WHAT DEFECTIONS?

WHAT DEFECTIONS?

Claims on MP buyout 'baseless' KOTA KINABALU: Contrary to claims that the opposition is on the hunt for rogue members of parliament in Sabah, Barisan Nasional leaders here say they know of no potential turncoats. Full Story

SUPP and PRS pledge support for Abdullah KUCHING: Serian Member of Parliament Datuk Richard Riot Jaem has denied claims that he has left the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP). He made the denial when SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan spoke to him yesterday. Full Story

I had calls from BN MPs, insists Anwar IPOH: Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday maintained he had been in touch with Barisan Nasional MPs who wanted to cross over. Full Story

Hadi: No one enticed ALOR STAR: Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang yesterday denied that the tripartite grouping was trying to lure Barisan Nasional MPs into leaving the coalition. Full Story

Opposition tried to lure BN MP with ministerial post, claims PBB – bernama.com KUCHING, Sat: Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) component Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) claimed today that the opposition had made an attempt to win over a BN member of parliament by offering a post of minister or deputy minister if he crossed over.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=321990

Jawatan menteri dan timbalan menteri menanti jika BN Sarawak setuju sertai pembangkang – mstar online KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) mengesahkan ada cubaan untuk menawarkan anggota Parlimen dari parti itu menyertai pembangkang bagi tujuan membentuk kerajaan baru persekutuan dengan menjanjikan jawatan Menteri dan Timbalan Menteri jika bersetuju menerima tawaran itu. Full Story
http://www.mstar.com.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_d4caee42-c0a85062-1189cbb0-216714cc

Anwar admits meeting BN reps on crossovers, not buyovers - nstonline IPOH, Fri: On top of the Sabah and Sarawak BN elected representatives he met, Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also held meetings with Peninsular BN representatives on the possibility of defecting to the opposition. But as things stand, PKR is not rushing into the situation. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20080321150830/Article

Anwar tegaskan 'beli orang' bukan tradisi KeADILan, PAS dan DAP - harakahdaily.net KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Mac (Hrkh) - Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KeADILan), Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim berkata emang benar ada rakyat Sabah, Sarawak dan Semenanjung menemuinya yang ingin bersama-sama bersandarkan agenda perjuangan dan agenda perubahan negara, tetapi beliau menegaskan 'beli orang' seperti yang didakwa Umno/BN bukan tradisi parti pembangkang. http://www.harakahdaily.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13441&Itemid=28

Anwar Has Spoken To Idiot and S-I-L – malaysia-today.com Anwar is saying that the BN MP's met him. I dont see what is there to hide anymore. The facts are the other way around. Anwar is actively (day and night, siang dan malam, 24-7) courting the BN MPs. And yes Anwar is not just talking to the MPs from Sabah and Sarawak. I have heard from the vine that Anwar has spoken to Idiot and the S-I-L in Kuala Lumpur. What do you say to that? He has also met a very senior Pemuda UMNO EXCO member. Anwar told The Star that 'the principle of the BN MPs crossing over was based on an agenda of struggle and changes for the nation.' 'The question of buying people does not arise. It is not our tradition' he said. Well my dear friends on Thursday, 15 MPs from Sabah (and possibly Sarawak) were in Melbourne, Australia being entertained by Saifuddin Nasution and Musa Aman's brother, Hanipah (?) - the guy who did not want to be Deputy Minister. They are being courted by Anwar to cross over. This is an all expenses paid trip. Where is the money coming from and who is paying for it?They are being served not just food ok. There may be a couple of Australian sheepksins thrown into the deal. They may be engaged in some vigorous pushing and struggling over the weekend in Melbourne but let me assure you that 'struggle and changes for the nation' are the furthest things from their minds.
These are Sabah MPs. Have you heard of a jumping animal called the katak? http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/4810/84/

Menanti ‘tongkang pecah’ - agendadaily.com Dalam keadaan sekarang hakikat yang perlu diakui Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tak rugi apa-apa.Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat itu ibarat memasang bubu di muara sungai menanti ikan masuk. Apa saja perkembangan negetif dalam UMNO akan menjadi berita baik baginya. Mahu tak mahu UMNO sendiri perlu memastikan kubunya tidak jadi ‘tongkang pecah’.” Ini boleh buat ramai nanti yang akan berenang cari pelampong yang nampak selamat. http://agendadaily.com/cmspreview/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_be3f1540-cabec5bb-1d85ab90-2bb0cf2c

Barisan reps come under watch – thestar online KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional component party chiefs have pledged to closely monitor Members of Parliament from their respective parties and prevent them from switching to other parties, particularly to the Opposition. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/22/nation/20726718&sec=nation

Zaid: High time for 'anti-hopping' law – nstonline KOTA BARU, Sat: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim said today he would propose to the Cabinet the formulation of an anti-hopping law to put a stop to party-hopping by politicians. He said the act of switching political parties by politicians after winning the general election on their former parties’ tickets was immoral.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/NewsBreak/20080322170200/Article/index_html

Crossing the line: Umno to check MP buyout claims

Crossing the line: Umno to check MP buyout claims
By Deborah Loh

PUTRAJAYA: Umno will send out "intelligence teams" to check whether the opposition is trying to entice Barisan Nasional MPs to leave the ruling coalition.

Newly appointed party secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said feedback was sketchy.

"Some people are saying this... We will get our intelligence to check," he said after attending Maulidur Rasul celebrations at the Putra Mosque here, yesterday.

The Putrajaya MP also said the opposition should not be "so stupid" as to think they could "buy" BN MPs.

"Why should they buy our people over when we've already won? They think we are weak because we lost in five states and we didn't get a two-thirds majority but actually, we are only eight seats short (of a two-thirds majority in parliament).
"So we are still strong. Our elected representatives still know that BN is the only one that can carry Malaysia into the future," he said.

On Monday, Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he had met a number of BN representives, mostly in Sarawak and Sabah, to discuss their defections.

Rumours swirled the next day when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced a leaner and fitter cabinet, disappointing various party bigwigs who had not been chosen.

Abdullah has said he was aware of attempts to lure BN MPs into switching camps but stressed that the ruling coalition would stand firm.

In Kuching, Sarawak United People's Party president Tan Sri Dr George Chan dismissed reports that Serian member of parliament Datuk Richard Riot Jaem had resigned from the party. -- MORE

Malaysian govt investigating defection claims: reports - Malaysia's ruling coalition is investigating claims that the opposition could seize power with the help of lawmakers who are considering defecting, reports said Friday.
The dominant United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) said it is sending teams out to check on rumoured defections by members of coalition component parties alienated after disastrous March 8 election results.
"Some people are saying this... we will get our intelligence to check," UMNO secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said according to the New Straits Times.
"Why should they buy our people over when we've already won? They think we are weak because we lost in five states and we didn't get a two-thirds majority (in parliament)," he said.
Emboldened by the results, the worst in the Barisan Nasional coalition's half-century rule over Malaysia, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has said that lawmakers have approached him about switching sides.
"I don't know how soon we can form the new government but we are moving in that direction," Anwar, a former deputy prime minister who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, said earlier this week.
Anwar said that coalition lawmakers from Malaysia's eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island had contacted him to discuss switching sides. The power bloc there could unseat the government if it changed hands.
He has insisted that defectors will not be "bought" and other opposition figures have challenged the government to file a police report if they find evidence of improper payments.
Amid reports that the first of the defectors had resigned from the coalition, the Sarawak United People's Party told state media that the stories were false and that its lawmaker Richard Riot still belonged to the party.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dismissed Anwar's plans, and downplayed suggestions of splits within UMNO after a series of high-level resignations.
The premier's decision to streamline the cabinet and drop veteran politicians in a new line-up announced Monday has also alienated government lawmakers who were overlooked.
Barisan Nasional will have 140 lawmakers in the new 222-seat parliament, against 199 in the outgoing 219-seat parliament. The opposition alliance won 80 seats from just 19 previously.
Source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1300216

Malaysian PM brings fresh faces to post-election cabinet

Malaysian PM brings fresh faces to post-election cabinet

• "More than half of the cabinet ministers are new faces and I hope they can bserve the people more effectively and bring a fresh approach to the country's administration," Abdullah told a press conference.


• "It shows a refreshing change of face, it shows that the PM at least would like to give the impression that he is changing some of the old guard," said Tricia Yeoh from the Centre for Public Policy Studies think-tank.


• Lim Kit Siang from the opposition alliance which humbled the coalition at the recent polls, said Abdullah, who came to power in late 2003, had ignored the public for too long. "He is beginning to listen to the people's wishes, although four years and two months late," he said.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday unveiled a new slimline cabinet, dropping veteran politicians and appointing fresh faces after unprecedented election losses.

Abdullah was under pressure to rejuvenate his administration after March 8 polls that saw the Barisan Nasional coalition lose its two-thirds majority for the first time in four decades, triggering calls for his resignation.

Trade minister Rafidah Aziz, who had held the post since 1987, was the biggest casualty of the reshuffle, which also saw some government critics given influential roles.

"More than half of the cabinet ministers are new faces and I hope they can serve the people more effectively and bring a fresh approach to the country's administration," Abdullah told a press conference. – MORE
Source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1295884

PM announces new Cabinet line-up: PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced his new administration on Tuesday, trimming his Cabinet from 32 to 27 seats, of which more than half featured new faces.

"I hope they will perform better than before and I believe that with the choice we have made we will be able to fulfil our agenda," he said.

"I would like to tell you that this term we would go into vigorous implementation of our policies and projects. I have heard many times, and read many articles and comments by the people who said Pak Lah (Abdullah) has worked out the policies well but is short on implementation," he told a packed press conference at his office.

Abdullah, who retained his Finance portfolio, scrapped the post of parliamentary secretary. – MORE http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/18/nation/20080318122250&sec=nation

NEW CABINET LINE-UP: Big surprises as Umno stalwarts dropped…and return - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi unveiled a Cabinet line-up today full of major surprises. He dropped Umno stalwarts Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid when he made the announcement at his office in Putrajaya. But the biggest surprise was reserved for the replacements the Prime Minister brought in: Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was not even picked to contest in the March 8 polls, has been made a minister and so is Datuk Shahrir Samad, returning after a long 22-year hiatus. From out of the wilderness, former Selangor Mentri Besar and Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib was made Rural and Regional Development Minister.
The Abdullah Cabinet is a now 69-member administration, down from 90, and comprises 31 ministers and 37 deputy ministers. For the first time in Cabinet history, the posts of parliamentary secretaries have been scrapped, based on the Prime Minister’s desire to optimise Cabinet deputy ministers to take over the work of these secretaries, especially in answering questions in the Dewan Rakyat. – MORE
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080318125809/Article/index_html

PM unveils ‘trimmed-down’ cabinet - breaking news Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced his ‘trimmed-down’ cabinet. During a 20-minute press conference at his office in Putrajaya, Abdullah said he has decided not to appoint any parliamentary secretaries - bringing the number of appointments down from 90 to 68. “This means that the ministers and the deputy ministers will have to be more active in parliament,” he said.
He has also dropped many notable veterans and roped in new faces, who now make up half of the cabinet.
“I hope they can serve the people effectively,” he told journalists. – MORE http://dinmerican.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/pm-unveils-trimmed-down-cabinet/

Anwar on alternative programme to NEP

Anwar on alternative programme to NEP
BERNAMA
SINGAPORE, MON:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the soon-to-be-formalised opposition alliance will introduce the Malaysian Economic Agenda as an alternative programme to replace the New Economic Policy (NEP) to fulfil the needs of all the races in the coutnry.

He said the programme would be introduced when PKR, DAP and PAS formalised their alliance mechanism in a few days.

“I want to assure the Malays that the Malay Agenda will be retained, but we will also have to draw up a new agenda for the Chinese and the Indians,” he said in an interview with the Singapore Berita Harian which was published today.

Anwar said the three-party alliance started working on the Malaysian Economic Agenda since a year ago.
source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080317181009/Article/index_html

Malaysian Economic Agenda proposed: SINGAPORE: Parti Keadilan Rakyat and its allies will introduce the Malaysian Economic Agenda (MEA) as an alternative programme to the New Economic Policy (NEP). PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the party had been working with Pas and DAP on the MEA for the past year.

In an interview with Singapore's Berita Harian, Anwar said details of the MEA would be revealed after the three parties formalised their alliance within a few days.

"I want to assure Malays that the Malay Agenda will be retained, but we will also have to draw up a new agenda for the Chinese and the Indians," Bernama quoted him as saying in the report.

In Shah Alam, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who is PKR secretary-general, also alluded to the MEA.

While admitting that his success in the corporate world was a result of the NEP, he said the situation had since changed.
He said during his tenure as the chief executive officer in Permodalan Nasional Bhd, he carried out NEP policies such as the Amanah Saham Bumiputra and Amanah Saham Nasional.

"I carried out a policy that benefited all Malays and when I left the organisation, more than five million Malays had benefited from it," he told the press after meeting Anwar at his official residence here yesterday.

Khalid said some people in Selangor, including Umno information chief and former menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, had said that he was ungrateful to the NEP although it had helped him become successful.

He replied that he was grateful for the opportunities the NEP had given him. However, for the state to be truly developed, everyone must develop together.

He said at least 53 per cent of Malays in Selangor needed help to become competitive, not just locally but internationally.

He added that the Chinese, too, needed help to develop their businesses.

The government also had to ensure that the Indians were not left behind in development.

source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2189544/Article/index_html

New Malaysian Economic Agenda to replace New Economic Policy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EhFQBSfeAM

Agenda Ekonomi Malaysia - The Malaysian Economic Agenda http://anwaribrahimblog.com/2008/03/15/agenda-ekonomi-malaysia/

PKR Leaders meet Rimba Jaya folkshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ_Oq2fe-0sb

Rimba Jaya: New site for demolished temple http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/18/nation/20674563&sec=nation

March 19, 2008: Pertahan DEB... bela maruah Melayu

Kira-kira 1,000 orang yang terdiri daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat berhimpun di Dataran Shah Alam hari Rabu bagi membantah cadangan PKR dan DAP yang kini memerintah Selangor untuk menghapuskan Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB). Perhimpunan yang berlangsung di dalam hujan lebat itu menyaksikan perhimpunan yang dinamakan Himpunan Melayu Selangor itu dipenuhi dengan ucapan yang membantah cadangan pihak kerajaan negeri Selangor untuk menghapuskan DEB. Beberapa pemimpin perhimpunan itu dalam ucapannya mengutuk cadangan menghapuskan DEB yang disifatkan mencabar kesabaran orang Melayu. Malah mereka melaungkan slogan Hidup Melayu dan Daulat Tuanku berharap agar Sultan Selangor terus diberikan kekuatan untuk mempertahankan kepentingan orang Melayu di Selangor. Perhimpunan berkenaan berlangsung dalam masa setengah jam dan berjalan dengan aman dan pihak polis kelihatan berkawal di sekitar Dataran Shah Alam sepanjang perhimpunan itu berlangsung. - 19/3/2008

Sumber: http://www.agendadaily.com/cms/index.jsp

Selangor water plans hit shares of concessionaires

Selangor water plans hit shares of concessionaires

STOCKS of water concessionaires fell yesterday after Selangor proposed to provide free supply of water of up to 20 cubic metres per month to residents and also to review water supply agreements.
In addition, Aseambankers, in a report yesterday, said there is a "rising risk premium" for water concessions in Selangor.
Shares of Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd fell 7.9 per cent to close at RM2.80 yesterday.
Puncak owns 70 per cent of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), which distributes water to end-users in Selangor. The rest of the company is held by Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd.
The selling also spilled over to other water-related stocks like pipe maker JAKS Resources Bhd, which fell 12.3 per cent to 53.5 sen, and Taliworks Corp Bhd.
Taliworks shares fell nine per cent to close at RM1.99 yesterday.
Analysts said the free water concession for Selangor residents may involve a potential annual revenue loss of RM11.4 million for Syabas.
Aseambankers is unsure if Selangor can review agreements for the treatment and distribution of water since the law was changed in 2005.
"We would note that water matters relating to downstream treatment and distribution are now under the purview of the federal government, and no longer the state governments, after the Parliament in January 2005 approved the Federal Constitution Amendment Bill.
"It remains to be seen whether the new Selangor state government (on its own) has a case to review all past agreements involving water concessions in the state," said Aseambankers.
source:http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Tuesday/Nation/badwater17.xml/Article/index_html

Selangor to review water pact, MB wants papers on deal declassified: SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Government will review the agreement signed between the state and Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd which allows the company to operate, manage and maintain the Sungai Sireh water treatment plant in Tanjung Karang. Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the agreement, signed on March 7, seemed lopsided and would profit Puncak Niaga more than it would the state government or the people of Selangor. “I have only glanced at the agreement and it needs to be studied properly before a decision can be reached,” he told reporters at his official residence yesterday. Khalid said he had asked the state legal adviser to write to Puncak Niaga and asked that the papers be declassified so that they could be reviewed. The agreement was being questioned because it was signed after the state assembly was dissolved and one day before polling. -- MORE http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/18/nation/20675156&sec=nation

Selangor to review water agreement with Puncak Niaga: SHAH ALAM (March 17, 2008): The new state government will review the agreement made between Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) and the previous administration following a detection of imbalance in the figures of revenue handed to the state and the people. Newly sworn-in Mentri Besar (MB) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said according to his calculations, he detected some irregularities in the agreement and has asked the state legal adviser to write in to Puncak Niaga to declassify the documents. – MORE http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21095

Selangor govt to review water pact: SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will declassify and review the water treatment plant agreement signed recently between Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd and the previous state government. Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state legal adviser had been told to write to the company on the matter.Khalid said he was not happy with the revenue-sharing arrangement. – MORE http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2189647/Article/index_html

Khalid announces free household water and lopsided water deal: In his first Press conference as Selangor Mentri Besar today, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim made two key announcements: the first 20 cubic metres of water is free to all Selangor households from April, and the eve of polling day water treatment plant deal between Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd and Selangor Government is lopsided to the concessionaire’s advantage. The free water concession would be discussed first by the Exco before it could be implemented but it was to fulfill a PKR election campaign promise, he said. “This could be achieved if cost was lowered so that revenue was channeled back to consumers,” he said. “To achieve this, review of all water agreements are expected.” Khalid said the state legal adviser had been told to write to the company to declassify documents as his calculations showed that profits derived from water revenue was more to their advantage. “There is imbalance in the revenue given to the State and the people. It can only enrich the concessionaire” he told a Press conference at his official residence here for the first time. – MORE http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/20080317164615/Article/index_html

Malaysia's Anwar says ruling lawmakers mull defection

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he had held talks with a number of ruling coalition lawmakers interested in defecting after this month's landmark elections.

Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, helms a three-party alliance that made unprecedented gains in March 8 polls against the Barisan Nasional coalition which has ruled for half a century.

"People have come and approached me," Anwar said, adding that he had spoken with "quite a number" and told them their support would not be bought.

"If you want to surrender at a price, then you have chosen the wrong party," he told reporters, adding that they would be welcomed "if they accept our agenda".

Anwar confirmed he was canvassing support from coalition lawmakers in East Malaysia on Borneo island, which represents a power bloc that could unseat the government if it changed hands.

Barisan Nasional will have 140 lawmakers in the new 222-seat parliament, against 199 in the outgoing 219-seat parliament.

The opposition alliance claimed 80 seats from just 19 previously, and four more states.

The opposition was Monday sworn into power in the last of the five states it now controls, including Kelantan which was already held by the Islamic party PAS, while Barisan Nasional was still trying to resolve its power struggles.

Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin from PAS was installed as chief minister in Perak state, state media said, ending a public squabble among the three opposition parties who will rule there in coalition.

Meanwhile, tiny Perlis -- which was retained by Barisan Nasional -- remained in limbo after the royal state ruler who formally appoints chief ministers dumped the incumbent backed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Malaysia's sultans have the constitutional right to appoint state leaders but in the past have rarely acted against the advice of the political leadership.

Now, however, Abdullah is fighting for his own political life as he fends off calls for his resignation to take responsibility for the election debacle.

The premier has rejected the pressure to quit, and pushed ahead with the formation of his new administration, with a new slimline cabinet expected to be unveiled on Tuesday.

Abdullah has promised "new faces" and observers said the line-up will indicate his appetite for reform after the polls, which have transformed Malaysia's political landscape.

The previous cabinet had a whopping 32 ministers, 39 deputy ministers and 20 parliamentary secretaries, with jobs handed out to many of the 14 race-based parties that make up the coalition.

The large cabinet had been criticised as unwieldy and wasteful, and there is speculation that some ministries could be merged in line with the smaller Barisan Nasional representation in parliament.

However, political observers said Abdullah faces a headache in reducing positions while still mollifying the coalition members who are being courted by Anwar.

"Abdullah needs to make really bold moves, to bring in an economic team that brings confidence to the investment community," said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert from Johns Hopkins University who observed the elections.

"That means new faces, and the minute he removes older faces he weakens himself further with more infighting and leadership challenges," she said.

"So my feeling is that they'll put bandaids on the wounds, and this is how they'll continue to govern."

source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1294765

Anwar denies persuading BN reps to crossover to opposition
By : V. Shankar Ganesh
SHAH ALAM, Mon:
Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied persuading Barisan Nasional elected representatives to cross over to the Opposition.
While it was true that he was in Sabah and Sarawak recently, he insisted that he did not try to buy them over despite meeting leaders of Umno and other local BN component parties there.
“We are not as rich as Umno and BN. This is a negative campaign. We are consistent and committed to our cause,” he told reporters after meeting Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim at his official residence here today.
Anwar said if anyone wanted to cross-over at a price, then they had chosen the wrong party.
During his meetings with the leaders, not one person raised the subject of money with him. "However, we will accept anyone who wants to cross-over but only if they subscribed to the our agenda,” he said.
On PKR representatives being approached to crossover to BN, Anwar claimed there had been attempts and he had told the PKR representatives to record all conversations.
Anwar also criticised a local Malay daily for fanning racial sentiments.
He said the daily had not been publishing the party’s statements on its view of the New Economic Policy.
“Now that the campaign is over, we ask the cooperation of the media to publish our views,” he said. “Let’s not get trapped with in the games played by certain people who are afraid their contracts will be terminated.” source:http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080317173131/Article/index_html

March 18, 2008:
Anwar: PKR welcomes BN reps, but not at a price: SHAH ALAM: PKR will welcome any Barisan Nasional assemblyman or MP who wishes to cross over to the party but there would be no “buy-overs”, said de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The rumours that the party was planning to buy leaders from Barisan were part of a negative campaign against him and the party, and he denied there was such a practice.
“We remain consistent and committed to the party’s cause (of a clean and transparent government). So if they want to surrender at a price they have come to the wrong party,” he said during a joint press conference at Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s official residence here yesterday.
Anwar admitted that he met several Barisan leaders during his visit to Sabah and Sarawak but there was no talk of money being offered to anyone to join PKR.
Asked if any of the PKR leaders had been approached to join Barisan, he said a lot of people had been approached and they had been asked to record the offers.
Anwar said he was in Selangor after meeting leaders from Penang last week.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/18/nation/20679315&sec=nation

Anwar lepas bom asap…: Sebagai ahli politik Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim memang bijak mengatur kata-katanya.Strategi perang saraf biasanya kasi gabra pihak lawan.
Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) itu yang telah dinobatkan oleh Setiausaha Agung DAP Lim Guan Eng sebagai bakal Perdana Menteri tahu dalam keadaan sekarang beliau boleh cakap apa saja. Ini kerana kini bezanya untuk membolehkan pembangkang menawan Putrajaya cuma 30 kerusi – 82 kerusi yang PKR-DAP-PAS sedia ada campur 30 menjadikannya 112 dari 222 kerusi parlimen semuanya. Betulkah ada ahli parlimen Barisan Nasional yang nak melompat ke kem pembangkang? Itulah yang didakwa secara terbuka oleh Anwar Isnin.
Dakwa Anwar ada sebilangan ahli parlimen BN yang berminat nak melompat parti sudah datang berjumpa dengannya. Katanya mereka tidak akan ‘dibeli’ tetapi hanya akan disambut ‘ jika mereka menerima agenda kami’. Tidak kurang menarik beliau juga mengakui ada menjalankan usaha menarik sokongan kalangan dikalangan ahli parlimen BN di seberang Laut China Selatan. Di Sabah dari 25 kerusi pembangkang menang satu kerusi parlimen iaitu Kota Kinabalu menerusi calon DAP.
Manakala di Sarawak dari 31 kerusi pembangkang menang satu kerusi Bandar Kuching,juga menerusi calon DAP.
Perbuatan lompat melompat parti bukanlah satu perkara yang asing dikalangan orang politik di Malaysia Timor. Mungkin atas sebab itu Anwar mengkhususkan sasarannya di sana.
Satu sumber BN yang layak dipercayai memberitahu Agendadaily mereka sentiasa berwaspada sekalipun dakwaan Anwar itu mungkin sengaja untuk memancing reaksi dan mencetuskan keresahan dikalangan mereka. Sumber itu melihat dakwaan itu tidak lebih dari satu perang saraf. “Biasanya hal-hal seperti itu dirahsiakan.Kita pun hairan dengar Anwar boleh cerita begitu.Menang tak rugi apa-apa dia cakap dan sebaliknya untung kalau kami panik. “Siapa saja boleh buat dakwaan macam itu.Kami juga boleh lepas cakap ada dikalangan ahli parlimen pembangkang yang berminat nak masuk BN,”katanya.
Menurutnya di Sabah mereka sudah kenalpasti orang yang menjadi broker bergiat cuba menarik ahli-ahli parlimen BN. “Biasalah orang yang cari makan begitu.Apapun buat masa ini ini saya berani kata keadaan adalah terkawal,”katanya. Cakap-cakap tentang lompat melompat parti ini sudah kedengaran berlegar sejak pagi 9 Mac lagi bila tersebar keputusan dimana BN tewas di empat negeri di semenanjung. Pihak BN didakwa cuba menarik ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri parti pembangkang di Selangor dan Perak. Bukan lagi satu rahsia para ADUN PKR negeri Selangor telah ‘dikurung’ di sebuah hotel di Subang Jaya selama beberapa hari untuk mengelak seberang kemungkinan. Manakala kebimbangan BN pula bertumpu kepada ahli-ahli parlimen di Sabah dan Sarawak. Yang pasti setakat ini belum ada sebarang indikasi mana-mana wakil rakyat kedua pihak nak melompat.- 18/3/2008
http://agendadaily.com/cmspreview/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_be3f1540-cabec5bb-1d85ab90-2bb0cf2c

Malaysian PM defiant despite fading prospects

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has defiantly claimed a mandate to rule despite unprecedented election losses, but observers say he is on borrowed time as calls for his resignation persist.

"I will run the government. I'm in charge," Abdullah said in a television interview a week after his Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition was humbled by the loss of four states and a third of parliamentary seats.

"I do not believe that with a majority less than two-thirds we become incapable or incapacitated or we become lifeless and cannot do anything else," he said late Saturday.

After securing the support of his party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which leads the coalition, he has made plans to unveil a new cabinet and implement a series of mega-projects.

Abdullah admitted that Malaysians were disappointed with his administration, which was criticised as weak and unable to deliver on promises made ahead of 2004 polls which he won in a landslide.

"People are unhappy over what has transpired over the last four years since I took over," he said in another nationally broadcast interview Friday.

"I accept in good faith the decision of the people," he said, noting that seething racial tensions, inflation and rising crime rates had led to voters punishing him in the polls.

Just before Friday's address, the son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad wrote to Abdullah calling on him to quit, in the first open sign of revolt from within UMNO.

"I feel that Abdullah has to take responsibility for our losses and that the honourable thing to do is to withdraw," said Mukhriz Mahathir, who is a member of UMNO's powerful youth wing.

Mahathir has also pushed for Abdullah to step down, accusing him of "destroying" the ruling party and the coalition, and saying he regretted selecting him for the top job when he stood down in 2003.

Pressure on the premier is also coming from UMNO's rank-and-file who have signed up to a petition for him to quit posted on a pro-Mahathir website.

Anlaysts said Abdullah's days as prime minister are numbered and that if he refused to step down he would likely be challenged at UMNO's internal elections later this year.

"He's a lame duck prime minister," said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert from Johns Hopkins University who observed the elections.

"The reality is the business community is looking at him and thinking, how long will he stay there, and the longer he stays it's going to introduce more uncertainty."

Farish Noor from the Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore said Abdullah's government was punished for failing to deliver on its big reform promises in the last 2004 polls.

"Abdullah dug his own grave by promising more than he could chew on. He could have saved himself by delivering at least half of it," he told AFP.

"I strongly suspect that moves will be made at the upcoming UMNO general assembly to force Abdullah to step down."

The premier is expected to unveil a new cabinet within days, and observers are watching closely to see if his promises of a fresh new line-up will be realised.

Mohammad Agus Yusoff, a political analyst from the National University of Malaysia said the political upheaval should prompt Abdullah to make difficult reforms.

"He is on the right track if he is thinking of revamping the BN and its policies. The country will benefit from this scenario," he said.

Welsh said however that while investor confidence may be bolstered by fresh faces in the government, Abdullah may be exposing himself to further challenges.

"The minute he removes older faces he weakens himself further with more infighting and leadership challenges," she said.

source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1293287

PERLIS MB SAGA: Shahidan's last ditch attempt to save job fails

PERLIS MB SAGA: Shahidan's last ditch attempt to save job fails
By Deborah Loh in PUTRAJAYA and Ahmad Fairuz Othman in KANGAR
16 March, 2008

PUTRAJAYA/KANGAR, Sun:

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim made a failed last-ditch attempt today to secure the Perlis Mentri Besar post by meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the PM's office but he was too late: it is learnt that Abdullah had already met the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail where they reached a consensus that Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu, who is the Ruler's choice, would be maintained as Mentri Besar. Dr Isa is expected to be sworn in as the new Mentri Besar of Perlis tomorrow. Shahidan met Abdullah at 12.40pm and left at 2.40pm. The normally press-friendly Shahidan did not stop to talk to reporters after the meeting.

He looked down and raised his hand to shield his face from the cameras as he was driven out in his black BMW 7-series. His car sped off when reporters approached it, followed by several other vehicles bearing Perlis and Kedah license plates belonging to some of his supporters.

Earlier in the morning, Shahidan had gone to Abdullah’s official residence at Seri Perdana but the meeting was later held at the prime ministers office.

The Raja of Perlis finalised the appointment after he met Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. It is understood that the meeting was arranged after maghrib prayers at Istana Siraj, near Jalan Ampang.

Shahidan was fighting not just Isa but also nine other assemblymen who have lost confidence in Shahidan’s leadership, and were instrumental in persuading the Raja of Perlis to consent to Dr Isa as the new MB.

The 10 assemblymen, including Isa, were told by the Abdullah in a meeting yesterday that he will resolve the impasse with the Raja of Perlis. The impasse is because former Mentri Besar Shahidan was given a letter of mandate by Abdullah to continue in the post and he is protesting Isa's appointment, with the prime minister standing by his choice.

The others in the Isa group are Yip Sun Onn (Titi Tinggi), Sabry Ahmad (Santan), Dr Por Choo Chor (Indera Kayangan), Abdul Jamil Saad (Sena), Ahmad Bakri Ali (Kayang), Mat Hassan (Kuala Perlis) and Datuk Seri Syed Radzlan Putra Jamalullail (Pauh). The group also had the support of Pas assemblyman for Simpang Empat, Rus'sele Eizan.

Those backing Shahidan, who won the Tambun Tulang seat in the March 8 general election, are Abdullah Hassan (Sanglang), Khairi Hassan (Mata Ayer), Mansor Jusoh (Chuping) and Jafperi Othman (Guar Sanji).

The Raja of Perlis had invoked Article 39 (2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Perlis, which states that the ruler shall appoint a person he thinks has the confidence of the majority of the state assembly to become the Mentri besar. Opinion in Perlis seems to be veering in favour of Isa.

Meanwhile, State BN leaders have anticipated a break in the deadlock and are ready to move on and start working, Padang Besar Umno division vice-chief Azizan Sulaiman said.

He hoped the impasse over the Mentri Besar’s post would end with the appointment of Md Isa. “I will wait until the swearing-in ceremony before commenting on anything. But whoever is appointed, the division would give its undivided support to him.”

Azizan admitted the decision by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, had caught Umno grassroots members by surprise but the uncertainty would eventually fizzle out.

Most Umno members were initially in disbelief as they were sure Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, in his capacity as state BN chief, would be made Mentri Besar. “It has been confusing for all of us,” Azizan said. The Umno grassroots in Perlis had been left in the dark over the past few days. It is disappointing that we could not contact our assemblymen in Kuala Lumpur. We couldn’t get them on the phone in the past few days.”

Azizan is optimistic the party would close ranks and stand united behind Md Isa.

© Copyright 2008 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. All rights reserved.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/20080316175836/Article/index_html

DAP: Anwar is alternative PM

DAP: Anwar is alternative PM

Lim accuses Utusan again of playing up sensitive issues

PENANG (March 16, 2008): DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Engs says Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is needed in Parliament to become the alternative Prime Minister for Malaysia.

Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister , said DAP believes the most suitable person to be the alternative Prime Minister is Anwar.
"This is because all the Opposition parties fully supported him as the alternative Prime Minister and to do that he has to first win a seat in parliament," he said.
"We all hope that once his disqualification period ends on April 15, he will be able to take his rightful place in parliament by winning a parliamentary seat at the soonest possible time," he added.
DAP will also continue to foster a warm and close relationship with PKR in "our efforts to transform Malaysia into a healthy functioning democracy", he said.
On who will become the Opposition leader in parliament, Lim said it was yet to be decided amongst the three Opposition parties.
"For now the focus is mainly on the forming of the state governments in Selangor and Perak, so let us sort it all out first before we discuss about choosing a leader for parliament," he said.
An Opposition leader could only be chosen after a discussion and agreement amongst all of the Opposition members of parliament, he explained."This is because the Opposition now consist of three parties, not only one or two," he said.
On the level of cooperation between DAP and the other Opposition parties, PKR and PAS, Lim said this was also not fully decided yet.
"Again, we need to give priority to the formation of the Perak and Selangor state governments before we discuss to reach a consensus on it," he said.
Lim was speaking in at a press conference after delivering his opening address at the national leadership conference and DAP's 42nd anniversary celebrations in Red Rock Hotel here this morning.
Earlier, DAP life-time adviser Dr Cheng Man Hin told delegates to change their mindset and start working together with PKR and PAS.
He said it was important for DAP to work with PKR and PAS as it was proven that the strategy of having one-to-one fights in the just concluded elections was a good one.
"So we should maintain a friendly and cooperative relationship with the other two Opposition parties," he said in his speech. -- thesun

DAP wants Anwar as alternative PM: The DAP wants Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be the alternative prime minister and help transform Malaysia into becoming a healthy functioning democratic country. Its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the party chose Anwar because it believed that he was the most suitable person to complete the transformation.Asked why Anwar, Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister, told reporters that the former deputy prime minister was the common choice."He is widely accepted by everyone in the Opposition,” he said. "We hope he is allowed to take his rightful place in Parliament the soonest possible," said Lim.Speaking at the one-day DAP national leadership convention, Lim urged party leaders and members not to rest on their laurels but must starting working as from now."Please remember that the national mission to transform Malaysia into a healthy functioning democracy is not yet won,” he said. "Only when there is political equality, equal economic opportunity, social justice, freedom from fear and corruption can this mission succeed. To do that, all members and leaders have to redouble their efforts to be a "friend" of the people to complete the national transformation of Malaysia.”Lim said the DAP would continue to work with its allies in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and non-governmental organisations to complete the transformation. -- MORE, nstonline

C O N T I N U I T Y

C O N T I N U I T Y
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has given his assurance that business-friendly policies will continue. He also said his priority is to form the cabinet.
Abdullah said the federal government will:
Ø continue with policies that have been announced
Ø implement projects planned and announced earlier, including those in opposition-held states
Ø proceed with the Second Penang Bridge project
Ø work with governments in states held by the opposition for the good of the people
Ø speed up implementation of promised projects
Ø create more opportunities for people to earn additional income
Ø think up incentives to further boost investor confidence

“There’s no reason why I should stop implementing projects just because we now have some states that do not belong to the BN.” – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Barisan govt to maintain business-friendly ways PUTRAJAYA: The Barisan Nasional government will continue its business-friendly policies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. He said it was even prepared to offer further incentives to attract more foreign direct investments.
Abdullah said the BN government, despite having won only a simple majority in last week's general election, "will look after their (people's) interests".Abdullah said the priority now was to form a new cabinet to reassure the investment community of Malaysia's political situation and ensure they have confidence in the country. Full Story

It's business as usual Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi spoke to Bernama TV’s Datuk Zuraidah Atan at Seri Perdana on Friday. He talked about the stock market, investor confidence, economic policies and the future. Below are the excerpts Full Story

SELANGOR: State auditors to brief Khalid

State auditors to brief Khalid

SHAH ALAM: Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who started his first day in office as Menteri Besar of Selangor yesterday, will be calling for a briefing by the state's auditors on the changes and movements of assets in the state.

The move is aimed at putting to rest speculation on documents being destroyed prior to his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.
Khalid likened the move to a company takeover, where the new chief executive officer of the company will be briefed on the status of the company.
"The auditors and state secretary will brief me on the status of the state. They will also have to disclose any asset change since January.
"We want to be professional about it. This can improve governance of the state," he said.
The former chief executive officer of Guthrie said he would also put in place procedures as a response to any discrepancies.
Khalid arrived at the State Secretariat Building at 7.35am, and immediately held discussions with state secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud and several heads of department at his office.
He said he does not expect any problems running the state government as he had handled a staff force of 40,000 while at Guthrie.
He acknowledged human resource as the state government's best asset.
"Together, we will work to bring greater development to the state."
Meanwhile, it is believed that Khalid is also planning to meet the heads of state-linked companies in two weeks to review their performance.
A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he expected Khalid to meet the heads of the respective companies only after the state executive council is formed.
"From what we gather, those who can perform will be allowed to continue, while changes will be initiated at the under-performing units," said the official.
Still, the official expects some political appointments at Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd, the investment arm of the Selangor government.
http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/Frontpage/2187350/Article/index_html

Anwar: I’ll make sure plight of Malays not ignored

Anwar: I’ll make sure plight of Malays not ignored
Anwar: DAP-PKR coalition will not marginalise the Malays

PENANG: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, being a Penangite, he will not allow the DAP-led state government to ignore the plight of Penang Malays.
Dismissing allegations that he was a traitor to the Malay race, Anwar said he would ensure that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng stuck to his pledges and did not marginalise the Malays.
“Some irresponsible people are trying to fan the fire alleging that I have betrayed the Penang Malays whose plight was not looked into under the previous administration.
“We will not overlook the problems of Malay petty traders,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Lim at the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar yesterday.
“Those who made allegations against me actually want the Malays to feel uneasy so that they can fulfil their agenda,” he said.
“These people are merely sore losers, he said, and urged them “not to stir up the hornets’ nest.”
Anwar said the DAP-PKR coalition state government would also ensure that the welfare of Chinese and Indians were well taken care of and that the state government would take a new approach to help them.
“Give Guan Eng a chance to prove himself. He is only four days into the Chief Minister’s post and people are already attacking him.”
Anwar said both the DAP and PKR would outline programmes to bring Penang’s economy to greater heights and eradicate poverty among the people.
On the delay in the appointment of Perak Mentri Besar, Anwar said the PKR, DAP and PAS had achieved an amicable agreement.
“We are now waiting for the swearing-in of the new Mentri Besar.
“I thank my colleagues for showing patience to resolve the matter. However, similar problems were also seen in Terengganu and Perlis.”

source: http://www.thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/15/election2008/20656500&sec=election2008

Street protest in Penang 1:35 mins Some 1,000 Umno members and supporters protested around Komtar, in Penang on Friday against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s remarks on the New Economic Policy.
http://videos.thestar.com.my/default.aspx?vid=1099

Malaysian PM soldiers on despite calls to resign

Malaysia's Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said he will continue as prime minister despite calls to quit, but promised change in his administration after its humiliating election performance.

Abdullah has been under pressure to resign since his Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition took a beating in March 8 polls, conceding four states and a third of parliamentary seats in unprecedented losses.

"People are unhappy over what has transpired over the last four years since I took over," said Abdullah in an interview broadcast on national television late Friday.

"I accept in good faith the decision of the people," he said, but added that the coalition had nevertheless attained a "strong majority".

"It is still the trust, the mandate given to me. I will not shy away from my responsibilities," he said.

Abdullah's address came hours after the son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad revived calls for his resignation, in the first open sign of revolt from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which heads the coalition.

"I feel that Abdullah has to take responsibility for our losses and that the honourable thing to do is to withdraw," said Mukhriz Mahathir, who is a member of UMNO's powerful youth wing, who wrote to the premier calling for him to quit.

Mahathir has also pushed for Abdullah to step down, accusing him of "destroying" the ruling coalition and UMNO, and saying he regretted selecting him for the top job when he stood down in 2003.

A calm Abdullah noted that seething racial tensions, inflation and rising crime rates led to Malaysians punishing him in the polls.

"These are issues which I have not forgotten.

This will be given top priority in my administration," he said.

The three-party opposition alliance seized four states along the west coast -- Kedah, the island state of Penang, Perak and Selangor.

The Islamic party PAS already heads northern Kelantan state.

The unexpected gains have seen PAS, the ethnic-Chinese based Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the multi-racial Keadilan experience teething problems as they try to form workable coalitions to rule.

An UMNO-led protest was held Friday against the new DAP state government in Penang, which has announced the dismantling of race-based policies favouring Muslim Malays who dominate Malaysia's population.

The new DAP chief minister Lim Guan Eng then moved to reassure Malays their rights would be protected in Penang, the only Chinese-dominated state in the country.

Abdullah said the opposition would have to tread carefully and warned of "dire consequences" if it targeted Malay rights.

"They must be responsible when making comments. Don't make comments just to be popular with a certain race," he said.

Abdullah was also faced with a brewing crisis in the tiny northern state of Perlis, where the Sultan overlooked his choice as chief minister, Shahidan Kassim, in favour of another UMNO state lawmaker.

"Whoever is sworn in, apart from me, he can be regarded as going against the PM's orders and is an opposition (member)," Shahidan said according to the New Straits Times newspaper Saturday.

"We will see what to do next as it is the people who have chosen the BN to lead the state, not an individual," he said.

A palace statement said the Sultan wanted to appoint someone he believed enjoyed the confidence of the majority of state assemblymen as chief minister.

source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1292275

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH 15

March 15 is the day of treachery; the day when Julius Caesar was assassinated by his trusted friends in the Roman senate.

Palace interference throws Perlis into turmoil. Ruler appoints his own man, Dr Mohd Isa Sabu, as menteri besar…

Shahidan, Isa tussle over MB post: KUALA LUMPUR: An impasse is developing over the appointment of the Perlis menteri besar for the new term. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed yesterday he had given the go-ahead to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to continue in the job and to form the state executive council. Hours earlier, an official statement had been issued on behalf of the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail that Bintong state assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu would be the new menteri besar. Full Story

Mukhriz under fire over 'quit' call to PM: PUTRAJAYA: Senior Umno leaders stood behind the prime minister yesterday, slamming Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's call for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign as a move that could weaken the party in its moment of distress. Full Story

Abdullah: Umno Youth can decide on action against MP: PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would leave it to Umno Youth to take action against Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who is an executive committee member of the party, for asking him to step down. Full Story

Palaces intervene in appointment of two MBs: - thestar online KUALA LUMPUR: A constitutional crisis is looming in Perlis as the Raja of Perlis has rejected the Barisan Nasional's choice for the state's Mentri Besar but has instead appointed another assemblyman who is also a member of the ruling coalition… There also seems be a problem over who should be the Mentri Besar in Terengganu. Barisan’s 23 assemblymen have been called to meet the Regency Advisory Council today to discuss matters pertaining to the appointment of the Terengganu Mentri Besar.

• Dr Md Isa has accepted the appointment from the Raja of Perlis.
• Abdullah is standing by his decision to have Shahidan as MB.
• Constitution seems to side with the Rulers on the naming of Mentris Besar.
• Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to meet Perlis Barisan assemblymen.

Sultan Terengganu next to snub PM?: - malaysiakini.com Signs are emerging that the Terengganu royal household is also set to follow in the heels of the Raja of Perlis in appointing a menteri besar who is not the Barisan Nasional's (BN) choice, paving the way for a possible direct confrontation between the royalty and the federal government.

• Palace unhappy with Batu Buruk riot
• Abdullah facing a revolt by royalties

PERAK FIASCO: CATFIGHT AS DAP TAKES LION’S SHARE

PERAK FIASCO: CATFIGHT AS DAP TAKES LION’S SHARE

Kit Siang apologies but swearing-in of Perak MB postponed as PKR objects to…

DAP’S POWER-SHARING FORMULA: Menteri besar: Pas. Exco: 8 positions to DAP and one each to PKR and Pas…

THE opposition alliance bickering yesterday over control of Perak , forcing the swearing-in of the menteri besar to be posptponed.

In the first open sign of discord, DAP, PKR and Pas disagreed over the choice of menteri besar and then over the allocation of seats in the state executive council.

The palace, which was due to hold the ceremony, said the swearing-in had been delayed but did not indicate when it would be rescheduled.
“It appears that the three parties have yet to reach strong consensus on forming a stable government,” a statement from the palace read.
The turn of events raises questions over the alliance’s ability to stick together for long despite its spectacular victory in Saturday’s elections.
The DAP had, on Wednesday, threatened to boycott the swearing-in ceremony but reversed its position yesterday morning, with party adviser Lim Kit Siang apologizing and saying all problems had been resolved amicably.
But then it was PKR’s turn to object to DAP’s power-sharing equation…

PERAK FIASCO: Regent wants written assurance from parties IPOH: The swearing-in of Perak Pas liaison secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the 10th menteri besar has been put off due to doubts over whether the DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Pas can form a stable state government. Full Story

PERAK FIASCO: Kit Siang apologises to regent IPOH: DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has apologised to the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, over his statement on Wednesday protesting the choice of Pasir Panjang state assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the new menteri besar. Full Story

PERAK FIASCO: PKR wants review of exco composition KUALA LUMPUR: Just as the dust appeared to be settling in Perak, the state coalition was again thrown into disarray as Parti Keadilan Rakyat threatened not to take part in the new government following a dispute over seats in the executive council. Full Story

PERAK FIASCO: Lim blasts DAP for making use of palace Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik has condemned the Perak DAP for making use of the Perak royal family to chase after their ambitions to be members of the yet-to-be-formed state government. Full Story

latest: Muafakat Perak Dicapai: 6-3-1, KeADILan: 1 Timbalan MB, 1 Senator
KeADILan
Kuala Lumpur, 14 Mac - Timbalan Presiden KeADILan Dr. Syed Husin hari ini mengesahkan bahawa muafakat telah dicapai berkenaan pembentukkan kerajaan negeri Perak.
Hasil muafakat tersebut adalah Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin dari PAS akan menjadi Menteri Besar, Ngeh Koo Ham dari DAP akan menjadi Timbalan Menteri Besar Pertama dan jawatan Timbalan Menteri Besar Kedua akan diperuntukkan kepada KeADILan.
Untuk kerusi Exco pula, 6 kerusi akan diperuntukkan untuk DAP, 3 untuk KeADILan dan 1 untuk Pas. Selain itu, satu daripada dua senator yang akan dilantik oleh Perak ke Dewan Negara akan dipilih oleh KeADILan.
admin @ March 14, 2008
http://www.suarakeadilan.com/isi/2008/03/14/muafakat-perak-dicapai-6-3-1-keadilan-1-timbalan-mb-1-senator/

latest: Malaysian opposition signs written undertaking to end squabbling over state leadership: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia's three-party opposition alliance signed an accord Friday to stop squabbling over the leadership of a state government, averting a split in their newfound friendship.
The three parties signed and submitted a letter to the titular ruler of Perak state just after midnight Thursday, confirming that a lawmaker from the Islamic party in the coalition will become the chief minister.
The disagreement over the leadership _ played out in public since Wednesday _ prompted predictions that the opposition alliance may not be able to stick together for long despite its spectacular victories in Saturday's general elections, which posed the first credible challenge to the ruling National Front coalition since the country's independence in 1957.
Besides winning Perak, the alliance also won four other states _ unprecedented success in a country where the National Front has never conceded more than two of Malaysia's 13 states. The alliance also boosted its strength in the 222-member Parliament from 19 to 82, reducing the Front's two-thirds majority to a mere 140.
The letter to end the Perak crisis was signed by all 31 lawmakers of the three parties who won seats in the 59-member state assembly, said Dzulkifly Ibrahim of the People's Justice Party.
"Everything is settled ... we are ready now," he told The Associated Press.
Officials of the other two parties also confirmed a letter had been signed and delivered. It is not clear when the new chief minister will be sworn in.The multiethnic People's Justice Party, or PKR, contributed seven seats to the alliance's 31 in Perak. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic party, an Islamic fundamentalist party made up of ethnic Malays, won six while the lion's share of 18 went to the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party. Full Story

political animal: ethical dilemma

Malaysia's opposition tussles over northern state - Malaysia's fragile opposition alliance quarrelled Thursday over control of one of the states seized in weekend elections, forcing the swearing-in of the chief minister to be postponed. In their first open sign of discord, the three opposition parties disagreed over the selection of chief minister, due to be installed Thursday, and the make-up of Perak's state cabinet. The Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) claimed most seats in the northern state but a candidate from the Islamic party PAS was chosen as chief minister in a power-sharing deal opposed by the third party Keadilan. Perak's royal palace, which was due to conduct the ceremony, said it had been delayed and did not indicate when it could be rescheduled. "There are some uncertainties as to whether the three parties... are able to work together to form a coalition, and form a stable government," the royal palace said, according to the official Bernama news agency. The loose opposition alliance made huge strides in weekend elections, claiming one-third of parliamentary seats and four more states from the Barisan Nasional coalition. However, the disparate group of parties is struggling to put aside their ideological differences to form various coalitions in the newly claimed states. -- MORE

COALITION IN CRISIS

DAP objects to choice of PAS candidate for Perak MB: DAP has instructed all its 18 state assemblymen to boycott the swearing-in ceremony of Perak PAS liaison secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as menteri besar.
In a statement yesterday, party adviser Lim Kit Siang said DAP is protesting Nizar’s appointment as he represents the third and smallest in the DAP-PKR-Pas coalition. He claimed that the party central executive commite had given the approval for the formation of a coalition government headed by DAP or PKR, and not Pas.
Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham had been the party’s choice for MB…

DAP throws spanner in Perak govt plan: IPOH: The coalition government in Perak stood on the brink of collapse yesterday after the DAP protested against the appointment of a Pas candidate as menteri besar. All 18 DAP state assemblymen were instructed by their party leaders to stay away from the swearing-in ceremony of state Pas liaison secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar at 4pm today. It was announced earlier yesterday that Mohammad Nizar would be appointed menteri besar with two deputies, one of whom was the state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham. The second deputy was to be an Indian state assemblyman of Parti Keadilan Rakyat whose name will be announced today. PKR has seven state seats with Hutan Melintang assemblyman S. Kesavan being the only Indian. Two posts of deputy menteri besar were created for the first time, paving the way for a balanced representation of the three major races. But in an about-turn, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in a statement late yesterday, said that the appointment of Nizar as menteri besar had cau-sed "shock and consternation" among DAP leaders, members and supporters. The party, it was stated, was prepared to accept Ngeh, who is the assemblyman for Sitiawan, or PKR Behrang assemblyman Jamalud-din Mohd Radzi as Perak menteri besar. DAP is protesting the appointment of Nizar as menteri besar as he represents only the third and smallest political party in the coalition. Pas won six state seats. Furthermore, the DAP central executive committee (CEC) which met in Penang on Sunday, had not given the party's approval for Pas to assume the menteri besar's post. The statement added that the DAP CEC had given the approval for the formation of a Perak coalition government headed by DAP or PKR, but not Pas.

Letter shows all parties agreed to sultan’s choice: KUALA LUMPUR: The Istana Kinta in Perak last night made available copies of a letter which stated that the Perak DAP had earlier agreed to a menteri besar of the Sultan of Perak's choice. The letter, dated March 11, was signed by Ngeh Koo Ham as Perak DAP chairman, Perak Pas Commissioner Ahmad Awang and Perak PKR chairman Zulkifly Ibrahim. They had unanimously agreed to abide by Sultan Azlan Shah's choice as to who would be appointed as Perak menteri besar. -- Bernama

Raja Nazrin orders 31 coalition signatures agreeing to cooperate, Nizar as MB: In a meeting with Nizar and the other two MB nominees, Ngeh Koo Ham of the DAP and PKR’s Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi at Istana Kinta in Ipoh, Raja Nazrin instructed them to collect the signatures of all 31 assemblymen under the coalition to state that:

• agree to work together and cooperate under the coalition government;
• and also agree to Nizar as the collective choice as Mentri Besar.

The meeting at Istana Kinta unfolded at 2.30pm while VIPs were arriving as the swearing-in at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. By 4.45pm, after Raja Nazrin issued his instruction, all guests left Istana Iskandariah after receiving word that the swearing-in was indefinitely postponed.

Although Nizar’s appointment provoked a disapproving outburst from DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang yesterday, the palace insisted that Nizar was the apt choice, given that the coalition had given their three names for the Sultan of Perak to make the selection. Lim had earlier instructed all the 18 DAP state assemblymen in Perak to stay away from the ceremony as he did not agree to the selection of the PAS representative as the Menteri Besar. Lim later apologised and retracted his statement.

Haggling on who should be in the Exco compelled more negotiations into late afternoon. In a statement revealing Raja Nazrin’s instruction, Ngeh denied that the postponement was due to the PKR's threat to pull out of the coalition because they didn't get their Exco seat allocation.

Later, the postponement was announced by Comptroller of the Royal Household at the Istana Iskandariah, Datuk Seri Raja Mansor Raja Razman.

Meanwhile, Istana Kinta said in a statement to Bernama that the postponement was in view of the latest development that showed that the DAP, PKR and PAS had not reached a strong consensus in forming the coalition government. The statement, signed by the Private Secretary to the Sultan of Perak, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamad Nor, said Raja Dr Nazrin Shah had ordered that the swearing-in ceremony be postponed.

“In the light of recent developments, it appears to his Royal Highness The Regent of Perak Darul Ridzwan, that there are some uncertainties as to whether the three parties, DAP, PKR, PAS are able to work together to form a coalition, and form a stable government. As a consequence, His Royal Highness The Regent of Perak Darul Ridzwan has directed that the appointment and swearing in ceremony of the Menteri Besar scheduled for this afternoon be postponed.” However, the statement did not indicate when the ceremony would be held.