KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was sworn in Monday as the prime minister before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, following the victory of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Saturday's general election.
Abdullah took the oath of office and oath of secrecy at the ceremony which was held at the Balairong Seri of the Istana Negara here at 11.10am after he was presented the instrument of appointment.
Abdullah, 68, assumes the office of prime minister for a second term.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, was also present at the ceremony.
Abdullah arrived at the Balairong Seri at 11am, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as other VIPs were present at the event, which was carried live by Radio Television Malaysia over the RTM1 channel.
Among the VIPs were former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and several new members of parliament (MPs).
At the ceremony, which took about 20 minutes, Abdullah signed the instrument of appointment before Chief Justice Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad, which was witnessed by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
The BN won 140 of the 222 parliamentary seats in Saturday's general election, enabling it to garner a simple majority and form the government.
Abdullah retained his Kepala Batas seat in Penang by defeating Subri Md Arshad of PAS with a majority of 11,246 votes.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Pak Lah's Pledge......
To resolve to strengthen Umno and the Barisan Nasional.
And to not resign as Prime Minister.
Here's the Bernama story:
Speaking to about 1,000 party supporters at Seri Perdana, his official residence here, he also pledged to implement the coalition's election manifesto to make the country safe, peaceful and prosperous.
The Umno president said the presence of party supporters from various Umno branches in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor at Seri Perdana tonight had given him the strength to continue with the struggle for the people.
"We want to continue with our agenda for development to make sure that the people continue to enjoy the fruit of the nation's progress.
"I know it's not only you who supported me... there are many others out there who want to convey their support and I thank all of you for that," he said in his brief speech in front of his supporters here.
Earlier, when he arrived at Seri Perdana, Abdullah was greeted with thunderous claps and the shouts of "Hidup Pak Lah" (Long Live Pak Lah).
While stressing that he would not resigned as the prime minister, Abdullah said, on the contrary he would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin tomorrow to take his oath of office as the prime minister.
Abdullah admitted that he had received a number of text messages from people who wanted to know if he would resign.
Abdullah said: "I don't know why the need for me to resign; our party won... although not with a two-third majority, we won (the election)."
He said he was not afraid of anyone, let alone those who call for his resignation, because he only feared Allah SWT.
Now, I'd say that the 1,000 Umno members don't represent the rest of the country.
BN lost heavy -- FIVE states in the hands of the Opposition and a simple majority in Parliament.
And to not resign as Prime Minister.
Here's the Bernama story:
PUTRAJAYA, March 9 -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has promised Umno supporters that he will continue to fortify and strengthen the party and Barisan Nasional (BN).
Speaking to about 1,000 party supporters at Seri Perdana, his official residence here, he also pledged to implement the coalition's election manifesto to make the country safe, peaceful and prosperous.
The Umno president said the presence of party supporters from various Umno branches in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor at Seri Perdana tonight had given him the strength to continue with the struggle for the people.
"We want to continue with our agenda for development to make sure that the people continue to enjoy the fruit of the nation's progress.
"I know it's not only you who supported me... there are many others out there who want to convey their support and I thank all of you for that," he said in his brief speech in front of his supporters here.
Earlier, when he arrived at Seri Perdana, Abdullah was greeted with thunderous claps and the shouts of "Hidup Pak Lah" (Long Live Pak Lah).
While stressing that he would not resigned as the prime minister, Abdullah said, on the contrary he would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin tomorrow to take his oath of office as the prime minister.
Abdullah admitted that he had received a number of text messages from people who wanted to know if he would resign.
Abdullah said: "I don't know why the need for me to resign; our party won... although not with a two-third majority, we won (the election)."
He said he was not afraid of anyone, let alone those who call for his resignation, because he only feared Allah SWT.
Now, I'd say that the 1,000 Umno members don't represent the rest of the country.
BN lost heavy -- FIVE states in the hands of the Opposition and a simple majority in Parliament.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
TDM : Pak Lah Should Take Full Responsibiliy
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should accept full responsibillity for the BN's defeat and losses in the general election, said former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Just as Abdullah had, in the 2004 general election, accepted 100 per cent the BN's huge victory credited to him.
Dr Mahathir said (in such a situation) the Japanese would have committed harakiri.
"But I think Malays are not up to this yet. I think he should consider stepping down," he said.
Asked whether he would step down if he were in Abdullah's shoes, Dr Mahathir said he would because it was the wishes of the people.
Dr Mahathir said Abdullah had destroyed Umno.
"He has destroyed BN, and he should be responsible for this massive defeat," he told a news conference held at his residence at The Mines in Seri Kembangan late this morning.
Present, besides reporters from the mainstream and foreign media, were bloggers from the new media.
Dr Mahathir said it was shocking that the BN lost in five states and the Federal Territory, indicating that all the Malays, Chinese and Indians rejected the coalition.
To a question of whether he thought Abdullah would step down anytime soon, he said he doubted that seeing that Abdullah remained detached from the real situation and from the fact that the people do not support his leadership.
This was because those who should have told him the truth were not doing so.
Dr Mahathir said that it should also be noted that the vote against the BN could not be literally translated as support for the opposition per se.
"There was no other alternative for the people but to vote for the opposition."
To another question, Dr Mahathir said it was up to Umno to decide on Abdullah' successor should he step down.
He also noted the "amazing victory" of Umno deputy president Najib Razak who obtained an increased majority in Pekan.
"His majority increased while Abdullah's decreased quite significantly," he remarked.
On whether the simple majority obtained by the BNwould affect investors' confidence, Dr Mahathir said it would as such a government was a weak government, especially in a multi-racial country and this could cause instability.
Dr Mahathir remarked that he himself had not expected BN's huge losses.
Just as Abdullah had, in the 2004 general election, accepted 100 per cent the BN's huge victory credited to him.
Dr Mahathir said (in such a situation) the Japanese would have committed harakiri.
"But I think Malays are not up to this yet. I think he should consider stepping down," he said.
Asked whether he would step down if he were in Abdullah's shoes, Dr Mahathir said he would because it was the wishes of the people.
Dr Mahathir said Abdullah had destroyed Umno.
"He has destroyed BN, and he should be responsible for this massive defeat," he told a news conference held at his residence at The Mines in Seri Kembangan late this morning.
Present, besides reporters from the mainstream and foreign media, were bloggers from the new media.
Dr Mahathir said it was shocking that the BN lost in five states and the Federal Territory, indicating that all the Malays, Chinese and Indians rejected the coalition.
To a question of whether he thought Abdullah would step down anytime soon, he said he doubted that seeing that Abdullah remained detached from the real situation and from the fact that the people do not support his leadership.
This was because those who should have told him the truth were not doing so.
Dr Mahathir said that it should also be noted that the vote against the BN could not be literally translated as support for the opposition per se.
"There was no other alternative for the people but to vote for the opposition."
To another question, Dr Mahathir said it was up to Umno to decide on Abdullah' successor should he step down.
He also noted the "amazing victory" of Umno deputy president Najib Razak who obtained an increased majority in Pekan.
"His majority increased while Abdullah's decreased quite significantly," he remarked.
On whether the simple majority obtained by the BNwould affect investors' confidence, Dr Mahathir said it would as such a government was a weak government, especially in a multi-racial country and this could cause instability.
Dr Mahathir remarked that he himself had not expected BN's huge losses.
New State Governments Formed
The opposition have formed coalition governments in Perak, Penang, Kedah ad Selangor.
PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which are set to form a coalition government in Perak, have agreed to nominate Perak PAS Liaison Secretary Ir Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin as Menteri Besar.
Mohammad Nizar, who won the Pasir Panjang state seat, told Bernama that the decision was made by leaders of the three parties early today.
"The agreement was based on the spirit of cooperation among the three parties, which want to set up a coalition government in Perak,” he said when contacted by Bernama regarding the choice of Perak Menteri Besar.
In Penang, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng is expected to take over the Chief Minister's post.
DAP won 19 of the 40 seats in Penang.
Lim said he would be sworn in after the party and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) which won nine state seats, making a total of 28, form the state government with more than a two-thirds majority. Pas retained Permatang Pauh but lost four others.
In Kedah, state Pas commissioner Azizan Abdul Razak, 64, is expected to be sworn in as the new Kedah Menteri Besar at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Pas has the majority in the State Legislative Assembly in the 12th general election with 16 seats while Parti Keadilan Rakyat won four and DAP and an independent won one each while the Barisan Nasional won 14, of the 36 seats.
In Selangor, PKR has named Khalid Ibrahim as Menteri Besar.
PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which are set to form a coalition government in Perak, have agreed to nominate Perak PAS Liaison Secretary Ir Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin as Menteri Besar.
"The agreement was based on the spirit of cooperation among the three parties, which want to set up a coalition government in Perak,” he said when contacted by Bernama regarding the choice of Perak Menteri Besar.
In Penang, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng is expected to take over the Chief Minister's post.
DAP won 19 of the 40 seats in Penang.
Lim said he would be sworn in after the party and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) which won nine state seats, making a total of 28, form the state government with more than a two-thirds majority. Pas retained Permatang Pauh but lost four others.
In Kedah, state Pas commissioner Azizan Abdul Razak, 64, is expected to be sworn in as the new Kedah Menteri Besar at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Pas has the majority in the State Legislative Assembly in the 12th general election with 16 seats while Parti Keadilan Rakyat won four and DAP and an independent won one each while the Barisan Nasional won 14, of the 36 seats.
In Selangor, PKR has named Khalid Ibrahim as Menteri Besar.
BN's Worst Ever Performance...
This is one massive wake-up call to Barisan Nasional and I think, in particular, Umno.
And someone should be made accountable.
"But it will not be me," said BN chief and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi whose own state of Penang was lost to the opposition.
Well, not in those words but he told a media conference that he will not be resigning.
The coalition, despite its mighty and powerful election machinery, also lost Kedah, Selangor and Perak, and its siege on Kelantan, failed to retain the State.
And for the first time in history, it lost its two-thirds majority.
(It attained a simple majority, winning 137 of 222 parliamentary seats. The Opposition won an unprecedented 82 seats)
Abdullah who gave a brief Press conference with his wife, Jean and Najib by his side
at 2.20am, said that he was not resigning. He was asked whether he would step down as Prime Minister after the BN's defeat in four states and its failure to wrest Kelantan from Pas.
"I don't know who is being pressured to (step down). I'm not resigning", he said.
He also said this did not show that the people had lost confidence in his leadership.
"This is the people's stand not to give us a two-thirds majority", he remarked.
Abdullah assumed the premiership when Dr Mahathir Mohamed stepped down in 2003 after 22 years as Prime Minister.
When asked about BN's defeat in the five states, Abdullah replied: "We've lost, we've lost."
("Dah kalah, kalah.")
He had throughout the 2008 general election campaign expressed confidence of the BN's sweeping victory.
I think many people expected the BN to "lose some seats" but did not quite expect this "political tsunami", as someone was quoted to have said.
This will change the course of Malaysian politics.
The Malays are angry, the Chinese are angry, and of course, the Indians are angry. Malaysians are angry.
We see some of BN's big wigs being trounced -- MIC's Samy Vellu in Sungai Siput, PPP's Kayveas in Taiping, Gerakan's Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan and Wanita Umno deputy chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who failed to defend Lembah Pantai against Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Zainuddin Maidin lost to a PKR candidate in Sungai Siput.
Except for Koh, the others were Cabinet ministers.
Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz won, but with a very reduced majority. Other BN top guns won, but badly.
All component parties took a beating.
Abdullah himself retained his Kepala Batas seat with a reduced majority.
But his deputy, Najib Abdul Razak, defended his Pekan seat with a huge margin. And Pahang did well. So did Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
Well, wasn't it really Najib's day?
And, we will see a mother-daughter team of PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail (who defended Permatang Pauh with a bigger majority) and Nurul Izzah in the Dewan Rakyat.
PKR advisor and former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim was at the fore of the Opposition's election campaign.
Now who said Anwar and PKR no longer had relevance in Malaysian politics?
There are not very many ways of reading the BN's dismal performance. I think many good BN leaders were made to suffer and had to take the fall just to give that very strong message that the people had had about enough with the BN and its arrogance, excesses, abuses, the father-in-law/son-in-law way of running the country.
I think it was a strong vote against Abdullah and his coterie of cronies.
According to Bernama, Abdullah would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin tomorrow (Monday) to form the new fedderal government.
But according to NST, he'd be doing that later today.
Today at 11am, Dr Mahathir will be holding a Press conference at his residence in The Mines.
And someone should be made accountable.
"But it will not be me," said BN chief and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi whose own state of Penang was lost to the opposition.
Well, not in those words but he told a media conference that he will not be resigning.
The coalition, despite its mighty and powerful election machinery, also lost Kedah, Selangor and Perak, and its siege on Kelantan, failed to retain the State.
And for the first time in history, it lost its two-thirds majority.
(It attained a simple majority, winning 137 of 222 parliamentary seats. The Opposition won an unprecedented 82 seats)
Abdullah who gave a brief Press conference with his wife, Jean and Najib by his side
at 2.20am, said that he was not resigning. He was asked whether he would step down as Prime Minister after the BN's defeat in four states and its failure to wrest Kelantan from Pas.
"I don't know who is being pressured to (step down). I'm not resigning", he said.
He also said this did not show that the people had lost confidence in his leadership.
"This is the people's stand not to give us a two-thirds majority", he remarked.
Abdullah assumed the premiership when Dr Mahathir Mohamed stepped down in 2003 after 22 years as Prime Minister.
When asked about BN's defeat in the five states, Abdullah replied: "We've lost, we've lost."
("Dah kalah, kalah.")
He had throughout the 2008 general election campaign expressed confidence of the BN's sweeping victory.
I think many people expected the BN to "lose some seats" but did not quite expect this "political tsunami", as someone was quoted to have said.
This will change the course of Malaysian politics.
The Malays are angry, the Chinese are angry, and of course, the Indians are angry. Malaysians are angry.
We see some of BN's big wigs being trounced -- MIC's Samy Vellu in Sungai Siput, PPP's Kayveas in Taiping, Gerakan's Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan and Wanita Umno deputy chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who failed to defend Lembah Pantai against Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Zainuddin Maidin lost to a PKR candidate in Sungai Siput.
Except for Koh, the others were Cabinet ministers.
Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz won, but with a very reduced majority. Other BN top guns won, but badly.
All component parties took a beating.
Abdullah himself retained his Kepala Batas seat with a reduced majority.
But his deputy, Najib Abdul Razak, defended his Pekan seat with a huge margin. And Pahang did well. So did Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
Well, wasn't it really Najib's day?
And, we will see a mother-daughter team of PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail (who defended Permatang Pauh with a bigger majority) and Nurul Izzah in the Dewan Rakyat.
PKR advisor and former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim was at the fore of the Opposition's election campaign.
Now who said Anwar and PKR no longer had relevance in Malaysian politics?
There are not very many ways of reading the BN's dismal performance. I think many good BN leaders were made to suffer and had to take the fall just to give that very strong message that the people had had about enough with the BN and its arrogance, excesses, abuses, the father-in-law/son-in-law way of running the country.
I think it was a strong vote against Abdullah and his coterie of cronies.
According to Bernama, Abdullah would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin tomorrow (Monday) to form the new fedderal government.
But according to NST, he'd be doing that later today.
Today at 11am, Dr Mahathir will be holding a Press conference at his residence in The Mines.
Unprecedented!
That's all that I can say about the election results.
As of 1.11am -- the Opposition have taken Penang, Kedah and Selangor while Pas has retained Kelantan.
And according to unofficial results, Perak may go to the Opposition.
Indeed. The people have spoken.
Major casualties : Samy Vellu in Sungai Siput (he'd been incumbent since 1974), Shahrizat Jalil in Lembah Pantai (she was 3-term MP) against newbie Nurul Izzah Anwar, Zainudin Maidin in Sungai Petani, M. Kayveas lost in Taiping and Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan.
Also Samy's deputy (in MIC) Palanivel lost his Hulu Selangor seat.
That means MIC's top two are down.
A vote against the BN Indian leaders.
In Rembau, Khairy Jamaluddin won against CikguBard. (Can't confirm the majority -- some said 114, then after recount 800, and now 5,000+).
And Mukhriz Mahathir won by a majority of 2,200 in Jerlun.
Well. What can I say.... overall, there were many ANGRY votes out there!
And that your vote did count. You better believe it! Because I know mine did.
As of 1.11am -- the Opposition have taken Penang, Kedah and Selangor while Pas has retained Kelantan.
And according to unofficial results, Perak may go to the Opposition.
Indeed. The people have spoken.
Major casualties : Samy Vellu in Sungai Siput (he'd been incumbent since 1974), Shahrizat Jalil in Lembah Pantai (she was 3-term MP) against newbie Nurul Izzah Anwar, Zainudin Maidin in Sungai Petani, M. Kayveas lost in Taiping and Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan.
Also Samy's deputy (in MIC) Palanivel lost his Hulu Selangor seat.
That means MIC's top two are down.
A vote against the BN Indian leaders.
In Rembau, Khairy Jamaluddin won against CikguBard. (Can't confirm the majority -- some said 114, then after recount 800, and now 5,000+).
And Mukhriz Mahathir won by a majority of 2,200 in Jerlun.
Well. What can I say.... overall, there were many ANGRY votes out there!
And that your vote did count. You better believe it! Because I know mine did.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Early Election Results
The Election Commission expects the results of the 12th general election to be announced as early as 8.30pm tonight.
I felt so good after I cast my vote today.
I smiled as I walked out of "bilik no 2" at the Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Samad in Section 12, Petaling Jaya.
Perhaps, a sense of relief.
But really -- just a very good feeling! And a renewed sense of hope....
I felt so good after I cast my vote today.
I smiled as I walked out of "bilik no 2" at the Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Samad in Section 12, Petaling Jaya.
Perhaps, a sense of relief.
But really -- just a very good feeling! And a renewed sense of hope....
Remembering Kak Eda..
March 8.
A year ago today, my elder sister, Noraida Samad, left us -- "pulang ke Rahmatullah".
We miss you dearly, Kak Eda.
Al-Fatihah....
A year ago today, my elder sister, Noraida Samad, left us -- "pulang ke Rahmatullah".
We miss you dearly, Kak Eda.
Al-Fatihah....
Happy International Women's Day!
Today is "the global day connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. "
It is celebrating the collective power of women past, present and future.
Go, my sisters!
It is celebrating the collective power of women past, present and future.
Go, my sisters!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Have You Asked Yourself...
...what you REALLY want?
I'm not going to be original here. I mean, with just a little over 24 hours to go before voting centres open on Saturday, how original can I get?
I'll borrow from the Barisan Nasional who asked us over TV whether we want a better future for our children, a better life for our family, peace and security and a better Malaysia.
If your answer is yes, yes, yes and yes, then vote for the BN.
And from the Opposition (not on TV) they urge us to take that first step to make a change in this country, for a new dawn. Deny the BN a two-third majority. So vote for a strong opposition, they say. We'll also be voting against corruption and abuse.
Well, whoever you'll be rooting for, vote wisely and vote with your conscience.
Meanwhile, BN chief Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident that the coalition will "win big" Saturday (March 8), including in Kelantan and Penang.
(The rest of the Bernama story here.)
Others are not so optimistic (about Kelantan). Read this.
I'm not going to be original here. I mean, with just a little over 24 hours to go before voting centres open on Saturday, how original can I get?
I'll borrow from the Barisan Nasional who asked us over TV whether we want a better future for our children, a better life for our family, peace and security and a better Malaysia.
If your answer is yes, yes, yes and yes, then vote for the BN.
And from the Opposition (not on TV) they urge us to take that first step to make a change in this country, for a new dawn. Deny the BN a two-third majority. So vote for a strong opposition, they say. We'll also be voting against corruption and abuse.
Well, whoever you'll be rooting for, vote wisely and vote with your conscience.
Meanwhile, BN chief Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident that the coalition will "win big" Saturday (March 8), including in Kelantan and Penang.
(The rest of the Bernama story here.)
Others are not so optimistic (about Kelantan). Read this.
And The EC Chief said...
it's (also) a constitutional concern, said Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, so the Election Commission decided that it's not a good idea to use indelible ink on polling day.
NOW YOU TELL US?
I'm wondering. Was the EC ever serious at all in enforcing that plan to use the indelible ink?
Was it announced just to please certain quarters?
Did they purchase the supply of indelible ink, at all?
Hmmm, my suspicions are very sneaky...
And you know why..
The constitutional interest which legal experts had advised on, should have been considered before a decision to announce the use of indelible ink was made.
Did they ever discuss the matter?
Doesn't it make you wonder?
And now everyone is angry. Well when I heard about the decision yesterday, I was not angry. I think I felt nothing. Perhaps so resigned was I that I was devoid of any emotion.
But when I heard the EC chief's statement, I know I laughed. Now I want to cry....
Aaah....but do they care?
Here's the story.
Abdul Rashid said the police only gave their views in terms of the security aspects, but the overriding factor in making the decision was constitutional considerations.
"If we were to proceed (with the use of the ink), it could be deemed we are violating the rights of voters as we would be forcing them to undergo the ink marking," he said when interviewed on a special election talkshow aired by private television station TV3 Wednesday night.
He added that he very much wanted to have it used during this election but the legal experts warned against it on the grounds of voters' right.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who also appeared on the show, said police investigations showed there were certain quarters who planned to misuse the ink to create chaos.
The EC announced that it was withdrawing usage of the indelible ink Tuesday.
NOW YOU TELL US?
I'm wondering. Was the EC ever serious at all in enforcing that plan to use the indelible ink?
Was it announced just to please certain quarters?
Did they purchase the supply of indelible ink, at all?
Hmmm, my suspicions are very sneaky...
And you know why..
The constitutional interest which legal experts had advised on, should have been considered before a decision to announce the use of indelible ink was made.
Did they ever discuss the matter?
Doesn't it make you wonder?
And now everyone is angry. Well when I heard about the decision yesterday, I was not angry. I think I felt nothing. Perhaps so resigned was I that I was devoid of any emotion.
But when I heard the EC chief's statement, I know I laughed. Now I want to cry....
Aaah....but do they care?
Here's the story.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- The decision to cancel the use of indelible ink during the voting process in Saturday's election was not done solely on the advice of the police but was also based on the constitution, said Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.
Abdul Rashid said the police only gave their views in terms of the security aspects, but the overriding factor in making the decision was constitutional considerations.
"If we were to proceed (with the use of the ink), it could be deemed we are violating the rights of voters as we would be forcing them to undergo the ink marking," he said when interviewed on a special election talkshow aired by private television station TV3 Wednesday night.
He added that he very much wanted to have it used during this election but the legal experts warned against it on the grounds of voters' right.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who also appeared on the show, said police investigations showed there were certain quarters who planned to misuse the ink to create chaos.
The EC announced that it was withdrawing usage of the indelible ink Tuesday.
Why the BN Has Survived This Long...
...because it has been fair and worked for the interest of all races, said Umno president and BN chairman Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He was speaking at a meet-the-people gathering at Padang Tembak in Penang yesterday.
According to Bernama, Abdullah said the BN held fast to the principle of consensus-building as proven in the 1990 general election when Gerakan won only seven state seats while MCA and MIC did not win any, whereas Umnoi won 12 seats.
The rest of the story follows. And I know what you're thinking....
"Umno wanted to take over the chief minister's (CM) post (in Penang) but I said 'No'... because, going by our previous consensus in Penang, and as the majority (on the island) were Chinese, it was only logical that the CM came from the Chinese community.
"Based on the BN's consensus principle, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon was chosen to be the CM," Abdullah said at a meet-the-people function in Padang Tembak here Wednesday.
Also present were Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
The prime minister said only the BN had a true alliance of the people of Malaysia.
He denied allegations that Umno was greedy and wanted to dominate the other parties in the BN coalition.
Abdullah said that BN was always prepared to discuss any issue and seek solutions to any problems that might rise.
"We do not say one thing and do another... we are not chameleons," he said.
He said the BN placed a lot of importance on unity as its strength depended on it.
The prime minister also chided Penangites for demanding that the new chief minister to replace Dr Koh, be someone from the island itself.
But, when DAP members, for example Lim Guan Eng left his home state to come and contest here, there are people who are willing to support him.
"This should not be the case," he added.
He was speaking at a meet-the-people gathering at Padang Tembak in Penang yesterday.
According to Bernama, Abdullah said the BN held fast to the principle of consensus-building as proven in the 1990 general election when Gerakan won only seven state seats while MCA and MIC did not win any, whereas Umnoi won 12 seats.
The rest of the story follows. And I know what you're thinking....
"Umno wanted to take over the chief minister's (CM) post (in Penang) but I said 'No'... because, going by our previous consensus in Penang, and as the majority (on the island) were Chinese, it was only logical that the CM came from the Chinese community.
"Based on the BN's consensus principle, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon was chosen to be the CM," Abdullah said at a meet-the-people function in Padang Tembak here Wednesday.
Also present were Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
The prime minister said only the BN had a true alliance of the people of Malaysia.
He denied allegations that Umno was greedy and wanted to dominate the other parties in the BN coalition.
Abdullah said that BN was always prepared to discuss any issue and seek solutions to any problems that might rise.
"We do not say one thing and do another... we are not chameleons," he said.
He said the BN placed a lot of importance on unity as its strength depended on it.
The prime minister also chided Penangites for demanding that the new chief minister to replace Dr Koh, be someone from the island itself.
But, when DAP members, for example Lim Guan Eng left his home state to come and contest here, there are people who are willing to support him.
"This should not be the case," he added.
Media Coverage of Election Campaign
Everyone is biased and loyal to their owner. To each his own. This is the general election and that's how the media game is played, folks. And the way the cookie crumbles.
Bernama chairman Mohd Annuar Zaini said that there is media freedom in covering the country's 12th general election.
He said loyalty to media owners was not the monopoly of the mainstream media which have been accused of being overly-biased to the ruling party.
The media belonging to the opposition had also demonstrated their bias.
"The accusers should also read materials published by the opposition parties, their publishers too are very loyal to them. This is the nature of media practice in the country," he said when interviewed as a pannelist on a special current affairs talkshow titled "Media dan Pilihan Raya" (The Election and the Media) on Radio Television Malaysia's TV1 channel Wednesday night.
Touching on certain groups said to be unhappy about the election coverage by the MSM, he said it was caused by their own lack of objectivity as they had already taken sides and refused to accept the facts presented to them.
Annuar said the problem with such people was that they "only saw what they wanted to see".
To a caller to the show who claimed that an English newspaper did not give a chance for the opposition to air their views, he quoted a survey which showed the daily mentioned gave about 25.8 per cent of its news coverage to news about the opposition.
He said 45 more per cent of space in the newspaper constituted neutral news which added up to 70.8 per cent leaving only a paltry sum for government parties.
"As such it is incorrect to say mainstream media are biased and don't give room for news on the opposition although we do not deny there are some who don't (give any room for the opposition)," he said, adding that any accusations made should be backed up with facts.
He also wanted the media when making criticisms to do so in a fair manner, saying Bernama TV, which was launched on Feb 29, had also been told the same, to broadcast news that was factual and not slight people.
Bernama chairman Mohd Annuar Zaini said that there is media freedom in covering the country's 12th general election.
He said loyalty to media owners was not the monopoly of the mainstream media which have been accused of being overly-biased to the ruling party.
The media belonging to the opposition had also demonstrated their bias.
Here's the rest of the Bernama story.
Annuar said each media organisation in their wisdom would show loyalty to their owners and if there were accusations of unfairness, it should also be seen in the light of media published by owners who are closely connected to opposition parties.
"The accusers should also read materials published by the opposition parties, their publishers too are very loyal to them. This is the nature of media practice in the country," he said when interviewed as a pannelist on a special current affairs talkshow titled "Media dan Pilihan Raya" (The Election and the Media) on Radio Television Malaysia's TV1 channel Wednesday night.
Touching on certain groups said to be unhappy about the election coverage by the MSM, he said it was caused by their own lack of objectivity as they had already taken sides and refused to accept the facts presented to them.
Annuar said the problem with such people was that they "only saw what they wanted to see".
To a caller to the show who claimed that an English newspaper did not give a chance for the opposition to air their views, he quoted a survey which showed the daily mentioned gave about 25.8 per cent of its news coverage to news about the opposition.
He said 45 more per cent of space in the newspaper constituted neutral news which added up to 70.8 per cent leaving only a paltry sum for government parties.
"As such it is incorrect to say mainstream media are biased and don't give room for news on the opposition although we do not deny there are some who don't (give any room for the opposition)," he said, adding that any accusations made should be backed up with facts.
He also wanted the media when making criticisms to do so in a fair manner, saying Bernama TV, which was launched on Feb 29, had also been told the same, to broadcast news that was factual and not slight people.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Why The People of Kelantan Should Vote For the BN
Because the BN can propel the State to greater heights which is in line with the coalition's campaign theme "New Kelantan, Progressive Kelantan".
Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this in Kota Baharu today.
And projects worth RM10 billion.
Here's the Bernama story.
KOTA BAHARU, March 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Barisan Nasional (BN) fielded candidates with leadership qualities who could propel Kelantan to greater heights in line with the theme "New Kelantan, Progressive Kelantan".
As the state lagged behind in terms of development as a result of the 18-year PAS rule, the prime minister said BN considered it as a challenge to carry out projects worth RM10 billion in Kelantan as spelled out in its manifesto.
"I urge the people of Kelantan to vote for BN. After being under PAS rule for 18 years, do you still want to continue living under the same condition?" he said when addressing a crowd of about 5,000 people in Melor here Tuesday.
Abdullah wants Kelantan BN to continue to develop the state by engaging the locals and find jobs for the youths.
He said the federal government would provide adequate funds for the development of Kelantan as long as it was governed by BN. "For instance, in Terengganu, the fast pace development has enabled the contractors to thrive as there are plenty of jobs."
He said small contractors in Kelantan would benefit from the spill-over of development projects planned for the state while more jobs would be created.
"It is up to the people to choose the state government which is sincere in developing Kelantan.
"Ask yourself what you want for your satisfaction come Saturday. If you were to ask Pak Lah, he'll say, 'vote for BN, New Kelantan, Progressive Kelantan'. God willing, you are not making a wrong choice," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after meeting the Kelantan Umno liaison committee Tuesday night, Abdullah said Deputy Finance Minister and Bachok MP Datuk Dr Awang Adek would be the new Menteri Besar if BN captures Kelantan.
To ensure victory, he said he had asked the state Umno election machinery to double up its efforts to ensure that BN wins in Kelantan.
He said there were signs that the people wanted change based on his recent visits to Kelantan.
Later, Abdullah visited Awang Adek's mother who passed away at the Darul Naim Medical Centre here, before leaving for Penang.
Mek Wok Nor, 81, who was diabetic and had a heart ailment, died at 10.35pm Tuesday.- BERNAMA
Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this in Kota Baharu today.
And projects worth RM10 billion.
Here's the Bernama story.
KOTA BAHARU, March 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Barisan Nasional (BN) fielded candidates with leadership qualities who could propel Kelantan to greater heights in line with the theme "New Kelantan, Progressive Kelantan".
As the state lagged behind in terms of development as a result of the 18-year PAS rule, the prime minister said BN considered it as a challenge to carry out projects worth RM10 billion in Kelantan as spelled out in its manifesto.
"I urge the people of Kelantan to vote for BN. After being under PAS rule for 18 years, do you still want to continue living under the same condition?" he said when addressing a crowd of about 5,000 people in Melor here Tuesday.
Abdullah wants Kelantan BN to continue to develop the state by engaging the locals and find jobs for the youths.
He said the federal government would provide adequate funds for the development of Kelantan as long as it was governed by BN. "For instance, in Terengganu, the fast pace development has enabled the contractors to thrive as there are plenty of jobs."
He said small contractors in Kelantan would benefit from the spill-over of development projects planned for the state while more jobs would be created.
"It is up to the people to choose the state government which is sincere in developing Kelantan.
"Ask yourself what you want for your satisfaction come Saturday. If you were to ask Pak Lah, he'll say, 'vote for BN, New Kelantan, Progressive Kelantan'. God willing, you are not making a wrong choice," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after meeting the Kelantan Umno liaison committee Tuesday night, Abdullah said Deputy Finance Minister and Bachok MP Datuk Dr Awang Adek would be the new Menteri Besar if BN captures Kelantan.
To ensure victory, he said he had asked the state Umno election machinery to double up its efforts to ensure that BN wins in Kelantan.
He said there were signs that the people wanted change based on his recent visits to Kelantan.
Later, Abdullah visited Awang Adek's mother who passed away at the Darul Naim Medical Centre here, before leaving for Penang.
Mek Wok Nor, 81, who was diabetic and had a heart ailment, died at 10.35pm Tuesday.- BERNAMA
And Over to Najib on the Indelible Ink..
KUALA TERENGGANU, March 5 (bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described the move by the Election Commission (EC) to reverse its earlier decision to use indelible ink on the nails or fingers of voters as most appropriate.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the decision was felt necessary to avoid the possibility of chaos or tension during the polling day on Saturday.
He said if the proposal were to be adopted, there was a possibility that certain parties would sabotage the election, thereby denying the rights of voters to discharge their responsibility to vote.
"The reversal was made because of the two possibilities, namely the act of sabotage...meaning there are people who can influence some voters to use almost similar ink on various grounds.
"In such cases, they are not eligible to vote. If they are not eligible to vote, we are denying their rights under the national constitution and this will lead to chaos and tension on polling day," he said.
He said this to reporters after a gathering with Felda settlers here today. Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is on a one-day visit to Terengganu.
Also present at the function were Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Idris Jusoh and Felda Chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor.
Yesterday, the EC reversed its earlier decision to use indelible ink on the nails of voters on the polling day.
EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said the security report received by the EC revealed that there were certain groups in Malaysia who were planning to buy the ink from abroad.
These groups were said to be planning to swipe the ink of the nails of voters in the rural areas to create confusion and suspicion on these voters.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the decision was felt necessary to avoid the possibility of chaos or tension during the polling day on Saturday.
He said if the proposal were to be adopted, there was a possibility that certain parties would sabotage the election, thereby denying the rights of voters to discharge their responsibility to vote.
"The reversal was made because of the two possibilities, namely the act of sabotage...meaning there are people who can influence some voters to use almost similar ink on various grounds.
"In such cases, they are not eligible to vote. If they are not eligible to vote, we are denying their rights under the national constitution and this will lead to chaos and tension on polling day," he said.
He said this to reporters after a gathering with Felda settlers here today. Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is on a one-day visit to Terengganu.
Also present at the function were Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Idris Jusoh and Felda Chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor.
Yesterday, the EC reversed its earlier decision to use indelible ink on the nails of voters on the polling day.
EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said the security report received by the EC revealed that there were certain groups in Malaysia who were planning to buy the ink from abroad.
These groups were said to be planning to swipe the ink of the nails of voters in the rural areas to create confusion and suspicion on these voters.
The PM Explains EC's Decision on Indelible Ink
KOTA BAHARU, March 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says that the move by the Election Commission (EC) to call off its earlier decision to use indelible ink on the nails or fingers of voters on Saturday is to avoid registered voters from being victimised.
The Prime Minister said it was felt that such a decision by the EC was necessary to prevent certain parties from thwarting the electoral process by preventing voters to exercise their democratic right to vote.
"There is a possibility of certain actions by certain quarters that could give rise to chaos and there is a likelihood that those who want to vote could not do so as their fingers were already stained with ink.
"As such, this sort of victimisation should not be allowed," he told reporters after meeting leaders of the Kelantan Umno Liaison Body Tuesday night.
Among those who attended were the head of the body, Datuk Seri Annuar Musa, and his deputy, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, as well as a number of Kelantan BN candidates for the general election.
The Prime Minister said he had also read a report prepared by various authorities in connection with the possibility of some groups wanting to thwart or sabotage the general election, especially in Kelantan, by bringing in the indelible ink.
Abdullah, who is also the Internal Security, said that in facing that possibility, it was therefore appropriate for the EC to protect its integrity.
"What is more important is that the rights of the people who had registered to vote must be upheld.
"That must be the guarantee from the EC to all citizens and voters on March 8," he said.
Abdullah denied that the EC's move was as a result of instructions from him or Barisan Nasional (BN).
"This was not our (BN's) work. This was a decision by the EC," he said.
Abdullah said the EC should now invite representatives from all political parties and explain to them in detail why it called off the use of indelible ink in the general election.
"I have informed Datuk Radzi (BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad) to get detailed explanations from the EC," he said.
In Putrajaya today, EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman announced the cancellation of its earlier decision to use indelible ink on voters in the general election following advice from the legal point of view and public safety.
Abdul Rashid said investigations following a report to the police had confirmed that irresponsible groups had bought the ink from abroad to persuade and bribe those who were not so sure about the use of the ink by smearing ink on their fingers even before they voted.
"The EC is extremely disappointed over the decision. But we need to make a firm and final decision to ensure our obligation and responsibility towards a smooth election process as well as public safety," he said.
The Prime Minister said it was felt that such a decision by the EC was necessary to prevent certain parties from thwarting the electoral process by preventing voters to exercise their democratic right to vote.
"There is a possibility of certain actions by certain quarters that could give rise to chaos and there is a likelihood that those who want to vote could not do so as their fingers were already stained with ink.
"As such, this sort of victimisation should not be allowed," he told reporters after meeting leaders of the Kelantan Umno Liaison Body Tuesday night.
Among those who attended were the head of the body, Datuk Seri Annuar Musa, and his deputy, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, as well as a number of Kelantan BN candidates for the general election.
The Prime Minister said he had also read a report prepared by various authorities in connection with the possibility of some groups wanting to thwart or sabotage the general election, especially in Kelantan, by bringing in the indelible ink.
Abdullah, who is also the Internal Security, said that in facing that possibility, it was therefore appropriate for the EC to protect its integrity.
"What is more important is that the rights of the people who had registered to vote must be upheld.
"That must be the guarantee from the EC to all citizens and voters on March 8," he said.
Abdullah denied that the EC's move was as a result of instructions from him or Barisan Nasional (BN).
"This was not our (BN's) work. This was a decision by the EC," he said.
Abdullah said the EC should now invite representatives from all political parties and explain to them in detail why it called off the use of indelible ink in the general election.
"I have informed Datuk Radzi (BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad) to get detailed explanations from the EC," he said.
In Putrajaya today, EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman announced the cancellation of its earlier decision to use indelible ink on voters in the general election following advice from the legal point of view and public safety.
Abdul Rashid said investigations following a report to the police had confirmed that irresponsible groups had bought the ink from abroad to persuade and bribe those who were not so sure about the use of the ink by smearing ink on their fingers even before they voted.
"The EC is extremely disappointed over the decision. But we need to make a firm and final decision to ensure our obligation and responsibility towards a smooth election process as well as public safety," he said.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Tuesdays With Bapak
All About Love -- Tuesday March 4 2008
One Sunday afternoon, Adel asked me a question about -- love.
I blushed. My tongue got numb as though someone injected a heavy dose of anesthesia into it.
I could not speak.
Adel had never asked me about love, falling in love or about girlfriends. Or anything remotely related to any of these subjects.
But he had, after all turned 18, and had teased me about being eligible "to go to a strip club and ordering a martini".
I'll be honest. I'm not a prude neither am I overly liberal.
But I almost freaked out when he said that.
But cleverly, Adel did not wait for my response. He quickly quipped "joking, mummy, joking".
To which I replied: "Must be that James Bond movie you watched on dvd. Martini?"
(Not beer, not wine...but martini. So James Bond. Shaken and not stirred, I bet!)
I remember discussing the subject of love with Bapak. Not when I was 18. But after I had got married.
For several years before I got married, the subject of "love and marriage" was hardly one that I relished discussing with Bapak because, during that time I was in a very complicated relationship.
I found it so uncomfortable everytime the subject cropped up -- like when a relative or someone close to us, was going through a bad patch in her marriage.
That day, Adel actually asked me a very simple question.
"What is the right age to fall in love?"
After I got myself composed and collected, I attempted to answer him with something like, "there's no right age to fall in love." Which was not quite the answer I wanted to give.
"I can fall in love now?", he asked.
"Yes....I mean no, I mean yes....you're still studying, Adel", I replied, a little panicky.
"I am 18, mummy. How old were you when you fell in love?", he asked, kind of challenging me to tell the truth.
"Twenty-three, after I graduated and a year after I started working", I said. Technically that was the truth.
It was a rather difficult conversation because I did not like probing questions from my son so there was a lot of evasiveness and elusiveness on my part. I gave him very generalised and vague answers.
It was easier when he asked me about girls.
I thought he'd done okay since he was "on the right track".
Sometime in 2006 when he was in form 4, Adel began jogging and swimming frequently and played soccer, basketball and tennis regularly and seriously. He continued doing all this through form 5 although that was his (major) exam year.
I never asked him why and thought nothing of it. I was, for one, very happy that he was keeping fit.
During one family gathering at Bapak's or Kak Olin's, I overheard his conversation with an older male cousin (or was it an uncle?).
The conversation touched on games and sports and about Adel's interest and participation in them. It was an animated discussion.
At one point I heard Adel say, rather casually , "that's how you get the girls in college".
"Girls like guys who play games and sports", Adel had remarked.
I was stumped. He was keeping fit and playing all those games to get the girls in college?
Where did he get that idea?
He's not really wrong. Not entirely right, either. But that's so American teen movies. So superficial.
I remember butting in and said: "Adel, brawn is not everything. It's what's inside that counts!"
I don't know whether that escaped him. He seemed to have been taken aback by his mummy 's interruption and said nothing.
Well, he seems to be on the right track. Who am I to argue that attraction is physical first. When everything else is mutual, the rest will fall in place, fits snugly and nicely.
That Sunday, he asked me whether his Datuk or Andung had ever given me advice on falling in love.
I said yes. But I did not say whether I had ever listened to their advice.
"What was the best advice Datuk had ever given you?".
Ok.. there's no such thing as best advice.
"Not about love. I suppose on marriage and I suppose it applies to relationships," I said.
On one occasion, when Bapak was discussing someone's marital problem, he advised us that whenever we "gaduh dengan suami", to "never push him to the wall."
"Leave him room to act and react." Something to that effect.
I don't think Adel could relate to this just yet.
What about Andung, Adel asked.
"Mmmmm. Not to love your husband more than he loves you."
Adel's eyes blinked.
Never mind, Adel. That one is seriously for the girls. But, I'll remember to dish out to you some good (haha) advice when you are in a serious relationship. And that's nowhere in the foreseeable future.
Besides....I think Andung's advice is easier said than done.
One Sunday afternoon, Adel asked me a question about -- love.
I blushed. My tongue got numb as though someone injected a heavy dose of anesthesia into it.
I could not speak.
Adel had never asked me about love, falling in love or about girlfriends. Or anything remotely related to any of these subjects.
But he had, after all turned 18, and had teased me about being eligible "to go to a strip club and ordering a martini".
I'll be honest. I'm not a prude neither am I overly liberal.
But I almost freaked out when he said that.
But cleverly, Adel did not wait for my response. He quickly quipped "joking, mummy, joking".
To which I replied: "Must be that James Bond movie you watched on dvd. Martini?"
(Not beer, not wine...but martini. So James Bond. Shaken and not stirred, I bet!)
I remember discussing the subject of love with Bapak. Not when I was 18. But after I had got married.
For several years before I got married, the subject of "love and marriage" was hardly one that I relished discussing with Bapak because, during that time I was in a very complicated relationship.
I found it so uncomfortable everytime the subject cropped up -- like when a relative or someone close to us, was going through a bad patch in her marriage.
That day, Adel actually asked me a very simple question.
"What is the right age to fall in love?"
After I got myself composed and collected, I attempted to answer him with something like, "there's no right age to fall in love." Which was not quite the answer I wanted to give.
"I can fall in love now?", he asked.
"Yes....I mean no, I mean yes....you're still studying, Adel", I replied, a little panicky.
"I am 18, mummy. How old were you when you fell in love?", he asked, kind of challenging me to tell the truth.
"Twenty-three, after I graduated and a year after I started working", I said. Technically that was the truth.
It was a rather difficult conversation because I did not like probing questions from my son so there was a lot of evasiveness and elusiveness on my part. I gave him very generalised and vague answers.
It was easier when he asked me about girls.
I thought he'd done okay since he was "on the right track".
Sometime in 2006 when he was in form 4, Adel began jogging and swimming frequently and played soccer, basketball and tennis regularly and seriously. He continued doing all this through form 5 although that was his (major) exam year.
I never asked him why and thought nothing of it. I was, for one, very happy that he was keeping fit.
During one family gathering at Bapak's or Kak Olin's, I overheard his conversation with an older male cousin (or was it an uncle?).
The conversation touched on games and sports and about Adel's interest and participation in them. It was an animated discussion.
At one point I heard Adel say, rather casually , "that's how you get the girls in college".
"Girls like guys who play games and sports", Adel had remarked.
I was stumped. He was keeping fit and playing all those games to get the girls in college?
Where did he get that idea?
He's not really wrong. Not entirely right, either. But that's so American teen movies. So superficial.
I remember butting in and said: "Adel, brawn is not everything. It's what's inside that counts!"
I don't know whether that escaped him. He seemed to have been taken aback by his mummy 's interruption and said nothing.
Well, he seems to be on the right track. Who am I to argue that attraction is physical first. When everything else is mutual, the rest will fall in place, fits snugly and nicely.
That Sunday, he asked me whether his Datuk or Andung had ever given me advice on falling in love.
I said yes. But I did not say whether I had ever listened to their advice.
"What was the best advice Datuk had ever given you?".
Ok.. there's no such thing as best advice.
"Not about love. I suppose on marriage and I suppose it applies to relationships," I said.
On one occasion, when Bapak was discussing someone's marital problem, he advised us that whenever we "gaduh dengan suami", to "never push him to the wall."
"Leave him room to act and react." Something to that effect.
I don't think Adel could relate to this just yet.
What about Andung, Adel asked.
"Mmmmm. Not to love your husband more than he loves you."
Adel's eyes blinked.
Never mind, Adel. That one is seriously for the girls. But, I'll remember to dish out to you some good (haha) advice when you are in a serious relationship. And that's nowhere in the foreseeable future.
Besides....I think Andung's advice is easier said than done.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Kelantan Or Bust
Well, that's generally the whole idea as far as the Barisan Nasional is concerned.
If it does not recapture Kelantan now, it might as well wrap it all up and ciao.
After all, there is no reason to feel demoralised since the 2004 general election.
There is every reason to be hopeful.
Did the BN not win 21 of the 45 state seats, and later, one more following a by-election.
So, BN leaders, and specifically Umno's, are naturally encouraged by the coalition's "small" defeat in the state.
"It is a one-seat majority. That's good", said an Umno supporter in Kelantan.
Some describe BN's defeat in Kelantan as a handsome one. Figuratively.
BN lost the battle but not the war. It was, by any measure, a moral victory for Kelantan Umno.
The prospects to recapture the state (it lost to PAS in 1990) should be good.
Umno's "Win Kelantan" masterplan or blueprint or strategy had been taking shape and perfected for quite some time.
"Kelantan is under siege," said a voter, referring to the presence of Umno's big guns in the state -- from the partry presiednt, deputy president right down the line.
The mighty BN seems unstoppable, buoyed and encourage by what is perceived to be Umno's growing popularity in the state and Pas' long-term lacklustre administration.
Even Najib Abdul Razak from day one cheered on about "Tahun Merawat Kelantan" (The Year To Cure Kelantan).
And we know about the "Padeh Doh" slogan which has got some mixed reviews.
Some like it. Some don't.
But it was also Najib who reminded Kelantan Umno not to slack, slip and slide.
PAS would win back Kelantan by default, he said.
Najib was referring to the infamous Umno infighting in Kelantan.
Get your act together, he warned.
The message was intended for the camps of Kelantan Umno chief Annuar Musa, Menteri Besar-designate Awang Adek and Mustapa Mohamed.
Political observers said that on paper, the prognosis seems to be bright for Umno.
"They've got the money and the machinery to make things happen. But, sometimes other factors interfere to derail plans," said one, referring to the infighting.
Other than that, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, just about anything.
"This is Kelantan. You can never really tell. In 2004, everyone thought Umno would win. It did not. And many things can happen in 3 years. Many things have," said a PAS supporter.
For PAS, its unimpressive win in 2004 certainly had to do with the wind of change -- the transition of power from Dr Mahathir to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"By the skin of their teeth," said an Umno insider.
Still, there is PAS spiritual advisor, the one and only Nik Aziz. No kidding.
Umno is not about to trivialise his role and influence in Kelantan.
The old man is no pushover, as many Umno captains will attest.
I, like many others, am waiting with bated breath to see which way the wind is blowing this time? And how strongly.
Is Umno's "we will bring you development" hard sell convincing?
Because there are many who are not amused by what they see as the BN government denying Kelantan its due development.
Is the BN kind of development what Kelantanese really want in the bigger scheme of things?
Have Kelantanese finally given up on Pas?
And has the BN managed to turn over the Pas faithfuls?
For either side, it is indeed a case of "Kelantan or bust".
If it does not recapture Kelantan now, it might as well wrap it all up and ciao.
After all, there is no reason to feel demoralised since the 2004 general election.
There is every reason to be hopeful.
Did the BN not win 21 of the 45 state seats, and later, one more following a by-election.
So, BN leaders, and specifically Umno's, are naturally encouraged by the coalition's "small" defeat in the state.
"It is a one-seat majority. That's good", said an Umno supporter in Kelantan.
Some describe BN's defeat in Kelantan as a handsome one. Figuratively.
BN lost the battle but not the war. It was, by any measure, a moral victory for Kelantan Umno.
The prospects to recapture the state (it lost to PAS in 1990) should be good.
Umno's "Win Kelantan" masterplan or blueprint or strategy had been taking shape and perfected for quite some time.
"Kelantan is under siege," said a voter, referring to the presence of Umno's big guns in the state -- from the partry presiednt, deputy president right down the line.
The mighty BN seems unstoppable, buoyed and encourage by what is perceived to be Umno's growing popularity in the state and Pas' long-term lacklustre administration.
Even Najib Abdul Razak from day one cheered on about "Tahun Merawat Kelantan" (The Year To Cure Kelantan).
And we know about the "Padeh Doh" slogan which has got some mixed reviews.
Some like it. Some don't.
But it was also Najib who reminded Kelantan Umno not to slack, slip and slide.
PAS would win back Kelantan by default, he said.
Najib was referring to the infamous Umno infighting in Kelantan.
Get your act together, he warned.
The message was intended for the camps of Kelantan Umno chief Annuar Musa, Menteri Besar-designate Awang Adek and Mustapa Mohamed.
Political observers said that on paper, the prognosis seems to be bright for Umno.
"They've got the money and the machinery to make things happen. But, sometimes other factors interfere to derail plans," said one, referring to the infighting.
Other than that, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, just about anything.
"This is Kelantan. You can never really tell. In 2004, everyone thought Umno would win. It did not. And many things can happen in 3 years. Many things have," said a PAS supporter.
For PAS, its unimpressive win in 2004 certainly had to do with the wind of change -- the transition of power from Dr Mahathir to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"By the skin of their teeth," said an Umno insider.
Still, there is PAS spiritual advisor, the one and only Nik Aziz. No kidding.
Umno is not about to trivialise his role and influence in Kelantan.
The old man is no pushover, as many Umno captains will attest.
I, like many others, am waiting with bated breath to see which way the wind is blowing this time? And how strongly.
Is Umno's "we will bring you development" hard sell convincing?
Because there are many who are not amused by what they see as the BN government denying Kelantan its due development.
Is the BN kind of development what Kelantanese really want in the bigger scheme of things?
Have Kelantanese finally given up on Pas?
And has the BN managed to turn over the Pas faithfuls?
For either side, it is indeed a case of "Kelantan or bust".
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Getting Closer
just about 5 days to go before polling.
The last election, to be honest, I voted for "party". The only candidate I knew then was Keadilan's Sivarasa. I didn't know the other candidates.
But, it was a feel-good time. So I voted "party".
Although I live in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, I am not voting in this area because I registered using the address in my ID which is in Section 16, PJ (under Bukit Gasing state and PJ Selatan parliamentary seats).
This election, the BN is represented by MCA's Donald Lim (in PJS) and Gerakan's Dr Lim Thuan Seng (Bukit Gasing) while the opposition is represented by PKR's Hee Loy Sian and DAP's Edward Lee Poh Lin respectively.
I know (of) Donald Lim only because I used to work for a newspaper and, so I am familiar with political leaders and members.
Here's the thing, as a PJ resident, I know who Dr Lim is but I do not know Hee and Lee from Adam.
However, as a literate and educated citizen of this country, I searched for Hee and Lee in cyberspace and, of course, found stuff about them.
Like this.
I was not there at the "debate". But I sure can feel the vibes already.
True, I know of Donald Lim and Dr Lim but, frankly I have never met them. I have neither met Hee nor Lee.
So, actually, I do not know any of the candidates at all.
Be that as it may, the situation has not left me uncertain because I have asked myself several crucial questions and to which I found easy answers.
Piece of cake.
Makes it easy for me to decide who I'll be voting for.
I am so ready to "pangkah" the ballot paper.
Hope you are too!
The last election, to be honest, I voted for "party". The only candidate I knew then was Keadilan's Sivarasa. I didn't know the other candidates.
But, it was a feel-good time. So I voted "party".
Although I live in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, I am not voting in this area because I registered using the address in my ID which is in Section 16, PJ (under Bukit Gasing state and PJ Selatan parliamentary seats).
This election, the BN is represented by MCA's Donald Lim (in PJS) and Gerakan's Dr Lim Thuan Seng (Bukit Gasing) while the opposition is represented by PKR's Hee Loy Sian and DAP's Edward Lee Poh Lin respectively.
I know (of) Donald Lim only because I used to work for a newspaper and, so I am familiar with political leaders and members.
Here's the thing, as a PJ resident, I know who Dr Lim is but I do not know Hee and Lee from Adam.
However, as a literate and educated citizen of this country, I searched for Hee and Lee in cyberspace and, of course, found stuff about them.
Like this.
I was not there at the "debate". But I sure can feel the vibes already.
True, I know of Donald Lim and Dr Lim but, frankly I have never met them. I have neither met Hee nor Lee.
So, actually, I do not know any of the candidates at all.
Be that as it may, the situation has not left me uncertain because I have asked myself several crucial questions and to which I found easy answers.
Piece of cake.
Makes it easy for me to decide who I'll be voting for.
I am so ready to "pangkah" the ballot paper.
Hope you are too!
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