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]