Self safety and precaution awareness is much needed

Self safety and precaution awareness is much needed     Press Statement by     Gerakan Head of Central Bureau on Environment, Safety and Quality of Life cum Kedah Derga State Assemblyman. Dr. Cheah Soon Hai     31 May 2012 In referring few kidnap and robbery cases happened recently, Gerakan Head of Central Burean on Environment, Safety and Quality of Life, Dr. Cheah Soon Hai, said everyone needs to be more alert on their own safety especially female and children while they are away from home.     Dr.Cheah expressed he was shocked by the kidnap case happened few days ago because the tragedy was unexpectedly happened at where is under security service protection. He is glad for that victim managed to escape from the kidnappers. He also added this incident can actually be a good lesson for all of us to learn for the victim's calmness and intelligence.     "Prevention is always better than cure. Shopping mall management should install more CCTVs and improve lighting system in parking floor. Once the CCTV monitors find out any suspicious person or activities such as kidnap or robbery, the management should take immediate action before the tragedy strikes, "he suggested.     Dr.Cheah Soon Hai, also Kedah Derga State Assemblyman, said public especially female should always vigilant surroundings because tragedy strikes when you least expect it.     Dr.Cheah also added police should step up its routine patrols around the place where the crime cases happened regularly.     "School should regulate the parents or those who want to take their children from school to show and record down their identity card (ID) to verify their relationship with the student", he added.     He also suggested school management should increase the number of guards and CCTV especially at school entrances to ensure no strangers could enter the school compound easily.     Dr Cheah urges all females and children try to avoid walking to the car-park alone or at the street alleys and bring along any self defense products to ward off any malicious attack in a life-threatening situation.

近日发生多宗绑架抢劫案

谢顺海吁防范于未然

民政党中央环境、安全与生活素质局主任

兼吉打州德卡区州议员

谢顺海医生

文告

2012年5月31日

民政党中央环境、安全与生活素质局主任谢顺海医生针对最近发生的几宗绑架和抢劫案，表示关注。他指出，民众尤其是女性和孩童在离开家后，都必须保持高度的安全防范。

谢顺海对在有保安系统的情况下也能发生绑架案感到惊讶。他对受害者的处理方式感到欣慰，并指出受害者的冷静和机智可当作一个很好的教材。

"我们应防范于未然，购物中心的管理层应在泊车场安装更多摄录机和改善照明系统。当保安监控员发现绑架或抢劫疑犯，应在罪案发生前采取行动，"他如此建议。

谢顺海也是吉打州德卡区州议员。他指出，民众尤其是女性应时常保持警惕，因为悲剧都是在没有防备时发生的。

谢顺海同时也指出警方应在罪案黑区加强巡逻。

"校方应规定家长有事到校接回孩子时，出示并登记其身份证，以确认他们和学生的关系，"他建议。

他也建议校方应征聘更多保安人员和在学校入口增设摄录机，以确保陌生人不能随意进入学校范围。

谢顺海呼吁全国女性和孩童避免单独走到泊车场或巷子，同时也应携带任何自我保护的工具，以在危及生命的情况下抵抗歹徒攻击。

傲慢與偏見

傲慢與偏見

 
 

308政治海嘯過後，行動黨由於戰績漂亮，開始有點飄飄然。副首相慕尤丁看不過眼，譏諷行動黨領袖，自以為獲得大多華裔愛戴，而變得驕傲。

 
 

行動黨是有本錢傲慢的，因為華裔選票已是他們的囊中物，予取予求，馬華候選人都畏懼到華裔居多的選區上陣。最近聽說有一個區會的主席，寧可放棄曾經贏過三屆的州選區，轉攻國會議席，因為州議席的華裔選民高達八十多巴仙，以目前的形勢，硬著頭皮上陣只有當炮灰的份。

 
 

行動黨內流傳一句笑話：在華裔居多的選區，就是"派一條狗上陣都贏＂。

 
 

由於華裔鐵票在握，行動黨不再像以往那樣，重視華裔社區的服務，反而全力強攻馬來及印度社群，更甚的是，他們左手向華裔籌款，美其名充作競選基金；右手卻到友族社區大派錢，形成兩極現象。

 
 

行動黨管中窺豹，以為華裔善於鑽營，財力雄厚，因此把他們當作提款機，這只是該黨的偏見。

 
 

其實華人所賺的錢，每一分都佈滿血汗，行動黨"劫富濟貧＂做法，已引起一些華裔的不滿。

上屆大選，反風狂吹，許多人為了給國陣一個教訓，紛紛投票支持反對黨。經過這次挫敗，國陣痛定思痛，虛心受教，在首相納吉的帶領下，推行全面改革。

 
 

經過三年多來的努力，國陣大刀闊斧推展了一系列計劃，包括放寬經濟領域的限制、鼓勵外資和國內基金進入資本市場、振興國家經濟、廢除內安法令和多項惡法，尊重人民的基本人權。修改和放寬印刷法令，鼓勵更寬廣的言論和表達意見的空間。

 
 

不分種族栽培人才，尤其通過獎學金和各種獎勵，鼓勵公私界栽培人才。實施一個大馬援助計劃，減輕低下層人民的生活負擔。制定和平集會法令，體現尊重人們言論自由和傳達意見的精神。修改大專法令，允許大學生加入政黨，讓年輕人成為主導國內政治局勢的一分子，也尊重大學生的獨立思考和判斷能力。

 
 

來屆大選，一邊廂是略有改變的國陣，一邊廂是趾高氣揚的火箭，華裔選民如何抉擇呢？

 
 

 
 

 
 

（光明日報／好評‧文：蔡麗兒）

More important for BN to wrest back Kedah

More important for BN to wrest back Kedah

By Noor Adzman Baharuddin | noadzman@nst.com.my 

STOP THE FUSS: Let the people decide instead of speculating on who should be the next menteri besar

 
 

TO name or not to name. That is the issue that has been forced into the open following speculations that Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir may be the next Kedah menteri besar should Barisan Nasional recapture the state in the next general election.

 
 

While there is no dearth of candidates to lead the state, there is also no reason to create unnecessary anxiety on the choice of the next BN MB.

 
 

Since a teaser of sorts, which had espoused Mukhriz as the next MB, many Kedah Umno leaders (read: prospective menteris besar) have been suffering sleepless nights.

 
 

Some, it was learnt, had passed up a good night's sleep to huddle with their supporters into the wee hours each day to figure out the latest turn of events.

 
 

Taking a leaf from past experience in Kelantan, Umno members were united over the choice of Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein as the menteri besar if Kelantan BN recaptured the state in the last general election. The deputy finance minister, too, was generally accepted by the people.

 
 

However, Pas spared no efforts to spoil the BN quest.

 
 

In contrast, voters in Penang were kept in the dark if former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon would defend his Tanjung Bungah state seat or if the BN leadership preferred him to go federal in 2008.

 
 

The decision came too late. The delay worsened the tense political climate and BN not only lost Penang but in the process, Gerakan and MCA also got booted out of the state.

 
 

Anxiety is also running high in Selangor over who should helm the state if BN wins it back in the next general election.

 
 

Back at the ranch, Mukhriz was quick to douse the "fire", stressing that the MB post was the least of his concerns and that it was more important for Kedah BN to win back the state.

 
 

He stressed the "mission" should be a team effort and Kedah Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah also echoed Mukhriz' sentiments.

 
 

Bravo Mukhriz and Tok Bashah, as Bashah is fondly known.

 
 

However, considering the degree of malaise affecting Kedah Umno and BN members as well as their leaders, maybe a new choice of MB would not be such a bad idea.

 
 

Mukhriz could be a long shot, considering sceptics' claim he has a small grassroots base in Kedah.

However, since elected into office after winning in Jerlun, he has made considerable strides to touch base with the constituents.

 
 

Mukhriz, the third son and fifth child of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, is also vice-chairman of Jitra Umno branch in the Kubang Pasu parliamentary constituency.

 
 

So, besides being a deputy minister, he has to juggle as an MP for his constituents as well as meeting the needs of the Jitra Umno members.

 
 

Hinting at the MB-designate early could give more time for him to rally support and for voters to evaluate him. However, the fear in Kedah is that would also give disgruntled candidates more time to cantas-mencantas (resort to back stabbing).

 
 

Rhetoric or otherwise, this is no time for Kedah BN, especially the state Umno leaders, to melatah, a Malay word which could best be described as acting or talking thoughtlessly.

Tok Bashah and Mukhriz have clarified the matter, so why the fuss among some Kedah Umno leaders?

 
 

Just last Saturday, 12 of the 15 Kedah Umno division leaders had pledged that they would not cantas mencantas should they or their choice of candidates not be picked to stand in the next general election.

 
 

They, Tok Bashah included, did so before none other than the nation's architect of modern Malaysia and former prime minister, Dr Mahathir.

 
 

Back-stabbing over the choice of candidates in the last general election had derailed the Kedah Umno/BN machinery and turned off many of its supporters, including members.

 
 

The general election is imminent and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's tireless efforts to reform BN and Umno, as well as managing and safeguarding the country from "enemies", both within and outside should be appreciated by all.

 
 

Any act or thoughts of selfishness should be the last thing on the minds of Kedah Umno and BN leaders.

 
 

Umno and BN in Kedah wasted so much time getting their act together after March 2008.

 
 

The Pas-led Pakatan Rakyat state government, too, has been less-than-stellar in its performance.

Mutiny and suspicion are still prevalent in Kedah Pas.

 
 

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak still harbours suspicion of his successor-designate and prodigy Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi and Dr Ismail Salleh respectively since they tried to topple him in March.

 
 

Anxiety is not really a bad thing if it elevates performance.

 
 

Kedah Umno members, especially its leaders, should get excited and positively anxious to give their all to win back the state.

 
 

The voters know what they have been missing and who they can count on. Stop the fuss over who should be the next MB and let the people decide at the ballot box.

 
 

Malaysia's Kelantan demands Islamic designs in Buddhist building

Malaysia's Kelantan demands Islamic designs in Buddhist building

A controversy is brewing over the proposal for the construction of a Buddhist building here after the PAS-led state government ruled that new buildings should include Islamic designs to reflect the state capital's status as an Islamic city.

State Local Government, Culture, Arts and Tourism committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said developers must incorporate some Islamic elements in their plans or the proposals would be rejected.

"We will ensure development will be based on Islamic principles and features," he told a press conference here.

He claimed the ruling was well-accepted by the majority of developers, including non-Muslim developers.

"I do not see it as an issue or something that could cause religious tension, as it only involves architecture and design," he said.

"They have accepted the new ruling well."

Takiyuddin was commenting on an appeal by the Kelantan Buddhist Association for the state government to approve its building, to be constructed with Chinese features at Jl. Sultan Zainal Abidin here.

It is understood that the association had been told that its building design should have dome-shaped motifs, which have created a controversy in the Chinese media.

In an immediate reaction, Kota Baru MCA division chief Tan Ken Ten slammed the directive, which he said was an infringement of the rights of non-Muslims in the state.

"The ruling is an extreme attempt to impose one's beliefs into other people's culture or religious beliefs," Tan said.

"The PAS government must be mindful that Malaysia is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society that respects the differences of each community. It should appreciate this diversity which makes this country unique," Tan added.

State MCA Youth chief Gan Han Chuan said the Kelantan government was showing disrespect towards the non-Muslims with its new policy.

"With the new directive, PAS is trying to create discord by destroying the harmonious relations between the communities that had been built by the Barisan Nasional over the years," he added.

"One can only wonder what type of archaic policies PAS will introduce if Pakatan Rakyat manages to take over the Federal Government," Gan said.

 

Raja Petra claims to have secret files on Azmin

Raja Petra claims to have secret files on Azmin

 

Malaysia Today blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin has claimed to possess 'secret files' on PKR deputy president Azmin Ali when the latter was still with the government in 1995.

In his latest web posting titled 'MACC 'deep throat' comes out of the closet', Raja Petra or better known as RPK revealed that he was handed various files and documents from a retired Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer sometime back.

RPK claimed that the investigation papers and files were focused on Azmin, who at that time was the private secretary to the then deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He asserted that the files allegedly showed various share, property and vehicle transactions worth millions of ringgit.

RPK said the files dated as long as 17 years ago when the MACC was still known as the Anti-Corruption Agency. 

 

 

 

SOURCE:    http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/199388

 

 

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raja Petra dedah lagi

KUALA LUMPUR: Raja Petra Kamaruddin mendedahkan Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mengarahkan kes rasuah jutaan ringgit membabitkan Setiausaha Sulitnya, Mohamed Azmin Ali ditutup ketika beliau menjadi Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

Pengarang portal Malaysia Today itu mendakwa Anwar yang juga Menteri Kewangan ketika itu bil tindakan lanjut (NFA) ke atas Mohamed Azmin dan menghapuskan fail siasatan walaupun mempunyai cukup bukti untuk menahan dan mendakwanya.

 
 

Raja Petra berkata, maklumat itu diperoleh daripada seorang bekas pegawai kanan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) yang menyerahkan dokumen sulit di bawah Akta Rahsia Rasmi itu di London bulan lalu.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Siasatan SPRM Datuk Mustafar Ali, berkata, pihaknya membuat laporan polis berhubung pendedahan dokumen rahsia itu, di Balai Polis Putrajaya, petang semalam.

Beliau yang enggan mengulas lanjut dakwaan berkenaan, berkata, jika benar dakwaan Raja Petra itu, siasatan akan dilakukan kerana siasatan jenayah tidak ada tempoh masa walaupun kes itu sudah berlalu.

Dalam portalnya, Raja Petra mendakwa berdasarkan dokumen berkenaan, BPR mempunyai bukti jelas Mohamed Azmin dan isteri, Shamsidar Taharin memiliki saham, rumah dan kereta mewah bernilai kira-kira RM1.5 juta dan hampir RM10 juta dalam bentuk wang tunai dan cek," katanya yang turut menyiarkan dokumen itu menerusi portal beliau semalam.

Semua urus niaga yang disah dan diperakui bank adalah antara beratus-ratus fail dokumen yang diserahkan pegawai SPRM itu selain laporan polis dan siasatan, penyata akaun dan bank, salinan cek, baucer dan nota kontrak. 
"Saya mesti nyatakan bahawa kandungan fail yang tebal itu mengambil masa cukup lama untuk dibaca dan difahami, bukan saja sangat menarik tetapi memberi kesan yang sangat buruk kepada Anwar dan Mohamed Azmin.

"Dalam fail itu juga menyatakan Mohamed Azmin menerima RM15,000 sebulan daripada seorang ahli perniagaan terkemuka bergelar Tan Sri dan perkara itu masih berlaku.

"Paling penting adalah bagaimana Anwar meminta kes itu ditutup sedangkan BPR mempunyai cukup bukti untuk menahan dan mendakwa Mohamed Azmin," katanya.
Pendedahan terbaru itu antara beberapa siri pendedahan beliau mengenai kepincangan dan rasuah yang berlaku membabitkan kepemimpinan tertinggi Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Raja Petra berkata, sumber beliau itu adalah antara pegawai antirasuah yang mahu dunia tahu ada juga pegawai SPRM yang korup sama seperti orang yang siasatnya. Dia menyifatkan mereka seperti meletakkan musang dalam reban ayam.

 
 

 
 

Umno veep: Let RCI investigate 'Project IC'

Umno veep: Let RCI investigate 'Project IC'

 

The alleged 1990s government covert operation to grant foreigners in Sabah citizenship-for-votes should be probed by a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants, Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal said today.

The Sabah MP who represents Semporna said a regulatory mechanism was necessary to curb the problem.

"Let them (the RCI) investigate. It is for the prime minister to make the announcement," Shafie said curtly when pressed on the delay in setting up the RCI.

"Despite what some quarters have to say about (our country) not being administered well, we are sheltered and (there are) employment opportunities aplenty."

Last week, independent pollster Merdeka Centre disclosed that 79 percent of 1,019 respondents were strongly in support of a RCI on illegal immigrants.

"If the RCI is good for the nation, then why not? There is no person in any country who would like illegals in their country. In my constituency, for example, we are prone to piracy. 

"Do you think I like? I don't at all because they endanger the lives of others," Shafie said.

While the RCI on illegal immigrants with MyKad in Sabah was approved by the cabinet in February, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is yet to make an official announcement on it.

Shafie also touched on a statement by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who told Bloomberg that Najib should delay the general election until after the Hari Raya celebrations.

"That's his opinion. He has experience administering this country for more than 20 years. We should take it into consideration, but the final decision is for the prime minister to make."

In the last four years, he said, BN has faced a sizeable number of by-elections and made enough gains to show that the party machinery is working hard.

"But of course, we always need to enhance on that. New voters, for example, we need to engage them, to register them."

Shafie brushed aside notions that the opposition was making inroads in Sabah, saying that such hype was not enough to win voters.

Asked about the challenge thrown to Najib for a public debate with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, Shafie said the prime minister's capabilities should be judged by the efficiency of his leadership.

He said Najib has a proven track record and that debates do not matter to voters in the rural constituencies.

"In the rural areas, they don't debate, they just want proper shelter, water supply and roads. This is a Western sort of culture and we cannot use all Western values here," Shafie added.

 

 

 

SOURCE:    http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/199364

 

 

**********************************************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

沙菲宜不欢迎沙非法移民
交首相宣布设皇委会调查

刘伟鸿

 
 

沙巴州居民要求设立非法移民的皇家调查委员会的呼声高涨，乡村及区域发展部长沙菲宜（Shafie Apdal）亦表明他不欢迎非法移民到沙巴，并交由首相宣布设立皇委会的决定。

《独立新闻在线》询问沙菲宜，根据默迪卡调查中心民调显示，有88%的亚庇和兵南邦（Penampang）选民要政府设立皇委会调查沙巴非法移民问题，而他是否同意这代表多数沙巴人心声？

他说："我们交由首相去公布皇委会。"

他补充"不过，基本上没有一个人或国家喜欢非法（移民）到自己的国家。特别是我的（国会）选区仙本那（Semporna），我们也面对海盗问题。你以为我们喜欢吗？"

他指出，虽然有很多人指责我国不好，但是有许多外国移民到我国工作，证明我国的发展其实还不错。

虽然如此，他认为，非法移民现象最重要需要被调控，以免非法移民危害国家安全。

他是在为玛拉IBS和产业展览会主持开幕后的记者会上发表上述谈话。

不答会否弃国攻州

询及有些人指下届大选他会弃国攻州的传言，他笑着答道，一切交由首相决定，"我是巫统党人"（I am party man）。

针对前首相马哈迪认为纳吉应该展延大选至穆斯林斋戒月后的看法，他表示该意见可以作为参考，但决定权还是在首相纳吉手上。

他甚至笑称，"纳吉（巫统大集会上）询问明天大选可以吗？六月可以吗？七月可以吗？明年可以吗？"

但他认为，最重要的是巫统已经经历许多挑战，而且尝试赢取民心，以面对下届大选。

不赞成纳吉安华辩论

此外，沙菲宜不赞成首相纳吉和在野党领袖安华进行大选辩论，指称选民是以朝野政党发展表现做决定，而选民会根据国阵政府所做的发展成果，来衡量国阵的表现。

他反问，纳吉只是执政了三年时间，如何在短短三年评估其表现？

他赞赏首相拥有很好的思想来治国，而且最近所发出的马币100元学生援助金，都不是针对选民来做，而且学生也不能投票。

但记者追问，如果让纳吉与安华辩论，不是更能够让人民进行评估吗？他答称，"乡村居民不以辩论来赢，重要是有屋子、水供、马路等。"

"这些都是西方文化，不是所有的西方价值都可以在本国使用。"

昨天，新闻、通讯及文化部长莱益士雅丁（Rais Yatim）不同意让国营电视台举办双王辩论，并直斥辩论只是"政治玩物"（Mainan politik），对人民没有任何的益处。

 
 

Guan Eng Goes Amok Over Media Query on Hot Steamy Affair!

Guan Eng Goes Amok Over Media Query on Hot Steamy Affair!

 
 

Self proclaimed press freedom advocate Lim Guan Eng went into a frenzy yesterday when reporters from Penang asked their Dear Leader to respond to the expose in stopthelies.my that he had an affair with his former special officer.

It hit a raw nerve and soon he was threatening reporters with suits if they even dare to write a single line on the sensitive subject.

The DAP secretary-general continuously kept shouting "I will sue, I will sue, I will sue" to the reporters.

He also denied having an affair with the special officer but rather strange that he told reporters that his denial was off record. If its not true, why should he be so mindful if it was on record or off record?

As usual, he blamed Umno and MCA. But this portal believe that his girlfriend and wife won't be blaming the two BN parties for sure.

 
 

深入民間為民服務

 

深入民間為民服務

德卡區州議員謝順海勸請選民在來屆全國大選，支持真正深入民間為民服務的候選人，以及維護一個和平穩定的執政機制。

他說，選民要看清情緒主義和投機政客的真面目，以及認清他們政黨的背後動機，更要唾棄不做事而只會煽風點火的政客。

謝順海日前在新城市花園移交T恤給該花園排舞團，在儀式上致詞說，民聯執政吉打州4年來，不只施政極端宗教化，更給州民尤其是華裔社群帶來極大不安和不公平待遇。

他說，大選來臨時，就會看到很多平時不曾為民服務的政客，發表煽動性或誤導性言論，企圖激起人們憎恨某方，撈取選票。

他因此呼籲華裔選民在來屆大選善用手中一票，選出穩重執政機制的政府，摒棄崇尚宗教化的政治聯盟。

 
 

 
 

BN government determined to help the people

Najib says BN government determined to help the people

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says the government has a moral responsibility to help Malaysians who have fallen upon hard times or who just need a bit of a helping hand.

The prime minister said meeting that responsibility was the mark of a civilised society.

 

He illustrated this point by highlighting his encounter with jobless Teoh Yong King whose house was razed to the ground in a fire, during his visit to Nibong Tebal, Penang, last month.

 

Najib noted that Teoh had been forced to stay at a temple for the past three months with her family, and that being jobless, she could not afford a new place for the family to stay, and sought help.

 

"Although she received none in the beginning, she did not lose hope, and continued with her efforts to make her plight known," he said in his latest entry on his blogsite, www.1Malaysia.com.

 

Najib said her plight was brought to the attention of his local political colleagues who went on to build a new house in place of the old one and help replace household items lost in the fire. 

 

Najib, who described Teoh as a remarkable lady who had stood against all difficulties and hardship to help her family survive, said he was touched by her story.

 

"All of this would not have come about without her unwavering determination," he said.

 

Najib said this episode was just one local example of the Barisan Nasional government's determination to help those in need.

 

On a national level, Najib said, the Barisan Nasional government had already put in place several programmes to help low-income families like Teoh's.

 

Addressing the rising cost of living has been made one of the seven NKRAs (National Key Result Areas) in line with the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).

 

"Financial aid packages for low-income households, book vouchers and aid for students are provided to the public. 1Malaysia clinics, convenience stores and restaurants are also available as a cheaper alternative without compromising on quality," he said.

 

He said the implementation of a minimum wage in the near future will also increase the income of over 400,000 employees.

 

林冠英5個凡事1個無意爭論

林放‧林冠英5個凡事1個無意爭論

2012-05-22 08:36

行動黨秘書長林冠英給惱怒退黨的東姑阿都阿茲搞到焦頭爛額，以他凡事譴責、凡事駁斥、凡事辯解、凡事廉正、凡事自我的一貫作風，這次轉性了，瀟灑一句"無意爭論"，更以一句"時間能證明誰站在歷史上對的一邊"，含糊地把整掉東姑的爭端，抹蓋這道傷痕。

基辛格說："歷史的悲劇往往不是正確和錯誤的交戰，而是兩個正確的對立。"所以，歷史並不完全可靠，要把現在發生的事挪後再由別人言說，就更加混淆。但是，如果林冠英在黨內位高權重，有生之年，"誰站在歷史上對的一邊"，他自然佔盡上風，事過境遷，就是一言堂。

毛澤東說："一萬年太久，只爭朝夕。"如果林冠英光明磊落，事無不可對人言，他就必須只爭朝夕地把事情攤開來講明白。搪塞給歷史去證明，也就是現在無法證明本身作態的清白。把問題掃在地毯下，讓它發臭，只要不再使用這席地毯，即可濁者自清。

東姑阿都阿茲在428淨選盟大集會之前，已受檳城行動黨委員會一致舉薦續任上議員，這是州主席曹觀友斬釘截鐵的良心之說。當時，未聞阿都阿茲謝絕，直到他不認同大集會在獨立廣場舉行而觸怒林冠英，上議員職位於此腰斬。東姑當然為了顏面表示不願意再受委任。而這種場面話，卻給林冠英自詡為："印證這個民主政黨的素質和氣度"。

日月星辰各有序，花開花落春秋知。發生的每件事都有前後時序，因事態發展留下軌跡和論據。林冠英於5月19日，在星洲日報《檳城在望》的專欄裡，以"無意爭論"，試圖把他與阿都阿茲的矛盾淡化，休止輿論發酵。

過去，鮮少評論人對他指指點點，但在東姑阿都阿茲含憤脫離行動黨的課題上，難免令人對林冠英斥責東姑的語態上，深感他沒有轉緩餘地。即使東姑聲稱給他電郵表明立場並非反淨選盟，而是反對集會地點，然而，林冠英不作回應。黨內就擬定思路把他標籤為反淨選盟分子，為政治攻堅戰而拋棄華人傳統文化價值觀的敬老尊賢，就令人難以容忍和緘默。

在這熱火朝天的論爭上，林冠英的"無意爭論"，只是想把阿都阿茲說他沒氣量，表現一下風度，把對他的責難顧左右而言他地降溫。事實上，一個關鍵性的問題是，林冠英獻議他出任檳城研究院的研究員，再由政治秘書再里爾誘引有5萬令吉津貼以及出國考察機會，才使到這位一生反貪污、尋求社會公義的鬥士，在這種收買和賄賂的羞辱下，痛下決心退黨。

阿都阿茲哀傷感歎，自言退黨是很大的解脫，"脫離了一個盅惑民心的政客的專制。"當年引進他入黨的林吉祥說，若分道揚鑣已是不可避免事實，就讓這場分手盡可能有風度落幕，把仇恨與怨憤降至最低。

既然當初林冠英不把他放在眼內，阿都阿茲也就對唱廉打腐的林冠英補上一鎗。他揭露民聯執政後，行動黨在八打靈再也雖以私人名義開設火箭團結咖啡廳，卻沒有按照正規手續獲得市政廳的批准；黨內重要領袖包庇非法小販免受取締，因為這些小販是行動黨的支持者。

當阿都阿茲在中委會批評這種知法犯法並不道德時，大家都有抗拒的牴觸情緒，充耳不聞。他鄭重提醒"有幾個領袖必須受到監督"。足見民聯得勢之後，開始複製前朝政府的貪腐，如今卻烏龜笑鱉無尾。

東姑阿都阿茲與行動黨決裂，對行動黨是沉重的打擊。但他更大的殺傷力卻是苦苦塑造清廉形象的林冠英。利用州政府的資源假公濟私、安撫、收買黨領袖。他的"無意爭論"乃要自我掩飾自己有多無辜，其實是對本身的作為既無可爭論，也無力辯解。

 

（星洲日報／言路‧作者：林放‧資深報人）

GE 13 to be survival of the fittest

GE 13 to be survival of the fittest

CERITALAH
By KARIM RASLAN

 
 

It's all a matter of endurance. Given the stakes, tensions have also heightened. Both sides have a great deal to lose.

WE are entering the final straight. Whether the date of the actual polling day is in June, July, September or even next year, the finishing line is fast approaching.

It's all a matter of endurance. Who can best manage their own resources and minimise their weaknesses? Whose "messaging" is the most focused and sustained?

Given the stakes, tensions have also heightened. Both sides have a great deal to lose.

As Tun Daim Zainuddin said a few months ago, the contest between Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional is much like an extended game of tennis – with victory going to the side that commits the least unforced errors.

In this respect Barisan would appear to be gaining the lead. Pakatan's lack of access to the mainstream media further undermines the challenger's chances.

Last week's resignation of DAP Senator and vice-president Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim and PAS' continued call for the introduction of the syariahhave raised doubts about Pakatan's ability to hold the middle-ground.

But there are also real dangers in trying to "read" the election outcome from the mainstream media. Official controls will always tend to magnify Pakatan's mistakes whilst minimising Barisan's missteps and only a fool would ignore the Internet's ubiquitous presence.

At the same time, the vast numbers of new voters have injected an enormous degree of uncertainty into the game.

It is as if Tun Daim's tennis game had been crossed with a Sony Wii as well as a Pentagon battle-ground simulator: permutations are the new "norm".

No one knows for certain where these young people will cast their ballots. As Ben Suffian of Merdeka Centre explains: "They lack the loyalty of their parents. They are better informed and more sceptical: arbitraging on news and events."

But when all is said and done, the voters are faced with four fundamental decisions when they're dealing with Barisan, which are as follows:

> Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak: Should the Malaysians reward or punish him? Have his reforms satisfied the voting public? Conversely, has he been too weak in the face of non-Malay demands? Does Bersih 3.0 accurately reflect popular sentiment? Does he deserve to better Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's 2008 result? Will we reward him with the constitutional majority? Can his personal popularity (much like Abdullah's at the same stage of the 2008 scenario) strengthen his hold on power?

> Umno: For over five decades – the United Malays National Organisation has been the parti kerajaan – the party of Government with its supreme council meetings surpassing Cabinet in terms of "real" authority? Is the automatic identification of party and government (along with all the attendant patronage) coming to an end? Or is it merely a case of the parti kerajaan becoming a parti politik no different from PAS and PKR? Is Umno's supremacy finished?

> Barisan Nasional: Can the alliance remain intact if the country's second largest community, the Chinese, remove their support? Is an Umno-dominated coalition sustainable? Are we witnessing the end of the so-called unwritten consensus that has brought us thus far? What will be the substitute?

> Malaysia: Will the 13th General Election see the firming up of the two-coalition system or its demise? Are we Malaysians comfortable with the level of checks and balances that have entered our political lexicon since 2008 or do we wish to return to the past – entrusting the Barisan, unreservedly with our future?

March 8, 2008 was a surprise result. It upset our (and especially my) lazy assumptions.

Will the upcoming polls see this becoming the new normal or will we return to the status quo ante? I will try my best to cover these dilemmas. But then again, if we refer to Tun Daim's tennis analogy and the doubts raised by Bersih, another major question surrounds the "rules of the game" – who determines the players, especially the millions of new voters?

 
 

德行

德行

 
 

一名領袖，憑甚麼受人尊重呢？一是執政成績，二是德行。這種標準，古今中外皆然。東姑阿都阿茲退黨，應該會像行動黨人所言，對行動黨的馬來選票影響不大。

 
 

行動黨本來就不是靠馬來選票執政，像東姑阿都阿茲這種馬來菁英，人們眼中的他，是知識與德行，而非他的膚色或家庭。所以行動黨應該警惕的是，東姑阿都阿茲退黨事小，他對林冠英的指責才是事大。

 
 

林冠英面對東姑阿都阿茲的指責，沒有正面作出回應。一句無意爭論，堵住了所有人的嘴巴。誰再議論，誰就得承受反民聯甚至是國陣打手的質疑。

 
 

無意爭論，不是林冠英一向的作風，執政4年期間的林冠英總是咄咄逼人，對前朝政府施政錯誤的追殺、對丁福南的冷嘲熱諷、對許子根單單打打等，林冠英從來不會無意爭論。這也是為甚麼東姑阿都阿茲講林冠英花了太多時間在批評前朝政府的原因。

 
 

308後，很多有識之士都感到擔憂，他們不是擔憂變天，他們也很期待政黨輪替，但局勢的發展以及政治人物的言行舉止，令人擔憂。他們憂心忡忡的是，308後，因為政治人物的民粹作風，已經將選民撕裂成兩邊，一邊民聯，一邊國陣，而且相互仇視著。

 
 

在檳州，行動黨上台，首席部長民粹式的講話模式，感染了很多支持者，以致很多人，一聽到或一看到批評行動黨或首席部長的言論，就會將對方標籤為國陣的打手。這也是為甚麼東姑阿都阿茲在退黨後，會有一種終於擺脫煽動民情專橫作風的釋然。

 
 

林冠英的施政成績如何，見仁見智，但可以肯定的是，其民粹式的作風，已經給所有人留下了最壞的示範。

 
 

（光明日報／好評‧文：東方惠）

 
 

Yan oil refinery fails to take off

Yan oil refinery fails to take off

 

RM36 BILLION PROJECT: Kedah MB admits delay, blames developer for technical glitches

 ALOR STAR: MENTERI Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak has admitted the state government's failure to deliver the proposed RM36 billion Sungai Limau Hydrocarbon Hub (Sulihh) in Yan, near here.

Azizan, however, was quick to pass the blame onto the project's developer, Merapoh Resources Corp Sdn Bhd.

He said the Selangor-based construction firm was facing technical difficulties that led to the delay of the oil refinery project, which the Pas state government had claimed as its biggest economic project in 2008.

"The developer is in the midst of resolving a few issues, including funds for the project.

"I've also learned that the developer has yet to receive approval from the National Physical Planning Council for the project.

"On our part (state government), we have made the necessary arrangements, including land acquisition for Merapoh," he said after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting at Wisma Darulaman, here, yesterday.

Azizan was asked to comment on the progress of the hydrocarbon hub, which involved the construction of a man-made island for a refinery and storage facilities.

On whether the state government had scrapped Sulihh, Azizan, who is also state assemblyman for Sungai Limau, said the project was still viable.

Earlier, at a separate press conference, state Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang urged Azizan to explain the project's delay. He claimed that the project had yet to get off the ground.

"I want to know what is happening since Azizan had bragged about it after Kedah Pakatan Rakyat won the state in the 2008 general election.

"What is wrong and why did they brag about it if they can't do it?"

The hydrocarbon hub project, mooted by the previous Barisan Nasional state government, was known as Yan Petroleum Industrial Zone. Under the Pas state government, the project was renamed Sulihh.

Yan would be the main port of call for tankers and crude oil would be processed on the man-made island before it is transported by smaller tankers to the Far East via the Straits of Malacca.

Crude oil will be transported via a 310km pipeline that runs across Yan in Pendang, Baling, Kedah, and Grik, Perak, to a refinery in Bachok, Kelantan, before petroleum and other petrochemical products are shipped to the Far East.

Pas: We will implement hudud if we win election

Pas: We will implement hudud if we win election

 
 

 TERENGGANU: PAS Dewan Ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib said yesterday  hudud implementation and Federal Constitution amendment would be Pas' priorities even if it meant changing its political partners.

 
 

"We will implemernt hudud and amend the Constitution even if (it is) not with the current partners we have in Pakatan...may be there will be other pacts (Pakatan) that will lend us their support.

 
 

"We are a party that is championing Islam. Of course we will implement what is required by Islam. Pas will always be behind Hadi (Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang) and the party's struggle to uphold Islam in the government and administration of the country."

 
 

Harun said there was nothing wrong with Hadi's statements for DAP chairman Karpal Singh to criticise.

 
 

Karpal said in a statement on Thursday that of late Hadi had been making statements with the sole intention of withdrawing them later.

 
 

The Bukit Gelugor member of parliament was referring to the Pas chief's remarks on the implementation of hudud and the intention of incorporating Islam as Addin (way of life) in the Federal Constitution should Pakatan win the next general election.

 
 

Karpal said hudud could not be implemented as it was against the Constitution and the Constitution should not be changed as it had already been stated that Islam was the official religion of Malaysia.

Harun added that hudud implementation would be inevitable if Pas secured more seats than its Pakatan Rakyat partners.

 
 

Hadi's statement on hudud implementation and amending the Constitution were done in his capacity as Pas president and they reflected Pas' aspirations if the opposition wins the general election," he said yesterday.

 
 

"I think whether it is against the Constitution or not is just his (Karpal's) personal opinion and comment as a lawyer.

 
 

"As a Pas member, I am fully behind Hadi."

 
 

He said the basis of Hadi's statement lay in the seat allocation and Pas' strength within Pakatan Rakyat.

 
 

"If we have enough majority (of seats), if Pas is stronger than our allies, we will implement (hudud and the amendment to the Constitution)."

 

Clear message to fence-sitters

Clear message to fence-sitters

Analysis
By JOCELINE TAN

 
 

Umno's massive 66th anniversary rally two days before May 13 was not only about bringing the party faithful together but also to send an important signal to the fence-sitters that Umno's strength can be counted on for continued stability to the country.

LANCHANG assemblyman Datuk Sharkar Shamsuddin is quite the macho type. He used to have a cowboy style about him but he has grown more polished as he moves up the political ladder.

But his tough guy image almost cracked at the Umno anniversary rally at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday night. As Sharkar took in the atmosphere and the thousands of people all dressed in red, he choked up and had to control his feelings.

"Just a bit of tears in the eyes. It was the mood in the stadium, the feeling that we belong together," he admitted a day later.

Sharkar was not alone. Even Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad looked rather overwhelmed and his emotions were amplified on the giant screen for all to see.

The elderly statesman had been led to the stage via the VIP entrance. When he finally took his seat and gazed out at the red sea of people, it hit him that he was looking at something major or what some would call the Malay mood shift for Umno.

That was when the smile on his face became sort of wobbly and you could see he was struggling to control his feelings.

Anyway, the crowd went wild each time his name was mentioned that evening and that really says something about Dr Mahathir's appeal because more than half of those in the packed stadium were made up of young Malays in their 20s and 30s.

Many people have described the Umno anniversary gathering as a show of unity, a rallying of the troops before the most crucial general election the party has ever faced. It was all of that and more.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has restored the confidence of Umno members in the party since taking over as president and the atmosphere at the rally was proof of that.

But the interesting part was how the Prime Minister used the occasion to send a message to Malaysian fence-sitters who will be voting in the next general election.

The crowd at the stadium was a converted crowd. They are going to vote for Umno no matter what.

As such the rally was about reaching out to Malaysian fence-sitters as well as to party members, to show them that this is how Umno behaves when under pressure and when pushed against the wall.

Najib's key message is that Umno is a responsible ruling party that respects the law.

"He was telling us that if they can do it, we can also do it. We can do it bigger, better and without disrupting people's everyday life," said Sharkar.

Or as one Umno official put it: "If there is one thing that came across clearly, it's that the Umno rally underscores how the Bersih rally went wrong."

Umno, as some of its more hawkish members would say, has the numbers and is angry enough to outnumber the Bersih supporters on the streets but it is not going to do that.

The Umno gathering was taking place two days before May 13, the most political day in the Malaysian calendar.

But the party had gathered in an orderly and peaceful manner, in a stadium instead of on the streets, and minus disturbing incidents of civilians bashing the police and the police bashing the civilians.

May 13 was about a Malay party under siege and taking out its fears, insecurities and anger to the streets.

But now, Umno is the one that is pushing the line that such tactics are not part of its culture or agenda.

Najib's message to the fence-sitters is that Umno has been around for 66 years and that it wants to continue to be in power but it wants to do that through the ballot box and not via street politics.

Najib, despite his numerous references to street politics, did not once mention the word "Bersih" or its organiser Datuk S. Ambiga or the man who managed to hijack the event, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He did not have to because the crowd knew exactly what and who Najib was referring to.

Many in Umno had empathised with the second Bersih protest and its push for clean and fair elections. But it is a different story after the third Bersih protest.

Rightly or wrongly, the rank and file in Umno are convinced that the organisers and its Pakatan Rakyat partners are using it as a means to topple the ruling coalition.

They believe the original agenda of Bersih has been usurped by its politician partners and it explains why feelings in Umno about the people behind Bersih have become so toxic.

The next general election will be decided by the Malaysian middle ground or more specifically, the Malay middle ground. The conventional wisdom is that there are very few Chinese fence-sitters out there because the majority of Chinese have already made up their minds about their vote.

But the Malay middle ground is said to comprise between 35% and 40% of the total voters and they will be the ones who will decide which way the election goes. In other words, the next general election will be a battle for the Malay fence-sitters.

Najib does not say it out loud but he is basically banking on this cohort to carry his coalition across the winning line.

He knows this group works hard for a living. They range from working Malays to middle class and wealthy Malays.

He is appealing to their core desire to have a peaceful, stable and productive environment to work and raise a family and he is telling that Umno has track record of delivering what it promises.

Or as he said in his speech, his coalition wants to guarantee Malay-sians that tomorrow can be better than today.

 
 

 
 

梁德明：核子、稀土、輻射

梁德明：核子、稀土、輻射

 
 

我在3月份被國會委任為"稀土特別遴選委員會"成員。當時接到這任務時，坦白說心情很沉重，因為這是燙手山芋，要釐清裡邊的真相，會是繁重的工作。

　聽了主席的一番話后，心情開始放輕鬆。因為他說我們的責任不是要支持稀土廠或不支持稀土廠，我們的責任在于尋找真相，把有科學根據的真相傳達給人民，讓人民做決定。聽了這樣的解釋，理科出身的我反而開始感覺有趣，我倒要看看稀土廠到底是何方神聖。

　在福島核子發電廠被海嘯蹂躪后，全球籠罩在核洩漏恐慌當中。恰巧這個時候，我國東海岸的關丹來了一座稀土廠。由于稀土是含有微量輻射的物質，從此以后，核子、稀土、輻射3個名詞就成了好兄弟，形影不離，難捨難分。只要一提到稀土，人民就會聯想核子洩漏和輻射。

只是一座化學廠

　日前出席一個由馬來西亞科學院主辦的國際稀土研討會，仔細聆聽來自中國、加拿大、美國、德國和馬來西亞的專家講解后，才知道不應該把稀土和核子發電廠相提並論。稀土釋放的輻射量，和我們天天承受于大自然的輻射量相差無幾。

　他們一直強調，稀土廠只是一座化學廠，並沒有核子反應爐，所以你不會看到像在核電廠工作的職員一般，穿上防輻射制服的員工。工廠最危險的部分，並不在于處理廢料，而是處理硫酸等溶液。他們還打趣的說，如果他們是恐怖分子，根本不會選擇攻擊稀土廠，因為沒有殺傷力。

　輻射的疑問似乎解開了。但這兩天聆聽了公眾的許多意見，環境的衝擊還是許多人關注的課題。其實，要如何很好地控制泥土、水及空氣，確實是很複雜的一門學問。我希望看到更多專家前來提供意見，解答環境衝擊的疑問。

　"稀土特別遴選委員會"是一個聯繫稀土廠和群眾之間的橋樑。所有團體應該把握這個平台，針對疑問追根究底，還原真相。

 
 

民联州政府房屋土地政策

12-05-2012

民联州政府房屋土地政策

 

众所周知，民联执政吉打州至今虽然已有四年多，但是民联政府并没有为吉打州带来显著的发展，反而在开倒车，更遑论为人民谋福利。

 

民联州政府不只没有顺从民意，却一意孤行去进行他们的执政议程。

 

我们看到非马来人在哥打士打县所拥有的土地只有区区1%，而马来保留地为98%，这对非马来人而言，将面对很大的冲击及限制。

 

记得国阵执政时的房屋土地转换计划（Swapping），可帮助人民减轻负担，为大家带来许多便利。

 

现今民联州政府，为了维护稻田做借口，遂冻结国阵把城市的稻田转换成房屋计划的构思。

 

如依照民联的想法要发展吉打州，应该去郊区发展，但值得一提的是，全世界的发展多集中在市区，人民从郊区移到市区，是现今发展的趋势，然而民联政府的发展道路是走向相反的方向，是逆道而行，这会令人民造成诸多不便。

 

除此之外，民联政府不但没有为一般人民，尤其是贫民提供廉价房屋计划，更制定一项新的法令，并指定在换地情况下的屋业发展，保留50%的房屋固打给土著，现更增至70%，土地转换计划也被冻结。这些房地产固打提高的问题，却被伊斯兰党政府将所有责任推给发展商。

 

现今吉打州的屋价飙升惊人，但反观我们的经济却走下坡。屋价上扬会影响上层人士有限，不过对普罗大众而言犹如雪上加霜，有苦难言。

 

资料显示，民联执政之前的吉打州的双层排屋大约是13万令吉，民联执政后双层排屋的价格飙升至38万令吉，飙升幅度接近3倍，涨幅实在惊人。而民联执政之前吉打州的双层半独立洋房价格处于19万令吉，但是民联执政后双层半独立洋房的价格飙升至55万令吉。

 

本来屋价飙涨与经济上扬有一定的关系，人民生活素质提升、购买能力增加，房价理所当然获得提高。但基于民联政府所施行的政策不切合时宜，尤其冻结土地转换计划，施行70%的房屋固打给土著，影响吉打州人民的利益。

 

由此观之，由伊斯兰党执政后的吉打州政策朝令夕改，给吉打州带来许多后遗症，人民生活越来越困难。

In and out with a bang

In and out with a bang

ANALYSIS
By JOCELINE TAN
joceline@thestar.com.my

 
 

Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim's fall from grace with the DAP leadership has been swift and severe and many doubt that he can continue in DAP after what has happened.

THERE were eight senators at the farewell luncheon hosted by the Dewan Negara but the media was only interested in one of them, namely, Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim.

The DAP vice-chairman has attracted as much media glare at the close of his senatorship as he did when he began his term.

Tunku Aziz, who speaks really proper English, would probably not approve of slang lingo, but he came in with a bang and now he is leaving with a bang. But there is a difference in the two bangs though. The fallout from the first bang was on the Barisan Nasional but the fallout from the second bang has landed squarely on the DAP.

It is public knowledge by now that Tunku Aziz's senatorship was terminated because he did not toe the party line on the Bersih demonstration and that does not speak well of the DAP, especially given that the "D" stands for "democratic".

Several DAP leaders expressed surprise at the move, but none of them want to be quoted because they believe that Lim Guan Eng is the one behind the decision and they are afraid to cross swords with their powerful secretary-general.

"I disagree with what Tunku Aziz said about Bersih but to terminate his term because of that is too drastic. It sends the message that DAP is not open to other views," said one DAP assemblyman.

Another DAP figure said: "The party leaders probably feel he is a liability but politically speaking, it would have been better to keep him on board."

Tunku Aziz had continued to speak his mind on the Bersih protests although Guan Eng had publicly cautioned him to hold his tongue. The elderly gentleman supports Bersih's aims of clean and fair elections but he had criticised the organisers' persistence to march to Dataran Merdeka instead of demonstrating in a stadium.

According to Tunku Aziz, he had been informed about a month ago that his term would be renewed. Guan Eng had even wanted to announce it at the last party central executive committee meeting but was told that the nomination is from Penang and he should put it before the Penang DAP committee. But shortly after, Tunku Aziz opened his mouth on the protests and the rest is history.

"Someone very senior and important in the party, I won't say who, came to my house. He told me my senatorship was up for renewal but that there was some difficulty in view of what I had said about Bersih. He said the sentiment was not only in the DAP but within the Pakatan Rakyat and it would be difficult to put up my name again. At that point, I said that I did not want to be the cause of disharmony, that if putting up my name will cause problems, please don't do it," said Tunku Aziz.

Tunku Aziz could read between the lines. He knew his fate was sealed and he had no intention of clinging on.

"It's a great privilege to be a senator but it is not something to be exchanged for one's conscience, honour and integrity. I always thought that as a democratic party, they would allow for dissent. I have read Kit Siang's book Right to Dissent. It's an important book that suggests that dissent is something they embrace as part of their political philosophy but obviously that is not what they practise," he added.

The question that many are asking is whether it was necessary for the DAP to act so drastically against Tunku Aziz over what was an individual opinion. He had been welcomed into the party as a "towering Malaysian" and his credentials are simply impeccable – he is related to the Kedah royalty, he has served in the United Nations and the World Bank and he was, of course, the founding president of Transparency International Malaysia.

He brought with him unparalleled prestige and credibility. And as the above DAP assemblyman put it, the party will never catch another Malay like him again. The action against him not only suggests that the party cannot handle dissenting views but that it is only interested in token Malay leaders – people who are largely yes-men and do not ask too many questions. Or what some call Malay apologists.

Party insiders said Guan Eng is probably worried that Tunku Aziz will continue to challenge the party stand on other issues. He has become a political risk especially with the general election so close. Academic Dr Ariffin Omar who takes over from him belongs to a reputable NGO in Penang that is known to be a fierce critic of the Government or at least the Barisan Government. Dr Ariffin will be okay if he sticks to doing that.

Tunku Aziz is not bitter but admitted to a tinge of disappointment over the way things have turned out. But those who matter to him have stood by him.

His daughter who works overseas sent a message saying: "Dear papa, I may not know the ins and outs of politics, but I am proud of you for speaking out on the right thing."

Another daughter assured him that he is "on the side of the angels". His friends have sent him encouraging messages because, as he put it, they "also believe in peace, prosperity and security for the country".

From far away in Manchester, the one and only Raja Petra Kamarudin wrote: "For someone who has done so much for the nation, you really do not deserve the things they are saying about you or what they are doing to you."

RPK asked him to quit the DAP because "the longer you remain in DAP, the more they will demonise you".

Tunku Aziz's fall from grace with the DAP leadership has been severe and abrupt and few see him surviving in that sort of environment. But regardless of whether he survives in or leaves the DAP, he has shown that he is really a towering Malaysian.