was inconceivable that BN component parties would want to support the motion of no-confidence against the BN chairman and at the same time wanted to champion the politics brought by the BN.

He said Yong had also been alleged to have used his position as party president to get their support on his stance with regard to the motion. "I was made to understand most SAPP Supreme Council members disagreed with Yong's stance but he managed to get their approval. The question is, will those in SAPP who do not support Yong come forward to make a different stance that is more consistent, namely if they want to continue with the BN, must support the BN chairman? There is no choice for any party in the BN not to support its chairman," he said.

As a member of Parliament also, he said, he would see whether SAPP members of Parliament -- Chua Soon Bui of Tawau who is also the party's deputy president and Datuk Eric Majimbun of Sepanggar -- would table and support the motion.

"I hope the BN chief whip will take proper action if they proceed with the plan," he said. (Bernama)

***** This is an outright lie from a barefaced liar. Khairy spins his view by stating repeatedly that he "was made to understand" this and that. Perhaps we should ensure that he be made to understand that Anwar is not so stupid to offer a DPM's post to a minor politician, Yong is not so naive to accept even if it were symbolically given on a silver platter and that the public are not that dumb to be taken in by such a patently idiotic spin. Grow up KJ.
Image - Source

Pak Lah Should Recommend A Tunship For BN 'Judas', Yong Teck Lee

A small Malaysian party yesterday fired the opening shot in an campaign to topple the government of Abdullah Badawi by saying it would table the country's first ever no-confidence vote on Monday in spite of being a member of the ruling coalition.

The crossover of the Sabah Progressive Party to the opposition could trigger other defections by government members of parliament. The 14-party National Front coalition government has a slim 30-seat majority in the 222-member parliament.

Anwar Ibrahim, the opposition leader, claims he has the numbers to bring down the government after the National Front coalition suffered its biggest electoral setback in March since taking power at independence in 1957.

Some analysts believe that it is unlikely that SAPP, which has only two MPs, would have called for no-confidence vote without consulting Mr Anwar.

"Anwar has been upping the ante (against the government). The SAPP may be either testing the waters on his behalf or Anwar now believes he has sufficient strength to bring down the government," said an opposition political advisor. Mr Anwar had set a mid-September deadline for toppling the government with a no-confidence vote.

Mr Anwar has been wooing political parties from the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, which hold the balance of power in the coalition government. The two states have long complained that they have been ignored by the central government.

But some observers cautioned that the SAPP move may be a ploy to see whether the government or opposition will offer the most concessions to win the support of the Sabah parties, which are seeking increased government spending and more royalties from natural resources.

"We must make a stand before the window of opportunity closes," said Yong Teck Lee, the SAPP president. Sabah politicians complain that they are under-represented in the cabinet in spite of the election results that gave them increased power.

The SAPP decision could undermine support for Mr Abdullah within the government's dominant party, the United Malays National Organisation. The SAPP action "points to the depth of the leadership crisis facing the country," said Razaleigh Hamzah, who plans to challenge Mr Abdullah as government head in Umno party elections in December.

The prime minister has been criticised by Umno members after the government lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority and an unprecedented five of 13 states in the March polls. Mr Abdullah also is facing public discontent over his recent decision to raise petrol prices by 40 per cent to curb a surge in state fuel subsidies. Mr Anwar has seized on the issue to win popular support.

SAPP said it could decide today whether to join formally the current three-party opposition People's Alliance led by Mr Anwar.

However, a parliamentary showdown next week could still be averted if the parliamentary speaker, a MP from Sabah, rules against the motion or decides to postpone it for two weeks as allowed under the constitution.

His decision will be seen as an indication of whether Mr Anwar is gaining ground in Sabah, whose MPs are viewed as being the most likely to defect to the oppostion.

Mr Anwar recently claimed that MPs from the Malaysian Chinese Association, which represents the interests of the ethnic Chinese minority in the ruling coalition, are ready also to defect.

Mr Anwar has promised to reform the government's policy of giving preferential treatment to the ethnic Malay majority, which minority groups claim discriminates against them.

If the government loses a no-confidence vote, Mr Abdullah must resign or ask the king to dissolve parliament and call for new elections. If the king refuses to do so, he would appoint a new prime minister. (Financial Times, UK)

***** The PM should be quite glad that the SAPP have at last come out of the woodwork to initiate this no-confidence motion in Parliament. For one, the suspense of when and by whom is over.

The threat to the government from such a move is minimal in real terms. Chances are that the motion would not even be allowed to be tabled. However this SAPP (mis)adventure gives Pak Lah the golden chance to rally not only Umno members but also the other Malays wavering on the sidelines.

Nothing motivates the average Malay more to close ranks than a perceived threat from the 'opportunistic, disloyal and greedy' Chinese. Suddenly the fake cry of "Malays in danger" by Umno last month seems more likely to be true and indeed requires urgent addressing by the sons of the soil.

If this no-confidence vote had been initiated by the East Malaysian natives or a Malay it would have been tolerable. After all, one Malay backstabbing a 'brother' Malay in politics is par for the course. But a bloody Chinese shafting the Melayu? God forbid! As for the other component BN parties their reaction to this silly SAPP move would be predictable and pedestrian.

Fully expect Dr Mahathir to take the stance of the rabid racist and fan and stoke the embers in the next few days with a typical "this is what happens when you have a weak Umno leader and the Malays are divided and eventually 'forced to give up everything' to the kaum pendatang and the Singaporeans."

Chances are that Yong Teck Lee, whatever may be the reason for sticking his neck out, has willy nilly provided a platform for Pak Lah to give the clarion call for Malay unity in the midst of a 'challenge' from the traditional 'archenemy', the Chinese. There will definitely be people within Umno who even now be plotting the strategy for feeding the Malays with this sort of innuendo and fuel the fire of hatred and the fear of the loss of Malay political power to the others.

And for this, Pak Lah should be very grateful to SAPP and its unreliable leader. Congratulations TunYong Teck Lee for you will succeed in achieving what even the strongest of Umno leaders couldn't, in uniting the Malays like never before.
Image - Source

Doctors Are 'Licensed To Kill' Says Deputy Health Minister Abdul Latif!

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad became the target of several Opposition MPs on Monday when he let slip that doctors were "licensed to kill".

Abdul Latiff had wanted to use the famous James Bond movie title Licensed to Kill when replying to a question during Question Time. He said doctors were given the "license to heal" as well as the "licence to kill." Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) replied that only Bond has the license to kill but not doctors.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Dr Abdul Latiff did not intend to hurt anyone when he made the remark. He however ordered him to retract the words upon request by other MPs.

Dr Abdul Latiff defended himself by saying that it was a figure of speech. He however retracted his words but would not apologise. (The Star)

***** The deputy minister must be careful in future to avoid such gaffes. It could be forgiven if a layman made such a statement. However being a medical doctor he should have been more circumspect with his words, especially since he was speaking in Parliament.

Parliament Live Telecast To Continue

The half-hour live telecast of proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat will continue.

Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek is scheduled to announce the decision by the Cabinet at 4pm today.

This is in sharp contrast to the reaction by the PM yesterday when he said that he was ashamed at what had transpired in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday and agreed that live telecast of the proceedings should be scrapped.

“I felt 'ashamed' if people watched television and saw what was happening in our Dewan. In my heart, I also felt that all this happened because there was a live broadcast at that time. Each (MP) wanted to make himself or herself seen debating or ‘aksi’ (acting) in the Dewan. That was how I felt,” he had lamented yesterday.

He had also added that if Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek decided to cancel the live telecast, he would agree.

So why this sudden flip-flop now? Did the Cabinet overrule Pak Lah and Shabery?

Opposition Flexes Muscles As Malaysia Parliament Descends Into Chaos, Insults And Jeers

Malaysia's resurgent opposition flexed its new found muscles Wednesday, disrupting Parliament's first business session with noisy arguments as lawmakers from both sides traded insults and jeers. The record 82 opposition lawmakers who were elected to the 222-member Parliament in the March 8 elections shouted down, in one voice, ruling National Front coalition lawmakers in an argument over a technicality.

Karpal Singh, from the opposition Democratic Action Party, called National Front member Bung Mokhtar Radin a 'Bigfoot' who retaliated by calling Singh a 'Big Monkey'.

"This is not meant to be a shouting match!" yelled Speaker Pandikan Amin Mulia, trying to calm the screaming rival partisans who rose up to vociferously support Singh or Bung Mokhtar.

The chaotic scenes were shown live on national television, the first time proceedings are being broadcast, albeit only the first 30 minutes every day. The scenes looked more like the often-rambunctious parliament sessions of India or Taiwan rather than the sedate meetings that Malaysia has been used to for the last 51 years.

However, things have changed with 82 opposition members now in the house, compared to the 19 previously who had allowed the ruling National Front to operate without any fear of being shouted down.

Tuesday's pandemonium broke out as soon as the speaker opened the floor to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the question and answer session. Opposition members objected, saying most of the first questions had been allotted to National Front lawmakers.

Most of the first hour was a shouting match with Abdullah managing to answer only one question on race issues.

"This is a mockery of Parliament," said opposition Democratic Action Party leader Lim Kit Siang, a colleague of Singh. "There is a conspiracy to silence the voice of the 82 opposition parliamentarians."

"All Malaysians have focused their attention on this Parliament but many of you focus on pointless matters. You should be gentlemen and ladies who debate things that matter, not technicalities," said Pandikan Amin, the Parliament speaker.

The chaos got worse when Pandikan Amin refused to allow the opposition to ask the prime minister for follow-up explanations to his answer. (PR-Inside.com)

***** Let the pandemonium begin.

Women's Right To Boycott Sexist YBs

Suhakam Vice-Chairman Tan Sri Simon Sipaun said we are living in a democracy and the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) is free to make its stand as a pressure group in urging the public not to vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who make sexist remarks and asking political parties not to field them as candidates.

"The group can put their case forward but whether the Government is going to listen to them is another issue. Political parties concerned will have to consider whether there is a basis for the women's call," he said.

Sipaun, however, conceded that remarks made by two Barisan Nasional MPs linking a leaking roof to an Opposition MP's menstruation were uncalled-for.

"As far as I am concerned, we must look at a fellow MP as a human being, regardless of whether she is from the Government or Opposition. Our perception should not be based on gender."

Several Sabah women groups and leaders have expressed their support for JAG's move. JAG is an umbrella coalition of several women organisations - All Women's Action Society (Awam), Sisters in Islam, Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Pusat Janadaya, Women's Development Collective (WDC) and Women's Centre for Change (WCC).

President of the Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (SBCC), Datuk Hj Ahmad Ali Abdul Aziz Lope is confident that the country's leadership will select people of good morals and who have the capacity to serve the nation as candidates for the impending election.

"As far as I am concerned, we want elected representatives who are capable and have the people's interests at heart, and can deliver the goods, irrespective of whether they are men or women. That is most important. I always feel that Malaysians should not play with gender issues. Just don't talk about senseless things like 'skirts'," he said.

LDP Secretary-General Teo Chee Kang said Malaysian People's Representatives should be conscious of the fact that it was because of the support of both male and female voters that they were elected. "It is most ungrateful of them to injure the feelings of the opposite sex by uttering sexist remarks in furtherance of personal agenda best known to them."

Teo, a lawyer, recalled that Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had in his maiden speech as Prime Minister in Parliament stressed that first-world infrastructure must go hand in hand with a first-class mentality. "Therefore, if we want a first-world Parliament, we should not leave sexism and male chauvinism unchecked in Parliament. We should nip the problem in the bud before it goes beyond control."

While saying it is the right of JAG to ask political parties not to field sexist MPs as candidates, PBS Information Chief Johnny Mositun said, at the end of the day, it is the prerogative of the BN top leadership to decide whether they should be re-nominated as candidates.

"I understand the sensitivities of womenfolk in the country. But the MPs concerned have already tendered their apologies. However, if the leadership considers the women's petition and decides to drop the MPs from the candidates' list, then I would think it is indeed a bold decision."

President of the Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM), Datuk Wong Khen Thau stressed that every human being, be it a man or a woman, should be accorded due respect.

Speaking in his personal capacity, he said: "Basically, if we don't respect others, we cannot expect others to respect us. So, those who are disrespectful don't deserve to be respected." He, however, refrained from urging the public not to vote for sexist YBs. "I leave it to them to decide."

Chairperson of Malaysian Nature Society-Sabah, Omar Abdul Kadir suggested that the sexist YBs be given a second chance. "They should have learned their lesson by now and hopefully, they will be more cautious in future, especially in an august house such as Parliament. Let us respect our mothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, wives and daughters."

Meanwhile, he concurred with the President of the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa), Datuk Susanna Jayasuriya that the Government must give emphasis to environmental issues.

"I hope the incoming elected representatives in the country will do away with sexism but pay more attention to issues like climate change. Malaysia is no exception and we are affected by global warming. It is imperative that we do something about it."

Professional counsellor Dr William Liew supports the call to stop making sexist remarks in Parliament. He said it is shameful to make derogatory remarks aimed at another gender. "Stop making fun of another gender. Stop hurting others. We need to respect a fellow human being. But before we can do that, we must respect ourselves first, whether we are politicians, professionals, non-professionals or ordinary citizens. This is the basic principle of human relationship in all areas of activity." (Daily Express, Sabah)

***** Boycotting these uncouth bastards is the only logical thing to do. However the first step is to categorically let it be known to the leadership of BN especially Umno that they should refrain from proposing these lowlife or be prepared to face the consequences. If the political parties still persist in nominating them, which I think they will, then JAG should harness every and all resources available to them to ensure the defeat of not only these loudmouths but all the others, especially women MPs who sat through silently when their sisters were being humiliated in Parliament.
Image - Source

Dewan Rakyat Passes Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2007. Sixteen Opposition MPs Stage Walkout

With the government adamant in bulldozing this bill through Parliament while the rest of the political spectrum remained suspicious of the move, it was only a matter of time before something gave.

Despite the repeated reminders and appeals of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) not to proceed with the bill until the current EC chairman, the hugely unpopular Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman retires, the calls fell on deaf ears. The coalition termed the move as a 'back-door' extension for the EC chairman as this bill would in effect enable him to oversea the next election.

The attempt by Bersih to hand over a memo at Parliament House resulted in the arrests of around twenty-nine persons which included PAS leaders Mustapha Ali, Dr. Hatta Ramli and committee member Dr Lo’Lo Ghazali, Parti Keadilan Rakyat secretary-general Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Information chief Tian Chua, Parti Sosialis Malaysia protem chairman Dr. Nasir Hashim and secretary-general S. Arutchelva, as well as activists from the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) including Suaram executive director Yap Swee Seng, Centre for Independent Journalism executive director V Gayathry, Pusat Komas programme director Mien Lor, Writers Alliance for Media Independence chairperson Wong Chin Huat, PAS Research Centre director Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad and Harakah advertising manager Mokhtar Rosaidi.

(The IGP has announced that of the 29 people detained, 17 have been freed on bail, 8 issued summonses while 4 had their documents recorded)

As a result of the government's determination to retain the current EC chairman come what may, as well as the short shrift given to Bersih and their supporters including the unwarranted arrest of a score and more of their numbers, the sixteen opposition Members of Parliament present at the august House staged a walkout, the only viable option available to them. Three other opposition MPs -- Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh), Ismail Noh (PAS-Pasir Mas) and Abdul Fatah Harun (PAS-Rantau Panjang) -- did not attend the proceedings in the afternoon.

Totally unconcerned with the absence of the small opposition and moving as swiftly as they could, the ruling Barisan Nasional MPs voted unanimously in the Dewan Rakyat and enabled the passage of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill extending the retirement age from 65 to 66 years.

How fair the move is and how credible will be the office of the EC chairman would be debated long after the hoo-haa dies down.

Describing the action at the Dewan as the 'blackest day for Malaysia's Parliament in 50 years since independence' was opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. I'm sure many Malaysians too share his opinion.

And today the BN MPs of the Dewan Rakyat at last had their way. Leading the government onslaught was of course the ever controversial Nazri Abdul Aziz who tabled the bill on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The amendment was passed through block voting, in which 189 MPs from the Barisan Nasional cast their votes during the second and third reading of the bill.

He said the amendment was in accordance with the extension of the retirement age, from 65 to 66, of the judges of the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court in 2005.

The EC comprises a chairman, a deputy chairman and five ordinary members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The Dewan Rakyat adjourned at 4.30pm, one hour earlier than scheduled, soon after the bill was passed. It will sit again tomorrow, at 10am.

What a sad state of affairs.
Image - Source

Motion To Debate Terengganu Riot Rejected

The Dewan Rakyat today rejected a motion to debate the riot in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday night in which seven people, including four policemen, were injured.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib dismissed the motion on the ground that although the issue was of public interest, it was not urgent.

"What happened was the police were quelling a riot," he said.

When tabling the motion, Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) said the Internal Security Ministry should explain why live bullets had been used against unarmed civilians.

"There are question marks over police integrity in this episode as it appeared that there was a `trigger-happy' attitude vis-a-vis civilians without giving a second thought to people's lives and public safety," he said.

Salahuddin claimed that such an incident would not have happened if police issued permits to those wishing to organise peaceful gatherings.

The riot was sparked when police instructed the crowd of hundreds at an illegal political gathering at Jalan Sultan Mahmud, close to Batu Burok in the Terengganu capital, to disperse. (Bernama)

***** Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib should be given pride of place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the prolific rejector of urgent parliamentary motions.
Image - Source

Malaysian MPs Who Can't Speak Proper Malay Should Be Ashamed

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has ticked off members of Parliament (MPs) who have yet to master Bahasa Malaysia despite the fact that they are supposed to represent the voice of the people in Parliament. He said that this should not have happened given that the language had unified Malaysia's various races for the past 50 years since independence.

Speaking to reporters after opening an inter-university debate competition focusing on the country's independence here today, he also criticised MPs who used harsh words in Parliament. "It's a pity that they don't have a good command of the language because they could serve as role models to others in the good usage of Bahasa Malaysia," he said.

Dr Rais said the ministry was actively promoting Bahasa Malaysia through various programmes like debate competitions and discussion sessions. More than 200 students are taking part in the competition which began on Friday.

***** What could be the reason for some of these MPs not having a reasonably good command of Bahasa Malaysia? Are they 'linguistically challenged', plain dumb or simply could not be bothered? I've noticed, especially among the Chinese and more so among the younger generation a dismal interest in and appallingly poor command of Bahasa. It's as if they could not be the least bit bothered to learn or speak the language and prefer to lead their lives in cocooned Chinese settings while firmly avoiding their fellow citizens of other races as much as possible.

I have no idea on how to encourage the greater use of our national language. The government has done its part in making Malay relevant to the average Joe. Ultimately the choice is theirs. If they want to remain disadvantaged by not knowing Bahasa it's their problem.

As for MPs, political parties should ensure that their candidates must have at least a working knowledge of our national language.
Image - Source