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New Cabinet line up

April 10th, 2009
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Old cabinet: 32 Ministers, 38 Deputies, 28 Ministries

New cabinet: 28 Ministers, 40 Deputies, 25 Ministries

Thus, nett decrease of 2 positions.

Of the ministers, 19 (65.5%) are from Umno (including PM and DPM), MCA (4), MIC (1), Gerakan (1), PBB-Sarawak (1), Supp-Sarawak (1), PBS-Sabah (1) and Upko-Sabah (1) – Total 29 Ministers (including PM, DPM and Finance Minister 2)

Of the deputy ministers, 17  (42.5%) are from Umno, MCA (7), PPP (1), MIC (2), Gerakan (2), PBB-Sarawak (3), Supp-Sarawak (2), LDP-Sabah (1), SPDP (2), PRS-Sarawak (2), PBRS-Sabah (1) – Total 40 Deputy Ministers

See chart of new cabinet (Malaysiakini)

FULL LIST

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (Umno)

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)

Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department

Koh Tsu Koon – Unity Affairs & Performance Management (Gerakan)
Nazri Abdul Aziz – Minister in charge of Law and Parliament (Umno)
Nor Mohamed Yaakop – Economic Planning Unit (Umno)
Major Gen Jamil Khir Baharom – Islamic Affairs (Umno)

Deputies
Liew Vui Keong (LDP)
Mashitah Ibrahim (senator, Umno)
SK Devamany (MIC)
Ahmad Maslan (Umno)
T Murugiah (senator, PPP)

Finance Ministry

Najib Abdul Razak (1) (Umno)
Ahmad Husni Hanadzlan (2) (Umno)

Deputies
Chor Chee Heong (MCA)
Awang Adek Hussien (senator, Umno)

Education Ministry Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)

Deputies
Wee Ka Siong (MCA)
Puad Zarkashi (Umno)

Transport Ministry Ong Tee Keat (MCA)

Deputies
Abdul Rahim Bakri (Umno)
Robert Lau Hoi Chew (Supp-Sarawak)

Plantation Industry and Commodities Bernard Dompok (Upko-Sabah)

Deputy
Hamzah Zainuddin (Umno)

Home Affairs Hishammuddin Hussein (Umno)

Deputies
Abu Seman Yusop (Umno)
Jelaing Mersat (SPDP-Sarawak)

Information, Communication, Arts and Culture Rais Yatim (Umno)

Deputies
Joseph Salang Gandum (PRS-Sarawak)
Heng Seai Kie (senator, MCA)

Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin Fah Kui (Supp-Sarawak)

Deputy
Noriah Kasnon (Umno)

Rural Development and Territories Shafie Apdal (Umno)

Deputies
Hassan Malek (Umno)
Joseph Entulu Belaun (PRS-Sarawak)

Higher Education Khaled Nordin (Umno)

Deputies
Hou Kok Chung (MCA)
Saifuddin Abdullah (Umno)

International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamad (Umno)

Deputies
Mukhriz Mahathir (Umno)
Jacob Dungau Sagan (SPDP-Sarawak)

Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS-Sabah)

Deputy
Fadillah Yusof (PPB-Sarawak)

Natural Resources and Environment Douglas Uggah Embas (PPB-Sarawak)

Deputy
Joseph Kurup (PBRS-Sabah)

Tourism Ng Yen Yen (MCA)

Deputy
Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib (PBB-Sarawak)

Agriculture Noh Omar (Umno)

Deputies
Johari Baharom (Umno)
Rohani Abdul Karim (PBB-Sarawak)

Defence Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Umno)

Deputy
Abdul Latif Ahmad (Umno)

Works Shaziman Abu Mansor (Umno)

Deputy
Yong Khoon Seng (Supp-Sarawak)

Health Liow Tiong Lai (MCA)

Deputy
Rosnah Rashid Shilin (Umno)

Youth and Sports Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno)

Deputies
Razali Ibrahim (Umno)
Wee Jeck Seng (MCA)

Human Resource Dr S Subramaniam (MIC)

Deputy
Maznah Mazlan (Umno)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno)

Deputy
Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan)

Housing and Local Government Kong Cho Ha (MCA)

Deputy
Lajim Ukin (Umno)

Women, Family and Society Development Sharizat Abdul Jalil (senator, Umno)

Deputy
Chew Mei Fun (senator, MCA)

Foreign Anifah Aman (Umno)

Deputies
A Kohilan Pillay (senator, Gerakan), Lee Chee Leong (senator, MCA)

Federal Territories Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin (Umno)

Deputy
M Saravanan (MIC)

Dropped Ministers:

1. Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (Home)

2. Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed (Works)

3. Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique (FT)

4. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Tourism)

5. Senator Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib (Rural)

6. Senator Datuk Amirsham A Aziz (EPU)

7. Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan

All MIC reps kept their old posts. Gerakan’s Kohilan Pillay is moved from Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry to Foreign Ministry.

Other surprises include MCA Wanita Chew Mei Fun who is appointed as Senator and will be Deputy Minister in Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Rais Yatim, as widely predicated, is retained in the new cabinet.

However, the biggest surprise comes in the form of snub to Khairy (UMNO Youth Chief). Not only he did not get any post, his deputy  Razali Ibrahim was appointed as Deputy Minister in Youth and Sports Ministry. His enemy Mukhriz Mahathir got himself a Deputy Minister post in International Trade & Industry Ministry. Whatever the logic or reason given by PM Najib, it will be seen as influence from Mahathir.

So, will it work? The new team will need some time to prove itself. One year?

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Pakatan 2, BN 1

April 7th, 2009
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Well, after hectic days of campaigning, the resignation of Kalaivanar, and the last minute campaign attempt by Mahathir, BN lost by  a slightly bigger majority in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang. In both places, the majority increased, but if not for the bigshots turun padang, the results could have been worse. Of course, its worth mentioning that MIC was very confident of winning handsomely in Bukit Selambau, alas, the makkal were smarter (or otherwise, depends on who you ask). The promises (empty or otherwise) did not have the desired effects.

This time, we saw both federal and state governments offering tid-bits to the citizens, so in the end the rakyat got something positive.

Meanwhile in Batang Ai, BN retained its seat with an increased majority of about 800, I think.

As expected, none of the independents got back their deposits.

In Perak, the result puts more pressure on the questionable BN government as the highest turnout in the history of the constituency gave PAS’ Nizar a place in Dewan Rakyat. The Sultan’s previous decision may be viewed less favorably now if the status quo remains. Its time to eat the humble pie and call for elections.

According to Malaysiakini report,  PKR had blazed ahead in almost all the non-Malay areas with the exception of the predominantly Indian area of Bukit Lembu in Bukit Selambau. The presence of Samy Vellu, resignation of Kalaivanar, Kugan issue, release of Hindraf 2 all played a role in the results – but to what extent, hard to say. Whatever it is, its a major setback for MIC’s rebranding program as it was widely proclaimed that the win here would be proof of the rebranding’s success. Looks like its back to the drawing board for those guys.

In Sarawak, Pakatan has much more work to do.  It doesn’t look as if Sarawak can be won over easily by the next elections. And is it Batang Ai or Batang Air? The newscasters in TV3 and Awani seem to pronounce it as “Air”.

The timeline of results are below, taken from Malaysiakini, The Star:

[MK] 10.55pm Bukit Selambau OFFICIAL RESULTS

S Manikumar (PKR) 12,632
S Ganesan (MIC) 10,229
Majority 2,403

PKR has won with a slight increase in its majority – 41 votes. The 13 Independents collectively garnered 1,200 votes. V Arumugan, who ran as an Independent in the 2008 general elections, won by 2,362 votes. PKR could conceivably win by an even bigger majority if the Independents opt out of the contest.

[STAR] (10:45pm) Bkt Selambau: Official final results – PKR’s Manikumar wins with 2,403 vote majority. PKR 12,632 votes vs BN 10,229 votes. Independents 1,326 votes. Spoilt votes 415.

[STAR] (10:35pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 61 out of 64 streams – PKR 11,856 votes vs BN 9,708 votes. Independents 1,245 votes.

[MK] 10.31pm Bukit Gantang Ousted Perak menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin said at a press conference that his victory in Bukit Gantang send a very strong message to the federal government that Malaysians want real democracy.

He added that he would now request for the dissolution of the Perak Assembly to enable fresh elections to resolve the political impasse in the state.

According to an early analysis of the results, there has been very little change in the Malay votes but PAS managed to win even more non-Malay votes compared to the last election in 2008.

[MK] 10.20pm Bukit Gantang Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has arrived at SSL Traders Hotel in Taiping to meet with BN-appointed menteri besar Zambry Abd Kadir. The DPM did not show any emotions and looked expressionless.

Meanwhile, after ousted menteri besar Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar was declared winner of the Bukit Gantang by-election, the crowd outside the main tally centre began to disperse. Streets of Taiping are wet due to the slight drizzle.

[STAR] (10.00pm) Bkt Selambau: Unofficial results – PKR wins with 2,096 vote majority.

[STAR] (09:55pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 41 out of 64 streams – PKR 7,398 votes vs BN 6,228 votes. Independents 941 votes.

[MK] 9.36pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results

S Manikumar (PKR) 12,607
S Ganesan (BN) 10,232
Majority 2,375

[MK] 9.36pm Bukit Gantang Ousted Perak menteri besar and PAS candidate Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar arrives at the main tally centre in Taiping Town Hall accompanied by cheers from thousands of Pakatan supporters.

[MK] 9.35pm Bukit Gantang Pakatan leaders seen at the main tally centre are PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, PAS chief Ahmad Awang, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, Perak DAP state chief Ngeh Koo Ham, DAP’s Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming and Perak PKR chief Osman Abdul Rahman. The only BN leader there is PPP president M Kayveas [SESAT?].

Also present is Election Commission chief Abdul Aziz Yusof. All are waiting for the arrival of Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar to be officially declared winner.

[STAR] (09:30pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 33 out of 64 streams – PKR 5,880 votes vs BN 4,708 votes. Independents 836 votes.

[MK] 9.20pm Bukit Gantang OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar (PAS) 21,860
Ismail Saffian (BN-Umno) 19,071
Kamarul Ramizu Idris (Ind) 62

Majority – 2,789 (In 2008, the majority was 1,566)

[STAR] (09:15pm) Bkt Gantang: Official final results – From MB to MP, ousted Perak MB Nizar (PAS) wins the parliamentary seat with a 2,789 majority. PAS 21,860 votes vs BN 19,071 votes. Independent 62 votes.

[MK] 9.15pm In an immediate reaction, PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim said that the Pakatan victory in the two ‘bukits’ showed that “irrespective of the new PM, Malaysians still want change.”

“They are even stronger in their support for PKR,” he said. Anwar said that he was satisfied with the result as PKR did not expect to win Batang Ai.

He added that with PAS’ thumping victory in Bukit Gantang, Perak should now have fresh elections.

[STAR] (09:00pm) Bkt Selambau: Unofficial results indicate a victory for PKR candidate S. Manikumar.

[MK] 8.58pm Manikumar wins Bukit Selambau

With all 22 polling boxes counted, Manikumar retained the seat for PKR by winning with a 2,396-vote majority, a slightly higher margin than in the 2008 general elections.

BN candidate S Ganesan is not in the hall. Other MIC leaders are also not present.

[STAR] (08:55pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 22 out of 64 streams – PKR 3,591 votes vs BN 2,765 votes. Independents 368 votes.

[MK] 8.50pm UNOFFICIAL PKR retains Bukit Selambau PKR’s Manikumar wins the seat to retain the status quo in the state assembly.

With only one more polling box to be counted, Manikumar is leading with a 2,092-vote majority. He has been leading in this race from the time the first box was counted.

PAS Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin leaves the party’s operation centre in Air Kuning in an open hatch SUV, and waves to supporters as if he has just won the US presidential race.

[STAR] (08:40pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 16 out of 64 streams – PKR 2,621 votes vs BN 2,034 votes. Independents 254 votes.

[MK] 8.37pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 18,881, BN 15,859, Independent 51. Majority 3,022.

PAS appeared to have an almost unassailable lead with 83.46% of the votes counted and is likely to win this by-election with an increased majority. There are still 16 ballot boxes out of 112 boxes to be tallied.

Party supporters have been asked to go to Taiping Town Hall for the official celebrations.

[MK] 8.25pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar (PAS) has increased his majority over Ismail Saffian (Umno) to more than 3,000 votes.

PAS 18,275, BN 15,101, Independent 47. Majority 3,174.

With 8,000 votes yet to be tallied, PAS is heading towards victory.

[STAR] (08:25pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 96 out of 112 streams – PAS 18,881 votes vs BN 15,869 votes. Independent 51 votes.

[MK] 8.20pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 17,427, BN 15,001, Independent 46. Majority 2,426.

[MK] 8.15pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 16,316, BN 14,061, Independent 40. Majority 2,255.

So far, 64.61 percent of the 41,626 votes have been tallied.

[MK] 8.10pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results PKR’s Manikumar is headed for a big victory. With 17 polling stations counted, he has 2,311 votes. There are only five more centres to go.

[STAR] (08:10pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 81 out of 112 streams – PAS 15,770 votes vs BN 13,079 votes. Independent 42 votes.

[STAR] (08:05pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 10 out of 64 streams – PKR 1,712 votes vs BN 1,142 votes. Independents 140 votes.

In the last general election, V Arumugam got 2,362-vote majority.

[MK] 7.52pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With 15 polling stations counted, PKR is still leading with a majority of 1,294. Seven more polling stations are uncounted.

Meanwhile, the MIC operations centre in Sungai Petani is deserted with all party supporters gone.

[MK] 7.52pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With 12 of the 22 polling stations counted, PKR is leading with 1,161 votes.

BN’s Malcolm Mussem Lamoh (3,907 votes) has beaten PKR’s Jawah Gerang (2,053). The majority is 1,854.

With this result, BN has increased its majority from the 806-vote margin at the 2006 state election.

[STAR] (07:50pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 50 out of 112 streams, including postal votes – PAS 9,761 votes vs BN 7,740 votes. Independent 25 votes.

[STAR] (07:50pm) Bkt Selambau: After nine out of 22 polling streams tallied, PKR candidate S. Manikumar leading by a 1,000-vote majority.

[STAR] (07:45pm) Batang Ai: Returning officer Nelson Mujah declares Malcom Mussem Lamoh of Barisan the official winner, to thunderous cheers.

[MK] 7.40pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 14,720, BN 12,142, Independent 32. Majority 2,577.

More than half of the votes cast have been tallied.

[STAR] (07:40pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 30 out of 112 streams, including postal votes – PAS 5,833 votes vs BN 4,828 votes. Independent 14 votes.

[MK] 7.39pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results PKR is leading by 1,080 votes after 10 polling stations have been counted. There are 12 more polling stations left.

BN 3,450, PKR 1,790. Majority 1,660.

[STAR] (07:35pm) Batang Ai: Official final results – BN wins with 1,854 majority. BN 3,907 votes vs PKR 2,053. BN supporters cheering. Click here for more.

[MK] 7.36pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 13,571, BN 11,191, Independent 31. Majority 2,380.

[MK] 7.27pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With eight polling stations counted, PKR is leading by 1,225 votes. These eight polling areas consist largely of Indian and Chinese voters. There are 14 more polling stations to be counted.

[MK] 7.25pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 11,375, BN 8,998, Independent 29. Majority 2,377.

[MK] 7.20pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 9,423, BN 6,997, Independent 25. Majority 2,426.

About 40 percent of the 41,000 votes have so far been counted.

PAS candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and wife, Perak speaker V Sivakumar and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, Gopeng MP and PKR VP Lee Boon Chai are at the PAS operation centre.

[MK] 7.13pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results After counting five out of 22 polling centres, PKR’s Manikumar is leading by 990 votes.

[MK] 7.10pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 8,932, BN 6,584, Independent 24. Majority 2,348.

[STAR] (07:05pm) Bkt Gantang: Unofficial results from 10 out of 32 voting stations – PAS 8,932 votes vs BN 6,584 votes.

[MK] 7.01pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results After counting four streams of out 64, PKR’s S Manikumar is leading by 578 votes.

[MK] 7pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS’ Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin has increased his lead over BN-Umno’s Ismail Saffian. Independent Kamarul Ramizu Idris is trailing far behind.

PAS 7,294, BN 4,670, Independent 17. Majority 2,624.

[STAR] (06:55pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 25 out of 26 stations – BN 3,508 votes vs PKR 1,912 votes.

[MK] 6.55pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 5,568, BN 3,792, Independent 10. Majority 1,776.

[MK] 6.50pm Bukit Selambau It is a tight race here, admits a MIC leader.

[STAR] (06:45pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 20 out of 26 stations – BN 2,605 votes vs PKR 1,281 votes.

[MK] 6.44pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 4,929, BN 3,161, Independent 9. Majority 1,768.

[STAR] (06:35pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 15 out of 26 stations – BN 1,698 votes vs PKR 831 votes.

[MK] 6.25pm Batang Ai UNOFFICIAL: BN wins Batang Ai. It is leading with an almost unassailable majority of 1,600 after 21 of 24 boxes have been counted. Boxes from polling stations which closed at 5pm are to be counted soon but it is unlikely that PKR will be able overcome the huge vote deficit.

Official results: For 15 out of 26 polling stations – BN 1,698, PKR 831, majority 867.

[STAR] (06:25pm) Batang Ai: Returning officer Nelson Mujah announces official results after votes counted from 10 polling stations is Barisan 830 votes vs PKR 502 votes.

[STAR] (06:10pm) All three: Official final voter turnout:

Bkt Gantang: 75% or 41,626 voters

Bkt Selambau: 70% or 24,687 voters

Batang Ai: 71% or 5,670 voters.

[MK] 5.50pm Batang Ai Latest count: BN has reportedly increased its lead over PKR to 1,000 votes.

[STAR](05:50pm) Batang Ai: Unofficial results after 14 boxes counted – BN 1,799: PKR 930

[MK] 5.45pm Bukit Selambau The final voter turnout figure is about 70 percent, said Kedah EC chief Zainal Abidin Zakaria.

[MK] 5.25pm Batang Ai More unofficial results from the on-going vote count: Gugu – BN 59, PKR 149, Krang Mong – BN 88, PKR 15. BN is still leading.

[MK] 5.20pm Batang Ai The high water level in the Lemanak river resulted in a lower voter turnout. Of the 448, only 366 registered voters cast their ballots. According to elections watchdog Mafrel, several boats capsized when ferrying voters.

[MK] 5pm POLLING CLOSES in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai. Counting of votes for the two Bukits is expected to commence at 5.30pm. For Batang Ai, counting started at 3pm.

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new PM walkabout in KL

April 5th, 2009
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new PM Najib did not waste time. In his second day, PM Najib “turun padang” to visit three areas – two business centres and one housing area. The Petaling Street area, is occupied by a significant number of foreign workers peddling items for sales. Brickfields also has its share of foreign population. Same goes for Kerinchi with its naturalised folks from Indonesia. Thus, its good that the PM can see the not only the three major races, but foreigners as well.

He did not announce any funds/allocations for Petaling Street and Brickfields. Kerinchi’s Vista Angkasa got Rm6.1 million:

Najib also said that the government had approved a RM6.1 million allocation to improve the housing area, which has 1,050 units including 196 low-cost ones.

Out of the allocation, RM2.8 million will be for repainting the blocks, RM1.3 for repairing the roofs, RM1 for improving the anti-lightning system, RM600,000 for replacing the lifts and RM400,000 for improving the telecommunication system.

Najib said the strata titles for the housing area would be issued after the completion of the upgrading works which would begin soon.

Perhaps the FT Ministry haven’t updated the allocation plans for the other two areas, so nothing to announce.

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Questions on the release of ISA detainees

April 5th, 2009
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All this while, I thought its the Home Minister who can sign the detention order and release them. So, its a bit surprising that PM Najib made the announcement and it takes another two days (detainees will exit on Sunday) for the document to be prepared. Not to mention that its very impropable that 13 people can be rehabilitated at the same time. And what happened to the advisory panel/board that’s suppose to meet every 6 month to evaluate a detainees case? Was the board convened in the last two days? Or was its previous report taken into consideration, thus the release of the detainees? Syed Hamid readily admits that it was the new PM’s decision. So is it valid?

More worrying was this statement by him (Syed Hamid):

He (Najib) has put the interest of the nation above self,’’ he said.

This doesn’t seem right to me as it implies that the decision to put those people in detention in the first place may be due to self-interest! Well, at least that’s what I understand.

Something else is also not fully revealed – a number of them who be subjected to a conditional release, says Syed Hamid Albar.

The sudden announcement caught everyone off, so I can safely presume that communication channel between the relevant people is suspect.

Let’s see what Ganapatirao’s wife says:

Ganabatirau’s wife, B. Vuvaneswary, said family members of ISA detainees should be informed when they would be released to facilitate their presence at the Kamunting Detention Centre.

The teacher, who had arrived at the centre at about 7.30am Saturday, told Bernama when contacted at 5.20pm that she was saddened by the statement by InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan Saturday that the detainees, including her husband, would only be released Sunday after they had completed the documentation process.

“I am said that until now the authorities had not contacted me on the status of my husband’s release,” she said.

She lamented that the absence of communication from the authorities had put her family in a difficult situation, adding that she had travelled from Shah Alam at 3am today thinking that her husband would be released Saturday. Vuvaneswary, who was putting up at a relative’s house in Sungai Petani, Kedah, said she would be at the detention centre at 8am tomorrow but wondered whether her husband would be released at the centre or at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur.

“I hope the authorities can provide information on the release of the detainees tomorrow,” she said.

She hopes that the others will be released as well. Meanwhile, Ganabatirau’s brother Raidu said the entire family was thankful to Najib for allowing him to return to his family. He also mentioned that the other 3 should be released as well. Same with the people interviewed by Minnal FM news team. All those interviewed in Bukit Selambau expressed happiness and at the same time expressed hope that the other 3 will be release BEFORE the elections.

Meanwhile, Kengadharan’s wife Dr M. Kalaivani said she was caught by surprise by the news because she did not watch Najib’s announcement on television.

When informed that her husband was to be released, Dr Kalaivani said she would be rushing off to the Kamunting Detention Centre first thing in the morning.

“I dont know what to say! I am excited and am floating on cloud nine. I can finally bring him back home,” exclaimed Dr Kalaivani, who thanked Najib for freeing her husband, adding that their three-year-old son Pavan was also excited to be reunited with his father.

The cops are unsure as well? :

When approached by reporters, a camp warden said he had not received any directive to release the 13 people.

Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah, when contacted, said the matter was being handled by the police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

“I have not received any instructions yet,” he said.

MIC, of course are relieved that the few letters Samy wrote to ex-PM Badawi was useful. They can now claim to have secured the release of 2 of the 5 detainees.

The MIC hopes the Government will release the other three Hindu Rights Action Front members under Internal Security Act detention in addition to the two announced, party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.  “We thank the Government and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for releasing two ISA detainees associated with the banned Hindraf movement,” he said.  Samy Vellu said the MIC was happy that the Government had agreed with the party’s request to release the Hindraf members. “I hope they will release the rest of them quickly as it will make the Indian community happy,” he said.

PM Najib said the move to release the detainees is proof that the government is not repressive and that the government has the best interest of the people at heart. For him, its not a populist move:

“If we don’t release them, they will say the government is repressive. If we release them, they will say we are populist. “So which is which?” he said to reporters during a press conference at his Sri Satria residence on Saturday.

Unfortunately, it surely looks like one. Take if from the expert himself – Mahathir, who in his own sly way, said this:

“I think it is a good move. I don’t know if you remember, but when I became Prime Minister I released 21 people who were held under ISA.

“So I thought it was good for me, so it must be good for Najib too,” Dr Mahathir said.

Hmm.. besides highlighting the copycat move, it also cements the notion that its a “good” thing to do, i.e. populist.

Bottomline is, if one can free them just like that, how long does it take to put someone in there first? Are these people actually guilty or  merely victims? Scary indeed.

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5 percent indians in IPTA intake

April 4th, 2009
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Makkal Osai quoted Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T. Murugiah as saying that the enrolment of Indians in public institutions of higher learning was low because of the merit system.

A nationwide survey at such institutions showed Indians made up only 5% of the total number of students at each intake. He said the racial gap would be higher in another five years if nothing was done to rectify it.

Does it mean the quality of education of Indians students is low? Probably it is. I guess there’s a widening gap between the top achievers and the mediocre/weak students.

How meritous is the meritocracy system? Do we have an independent audit in place to verify selection of students? What is the impact of having dual entrance system – matriculation and STPM on the intake?

I also noticed that something’s wrong in the requirements for diploma/degree programs in local universities. For example, when the requirement is 3 or 5 credits,  in certain cases, subjects like Pendidikan Islam and its ilk are considered, but not Moral Education. So, what is the purpose of studying Moral and making it compulsory when it does not help in getting a place in the university? The non-muslim students might as well take Islamic subjects and use it to fulfill entrance requirements. I only realised this when helping my niece to do the online application at UPU website. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do a properly analysis of all the courses.

Secondly, universities like USIM and others offer courses related to Islamic studies which is not accessible for 40% of the SPM leavers. We also have UITM which is mainly for certain race only. There’s also certain foundation (Asasi) program reserved for certain category of people.

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