~penarik beca (2)

NST (14/12/08): Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is a man in a hurry. He denies that it is a legacy issue, but in the same breath talks about a promise he made to the people that he has to deliver before he exits political centre stage in March.

He therefore wants to expedite legislation that introduces much needed reforms to institutions and laws that strengthen the nation's capacity to fight corruption, restore independence to the judiciary, make the police and other enforcement agencies less susceptible to abuse, and protect whistleblowers.

Two bills, on the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAP), have already been tabled in Parliament. The finishing touches are reportedly being put on the other two.

In the meantime, the debate over the two bills is on not only in Parliament but in discussion groups, the mainstream media and the blogs as well. All the stakeholders, including the all-important "man in the street", non-governmental organisations, the diverse interest groups and political parties, are intensely involved. This is healthy because this is their country, the institutions are theirs and the laws are made with their ultimate acquiescence. This is their future.

In the discourse -- and I am referring in particular in this article to the anti-corruption bill -- various important questions and issues have been raised, including by Barisan Nasional members themselves.
One is that the Bill is being rushed, all because a leader is in haste to leave behind a legacy. That Pak Lah is in a hurry is obvious. He does not have too much time to deliver on a promise he and his party made to the people. That a leader would like to leave a legacy should also be welcomed, for who wants leaders who do not intend to leave behind good legacies?

But to think that the Bill was hastily cobbled together without due diligence and much consultation is to be ill-informed. The draft from the Anti-Corruption Agency originated before the March general election. Many stakeholders including respected ones like Transparency International and Pemudah were consulted. Seminars were held and a trip was made to Hong Kong to scrutinise its successful model at close quarters. The cabinet deliberated on the Bill several times before it was tabled in Parliament.

Another issue that has been raised is that the MACC is not sufficiently independent, and that ultimately it is the prime minister who advises the Yang di-Pertuan Agung on the appointment of the chief commissioner and members of bodies such as the Special Committee on Corruption consisting of parliamentarians. It has been suggested that Parliament and not the prime minister be the nominating authority.

This suggestion is not without its merits, but nomination by the Parliament, like nomination by the prime minister, is not foolproof. It is an arduous process, and in Indonesia the Parliament is reportedly considering curbing the enthusiasm of its Corruption Eradication Commission because it is targeting too many legislators.

If Hong Kong provides a proven model of an independent and effective anti-corruption agency, the chief commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as well as the members of all committees are appointed by the chief executive and not by the Legislative Council. In other successful models like Singapore the nominating authority is also the prime minister.

Related to concerns about the issue of independence are reservations about the fact that prosecution for an offence under the Act can only be instituted by the public prosecutor or with his consent. It is suggested that the Constitution be amended to provide independent powers of prosecution to the chief commissioner of MACC.

It is understood that the government did not choose this path as it would require a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and it did not want to risk not securing sufficient votes. In any case, the public prosecutor has delegated his authority under the Anti-Corruption Act to the chief of the ACA since October last year and now retains only residual powers. Respecting the powers of the public prosecutor under the Constitution is also important, and it may not be wise to confuse issues with regard to the incumbent, should there be any, with the office itself.

Some quarters also have concerns that the Special Committee on Corruption will be filled by members of Parliament from Barisan Nasional only. This is a valid concern, and it is for the minister tabling the bill to give the solemn assurance in both Houses that opposition members of parliament will be included. The government's integrity in this regard will be quickly established once the members of the committee are announced.

The powerful external checks and balances imposed by not only the Special Committee but by four other bodies as well (Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, Complaints Committee, Operations Review Panel and Corruption Prevention and Consultation Council) that will exercise close scrutiny of the independence, integrity and performance of the MACC should not be overlooked. No other national body will be as closely monitored and examined as the MACC. No other national body will have as many independent persons of known character, personal integrity and public standing in the monitoring and advisory bodies.

Institutions and laws are critical. But in the final analysis, institutions and laws are only as good as the people that man them and implement them.

Much will therefore depend on the courage, integrity and skills of the officers of the new commission, and the resources given to it. It is hoped that the 5,000 additional staff and specialised training announced by the prime minister will be made quickly available if the Bill is passed.

The success of Malaysia's anti-corruption drive will also depend on ferocious and sustained political will, as well as support from all stakeholders. It is assuring that in this transitional period the deputy prime minister, who will assume the leadership, has pledged his full support for and commitment to the initiative. Indeed, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is an integral part of the initiative.

When the ICAC was set up in Hong Kong in 1974, there was little confidence in it. It took two to three years, according to Deputy Commissioner Daniel Lee, for the public to begin to have faith in it. Malaysia is not where Hong Kong was in 1974. It has a better record. But the public's confidence in the MACC will only be forthcoming when it sees better results and significant successes as in Hong Kong.

The Bill as it is constituted gives much hope. The MACC will have greater independence, wider powers and enhanced resources. It is compelled by the various oversight and advisory bodies to perform and to be transparent and accountable. Elected representatives and leaders of civil society play an active and vital part in ensuring compliance and delivery.

For those who want to see a better Malaysia these are exciting and encouraging times.

Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan is chairman and CEO of ISIS Malaysia. The views here are his own

Harakahdaily (3/12/08): PAS menyifatkan keputusan Umno mengantung keahlian Kapten (B) Dato' Zahar Hashim selama tiga tahun sebagai tindakan menjaga kepentingan Presiden dan Timbalannya.

Setiausaha Agung PAS Pusat, Dato' Kamaruddin Jaffar ketika diminta mengulas keputusan Umno itu berkata, keputusan itu jelas mengambarkan bahawa Presiden dan Timbalan Presiden Umno kebal dan mempunyai kepentingan yang harus dilindungi.

"Kenapa Zahar digantung sedangkan beliau mendedahkan salah laku Presiden dan Timbalannya?" soal Kamaruddin.

Zahar sebelum ini telah membuat aduan kepada Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) terhadap Abdullah yang didakwa telah menyalahguna kedudukannya sebagai presiden Umno menjelang pemilihan parti dan pencalonan.

Beliau juga mendakwa berlaku penyelewengan dalam proses tender kerajaan untuk membeli helikopter baru bagi Angkatan Tentera Udara Malaysia (TUDM).

Kamaruddin berkata sepatutnya lembaga displin Umno dan Majlis Tertinggi Umno menyiasat laporan yang dibuat terhadap Abdullah dan Najib bukan mengantung individu yang membuat laporan.

Keputusan yang dibuat ini kata beliau, mengambarkan Umno tidak serius membanteras rasuah dan politik wang berlaku dalam parti itu.

Beliau juga menegaskan rasuah dan politik wang semakin berleluasa dalam Umno dan ianya sukar dibendung sehingga bekas presiden parti itu, Tun Mahathir Mohamad berhasrat untuk mendedahkan nama pemimpin parti itu yang terlibat dalam amalan tersebut .

"Malangnya, bila ada yang melaporkan perkara ini dan bila ianya melibatkan presiden dan timbalannya, kepentingan kedua pemimpin itu dijaga dan rasuah terus dibiarkan bermaharajalela," jelas beliau.

Sementara itu ketika diminta mengulas pemecatan bekas Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Dato' Zaid Ibrahim, beliau berkata keputusan itu sudah diduga.

Beliau menasihatkan Umno supaya lebih bersikap terbuka dalam menerima teguran dan pendapat ahli yang berbeza dengan parti.

"Kita lihat hari ini semakin ramai ahli Umno yang memberikan pandangan berbeza dengan parti jadi tidak seharusnya mereka dikenakan tindakan," jelas ahli parlimen Tumpat itu.

Semalam, Majlis Tertinggi (MT) Umno memutuskan tindakan memecat serta merta keahlian Dato' Zaid Ibrahim dan menggantung keahlian Ketua Umno Bahagian Petaling Jaya Selatan, Kapten (B) Datuk Zahar Hashim selama tiga tahun.

Harakah (20/9/08): Asakan kebangkitan pembangkang dan tekanan rakan-rakan di dalam partinya yang tidak sanggup lagi berada di bawah kepimpinannya besar kemungkinan akan memaksa Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menyerahkan kuasa kepada penggantinya lebih awal dari dari pertengahan 2010, lapor The Straits Times Singapura (STS).

Sebelum ini, Abdullah meminta sehingga pertengahan 2010 untuk menyerahkan jawatan Perdana Menteri yang mula dipegangnya pada 31 Oktober 2003.

Namun, seperti yang dilaporkian oleh The Star, kecuali Datuk Annuar Musa yang dilaporkan bersungguh-sungguh membela dan mempertahankan Abdullah dalam mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi Umno (MT) 18 September lalu, hampir tidak ada sesiapa pun yang mahu Abdullah terus memimpin Umno dan negara.

Malah, Business Times Singapura (BT) pula melaporkan, Abdullah mungkin tidak akan menawarkan diri untuk mempertahankan jawatannya sebagai Presiden dalam pemilihan Umno Disember akan datang.

Semua itu berpunca dari tekanan yang amat kuat ke atasnya dalam mesyuarat MT itu.

Bekas Ahli Parlimen Parit Sulong, Datuk Ruhanie Ahmad pula melaporkan dalam blognya (kuda-kepang.blogspot.com), MT telah menasihati Abdullah supaya bersara secara sukarela, segera dan terhormat.

Jika tidak, katanya, kemungkinan besar Abdullah akan disingkirkan oleh majoriti bahagian Umno yang memulakan mesyuarat bahagian masing-masing pada 10 Oktober 2008.

"Lantaran itu, Abdullah dijangka mengumumkan tarikh persaraannya daripada siasah dan kerajaan dalam tempoh terdekat ini demi agama, bangsa dan tanahair, selewat-lewatnya pada 9 Oktober 2008.

"Nasihat di atas telah disampaikan oleh MT kepada Abdullah dalam mesyuaratnya pada 18 September 2008," kata Ruhanie.

BT melaporkan, seorang ahli MT malah memberi amaran kepada Abdullah bahawa beliau tidak akan mendapat pencalonan yang mencukupi untuk mempertahankan jawatannya sebagai Presiden Umno.

The Star melaporkan, Ketua Wanita Umno, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz memberitahu Abdullah dalam mesyuarat itu bahawa ahli-ahli akar umbi Wanita Umno telah memberitahunya bahawa Presiden Umno itu mungkin tidak akan mendapat pencalonan yang mencukupi untuk mempertahankan jawatannya.

Kelantangannya, lapor akhbar itu, memaksa ahli-ahli MT lain supaya tidak terlalu menekan Perdana menteri.

Selain Rafidah, ahli MT lain yang menyatakan bahawa Abdullah tidak boleh bertahan lagi selepas Disember ini ialah Naib Presiden Umno Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Ketua Pemuda Umno yang juga Menteri Pelajaran Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein dan Ahli MT yang juga Menteri Kebudayaan Kesenian dan Warisan, Datuk Shafie Afdal.

Mengikut sistem kuota di dalam Umno, seseorang yang hendak bertanding jawatan Presiden parti itu mesti mendapatkan sekurang-kurangnya 58 pencalonan.

Lebih berat bagi Abdullah, lapor BT, Muhyiddin yang sebelum ini secara terang-terangan meminta Perdana Menteri berundur dengan segera, tidak dikritik dalam mesyuarat itu.

Perkembangan itu, pada pandangan akhbar tersebut, membuktikan bahawa majoriti ahli MT menyokong apa yang ditegaskan oleh Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri itu.

Tekanan demi tekanan ke atas Abdullah dalam mesyuarat itu mungkin berpanjangan jika timbalannya, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tidak meredakannya dengan menyatakan beliau akan membincangkan perkara itu dengan Abdullah, lapor akhbar itu.

Menurut The Star, ketika beberapa ahli MT lain sudah bersedia untuk memberikan pandangan masing-masing, Najib yang melihat Abdullah begitu tertekan dengan tekanan ahli-ahli MT itu, mula bersuara dan berkata apa yang hendak dinyatakan sudah pun dinyatakan dan beliau meminta izin untuk membincangkan perkara itu dengan Abdullah sahaja.

Kini, tumpuan diberikan kepada Najib. Menurut ST, tindakan Najib membatalkan lawatannya ke Arab Saudi mencetuskan spekulasi bahawa Abdullah akan berhenti lebih awal, mungkin sebelum pemilihan Umno Disember ini.

Akhbar itu seterusnya melaporkan, Najib telah dinasihati oleh para pemimpin kanan Umno supaya tidak keluar negara terlalu lama dalam keadaan politik yang tidak menentu di dalam Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN).

Ahli-ahli Umno, kata akhbar itu, tidak yakin Abdullah mempunyai kemampuan dan kebolehan untuk menghalang Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menjatuhkan kerajaan.

Menurut akhbar itu, seorang pemimpin Pemuda Umno dari Kedah menyatakan, ahli-ahli Umno mahu Najib dan Muhyiddin berganding bahu untuk memberi nafas baru dalam kepimpinan parti itu.

"Mereka mahukan perubahan di peringkat atasan," katanya.

Jika Najib mengambilalih, kata akhbar itu, hampir pasti ia akan mematikan peluang Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah untuk bertanding merebut jawatan Presiden Umno, walaupun bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menyokongnya.

Menurut akhbar itu lagi, 9 September lalu, Najib berunding dengan Dr Mahathir di Singapura dan perbincangan mereka termasuk pelan peralihan kuasa. Dr Mahathir dipercayai memberitahu Najib bahawa beliau tetap dengan pendiriannya.

Malaysian Insider (26/10/08): Malaysia will ditch the RM2.3 billion Eurocopter defence deal as it battens down to face the global economic storm, sources said today.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decided to cut out the EC725 military helicopter contract over the weekend when the government reviewed its expenses in light of falling revenues from crude oil and palm oil and slowing economic growth for the next few years.

"The Eurocopter deal is off due to the bleak economic times ahead," a source told The Malaysian Insider.

Opposition leaders and critics had savaged the purchase of the dozen EC725 helicopters, saying its RM193 million price tag per aircraft was more than double of Brazil's contract for 50 EC725 helicopters, which came tom RM84 million per aircraft. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said it will investigate the deal.

Abdullah had earlier said he will investigates claims of irregularities over the purchase of military helicopters after company representing a rival military chopper, the Kazan MI-172, said it offered to sell a dozen helicopters at RM898 million, RM1.5 billion less than the Eurocopter deal.

But the Kazan MI-172 is expected to be phased out of production soon although it shares similarities with the current Nuri helicopter fleet, particularly its rear ramp door that is used for troop and materiel transport.

Opposition parties had also lodged reports with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) asking for investigations as the tender was allegedly awarded before evaluations were completed and two days before Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak swapped the defence portfolio with Abdullah.

The government earlier through a Cabinet meeting on July 18, 2007 had made the decision to acquire new helicopters to replace the Nuri aircraft following a series of crashes for the ageing transport helicopters in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The Nuri or Sikorsky S-61A-4 came into Malaysian service in 1968. The medium transport aircraft has suffered 18 crashes and killed 95 servicemen and is due to be phased out in 2012. There reportedly only 31 left in RMAF service

However, sources said the Nuris would have been pressed into service with the Army Air Wing if the EC725s arrived on time. The Eurocopter EC725 or Cougar is a medium lift helicopter that is used for combat search and rescue missions.

The Cougar, which can carry up to 29 soldiers, beat out the Sikorsky H-92, the AgustaWestland EH-101 Merlin, the Boeing CH-47F and the Russian MI-172 in an open international tender issued at the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show in December 2007.

Sources said Eurocopter won the deal as it also proposed to invest RM250 million to upgrade Malaysia's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capacity in its Subang facility as part of its tender.

It has already invested about RM45 million in Malaysia and had plans to spend another RM20 million this year to expand its Subang facility as well as MRO facilities in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Apart from the Nuris, the RMAF operates the A109 light utility helicopters and Super Pumas for VIP service.

NST (10/10/08): It was not an easy decision for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to make.

Particularly when the democratic norm — as practised worldwide, save perhaps in Zimbabwe and countries like that — was that he led the party that won by a comfortable 58-seat majority and, therefore, he was the winner.

But in Malaysia, the democratic norm is to win by more than a two-thirds majority, thus having the ability to amend the Constitution whenever you want, and using that legitimacy to make even unpopular decisions as much as you want. Using that principle as a basis, Abdullah had failed.

He lost four states more than previously.

He lost the two-thirds majority by eight seats and, therefore, he had lost and should resign.

What was the choice before him? He could fight to defend the presidency of Umno but that would have come at a cost. An already fractured party would have become even more split.

And for Abdullah, who has always been loyal to Umno, that was not an option. So, despite much pressure from his ranks, he decided not to hand his successor Datuk Sri Najib Razak a party more racked with internal dissension than he could. He decided to retire.

For Umno and for the Barisan Nasional, he made the right decision.

And by making that decision, he learned the hard way. In Umno, loyalty to the leader has one important caveat and that caveat is “as long as you are powerful”. For as long as he was powerful, the Umno ranks, especially those in the supreme council, would bend over backwards to be seen as loyal.

But the moment the chips were down, they would abandon the “sink - ing ship” and run to where they saw the power shifting. And so it was with someone he trusted, like his vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was among the first to call for his resignation. When Muhyiddin saw that the supreme council seemed to be backing Abdullah for the so-called transition programme which would see him in office until June 2010, Muhyiddin backed off, in deference to the party and his “loyalty ” to the party.

But when Umno lost the Permatang Pauh by-election, Muhyiddin once again saw an opportunity and chose Singapore in which to express no confidence in his prime minister, the man who appointed him international trade and industry minister.

As with Muhyiddin, also sneaking away were people who had backed Abdullah to the limit, even when his decisions were perhaps worthy of more critical analysis and opposition.

People like Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who, perhaps, should realise that March 8 showed that Malaysians, including Malays, are not impressed with kris-waving leaders.

It has happened before. To a man like Tun Ghafar Baba who did not have a mean bone in his body. To people like Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Tun Musa Hitam. And to people like Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

To the ordinary man with ordinary assumptions of what loyalty means, what happened to Abdullah would be seen as treachery. But in his world, it’s called realpolitik.

To be fair, Abdullah paid the price for the wrong decisions he made, for the promises he could not fulfil. After the March 8 general election, his position had become untenable.

He took responsibility for it. Yet, all those who had backed him previously conveniently slunk away, allowing all the blame to be heaped on one man — Abdullah.

But yes, that’s politics. Not much honour there, as we all know, no matter what your stripe.

Still, it is an exercise in behavioural science to try to fathom how different the political lexicon is from that of ordinary folk.

Take for example Abdullah’s predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He says he is happy for Umno that Abdullah is quitting and that “Umno can now be rebuilt”.

In ordinary circumstances, that would mean that Dr Mahathir loves Umno and cares for Umno.

In the same breath, Dr Mahathir described Najib as “incompetent” and says he is “not impressed with Najib’s performance as deputy prime minister now”.

And why is Najib incompetent in Dr Mahathir’s view? Because Najib “did not have his own stand and was always following Abdullah’s advice”.

If anyone has forgotten, Dr Mahathir backed Musa as his deputy when he became prime minister in 1981. He chose Ghafar as his deputy when Musa quit over “irreconcilable differences” with him in 1985.

Dr Mahathir backed Anwar in 1993 when that ruthlessly ambitious man who would later become his nemesis took on Ghafar in what was one of Umno’s most corrupt party elections. When he sacked Anwar in 1998, he chose Abdullah as his deputy.

Five years later, Dr Mahathir said he was retiring and that Abdullah was ready to succeed him. Dr Mahathir chose Abdullah — as he did Musa, Ghafar and Anwar. And barely months later, Dr Mahathir started the attacks on his successor, just as he had on all those he had chosen and thrust upon Malaysians before.

Almost his whole family got in the act. His sons Mukhriz and Mokhzani and his associates made numerous unsubstantiated and slanderous allegations against Abdullah and his family, friends and aides. Even Abdullah’s late wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, was not spared Dr Mahathir’s sharp tongue.

And just before the general election, he publicly urged Malaysians not to give the BN a strong mandate.

And when the BN indeed failed in that, Dr Mahathir urged Najib to fight Abdullah. Then he asked Muhyiddin when Najib refused (for which Dr Mahathir called him a coward).

One has to go back to Dr Mahathir’s 1996 Umno presidential address to see what he thought of Muhyiddin.

(Muhyiddin lost his bid to be re-elected vice-president that year.) But today, he backs Muhyiddin for Umno deputy president.

What will he say about Muhyiddin when Muhyiddin does not listen to him any more? When everything he tried failed, Dr Mahathir quit Umno. And he says he loves Umno.

Dr Mahathir has not been charitable to many people. His family and close friends are perhaps the exception.

When he was not attacking the United States, Margaret Thatcher, the West, the Zionists and the Jews, George Soros, Singapore and currency speculators, it was his own Umno members, the Malays “who forget easily” (Melayu mudah lupa), non-governmental organisations and the judiciar y.

At least Dr Mahathir believes that no one is perfect. Well, almost… One thing Najib will not have to worry about is a predecessor breathing down his neck slandering him, his cabinet, his party colleagues, his family, aides and friends. Because, for all his weaknesses, Abdullah is a decent, religious man.

Hopefully, Dr Mahathir will also give him a break. Perhaps the only person who can rival Dr Mahathir in invective and tenacity to condemn others is, ironically, Anwar, his onetime protégé-turned-nemesis.

Najib will have enough on his hands trying to fend off Anwar. If there is one thing Najib should learn from the politics of the last three decades, it is that he must have competent, able people who will give him frank and honest views and back him fully when he makes the right decisions and stick with him when the chips are down.

Reform still needs to be done. And Najib must do it. It will also be inevitable that many will clamour for the old ways to remain, but the truth is Malaysians rejected the old ways on March 8.

Najib must accept that if he is to succeed in revitalising Umno and the BN. It was not the pull factor of the opposition that made people vote for them. It was the push factor of a BN and Umno which just refused to change.

No more racism and religious bigotry, even at the lowest levels, no more cuddling up with businessmen already charting their paths to Putrajaya, no more shadowy awards of contracts and licences other than on merit.

Like it or not, Najib has to make unpopular decisions because the rot set in long ago... long before Abdullah became prime minister.

Abdullah could not, and did not, make the changes that people expected of him. For that, he paid the price. That is the way it should be.

There are two other lessons that Najib can learn from Abdullah. One, that the openness and freedom Abdullah allowed cannot be turned back; and two, that it does not pay to be a nice guy in politics. (Kalimullah Hassan)

Berita Harian (9/10/08): Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berkata, Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi perlu 'diam' mulai sekarang hingga Mac tahun depan.

“Diam,” jawabnya ringkas ketika ditanya apakah yang perlu dilakukan Abdullah mulai sekarang hingga Mac tahun depan.

Bekas Perdana Menteri itu mengakui dia gembira apabila jangkaannya silap bahawa Abdullah tidak akan berundur sebagai Presiden Umno dan Perdana Menteri.

Katanya, beliau terperanjat apabila mendengar pengumuman Abdullah semalam bahawa beliau tidak akan mempertahankan jawatan Presiden Umno dan akan melepaskan teraju kepemimpinan negara.

“Saya gembira kerana Umno akan dapat dibina semula,” katanya kepada pemberita di sini, semalam.

Dr Mahathir, yang selama ini begitu lantang meminta Abdullah berundur sejak pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu, berkata beliau berharap Abdullah tidak akan mengenakan sebarang sekatan dan halangan dalam tempoh peralihan kepemimpinan itu.

Menjawab soalan sama ada beliau akan kembali menganggotai Umno selepas Mac tahun depan, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau akan berbuat demikian dengan syarat mereka yang meninggalkan parti itu bersama beliau, turut diterima semula.

Diminta mengulas mengenai Datuk Seri Najib Razak sebagai pemimpin yang berkemungkinan menjadi Perdana Menteri selepas ini, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau tidak tertarik dengan prestasi Najib sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri sekarang kerana sering mengikut nasihat Abdullah dan oleh itu, Najib perlu membuat perubahan apabila mengambil alih teraju kepemimpinan negara kelak.

Mengenai orang yang berkemungkinan menjadi timbalan Najib, Dr Mahathir berkata, ia sepatutnya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan pesaing lain yang ada sekarang bagi mengisi jawatan Timbalan Presiden Umno hanyalah ‘pak lawak’ semata-mata. - Bernama

Mahathir terperanjat Pak Lah berundur, tapi disifatkan baik

mStar Online (9/10/08): Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad berkata, beliau gembira apabila jangkaannya bahawa Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tidak akan berundur sebagai Presiden UMNO dan Perdana Menteri, adalah silap.

Bekas Perdana Menteri itu berkata, beliau terperanjat apabila mendengar pengumuman Abdullah hari ini bahawa beliau tidak akan mempertahankan jawatan Presiden UMNO dan akan melepaskan teraju kepimpinan negara.

"Saya gembira kerana UMNO akan dapat dibina semula," katanya kepada pemberita di sini semalam.

Dr. Mahathir, yang selama ini begitu lantang meminta Abdullah berundur sejak pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lepas, berkata beliau berharap Abdullah tidak akan mengenakan sebarang sekatan dan halangan dalam tempoh peralihan kepimpinan itu.

Menjawab soalan sama ada beliau akan kembali menganggotai UMNO selepas Mac tahun depan, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau akan berbuat demikian dengan syarat mereka yang meninggalkan parti itu bersama beliau, turut diterima semula.

Ditanya apakah yang perlu dilakukan oleh Abdullah mulai sekarang hingga Mac tahun depan, Dr Mahathir berkata: "Diam."

Diminta mengulas tentang Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak sebagai pemimpin yang berkemungkinan menjadi Perdana Menteri selepas ini, Dr Mahathir berkata beliau tidak tertarik dengan prestasi Najib sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri sekarang.

Beliau menyifatkan Najib sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang tidak cekap kerana tidak mempunyai pendirian sendiri dan sering mengikut nasihat Abdullah dan oleh itu, Najib perlu membuat perubahan apabila mengambil alih teraju kepimpinan negara kelak.

Mengenai orang yang berkemungkinan menjadi timbalan Najib, Dr Mahathir berkata, ia sepatutnya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan pesaing lain yang ada sekarang bagi mengisi jawatan Timbalan Presiden UMNO hanyalah "pak lawak" semata-mata. (Bernama)

Harakah (10/10/08): Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad menyifatkan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang tidak cekap kerana tidak mempunyai pendirian sendiri dan sering mengikut nasihat Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mengulas prestasi Najib sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri sekarang, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau tidak tertarik.

Najib, katanya, perlu membuat perubahan apabila mengambil alih teraju kepimpinan negara kelak.

Mengenai orang yang berkemungkinan menjadi timbalan Najib (apabila menjadi Presiden Umno), bekas Presiden Umno itu berkata, ia sepatutnya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan pesaing lain yang ada sekarang bagi mengisi jawatan Timbalan Presiden Umno hanyalah "pak lawak" semata-mata.

Mengulas pengunduran Abdullah, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau gembira apabila jangkaannya silap.

Beliau sebelum ini menjangka Abdullah tidak akan berundur sebagai Presiden Umno dan Perdana Menteri.

Beliau berkata, beliau terperanjat apabila mendengar pengumuman Abdullah hari ini bahawa beliau tidak akan mempertahankan jawatan Presiden Umno dan akan melepaskan teraju kepimpinan negara.

"Saya gembira kerana Umno akan dapat dibina semula," Bernama memetik beliau berkata kepada pemberita di Putrajaya semalam.

Dr. Mahathir, yang selama ini begitu lantang meminta Abdullah berundur sejak pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lepas, berkata beliau berharap Abdullah tidak akan mengenakan sebarang sekatan dan halangan dalam tempoh peralihan kepimpinan itu.

Menjawab soalan sama ada beliau akan kembali menganggotai Umno selepas Mac tahun depan, Dr Mahathir berkata, beliau akan berbuat demikian dengan syarat mereka yang meninggalkan parti itu bersama beliau, turut diterima semula.

Ditanya apakah yang perlu dilakukan oleh Abdullah mulai sekarang hingga Mac tahun depan, Dr Mahathir berkata: "Diam."

Harakah (2/10/08): Blogger yang baru-baru ini ditangkap di bawah Akta Hasutan, Sheih, sekali lagi membuat dakwaan menggemparkan apabila meminta Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menafikan bahawa beliau pernah menerima RM200 juta dari isteri Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, sebahagian dari komisyen urus niaga kapal selam berjumlah RM500 juta yang didakwa diterima oleh Abdul Razak Baginda.

"Adalah satu langkah baik jika Abdullah menafikan beliau pernah menerima RM200 juta dari komisyen urus niaga kapal selam berjumlah setengah juta ringgit yang kita dakwa diterima oleh Razak Baginda.

"Sumber saya menyatakan Rosmah membayar Abdullah RM200 juta dari komisyen urus niaga kapal selam. Beliau (sumber itu) tidak menyatakan apa-apa mengenai Razak Baginda," dakwa beliau dalam blognya, kickdefella.wordpress.com

Sheih juga mendakwa penyiasat persendirian yang menghilangkan diri, P. Balasubramaniam, menerima RM5 juta dari Rosmah untuk menutup mulutnya.

"Saya diberitahu bahawa isteri (Datuk Seri) Najib (Tun Razak) menemui Bala di British Isle beberapa hari selepas penyiasat persendirian itu menghilangkan diri dan membayar Bala RM5 juta.

"Saya diberitahu bahawa Bala dan keluarganya sedang berusaha untuk mendapatkan kewarganegaraan India. Saya benar-benar berharap ini tidak benar dan Rosmah akan membuat kenyataan menafikannya," dakwa blogger itu.

Blogger itu juga mendakwa bahawa Najib pernah menulis surat kepada beberapa kedutaan asing meminta mereka memberikan visa masuk ke negara mereka.

"Saya diberitahu bahawa sebelum lawatan Najib ke beberapa negara Eropah, beliau menulis kepada kedutaan Perancis, Itali dan Pesuruhjaya Tinggi British meminta mereka memberikan visa masuk ke negara mereka dari Kuala Lumpur kepada Altantunya Shaariibuu.

"Najib sendiri sebagai Menteri Pertahanan (ketika itu) menandatangani surat tersebut. Pesuruhjaya Tinggi British menolak permohonan itu tetapi beberapa negara menerimanya.

"Beberapa diplomat Malaysia yang ketika itu berkhidmat di kedutaan Malaysia di salah sebuah negara tersebut mengesahkan bahawa mereka pernah melihat Altantuya di dalam rombongan Najib," dakwa Sheih lagi.

Pada 28 Jun 2007 lalu, Bernama melaporkan sepupu Altantuya, Burmaa Oyunchimeg memberitahu mahkamah tinggi Shah Alam bahawa beliau pernah melihat gambar Altantuya makan bersama Najib dan Razak Baginda.

Semasa disoal lanjut oleh peguam Karpal Singh, yang bertindak sebagai peguam pemerhati bagi keluarga Altantuya, Burmaa berkata, Altantuya telah menunjukkan kepadanya gambar Altantuya dan Abdul Razak dengan pegawai kerajaan Malaysia itu serta orang lain sedang menikmati jamuan pada satu meja bulat.

Beliau berkata, Altantuya menunjukkan gambar itu di Hong Kong selepas beliau (Altantuya) balik dari Perancis. (Burmaa bertemu dengan Altantuya di Hong Kong).

Karpal: "Boleh kamu terangkan gambar apa?"

Burmaa: "Ada satu gambar, saya fikir, Altantuya dengan Razak Baginda dan seorang pegawai kerajaan Malaysia dan orang lain sedang menikmati jamuan. Mereka duduk di meja bulat.�

Karpal: "Kamu tahu siapa pegawai kerajaan itu?

Burmaa: "Najib Razak. Saya ingat nama Najib Razak kerana nama Razak itu sama (dengan Abdul Razak Baginda)."

Bagaimanapun, Burmaa tidak menunjukkan gambar itu kepada mahkamah.

Lebih buruk lagi, dalam akuan bersumpahnya 1 Julai lalu di hadapan Pesuruhjaya Sumpah di Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Balasubramaniam pernah mendakwa Najib telah mengadakan hubungan seks dengan Altantuya dan beliau (Altantuya) sanggup mengadakan hubungan seks luar tabii.

Akuan bersumpah itu juga menyatakakan Najib mengarahkan Razak Baginda untuk menjaga Altantuya kerana beliau tidak mahu dia (Altantuya) menganggunya kerana beliau ialah Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

Sama dengan keterangan Burmaa di mahkamah, akuan bersumpah Balasubramaniam itu juga menyatakan Razak Baginda dan atau Altantuya ada memberitahu penyiasat persendirian itu bahawa Najib bersama-sama dengan Razak Baginda dan Altantuya telah berjumpa dan bersama-sama makan malam di Paris.

Bagaimanapun, Balasubramaniam menafikan apa sahaja akuan bersumpahnya yang berkaitan dengan Najib dan menghilangkan diri selepas penafian itu.

Najib dituduh bersama Altantuya (Malaysiakini 3/7/08)
Bala tarik balik akuan berkanun (Malaysiakini 4/7/08)

Harakah (30/9/08): Anda pergi ke mana Hari Raya ini? Sheih, blogger yang baru-baru ini ditangkap di bawah Akta Hasutan berpesan, sambil ziarah-ziarah Hari Raya, tanya-tanyalah siapa yang tahu mengenai syarikat pengeluar helikopter, Eurocopter yang telah memenangi tender untuk menggantikan helikopter Nuri atau Sikorsky S61A-4 Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM).

Tanya-tanyalah benarkah Datuk Kamaluddin (anak Perdana Menterilah, siapa lagi!) adalah "agen rahsia" bagi pihak Eurocopter.

Tanya-tanyalah juga adakah benar urusniaga Eurocopter itu akan membolehkan Kamaluddin meraih sebesar RM250 juta setahun untuk 30 tahun akan datang.

Laporan media baru-baru ini menyatakan, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mengumumkan bahawa Eurocopter telah memenangi tender Kementerian Pertahanan itu.

Beliau berkata, surat hasrat atau letter of intent (LOI) telah dihantar kepada Eurocopter untuk membeli helikopter tersebut.

‘‘Pada masa ini Kementerian Pertahanan sedang mengadakan rundingan dengan Eurocopter mengenai spesifikasi teknikal helikopter, klausa perjanjian sebelum menandatanganinya secara rasmi dengan syarikat berkenaan,’’ katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas menerima taklimat khas di Wisma Pertahanan baru-baru ini.

Ketika ditanya mengapa syarikat itu yang dipilih, Abdullah mendakwa pemilihan itu adalah berdasarkan kepada kriteria yang ditetapkan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan serta ciri-ciri yang terdapat pada helikopter berkenaan.

Beliau menambah, sudah tiba masanya khidmat Nuri ditamatkan memandangkan usia pesawat itu yang telah lama digunakan dan pernah terlibat dalam beberapa kemalangan yang menyebabkan kehilangan nyawa.

‘‘Saya masih ingat mesyuarat Kabinet menetapkan bahawa helikopter Nuri itu perlu digantikan dengan segera memandangkan ia telah terlalu lama berkhidmat,’’ katanya

Nuri pernah digelar sebagai "keranda terbang" berikutan begitu banyak kemalangan yang melibatkan helikopter jenis itu.

Menurut Sheih, apa yang gagal diberitahu oleh Abdullah ialah Kamaluddin adalah "agen rahsia" bagi pihak Eurocopter.

Menurut Sheih lagi, Kamaluddin juga sedang berusaha untuk memenangi tender sewa beli helikopter dari Polis DiRaja Malaysia.

Dua perkara berlaku sebelum Hari Raya, kata Sheih dalam blognya.

Pertama, Perdana Menteri bertukar portfolio dengan timbalannya, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Beliau mengambilalih jawatan Menteri Pertahanan dari Najib manakala Timbalan Perdana Menteri pula mengambil alih jawatan Menteri Kewangan dari Abdullah.

Kedua, Perhimpunan Agung Umno ditangguhkan ke bulan Mac 2009.

Menurut Sheih, apa yang gagal dilihat oleh rakyat Malaysia ialah antara perkara pertama dilakukan Abdullah sebagai Menteri Pertahanan ialah membuat pengumuman mengenai Eurocopter yang menjadi keghairahan terkini Kementerian Pertahanan.

Di samping itu, Abdullah juga bersetuju dengan pelan peralihan kuasa yang fleksibel dan mungkin lebih awal tetapi meminta tempoh tiga bulan sehingga Mac 2009 untuk membolehkan beliau terus menjadi Perdana Menteri.

Blogger itu bertanya, adakah kedua-dua tindakan Abdullah itu didorong oleh urusniaga Eurocopter yang bermakna Kamaluddin akan meraih sebesar RM250 setahun untuk 30 tahun akan datang?

"(Adakah) dengan menangguhkan Perhimpunan Agung Umno, Abdullah boleh memastikan urusniaga itu ditandatangani sebelum beliau berundur," katanya.

Jkia benar, Sheih mengucapkan "Horey untuk Malaysia! Selamat Hari Raya dan bertanya-tanyalah tentang urusniaga Eurocopter itu ketika ziarah-ziarah Raya anda".

Harakah (26/9/08): Malaysia akan dipimpin oleh seorang lagi pemimpin yang lemah, kata Setiausaha Agung PAS, Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar manakala Pengarah Strategik PKR, Saifuddin Nasution pula menjangka Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak juga akan dibuang seperti Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mereka berkata demikian ketika mengulas proses peralihan kuasa yang diputuskan supaya dipercepatkan oleh mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi (MT) Umno.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri bersama-sama mesyuarat tergempar MT pagi tadi dilaporkan mencincang pelan peralihan kuasa pada 2010 yang dirayu Abdullah dan memutuskan supaya Presiden Umno itu berundur segera.

Perhimpunan Agung Umno yang akan menyaksikan proses pemilihan kepimpinan ditangguhkan dari Disember ini kepada Mac akan datang dan Abdullah pula dipaksa berundur dalam tempoh beberapa minggu sahaja lagi, kalaupun tidak beberapa hari.

Najib, atas sifatnya sebagai Timbalan Presiden Umno, dijangka akan menggantikannya.

"Siapa pun pemimpin, ia tetap Umno yang sama," Kamarudin memberitahu Malaysian Insider (MI). "Najib akan dipengaruhi oleh Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) dan kita akan melalui satu lagi tempoh kepimpinan dan polisi yang lemah".

"Inilah proses peralihan kuasa yang paling kacau bilau. Adalah ironi mengapa mereka menuduh (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) yang bertanggungjawab ke atas ketidakpastian dan kemelut ekonomi, sedangkan adalah jelas Umno tidak boleh menentukan arah haluan parti mereka, apa lagi negara," kata Kamarudin yang juga Ahli Parlimen Tumpat.

Mengenai percubaan berterusan Pakatan Rakyat untuk menjatuhkan Barisan Nasional, beliau berkata "usaha untuk perubahan tetap diteruskan tidak kira siapa pun yang memimpin Umno".

Saifuddin pula mengalu-alukan pengunduran Perdana Menteri yang sememangnya dijangkakan itu.

"Ia sangat baik untuk kami," katanya kepada MI.

"Najib mungkin diberi peluang oleh rakyat sebagai harapan baru. Tetapi beliau mempunyai terlalu banyak pekung di dada dan hanya menunggu masa sahaja - jika Umno boleh melakukannya kepada Abdullah, kenapa tidak Najib?"

Penasihat DAP, Lim Kit Siang pula menyifatkan apa yang berlaku dalam mesyuarat tergempar MT pagi tadi itu sebagai rampasan kuasa.

Beliau menyifatkan kata-kata Abdullah yang mendakwa keputusan untuk berundur terletak di tangannya sebagai kata-kata kosong kerana keputusan telah dibuat supaya Presiden Umno itu berundur segera.

Lim juga menyifatkan mesyuarat tersebut memuktamadkan hakikat bahawa Umno tidak lagi relevan, di mana kepentingan para pemimpin Umno diutamakan melebihi cabaran yang dihadapi negara terutama dari segi ekonomi dan pentadbiran.

Berkaitan:
• Peralihan lebih awal - Keputusan mesyuarat khas MT Umno semalam
• Penangguhan ambil kira pandangan ahli
• Keputusan sebelum 9 Okt. - PM
• Tidak jejas wibawa Presiden
• Yakin bahagian sokong penangguhan
• Mac genap 18 bulan
• Boleh rumitkan keadaan
• Ahli Umno perlu hormati keputusan
• Keputusan Majlis Tertinggi wajar - Pemerhati politik
• Ketua bahagian sambut baik
• Umno Kepala Batas sokong PM tentukan hala tuju
• Transkrip sidang akhbar PM selepas mesyuarat khas MT Umno semalam
• Gabungan NGO sokong PM

Artikel asal di sini.

Exit Pak Lah

Malaysian Insider (26/9/08): It is game over for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

His 2010 transition plan was shredded by his deputy and the Umno Supreme Council today and he was presented with little choice but to accept the exit plan.

The plan calls for the Umno General Assembly and party elections to be postponed from December till March next year. Divisions will still meet from Oct 9 and nominate candidates for top positions in the party.

At a brief press conference after the Supreme Council meeting, Abdullah appeared to suggest as much that the 2010 plan had been dumped.

The Umno president said: "If we want to make it before 2010, it is not an issue."

He also added that he would make an announcement before Oct 9, when party divisions will meet to nominate their candidates for the party leadership.

One name not likely to be considered is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He is expected to announce that he will not defend his party president's position, possibly just after the Hari Raya holidays.

He will then stay on as party president and prime minister until March 2009. Presumably he will be given some time to complete some of the reforms he promised Malaysians and then be given a grand send off at the party assembly.

Party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who has been one of those pressuring Pak Lah to step down earlier, said after the meeting, that the postponement of the general assembly was effectively a new deadline for Abdullah to leave office.

The extension of his term of office until at least March will not remove the bitter feeling among Abdullah's supporters that he allowed himself to be outflanked by Najib and other supreme council members,

A day earlier, Najib told Abdullah that the party assembly and elections would be pushed back to June.

This morning, the two men met privately just before the Supreme Council meeting, and it became March.

Even though no words to the effect were uttered by the council, it is clear that they want Abdullah out sooner rather than later.

Winners and losers

Malaysian Insider (26/9/08): The decision by the Umno Supreme Council to postpone the party polls till March next year will have a major impact on many of the big players in the party. Below is the Malaysian Insider's take on who benefits from it and who loses big time.

WINNERS

• Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak:

After Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi does the inevitable and announces that he will not seek re-election as party president, nearly all 191 nominations from the divisions will flow to Najib.

This new transition plan works for the Deputy Prime Minister like a dream. By persuading Abdullah to accept the March transition plan, he has managed to remove the two impediments to the top job in the party – the possibility of him having to face the wrath of the ground by continuing to stay with Abdullah or the possibility of having to confront Abdullah in a no-holds barred contest.

Not too shabby for someone who only a few months ago was having to defend himself against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Opposition leader implicated Najib in the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibuu and accused him of benefiting in several defence deals while Dr Mahathir accused him of being a coward by not forcing Abdullah out of office after Election 2008.

With Abdullah all but gone, Dr Mahathir will probably rejoin Umno, team up with Najib and fight Anwar. Najib will inherit a united Umno.

• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin:

He wore the broadest grin today. Not surprising since today was a victory of sorts for the party vice-president.

He has been leading the charge within Umno to force Abdullah to step down since March 8, moving his criticisms from behind closed doors to public forums. Muhyiddin's main plank of attack was that the party and Barisan Nasional has lost confidence in the PM.

When Abdullah and Najib agreed on the 2010 transition plan, it seemed that Muhyiddin's efforts were going to end up in tears. But the BN defeat in Permatang Pauh in August galvanised Muhyiddin and other critics of Abdullah.

They whipped up the percolating anti-Abdullah sentiment, making it difficult for either the PM or DPM to ignore them. Now as critic-in-chief, he is poised to be the favourite to suck up most of the nominations for the deputy president's position.

• Datuk Zaid Ibrahim:

Zaid's decision to resign from the Cabinet seems to be the correct one in the light of the supreme council decision. In all likelihood, the prime minister is going to be in a lame duck position until the end of his term in March.

It would be a major surprise if Abdullah manages to make any headway with the Judicial Appointments Commission and other judicial reforms.

If Zaid had stayed on in the Cabinet, he would have been occupying space, nothing more. His protector would have been powerless to offer him any cover from the Umno warlords or keep his promise of improving the judiciary.

LOSERS

• Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi:

He has never wanted this type of send-off. In discussions with friends and political supporters, Abdullah made it clear that he wanted to leave on his own terms.

This became challenging after March 8 when the BN lost its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament and four states to the Opposition.

But he regrouped and promised to complete the reforms which he promised Malaysians in his first term of office.

A combination of paralysis of action, dancing to his party's tune and inability to match Anwar's vibrancy led him to a cul-de-sac.

Yet he appeared to have pulled off a miraculous escape in July when his plan to hand over power to Najib in 2010 was endorsed by the supreme council.

For a while, it looked like he had bought himself two years to complete his reforms and salvage his legacy.

Anwar's resounding victory in Permatang Pauh stunned party members and once again, Abdullah or rather his failures became the focus of Umno members.

From then on, it became evident that Abdullah would face a tough time convincing his party men that he deserved their support.

The March timetable is nothing more than a face-saving way of showing Abdullah the exit. He is not leaving on his own terms.

• Many division chiefs and senior Umno politicians:

Postponing the party elections will hit some of these warlords hard in the pocket. Many of them have been spending a great deal of money, and now they will have to loosen their purse strings right up till March.

The winners in March may well turn out to be those with the deepest pockets.

Najib ambil alih disifatkan berita baik

Harakah (26/9/08): Naib Presiden PAS, Haji Mohamad Sabu menyifatkan penyerahan kuasa kepada Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yang dijangka pada bulan Mac ini sebagai berita baik kepada pembangkang.

"Jika Tengku Razaleigh yang mengambil alih kepimpinan dari (Datuk Seri) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi), ia berita yang tidak menggembirakan kepada kita. Kalau Najib ambil alih, itu berita baik," katanya.

Mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi Umno pagi tadi dilihat memberi tarikh akhir yang baru kepada Abdullah supaya berundur dengan menetapkan perhimpunan agung parti itu akan diadakan pada Mac ini.

Bagaimanapun, tarikh pemilihan di peringkat bahagian-bahagian mulai 9 Oktober dikekalkan.

Ketika ditemui para pemberita selepas mesyuarat itu, Abdullah sendiri membayangkan bahawa pelan peralihan kuasa pada Jun 2010 seperti yang dikehendakinya tidak diterima oleh MT.

Ditanya lanjut mengenai pelan peralihan kuasa 2010, Presiden Umno berkata: "Kalau sudah diawalkan tidak timbullah (pelan) 2010 itu."

Ketika diminta penjelasan mengenai maksud bagi melicinkan proses peralihan kuasa awal, Abdullah berkata "ia adalah bagi membuat penyerahan apa juga yang diperlukan..."

Perdana Menteri juga dipetik sebagai berkata: "Apabila kerja habis, habislah".

Bagaimanapun, untuk menjaga air mukanya, Abdullah memberitahu bahawa beliau belum memutuskan sama ada akan mempertahankan jawatan presiden.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, beliau akan membuat keputusan mengenainya sebelum mesyuarat bahagian bermula 9 Oktober depan.

"Apa-apa keputusan saya akan buat sebelum mesyuarat bahagian," katanya.

Sebelum ini, Business Times Singapura melaporkan seorang pemimpin Umno menjangka Abdullah akan akan mendapat kira-kira 40 pencalonan sahaja.

Seseorang calon yang mahu bertanding sebagai Presiden Umno memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya 58 pencalonan daripada 193 bahagian Umno.

Mengulas lanjut tanda-tanda pemilihan Najib sebagai pengganti Abdullah Mac ini, Mohamad Sabu berkata, walaupun Tengku Razaleigh mempunyai sikap yang boleh dianggap lunak dalam soal-soal perlaksanaan Islam, tetapi beliau tetap berpendapat Najib lebih mudah dihadapi pembangkang.

"Kepada pembangkang, eloklah kalau Najib yang ganti. Nak berhadapan dengan Najib lebih kurang berhadapan dengan Abdullah. Dua-dua sama sahaja.

"Kita tak senanglah kalau Tengku Razaleigh yang ganti Abdullah walaupun kita akui Tengku Razaleigh tak kacau kalau orang nak laksana Islam. Dia tidaklah tolak dengan berdalih-dalih guna hujah maqasid syari'ah dan sebagainya. Dia bukan jenis yang tunjuk pandai," katanya.

Seorang pemimpin Gerakan baru-baru ini menyifatkan Najib mempunyai liabiliti dan beban politik.

Walaupun mengakui komuniti perniagaan senang dengan ketenangan, kepastian dan ketegasan Najib tetapi Malaysian Insider (MI) memetik pemimpin Gerakan itu berkata, "Reputasinya (Najib) tercemar dengan pembunuhan wanita Mongolia".

Beliau merujuk pembunuhan Altantuya Shaariibuu pada 2006 lalu.

Pihaknya, kata pemimpin Gerakan itu, bimbang adakah isu yang serius itu akan memburuk menjadi tamparan yang hebat kepada Barisan Nasional (BN) kelak.

Persepsi umum masih lagi dibelenggu dengan begitu banyak persoalan yang tidak pernah dijawab berhubung kesluruhan episod itu.

"Ia adalah satu liabiliti...bebanan politik yang akan memberi kesan kelak jika terbiar tidak diselesaikan terutama apabila musuh politik Najib begitu aktif, mungkin semakin kuat dan secara terbuka mensasarkan beliau untuk menghancurkannya," MI memetik beliau berkata.

Persepsi rakyat tentang Najib mungkin disimpulkan dengan baik dalam kenyataan seorang peguam yang juga bekas pemimpin MIC kepada MI: "Datang dari lubuk tercemar Umno-BN yang sama, tentulah kejujujuran dan integriti Najib diragui umum".

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Sept (Hrkh) - Ketika para pemimpin Umno tidak putus-putus dengan dakwaan kononnya penggunaan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) direstui oleh majoriti senyap atau silent majority, tinjauan pendapat yang dibuat oleh Merdeka Centre membuktikan sebalikinya.

Sejak kebelakangan ini, beberapa kenyataan pemimpin Umno juga seolah-olah mahu memberi gambaran penggunaan ISA direstui oleh orang-orang Melayu.

Bertentangan dengan gambaran yang cuba diberikan oleh para pemimpin Umno itu, tinjauan yang dibuat oleh Merdeka Centre itu dengan jelas membuktikan bahawa majoriti orang-orang Melayu dan rakyat Malaysia tidak percaya ISA perlu digunakan untuk memelihara keselamatan negara.

Dalam tinjauan mengenai ISA itu, 3,600 orang telah diminta pendapat mereka. Dari jumlah itu, 49 peratus darinya adalah orang-orang Melayu, 31 peratus Cina, lapan peratus India, enam peratus bumiputera Sabah dan enam peratus bumiputera Sarawak.

70 peratus dari mereka tidak bersetuju dengan dakwaan kononnya tindakan menangkap dan menahan tanpa bicara perlu dilakukan untuk menjaga keselamatan negara.

Apabila dipecahkan mengikut bangsa, didapati 71 peratus responden Melayu tidak bersetuju ISA digunakan untuk keselamatan negara; Cina 79 peratus, India 90 peratus, bumiputera Sabah 71 peratus dan bumiputera Sarawak 66 peratus.

PM tidak peduli

Tinjauan-tinjauan Merdeka Centre sebelum digunakan oleh para pemimpin Umno sendiri terutama tinjauan yang menyatakan Perdana Menteri mendapat sokongan majoriti Melayu sebelum pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu.

Bagaimanapun bulan lalu, apabila ditanya tentang kajian Merdeka Centre yang mendapati popularitinya menurun di bawah paras 50 peratus buat pertama kalinya sejak 2004, Perdana Menteri berkata, beliau tidak peduli dengan hasil kajian itu.

Melaporkan secara detail dalam blognya (kuda-kepang.blogspot.com), blogger Umnno, Datuk Ruhanie Ahmad mendedahkan bahawa tinjauan Merdeka Centre mendapati hanya tujuh peratus responden berpuas hati dengan cara Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi melaksanakan tugasnya sebagai Perdana Menteri.

Bekas Ahli Parlimen Parit Sulong itu seterusnya mendedahkan, 35 peratus agak berpuas hati, 17 peratus sangat tidak berpuas hati, dan 37 peratus pula agak kurang berpuas hati.

Beliau juga mendedahkan, hanya 10 peratus responden amat berpuas hati bahawa Umno memperjuangkan aspirasi dan kehendak rakyat berbanding 25 peratus yang amat tidak berpuas hati.

Responden yang agak berpuas hati adalah 26 peratus tetapi yang agak tidak berpuas hati adalah 33 peratus.

Mengenai kerajaan pusat di bawah Barisan Nasional (BN), katanya, lapan peratus responden berpuas hati berbanding 16 peratus yang sangat tidak berpuas hati. Mereka yang agak berpuas hati adalah 36 peratus dan yang agak tidak berpuas hati adalah 38 peratus.

Merosot mendadak

Rasa puas hati rakyat jelata terhadap perkembangan semasa ini, katanya, merosot secara mendadak daripada 71 peratus pada tempoh 29 Februari - 4 Mac 2008 (sebelum PRU12), kepada 68 peratus bagi tempoh 5 Mac - 7 Mac 2008 (menjelang hari pembuangan undi PRU12), 44 peratus bagi tempoh 30 April - 5 Mei 2008 (selepas PRU12), dan 28 peratus bagi tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008.

Kemerosotan ini banyak dipengaruhi oleh faktor ekonomi (59 peratus), jenayah dan keselamatan awam (25 peratus), rasuah dan penyalahgunaan kuasa (15 peratus) dan faktor politik (10 peratus).

Mengenai ekonomi, 24 peratus responden menyatakan pada tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008 bahawa ekonomi Negara adalah favourable. Angka ini menurun daripada 59 peratus pada tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008.

Mengenai kedudukan ekonomi negara mutakhir ini berbanding tiga tahun lalu, hanya 19 peratus responden mengatakan ianya favourable berbanding 51 peratus pada tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008.

Kemerosotan keyakinan responden terhadap hakikat di atas adalah berasaskan pandangan mereka yang tidak favourable mengenai pendapatan peribadi (60 peratus pada tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008 kepada 34 peratus bagi tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008), kos harga barang dan perkhidmatan (24 peratus bagi tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008 merosot kepada 8 peratus bagi tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008), peluang pekerjaan (merosot daripada 50 peratus bagi tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008 kepada 29 peratus bagi tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008), dan peluang perniagaan (merosot daripada 49 peratus bagi tempoh 23 Februari - 27 Februari 2008 kepada 33 peratus bagi tempoh 4 Julai - 14 Julai 2008).

Malaysian Insider (23/9/08): With a terrific pedigree and a seriously damaged reputation Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was shoved into national politics as a precocious 23 year old in 1976, is now more than 30 years later poised to take charge of a troubled country.

It does not matter whether he takes over after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is forced to quit before the Umno polls in December or he challenges and defeats Abdullah or consummates the 2010 succession plan, as he had promised.

As the situation stands now only Najib, who has a strong grip over the party, is in line to succeed.

Therefore what really matters is whether this man, whose upper crust origins, entire upbringing and personal politics are all geared to defending the status quo, would embrace the change that Malaysians desire.

Will he defend the old Umno-led order in an uncertain time or ride the reformasi wave that was first set off with the arrest of archrival Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 and is still rolling after the March 8 general election.

Where Najib stands on the new Malaysia and how he responds to the demand for change are key issues not just for the ordinary Malaysian voter but also for the BN component parties.

The MCA, MIC, PPP and Gerakan — all of which face an uncertain future after voters deserted them in the March 8 general election — are anxious how the Umno succession battle is resolved and who emerges the winner.

Even Umno itself, which had made all the big decisions since before independence, is labouring under the weight of a great disquiet over its future.

Can it reform? Can it win back the support of the Malays and the other races?

Najib, in some ways, is the other man of the hour besides opposition leader Anwar. His future and the country's are intertwined in more ways than one.

"We and the BN as a coalition are facing our biggest crisis ever... May 13 is nothing compared to now. The future for all of us is clouded," said a senior MCA leader on condition of anonymity.

"There are fundamental differences in all political parties over how to change, what to change and how to survive the future," he said, adding all eyes are on the Umno succession battle.

"Naturally we need a liberal, inclusive and pragmatic Malay leader to take charge and lead the BN and the country out of the woods," he said. "We have to wait and see how Umno decides.'

"Is Najib the man?" said a Gerakan leader, adding with Umno itself gripped in a succession crisis the BN parties have to wait to see the outcome.

"However the business community likes Najib's calmness, sureness and firmness but his reputation is sullied over the murder of the Mongolian lady," he said, referring to the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.

"We worry whether this serious issue would develop into a big a setback for the BN later," he said.

Although Najib has strongly denied any links to the murdered woman and has sworn on the Quran to never having met her and although the Umno rank and file seems satisfied with the explanation, the public perception is that many questions remain unanswered over the whole episode.

"It is a liability… political baggage that can catch up later if left uncleared especially with Najib's political enemies active, possibly growing in strength and openly targeting him for the meat grinder," said the Gerakan leader.

Becoming a minister at the age of 32, Najib put in long years of steady and hard work, rising up the Umno ladder and gaining experience after being moved from one portfolio to another.

He was relatively free of controversy and admired for his patience and ability to clarify complex issues into simple messages.

As Umno Youth leader, however, he gained some notoriety during another Umno crisis — the 1987 leadership battle — when he took part in a rally in Kampung Baru where anti-Chinese sentiments were openly expressed.

Until the Mongolian murder surfaced in October 2006 Najib was relatively above it all, both in Umno and in the country, with a clear, unimpeded run to the top Prime Minister's post.

But after that it was one controversy after another in rapid succession.

First the rumours that he was linked to Altantuya. Then the accusations surfaced on the Internet and finally came the statutory declarations.

It all led to sedition and defamation charges, police investigations and ended with the arrest of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin under the ISA.

Adding to the skull drudgery was the explosive revelations by private eye P. Balasubramaniam and his retraction and disappearance — all within 24 hours — leaving the public gasping and speculating wildly where the truth ends and the lies begin.

The latest controversy is Najib's alleged links to Saiful Bukhari Azlan, who says he was sodomised by Anwar.

In all these controversies Najib has been deft and fast on the feet to survive the landmines thrown his way.

"It shows ambition, drive and determination to defeat his enemies and survive," a Umno insider said. "He is damaged but still firmly on the path to succession."

"If he survivors after December and makes it to the top, his future and the country's future would depend a lot on whether he embraces the reform agenda," said a lawyer and former MIC leader.

"That's the key word — reform. How he fights corruption, how he promotes the rule of law, how he satisfies the non-Malay desire for equality, meritocracy and justice... these are the key issues," the lawyer said.

"There is deep distrust of Umno and the BN among the people… it would take years to heal if at all," he said, adding that the next Prime Minister would have a tough job on his hands.

"Coming from the same sullied Umno-BN pond, naturally people have doubts over Najib's honesty and his integrity," the lawyer said, adding however Malaysians generally would give a new man a "chance to prove himself."

NST (21/9/08): Would Khairy Jamaluddin's Setiakawan (Friendship and Unity) campaign pitch be able to pave the way to the top seat in Umno Youth?

The concept should be a successful one, especially in the present political climate where the clamour for race-based parties to change into platforms for all Malaysians has become irresistible.

But then Umno is a party that is dyed-in-the-wool of Malay nationalism. Getting the idea down to the grassroots, where a large section still cry Ketuanan Melayu, could prove to be an exercise in futility.

There is also an unfavourable perception of the Umno Youth deputy chief -- the many controversies alleged and often manufactured against him have put off some people, including members of his own Youth wing.

Perhaps because of his talent, ambition and closeness to the prime minister, Khairy has been a target for character assassination and envy.
He will have to deal with the innuendoes and accusations wisely and without becoming distracted.

But Khairy said he was accepting this inevitability.

"I accept the need to constantly self-analyse; admittedly at times it is distressing, but this is not about my feelings, it is about what I can contribute."

Coincidentally, Khairy's slogan parallels Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's call for a supra-ethnic Umno to help heal and renew the party, whose support among the non-Malays dived in the March 8 polls.

The 71-year-old Kelantan prince, who also happens to be the sole Umno leader aspiring to contest the Umno presidency held by Khairy's father-in-law, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had proposed that the more multiracial stance should not compromise Umno's original aims for the Malays.

Khairy, a first-term Rembau MP, is using Setiakawan as a manifesto to win nominations to contest for the Umno Youth chief's post, which will be vacated by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Hishamuddin has opted to move up the party hierarchy to contest one of the three Umno vice-president's posts.

Khairy needs to get the support of at least 38 Umno Youth divisions to qualify to contest for the post, which is also being vied for by Umno Youth exco members Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (whose father, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has been chief among Khairy's critics) and Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, and lesser known Perlis Umno deputy chief Datuk Zahidi Zainal Abidin.

Khairy is offering himself as one who wants the multiracial youth to be heard.

"I not only hope to make Umno Youth more vibrant but want to get all youth wings in the component parties to speak in one voice.

"I am not contesting as a leader of a Malay youth movement alone but a youth leader for all Malaysians," he said at his parliamentary service centre in Rembau on Wednesday.

Each of the three aspirants has his own slogan: Mukhriz's Berani Berubah (Dare to Change), Dr Khir's Pemuda Berani (Courageous Youth) and Zahidi's Pemuda Untuk Semua (Youth for All).

Khairy may have the advantage of serving as Hishammuddin's deputy for four years and another four years as an exco member but he is still considered young.

The contest from now on is going to be very competitive. Mukhriz has his father's backing and Dr Khir has had more experience. Zahidi, who is quite well-known in Perlis, has little national exposure. However, he has been in politics for a long time.

Being the youngest in the field, the task for Khairy will not be an easy one. (Zubaidah Abu Bakar)

Harakah (21/9/08): Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi membatalkan hasratnya untuk meletak jawatan Oktober ini, kata blogger Umno, Amin Yatim.

Malah, menurut maklumat yang beliau terima, Abdullah akan mempertahankan jawatannya dalam pemilihan Umno Disember ini.

Menurut Amin, walaupun selepas mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi Umno (MT) 18 September lalu Abdullah dikatakan akan meletak jawatan sebelum 9 Oktober, namun desakan menantunya Khairy Jamaluddin, Pegawai Khasnya Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid dan Setiausaha Politiknya yang juga Adun Kok Lanas, Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad menjadi punca perubahan ini.

Mereka meyakinkan Abdullah bahawa terdapat 100 bahagian akan menyokong pencalonan Abdullah sebagai Presiden Umno, kata blogger itu.

Isu perubahan kepimpinan bertiup kencang semula selepas Pilihan Raya Kecil Permatang Pauh. Menurut Amin, Bekas Perdana Menteri,Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad dikatakan menemui dua orang pemimpin kanan Umno iaitu, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

Dr. Mohamad Khir, katanya, dikatakan memainkan peranan penting dalam percaturan belakang tabir yang menimbulkan kegemparan dalam mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi Umno Khamis lalu.

Antaranya, katanya lagi, termasuklah menerbitkan satu catatan berjudul "Krisis Kepimpinan: Pisau dan Mentimun Di Tangan Kita." yang dikatakan menjadi pencetus "kepanasan" mesyuarat MT Khamis lalu.

"Menurut sumber Malaysia Airline System (MAS), Dr. Khir telah menukar tiket kapal terbang untuk mengerjakan umrahnya dari 18 September ke 19 September pada petang Isnin lalu.

"Pada pagi hari yang sama Dr. Mohamad Khir dilihat keluar dari pejabat salah seorang pemimpin tertinggi Umno," kata Amin dalam blognya itu

Dr. Mohamad Khir juga, katanhya, dikatakan menemui Dr. Mahathir sebanyak dua kali sejak dua minggu lalu.

Bagaimanapun, kata Amin, beliau difahamkan bahawa Dr. Mohamad Khir tidak sempat bercakap dalam mesyuarat MT tersebut kerana Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Timbalan Presiden Umno, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak telah pun "memotong sesi menghentam" Abdullah yang dimulakan oleh Ahli MT yang juga Menteri Kebudayaan Kesenian dan Warisan, Datuk Shafie Afdal diikuti oleh Naib Presiden parti itu yang juga Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industr Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin dan Ketua Wanita Umno, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Menurut Amin, Abdullah dikatakan memberitahu Setiausaha Agong Umno, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor selepas mesyuarat tersebut bahawa beliau akan melepaskan jawatannya dalam jangka masa yang terdekat.

"Namun mesyuarat bersama para pegawai dan menantunya semalam telah mengubah senario. Pak Lah dilaporkan telah diminta terus mempertahankan jawatannya. Desakan paling kuat dikatakan datang dari Khairy, Md Alwi dan Ahmad Zaki," kata blogger Umno itu.

Ketua Penerangan Umno yang juga Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib dikatakan cuba mendapat sokongan Badan Perhubungan Umno Selangor kepada Abdullah yang bermesyuarat pagi Jumaat lalu, katanya.

Namun, katanya lagi, 19 daripada 22 Umno bahagian di Selangor telah memutuskan untuk mencalonkan calon lain bagi jawatan Presiden Umno.

Sementara itu, Utusan Malaysia melaporkan, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi semalammengadakan pertemuan tertutup dengan pemimpin-pemimpin Umno Perak dari peringkat bahagian, pergerakan Wanita, Pemuda dan Puteri di Bangunan Ibu pejabat Umno Perak di Ipoh.

Abdullah yang tiba kira-kira pukul 6.30 petang, disambut oleh Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan Umno Perak Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali serta pemimpin Umno negeri yang lain.

Selepas pertemuan itu, Abdullah yang juga Presiden Umno berbuka puasa bersama pemimpin Umno negeri sebelum menunaikan solat Maghrib, Isyak dan Tarawih berjemaah.

Abdullah kemudiannya berlepas pulang ke ibu negara.

Hadir sama Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dan Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Jakarta Post (19/9/08): The cracks have been apparent since the March election when the ruling coalition could only muster a relatively narrow 30-seat majority.

Since then Malaysian politics have been simmering towards an inevitable boil which will either spill over towards a new dawn or burst into another failed political puff.

These are the tribulations of a politically closed political system, i.e., cyclical crossroads which any reticent regime must face in a bid to sustain a monopoly of power.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is no Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister was cut from the same cloth as our own Soeharto albeit with different tailoring -- not as ruthless but just as shrewd.

Mahathir raised Malaysia to regional eminence by the same combination of fear and bounty.

The nation's body politic contracted by an injection of racially charged fear, as avarice was satisfied by economic opportunity.

Though he did try, Badawi has failed to consolidate his power base within the Barisan Nasional (BN) ranks.

The regional mood for change which has swept the region since 1998 has found a haven in small corners of the Malaysian state and in pockets of a disenchanted middle class.

What set apart old dictators from new autocrats was the elegance with which they could discharge opponents.

Whether the charges be true or false, "sodomy" is hardly a stylish deposition fitting political rationale.

Since coming to power in 2003 Badawi has not helped his own cause by failing to win over public sentiment as inflation remains a concern, economic disparity widens and promised reforms progress at a frustrating pace.

Even promising to step down in 2010 has not quelled discontent within the BN rank.

Increasingly Malaysia politics are turning back toward the terrible specter of primordial politics -- religion and race -- as a means of distracting the electorate from the political interests of the elite.

This is a sad state of affairs for a country supposedly infused with "Islam Hadari" (Civilized Islam).

However, Malaysia is, unfortunately, wanting in alternatives.

There are questions whether the perceived prime minister-in-waiting Najib Tun Razak can sustain the dominance of the old guard.

Najib's performance as minister of finance, which he assumed Wednesday, will gauge his acceptability as Malaysia's next leader.

On the other end of the spectrum the opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat under Anwar Ibrahim has been big on headlines but lacking on actual policy proposals.

Less we forget, Anwar too was a very integral part of the status quo until he was exorcised through charges of sodomy.

Is Anwar's plight a consequence of his "good fight"? Or has he picked up the mantle of change because he lost his own political fight?

While we welcome the ushering in of democratic change within our neighboring state, we lack full confidence that the practical alternatives will suffice for Malaysia's needs.

Let us remind our Malaysian cousins that based on Indonesia's own painful experience, a change of allegiance at the elite level is not equivalent to a change in fundamental beliefs toward the primacy of civil society.

Defecting lawmakers from the ruling coalition to the opposition does not make them democracy's soldiers, only political opportunists.

We fear that what we are seeing in Malaysia is neither revolution nor evolution, but is instead a potential transition from one power to another.

BN and its preceding Parti Perikatan which has governed Malaysia since independence, has ruled for too long.

It is time for change.

But Pakatan too must show it is more than just a vehicle for Anwar.

More importantly it has to demonstrate that it can be a voice for all Malaysians - not just Malays and Muslims - living in a multiethnic society.

The Star (18/9/08): Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stood firm, saying he would decide when to hand over power to his deputy, but a number of supreme council members said the understanding was for the transition to be sooner than later.

The Umno president said he was aware of the sentiments of the grassroots and was keeping his ears close to the ground.

“I am paying heed to what is happening and the current situation. And whatever decision I make, I will discuss it with Datuk Seri Najib (Tun Razak) and then bring it up to the Umno supreme council,” he said Thursday at a press conference after chairing a council meeting.

Abdullah reiterated that he would contest for the Umno presidency in the December party elections.

He stressed that he had already made that clear at a press conference the previous day, noting that Umno divisions have not started their meetings yet and as the (country’s) leader he would continue to implement what was needed.

“And if I want to make another statement (on the transition at a later date), that’s up to me. I will discuss it with Najib. There is no need to keep asking about it like as if you don’t understand,” he said.

Abdullah is to hand over the Prime Minister’s post and Umno presidency to Najib in June, 2010. On Wednesday however, he said it could possibly be sooner.

That same day, Mubarak -- the association of former Barisan Members of Parliament (MPs) and assemblymen -- had called on the Prime Minister to step down as soon as possible and no later than Dec 16 this year.

Abdullah dismissed this call from the veterans’ association, saying “It’s alright. Let them say whatever. They are pensioners after all.”

Sooner, not later
Speaking to reporters after the Prime Minister’s press conference, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said the issue of transition was discussed at length at the council meeting.

They said the council members did not propose a specific date but want it made as soon as possible.

“Many of us in the council voiced the views and feelings of the grassroots that want the transition to be done as quickly as possible, but we will give him room to discuss this with Najib,” said Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin, who had recently called for an earlier transition, said his explanation as to why he had criticised Abdullah over the transition plan was well received by the Prime Minister.

“None of my colleagues criticised me either,” he said.

Muhyiddin said he had voiced out his views with good intentions and with no ulterior motive.

“We have to take the members sentiments into consideration so that when we face the next election, we can defend ourselves,” he said.

Muhyiddin added he would leave it up to Abdullah to discuss what would come next with Najib.

Muhammad Taib said some supreme council members voiced their views on the possibility of having the power transition plan brought forward.

“That’s normal. As the Prime Minister said, probably it could be done sooner. It will be left for the Prime Minister to discuss it with the Deputy Prime Minister,” he added.

Another supreme council member Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the views in the council were very balanced and Abdullah was very calm when he listened to them.

“It’s not just a question of leadership but more of the party, the transformation, the direction, the unity at all levels,” he said.

He said Abdullah stressed that there would be flexibility in the period of the transition.

“What we decided before is the year 2010 but with flexibility it just means something before that,” he said, adding that he believed that Abdullah would contest the presidency.

Abdullah also that four members would be sacked from Umno for supporting the Opposition during the March general election.

“One is from Beluran and another three from Beaufort. Letters will be sent out to these members. Appropriate action will be taken against them,” he said.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the members would be dismissed because they became candidates contesting under the Opposition banner.

Perhatikan reaksi Ketua Pengarah BPR dalam berita ini. Jangan! Tak baik kata kat dia celaka punya binatang!

Daily Express (5/9/08): Umno veteran Datuk Mazlan Harun Thursday lodged a second report to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) against the Umno top leadership whom he claimed committed political graft in party elections.

He also handed over an album containing photographs, videos and documents in support of his complaint.

"What are in the album I cannot tell in details. I am only asking for the matter to be investigated quickly," he told reporters.

An Umno member from Muar, Datuk Kadar Ninam Shah, who accompanied Mazlan said if the ACA still did not take action that it was supposed to within a certain period, a follow-up action would be taken.

"If this second report is also not taken seriously, we will make another report or resort to other alternatives like the court," he said.

He alleged that the Umno Disciplinary Board had been informed of the matter but did not take any action including investigating claims such as branch heads from several states being specially invited and provided with hotel accommodation and given souvenirs like prayer mats, plaid sarongs and cash paid for using government funds.

On Aug 5, Mazlan also accompanied by Kadar, lodged a report to the ACA with regard to the allegation.

The report was based on an allegation by Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno division chief Capt¨ Datuk Zahar Hashim in a letter to the Umno secretary-general that the party's top leadership had committed political graft.

In JOHOR BAHARU, ACA Director-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan warned that the agency would take action on any parties lodging false reports or giving false information with regard to corruption involving public officers.

He said such a move not only wasted the agency's time in carrying out the investigation but was considered as defamation and vilify people who did not commit the crime.

"We will not hesitate to take action against them under the Penal Code," he said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the formation of an anti-corruption joint committee between the Johor Baharu City Council and the ACA.

Ahmad was commenting on the decision of the Kajang Magistrate's Court on Monday to impose a RM2,000 fine on Lengkok Golf Umno branch youth head Mohd Rusihan Abu Aziz of Kelana Jaya who pleaded guilty to lodging a false report on political graft on July 30.

On the problem of corruption in Puspakom Sdn Bhd, he said no further arrests had been made in connection with graft involving car approvals.

Ahmad said the ACA was still monitoring the case and expected several arrests to be made in the future.

On the memorandum of understanding, he said it would enhance the delivery system and confidence of taxpayers in the services provided by the city council.

The committee with at least 15 members will be jointly chaired by Johor Baharu Mayor Datuk Naim Nasir and Johor ACA Director Simi Abdul Ghani.

It will review and close all gaps which create the opportunity for corruption to occur in the city council.

The Johor Baharu City Council is the first among 147 local authorities in the country with such a committee to create a delivery system that satisfies the people.- Bernama

Laporan BPR kedua Mazlan terhadap PM, Najib (Malaysiakini 4/9/08)

Mazlan lodges another report against PM

The Sun (4/9/08): A former Selangor Umno veteran leader has lodged a second report with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday for allegedly practising money politics to win the support of Umno division heads nationwide.

Datuk Mazlan Harun lodged a similar report against the prime minister a month ago in reference to a letter containing the allegations sent to the Umno secretary-general by Petaling Jaya Umno head Kapt (R) Zahar Hashim.

In today's report, Mazlan, who was accompanied by Muar Umno chief Datuk Kadar Shah Tun Sulaiman, claimed he had physical evidence and witnesses to the allegations.

The men arrived at the Kuala Lumpur ACA headquarters at about 9.15am and stepped out about two hours after having a statement recorded by the state's deputy director Kassim Osman.

Mazlan declined to elaborate on what he had told the ACA as he had been told not to do so by the agency but Kadar Shah told reporters that they had decided to lodge the report as they were unhappy with the ACA's snail-paced progress in the probe into Zahar's report.

"It has been a month since the first report was lodged but to date nothing is moving nor has there been anyone summoned for questioning. But I do understand that they probably could not move due to instructions from their bosses," he said.

Kadar Shah claimed in relation to the first ACA report, he has photos to prove the allegations and there are several witnesses who are willing to come forward to substantiate what had taken place.

Zahar in his letter alleged that the PM had between May and June specially invited Umno division chiefs from several states to the city where he held closed door meetings with them to garner their support.

It was also alleged that Abdullah had provided free hotel accomodation, given out pocket money and gifts such as sarongs, all of which were funded by taxpayers money.

He claimed this had breached Umno's ethics and code of ethics.

Zahar had also stated in his letter that Abdullah's actions in naming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak as his successor as a political bribe "of the highest order".

Kadar Shah said the ACA had assured him and Mazlan that they will investigate.

Mazlan Harun lodges second report to ACA claiming Umno leadership abuses power

NST (4/9/08): Umno veteran Datuk Mazlan Harun today lodged a second report to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) against the Umno top leadership whom he claimed committed political graft in party elections.

He also handed over an album containing photographs, videos and documents in support of his complaint.

“What are in the album I cannot tell in details. I am only asking for the matter to be investigated quickly,” he told reporters.

An Umno member from Muar, Datuk Kadar Ninam Shah, who accompanied Mazlan said if the ACA still did not take action that it was supposed to within a certain period, a follow-up action would be taken.

“If this second report is also not taken seriously, we will make another report or resort to other alternatives like the court,” he said. (Bernama)

PM: No power abuse in power transition

I was not informed of Sabah ACA case: PM

The Star (12/8/08): The Anti-Corruption Agency has stepped in to act on allegations on money politics within Umno on a case by case basis, Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

He said he was not informed about Sabah ACA investigating the case involving two Kota Kinabalu Umno branch leaders who were alleged to have offered bribes but there might have been certain aspects that led the agency to act on it.

“I was not informed who they are. Maybe there are certain aspects involving the ACA,” he said when asked to comment on Sabah ACA probing two Kota Kinabalu Umno branch leaders allegedly offering RM1,500 to each delegate in order to get nominations.

Abdullah said Umno headquarters had decided to allow the ACA to step in to investigate complaints on money politics within the party.

On Aug 2, Negri Sembilan ACA arrested a Seremban Umno division leader Mohd Nor Awang for allegedly offering RM500 to a branch chief to nominate him as division chief in the coming party polls.

Abdullah also brushed off claims that he and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were involved in abuse of power in the power transition plan.

He said the plan was decided by party supreme council and announced to members.

“It was not that Najib and I were quietly conspiring. It was an important decision by the supreme council and announced to members so that they would understand.

He was asked to respond to veteran Selangor Umno leader Datuk Mazlan Harun’s ACA report against him and Najib on alleged abuse of power.

The report was lodged based on a letter written by Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno division head Kapt (R) Datuk Zahar Hashim which accused Abdullah and Najib of “political corruption of the highest order”.

Asked to comment on party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin saying that money politics was rampant in the party, Abdullah said: "I have also heard a lot of stories on this matter. There must be some truth to it. Otherwise, how can the stories be so widespread.

“I hope those involved will stop such acts. It’s meaningless to seek popularity through money politics. There is no meaning to it. It’s not genuine if one gains support and victory because he used money politics.”

He said one should be given support based on ability, capability and contributions that were proven to help party struggles and the people.

“That is what we want to be the measurement for one to be given the trust to hold certain positions in the party that provides hope for him to succeed in the party or the government.

“Money is not the measurement. If we use money politics, eventually we will lose out. If that is so, only the rich can hold positions. The poor who do not have the money cannot become leaders. It is not that they are not capable but because they don’t use money.”

He also expressed hope that those who had been punished for money politics not to repeat their offence.

On whether those who had received punishment should be given the opportunity to contest in the party polls, he said: "There are limits to punishment relating to money politics. After they have served their sentence they are free to contest and move around like before.”

"Quietly" they fight..

MySinchew (10/8/2008): All eyes are on Anwar Ibrahim, his battle in court and outside.

As always. But in Umno the political storm is brewing with the momentum picking up fast, a run-up to the big party polls in December.

Even at Umno branch level it's simmering. There are already reports of brawls, fist fights, assaults involving Umno members before, during and after "mesyuarat cawangan" or branch meetings.

And there are accusations of money being used for political support. Nothing new really. After all, party leaders from branch to division to national levels have admitted that money politics do exist in the party.

Now some branch leaders are saying, "We will not report the matter to the Anti-Corruption Agency but will forward the problem to party secretariat for further action." The party "secretariat' being the one announced by Umno president recently to "monitor branch and divisional meetings to ensure compliance of ethics and combat money politics." Not really new.

Hence some Umno membes are getting the ACA into the picture. ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan has confirmed that reports on money politics by some Umno members are being investigated.

"Ironically Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was also a member of Team B then."

Recently a Seremban Umno member was detained for allegedly trying to bribe a branch chief for support.

Mukhriz Mahathir, one of Umno young leaders eyeing for higher post has complained of "struggling" to get enough support. He could very well be talking about money politics or some form of "intimidation" preventing members from making decisions on their own. Nothing new also.

However, something worth looking at is the "trend' of branches. In short there are branches (and their numbers are quite substantial) that are defying "instructions from the top." Hence you still get Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Muhyiddin Yassin and even Rais Yatim being nominated for party presidency.

True, branches' nominations don't count but the message is clear. Can Umno afford to turn a deaf ear on the voices of grassroots ? There's no denying some Umno branches are showing their displeasure with the leadership. We have heard of calls for Abdullah to step down as well as to hand over power to Najib Razak earlier than 2010 as planned. The same can be said in Wanita where supporters of Sharizat Jalil are said to be unhappy with Rafidah Aziz's succession plan.

But among the main grouse within UMNO is the quota system. Many want the nomination quota abolished, and are calling for a return to the old two-nomination way for every post.

So there we have it.. bickering, bribing, fighting and what have you.

Still paramount of it all (at least to me) is the ACA report lodged by former Selangor Umno strongman Mazlan Harun against Abdullah and Najib Razak for alleged abuse of power.

The report was based on a letter said to have been written by Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno division head Kapt (R) Datuk Zahar Hashim, which accused Abdullah and Najib of "political corruption of the highest order."

In the letter addressed to the Umno secretary-general, Zahar said the two top leaders had been campaigning to defend their positions despite asking others not to do the same. Zahar viewed the top two leaders' actions as a violation of the guidelines issued by party headquarters.

(The ACA has responded by saying statements will be recorded from Abdullah and Najib, but at the same time warned of actions against those who make false report).

It's interesting to note that Mazlan, son of former Selangor Umno overlord, the late Harun Idris, was a member of Team B led by Tengku Razaleigh which took on Mahathir's Team A in the big Umno fight of 1987. Ironically Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was also a member of Team B then.

Anyway, Umno are in for a stormy weather (if it hasn't already), which brings me to a remark made by supreme council member Syed Hamid Albar recently.

Syed Hamid who is also the Kota Tinggi division chairman was asked to comment on an incident at one of the branches in his division where a war of words erupted bweteen the pro- and anti-Syed Hamid factions. Chairs and tables were also over turned.

According to Syed Hamid, what happened was "asam garam dalam Umno." In short it, was all "part and parcel of Umno ."

Yes, he was talking about that one incident at the Kuala Sedili branch.

But there are many who would swear that the same words can be used to describe all the current bickering, quarrelling and fighting in the party. Said an Umno friend, "Biasa lah tahun pemilihan!"

That's Bahasa Malaysia for "normal during election year." (By MOHSIN ABDULLAH/ MySinchew)

Mohsin Abdullah is the Editor in Chief, News and Current Affairs ntv7 & 8TV.

Leadership by example

The Sun (8/8/08): The announcement by Barisan Nasional chairman, Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that he is ready to be questioned by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over allegations of abuse of power by him and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak relating to the Umno elections is a welcome change.

For a man who has always advocated that no one is above the law, he is practising what he preaches and has declared: "If I am called for investigations, I will answer the charges."

Umno veteran Datuk Mazlan Harun on Tuesday lodged a report with the ACA alleging that the two leaders had abused their power in the lead-up to the party elections in December.

Abdullah’s example must be followed not only by politicians, but others in high places who tend to dismiss reports against them as "without basis" even without going through the due process.

More often than not, many senior officials tend to treat such reports with utter contempt on the premise that they are "powerful" and will not be subjected to questioning by the ACA or any other enforcement agency.

Now that the country’s most powerful man has spoken and is willing to face his accusers, others in a similar position must emulate him, failing which, the rakyat will have every reason to feel that he or she is hiding something.

Abdullah, Najib didakwa 'salah guna kuasa' (Malaysiakini 5/8/08)