MALAYSIAN CABINET 2008: The full line-up and party breakdown - NST

PUTRAJAYA, TUES:

Below is the new Cabinet line-up announced by the Prime Minister at noon today which was broadcasted live nationwide. The names are followed in brackets by their party, state and parliament seat.


Cabinet breakdown

1. Umno: 23 Ministers* 16 Deputy Ministers

2. MCA: 4 Ministers 6 Deputy Ministers

3. MIC: 1 Minister 3 Deputy Ministers

4. Gerakan: 2 Deputy Ministers

5. PBB: 1 Minister 3 Deputy Ministers

6. SUPP: 1 Minister 2 Deputy Ministers

7. SPDP: 2 Deputy Ministers

8. PBS: 1 Minister

9. UPKO: 1 Minister

10. PRS: 2 Deputy Ministers

11. LDP: 1 Minister

12. IND: 1+

Total: 33 Ministers* 37 Deputy Ministers

* Datuk Shahrizat Jalil appointed as special adviser with full ministerial ranking

+ Datuk Amirsham Aziz considered an independent appointment



Prime Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Deputy Prime Minister: Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak

1. Prime Minister's Department

Ministers

i. Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok (UPKO Sabah Penampang)

ii. Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi: (Umno Perak Bagan Datuk)

iii. (Sen) Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim: Justice & Judiciary Reforms (Umno Kelantan Ex-Kota Baru)

iv. (Sen) Datuk Amirsham Aziz: Economic Planning Unit (Maybank CEO)

v. Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz: Parliament (Umno Perak Padang Rengas)

Deputy Ministers

i. Datuk Johari Baharum (Umno Kedah Kubang Pasu)

ii. (Sen) Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim (Umno Kedah Ex-Baling)

iii. S. K. Devamany (MIC Pahang Cameron Highlands)

iv. Datuk Hasan Malek (Umno Negri Sembilan Kuala Pilah)

2. Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry

Minister: Datuk Mustapa Mohamed (Umno Kelantan Jeli)

Deputy: Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim (PBB Sarawak Batang Lupar)

3. Ministry of Unity, Arts & Culture

Minister: Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal (Umno Sabah Semporna)

Deputy: Teng Boon Soon (MCA Johor Tebrau)

4. Ministry of Defence

Minister: Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak (Umno Pahang Pekan)

Deputy: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop (Umno Malacca Masjid Tanah)

5. Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs

Minister: Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (Umno Johor Johor Baru)

Deputy: Jelaing Mersat (SPDP Sarawak Saratok)

6. Ministry of Education

Minister: Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein (Umno Johor Sembrong)

Deputy: Datuk Wee Ka Siong (MCA Johor Air Hitam)

Deputy: Datuk Razali Ismail (Umno Terengganu Kuala Terengganu)

7. Ministry of Energy, Water & Communications

Minister: Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor (Umno Negri Sembilan Tampin)

Deputy: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum (PRS Sarawak Julau)

8. Ministry of Entrepreneur & Co-operative Development

Minister: Datuk Noh Omar (Selangor Umno Tanjung Karang)

Deputy: Saifuddin Abdullah (Umno Pahang Temerloh)

9. Ministry of Federal Territories

Minister: Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique (Umno FT Setiawangsa )

Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan (MIC Perak Tapah)

10. Ministry of Finance

Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Umno Penang Kepala Batas)

2nd Minister: Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Umno Penang Tasek Gelugor)

Deputy: Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah (Umno Perak Tambun)

Deputy: Datuk Kong Cho Ha (MCA Perak Lumut)

11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister: Datuk Seri Rais Yatim (Umno Negri Sembilan Jelebu)

Deputy: Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (Umno Pahang Jerantut)

12. Ministry of Health

Minister: Datuk Liow Tiong Lai (MCA Pahang Bentong)

Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Umno Johor Mersing)

13. Ministry of Higher Education

Minister: Datuk Khaled Nordin (Umno Johor Pasir Gudang)

Deputy: Hou Kok Chung (MCA Johor Kluang)

Deputy: Datuk Idris Harun (Umno Malacca Tanjung Batu)

14. Ministry of Housing & Local Government

Minister: Datuk Ong Ka Chuan (MCA Perak Tanjung Malim)

Deputy: Datuk Robert Lau (SUPP Sarawak Sibu)

Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainudin (Umno Perak Larut)

15. Ministry of Human Resources

Minister: Datuk S. Subramaniam (MIC Johor Segamat)

Deputy: Datuk Noraini Ahmad (Umno Johor Parit Sulong)

16. Ministry of Information

Minister: Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno Terengganu Kemaman)

Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan Perak Grik)

17. Ministry of Internal Security & Home Affairs

Minister: Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (Umno Johor Kota Tinggi)

Deputy: Datuk Chor Chee Heung (MCA Kedah Alor Star)

Deputy: (Sen) Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (Umno Terengganu)

18. Ministry of International Trade & Industry

Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno Johor Pagoh)

Deputy: Datuk Liew Vui Keong (LDP Sabah Sandakan)

Deputy: Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan (PRS Sabah Baram)

19. Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment

Minister: Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas (PBB Sarawak Betong)

Deputy: Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (Umno Sabah Kalabakan)

20. Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities

Minister: Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui (SUPP Sarawak Miri)

Deputy: (Sen) A. Kohilan Pillay (Gerakan Selangor)

21. Ministry of Rural & Regional Development

Minister: (Sen) Tan Sri Muhammad Mohd Taib (Umno Selangor)

Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (PRS Sabah Pensiangan)

Deputy: Joseph Entulu (SPDP Sarawak Selangau)

22. Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovations

Minister: Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS Sabah Kota Marudu)

Deputy: Datuk Fadillah Yusof (PBB Sarawak Petra Jaya)

23. Ministry of Tourism

Minister: Datuk Azalina Othman Said (Umno Johor Senggarang)

Deputy: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib (PBB Sarawak Kota Samarahan)

24. Ministry of Transport

Minister: Datuk Ong Tee Keat (MCA Selangor Pandan)

Deputy: Datuk Anifah Aman (Umno Sabah Kimanis)

25. Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development

Minister: Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen (MCA Pahang Raub)

Deputy: Senator Noriah Kasnon (Umno Selangor)

26. Ministry of Works

Minister: Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed (Umno Selangor Sepang)

Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng (SUPP Sarawak Stampin)

27. Ministry of Youth & Sports

Minister: Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno Pahang Bera)

Deputy: Wee Jeck Seng (MCA Johor Tanjung Piai)


[From http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080318121657/Article/index_html]

PM dismisses rumours of no-confidence vote against him - NST

By : Hamidah Atan, Deborah Loh and Farrah Naz Karim

PUTRAJAYA, Tues:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reiterated today he had been given the mandate to form the government although the BN won with a simple majority in the March 8 polls. At a Press conference to unveil the new Cabinet line-up, Abdullah was asked on rumours of a vote of no-confidence to be passed against him in the coming Umno general assembly but the Umno president said he will not shirk from his responsibility as he had the support of all Umno and BN leadership.

"As far as I am concerned, I am still here. I have been given the mandate to form the government and we are only short of eight seats. I will not shirk my responsibility and I was not under pressure," he said.

The Press conference at the Implementation and Co-ordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.

Abdullah said Umno have no plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting to discuss its election performance, referring to Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's letter to Umno division leaders, requesting them to attend a May 11 meeting to discuss the partuy's poor performance.

Abdullah said the matter would be dealt with through the normal procedures.

On his relationship with his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak, he said he had the best of relationship with the latter.

Asked why Najib was not present at the Press conference, he replied, "Najib has yet to be the deputy prime minister. He will be (sworn in as) the DPM tomorrow."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080318193358/Article/index_html]

Khairy Tidak Akan Terima Jawatan Menteri Selagi Abdullah PM - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Mac (Bernama) -- Naib Ketua Pemuda Umno Khairy Jamaluddin berkata beliau tidak akan menerima sebarang jawatan menteri selagi Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menjadi Perdana Menteri.

Khairy yang juga anggota Parlimen Rembau berkata beliau telah memaklumkan perkara itu kepada bapa mentuanya, sebelum pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu, dan Abdullah telah menerima pendiriannya itu.

"Ia tidak adil bagi PM. Seboleh-bolehnya saya tidak mahu mengganggu beliau. Saya cuma seorang anggota Parlimen biasa dan mahu memberi tumpuan terhadap tugas saya.

Ada orang lain yang berada di sana untuk membantu," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menghadiri mesyuarat Exco Pemuda dan Ketua-ketua Pemuda Umno Negeri hari ini.

Mesyuarat itu dipengerusikan Ketua Pemuda Umno Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein di Ibu pejabat parti di sini. Khairy berkata demikian bagi mengulas dakwaan bahawa beliau banyak mempengaruhi keputusan Perdana Menteri dalam dasar kerajaan, serta pertanyaan pemberita kenapa beliau tidak disenaraikan dalam barisan Kabinet yang baru diumumkan Abdullah di Putrajaya hari ini.

Beliau berkata tumpuannya pada masa ini adalah untuk menjalankan tugasnya sebagai anggota Parlimen di Dewan Rakyat bagi menghadapi pihak pembangkang.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=321380]

No Action On Mukhriz - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Umno Youth movement will not take any action against the Jerlun Member of Parliament, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who had written a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last week urging him to step down.

Umno Youth head Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussien said the decision was made at a meeting of the Umno Youth exco and state Umno Youth heads this afternoon based on the explanation given by Mukhriz, who is also the Umno Youth exco, that the letter was his personal letter to the Prime inister.

He said the decision was also taken based on Mukhriz's explanation that the letter, which was also sent to four other Umno leaders, had been leaked to the public by an unknown party.

"We have decided not to take any action against him," said Hishammuddin to loud applause from Mukhriz's supporters who were present at Level 38, Menara Onn after the meeting of the Umno Youth Exco and State Youth chiefs here.

The meeting was held as a post-mortem on the outcome of the general election on March 8 besides discussing several issues that had cropped up including the letter written by Mukhriz which asked Abdullah to step down following the failure of the Barisan Nasional (BN) to retain the two-third majority in the general election.

Hishammuddin said the meeting today also decided that Umno Youth would consolidate the movement by taking the incident as a lesson to strengthen the party in future.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=321371]

No rift with Najib, says Pak Lah - The Star

By Shahanaaz Habib and Mazwin Nik Anis

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has stressed that there is no rift between him and his deputy and that their relationship is good.

“I have the best of relationships with deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib (Tun Razak). Why are you asking me this?” he said when responding to questions Tuesday after announcing the new Cabinet line-up.

Asked why his deputy was not present at the press conference, the Prime Minister retorted that Najib had not yet been sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister.

“He will be the DPM only tomorrow. You want to read into so many things?” he said.

He also came to the defence of his deputy, saying that the opposition’s allegations on corruption against Najib were baseless.

“There is no proof and nothing to show that Najib is involved in any corrupt activities. One can always make all sorts of allegations. And you know that the person making all these allegations is also not free from allegations and accusations.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/18/nation/20080318194245&sec=nation]

Malaysia's revamped Cabinet brings 16 new faces to boost credibility after poll debacle - AP

By Eileen Ng, AP

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's prime minister unveiled a revamped Cabinet on Tuesday, dropping half of his old ministers in a move welcomed by analysts as an attempt to provide a better administration after the ruling coalition's election debacle.

"My expectation is that they will perform better than before," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters.

Abdullah retained 16 full ministers from the old Cabinet and brought in 16 new people to replace those who were sacked or retired. Every ministry has a new head in the reshuffle except for finance, defense, education and plantations.

The biggest casualty was Rafidah Aziz, who was fired as minister of international trade and industry, a post she had held since 1987.

She was replaced by Muhyiddin Yassin, the agriculture minister in the previous Cabinet.

Abdullah refused to say why he dropped the firebrand Rafidah, who has successfully led many trade negotiations but has also faced corruption accusations.

The new Cabinet has 32 full ministers and 37 deputy ministers. Abdullah abolished the post of parliamentary secretaries, the third-ranking officials in each ministry, to reduce the Cabinet size to 69 from 90 previously.

[More at http://news.aol.com/story/_a/malaysias-revamped-cabinet-brings-16-new/n20080318042709990005]

Keng Yaik criticises DAP's stand - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said he could not understand why DAP supports a menteri besar from Pas for Perak when Pas' objectives for a theocratic Islamic state remains unchanged.

His comments came as the new Perak menteri besar, Pasir Panjang state assemblyman and Perak Pas liaison secretary Muhammad Nizar Jamaluddin was sworn in before the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar yesterday.

He blamed the younger party leaders in DAP for going against the principles set by older party stalwarts.

"Karpal has said 'over my dead body' before when Pas propagated its Islamic state policy.

"Immediately after the naming of a Pas menteri besar for Perak, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang called for the boycott of the swearing-in ceremony by its party members.

"Why are they now supporting a Pas menteri besar?"

He added that it did not matter if it was the Perak royalty's choice, since the consensus was in the hands of the state assembly members.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2189519/Article/index_html]

Nizar sworn in as MB at last - NST

By : M. Husairy Othman and Shahrul Hafeez

KUALA KANGSAR: After a week of false starts, state Pas liaison secretary and Pasir Panjang state assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was finally sworn in as Perak's 10th menteri besar.

The 51-year-old engineer received his letter of appointment at 11.45am from the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, in a simple ceremony held at Istana Iskandariah here yesterday.

Witnessing the event were state dignitaries and outgoing menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali and wife Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri.

At a nearby resort, where Nizar gave his first official press conference, he was greeted by shouts of makkal sakhti (people power).

He pledged a state government that would not employ discriminatory policies or development programmes, adding that policies and programmes implemented by the previous state government would be continued as long as they benefited the state and the people.

Nizar also said the tripartite goverment, comprising Pas, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which he dubbed "Barisan Rakyat", would honour the promises made by Pas and PKR, including selecting a third of local councillors from non-political parties.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/2189644/Article/index_html]

Khalid announces free household water and lopsided water deal - NST

By : V. Shankar Ganesh

SHAH ALAM, Mon:

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.

Khalid said he had only seen the agreement at a glance and that he had to study it further.
The water deal was for Puncak Niaga to operate, manage and maintain the raw water intake and treatment plant situated on land beside a canal near Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang in Kuala Selangor.

While the deal was signed on March 7, the actual contract itself took effect on April 1, 2007 and was concluded pursuant to Clause 3(a) (vi) of the Concession Agreement dated Dec 15, 2004, between the Federal government, the state government and Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), for a concession period of twenty-seven (27) years, commencing on April 1, 2007 and expiring on April 30, 2034.

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/20080317164615/Article/index_html]

Md Isa Sworn In As Perlis Menteri Besar - Bernama

KANGAR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Bintong state assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu today took the oath of office as the sixth menteri besar of Perlis at the Istana Arau here, ending a tussle for the post with former menteri besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim who was absent at the swearing-in.

Md Isa took his oath of office at 5.30pm before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, in a ceremony witnessed by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

All the 15 Perlis state assemblymen, except Shahidan, were present at the ceremony.

Perlis has 14 Barisan Nasional (BN) and one PAS assemblymen. The PAS assemblyman is Rus-seli Eizan, the elected representative for Simpang Empat.

After the ceremony, Md Isa told reporters he hoped that the issue of who was more eligible to be the menteri besar would not come up again.

Md Isa had received the instrument of appointment from the Raja of Perlis last Friday but Shahidan claimed that he had the letter of recommendation from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to be appointed the menteri besar.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=321123]

Karpal urges Pas to openly disavow Islamic state mission - NST

By : Lee Keng Fatt

GEORGE TOWN, Mon:

Pas should give up its avowed aim to turn the country to an Islamic state if it comes to power, DAP chairman Karpal Singh said.

Urging Pas to be realistic, he said the Federal Constitution clearly reflected that Malaysia is a secular and not an Islamic state.

"This was also the thinking of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman who are on public record stating that Malaysia was not an Islamic state, but a secular state,” he said in a statement today. "In fact in 1988, a five-member bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that Malaysia was not an Islamic state, but a secular state,"

Karpal, who welcomed the clarification by Pas vice-president Husam Musa that his party would not set up an Islamic government at the federal level, said Pas should not ignore the authoritative decision of the Supreme Court and neither should it contradict assertions made publicly by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Tun Hussein Onn on the status of Malaysia as a secular state.

"I call upon Pas to publicly state that Malaysia is a secular state,” said Karpal, who is also MP for Bukit Gelugor. "The authoritative ruling the Supreme Court binds Pas and all other parties."

If the controversial issue in relation to Islamic state could be resolved, the path would be clear for DAP, PKR and Pas to take on the federal government in the next elections and win, he said.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080317183405/Article/index_html]

PERAK MB SWEARING-IN: Nizar is new, professional face of Pas - NST

By : Shahrul Hafeez

IPOH, Mon:

Newly-appointed Perak Mentri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is representative of the new, more professional, face of PAS from the days of perceived Islamic orthodoxy.

An engineer by profession, the 51-year old Mohammad Nizar has had the benefit of being in a multi-ethno centric communities, starting with the Anglo Chinese School during his primary schooling days right up to his graduation from the Aston University of Science and Technology, Birmingham in 1980.

Close compatriots say Mohammad Nizar is multilingual, and the reason why the engineering consultant is put at the forefront in the party programmes involving non-Muslim participants but the Pasir Panjang State Assemblyman laughed of this suggestion, saying that he only speaks a smattering of Chinese and Tamil.

"It's just enough for me to get by, but not to the extent of being able to give a statement in the two languages", said Mohammad Nizar, who joined the party in 1995 and is now Pas Kampar division chairman as well as Perak Pas secretary.

His win in Pasir Panjang against Barisan Nasional candidate Dr. S. Vasan from MIC, was actually his second stint as a Pas candidate for the general election; the first taking on Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz for the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat in 2004.

A registered engineer with the Malaysian Board of Engineers, Mohammad Nizar's resume listing includes stints with the Public Works Department, the Urban Development Authority, the Penang Development Corporation as is currently the Managing Director of several private companies.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080317154746/Article/index_html]

Kit Siang urged to say sorry openly - NST

By : Shahrul Hafeez

IPOH: Some 50 people took part in an illegal rally at the Ipoh Padang here to show their support for the Sultan of Perak.

They also urged DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang to make an open apology to the Regent, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, instead of merely via a statement on his blog.

The group carried several placards listing their demands. They also read out a memorandum, an oath of loyalty to Sultan Azlan Shah and sang patriotic songs.

Former Gerik member of parliament Datuk Dr Wan Hashim Wan Teh, who was among those present, said they did not intend to threaten public safety but wanted to defend Malay rights.

Wan Hashim, who was not chosen to contest in the general election, said the memorandum would also be sent to Istana Iskandariah so that the people's voices could be conveyed to Sultan Azlan Shah.

Last week, Lim had protested the choice of Pasir Panjang state assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the new menteri besar.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2188592/Article/index_html]

Husam clarifies 'take-over' statement - The Star

By Ian McIntyre

KOTA BARU: PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa has clarified that his statement on the party taking over the Government at the federal level was taken out of context.

“I mentioned that we are hopeful of taking 30 more parliamentary seats to win power and not about forming an Islamic Government,” he said.

Husam urged the mass media to be careful in its reporting to avoid antagonising anyone unnecessarily.

[From http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/16/election2008/20080316204950&sec=election2008]

Malaysia's Anwar accuses ruling party leaders of stirring racial hatred - AP

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim defended moves to reform an affirmative action policy for ethnic Malays and accused ruling party leaders of stirring racial hatred to deflect attention from their electoral losses.

Members of the United Malays National Organization, the backbone of the ruling National Front coalition, held street protests Friday over proposals to roll back the 37-year-old New Economic Policy, or NEP. It gives privileges in contracts, jobs, business and education to ethnic Malays, who make up 60 percent of the country's population.

Anwar, in a statement on his People's Justice Party Web site late Saturday, said the policy needs to be altered to create a "more just, more equitable" system that benefits the poor regardless of race and religion.

"I am therefore deeply concerned with the attempt being made by certain elements to stoke the flames of racial hatred," he said.

[More at http://news.aol.com/story/_a/malaysias-anwar-accuses-ruling-party/n20080316083309990004]

Malaysian PM Abdullah defiant despite fading prospects - AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: 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.

[More at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/335295/1/.html]

PAS certain it can set up Islamic federal govt soon - The Star

KOTA BARU: PAS is now confident that it can soon set up an Islamic form of government at the federal level, which it claims is gaining more acceptance, especially with non-Muslims, following the good showing of the Opposition coalition in last weekend’s elections.

Its vice-president Datuk Husam Musa said there was growing support among the Chinese and Indians in various parts of the country towards the party’s political struggle.

“We are now genuinely hopeful of ruling the country soon. We now only need over 30 parliamentary seats to seize control,” Husam said at a thanksgiving rally, which was held at the compound of the Stadium Sultan Muhammad Ke IV before a mammoth crowd on Friday night.

Husam said the Opposition must build on the breakthrough by making the five states under its rule as exemplary states compared to others.

“Previously, Selangor folk looked down on Kelantan as a poor state. Now, we rule their state. Their mosques will be open to allow us to showcase the real situation in Kelantan to them,” he added.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/16/nation/20663036&sec=nation]

Bernama says sorry to Guan Eng - The Star

PENANG: National news agency Bernama has apologised to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for the inappropriate inclusion of a paragraph as background in its news story on March 12.

The paragraph had mistakenly quoted Lim as commenting on the May 13 incident.

The apology was contained in a letter dated yesterday and signed by the national news agency’s editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong.

“The inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the New Economic Policy in 1971.

“Nevertheless, upon a thorough review, the inclusion of that fact along with your quote may have been inappropriate,” Yong said in the letter sent to the Chief Minister’s office and sent by facsimile to newspapers here.

He assured Lim of Bernama’s co-operation with the new government, adding that Bernama shall always endeavour to help Lim promote the well being of Penang and its people.

Bernama had quoted Lim as saying that the NEP, which was introduced in 1971 after the May 13, 1969, racial riots to eradicate poverty and restructure society, was the source of “cronyism, corruption and inefficiency”.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/16/nation/20662988&sec=nation]

Fear not if NEP is dismantled, Malays told - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Breaking up the New Economic Policy (NEP) will not marginalise the Malays, a political scientist said.

“There was no suggestion to do away with a welfare system that help Malays in need but a safety net mechanism that will help and protect all Malaysians who are poor on the basis of merit in the DAP's manifesto,'' said Dr Farish Noor, a senior fellow of NTU Singapore's Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

“I think the Opposition managed to win the support of the Malaysian public as a whole including the Malays because it was inclusive and took into account all sections of the society,” he said.

It simply promises a fair chance to everyone because many Malaysians, including the Malays, have not been given an equal chance, he added.

“I am prepared to give them a chance. I want to see the emergence of non-racial politics in Malaysia,” he said.

Human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz said a new language needed to be used when addressing issues relating to the NEP because there were still deep-seated fears among some Malays.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/16/nation/20663165&sec=nation]

Mukhriz to know fate soon - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s fate will be known after the Umno Youth executive council meets soon to discuss the action to be taken against him for urging the Prime Minister to step down.

The movement’s chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, said the executive council, of which Mukhriz is a member, would discuss his unsanctioned action after the Cabinet line-up was formed.
“He has said (his letter) was his personal opinion so it shouldn’t be out on the Internet.

“I don’t know who released it.

“Even though he may have acted in his personal capacity, it is an irresponsible act and we will take action through the proper channel after the Cabinet line-up is announced.

“What Mukhriz has done is contrary to our stand to fully support the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister,” he said after a meeting with MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Gerakan Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong and MIC Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran yesterday. On what action Mukhriz, who is the Youth wing’s International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisation bureau chairman, might face, he said the executive council would decide on it. Mukhriz had written a letter to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi asking him to do the honourable thing and step down, following the ruling coalition’s dismal showing in the 12th general election.

He sent copies of the letter to Umno leaders, namely deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, vice-president Datuk Wira Ali Rustam, vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/16/nation/20662977&sec=nation]

UMNO cabar Guan Eng tarik balik kenyataan hapus DEB - Utusan

Oleh: Suwarni Mokhtar

BUTTERWORTH 15 Mac – UMNO Pulau Pinang hari ini mencabar Ketua Menteri, Lim Guan Eng supaya membentangkan secara terbuka perancangan untuk membangunkan orang Melayu dan rakyat termiskin di negeri ini.

Kerajaan negeri baru pimpinan DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) itu juga didesak supaya menarik balik kenyataan berhubung penghapusan Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB).

Setiausaha Badan Perhubungan UMNO Pulau Pinang, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim berkata, kenyataan Guan Eng mengenai tindakan membebaskan pentadbiran negeri daripada DEB menyinggung perasaan orang Melayu di negeri ini dan di Malaysia.

‘‘Memang wajar orang Melayu berasa marah terhadap kenyataan itu kerana jika DEB dihapuskan, orang Melayu akan menerima kesannya dan nasib mereka tidak akan dibela oleh kerajaan negeri itu,’’ katanya.

Beliau menyatakan demikian kepada pemberita selepas menghadiri perjumpaan tertutup antara 11 wakil rakyat UMNO yang memenangi Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 dengan Ahli Parlimen Tasek Gelugor, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop di sini hari ini.

Azhar berkata, setelah melihat kebangkitan orang Melayu memprotes kenyataan itu, Guan Eng kini tidak lagi menyebut tentang DEB sebaliknya cuba mengubah topik dengan menyatakan kerajaan negeri mahu mengadakan tender terbuka terhadap projek dan perolehan kerajaan serta memerangi rasuah.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0316&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_05.htm]

UMNO Pulau Pinang, Selangor kutuk Mukhriz - Utusan

PULAU PINANG 15 Mac – UMNO Pulau Pinang hari ini mengutuk tindakan Exco Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir dan mahukan beliau dipecat kerana mendesak Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meletak jawatan sebagai Perdana Menteri.

Setiausaha Badan Perhubungan UMNO negeri, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim berkata, tindakan Mukhriz itu amat tidak wajar dan memaparkan pendirian pemimpin itu yang tidak tetap dan mahu Ketua Pemuda UMNO Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein memecatnya.

Azhar berkata, Mukhriz telah mengeluarkan kenyataan berbeza semasa sidang akhbar di Butterworth dengan menyokong kepimpinan Perdana Menteri sebelum menghantar surat meminta Abdullah bertanggungjawab ke atas keputusan pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu dan menggesa nya meletakkan jawatan.

Di SHAH ALAM, Pemuda UMNO Selangor menyifatkan tindakan Muhkriz sebagai perbuatan biadap dan menyerahkan kepada Hishammuddin untuk membuat keputusan.

Ketua Pemuda UMNO Selangor, Abdul Shukur Idrus menganggap tindakan Mukhriz itu dibuat sendiri tanpa mewakili mana-mana pimpinan Pemuda.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0315&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_14.htm]

Kerajaan Selangor nafi jadi boneka DAP - Utusan

SHAH ALAM 15 Mac – Menteri Besar Selangor yang baru, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim menafikan pentadbiran kerajaan campuran negeri itu yang diterajui Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adalah boneka DAP.

Menurut beliau, sepatutnya perkara itu tidak dijadikan isu selagi barisan Exco kerajaan negeri belum diperkenalkan.

Katanya, Selangor akan membariskan golongan profesional dalam pentadbiran kerajaan negeri bagi menyediakan khidmat terbaik kepada rakyat.

"Itu adalah isu yang sengaja diada-adakan, kita memerintah Selangor untuk memberi khidmat kepada semua rakyat tanpa mengira kaum atau agama.

"Tengok saja nanti siapa yang dilantik dalam barisan Exco, kemudian baru tahu bentuk atau konsep pemerintahan kerajaan negeri Selangor," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, hari ini.

Semalam, sekumpulan penyokong sebuah parti politik berhimpun secara aman di depan pusat pentadbiran kerajaan negeri Selangor iaitu Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (SSAAS) di sini.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0315&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_12.htm]

Ruler picks Md Isa as Perlis MB - The Star

Reports by Sira Habibu, Manjit Kaur, Raphael Wong, R.S.N. Murali and Teh Eng Hock

KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja of Perlis Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail has named Bintong assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu as the new Perlis Mentri Besar.

Md Isa's appointment came as a surprise because Perlis Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had received the letter of appointment to be mentri besar from Barisan chief Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In a statement, the Ruler said Md Isa's appointment was in accordance with Article 39(2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Perlis which required him to appoint someone who commanded the trust of the majority of the members of the state assembly to become Mentri Besar and head the state executive council.

The announcement was made at the Istana Siraj in Jalan Eaton here. Abdullah had given Shahidan his letter of appointment on Tuesday.

When contacted, Dr Md Isa said he had no idea of the decision prior to yesterday's announcement.

“It is a surprise, but a pleasant one. I am grateful, and it is an honour. I never lobbied for it. I never lobbied to be a state assemblyman, nor Mentri Besar, but I accept it,” he added.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/15/election2008/20653633&sec=Election2008]

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

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.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/15/election2008/20656500&sec=election2008]

Lim’s remarks spark protest - The Star

PENANG: A big crowd, comprising mostly Umno members and supporters, took to the streets around Komtar after Friday prayers yesterday to protest against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s remarks on the New Economic Policy (NEP).

Chanting slogans, the protesters marched towards Komtar in Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong at about 2.30pm.

The protest was held in response to Lim’s statement that DAP-PKR would run the government “free from the NEP that breeds cronyism, corruption and systemic inefficiency.”

Speaking to reporters, Bukit Mertajam Umno division chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said the state Umno would hand over a four-point memorandum to Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas next week in protest of Guan Eng’s statement.

Tanjung Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar denied the protest was led by the state Umno and claimed the Malays had gathered in response to Short Message Service texts which were circulated yesterday.

He said the DAP-led government had not respected the rights of the Malays and that the Penang Malays “wanted them out.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/15/nation/20651270&sec=nation]

Street protest in Penang - TheStarOnline.tv

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.

Abdullah Leaves It To Umno Youth To Act Against Mukhriz - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, March 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has left it to Umno Youth to take action against Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who is an executive committee member of the movement, for asking him to step down as the prime minister.

"I am leaving it to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin (Tun Hussein, the Umno Youth chief) to take the appropriate action (against Mukhriz), he told Bernama in an interview at Seri Perdana, the official residence of the Prime Minister here.

He said this when asked to comment on a letter written by Mukhriz and sent to the Prime Minister whereby Mukhriz had urged Abdullah to take responsibility for the Barisan Nasional's poor performance in Saturday's general election and step down as the prime minister.

"A day before he sent the letter to me, he issued a statement voicing support for me and that collective responsibility must be taken for what happened and several other statements that were seen as positive to me.

"Suddenly he has made an about turn... just a day after that he sent the letter, not only to me but also Datuk (Seri) Najib (Tun Razak) and the whole country. "To me this is not good way or approach. This is one reaction from him as a member of Umno Youth, which has already taken a decision to support me and the party leadership.

"He has also stated I and Najib should be supported to lead the party and government...this (letter asking Abduallh to step down) contradicst the stand taken by Umno and the Umno Youth movement," said Abdullah.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320702]

Selangor PAS reps to contribute 30% of allowance to help poor - The Star

By Dharmender Singh

SHAH ALAM: All PAS MPs, state executive councillors (excos) and assemblymen in Selangor will contribute 30% of their allowances to help the poor in the state.

Selangor PAS Commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali said the decision for the contribution by all three categories of representatives had been agreed upon by all those concerned and it was expected to start from the first payments that they receive.

“We talked about a welfare-conscious state in our manifesto before the elections and we feel that it should start from the elected representatives themselves,” he said.

He said the representatives had also been told to bear any costs for victory celebrations themselves as no public funds should be wasted on such functions.

Dr Hasan said all PAS MPs and assemblymen had also been directed to declare their assets and use their own vehicles for transport as no new ones would be provided.

“The assemblymen will declare their assets to the Mentri Besar while the MPs will declare theirs to the party leadership,” he said, adding that they would be given three months to do so.

He said they were also barred from being directly involved in businesses to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that they were not “too busy” to attend to their voters.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/14/election2008/20080314205227&sec=Election2008]

I am willing to listen, says Guan Eng - The Star

By Zarinah Daud

PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Umno leaders need not take to the streets to express their disappointment as they can always meet him on issues affecting Penang Malays.

He said he was surprised that those who took part in Friday's demonstration did not submit any memorandum to the authorities.

"What is the demonstration for? Taking their expression to the street did not help much except for the massive traffic jam they created all over the island leading to Komtar.

"They can always come to my office. I will listen to them if it is in the interest of the people.

"I will entertain all appointments, including those made by Umno leaders," he said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/14/election2008/20080314204713&sec=election2008]

Don't Listen To Rumours, Says Lim - Bernama

PENANG, March 14 Bernama) -- Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has called on the people of Penang not to listen to rumours which can destroy the spirit of goodwill among the various races in the state.

He said the act by irresponsible parties in spreading the rumours could undermine the new state government's efforts to create harmony in the state.

"This new government is the government of all the people of Penang, irrespective of political background, race or religion. We want to represent all the people in this state," he told reporters after a closed-door meeting with 21 Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at his office here today .

Present were the two deputy chief ministers, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin and Dr P.Ramasamy.

At the meeting Lim reiterated his promise that the DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) coalition government would not sideline the Malays and Muslims.

"The position of Islam is not disputed and the rumours that the azan (call to prayer) will not be allowed are untrue. This is the first I'm hearing such stories.

Lim said he also told the NGOs that he would hold a meeting with Mohammad Fairus on the position of the Malays in Tanjung Tokong.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320591]

Mukhriz calls for PM to quit - Malaysiakini

Umno leader Mukhriz Mahathir has called for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign after the ruling coalition's unprecedented election setback.

As a member of Umno's influential young wing, Mukhriz is the highest-ranking member of the party to openly push for Abdullah to stand down.

"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 has written a letter to the premier calling for him to quit.

The call adds to the pressure on Abdullah, who heads the ruling (Umno), which leads the Barisan Nasional coalition that was humbled in the March 8 polls.

"By his resignation, then at least the confidence in Umno and Barisan Nasional will be somewhat restored in the eyes not only of the people but also our members," Mukhriz told AFP.

Five days ago, Mukhriz's father, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had made a similar call for Abdullah to quit.

However, the embattled premier won his party's backing in a meeting on Monday and he has vowed not to surrender.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/79818]

Swearing-in called off - The Star

IPOH: The swearing-in of the new Perak Mentri Besar has been postponed indefinitely.

The ceremony, which was scheduled for 4pm at Istana Iskandariah here yesterday, was called off after leaders of the new DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government had an audience with the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

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

Perak PAS secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was initially scheduled to take his oath of office as the Mentri Besar before Raja Nazrin.

Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming said that Raja Nazrin wanted a letter of undertaking from all 31 opposition assemblymen indicating their support for the formation of the new DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government.

“The letter should also state that all 31 of them supported the appointment of Pasir Panjang assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the new Mentri Besar,” said Nga, who is also Pantai Remis assemblyman.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/14/election2008/20643379&sec=Election2008]

Nazri: We may see end of NEP - The Star

By Shahanaaz Habib

KUALA LUMPUR: The election results signal the beginning of the possible demise of the New Economic Policy (NEP) and special rights for the Malays, said Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

The Umno supreme council member said it appeared that the Malays, especially in the town areas, had become more confident now and felt they could compete with the other races on a level playing field.

“We (Umno) have to really sit down and think. It looks like the educated Malays do not care about Malay rights anymore,” he said when contacted.

“The Malay doctors, lawyers, engineers feel they have made it on their own merit.

“It looks like the NEP is not something that can be used to persuade the Malays to support the Barisan Nasional.

“The Malays are saying ‘you can’t scare us by talking about us losing our rights, because we are here on our own merit’.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/14/election2008/20639090&sec=Election2008]

DAP decision will affect all Malaysians, says Hisham - The Star

PETALING JAYA: The DAP’s decision to abolish the New Economic Policy (NEP) could cause national instability, said Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said in a statement that the NEP had played a crucial task in equity distribution among the rakyat and their economic role, successfully eradicating poverty in many areas since it was introduced in 1971 after the May 13 riots.

Hishammuddin was responding to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s decision to not practise the NEP.

Lim had on Tuesday told reporters that the DAP-led state government would not practise the NEP after his swearing-in as the new Penang Chief Minister, citing the policy as a source of cronyism, corruption and inefficiency.

Hishammuddin said the move would not only negatively affect the Malays, but all Malaysians as well.

“Such irresponsible actions from DAP will only worsen the economic disparity of our multi-racial country.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/14/election2008/20642620&sec=Election2008]

Excerpts from Lim Guan Eng's press conference - TheStarOnline.tv

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says Penangites should treat the new state government as their friend. He has plans to run the state government free of the New Economic Policy by making sure all government procurements and contracts are made public.

Henti projek mega P. Pinang - Utusan

Oleh: Rokiah Abdullah

PULAU PINANG 13 Mac – UMNO Pulau Pinang meminta kerajaan Pusat menghentikan semua projek mega yang dirancang di negeri ini termasuk perkhidmatan bas RapidPenang yang telah beroperasi 31 Julai tahun lalu.

Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim berkata, langkah tersebut perlu dilakukan bagi memberi laluan kepada kerajaan baru Pulau Pinang di bawah pimpinan DAP merencanakan projek mengikut acuan mereka sendiri.

Beliau berkata, tindakan itu juga sebagai memenuhi keinginan rakyat Pulau Pinang yang tidak mahukan kemajuan dan pembangunan yang ditawarkan kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN).

‘‘Ini bukan balas dendam. Ini tanggungjawab kerajaan negeri yang baru untuk memajukan dan membangunkan negeri ini mengikut cara mereka sendiri.

‘‘Kami akan memujuk, merayu dan meminta kepada kerajaan Pusat supaya segala projek mega di Pulau Pinang ditarik balik,” katanya.

Beliau yang juga Setiausaha Badan Perhubungan UMNO Negeri menyatakan demikian kepada pemberita selepas menghadiri Mesyuarat UMNO negeri di Menara UMNO di sini hari ini.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0314&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_10.htm]

DAP biadab -- Arahan pulau majlis pelantikan MB Perak dianggap hina raja Melayu - Utusan

Oleh: Herman Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR 13 Mac – DAP bertindak biadab apabila mengarahkan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) daripada parti itu memulaukan majlis angkat sumpah pelantikan Menteri Besar di hadapan Pemangku Raja Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah yang sepatutnya berlangsung hari ini.

Beberapa pemimpin yang membidas tindakan DAP itu turut menegaskan, adalah satu penghinaan kepada institusi raja-raja Melayu jika ada mana-mana pihak yang tidak menghormati majlis tersebut yang merupakan sebahagian daripada adat istiadat Kesultanan Perak.

Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, tindakan DAP melalui kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Penasihatnya, Lim Kit Siang semalam merupakan sesuatu yang di luar batasan.

“DAP secara terang tidak bertanggungjawab dan tidak menghormati kedudukan kesultanan Melayu.

“Niat memulaukan istiadat pelantikan juga menunjukkan mereka hanya gilakan kuasa sehingga sanggup membelakangkan kesetiaan kepada raja dan negara,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.

DAP malam tadi mengarahkan kesemua 18 ADUN parti itu di Perak memulaukan majlis angkat sumpah jawatan Menteri Besar yang dijadualkan petang ini. Pada pilihan raya lalu, Barisan Nasional menang 28 kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri, Pas (5) dan PKR (7).

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0314&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm]

Malaysia opposition struggling to form state governments - Reuters

By Jalil Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's opposition alliance struggled on Thursday to reach power-sharing pacts in states that fell under its control in weekend elections dubbed a "political tsunami".

The three opposition parties, which won five out of 13 states in a shock election result, are now in a post-election battle to share the spoils without stoking racial and religious tensions.

"Things are looking very, very fragile for opposition-held state governments," said Zainon Ahmad, the political editor of the local Sun newspaper. "They have difficulty in dividing the spoils of war."

First one and then another of the parties in the opposition alliance threw a fit over representation in the new Perak government, before Sultan Azlan Shah, the state's titular leader, cancelled the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday in exasperation.

The Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) on Thursday retracted an earlier threat to boycott the ceremony because the Sultan had named Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) as chief minister.

The party was initially upset since it and a third party in the alliance, the People's Justice party led by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, won more state seats in Perak than PAS did at Saturday's elections.

[More at http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSKLR17040020080313]

Penang CM slams PM, denies stoking racial tension - Malaysiakini

By Beh Lih Yi

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has vehemently refuted Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s claim that he was stoking racial tension over the issue of dismantling the New Economy Policy (NEP) in the island state.

In a sign that could signal the start of a rocky relationship between the federal and the state governments, Lim has instead slammed Abdullah for seeking to provoke racial tensions with his allegations.

“I said we will have an open-tender system (in Penang). What’s the problem with that? Unless Abdullah doesn’t like open tenders but corruption, cronyism and inefficiency.

“I don’t understand what has it (abolishing the NEP) got to do with marginalising the Malay or the Indian community. I think he is not right, (he’s) going on the wrong facts and trying to provoke (racial) sentiment,” Lim told a press conference after witnessing the swearing-in of 10 of his state excos at the Dewan Sri Pinang today.

Yesterday, Abdullah expressed his dismay over the plan by the DAP-led state government not to practise the NEP, an affirmative action policy which favours the bumiputeras.

“Do not marginalise the Malays. I want to ask Lim Guan Eng what are his plans for the Malays in Penang. What are his plans for the Indians in Penang. What are his plans for other minority groups in Penang?” said Abdullah.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/79783]

Lim apologises, DAP reps to attend ceremony - Malaysiakini

The crisis which developed yesterday over the appointment of a PAS menteri besar in a DAP-led Perak state assembly seemed to have been resolved today.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang who rejected the appointment of a PAS candidate today apologised for any offence caused to the Perak royalty over his statement.

“My three-paragraph statement at 7pm last night that the DAP central executive committee emergency meeting on March 9 had not given approval for a PAS mentri besar to head a Perak coalition state government was not made out of disrespect to the Perak sultan and regent, both whom I have always held in the highest regard and I apologise for any offence caused," he said.

“The statement was on the party position at the time. There have been further discussions and developments on the matter in the hours after the statement. Announcements of the latest position will be made.”

This was immediately followed by state DAP chairperson and Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham who told Malaysiakini that whatever misunderstanding that occurred over the matter has been clarified.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/79736]

Nizar appointed as Perak MB - TheStarOnline.tv

Newly appointed Menteri Besar of Perak Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin of PAS gives a press conference after seeking an audience with Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah at Istana Kinta in Ipoh Wednesday.

Cracks Appear In Perak Opposition Coalition, Differences Between Perak DAP & HQ - Bernama

IPOH, March 12 (Bernama) -- The pact between the DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS which had earlier agreed to form a coalition government in Perak appears to have caused differences between Perak DAP and its headquarters over the post of the Menteri Besar.

The DAP Headquarters have directed that 18 of their state assemblymen not to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the PAS representative, Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, as the new Menteri Besar of Perak scheduled at Istana Iskandariah on Thursday.

DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang said in a statement tonight that the decision to appoint PAS Assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaludin as the Menteri Besar did not receive the mandate of the DAP's Central Executive Committee.

The three political parties had collectively submitted a letter to the Sultan of Perak to form the coalition government and had named Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham, Perak PKR Treasurer Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Perak PAS Secretary Mohammad Nizar to be considered as candidates for the post of Menteri Besar.

The Sultan of Perak today consented that Mohammad Nizar be appointed the 10th Menteri Besar of Perak and the decision was announced by the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, who also had an audience with the three candidates at Istana Kinta here this afternoon.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320345]

Penang Govt Scrapped NEP To Victimise Bumiputeras, Says Ali Rustam - Bernama

MELAKA, March 12 (Bernama) -- The DAP-PKR led Penang state government's decision not to implement the New Economic Policy (NEP) is to victimise the Bumiputeras, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

He said the NEP, introduced by the second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein in 1970, had contributed to national economic growth and the spin-offs were reaped by all races.

"The NEP has narrowed the rural-urban poverty gap and restructured society. The benefits are enjoyed by all races, be they Bumiputeras or non-Bumiputeras," Mohd Ali, who is also Melaka chief minister, told Bernama.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, after being sworn in as Penang chief minister yesterday, said the state government would not implement the NEP.

Guan Eng said the NEP, implemented after the May 13 racial riots in 1969 to eradicate poverty and restructure society, was the root cause of cronyism, corruption and incompetence.

Objecting to Guan Eng's adverse remarks on NEP, Mohd Ali said the Penang government cannot be fair and balanced in its administration and protect the interests of Bumiputeras, majority of whom are still in need of government.

"Instead, the Bumiputeras may become like the natives in Australia and New Zealand. The state government's policy is very dangerous to Malaysia and its multiracial populace," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320305]

Lim: DAP rejects Nizar as MB - Malaysiakini

While the long-drawn debate on who should be the Perak mentri besar finally came to an end today, an unexpected twist came in the form of DAP leader Lim Kit Siang who said that his party had not approved PAS’ Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin to lead the state.

“The decision to appoint a PAS assemblyperson Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak mentri besar has caused shock and consternation to DAP leaders, members and supporters,” he said in a brief statement today.

The statement came just hours after it was announced in Ipoh that the Regent of Perak has agreed on Nizar’s appointment.

Earlier Nizar, state DAP chairperson and Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham and PKR’s Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi had met with Regent Raja Nazrin Shah.

Ngeh and Jamaluddin were the two other candidates vying for the post.

The three of them later told a press conference that the regent had agreed with Nizar’s appointment as well as the appointment of Ngeh as deputy menteri besar (1) and an Indian candidate - to be named later - as deputy menteri besar (2).

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/79733]

Ir Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin Is New Perak MB - Bernama

IPOH, March 12 (Bernama) -- The secretary of the Perak PAS Liaison Body, Ir Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, 51, has been picked for the post of Perak Menteri Besar by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

Mohammad Nizar will lead the coalition government to be formed by PAS, DAP and PKR which together won 31 state seats in the general election on Saturday.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar at 4pm tomorrow.

Mohammad Nizar, who is also the State Assemblyman for Pasir Panjang, said the consent from the Sultan of Perak was conveyed to him by the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, who had granted an audience to the leaders of the three political parties at Istana Kinta, here at 5pm today.

PAS, DAP and the PKR yesterday submitted three names -- Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham, 47, Perak PKR treasurer Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, 52, and Mohammad Nizar, -- for selection by Sultan Azlan to lead the new state government.

The three names were submitted after the three political parties had received the Sultan's consent to form the coalition government.

Speaking to reporters outside Istana Kinta, Mohammad Nizar said Ngeh would be appointed Deputy Menteri Besar I.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320267]

PM Beri Amaran Kepada Lim Jangan Marakkan Ketegangan Kaum - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, 12 Mac (Bernama) -- Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hari ini memberi amaran kepada Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng supaya tidak membuat kenyataan yang boleh memarakkan ketegangan kaum.

Lim, selepas mengangkat sumpah jawatan sebagai Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang semalam, memberitahu pemberita bahawa kerajaan negeri pimpinan DAP itu tidak akan mengamalkan Dasar Ekonomi Baru.

Lim juga berkata DEB, yang diperkenalkan pada 1971 selepas rusuhan kaum 13 Mei 1969 untuk membasmi kemiskinan dan menyusun semula masyarakat, merupakan punca kepada "kronisme, rasuah dan ketidakcekapan."

Abdullah memberitahu Bernama selepas mengadakan pertemuan dengan para pegawai tinggi kerajaan di pejabatnya di sini, bahawa DEB yang diperkenalkan perdana menteri kedua allahyarham Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, sebenarnya telah berjaya meningkatkan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan ini telah memberi faedah kepada semua kaum.

"Saya ingin bertanya kepada DAP kaum manakah yang telah menjadi lebih miskin kerana DEB.

"Saya ingin juga memberi peringatan kepada kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang supaya jangan menimbulkan keadaan di mana ketegangan antara kaum boleh berlaku," tegas Abdullah yang juga Ketua Perhubungan Umno Pulau Pinang.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=320242]

Orang Melayu Undi DAP Tidak Ada Semangat Kebangsaan, Kata Aziz Tapa - Bernama

Oleh Mohamad Bakri Darus

MELAKA, 12 Mac (Bernama) -- Generasi baru Melayu yang mengundi pembangkang terutama DAP pada pilihan raya umum Sabtu lepas tidak mempunyai semangat kebangsaan; fikiran mereka bercelaru; dan hanya terikut-ikut mahukan perubahan, kata veteran Umno Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa hari ini.

Beliau berkata jika mempunyai semangat kebangsaan golongan ini tentu mengundi Barisan Nasional (BN) kerana parti tulang belakang BN ialah Umno, yang memperjuangkan nasib Melayu.

"Saya kata orang Melayu kurang berfikir, suka ikut emosi kerana pepatah Melayu ada menyebut 'bumi kelikir, langit temberang, tak baik-baik fikir jadi hamba orang', inilah kesannya," kata Aziz dalam temubual dengan Bernama di rumahnya di Jasin dekat sini.

Tokoh budayawan dan sejarawan berusia 84 tahun itu berkata, generasi muda ini mahukan perubahan saja tetapi mereka tidak tahu perubahan itu boleh merosakkan masa depan mereka.

"Falsafah orang Belanda: manusia sentiasa berkehendakkan yang baru tetapi kadang kala dia terlupa yang baru itu merosakkan dia," katanya.

Pejuang kemerdekaan itu berkata mereka tidak tahu betapa susahnya orang Melayu dahulu berjuang untuk mendapatkan kemerdekaan negara daripada penjajah Inggeris tetapi mereka yang hidup senang lenang pada hari ini, cuba membiarkan hak-hak istimewa orang Melayu terhakis.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/bm/news.php?id=320195]

Media changes tone after shock poll results - Malaysiakini

The government-friendly media has changed its tone after shock election gains by the opposition, aiming to win back readers alienated by biased coverage, industry sources said today.

Malaysia's mainstream newspapers and television networks, many of them partly government-owned, were awash with flattering coverage of the ruling coalition ahead of Saturday's polls.

But after unprecedented losses, which saw the government lose its two-thirds parliamentary majority for the first time in four decades, opposition figures who had been ignored or vilified are now being splashed on front pages.

"It is a wake-up call for us. The mainstream media should revisit and review our policies," said Azman Ujang, general manager of the state news agency Bernama.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranks Malaysia 124 out of 169 on its worldwide press freedom index, and says the main media are "often compelled to ignore or to play down the many events organised by the opposition".

[More at http://malaysiakini.com/news/79690]

Penang Government Appoints Two Deputy Chief Ministers - Bernama

PENANG, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Penang government today announced the appointments of two deputy chief ministers to help administer the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng named Penanti state assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as first Deputy Chief Minister and Perai state assemblyman Prof Dr P.Ramasamy (DAP) as second Deputy Chief Minister.

He told a news conference that they would take their oath of office before Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas tomorrow.

Lim said the appointment of two deputy chief ministers was to represent the multiracial people in the state.

He also said that he would meet Abdul Rahman to inform him of the state executive council line-up which would comprise seven DAP and three PKR assemblymen.

However, he did not reveal their names or the portfolios created.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=320124]

Guan Eng sworn in as Penang CM - TheStarOnline.tv

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng took his oath as Penang’s fourth Chief Minister on Tuesday. The new chief minister later outlined his plan for the state at a press conference.

Perak MB post: Three names submitted - The Star

By Hah Foong Lian and Chan Li Leen

IPOH: The new Mentri Besar from the DAP-PKR-PAS coalition will be sworn in as early as Wednesday after Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah decides among three potential candidates.

The candidates are state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham, state Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) treasurer Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and state PAS secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

Revealing this at a joint press conference, Ngeh said the names were submitted to Raja Nazrin Shah at Istana Kinta here at 2pm on Tuesday.

"All parties within the coalition have jointly agreed on the submission of the three names for his decision.

"We would like to impress upon the people that all three parties have unanimously agreed to fully endorse whichever candidate is chosen," he said at the Perak DAP headquarters.

Also present were state PKR chief Zulkifly Ibrahim, Mohammad Nizar and other DAP assemblymen.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/3/11/election2008/20080311154411&sec=Election2008]

Penang Administration Will Be Free From NEP, Says Lim - Bernama

PENANG, March 11 (Bernama) -- Just a few hours after being sworn in as Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng Tuesday announced that the DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) coalition government will run its administration free from the New Economic Policy (NEP) which he claimed could breed cronyism, corruption and systemic inefficiency.

In his maiden speech as the Chief Minister, Guan Eng said the new state government would implement an open tender system for all government procurements and contracts.

The NEP's stated goals are poverty eradication and economic restructuring so as to eliminate the identification of ethnicity with economic functions.

The policy, which was implemented in 1971, also espouses the redistribution of wealth and affirmative action for Malays and bumiputeras to have at least 30 per cent of the country's wealth.

Following Guan Eng's statement, he was asked on Malay rights and responded that "the fate of all races and their destiny are very much the same."

"I don't want to talk about any particular race because our fate are all the same and our direction is also the same," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319962]

Sack bad advisers, PM urged - The Star

By Sim Leoi Leoi and Raphael Wong

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik let rip on the last day of his office in Government by issuing the strongest advice to the Prime Minister.

Change the advisers because they are giving the wrong advice, which partly led to major losses for Barisan Nasional in the general election, the Gerakan adviser said.

Dr Lim, who retired from active politics last year, said although he still had confidence in Abdullah’s leadership, Abdullah had got to think a lot and much deeper on issues of the day and “do something.”

“There is no leadership issue. The advice given to him has been wrong. If his advisers have been giving the wrong advice, remove them all. If it’s been the right advice, why should we be here now?

Dr Lim was talking to reporters after handing over his Energy, Water and Communications Ministry tag at his office here yesterday.

Other reasons contributing to the losses included the arrogant attitude of some Barisan politicians, the lack of cyber campaigning and the discriminatory implementation of government policies by certain civil servants, he pointed out.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/11/nation/20602704&sec=nation]

Umno And Other BN Component Parties Support Abdullah - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, MARCH 10 (Bernama) -- Umno and other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties today unequivocally voiced full support for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister and Umno president.

Umno deputy president and deputy BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the stand was very important to maintain confidence in the country, especially investor confidence as well as helping Umno face new challenges.

"Therefore, trust and confidence in the Umno leadership is very important. As such, the Umno supreme council hopes there will not be any more doubt about Umno's top leadership or any speculation or effort to change leadership or any action that does not reflect the desire of the supreme council," he said at a press conference after a BN Supreme Council meeting here.

The BN Supreme Council meeting was held after the Umno Supreme Council meeting at Menara Datuk Onn of the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Najib said the same matter had been raised at the BN Supreme Council meeting chaired by Abdullah, where all heads of the BN component parties had voiced unanimous support for Abdullah as Prime Minister and BN Chairman.

Najib said he had very good relations with Abdullah as Umno president and Prime Minister and it was the desire of the supreme council to see the good relations maintained.

"When there is unity, leadership and trust, the party will be stronger and more united," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319858]

NEP Ended In 1991, MAPEN In Place Now, Says Abdullah - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the issue of abolishing the New Economic Policy (NEP) raised by the opposition parties should not have come up as the policy ended in 1991.

Since then, the government has set up the National Economic Consultative Council (MAPEN) to be responsible for planning the development of the country's economy.

"Through MAPEN, many policies had been agreed upon for implementation by the government and among the policies were two policies taken from the NEP, with one being the overall eradication of poverty irrespective of race, and the second dealt with distribution," he said at a press conference after chairing the Umno Supreme Council and Barisan Nasional Supreme Council meeting here today.

Abdullah was replying to questions on plans by the opposition parties, which won several state governments in the recent election, to abolish the NEP.

He said the government would continue to holistically carry out its poverty eradication programmes considering that hard core poverty still existed.

"We have continued to implement the programmes until today as poverty still exist including hardcore poverty even if the percentage has been reduced significantly from the past.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319857]

PM Reiterates Khairy Has No Influence On Him - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today reiterated strongly that Khairy Jamaluddin had never been an influence in whatever he has done or decision he has made.

"Khairy is not an influence in whatever I do. He's the Umno Youth vice-head, and he has his idea about anything.

"There may be some coincidence that he speaks about the same policy and not because the policy is what he has promoted, it's a policy of the government," the Prime Minister told newsmen at the Umno Headquarters, here.

He added that as an Umno member, it was a duty for Khairy to know policies of the government and talk about it.

"It doesn't mean that when we talk about the policy, it means that it's the policy he suggested," he said when commenting on a statement made by his predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday alleging that Khairy was responsible for the major defeat suffered by Barisan Nasional (BN) in the just-concluded general election.

The Umno president said what happened to Khairy was due to the misperception based on the fact that the latter was the son-in-law of the Prime Minister.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319844]

Mukhriz Says He's All For Abdullah As PM - Bernama

BUTTERWORTH, March 10 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth executive committee member Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir today expressed his full support for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to lead the nation as Prime Minister.

"I will support any action that will gain confidence towards the prime minister," Mukhriz, who is also MP for Jerlun, said at a packed news conference.

He said this amid rumours that he had called for a news conference to call for the resignation of the prime minister following Barisan Nasionals shocking defeat in the just-ended general election.

Some 500 people, including Umno Youth leaders from the northern zone, attended the news conference which was scheduled to be held at Sunway Hotel but was later moved to Pearl View Hotel.

"The SMS is not true that I'm calling for someone's resignation.

I know there were SMS going round stating that I would do so. I'm not sure who was the culprit behind it," he said. "I 've been receiving many calls and SMS expressing many views.

What is apparent to me is that there is a sense of loss among Umno and Barisan Nasional members because it has been an unmitigated situation that we are faced with, unprecedented in many ways.

"We have never lost that many states, so it is a wake-up call definitely," said Mukhriz.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319773]

Abdullah sworn in as Malaysia PM - Agencies

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Malaysian prime minister, has been sworn in for a second five-year term, rejecting calls to resign after the ruling coalition's worst-ever election performance.

"I pledge to carry out my duties honestly and with all my abilities," he said, reading out the oath on Monday as he was sworn in by Malaysia's king.

"I pledge to protect and uphold the constitution."

The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which has ruled Malaysia since the country gained independence half a century ago, retained a simple majority in Saturday's polls, but suffered unprecedented losses to a loose opposition coalition.

The loss of seats also broke the BN's hold on two-thirds of the parliamentary majority which enabled to amend the constitution without debate.

On Monday, Malaysian stocks dived six per cent to a seven-month low with the ringgit also falling as the market reacted to the political uncertainty following the coalition's heaviest election losses in 50 years.

[More at http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/EEB3F8E2-CD7C-4925-8F58-A3D1BB897422.htm]

Wind Of Change In Favour Of Pas In Kelantan - Bernama

KOTA BAHARU, March 9 (Bernama) -- Based on the tremendous response given to the Barisan Nasional (BN) throughout the 13-day campaign to end Pas' 18-year-rule in Kelantan, the results in the just-concluded election is "unexpected", to say the least.

The silent majority, which the BN had banked on to turn the tide to its favour, had voted to the contrary -- by returning Pas to power with a bigger majority.

The final tally saw Pas winning a total of 38 state seats while its opposition partner Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) won one, giving the opposition front a total of 39 out of 45 state seats. The BN won the other six seats.

For parliamentary seats, Pas won nine, PKR three and BN two, a stark contrast to the scenario in the 2004 general election when the BN won 12 out of 14 parliamentary seats.

In the 2004 election, while the chief ministers and Menteris Besar in other states were being sworn in, Kelantan was still in a state of uncertainty as the BN and Pas were tied at 19 seats each, with recounts in seven more seats.

It was only two days after the voting that Kelantan was able to form the state government with a slim majority of 24 seats compared to BN's 21 seats.

Pas further lost another seat to BN in the Pengkalan Pasir by-election in 2005.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319587]

Malaysian ruling coalition suffers poll debacle - Reuters

By Jalil Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's ruling party faced its biggest electoral debacle on Sunday, as the opposition won five of 13 states, putting a dark cloud on the prime minister's political future.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's multi-racial National Front coalition managed to win just a simple majority in parliament and will form the government at the federal level.

But it lost a crucial two-thirds parliamentary majority it has held for most of its 50-year-long rule, the election body said. That level is needed to change the constitution.

The leftist Chinese-backed Democratic Action Party (DAP) won Penang state, which houses many multinational firms.

The opposition Islamist party PAS scored shock victories in the northern heartland states of Kedah and Perak and easily retained power in its stronghold in northeastern Kelantan state.

DAP and PAS also joined the People's Justice Party, or Parti Keadilan, to take control of the industrial state of Selangor and almost all the seats in capital Kuala Lumpur.

[More at http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKKLR9844320080308]

The Star Front Page (9/3)

Read this doc on Scribd: The Star Malaysia Cover (9 March 2008)
No victory parades, warns IGP KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no victory parade for any political party. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has directed all state and district police chiefs not to issue permits for political parties to hold such parades. Musa, who urged the losing parties to accept defeat, said police surveillance would continue throughout the country after the elections. "We want to ensure that peace and security is maintained," he said. The IGP cautioned the public not to take heed of rumours spread via SMS and urged those who received such messages to lodge police reports. "The SMS messages are lies," he said adding that police were monitoring the situation. 9 MARCH 2008 PP3057/3/2008 (No. 17760) Peninsula RMI.50 Sabah RM2.00 Sarawak RM2.00 SUNDAY people's paper Political tsunami The shocks 2008 thestar.com.my Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in Lembah Pantai BN wins federal govt but opposition takes five states Lee Hwa Beng lost to Loh Gwo Burne in Kelana Jaya Democracy at work: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi waving to the crowd on arrival at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday to monitor the results of the general election last night. He accepted Barisan Nasional's defeat in some states, saying it was all part of democracy. Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon lost to Dr P. Ramasamy in Batu Kawan Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu lost to Dr D. Michael Jeyakumar Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin lost to PKR's Johari Abdul in Sungai Petani KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional will form the next Government as it has won more than half the parliamentary seats. However, the coalition suffered some of the greatest defeats in its history. Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in accepting the results, said this was clear proof of democracy at work in the country. Among the results yesterday were: > The Barisan lost Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor, > PAS strengthened grip on Kelantan, > Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting won in their seats, > Among ministers who lost their seats were former Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin, > Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon lost to Dr P. Ramasamy in the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, party leaders urged for calm and police have banned all victory celebrations. Datuk S. Kayveas lost to Nga Kor Min in Taiping Spend a minimum RM20 and stand a chance to win your'Super Car'! Plus RM1 million in cash prizes to be given away! It's the PETRONAS 'Super Car' Craze Contest! Race over to your nearest PETRONAS Service Station now to stand a chance of winning the 'Super Car' you've crazed for. 6 of the sportiest, dreamiest cars are up for grabs. Mini Cooper S and Audi TT are exclusive for Kad Mesra members. Contest ends 31 March 2008. For more information, please contact Mesralink at 1 300 88 8181 or www.mymesra.com.my

Barisan reels from worst-ever election performance - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is in shock. The Barisan Nasional is reeling from its worst-ever election performance.

While it managed to keep Terengganu and will form the next government, it lost Penang, Selangor Kedah and Perak to the Opposition and failed to recapture Kelantan.

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in accepting the results, said this was clear proof of democracy at work in the country.

He urged people to remain calm and not take to the streets to celebrate.

Earlier, as reports spread of Barisan’s mounting losses, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan warned the public not to hold any victory celebrations or spread rumours of rioting and that the Internal Security Act would be used against offenders caught.

Musa’s concern is understandable considering Barisan’s losses are even bigger than what the ruling party experienced in the 1969 general election.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/9/nation/20590068&sec=nation]

Upset for ruling coalition in Malaysia elections - Al Jazeera

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi appears to have been returned to power in general elections, but there have been major swings against his ruling coalition.

Significantly they have come from the minority ethnic Chinese and Indian vote. The Indians had staged rare protests in Malaysia over what they say was discrimination.

The result will severely dent the ruling coalition's majority in Parliament, and could change forever the dynamics of Malaysian politics.

PM's post-election press conference - TheStarOnline.tv

Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi speaks at a press conference at Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur after the Election Commission announced that the coalition has won a simple majority in the 12th general election.

Malaysian election facts and figures - AP

Facts and figures on Malaysia's general elections Saturday.

———

CONTESTANTS: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's National Front coalition is facing three opposition groups—the People's Justice Party, Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party and Democratic Action Party—and various independent candidates.

———

WHAT'S AT STAKE: 222 seats in Parliament and 505 state legislature seats. The National Front has already won eight parliamentary seats and three state seats uncontested, while the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party won one state seat.

———

SYSTEM: About 11 million people in this country of 27 million are registered voters. Voting is not mandatory.

———

RESULTS: Parliamentary seats are key because the party or coalition that has a majority forms the federal government for the next five years. The prime minister is by tradition the head of the winning side. The National Front has won every general election since independence from Britain in 1957. It also controls all the state legislatures except in northeastern Kelantan state, which has been ruled by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party since 1990.


[From http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_8495831]

Malaysians Cast Their Ballots Today - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysians go out to the polling booths Saturday to discharge their responsibility as citizens in the 12th general election which is expected to return the Barisan Nasional (BN) to lead the government for the next five years.

A total of 10.9 million registered voters are eligible to choose the elected representatives for 214 of the 222 parliamentary seats and 501 of the 505 State Legislative Assembly seats nationwide except for Sarawak which is only involved in the election for parliamentary seats.

The Election Commission (EC) opened 7,950 polling centres throughout the country, with 21,822 polling streams, which mostly involve schools, multipurpose halls and longhouses from 8am until 5pm.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be voting at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Batas, Kepala Batas while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will do so at Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pekan.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman expects about 75 per cent of the registered voters to cast their votes.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=319254]

Tireless Khir may have saved the day - The Star

By Dharmender Singh

KLANG: The concerted effort by the Opposition in Selangor looks likely to have been thwarted, thanks largely to the endeavours of state Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

Dr Khir spent less than three days campaigning in his own Sungai Panjang seat since the state assembly was dissolved on Feb13. Instead, he has travelled the length and breadth of the state to either rally forces or put out the fires caused by the change of candidates.

It was the healing of rifts within component parties following the change of candidates that gave Dr Khir the most headaches.

He took a few hours yesterday to step back and observe the situation.

“The black areas have turned grey and the grey areas are turning white. These changes have come day by day.

“But I am confident that we will not only keep the two-thirds majority in the state but also retain the seats we won in the last general election,” he declared.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/8/nation/20582609&sec=nation]

Dr M: No regrets over Anwar’s jailing - The Star

ALOR STAR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reiterated yesterday that he felt no guilt whatsoever over what happened to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the video clip containing his remarks about the former deputy prime minister that had been distorted by the opposition to say he regretted the jailing of Anwar, was taken at a ceramah (political talk) he (Dr Mahathir) gave two years ago.

“I was making some sarcastic remarks because there were still people who believed I was responsible for his jailing when the fact is, it was the court that found him guilty,” he said at his home in Kampung Titi Gajah here .

He said that the Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser was an opportunist and would use whatever means available to get what he wants.

“Initially he wanted to join PAS. But when he saw he would get nowhere in that party, he asked to join Umno ... not that we invited him in ... I did not bring him into Umno.

“Two days after joining he wanted to be the Youth leader, a year later vice-president and a year after that deputy president. I only got a chance to be an elected representative after 18 years in the party and a minister after 28 years.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/7/nation/20563166&sec=nation]