Soi Lek wins close race for No 1 post, Tiong Lai is the new deputy - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek staged a stunning victory when he was elected the ninth president of MCA.

He defeated incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting at yesterday’s fresh party polls after a protracted crisis that had dogged the party since its AGM on Oct 18, 2008.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who was aligned to Ka Ting, defeated Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha in a close fight for the deputy presidency.

Many observers see the election results — which had candidates from all three factions winning various posts — as reflective of the desire of members to close ranks and rebuild the party.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/29/mcaelection2010/5954363&sec=mcaelection2010]

EC: Penang and Selangor cannot hold local govt elections - The Star

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission cannot hold elections for local governments - including in Penang and Selangor - as the legal provision which allows it to do so was repealed when the Local Government Act 1976 came into effect.

Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusoff said the Local Government Elections Act 1960 which allowed for the commission to supervise the elections of local councillors had been repealed in 1976.

He said it was stated under the Local Government Act that all provisions in any law related to local government elections were ceased, adding that councillors were instead picked through appointment by the respective state governments instead.

“I would like to stress that we are not rejecting requests by Penang and Selangor governments to hold elections for local government. However, we are not able to hold the elections as there is no enabling law or legal provision for us to do so.

“However, if the two states are still keen to pursue the matter, they will have to raise the issue with the National Council for Local Government, which has the authority to look into this and not the Election Commission,” he told reporters at a press conference Wednesday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/24/nation/20100324115854&sec=nation]

MCA polls: Ong Ka Ting says he will contest presidency - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting announced Tuesday that he would contest the president's post in the upcoming party polls on March 28.

In a press statement, he said that he was responding to calls from concerned members.

“I believe that their calls are motivated primarily by their genuine concern and love for the party in order to see a quick end to the damaging factional in-fighting which is going on.

“To all these members who care and love the party, I say I hear you, loud and clear.

“I would, therefore, like to announce my candidacy for the MCA presidency in the coming party elections.

“In arriving at my decision, I am only too mindful of the fact that no one is indispensable. Neither does the party belong to any individual as the party belongs to the party members.

“Of course, I could have taken the easy way out by continuing to stay out of party matters after my retirement. Especially, should I fail to win the presidency, it would only cause me embarrassment.

“However, the current state of affairs in the party and being the immediate past president, it will indeed be selfish on my part if I do not rise to respond to this call to duty and undertake this challenge to bring stability, and restore credibility and rule of law in the party.

“All in all, I am doing this out of my love and concern for the party and community,” he said in his statement.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/16/nation/20100316144540&sec=nation]

Ka Ting comeback - NST

Eileen Ng

KUALA LUMPUR: The surprise, last-ditch attempt to rally support for the return of Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting as president of the MCA ahead of Saturday’s nominations has received the endorsement of party elder, Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek.

This hint of a momentum for Ka Ting came as incumbent president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat announced his candidacy as widely expected, declaring he has no running mates and would work with others to be elected with him.

Ka Ting, on his part, indicated he was mulling over the possibility of a comeback, telling the ntv7 Mandarin news at 5.30pm:
“If I can really help, also for the sake of MCA’s future, I will step in...I cannot decide yet. I need to see the situation first.”

A major concern within the party is the shape of the eventual victorious line-up. Electing top leaders who cannot work with each other will prolong the already protracted crisis. A key campaign theme will therefore be which line-up best offers a chance of reunification.

The emerging grouping with Ka Ting back as leader, is reportedly supported by groups led by vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai; Ka Ting’s brother, the former secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan; and former deputy president during Ka Ting’s reign, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

This new grouping and the declared candidacy of Tee Keat raise the question over the position of Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and his supporters, among them two vice-presidents — Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha. Kong, for instance, secured the most votes as a central committee member, a feat he repeated when he stood for vice-president.

Collectively, Dr Chua and his backers retain sizeable support in the party. Dr Chua has been tight-lipped. Asked specifically on Tee Keat’s candidacy, he said: “He can announce what he wants. I don’t want to talk about the elections.”

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20100314073210/Article/index_html]

MCA AGM: Assembly gives full support for 1Malaysia - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA general assembly has unanimously voted to fully support the 1Malaysia concept of “People First, Performance Now” to help realise a system of meritocracy based on the needs of all Malaysians.

The party supported the resolution during its annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here Sunday.

The motion was among other resolutions – covering politics, governmental affairs, education, social/economic affairs and cultural/religious affairs – which were passed at the meeting.

MCA delegates also agreed to give full backing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the Barisan Nasional-led government by adopting various national reforms allowing fair treatment of all races.

Under governmental affairs, the assembly fully supported the Government Transformation Programme, and urged the Government to increase the intake of non-bumiputras in the civil service.

On education, the party urged the Government to adopt a more liberal and multiracial education policy so that more vernacular schools could be established.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/7/nation/20100307230655&sec=nation]

Zul is sacked - Malaysiakini.tv

The PKR supreme council today has decided to boot out Zulkifli Noordin, the Kulim Bandar Baru MP who has been a thorn in the flesh of the fledging party.

The decision was made after a four-hour meeting which started at 2.30pm at the party headquarters in Tropicana, Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting today was chaired by party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Her husband, Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR de facto leader was also present along with deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali.

At a press conference following the supreme council meeting, party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said that the decision to sack Zulkifli was unanimous.

Najib sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was sworn in as Malaysia’s sixth prime minister Friday, taking over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who stepped down after leading the country for over five years.

Najib 55, took his oath of office before Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara.

Dressed in a black baju Melayu complete with sampin, Najib arrived at the palace, accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. Together they entered the Balairong Seri at 10am, followed by Abdullah and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

A total of 319 guests, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, attended the historic event.

The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began when Tuanku Mizan and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Zahirah entered the throne room at 10.05am and the national anthem was played by the Malaysian Armed Forces band.

After taking his oaths of office, loyalty and confidentiality, Najib signed the four instruments of appointment, followed by the reading of the doa selamat.

[More at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/3/nation/20090403091428&sec=nation]

Perak State Assembly Meets Under A Tree - Bernama

IPOH, March 3 (Bernama) -- Perak state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar and 27 opposition assemblymen convened an "emergency session" under a tree, about 100m from the state assembly building here, today.

The session was held under a tree at 10.20am after the group was barred by police from entering the Perak Darul Ridzuan building, which houses the state assembly, because it did not have the consent of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

It was adjourned 25 minutes later after approving three motions.

Earlier, a scuffle occurred when the opposition members tried to enter the building grounds to attend the emergency session in the building.

Police only allowed Sivakumar into the building at about 9.45am and members of the public, including the media, were told to disperse.

Ipoh OCPD ACP Azisman Alias issued a warning to arrest anyone, including elected representatives, who refused to disperse.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=393586&cat=nt]

Protesters mar swearing-in of new MB - NST

By : Jaspal Singh

KUALA KANGSAR: The scenic peace of Bukit Chandan, with the glorious and majestic Ubudiah Mosque as its famous backdrop, was shattered when tear gas was fired at demonstrators who had gathered to protest the swearing-in of the new menteri besar from Barisan Nasional.

Tearing and choking, the 3,000-strong crowd held its ground for about 40 minutes despite the volleys of tear gas fired by riot police.

At least six Federal Reserve Unit buses and trucks with around 100 fully-geared personnel were sent to Bukit Chandan after police received information that thousands of people would be protesting Sultan Azlan Shah's decision to allow BN to form the state government in Perak.

Protesters, both locals and outsiders, had earlier gathered at the Ubudiah Mosque to perform their Friday prayers.

The mosque was chosen as the gathering point due to its proximity to Istana Iskandariah, the venue for the swearing-in of Pangkor state assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new menteri besar.

According to witnesses who spoke to the New Straits Times, the protesters began chanting religious slogans as they walked towards the palace a little after 2pm, carrying placards and banners. As they marched towards the palace, FRU personnel shot the first round of tear gas and succeeded in pushing them back to the mosque grounds.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Frontpage/2473319/Article/index_html]

Perak MB sworn in as protest raged - The Sun

KUALA KANGSAR (Feb 6, 2009): Barisan Nasional (BN) officially took over the Perak state administration today with Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir sworn in as the new Menteri Besar on an afternoon that saw Pakatan Rakyat supporters staging a protest rally marked by tear gas and stones throwing.

The swearing-in ceremony took place before the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, at Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan here, amid the former Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government's refusal to accept that the manner in which they were kick out of office.

All 28 PR assemblymen boycotted the ceremony, with their supporters staging a demonstration outside the Ubudiah Mosque, just 300 metres from the palace. Some among the crowd were seen hurling sticks and bottles at policemen and vehicles passing through the Jalan Istana, Bernama reported.

Zambry's appointment effectively ended Perak's political impasse, with the PR government losing its majority in the state legislative assembly when four of its assemblymen quit the coalition three days ago, to become "BN-friendly independents".

Yesterday, the Sultan of Perak decided not to grant consent to the PR government's request to dissolve the state legislative assembly, and instead ordered Menteri Besar Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and his executive council to step down immediately.

The sultan ruled that if Mohammad Nizar and his executive council refused to do so, the posts of Menteri Besar and executive councillors would be regarded as vacant. Nizar has since defied the order and insisted he is still the legal mentri besar until the assembly decides otherwise.

[More at http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=29896]

The Sun Front Page (5/2)

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Magazines Periodicals & Report Malaysia

300,000 COPIES DAILY 30 SEN for delivery to your doorstep Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations (Malaysia) Award winning newspaper for public service reporting and opinion writing. No. 4691 PP 2644/12/2009 (023092) Thursday February 5, 2009 TELLING IT AS IT IS www.sun2surf.com BERNAMAPIX Dogged by objections » Ong and Chua pals again pg4 » Breast cancer: Rising fear factor pg12-13 INTERVIEWS VIEWS pg20 POLITICAL TURMOIL IN PERAK Jan 25: Umno’s Bota assemblyman Nasarudin Hashim joins PKR. Jan 28: PKR assemblymen and state executive councillors Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) go missing. Feb 1: DAP’s Jelapang assemblyman and State Assembly Deputy Speaker Hee Yit Foong “disappears”. Support for BN ... Perak govt falls by Maria J. Dass newdesk@thesundaily.com Najib with (from left) Nasarudin, Mohd Osman, Hee and Jamaluddin at his office in Putrajaya yesterday after announcing that the BN had the mandate to form the next Perak state government. Monday: State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar informs Perak Election Commission that Changkat Jering and Behrang are vacant and submits Osman and Jamaluddin’s resignation letters. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has a 30-minute audience with Sultan Azlan Shah. Tuesday: Election Commission rules that Osman and Jamaluddin remain as elected representatives because of doubts over their resignation letters. UTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak yesterday announced that Barisan Nasional now has the mandate to take over the Perak government from Pakatan Rakyat (PR), with the return of Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim to Umno and the support of three former PR assemblymen who quit their parties to become independents. Speaking at a short press conference at his office, he said: “BN Perak has the majority assemblymen in the state when three assemblymen, Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), Kapt Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) and Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang) informed me that they have each sent letters to Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah to inform him they have left their respective parties.” Jamaluddin and Osman won their seats on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) tickets while Hee won Jelapang as a DAP candidate and made history as the first woman deputy state legislative speaker. “Today (Tuesday) Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim P » NAJIB: BN HAS MANDATE TO FORM GOVT » BOTA REP RETURNS TO UMNO » TWO EXCO MEN QUIT PKR TO BE INDEPENDENTS » DEPUTY SPEAKER HEE QUITS DAP TO BE INDEPENDENT » ALL TO BACK BN also met me to say that he wants to rejoin Umno,” Najib said. All four assemblymen were with Najib at the press conference. Nasarudin had defected to PKR on Jan 25, causing a furore in Perak Umno that ended with Najib taking over as state Umno liaison and BN chief from former mentri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli. This means the BN and PR both have 28 seats. Asked how this would work out as both have an equal number of seats in the 59seat assembly, he said: “The three independents have pledged their support for the BN; so we have 31 seats against 28.” Najib denied that the three assemblymen were bought over. “The trio (Jamaluddin, Hee and Osman) have also given me the mandate to nominate the new mentri besar,” he said. All four assemblymen (including Nasarudin) have informed the state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar that they are no longer members of the respective parties. Asked why BN was willing to be associated with Jamaluddin and Osman who have been tainted by corruption charges, Najib replied: “We have no problem, that is a separate issue.” He said Perak law stated that a mentri besar who had lost the confidence of the majority had to relinquish his position together with his executive council members. “We will be meeting the Sultan to inform him that BN now has the majority.” Asked what would happen if the Sultan dissolved the assembly to allow fresh elections as requested by the PR government yesterday, Najib said: “That is entirely the prerogative of the Sultan.” Speaking of the PR, he said: “They probably did not expect this, but they wanted to form the government without following the due democratic process – so don’t blame the BN. “Everything is the will of God, we are thankful for this. We did not start this, but somebody wanted to form the government on Sept 16,” he said, alluding to Anwar’s much-hyped boast to take over the federal government. On a statement by mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin that Nasarudin’s wife had claimed that her husband had been “kidnapped”, both Najib and Nasarudin denied the claim. Nasarudin said: “With consciousness and a sense of responsibility, I have rejoined Umno and BN as of today. This is after listening to views and advice from political friends and individuals who want to see stability and a strong government in Perak. The present tumultuous political climate in the state has resulted in a weak government. I have also taken into account and respect the voters of Bota and democratic principles.” Yesterday Morning: Hee quits DAP to become an Independent assemblyman. Afternoon: PKR’s new representative Nasarudin now goes missing. 4pm: Nizar heads to Istana Kinta to have an audience with Sultan Azlan Shah. 4.30pm: Jamaluddin, Osman and Hee are seen in Deputy Prime Minister and Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s office in Putrajaya. 5.10pm: Najib announces that the BN has the support of the four former PR assemblymen – three “BN-friendly” Independents and Nasarudin rejoining Umno. Najib says he will seek an audience with Sultan Azlan as soon as possible. 5.45pm: Nizar leaves the palace after audience with Sultan Azlan to request that the state assembly be dissolved. Note: With the changes in the political alliances of the four assemblymen, both BN and PR have 28 assemblymen each, with three pro-BN Independents in the 59-seat State Assembly. Sultan has two options – BN govt or fresh elections by Humayun Kabir newsdesk@thesundaily.com IPOH: The solution to Perak’s political impasse now lies with Sultan Azlan Shah who has two options: » Allow the Barisan Nasional, which has majority support (31 assemblymen vs 28 for the Pakatan Rakyat) in the 59-seat Legislative Assembly, to form a new government; or » Grant Mentri Besar Datuk Sri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin’s request to dissolve the state assembly and get a fresh mandate from voters. The latest episode of the 11-dayold political drama in the Silver State started at 3pm yesterday when Nizar announced to a packed press conference at his office that three PR assemblymen – Behrang’s Jamaludin Mohd Radzi and Changkat Jering’s Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (of PKR) and Jelapang’s Hee Yit Foong (DAP) – had resigned from their respective parties and were now independents. There was an added intrigue when during the press conference Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim’s wife rang up Nizar and alleged that her husband had been “kidnapped” from his home and taken to Kuala Lumpur on the pretext of meeting the Perak Raja Muda. Nizar blamed Umno for playing “dirty politics” to destabilise the 11month-old PR government. Last night, speaking to reporters after attending PAS’s emergency meeting at the party headquarters and after an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, earlier in the day, Nizar said he was confident the Ruler would make a fair and just decision to resolve the state’s political crisis. “I have no doubt that the decision will be fair to all ... to the people and to the political parties.” Nizar, who sought the Sultan’s consent after announcing the dissolution of the state assembly early in the day, said the Sultan did not convey any decision whether he would grant consent, Bernama reports. “He said he needed time to look into the matter. I will abide and accept whatever the decision,” he said. He said the audience went well and that he had briefed the Sultan on the latest political development and also conveyed his request for the consent. He said that since the Sultan had not made any decisions, “I will continue to run the state’s administration together with other PR assemblymen.” “I will be working as usual,” he said, adding that it was better to hold a snap election to resolve the political impasse once and for all. Should the Sultan decide not to grant consent, he said, the PR government could still function as a caretaker government. » More stories on pages 2 and 4 

PAS wins KT - The Star

KUALA TERENGGANU: PAS candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut is the new Kuala Terengganu MP.

He defeated Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh and independent candidate Azharuddin Mamat.

Close to 80% of the 80,229 registered voters cast their ballots yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the result was merely a setback and would not have any bearing on the national political landscape.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat thanked the Chinese voters for staying with the Barisan despite the overall unfavourable results.

With the results, Barisan now has 137 seats in the Dewan Rakyat while the Opposition holds 82. There are also three independent MPs.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/18/kuala_terengganu/3056252&sec=Kuala Terengganu]

Zaid sacked from Umno - The Star

By Sa'odah Elias, Royce Cheah and Nurbaiti Hamdan

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has sacked former de-facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim for attending events organised by several opposition parties.

Announcing this last night, Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the sacking would take effect immediately.

He said Zaid would not be given the chance to appeal against the decision.

“We need to take this drastic action because Zaid’s action in attending functions and being seen with opposition leaders are against the party’s ethics.

“In such cases, we need to act tough. Umno is always consistent and we cannot be seen as practising double standards,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here.

When contacted, Zaid said he would speak to the press tomorrow.

Last week, Zaid started another round of attacks against him by his former Umno colleagues when he attended yet another high-profile Pakatan Rakyat event on Saturday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/3/nation/2707326&sec=nation]

Confirmed: Shahrizat to go for top post - Malaysiakini

Wanita Umno deputy chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil today announced that she will contest for the wing's top post next year.

The former cabinet minister - who was appointed as a special adviser to the prime minister after the March 8 elections following her defeat in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency - made the announcement in a two-paragraph statement this afternoon.

"I, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, hereby confirm that I accept the nominations and support to contest the position of chief of the Wanita Umno Movement Malaysia in March 2009.

"Wanita Umno must be united in strengthening the party as well as be bold in bringing about changes and renewal," read the statement.

The announcement ended speculations as to whether or not Shahrizat would accept the 73 nominations for her to contest against incumbent chief Rafidah Aziz, who received 117 nominations at the division level.

Previously, Rafidah had stated that she would defend her post and hand over the reins to Shahrizat in June.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/93457]

MCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Victory for Tee Keat, Soi Lek - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek scored an upset in a tightly-contested four-cornered race to clinch the party's deputy presidency yesterday.

Dr Chua beat his nearest rival, secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, by a slim 114-majority.

The former health minister received 1,115 votes against Ka Chuan's 1,001. Vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai could only manage 209 votes, while Tanjung division vice-chief Lee Hack Teik had 10.

There were 33 spoilt votes.

Datuk Ong Tee Keat, as expected, staved off a challenge from former health minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng to be elected the party's new president.

The transport minister garnered 1,429 votes against Chua's 917. There were 22 spoilt votes.

In a day of widespread rumours of upsets and super-charged tension, delegates awaited with bated breath while MCA elections steering committee chairman Tan Sri Wong See Wah announced the results at 9.45pm.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/2379614/Article/index_html]

Teresa Kok released from ISA detention - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok was released from detention under the Internal Security Act at about 1pm on Friday.

Her father Kok Kim Tong and mother Poh Seh Kwon were at the Jalan Travers police station here when she was released.

“I am happy that I have been released and I’m okay,” she told reporters gathered at the police station.

“I do not know why I was released today, just as I do not know why I was detained,” she added.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said that Kok had been released at 1.30pm after investigations showed there was no reason to detain her any further.

"She was released unconditionally," he added.

Kok, 44, later Friday told a press conference at the DAP headquarters in Petaling Jaya that she would sue Utusan Malaysia and its columnist Zaini Hassan over articles written about her.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/19/nation/20080919132938&sec=nation]

It's Anwar, as expected - NST

By : A. Kathirasen, Sharanjit Singh, Lee Keng Fatt, Elizabeth John, Audrey Dermawan, S. Arulldas, Adie Suri Zulkefli, Melissa Darlyne Chow and Sajahan Waheed

BUTTERWORTH:

As expected, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won the Permatang Pauh by-election yesterday.

He polled 31,195 votes compared with the 15,524 obtained by Barisan Nasional's Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah.

Anwar's majority of 15,671 votes was bigger than that obtained by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the March general election.

The third candidate, Hanafi Mamat, who contested on a Parti Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) ticket, only managed to get 92 votes, losing his RM15,000 deposit in the process.

There were 447 spoilt votes.

With the win, Anwar takes back the seat he had held from 1982 to 1999. In 1998, after he was sacked from government and jailed, Dr Wan Azizah won the seat in the general election that followed. She was returned again on March 8 but resigned on July 31, to force a by-election so that Anwar could return to Parliament.

That Anwar was set to make his political comeback after a 10-year absence, of which six were spent behind bars, became apparent by the time polling stations closed at 5pm.

An estimated 40,000 Pakatan Rakyat supporters swarmed the Tuanku Bainun Teacher Training College grounds to celebrate the victory.

The crowd began to gather at the area from 4pm. Conspicuously missing were Barisan Nasional supporters.

When the crowd grew larger, the field set aside for BN supporters was opened to Pakatan Rakyat supporters.

The crowd cheered each time the returning officer announced Anwar had won in a particular polling station.

Shouts of "reformasi" and "Merdeka" filled the air with supporters waving their party flag.

Dubbed the "mother" of all by-elections, BN was the underdog from the start as Permatang Pauh has long been Anwar's turf.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2333408/Article/index_html]

Arif Shah is BN candidate - The Star

Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah is the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat by-election.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made the announcement in Permatang Pauh Wednesday night.

Arif Shah is the assemblyman for Seberang Jaya, which is among the three state seats under the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.

The other two are Permatang Pasir, which was won by PAS in the March 8 general election; while PKR clinched the Penanti seat.

The Permatang Pauh seat fell vacant on July 31, when Anwar's wife and PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail resigned to make way for her husband to contest.

Nomination for the by-election is Saturday while polling will be on Aug 26.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/13/nation/20080813210322&sec=nation]

Anwar to contest Permatang Pauh - Malaysiakini

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

Anwar Ibrahim announced today that he will contest a by-election for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat which was vacated by his wife and PKR leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Wan Azizah told a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya this afternoon that she had resigned as member of parliament for the seat but will retain her post as PKR president.

I have officially submitted my resignation letter as Permatang Pauh MP to the House Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia today to make way for my husband to contest as a candidate for Pakatan Rakyat in a by-election as soon as possible," she said.

"This is consistent with our goals towards securing a parliamentary majority and forming a new government within this year," she added, stressing that her decision was the right decision for Malaysia.

"Anwar Ibrahim has articulated a vision for Malaysia that has brought hope to the people. He has the experience and intelligence to reinvigorate our economy, and the charisma and integrity to unite he Malaysian people and restore credibility to our institutions of governance."

Wan Azizah said the people in Permatang Pauh have a special affinity for Anwar, who was their elected representative prior to his sacking as deputy premier and subsequent arrest a decade ago.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87047]

Exco men use Merc despite Cabinet order - The Star

By Gladys Tay

JOHOR BARU: At least four of Terengganu's eight state executive council members are using newly purchased Mercedes-Benz E200 Kompressor cars despite a Cabinet directive against doing so.

Several of them were seen travelling in the cars to official functions and meetings.

Those who were seen taking rides in the car said they were waiting for Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said to make an announcement at Wednesday's state executive council meeting on when to give up the cars.

Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Za’abar Mohd Adib attended the Malaysian Flora Fest here yesterday in his gleaming new black Mercedes-Benz.

“I think the issue is overblown,” said Za'abar yesterday when met after the function.

When asked whether he knew about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement, he said he was aware of it and that Ahmad had already commented about it.

On Friday, Abdullah had announced that all the Mercedes-Benzes bought by the state for its executive council members could only be used for foreign dignitaries.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/27/nation/21934843&sec=nation]