~penarik beca (2)

Sinar Harian (19/3/09): Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat menyifatkan tindakan Presiden Pas, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang mencadangkan pembentukan kerajaan campuran Pas-Barisan Nasional (BN) sebagai tidak menghormati keputusan parti.

Musryidul Am Pas itu berkata, parti telah membuat keputusan pada Muktamar Pas yang dibuat Ogos tahun lalu di Ipoh, Perak.

“Saya rasa cadangan itu lebih berbentuk peribadi. Keputusan telah dibuat pada Muktamar Pas di Ipoh. Kalau nak sebut benda lain yang berlainan dengan keputusan muktamar kena buat mesyuarat luar biasa (EGM).

“Saya tidak suka satu keputusan yang dibuat dalam muktamar tetapi kita sebut benda lain. Itu saya tidak suka.

“Kalau tentu nak buat benda lain selain daripada keputusan muktamar biar tentu. Biar ada perbahasan, biar ada dialog dan masukkan dalam mesyuarat,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita selepas menerima kunjungan pelabur dari Taiwan di pejabatnya di Kota Darul-naim, di sini, semalam.

Nik Aziz berkata, keputusan pada muktamar lepas telah dibuat yang mana Pas akan bersama dengan Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

“Kalau nak bertemu dengan UMNO, bertemu dalam perkara lain bukan dengan perkara bentuk kerajaan. Itu keputusan kita.

“Kalau nak buat benda baru tak boleh nak sebut, tak boleh buat dengan cara sambil lalu sambil dan kena ikut keputusan mesyuarat. Kepu-tusan muktamar mesti dijalankan,” katanya.

Menteri Besar Kelantan itu berkata, keputusan yang telah diputuskan pada muktamar lepas perlu dijaga.

Nik Aziz berkata, sekiranya ingin membahaskan masalah kerajaan dengan UMNO perlu adakan mesyuarat khusus.

“Jangan buat keputusan lain. Cakap lain, saya tak setuju, saya tetap dengan keputusan muktamar. Barulah dikatakan kedudukan kita stabil dan kita dipanggil berdisiplin.

“Sekiranya ingin membuat keputusan lain satu mesyuarat jawatankuasa pusat perlu diadakan bagi memperhalusi cadangan tersebut,” katanya.

Nik Abdul Aziz berkata, sekiranya kesemua Ahli Jawatankuasa Pas Pusat bersetuju dengan cadangan Abdul Hadi yang tetap berkeras untuk mewujudkan kerajaan perpaduan beliau terpaksa akur.

Katanya, cadangan itu bukan sahaja tidak membawa kebaikan malah bertentangan dengan dasar parti.

SHAH ALAM, 12 Mac 2009 (Hrkh) - Ketua Pembangkang Dun Selangor, Dato' Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo menarik janggut Adun Hulu Klang, Saari Sungib sambil memberi amaran keras supaya jangan membabitkan isterinya dalam isu pembelian dua kereta Mercedes dan sebuah Range Rover.

Amaran keras Khir itu dilakukan di luar dewan Dun selepas Saari mendedahkan penyelewengan dalam Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) yang membeli sebuah Range Rover bernilai RM500,000.

Katanya, Range Rover itu dibeli untuk kegunaan syarikat tetapi setelah kenderaan itu sampai ia telah diberikan kepada isteri Pengerusi KDEB.

Khir yang menunggu Saari di luar dewan berkata; "'You' serang isteri saya. 'You' jangan serang isteri saya, you hendak serang saya tak apa, jangan serang isteri saya. Isteri saya tidak boleh memandu."

Saari menjawab; "Saya bertanya untuk disiasat selepas itu beri jawapan, saya cakap ia diguna pakai oleh syarikat."

Khir membalas; "Awak orang tua awak mesti semak dengan tepat, jika isteri saya terdakwa, saya tidak akan maafkan awak, tuntut di akhirat."

Pada mulanya Saari beranggapan Khir hanya bergurau dengan menarik janggutnya tetapi ternyata Khir serius dan penuh emosi.

Bagaimanapun, amaran itu tidak menakutkan beliau untuk terus mendedahkan segala penyelewengan yang telah dilakukan ketika Khir menjadi Menteri Besar demi kepentingan rakyat negeri Selangor.

Sebenarnya, kata beliau, isu KDEB itu sudah lama iaitu setelah seminggu menjadi wakil rakyat maklumat itu telah sampai terutama SUK tidak boleh masuk kerana ada orang yang membuat kerja ambil dokumen takut bukti hilang.

Katanya dalam sidang penggal pertama perkara itu tidak sesuai untuk didedahkan sehingga perbahasan menjunjung titah ucapan Tuanku Sultan Selangor, tengah hari tadi.

Beliau menganggap Khir bukan mengancam tetapi hanya menunjukkan rasa tidak puas hati dan beremosi.

Harakah (27/2/09): Ketua dan Naib Ketua Pemuda Umno bertanggungjawab membuktikan kepada rakyat bahawa mereka tidak tahu-menahu tentang rancangan ahli mereka bertindak ala-mafia dan menyerang Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor, Karpal Singh.

Ketua Penerangan PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar menuntut perkara itu dibuktikan kepada rakyat kerana semua pihak tahu bahawa ahli-ahli Umno biasanya tidak akan berani melakukan apa-apa tindakan yang dilihat mewakili parti itu tanpa kebenaran ketua mereka.

"Isunya sekarang bukan sahaja Pemuda Umno bertindak ala-gangster mafia menyerang seorang Ahli Parlimen di dalam bangunan Parlimen, malah ia sekaligus merupakan serangan beramai-ramai ke atas seorang warga emas berumur 69 tahun yang kurang upaya.

"Sukar untuk dipercayai oleh rakyat bahawa tindakan menyerang seorang Ahli Parlimen di dalam bangunan Parlimen boleh dilakukan oleh Pemuda Umno jika tidak diizinkan oleh ketua mereka.

"Sebab itulah Ketua Pemuda Umno Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein dan Naibnya Khairy Jamaluddin bertanggungjawab membuktikan kepada rakyat bahawa mereka benar-benar tidak tahu mengenai rancangan ahli-ahli mereka untuk bertindak ala-gangster mafia di dalam bangunan Parlimen," tegas beliau.

Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena itu juga mengecam tindakan Pemuda Umno meneruskan budaya gangster dan mafia dalam politik negara ini.

"Kita tidak pernah melupakan dan tidak pernah memaafkan tindakan Pemuda Umno yang ketika itu di bawah kepimpinan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yang membakar emosi para penyokong parti itu sehingga bertindak ganas dan kejam dalam pilihan raya kecil Padang Terap yang mengakibatkan terbunuhnya Asy-Syahid Osman Talib.

"Rakyat negara ini tidak bacul untuk melihat begitu sahaja Pemuda Umno mengulangi apa yang dilakukan di Lubok Merbau itu diulang di tempat yang tertinggi dalam sistem demokrasi berparlimen negara ini iaitu di dalam bangunan Parlimen," tegas beliau.

Dalam tragedi ngeri ketika berlangsungnya pilihan raya kecil Parlimen Padang Terap pada tahun 1985 itu, lebih 200 ahli Umno bersenjata parang, botol pecah, batu-bata telah menyerang, menetak, memukul dan menghentak petugas PAS di Felda Lubuk Merbau.

Keganasan itu mengakibatkan Osman gugur syahid, tujuh petugas PAS cedera parah dan berpuluh yang lain cedera ringan. Kejadian berlaku sehari sebelum hari pembuangan undi pada 19 Januari tahun tersebut.

Sebaik sahaja selepas kejadian itu, tempat tersebut dikawal ketat oleh pihak polis.

Mengulas lanjut mengenai tindakan Pemuda Umno beramai-ramai menyerang orang kurang upaya berumur 69 tahun di bangunan Parlimen itu, Mahfuz menyifatkan tindakan tersebut berpunca dari kekecewaan akibat kehilangan kuasa dan peluang mencipta kekayaan setelah pemerintahan beberapa negeri terlepas dari tangan parti itu.

"Mustahil Pemuda Umno tidak tahu mereka boleh mengambil tindakan undang-undang kepada Karpal yang mengaitkan dua peluru yang diterimanya dengan mereka malah menyifatkan mereka sebagai celaka walaupun ditarik balik setelah diarahkan oleh (Timbalan Yang di-Pertua Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Dr Haji) Wan Junaidi (Tuanku Jaafar).

"Tetapi mereka sengaja bertindak ala ganster mafia mungkin kerana sudah tidak tahan lagi begitu tertekan dan kecewa akibat kehilangan kuasa dan peluang mencipta kekayaan setelah pemerintahan beberapa negeri terlepas dari tangan parti mereka.

"Tanyalah para pemimpin Umno lebih-lebih lagi di peringkat Pemuda di semua peringkat, berapa projek yang mereka ada sekarang? Mereka miskin projek sekarang dan merasa amat marah ketika kerajaan pusat kelihatan sudah tidak mampu lagi mewujudkan lebih banyak projek seperti projek kelas F yang khabarnya digunakan untuk menternak kroni-kroni," katanya.

Luahan kemarahan itu, kata Mahfuz, sudah jenuh digambarkan oleh ahli-ahli Umno termasuk tunjuk perasaan menentang tindakan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) membanteras rasuah politik di dalam parti mereka.

Dalam tunjuk perasaan di pekarangan Menara Dato Onn di mana terletaknya ibu pejabat Umno itu, ahli-ahli Umno yang marah kepada tindakan SPRM itu membawa sepanduk tertera mesej "Jangan ambil hak ahli Umno", "Kami menolak SPRM, boleh blah" dan "Lembaga disiplin sudah nyanyuk".

Mahfuz berharap para pemimpin Umno bertindak segera membendung kemarahan ahli-ahli mereka.

"Jika tidak, kita bimbang lebih banyak pihak akan diserang ala-gangster mafia oleh Pemuda Umno," katanya.

Kawalan dipertingkat


Langkah keselamatan di Parlimen elak kekecohan

Berita Harian (27/2/09): Parlimen terpaksa mengambil tindakan mengetatkan kawalan keselamatan dengan mengehadkan kemasukan individu atau kumpulan tertentu demi keselamatan di kawasan berkenaan.

Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, yang kesal dengan beberapa insiden, termasuk pergaduhan di Parlimen, berkata langkah keselamatan perlu kerana terdapat pihak tertentu yang tidak memahami makna sebenar demokrasi.

"Perkara ini (kekecohan) tragik, saya kesal kerana kita mahu jadikan tempat ini paling terbuka, tetapi disebabkan 'kebodohan' sekumpulan kecil orang seperti mengugut dan melakukan ancaman, kita terpaksa mengehadkan kemasukan (ke bangunan Parlimen).

"Akibatnya, langkah keselamatan menjadi keperluan.... sesuatu yang tidak menyenangkan tetapi jadi perlu disebabkan tindakan sekumpulan orang yang tidak memahami demokrasi," katanya sambil menganggap insiden kelmarin sebagai memalukan Parlimen.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas menerima kunjungan hormat lapan Ahli Parlimen Kesatuan Eropah diketuai Pengerusinya, Hartmut Nassauer di pejabatnya di bangunan Parlimen, semalam.

Abdul Hamid berkata, apa yang penting ialah usaha menghalang kumpulan yang difikirkan bakal mengganggu ketenteraman dan keselamatan daripada memasuki Parlimen, manakala penambahan pengawal keselamatan bukan langkah berkesan.

Sementara itu, Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, ketika dihubungi, meminta Kelab Penyokong Ahli Parlimen Barisan Nasional (BNBBC) dan wakil pembangkang berbincang sama ada perlu mengetatkan kawalan keselamatan di Parlimen.

Katanya, pihaknya pernah membuat keputusan menghalang orang awam dan wartawan memasuki ruang lobi Parlimen pada sesi persidangan Jun lalu, tapi ia kemudian dibantah BNBBC dan pembangkang.

Timbalan Pengerusi BNBBC, Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin, berkata kelab itu akan bermesyuarat minggu depan untuk membincangkan pelbagai isu, termasuk aspek keselamatan di Parlimen dan akan turut mendapatkan pandangan pihak pembangkang.

"Ia kemudian akan dikemukakan kepada pejabat Speaker Dewan Rakyat untuk pertimbangan. Sebenarnya, Parlimen kita memang selamat dan kekecohan yang berlaku semalam (kelmarin) kes terasing," katanya.

Dalam kejadian kira-kira jam 2.45 petang kelmarin, pekarangan Bangunan Parlimen kecoh apabila sekumpulan individu berhimpun dan menuntut Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh memohon maaf atas kenyataannya yang memaki Pemuda Umno sebagai celaka dalam sidang Dewan Rakyat.

MCA: Such intimidation destroys our country’s image

The Star (28/2/09): The MCA has hit out at the Umno Youth members who confronted Bukit Gelugor MP and DAP chairman Karpal Singh in Parliament, calling such behaviour unacceptable.

The party’s information and communication bureau chairman Lee Wei Kiat said such physical intimidation “destroys our country’s image in the international stage”, and called for respect to be shown to Parliament.

“Any kind of behaviour or mob rule which forcibly prevents the MPs from entering Parliament not only offends the rakyat but is also an affront against the country’s democratic system, rule of law and also to voters,” he said in a statement.

He called for conflicts and differences in opinions to be debated through a peaceful, democractic and rational platform.

“It is unfortunate that Umno Youth members chose to be irrational and rowdy in voicing out their views in Parliament. Hence their action is tantamount to insulting Parliament,” he said.

On Thursday, the wheelchair-bound Karpal Singh was prevented by a group of Umno Youth members from entering Parliament who demanded an apology from him for calling them celaka.

Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also condemned the Umno Youth members who confronted Karpal Singh, saying the incident was “embarrassing and disgusting.”

He said Umno had tarnished Malaysia’s image and called for stern action to be taken against the group.

Lim, who is also Bagan MP, said he appreciated that Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had apologised over the incident, but felt it was only right that Umno should do so too.

On Karpal Singh’s use of the word celaka in reference to Umno Youth during his debate speech on Wednesday and his allegation that Umno was responsible for the two bullets he had received in the mail, Lim said the statement was made in the House and it was up to the Speaker to take any action

mStar Online (27/2/09): Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh hari ini berkata, tahap keselamatan di Parlimen akan diperketatkan berikutan insiden pergaduhan semalam.

"Apa yang berlaku semalam adalah sesuatu yang tragis dan tidak patut berlaku di Parlimen tetapi disebabkan kebodohan kumpulan tertentu, sekatan terpaksa dikenakan terhadap sesiapa yang ingin memasuki kawasan Parlimen," katanya selepas menerima kunjungan hormat delegasi anggota Parlimen Eropah di Parlimen di sini, hari ini.

Petang semalam, suasana di pintu masuk ke bangunan Parlimen kecoh apabila Ketua Umno Bahagian Petaling Jaya Utara, Latt Sharizan Abdul dan Ketua Pemuda Umno Bahagian Gombak, Megat Zulkarnain Amiruddin mengepung ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor, Karpal Singh sambil meminta Karpal mengakui ada menyebut perkataan "Pemuda Umno celaka" dan meminta maaf kepada mereka.

Bagaimanapun, keadaan menjadi bertambah kecoh apabila Ahli Parlimen Segambut, Lip Li Eng dan Bukit Bintang, Fong Kui Lun cuba mempertahankan Karpal.

Campur tangan mereka bagaimanapun menimbulkan pergaduhan antara kedua-dua pihak sehingga mendapat campur tangan pihak keselamatan Parlimen.

Mengulas lanjut, Dr Abdul Hamid berkata, beliau berasa sedih mengenai insiden itu dan menyifatkan kumpulan tersebut sebagai manusia yang tidak memahami penguatkuasaan undang-undang dalam sistem demokrasi yang diamalkan di negara ini.

Bagaimanapun katanya, mereka yang ingin melawat Parlimen tidak akan dihalang berbuat demikian.

"Pelajar-pelajar sekolah masih boleh mengadakan lawatan ke sini.

"Kita cuma mengadakan sekatan terhadap mereka yang dikesan boleh mengganggu atau mengancam ketenteraman dan keselamatan Parlimen," katanya.

Ditanya sama ada mereka yang menimbulkan kekecohan semalam akan disenaraihitam daripada memasuki kawasan Parlimen, beliau berkata, langkah itu tidak perlu namun katanya, pihaknya perlu bergantung kepada maklumat dan risikan pihak keselamatan.

Katanya, insiden semalam bukan hanya memalukan Parlimen malah seluruh rakyat Malaysia.

Beliau turut menyifatkan kumpulan tersebut sebagai manusia yang tidak memahami penguatkuasaan undang-undang dalam sistem demokrasi yang diamalkan di negara ini.

Walaubagaimanapun, Abdul Hamid berkata bilangan anggota keselamatan tidak akan ditambah sebaliknya jumlah kemasukan mereka yang tidak berkenaan akan dihadkan dan insiden yang berlaku semalam tidak akan menjadi teruk sehingga melibatkan kecederaan fizikal seperti mana yang pernah terjadi negara lain.

"Saya suka apa yang saya baca dalam akhbar hari ini. Apa yang salah tetap salah. Kita tidak boleh mengamalkan politik yang bersifat kepartian," katanya.

Beliau menyifatkan apa yang dilakukakan oleh kumpulan tertentu sebagai orang yang tidak bertamadun kerana menghalang anggota Parlimen daripada menjalankan tugas mereka.

Katanya lagi, Parlimen sepatutnya menjadi tempat yang bebas untuk membahaskan sebarang isu tanpa dihalang oleh mana-mana pihak.

The Star (7/10/09): Veteran Umno politician Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has discussed with PAS, DAP and PKR leaders the possibility of forming a national unity Federal Government as a way out of the current political and economic stalemate.

As a precedent, he cited former premier Tun Abdul Razak Hussein’s Barisan Nasional model that came from the original Alliance coalition of Umno, MCA and MIC.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had sought appointments with the former Finance Minister.

According to Tengku Razaleigh, the three requested for the meeting to discuss a perceived national crisis reflected by low confidence in the existing political and economic situation.

Tengku Razaleigh said he had explored with them the possibility of formulating a minimum basis for a national front, a Government formed out of a sincere need for national unity.

He said a national unity government could be formed together with the Barisan as a coming together of all key players to cope with the new political developments in the country, brought on by higher expectations of the electorate and to cope with challenges in a globalised economy.

Tengku Razaleigh, who has drawn up plans to overcome the present economical and political stalemate, said he would discuss these with Umno members and the people over the coming weeks.

He said he was steadfast to his commitment in offering himself as a candidate for the Umno president’s post following the worst ever performance by Barisan in the March 8 general election.

The results saw Barisan lose its two-thirds majority in Parliament and four states, as well as fail to wrest back Kelantan.

Among the states lost, Penang and Selangor, are major contributors to the nation’s gross domestic product.

In a related development, Inde­pendent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali supports the idea of the proposal but had serious doubts as to whether it could be implemented today in comparison to 1974.

He said there would have to be huge compromises and he wondered whether the likes of Anwar, Lim, Abdul Hadi, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib, Sabah and Sarawak leaders would be able to accept that.

He added that the basis of a unity government must be integrity.

Penganalisis: Anwar 'tersepit', syor BN-Pakatan bentuk kerajaan perpaduan mustahil

mStar Online (7/10/09): Selepas lebih enam bulan pilihan raya umum 2008 berlangsung, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Ahli Parlimen kanan dari Gua Musang, mengesyorkan Barisan Nasional (BN) dan Pakatan Rakyat menerokai idea kemungkinan membentuk kerajaan perpaduan untuk keluar daripada ketidaktentuan politik.

Ketua Umno Gua Musang itu telah mengetengahkan idea berkenaan dalam pertemuan dengan pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat baru-baru ini.

Bagaimanapun penganalisis melihat perkembangan tersebut sebagai tidak kena dalam senario politik semasa di mana rakyat ingin melihat kewujudan sistam dua parti di negara.

"Pakatan sudah tersepit. Datuk Seri (Anwar) Ibrahim sudah tersepit, sudah habis strategi politik," kata Pengarah Institut Kajian Etnik Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof. Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin ketika dihubungi mStar Onlinehari ini.

Kata beliau, Anwar kini sudah tiada jalan melainkan mengadakan perbincangan dengan Tengku Razaleigh selepas kesemua taktiknya untuk membentuk kerajaan persekutuan baru menerusi lompat parti gagal.

"Pembangkang tidak boleh jalan (bergerak)... Pakatan hendak ambil alih kerajaan, tetapi sudah tersepit, sebab itu mereka jumlah Ku Li.

"Tetapi pandangan Ku Li tidak kena dengan senario sekarang walaupun pernah digunakan dulu (tahun 1970-an)," katanya.

Menurut Tengku Razaleigh, usaha ke arah itu boleh mengguna pakai formula yang pernah diamalkan bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdul Razak pada 1974 apabila membentuk BN, menggantikan Perikatan.

Dalam pertemuan tersebut, kata bekas Naib Presiden Umno itu yang dipetik The Star berkata, beliau telah menyentuh kemungkinan merangka satu asas minimum bagi membentuk barisan kebangsaan yang baru - sebuah kerajaan hasil kejujuran dan keikhlasan demi perpaduan negara.

Kata beliau, langkah membawa parti-parti utama bersama BN akan membolehkan negara berhadapan dengan ujian dan cabaran ekoran perkembangan baru landskap politik selain situasi ekonomi global.

Sebagaimana disaksikan pada pilihan raya umum 1969, BN mengalami kekalahan di lima buah negeri dan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur selain hilang majoriti dua pertiga di Parlimen.

Kelmarin, Tengku Razaleigh yang menawarkan diri merebut kerusi Presiden Umno, mengakui pernah mengadakan pertemuan dengan beberapa pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat termasuk Ketua Umumnya, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Selain Anwar, bekas Menteri Kewangan itu juga ada menemui Presiden PAS, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang dan Penasihat DAP, Lim Kit Siang.

Difahamkan Tengku Razaleigh dan Anwar telah bertemu sebanyak tiga kali sebelum ini.

Bagaimanpun Tengku Razaleigh berkata, pertemuan-pertemuan itu hanya berlangsung dalam "konteks kawan-kawan lama yang bertemu."

Ketika mengulas khabar angin bahawa sudah menyertai Pakatan Rakyat, Tengku Razaleigh berkata, beliau telah menemui pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat atas permintaan mereka mahu menemuinya untuk membincangkan masa depan negara.

"Sebagai seorang pemimpin, saya terbuka untuk menemui kesemua ahli politik, tidak kira sama ada mereka dari Barisan ataupun Pakatan," katanya. Malah desas-desus sedemikian pernah muncul tiga bulan lalu, yang beliau telah menemui pemimpin PAS di Parlimen dan ditawarkan memimpin pembangkang sebagai Perdana Menteri.

Tengku Razaleigh juga meminta kesemua ahli politik mengutamakan kepentingan negara khususnya ia penting dalam suasana seperti sekarang.

"Khususnya dalam suasana sekarang kita perlu mengatasi ketidaktentuan politik dan ekonomi," katanya.

Tengku Razaleigh menambah, beliau mempunyai rancangan sendiri untuk membantu negara bebas daripada persekitaran politik dan ekonomi semasa.

Berita Harian (17/2/09): Parti politik sepatutnya mengelak daripada menggunakan ayat al-Quran untuk kepentingan mereka termasuk ketika berceramah mengenai perubahan pentadbiran kerajaan negeri atau menjelang pilihan raya kecil Parlimen Bukit Gantang.

Penasihat Hal Ehwal Agama Islam kepada Menteri Besar, Datuk Najmuddin Elias Al-Hafiz, berkata penyokong parti politik juga tidak wajar melaungkan takbir sewenang-wenangnya kerana takbir dikhususkan sebagai tanda kebesaran Allah.

Beliau berkata, ayat al-Quran atau takbir adalah kalimah tinggi dan patut digunakan secara berhati-hati.

"Ayat al-Quran atau takbir tidak wajar digunakan sebagai benteng politik untuk menyampaikan maksud bagi kepentingan parti.

"Ini adalah kalimah tinggi yang patut digunakan secara berhati-hati," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan lawatan dan mendengar taklimat Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (Jaip) di sini, semalam.

Hadir sama Pengarah Jaip, Datuk Sheikh Mohd Nor Mansor Al-Hafiz.

Najmuddin berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas sesetengah pemimpin parti pembangkang bukan Islam terutama DAP yang gemar membaca ayat al-Quran dalam bahasa Arab dan diterjemah ke dalam bahasa Melayu dalam ceramah politik.

Harakah (8/2/09): Golongan alim ulama di Negara ini harus bersikap adil di samping memihak hanya kepada Islam dalam menyelesaikan sesuatu isu apa lagi mengeluarkan kenyataan berbaur politik

Timbalan Mursyidul Am, Dato' Dr Haron Din, menyifatkan kenyataan Mufti Perak, Dato' Seri Harussani Zakaria, yang mengeluarkan kenyataan sesiapa tidak taat kepada pemerintah dianggap derhaka dilihat sebagai tidak menepati tugasnya sebagai Mufti yang hanya wajib memihak pada Islam dan bukannya pada mana-mana individu apa lagi untuk kepentingan politik.

Menurutnya, tindakan sedemikian hanya akan mengundang kekeliruan di kalangan masyarakat, kerana golongan ulama merupakan rujukan utama masyarakat dalam masaalah agama.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas berhubung kenyataan mufti berkenaan yang didakwa sedemikian sebagai merujuk tindakan Menteri Besar Perak, Dato' Seri Muhammad Nizar, yang enggan melepaskan jawatannya sebagai menteri besar.

Harussani baru-baru ini mendakwa, sesiapa yang tidak taat kepada pemerintah ataupun Raja yang memerintah sesebuah negeri, orang itu dianggap derhaka.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas merasmikan majlis penutup Kursus Kepimpinan Dakwah Halaqat, anjuran kerajaan negeri dengan kerjasama Unit Dakwah Halaqat, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Kelantan, di Putik, di sini semalam.

"Mufti Perak telah menyatakan pendapatnya, tetapi tidak pernah berlaku seumpamanya sebelum ini di mana Mufti telah memihak pada mana-mana parti politik.

"Sepatutnya sebagai orang yang diberi tanggungjawab menjaga kepentingan agama, Mufti tidak seharusnya terjebak dalam kancah politik, selain hanya memihak kepada kebenaran Islam yang satu,"ujarnya lagi.

Haron Din, seterusnya memberitahu kenyataan Mufti sedemikian jelas menampakkan ianya kurang bijak dalam memberikan pandangannya berhubung kemelut politik di Perak.

"Kalau nak membuat sebarang ulasan pun biarlah ianya memberi gambaran yang jelas iaitu Islam,"ujarnya lagi.

Terdahulu ketika berucap pada majlis itu beliau merujuk pada sejarah Islam bagaimana seorang alim ulama yang masyhur Izzudin Abdul Salam yang berani menyatakan kebenarannya walaupun di hadapan sultan sehingga beliau akhirnya dibuang daerah.

Menurutnya, keberanian ulama di zaman ini amat diperlukan khususnya untuk menangani kegawatan suasana politik dunia dan tempatan yang semakin meruncing.

"Hanya golongan ulama sejati yang berani mengeluarkan kenyataan yang benar walaupun sedar diri terpaksa berhadapan dengan sebarang kemungkinan,"ujarnya lagi.

The Star (18/6/08): An upset Sultan of Selangor has threatened to call off future Sultan of Selangor Cup matches between his state and Singapore if the protest by the state PAS Youth against two artistes performing for the event went ahead.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah described the protest over rock queen Ella and dangdut singer Mas Idayu as “hypocritical” and “trivial”.

He said there were more important issues that the party could focus on.

“If this is going to be so difficult, we might as well hold this annual event in Singapore. I am sure they will be more than happy to play host,” he told The Star yesterday.

On Monday, Selangor PAS Youth submitted a memoradum to the Selangor Mentri Besar’s office to protest against plans to have Ella and Mas Idayu perform at the match on July 6.

State PAS Youth chief Sallehen Mokhyi said the movement felt that performances by the singers were inappropriate as it would be attended by many youngsters.

The youth wing threatened to stage a demonstration at the Shah Alam Stadium if Ella and Mas Idayu were allowed to performed.

Sallehen’s call came on the heels of a statement by national PAS Youth vice-chief Azman Shapawi that the party wanted all the Pakatan Rakyat states to implement Syariah laws.

The Sultan said yesterday Ella and Mas Idayu were chosen because they were good entertainers and that the organisers felt that they would be able to entertain the people before the match began.

The other singer is David Arumugam of Alleycats.

“The organising committee even planned for the performance by the singers to end before the maghrib prayers. They are performers suitable for the family and I don’t know what the fuss is all about,” he said.

The Tuanku said Selangor did not comprise of “just PAS and Muslims,” adding that the state had many political parties and people of other races and faith.

He said Pakatan Rakyat was a multi-racial coalition and the sensitivities of other races must be taken into account.

“The idea of holding the performance is to create goodwill and bring the people together before the match. Sports and music bring people together,” he said.

He added this was the seventh edition of the Cup and was organised to enhance friendly ties with Singapore through football, adding that the history of Selangor and Singapore’s friendly rivalry went back to before the Second World War.

The Sultan also clarified that the state government and its subsidiary Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd were not the sponsors of the match.

He said no government funds were used for the organisation of the match and so the issue of public funds for the performance and football match did not arise as it was all done through sponsorship.

He said organising chairman Datuk Karim Munisar, who is Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd president, was appointed by him to run the event annually because of Karim’s love for football and volunteerism.

Malaysian sultan clashes with Islamic party over entertainers

AFP (17/6/09): The sultan of Malaysia's Selangor state has threatened to cancel a football tournament after the Islamic opposition objected to the entertainers performing at the event, a report said Wednesday.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah told The Star daily that the protest over the two women -- rock singer Ella and Mas Idayu, who performs the hip-swivelling "dangdut" dance -- was "hypocritical" and "trivial".

He said future Selangor Cup matches between his state and Singapore could be cancelled if the Islamic party PAS was successful in its campaign to have them struck off the schedule.

"If this is going to be so difficult, we might as well hold this annual event in Singapore. I am sure they will be more than happy to play host," he told the daily.

The PAS youth wing in Selangor sent a memorandum to the state's chief minister objecting to the performers at the July 6 match, saying they were inappropriate as the event would be attended by many youngsters.

It threatened to demonstrate at the stadium if the women were allowed to perform, The Star said.

Malaysia's population is predominantly Muslim, and the nation's sultans are the traditional guardians of Islam in the states they rule.

But Sharafuddin said Selangor was not made up of "just PAS and Muslims" and that in any case the two performers were suitable for families.

"I don't know what the fuss is all about," he said.

PAS, which rules the northern state of Kelantan, has had ambitions of turning Malaysia into a theocratic state under Islamic rule.

However, in recent years it has begun introducing reforms designed to tone down its hardline reputation and woo young voters.

Ella disappointed with PAS Youth

The Star (18/6/09): Rock queen Ella is disappointed and angry at Selangor PAS Youth for seeking to prevent her and dangdut legend Mas Idayu from performing at the Sultan of Selangor Cup on July 6.

“They are judging me and making baseless accusations. No one can ever judge anybody. Only God can judge us,” she said yesterday.

“I have never broken any regulation when it comes to concerts and public events. I always follow the protocols. In fact, my show costumes are always in accordance to the theme of the event,” she told The Star.

“I am a public figure and a Muslim. I know exactly what to wear and what not to wear,” she said when commenting on movement's memorandum calling on the two singers to be dropped.

Ella said that she had no intention of becoming a bad example to youth.

“The kids are not stupid. They know how to think for themselves. We are living in a modern world today and the kids are exposed enough to know what is right and wrong,” she said.

Mas Idayu could not be reached for comments.

Selangor PAS Youth protests performances by Ella, Mas Idayu

The Star (16/6/08): The Selangor PAS Youth movement has submitted a memorandum to the Selangor Mentri Besar’s office to protest against plans to have Malaysia rock queen Ella and dangdut singer Mas Idayu perform at the Sultan of Selangor Cup on July 6.

State PAS youth chief Sallehen Mokhyi said the movement felt that performances by the two singers were inappropriate at the event that would be attended by many youngsters.

He said PAS fully supported sports-related activities as they were important in building good moral values but felt that the two performers would have an opposite effect on the minds of the youngsters who attended the event.

He said the movement had no objections to musical performances if the performers were replaced with other singers who were more “acceptable”.

“Ella and Mas Idayu’s dressing and performances do not follow the values of the Islamic and Malay cultures and we (the youth movement) cannot turn a blind eye to the effect it will have on the spectators,” he told reporters Monday at the state secretariat building here.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad received the memorandum on his behalf as the Mentri Besar was attending a state government meeting.

State government subsidiary Kelab Darul Ehsan Bhd is organising the football match being held for the second consecutive year at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Ella and Mas Idayu are to perform during a one-hour musical performance to kick-start the event together with David Arumugam of Alleycats.

Sallehin said the youth movement would be forced to hold a peaceful gathering to protest the performance by the two singers if the state government did not stop their performance.

He said he hoped that Khalid would act accordingly and not cause dissatisfaction among the Pakatan Rakyat coalition members in the newly-formed state government.

KUALA KANGSAR, 6 Feb (Hrkh) - 3.45 petang: Pihak polis menangkap lapan orang di kawasan Masjid Ubudiyyah sebentar tadi selepas melepaskan beberapa gas pemedih mata.

KUALA KANGSAR, 6 Feb (Hrkh) - 3.20 petang: FRU sedang melepaskan gas pemedih mata kepada orang ramai yang sedang berhimpun di luar Masjid Ubudiyyah.

Dalam pada itu, didapati beberapa das gas pemedih mata turut dilepaskan ke dalam masjid dan ini telah menyebabkan gangguan kepada jemaah yang masih berada dalam masjid yang sedang membaca Yassin.

Sementara itu, seorang bekas anggota FRU yang turut berada di lokasi kejadian menyifatkan tindakan FRU adalah melampau dan melanggar prosedur kerana melepaskan gas pemedih mata ke dalam masjid.

Selain itu, dalam tinjauan wartawan Harakah mendapati orang ramai sedang cuba untuk menutup pintu masjid bagi mengelak serangan FRU yang makin membabi buta.

Mengadap Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Shah Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah Paduka Sultan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan Yang bersemayam di atas takhta Kerajaan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan dengan beberapa amat kebesaran dan kemuliaannya.

Assalamualaikum

Ampuan Tuanku,

Dengan hormat dan takzimnya patik merafa'kan sembah dan berdoa kehadrat Allah Suhanahu Wata'ala, mudah-mudahan Duli Yang Maha mulia Tuanku sentiasa berada dalam keadaan selamat dan kesejahteraan.

Ampuan Tuanku,

MERAFA' SEMBAH MEMAKLUMKAN PERKEMBANGAN TERKINI DEWAN UNDANGAN NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN

Warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini sebagai pengganti diri patik untuk menyembahkan kepada Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku mengenai isu kedudukan terkini Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan.

Patik merafa' sembah menjunjung kasih di atas perkenan Duli Yang Mah Mulia Tuanku pada pagi ini. Patik memohon izin untuk menyembahkan beberapa perkara:

1. Artikel XVl (6) Undang-undang Perlembagaan Negeri Perak menyatakan bahawa "If the Menteri Besar ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the Legislative Assembly, then, unless at his request His Royal Highness dissolves the Legislative Assembly, he shall tender the resignation of the Executive Council". Ini bermakna sokongan Menteri Besar itu perlu diputuskan oleh Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri.

2. Jumlah Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat dan Barisan Nasional adalah sama iaitu 28 orang. Adalah kurang tepat andaian Barisan Nasional mempunyai majoriti. YB Yang Dipertua Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak telah memutuskan bahaw Adun bagi kawasan Behrang, Changkat Jering dan Jelapang bukan lagi Adun. YB Yang Dipertua Dewan Undangan

Negeri Perak dan Kerajaan Negeri Perak juga telah memfailkan satu permohonan untuk satu perisytiharan bahawa ketiga-tiga Adun berkenaan bukannya Adun untuk kawasan-kawasan tersebut, di Mahkamah Tinggi pada pagi ini. Sewajarnya kita menunggu keputusan mahkamah dalam kes tersebut.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Atas alasan di atas dan berdasarkan prinsip demnokrasi dan Raja Berperlembagaaan, Patik dengan ini merafa' sembah memohon agar Dewan Undangan Negeri dibubarkan bagi membolehkan rakyat memilih semula kerajaan yang dikehendaki mereka.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Patik dengan ini merafa' sembah bahawa pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat sebulat suara meminta patik untuk tidak meletak jawatan sehingga krisis perlembagaan ini diputuskan oleh Mahkamah atau Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Patik akhiri warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini dengan sekalung penghargaan ke atas keprihatinan dan pertimbangan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku, mudah-mudahan Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala melanjutkan usia Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku dan seluruh kerabab Tuanku dan semoga sentiasa berada di dalam kesejahteraan dan kebahagian yang berkekalan.

Amin Ya Rabbal 'Alamin

Ampun Tuanku,

Patik dengan segala hormat takzimnya; bagi pihak Ahli-ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat

YAB Dato' Seri Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin
Menteri Besar Perak Darul Ridzuan

Berita Harian (1/2/09): Anak kepada Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Behrang, Jamaluddin Mat Radzi yang disebut-sebut akan meninggalkan Pakatan Rakyat Perak mendakwa bapanya mungkin menjadi wakil rakyat Bebas.

Ali, 25, mendakwa bapanya tidak akan menyertai Barisan Nasional (BN) seperti dilaporkan media hari ini dan semalam.

Ketika ditemui pemberita di pejabatnya, di sini, hari ini, Ali juga mengesahkan keluarganya tidak dapat menghubungi Jamaluddin sejak Isnin lalu.

Namun, katanya seorang rakan bapanya menghubungi beliau semalam memaklumkan bapanya akan keluar PKR untuk menjadi Adun Bebas.

"Saya tak percaya dia hilang...dia tahu jaga dirinya tetapi emak saya memang tertekan," katanya.

Pagi tadi, Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin mengesahkan dua Adun yang juga ahli Exco negeri dari Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) negeri itu, Jamaluddin dan Mohd Osman Jailu (Adun Changkat Jering) tidak dapat dihubungi sejak Isnin lalu.

Jamaluddin, 52, adalah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Usahawan, Koperasi, Pertanian dan Perladangan manakala Osman, 57, adalah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Pembangunan Insan dan Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan.

Kedua-dua mereka menghadapi tuduhan rasuah membabitkan kelulusan sebuah projek pembangunan bernilai RM180 juta di Seri Iskandar dan perbicaraan kes berkenaan akan didengar di Mahkamah Sesyen di sini pada 10 Februari ini.

Dua ADUN PKR nafi letak jawatan (Utusan Malaysia)

Berita Harian Online (21/1/09): DAP akan mengambil tindakan terhadap ahlinya yang juga Ahli Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), Ang Leng Kiat, yang meminta Kerajaan Selangor menghentikan operasi perjudian berlesen di negeri itu.

Setiausaha Agungnya, Lim Guan Eng, yang mengesahkan parti itu akan mengambil tindakan tegas ke atas Ang, menjelaskan kenyataan yang dibuat ahlinya itu bukan dasar DAP.

"Apa yang diperkatakan oleh Ang itu bukan polisi DAP, tapi pendapat peribadi. Jadi, ia tiada sebrang kaitan dengan kami," katanya yang enggan mengulas lanjut tindakan yang bakal dikenakan terhadap Ang.

Guan Eng yang juga Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang bercakap kepada pemberita selepas majlis pemasangan papan tanda dwi bahasa di Lebuh Campbell di sini, hari ini.

Awal minggu ini, Ang dilaporkan mengeluarkan kenyataan dengan mencadangkan MBSA menarik balik lesen judi yang dikeluarkan dan menghentikan pemberian lesen baru.

Ang menegaskan cadangan itu tidak mempunyai sebarang kaitan dengan politik atau keagamaan, tetapi untuk mengatasi masalah sosial yang mempunyai kaitan dengan perjudian.

Pengerusi DAP Selangor, Ean Yong Hian, yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Seri Kembangan, pula meminta Ang menarik balik cadangan itu.

Councillor in hot water over call to ban lotteries

The Edge Daily (21/1/09): A local council member from Selangor who had called for a ban on all forms of lottery in the state is in trouble with the DAP, which had nominated him for the seat.

The party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said yesterday stern action will be taken against Ang Leng Kiat, who sits on the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA). Ang had proposed that the MBSA stop issuing new permits for lottery outlets and withdraw licences which have already been issued.

He said his suggestion was to help minimise the social problems arising from gambling and that it was not politically or religiously motivated.

Lim did not disclose what action Ang would face, but said the councillor’s proposal did not reflect the party’s stance. The Selangor DAP also said that Ang’s statement did not represent the stance of the state liaison committee.

“This has nothing to do with the DAP. He is acting on his own,” said Lim, who is also Penang chief minister.

Nevertheless, Lim himself had last year called on the federal government to reduce the number of draws each week from the present 10 to six, saying that there were too many draws.

Lim was speaking to reporters after witnessing the installation of multilingual road signs in the heritage enclave here. Yesterday, 19 signboards were put up, out of a total of 300 that will be installed on 82 streets this year.

Meanwhile, despite the opposition from several non-governmental organisations (NGO) against the state’s Wireless@PENANG initiative, Lim said the state government will push ahead with the project.

“If WiFi is harmful, my chief of staff Jeff Ooi and I would be the two persons in Penang who will be the first to get fried by radiation, since we work 10 hours to 12 hours per day at Komtar, with four WiFi hotspots around us,” Lim said.

Singapore Straits Times (17/1/08): Malaysia's opposition on Saturday snatched a parliamentary seat from the beleaguered coalition government, in a by-election seen as a test of the nation's political mood.

The opposition alliance said the victory in northeastern Terengganu state was a huge boost to its campaign to seize power after it won a third of parliamentary seats and five states in landmark general elections last year.

'Yes we have won,' said Mr Husam Musa, vice-president of the conservative Islamic PAS party, which fielded the winning candidate on behalf of the three-party opposition alliance headed by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Mr Husam said Umno, which leads the Barisan Nasional coalition and has run Malaysia for half a century, had lost the support of Muslim Malay voters as well as the ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.

'This shows a loss of confidence of majority (Malay) voters towards UMNO, and it also represents the national mood which is to reject Umno,' he told AFP.

The official tally showed that PAS had won with a majority of 2,631, claiming 32,883 votes against 30,252 for the government which last won the seat in the state capital Kuala Terengganu with a slim majority.

'I thank the voters for giving me their trust. I will do my best,' said the victorious PAS candidate, Mohammad Abdul Wahid Endut.

Ms Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asian expert at the US-based Johns Hopkins University, who observed the by-election, said the 'decisive' victory spelt trouble for the government as it prepares for a leadership transition.

Deputy premier Najib Razak is due this March to replace Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was a casualty of the March 2008 general elections that produced the worst results in Umno's history.

'This is going to call into question Mr Najib's rise to the prime minister's position. There will be those who will question whether he can deliver effectively,' she said.

Mr Najib personally headed the government's campaign in Kuala Terengganu, as well as another failed by-election last year which saw Anwar returned to parliament after a decade-long absence.

'Of course, this is a setback for us... We will not be disheartened by the result,' Mr Najib told a press conference, rejecting the suggestion that the outcome reflected badly on him.

'It's nothing to do with that,' he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition said its performance showed it is a working alliance despite being an unlikely partnership of PAS, Mr Anwar's multiracial Keadilan, and the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party.

'The two factors that contributed to our success are the combined efforts of all alliance partners and the credibility of the PAS candidate,' said Mustapha Ali, head of PAS in Terengganu.

'The support by Malays for Umno is diminishing now.' An opinion poll by the Merdeka Centre research firm last week indicated that support among majority Muslim Malays was split and that the votes of the ethnic Chinese who make up 11.6 per cent of the electorate could be decisive.

But Ms Welsh said that figures showed the victory had come from a shift in the Malay vote away from the government - highly significant for Umno which has counted on the majority community as its bedrock. - AFP

Sinar Harian (16/1/09): Presiden Pas, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang menegaskan bahawa hukum hudud dan qisas hanya untuk orang Islam sahaja dan perkara ini tiada kena-mengena langsung dengan DAP.

Menurutnya, isu hudud sepatutnya dijawab oleh UMNO yang menjadi sebuah parti Melayu Islam dan bukan dijawab oleh Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh.

“Saya ingin jelaskan di sini bahawa hukum hudud dan qisas hanya mempunyai kaitan dengan orang Islam dan ia tidak ada kena mengena dengan orang bukan Islam, khususnya DAP.

“Kenapa masih memperbesarkan isu ini, kita sudah menjelaskan pendirian kita dengan jelas dan terang,” katanya pada sidang media selepas melancarkan Majlis Memorandum bantahan PPSMI (Pengajaran/Pembelajaran Sains/Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris) di sini semalam.

Kelmarin, Karpal mengeluarkan kenyataan mengulangi pendirian DAP bahawa hukum hudud dan qisas bukan menjadi dasar parti serta tidak termasuk dalam manifesto Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pada pilihan raya umum Mac tahun lalu, malah mengancam untuk menarik diri daripada PR sekiranya Pas tetap mahu melaksanakan undang-undang tersebut.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pembangkang di Parlimen, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim turut mengulangi pendirian Abdul Hadi bahawa hukum ini hanya akan dilaksanakan ke atas orang Islam sahaja dan orang bukan Islam tidak harus berasa takut kepada undang-undang ini.

Selain itu, Anwar mempersoalkan kenapa UMNO terus senyap mengenai isu hudud dan sekiranya UMNO memperjuangkan Melayu Islam, mereka harus mengeluarkan pendirian mengenai cadangan Pas yang akan melaksanakan hudud dan qisas sekiranya menjadi Kerajaan Pusat.

“Apa erti hanya solat sahaja, tetapi mempersoal dan mempertikaikan hukum Allah. Dalam PR, semua suara boleh mengeluarkan pendapat masing-masing dan tugas kita adalah berbincang bersama-sama.

“Apa yang penting, kita perlu hormat pendirian Pas yang akan menjalankan hukum hudud sekiranya menjadi Kerajaan Pusat,” katanya.

NST (23/12/08): Pas is being forced to bow to the DAP on the hudud issue, deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.

He said Pas vice-president Datuk Husam Musa's "about-turn" over his statement that the party would implement strict Islamic laws if Pakatan Rakyat took over the Federal Government was because of pressure from its secular coalition partner.

"Husam made a U-turn in fewer than two days. Where is the principle held by Pas? The principle cannot be simply cast aside," said Khairy in an entry on his blog yesterday.

He claimed Husam's switch was the result of objections by DAP leaders, such as Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng.

Husam had on Saturday reiterated the party's pledge to apply hudud during a discussion on political transformation in Malaysia after fellow panellist Khairy challenged him to state Pas' stand, which he claimed had waned after the March 8 general election.

On Monday, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders came out and opposed the hudud plan.

DAP chairman Karpal Singh even warned that Pas' "myopic" political ambitions could sink Pakatan.

PKR information chief Tian Chua said the party and Pa-katan's stand was to uphold the Federal Constitution.

Husam on Monday was reported as saying that hudud would not be implemented as it required the consent of other Pakatan partners.

Husam refused to comment on the subject.

"I have nothing else to say. Everything has been reported. There is no need for further comment.

"If anyone wants to further discuss this issue, I am open to having a debate."

Berita Harian (24/12/08): Naib Presiden Pas, Datuk Husam Musa dilabel ikon transformasi politik layu apabila dilihat tunduk pada bantahan dan gertakan DAP supaya undang-undang hudud dan qisas tidak dilaksanakan.

Naib Ketua Pemuda Umno, Khairy Jamaluddin, berkata kenyataan 'u-turn' Husam dalam tempoh pendek memberikan gambaran bahawa Pas terpaksa tunduk kepada desakan DAP.

Katanya, tidak sampai dua hari selepas Husam dengan lantang memberi jaminan kepada penyokong tegar Pas di gelanggang sendiri bahawa hudud akan dilaksanakan jika Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih kuasa kerajaan Persekutuan, beliau sudah menyerah kalah dan mengatakan hukum hudud tidak akan dilaksanakan kerana memerlukan rakan kongsi senior dalam Pakatan Rakyat.

“Di manakah prinsip Pas yang dikatakan oleh Husam ketika beliau membentangkan mukadimahnya di Wacana Perdana Transformasi Politik Malaysia, yang menyebut antara `P’ pentingnya adalah prinsip? Takkan prinsip boleh dibuang begitu mudah saja,” katanya dalam laman blognya semalam.

Semalam, akhbar melaporkan Pas mengakui pelaksanaan undang-undang hudud dan qisas mungkin terpaksa ditangguhkan walaupun jika Pakatan Rakyat memerintah negara ini kerana ia memerlukan persetujuan dua rakannya dalam pakatan itu, DAP dan parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Terbaru, Husam dipetik berkata, parti komponen dalam pakatan sudah menandatangani perjanjian pada Ogos lalu bahawa sebarang perubahan dasar perlu dibuat dengan persetujuan semua parti komponen.

Kenyataan terbaru Husam itu berbeza dengan kenyataan dikeluarkannya pada majlis Wacana Perdana Transformasi Politik Malaysia, malam Sabtu lalu.

Ahli Parlimen Rembau itu berkata, ketika wacana itu, beliau meminta pendirian jelas daripada Husam mengenai pelaksanaan hukum hudud jika Pakatan Rakyat memerintah dan Husam memberikan jawapan jelas bahawa Pas akan melaksanakannya.

“Tidak sampai 24 jam kenyataan beliau disiarkan oleh media, Lim Kit Siang, selaku Supremo DAP, mempertikaikan kenyataan Husam dan menegaskan bahawa hukum hudud tidak menjadi dasar Pakatan Rakyat.

“Kenyataan Kit Siang ini kemudian disokong anak beliau, Lim Guan Eng, yang dipuji berkali-kali dalam wacana itu oleh Husam sebagai pemimpin moden ala Saidina Omar Abdul Aziz,” katanya.

The Star (2/12/08): Umno Youth chief candidate Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s suggestion that the vernacular school system contributed to racial polarisation and should be scrapped has raged into a full-blown controversy.

Some leaders have urged action against him, saying that he had committed sedition, while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak moved quickly to assure minorities of their constitutional rights.

Vernacular schools will continue to exist as long as the Chinese and Indian communities need such a school system, Najib said.

He said it had been a long-standing government policy to allow Malaysians to choose the school system they want to adopt and enrol into, MAZWIN NIK ANIS reports.

Najib said vernacular or national type schools have been part of the country’s education system and their existence was recognised even in law.

“For as long as the Indian and Chinese communities need to have vernacular schools, they will continue to be a part of the national education system.

“It has been the principle of the Government to give all individuals the freedom to adopt a school or education system of their choice.

“That is also the basis of the Razak Report and there is no deadline for the existence of vernacular schools in Malaysia,” he told reporters after chairing the National Council for Local Government’s 61st meeting on Tuesday.

On Mukhsiz’s claims that the vernacular school system had caused polarisation within Malaysian society, Najib said the allegation was debatable.

“The Chinese and Indians in this country are of the opinion that such schools are important to them. It is a place for them to instil certain values among their young.

“For instance, not everyone in the Chinese society are of the same faith and they feel having a vernacular school will act as a platform to instil useful and positive values among community members,” he said.

’Seditious statement’
Mukhriz’s call for vernacular schools to be scrapped saw an immediate and strong reaction by political leaders.

In Parliament, Opposition parties hit out at the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for blaming the vernacular school system as the cause of a polarised society.

DAP Parliamentary Leader and Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang claimed that Mukhriz had committed a seditious offence in questioning one of the four sensitive issues entrenched in the Constitution and said he can be disqualified as an MP upon conviction.

“The Constitution Amendment 1971 imposed an absolute prohibition against questioning these four issues and removed parliamentary immunity in parliamentary debates,” he said at the Parliament lobby, reports LOH FOON FONG.

The Sedition Act does not allow anyone to propose the closure of Chinese or Tamil primary schools, just as one cannot question the special provision for Malays and natives in Sabah and Sarawak in Article 153, Lim said.

“If Mukhriz wants to publicly pursue his proposal of a single education system resulting in the closure of the schools, he must get the Constitutional provision on the four entrenched sensitive issues amended and repealed,” he said.

He said that in the case Melan Abdullah vs Public Prosecutor (1971), Utusan Malaysia was found guilty of sedition for an editorial titled Hapuskan Sekolah Beraliran Tamil atau China di-Negeri ini (Abolish Tamil and Chinese medium schools in the country).

In the case of Mark Koding vs Public Prosecutor, the Sabah MP was found guilty of sedition when he spoke in Parliament in 1978 calling for the closure of such schools.

On whether DAP would lodge a police report against Mukhriz, he said “no.”

Lim said that racial polarisation was not being caused by vernacular schools but by “divisive national policies.”

His son Lim Guan Eng however called on Mukhriz to retract his statement, warning that otherwise the Government must take action against him, just as action was taken against Koding.

“We hope he will retract this sensitive statement as soon as possible,” said the Penang Chief Minister, adding that it was not right for Mukhriz to fish for votes to win the Umno Youth chief post.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said racial polarisation was not due to vernacular schools, but said there was a need to upgrade education for all races.

He said the Selangor state government had allocated RM10mil to vernacular and religious schools.

PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa said it was the right of each race to be educated in their mother tongue, which in itself is a culture that needs to be protected.

PKR adviser and Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Mukhriz wanted to appeal to extreme Malay views to win the Umno election, but failed to realise that there were certain Constitutional guarantees for vernacular schools.

“While it was all right to call for all races to study under one roof, abolishing the schools sounds like returning to the age of extremism,” he said.

“We have to respect the rights of parents to send their children to schools of their choice,” Anwar added.

Mukhriz responds
In reply, Mukhriz said he would not retract his statement because he did not call for vernacular schools to be closed down.

“I said the system should be one. I don’t think the issue of closing schools arises. That is the last thing I want,” he said.

The school remains the same physically and it is the system that needs changing -- the medium of instruction should eventually be Bahasa Malaysia, except for Science and Mathematics, he said, adding that this would include religious schools.

’A-G should take action’
The MIC also urged the Attorney-General to institute action against Mukhriz for his allegedly seditious words, reports A. LETCHUMANAN.

Like DAP’s Lim, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu claimed that Mukhriz had violated provisions in the Federal Constitution which protected the position and rights of vernacular schools.

“He has issued a seditious statement and we want the Attorney-General to take appropriate action against him,” Samy Vellu said in a statement here on Tuesday, accusing Mukhriz of raising “sensitive issues” to canvass for votes in the upcoming UMNO Youth elections.

“He can contest the UMNO Youth chief post but he should not point a dagger at the hearts of the other communities to win the post,” he said, adding that the MIC had never questioned the rights of the Malays as enshrined in the Constitution.

MIC Youth coordinator T. Mohan urged Mukhriz to go to the ground and visit Tamil and Chinese schools to understand the real situation.

“It is easy for one to issue statements to become popular but it should not be at the expense of the feelings of the other communities,” he said.

Mohan said that it has been the practice of some politicians to use sensitive issues to garner cheap publicity in their bid to be seen as champions in their parties.

These politicians, including Mukhriz, should understand that the MIC and MCA -- which represent Indian and Chinese interests respectively -- would not remain quiet on this, he said.

He said Barisan Nasional should come out with proper guidelines to prevent leaders contesting in party elections from using controversial issues to gather support.

Meanwhile MIC Youth advisor S. Vell Paari, Samy Vellu’s son, described Mukhriz’s statement as “irresponsible.”

“This is a totally irresponsible view of a leader who aspires to the highest position in UMNO Youth, the largest Youth component in Barisan Nasional,” he said.

He said Mukhriz did not understand the significance of vernacular schools to their respective communities, adding that children not only learn to read, write and speak their language, but also learn the cultures, traditions and the heritages of their race. (Comments here)

Police report lodged
In George Town, Penang DAP lodged a police report against Mukhriz, reports BERNARD SEE.

Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin made the report at the Patani Road police station on behalf of the party.

“He is calling for all Chinese and Tamil schools in the country to be closed and this will be inadvertently affect the racial harmony which we have been enjoying for so long.

“I hope that the police will take the appropriate action against him,” he said.

A police spokesman confirmed receiving the report and said it would be sent to the Kuala Lumpur police for further investigations.

In Ipoh, Perak State Assembly speaker V. Sivakumar said the issue of unity had nothing to do with the system practised at schools.

Citing national schools as an example, Sivakumar said children of the three races were studying there but pupils would still stick to their own races during games or recess, SYLVIA LOOI reports.

“Putting pupils of different races in the same room will not enhance unity,” he added, adding that if the Education Ministry was serious about promoting it, there should be a subject on unity in the curriculum.

Blame the political system
In Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) objected strongly to Mukhriz’s suggestion.

SAPP Youth chief Edward Dagul said Mukhriz should be honest and admit that the real problem lies with politicians in the current communal-based political party system found within Barisan Nasional coalition.

Dagul said that Barisan’s racial ideologies meant that Umno championed only Malay causes, with MCA for the Chinese community and MIC for the Indians, MUGUNTAN VANAR reports.

“When our society sees this as the ruling coalition’s formula for national integration, then this concept of compartmentalisation is accepted and adopted as the norm.

“That’s why no one will speak up for another Malaysian if he is not of the same race. The idea that it is ‘better left to someone of their own kind’ will seep in. This results in further polarisation,” he said.

He said SAPP was disappointed that Mukhriz has decided to adopt this stand as it was nothing more than an exercise in garnering more support in his bid for the Umno Youth chief post.

Dagul said Mukhriz should instead talk more of Bangsa Malaysia and Wawasan 2020 (Vision 2020) as advocated by his father Mahathir, instead of harping on racially sensitive issues.

“The country’s success lies with its cultural diversity and the mutual respect shown for one another,” he added.

Mukhriz: One school system will enhance unity

The Star (2/11/08): Umno Youth chief aspirant Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has called on the Government to abolish the vernacular school system to enhance unity among the people.

He said a single school system was the only way to check racial polarisation.

“The Government should consider introducing only a one school system with Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, except for the teaching of Science and Mathematics, which is already in English,” Mukhriz told reporters at Parliament House yesterday.

“Of course, pupils should then be given the option to study their mother tongue. Under this system, the Malays will also have the option of studying other languages like Chinese and Tamil, and this will further boost unity among the races,” the Umno Youth exco member added.

In an immediate response in his blog (www.ongteekeat.net), MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat made a very short posting on the subject.

“Datuk Mukhriz is just one of the many who are now repeating the same polemics that are a few decades old, simply because of the advent of their party’s poll.

“It is saddening because politicians cannot think out of the box,” he said.

Earlier, Mukhriz said it was time Malaysia did away with the dual school system, which was practised by only a handful of countries in the world.

He expressed hope that the leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties would not view his suggestion in a negative light as it was meant to resolve once and for all the problem of racial polarisation.

“If they reject this suggestion, then they should explain why they are against it,” he said. “If you want equal rights then you cannot have a different school system. You cannot have your cake and eat it too,” said Mukhriz.

He also urged all parties to stop harping on issues that could create tension among Barisan component parties, including talk of Malay supremacy.

He said there had been many statements made by leaders of component parties that had the potential to create anger among the Malays and Umno members.

“If they insist on making such statements, then do not be surprised if the Malays start talking about the economic supremacy of the non-Malays,” he added.

“Despite all that has been said on the issue of Malay supremacy, the Malays do not feel in any way superior or that they are the masters when it comes to the country’s economy.”

Sinar Harian (28/11/08): Gerakan Reformasi Rakyat Malaysia (Reformis) akan memohon permit untuk mengadakan demonstrasi bogel yang bakal diadakan pada 12 Disember 2008 ini di hadapan Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (SSAAS).

Presiden Reformis, Ramlan Abu Bakar berkata, permit berkenaan dimohon daripada Ibu pejabat Polis Kontinjen (IPK) Selangor awal Disember ini.

"Permit itu akan kami pohon daripada IPK Selangor 1 Disember 2008 ini dan pada hari itu juga Reformis akan lakukan satu kejutan yang kami tidak akan dedahkan buat masa ini," katanya kepada pemberita pada sidang media yang diadakan di sini, semalam.

Katanya, Reformis merasakan mereka perlu mendesak Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim yang didakwanya zalim dan menindas rakyat miskin dengan menaikkan kadar sewa rumah Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT) sebanyak 100 peratus.

Ramlan berkata, Abdul Khalid tidak mengetahui cara terbaik menyelesaikan masalah kesusahan rakyat dan Reformis tidak berniat untuk menimbulkan masalah atau menjatuhkan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) tetapi hanya ingin menegur pemerintahan Abdul Khalid.

"Jika beliau gagal menurunkan kadar sewa rumah PPRT dalam masa terdekat, kami akan mengisytiharkan ‘perang’ dengan beliau dan kami teguh dengan perjuangan kami walaupun ditangkap, dipukul, dizalimi dan sebagainya.

"Kami juga telah mengadakan pertemuan dan menjalinkan kerjasama dengan badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang terbabit di Selangor berhubung isu ini. Dengan tindakan drastik kami nanti apabila perang telah diisytiharkan, kerajaan negeri mungkin akan kehilangan hasil sebanyak puluhan juta atau ratusan juta. Ini amaran Reformis," katanya.

Beliau berkata, sekiranya permit tidak dikeluarkan, mereka masih mempunyai perancangan lain dan mungkin akan menggunakan khidmat guaman untuk menyelesaikan isu kadar sewa rumah PPRT itu.

Bagaimanapun katanya, mereka sudah mempunyai sekumpulan ahli Reformis yang telah menyatakan kesanggupan berbogel semasa demonstrasi bakal diadakan di hadapan SSAAS 12 Disember ini.

Harian Metro (26/11/08): Selangor tidak akan mengambil langkah drastik mengharamkan minuman beralkohol secara total memandangkan penduduk negeri ini yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum dan agama, kata Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata kerajaan Selangor sudah memutuskan untuk meningkatkan tahap penguatkuasaan bagi memastikan minuman beralkohol tidak dijual kepada orang Islam dan belia di bawah umur 18 tahun.

Beliau berkata kerajaan Selangor melihat isu minuman beralkohol itu dari sudut sosial bukannya sudut agama.

“Kita telah berbincang berhubung hal ini pada Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) baru-baru ini. Kita prihatin terhadap kebimbangan sesetengah pihak terhadap kesan negatif pengambil minuman beralkohol ini,” katanya dalam sidang media selepas mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Mingguan Exco Kerajaan Negeri di sini hari ini.

Tindakan parti Islam yang membelakang sentimen sokongan pengundi bukan Islam yang memberikan kemenangan kepada Pakatan boleh melemahkan kerajaan gabungan itu, kata ketua publisiti DAP Tony Pua.

Harakah (4/11/08): Ahli-ahli Parlimen pembangkang hari ini menyifatkan Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Kewangan, Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak "penakut" dan "tidak jujur".

Ketika keluar dewan beramai-ramai kerana memprotes keengganan Najib memberi ruang untuk penjelasan ketika menggulung perbahasan Bajet 2009, beberapa anggota pembangkang melaung-laungkan perkataan "penakut, penakut!" kepada Najib.

Para pemimpin kanan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pula menyifatkan Najib "tidak jujur".

"Beliau mendakwa bajet tidak ditukar, (dakwaan) yang tidak benar. Bajet telah ditukar," kata Penasihat DAP, Lim Kit Siang dalam sidang akhbar ahli-ahli Parlimen PR yang diketuai Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di lobi Parlimen .

"Beliau membentangkan bajet yang disemak semula (revised budget) sambil mendakwa ia bukan bajet yang disemak semula. Beliau tidak jujur".

Dalam sidang akhbar ketika Najib meneruskan ucapannya tentang pakej ransangan ekonomi itu, Anwar menjelaskan bahawa ahli-ahli Parlimen pembangkang memprotes "sikap angkuh" Najib yang enggan memberi laluan untuk penjelasan ketika beliau berucap.

Menurut Ketua Umum PKR itu, ketika Yang Di-Pertua Dewan bertanya Najib adakah beliau akan memberi laluan kepada Ketua Pembangkang untuk membalas hujahnya, Timbalan Perdana Menteri menjawab, "tidak"

Najib juga berkata: "Itu hak saya (untuk tidak memberi laluan)."

"Kalau itulah caranya, apa guna kami berada di dalam Dewan," Anwar mempersoalkan.

Anwar juga mengkritik Najib yang dianggap tidak menghormati sama sekali prosedur Dewan. Pihak pembangkang, katanya, menunggu kemunculan Najib dengan bajet yang disemak semula sejak dua minggu lalu.

Ahli-ahli Parlimen pembangkang meradang, katanya, kerana mereka hanya diberikan beberapa minit sahaja untuk membincangkan bajet baru yang dipinda itu sebelum diluluskan.

Anwar juga hairan dengan tindakan Menteri Kewangan enggan memberi laluan untuk memohon penjelasan.

"Apa yang dipersoalkan ialah Najib mengemukakan angka baru dalam penggulungannya.

"Tiada makna kalau kami hanya datang untuk mendengar, kami boleh baca sendiri.

"Apa yang kami mahukan ialah penjelasan kepada angka-angka baru ini," katanya.

Ketika menyampaikan pembentangannya, bakal Presiden Umno itu tidak membenarkan percubaan beberapa Ahli Parlimen pembangkang mendapatkan penjelasan darinya dan hanya bersedia menjawab soalan apabila beliau menghabiskan ucapannya.

Pihak pembangkang juga tidak berpuas hati apabila begitu banyak statistik yang dikemukakan oleh Najib begitu berbeza dengan statistik yang dibentangkan September lalu oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang ketika itu Menteri Kewangan.

Percubaan Anwar untuk menafikan dakwaan Najib kononnya belanjawan yang dicadangkan oleh beliau mewakili PR bersifat menguncup (contractionary) juga tidak dibenarkan.

Ketika ahli-ahli pembangkang keluar beramai-ramai itu, Najib berkata, "Bagus, bagus" dan selepas itu berkata "aman sikit Dewan ni pembangkang tak ada".

Sebelum itu, dalam kekecohan berikitan keengganan Najib memberi laluan untuk penjelasan itu, Yang Di-Pertua Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia memerintahkan Ahli Parlimen Batu, Tian Chua keluar dewan. Tian Chua tidak dibenarkan berada dalam Dewan Rakyat sehingga esok

As Najib speaks Opposition MPs walk out

Malaysian Insider (4/11/08): All Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers staged a walkabout of the Dewan Rakyat approximately an hour into Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's speech when winding-up the debate on the 2009 Budget this evening.

Speaking to reporters outside the House while Najib continued with his speech on the federal government's economic stimulation package, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they protested against Najib's "arrogant manner" in prohibiting them from speaking up during his speech.

Anwar added that the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, had even asked Najib if he would give way for the Opposition leader to rebut his announcements and Najib had stated "no."

"If that is the case, what is the benefit for us to remain inside?" queried Anwar.

The top leaders from the PR coalition further accused Najib, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, of being "dishonest".

"He said the Budget has not been changed, which is untrue. The Budget has been changed," said DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang. "This is misleading the House."

Lim said it was an "unfortunate beginning" for Najib, who had just won the Umno presidency uncontested which is likely see him become the prime minister next March when Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi steps down.

"He is presenting a revised Budget while claiming it is not a revised Budget. He is dishonest," Lim emphasised.

Anwar criticised Najib for his "complete disrespect of procedures of the House." He explained that the opposition faction had been waiting for the past two weeks for Najib to appear with a revised Budget proposal.

The Permatang Pauh MP said the opposition were incensed that they were now given only minutes to discuss the new, amended Budget before approval.

Asked if the House could approve the Budget now without the opposition inside, Anwar replied: "They don't need two-thirds majority, they only need a simple majority."

Parliament: Opposition MPs stage walkout

The Star (4/11/08): Opposition MPs walked out en bloc after Tian Chua (PKR- Batu) was barred from the Dewan Rakyat during the Finance Minister’s winding-up speech on Tuesday.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that it was “meaningless” for them to remain in the august hall when Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had presented a new Budget, but denied the fact.

Najib, also the Deputy Prime Minister, was presenting the Government’s economic stimulus package for 2009.

“We were patient and waited for an hour, and we requested the opportunity to ask for an explanation, but the Finance Minister refused us this,” Anwar said.

“He presented a new package and this is a problem, but he kept saying that it was not,” he told the press immediately after the walkout.

Anwar said they were prompted to leave after Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia asked Najib whether he would allow Opposition MPs to ask questions.

“And he (Najib) said ‘No.’ This is Parliament, not some Umno division meeting.

“In Parliament, ministers give answers. We were merely seeking clarification on what he had announced,” he said.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang (DAP- Ipoh Timur), who was also at the press conference, said that Najib had claimed that the Budget remained unchanged, “which was untrue.”

“The Budget is being changed and there is no presentation of the revised Budget which is to be mooted afterwards.

“Pakatan Rakyat leaders have been calling for him to present a revised Budget and then we can debate and, at the end of the day, we can have a vote ... but he refused,” he said.

MP Pakatan Rakyat keluar selepas penggulungan Bajet 2009 tidak boleh dibahas (Siasah 4/11/08)
Opposition MPs walk out (The Sun 4/11/08)
RM7 billion to stimulate the economy (The Sun 4/11/08)
Ucapan penggulungan Menteri Kewangan di Dewan Rakyat (mStar Online 4/11/08)
Najib kemuka ucapan sulung, pembangkang pulau Dewan (mStar Online 4/11/08)
Najib: Bajet alternatif pembangkang bersifat menguncup (Bernama 4/11/08)
Para menteri bidas tindakan pembangkang keluar dewan (Bernama 4/11/08)
RM7b injection in revised Budget 2009 (Malaysian Insider 4/11/08)
RM7b rangsang ekonomi (Utusan Malaysia 4/11/08)
Pembangkang keluar Dewan bantah tiada ruang penjelasan (Utusan Malaysia 4/11/08)