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Anwar blames Karpal outburst on media

February 9th, 2009
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The astonishing attack by Karpal Singh on practically everyone from Anwar to those who dared to make police reports on his potential suit against the Sultan of Perak had everyone off their seats. Things are really heating up now. However, Anwar tries to placate things by blaming it on “misunderstanding caused by the twisting of facts by the Umno controlled media”. He also denied that a legal suit will be made against the Sultan:

PKR supremo Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed tonight that DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s outburst demanding that the Opposition leader step down as Pakatan Rakyat leader was a “misunderstanding caused by the twisting of facts by the Umno controlled media. “The ‘twisting of facts’ had caused Karpal to blame me for the loss of Perak,” he told reporters after addressing a crowd of Pakatan supporters at the official residence of deposed Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin.

Besides Nizar and several PR leaders, also present were deputy DAP chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw and Pas president Datuk Hadi Awang.

In the press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal criticised Anwar, his DAP boss Lim Kit Siang and even Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for what he deemed as their “inconsistent stand” on party hopping. In a Press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal claimed that their stance had caused the whole Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray. Karpal also accused Anwar of being unfit to lead Pakatan Rakyat and demanded that the PKR supremo step down.

Anwar claimed there was no bad blood between him and Karpal, and that he would be more than happy to meet Karpal to explain the situation. “The three parties in Pakatan Rakyat have no problems working together,” he claimed.

Anwar also played down Karpal’s planned law suit against the Sultan of Perak for allowing Barisan Nasional to form a new Perak Government.

The lawsuit, he said, would no longer be filed. Instead, a panel of lawyers from Pakatan Rakyat would be established to look into any legal remedies to the situation, he told the crowd.

Anwar said this decision was made during a meeting with DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang and Hadi earlier today. He also said that he, Lim and Hadi would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak as soon as possible.

Malaysiakini reported Anwar as saying it was “personal view” of Karpal:

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh’s call for Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the Pakatan Rakyat leader was his personal view and did not reflect the official stand of DAP, said the PKR leader today.

Anwar said that Karpal was disappointed with him for not agreeing with the senior lawyer in filing a suit against the Sultan of Perak over the sacking of the Pakatan government in the state.

“Our opinions differ on the suit against the sultan. What he said was his personal opinion,” Anwar told reporters after attending a Pakatan rally in Ipoh.

He also dismissed Karpal’s allegations that he had caused disarray in Pakatan with his calls for BN elected representatives to defect to Pakatan.

Anwar said he had discussed Karpal’s outburst with DAP leader Lim Kit Siang and will be talking to Karpal too. He also said that a Pakatan meeting today did not discuss the matter.

It won’t be complete without talking about Karpal Singh’s statements. Let’s look at NST‘s, The Star‘s and Malaysiakini‘s reports (in order):

In an amazing outburst, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh criticised today PKR chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his DAP boss Lim Kit Siang and even Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for what he deemed as their “inconsistent stand” on party hopping. In a Press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal claimed that their stance had caused the whole Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray. Karpal also accused Anwar of being unfit to lead Pakatan Rakyat and demanded that the PKR supremo step down.

Karpal expressed his disappointment with the stand taken by Anwar and DAP leaders on party hopping, claiming that their inconsistency had caused the whole alliance in Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray.

The MP for Bukit Gelugor called on the DAP to seriously reconsider its membership in Pakatan Rakyat to show the party does not condone dishonesty of any kind, in particular treachery to the people through crossovers.

Calling on Anwar to repent, Karpal said the former deputy prime minister had created enough trouble for the country.

“I wonder if he is fit to be the leader of Pakatan Rakyat. In fact I think Pakatan Rakyat requires another leader, a good leader. Not someone who believes in immorality, even accepting crossovers,” he said at a press conference in his law firm here today.

Karpal expressed regret that some Pakatan Rakyat members and even the DAP had fallen into the temptation of supporting crossovers.

“Some of them have not even said a word all this while and I regret that I did not get support from even my own party leaders (on the crossover issue). Kit Siang and Guan Eng should support me instead of making statements supporting Anwar Ibrahim. I am the chairman of DAP and let me make it clear to the party leaders that I have the support of the rank and file,” he said.

Karpal then went on to issue a warning to his party leaders not to push him to far. “I have been patient all this while. Don’t let matters come to a head in the interest of Pakatan Rakyat and also DAP. In fact, I have even proposed that DAP leave Pakatan Rakyat on the issue of hudud law but no one supported me. Neither Kit Siang or Guan Eng. It is a shame and they should also bertaubat (repent).”

Asked if he would call for an emergency party meeting to discuss DAP future in the alliance, Karpal said he was already contemplating doing so. “I have been silent for too long. I cannot fight the cause of the DAP alone although I have been trying. What I am saying and am defending is nothing but the truth.”

ON CRITICISMS THAT HE COMMITTED TREASON
Karpal slammed those who had accused him of committing treason for taking on Sultan of Perak.

“Those who have lodged reports against me are obviously ignorant of the law. I would like to make it clear to everyone that they better not play with me. I have taken enough. If you want trouble then you have come to the right place,” he said. “I will not be cowed by anyone on the issue.”

Karpal reiterated that he had done nothing unlawful or illegal in relation to the Sultan of Perak.

“I am just stating that the Sultan is also subject to the due process of the law and he can be sued in his official capacity for dismissing the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Karpal repeated his view that the Sultan has acted ultra vires to the provisions of Article 16(6) of the constitution of Perak.

The Star:

Cracks appeared again in the Pakatan Rakyat with DAP chairman Karpal Singh calling on Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down as head of the alliance.

Blaming Anwar, also PKR advisor and de facto leader, for creating trouble in the opposition alliance, he said Pakatan needed a new leader.

“He (Anwar) has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent).

“It’s time Pakatan got itself another leader,” he told a press conference at his office here Sunday.

Karpal Singh said members of PKR and DAP had fallen sway to the rhetoric of Anwar, who had supported the cross-over of elected representatives.

… PKR last year had proposed restoring some of the legal immunities to the royal families.

Malaysiakini:

In an outburst that could have deep implications for the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh today openly urged Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the leader of the alliance.

He blamed Anwar for the disarray in Pakatan which was caused by the PKR leader’s continuous rhetoric of forming government with the aid of defectors from Barisan Nasional.

Karpal also had harsh words for his colleagues in DAP, especially party veteran Lim Kit Siang and party secretary general Lim Guan Eng – for their inconsistent stand on party hopping.

But the brunt of his anger was on Anwar, whom the veteran politician said had caused trouble in the opposition alliance.

Karpal did not mince his words when he said that Pakatan needed a new leader.

“He has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent).

“It’s time Pakatan got itself another leader,” he said in an amazing attack which will surely be picked up by BN leaders to portray the Pakatan alliance as a loose one waiting to collapse.

Karpal’s biggest complain was Anwar’ support for defections of elected representatives.

Talking to reporters in his office in Penang today, Karpal said that party-hopping can never be justified.

“I am somewhat confounded how Anwar could have openly espoused and encouraged crossovers after the people gave a resounding mandate to the Pakatan on March 8 last year,” he said.

“In the public interest, and in particular in the interest of the Pakatan, Anwar has a lot to answer for creating the woes of the Pakatan now,” he added.

Karpal also blamed the BN for practising the game of defections – giving examples of how the ruling coalition had pinched DAP leaders in 1979 and 1982, a period when Anwar was still with Umno and BN.

“I only hope Anwar did not learn of the morality, or rather immorality, of political kangaroos hopping form the opposition to the BN during the time he was in the BN.

“Be that as it may, the intelligence of the rakyat should not be underestimated by politicians from either side of the divide.

“The trust of the people cannot and should not be taken for granted by elected representative,” said the Bukit Gelugor member of parliament.

He added that the mandate to form a government must come from the people and not from crossovers.

He said that it was most unfortunate that there have been crossovers in Perak, resulting in the turmoil in that state now.

He added that the solution for the crisis in Perak lied squarely in the hands of the judiciary, given that the Perak sultan has appointed a new BN menteri besar and is poised to appoint a new exco on Tuesday.

“The predicament faced by the rakyat in Perak is the consequence of political treachery and large scale deception and commission of fraud on the voters by the assemblypersons who have deserted the party, the strength of which placed them in the state assembly,” he added.

Karpal also expressed his disappointment with a number of PKR and DAP leaders who supported the idea of party hopping.

He said DAP leaders should give their support to him as the party’s national chairperson, and not to Anwar.

“I regret that I am not able to get support even from my party leaders. Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng should support me, not give statements supporting Anwar Ibrahim.

“I request support….I am the chairman of DAP. And I warn my party leaders not to push me too far. I have been patient all this while, don’t make matters come to a head in the interest of Pakatan and DAP,” he warned.

He also said Pakatan should ensure that it remained strong and received the full support of the people in the next general election to take over the government from BN.

“Dont’ take for granted the trust given by the people. The mandate to form a government should come from the people,” he added.

… It is uncertain how other senior DAP leaders would react to Karpal’s statement today.

Guan Eng was reported in the papers today as saying that Pakatan will speak as one on matters relating to Perak.

Karpal has for some weeks now been highly critical of the other Pakatan allies. Last month he warned that DAP would leave the alliance if PAS continued with its Islamic state and hudud law policies.

I think Karpal, as chairman of DAP, has been sidelined or out-voiced in many of DAP’s decisions with relation to Pakatan. He feels the fellow leaders in DAP are not supporting him in promoting DAP’s principles, while those leaders may feel that they should being a bit accommodating  with fellow Pakatan partners.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council supports Karpal’s move to file a suit.

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Protest against Hee increases

February 9th, 2009
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The Jelapang residents (most likely DAP supporters) are upping the tempo. From 200 people earlier, it has increased to 720 within hours in terms of signatures. There’s signature campaign going on, and  I think if the organisers go to the ground, they’ll get thousands of signatures. She won with majority of 6.7k, so if there’s 20k over signatures submitted to her and the Sultan, this will look bad on both of them. How can the Sultan consider the words of a person not accepted by her own constituency? Unless its for the “greater good” and the wishes of a constituency is to be sacrificed for that purpose.

Hundreds of people have turned up at the Jelapang market here Sunday to sign a petition demanding their assemblyman Hee Yit Foong quit her seat.

Within 90 minutes of the campaign starting at 9.30am Sunday, about 720 signatures were collected.

Perak DAP organising secretary Thomas Su Keong Siong said the petition would be handed over to the DAP-turned-independent assemblyman after this.

“If she does not want to accept the petition then we will hand it over to her parents at their home in Kanthan, Chemor,” he said.

Earlier when addressing the crowd, Su said the campaign was to force Hee to resign to pave way for a by-election.

“She has said that not everyone was against her, only those with ‘interests.’ If that is so, come back and face the people,” he added.

Sabri Abdul Rahman, 52, said he felt cheated by Hee, whom he had given his trust and vote to.

“We had voted for her and this is how she repays the people,” he said.

“I want her to quit. I want the Pakatan Rakyat state government back,” he added.

Hitting out at Hee, M. Vigneswary, 26, said, “We do not accept Barisan Nasional as the government; our Mentri Besar is Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.”

Also present amongst the crowd were some who claimed to be childhood friends of Hee from her hometown in Kanthan.

One of them, Wong Fook, 56, said they had treated Hee like a sister and even sacrificed their own time and money to campaign for her during the 2004 general election.

“She has no loyalty. She has betrayed everyone by bringing down a whole government … and a good one for that matter,” he said.

Hee, previously from DAP, announced she was quitting the party earlier this week. She said she would remain an independent assemblyman, but pledged her loyalty to Barisan.

The weak link is Hee. If she resigns, big problem for BN.  The other two fellows will not resign and their corruption case charges will take a long time. A by-election must be called if Hee resigns and if BN losses, it wil reflect that the Sultan has erred or probably been deceived.

However, there’s rumours that Hee may be offered an EXCO position or asked to maintain the deputy speaker post. If UMNO doesn’t allow it, then it will serve to reinforce that they don’t respect nor acknowledge the non-Malays. This will give more pressure to Hee – abhored by own voters and neglected by new state government.

She may join MCA, but according to MCA they won’t “force” her to do so.

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It stinks in Perak

February 7th, 2009
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Perak sounds similar with another word that emits stinking smell. And that may well describe the situation in the Silver State.

Elections and change of governments are quite common throughout the world. We see it often in India, Thailand, Phillippines, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Eastern Europe, EU countries etc.  But in Perak, the issue gets complicated when Sultan “asks” current MB to resign, but the MB refuses. Is it a crime to refuse? Is it against the law? Is it an act of treason? Why not just sack the MB instead of asking him and his EXCO to vacate? Is there a provision in the constitution for that? So, without this crucial step of sacking, the new government is sworn in. And now we have two state governments – complete with two MBs.

Karpal Singh said that they will file a suit in High Court against the Sultan, but later today, Anwar clarified that there would not be a suit. Instead they will seek audience with the Sultan to plead their case. The Sultan most likely will not rescind on his decision, as it may be seen as signs of weakness. Perhaps Pakatan will offer to change the MB as well.

I think the Sultan had it in for the current MB. The Nizar fellow already offended the Sultan during the head of religous department issue. And probably there are some concern with having so many Chinese reps in the assembly. Who knows what the actual reason is?

The rakyat may have felt cheated by the Sultan’s action. Do they trust his wisdom or would they want to voice out their dissent? I heard the palace’s website was taken down after so many comments criticising the Sultan’s decision were posted. We have not seen any mammoth rally throughout the state so far. If Pakatan can produce such rallies in all major cities and town in Perak, then it may well show that the new government will be rejected. So, we MAY have a case where a government not supported by the people is ruling the state, thus revealing the mistake of the royal house. Sadly we do not see such rallies. Instead we saw PAS/PKR led protests which led to few arrests. The protestors allegedly threw stones and bottles at the FRU, and blocked the cars from entering the palace. FRU shot tear gas into mosque compound (sounds like Hindraf rally at Batu Caves!).

Pakatan’s only option is through legal option or through its proxy – the rakyat. Both may not work out.

Worse case scenario with two MB is when the state assembly reconvenes, UMNO will move for a motion of no confidence. Then, Nizar will have to resign as he will lose 31-28.

Of course, I was wondering when the clown would make an entrance. And surely he did today:

Stern action, including detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA), could be taken against anyone who incite or create trouble that could affect security in the state of Perak.

The warning was issued by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar regarding action by members and supporters of the Pakatan Rakyat who were unhappy after losing the majority in the State Assembly and failing to retain the government leadership in Perak.

“Pakatan Rakyat can take the matter to court if they are dissatisfied but don’t take their dissatisfaction to the streets to the extent of jeopardising security,” he said.

… Syed Hamid, who received feedback from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, said nine people had been detained for sedition and involvement in demonstrating against the swearing-in of Pangkor Assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, in Kuala Kangsar today.

The demonstration was held at the Ubudiah Mosque, 300 metres from the palace where the demonstrators hurled pieces of wood, stones and bottles at police personnel and vehicles passing through Jalan Istana.

He said police would take whatever action, including bringing police personnel from outside Perak, to ensure security was maintained in the state

So, the threat of ISA has been issued, and in TV3 Nightline just now, the action by PR leaders is being linked to treason by our friend.

Next, the defection of two PKR and one DAP assemblymen leading to change of government affected the Indians and Chinese the most. The Indians would not be represented at all, while the Chinese has been reduced to a single MCA rep.No more speaker and deputy speaker post for the community. Sadly, there’s not even a whimper of protest or unhappiness from either of these communities. So, does it mean they (i) support BN, (ii) giving up on Pakatan/DAP/PKR, or (iii) not bothered? So, the defectors can say their voters support their move?

Funnily, there’s not much news from other BN coalition parties on the defection of three PR reps and the forming of the UMNO government in Perak.

Pakatan has a fine line to tread. They cannot be seen as insulting the Sultan, and yet at the same time cannot give up on their position meekly.

The bigger fear is that the events in Perak may cause an implosion in other Pakatan states, especially in Kedah.

Suspicion envelopes the events leading to the defection. Two of the assemblymen have corruption cases pending and were “missing” for few days prior to their defection. The DAP candidate said that she won’t quit the night before but ended up in Putrajaya the next day afternoon. With these kind of dubious characters offering support, what made the Sultan accept their words? They may simply renege on their words and be really independents. giving both PR and BN headaches. The behaviour of the defectors also raises questions and this will be hanging over the heads of the new government. The two PKR defectors can’t join UMNO until their cases are cleared. If their corruption cases are thrown out, this will only reinforce the rumours that its a set-up. More black mark.

The three independents make it quite risky for either coalition since they will be the kingmakers. BN may double its effort to pull more PR reps to improve the odds. Likewise, PR may also try to entice BN reps, but it will be much harder as its in the opposition now.

There are views that by calling for fresh elections, it will be a waste of funds. But really, is democracy less valuable or too cheap? Can’t we spend some money for democratic process when we waste much more for flippant reasons? In fact, having an election can be part of the stimulus package for Perak. Lots of SMBs will benefit. Voters will get pocket money and other benefits. Free food. Free entertainment. Publication and printing contracts will be given. Volunteers will get paid. Hotels and F&B outlets will see increase in sales. The revenue will spur local economy and the locals will have some spending power.

By the way, if BN ultimately wins, what will happen to the JKKKs? The Federal government created separate committee called JKKKP, meaning villages had two separate committees.  Most likely the state government’s JKKK will be abolished, and the federal JKKK will take over the state JKKK.

To top it all, all this happened within days after Tajol Rosli quits Perak BN chairman post and DPM Najib takes over. Raises lots of eyebrows.

We can expect more drama over the weekend, perhaps even an ISA arrest or two. I hope it doesn’t affect the Thaipusam celebrations this weekend.

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Deja Vu?

February 6th, 2009
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Read this:

The principal of a secondary school here is in trouble for an alleged religious slur against his students.

More than 20 parents of the school’s students gathered outside the district education office here to demand an apology yesterday.

They claimed the principal had used the derogatory words thrice during an assembly on Sunday.

One of the parents, Y. Baskaran, said the principal should set a good example by fostering unity among students.

“The principal’s action is an insult to the community. She should have refrained from using such words. I hope no one in responsible positions like her uses the words in future,” he said.

Several parents had also lodged a police report the day after the incident.

Baskaran said narrow-minded civil servants such as the principal were obstructing the government’s efforts to promote racial harmony in the country.

Baskaran, who represented the parents, handed a memorandum to district education officer Abu Bakar Md Ali.

Social worker S. Neelamegam, who was present at the gathering, said disciplinary action should be meted out to the principal to serve as a lesson to other civil servants.

Abu Bakar said he would refer the matter to the state Education Department.

And then, this incident in Kuala Langat.

Don’t be surprised if the HM gets promoted and transfered to a Cluster school! 🙂

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PR reps tell tales of money politics

February 6th, 2009
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“money politics” is a term introduced to well by Malaysia (well, to be precise, by a political party in Malaysia). While the rest of the world uses more the common term – bribery, we invented a new term. Malaysia Boleh, of course!

Interestingly, “money politics” is not limited to intra-party on-goings only, if we are to believe the words of some Pakatan Rakyat leaders. RM60 million!!!! Seriously??? Like that means politician can be a career worth considering for our younger generation! Let’s face it, not everyone will be Tiger Woods or Ronaldo or Bill Gates. But everyone can try to be a politician. it does not really need any qualifications nor technical skills.

The first report sees Perak Pakatan reps saying:

IPOH: Five Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen have claimed they have been approached by agents to cross over to Barisan Nasional.

They are State Assembly Speaker and Tronoh assemblyman V. Siva­kumar, Sungkai assemblyman A. Sivanesan, Hutan Melintang assemblyman S. Kesavan, Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh and Buntong assemblyman A. Subra­maniam [all Indians. Interesting!].

Except for Sivakumar, the others claimed they were contacted in recent days.

Sivakumar said he was offered RM60mil to cross over last year before his appointment as Speaker.

Sivanesan said he was initially approached before he was sworn in last year, and on Tuesday he received a call to persuade him to cross over.

He said the caller said: “Tunggu apa lagi? Kerajaan dah lari sana. Kalau abang setuju, saya datang sekarang juga bawa abang duduk seminggu.” (What are you waiting for? The Government has changed. If you agree to cross over, I will take you into hiding for a week.)

Sivanesan said he was first approached last year by a man called Amir, and a meeting was arranged after he informed the party leadership.

He said he met Amir, accompanied by two others, at a fast-food outlet in Bidor, and was offered RM5mil and a seat on the state executive council.

He claimed Amir contacted him after he was sworn in and doubled the offer.

Keshwinder Singh said he was offered RM10mil plus the position of the Perak MIC chief and a place on the state executive council about a week ago. [Perak MIC post??? G. Rajoo must be seething with anger!]

“A man who said he was acting on behalf of an Umno leader came to my office in Kampar with the proposition,” he said.

All five assemblymen were present at the High Court as a show of support for Sivakumar who has filed a suit seeking to uphold the resignation of Changkat Jering, Behrang and Jelapang state assemblymen, thus getting the seats to be declared vacant.

The same paper reported another case by Kedah PR reps:

Two PKR assemblymen in Kedah claimed they were offered money to leave Pakatan Rakyat and become Independents after the March general election.

Lim Soo Nee (Kulim) and Tan Show Kang (Sidam) claimed that the offer of several millions of ringgit was made many times by the same man.

“The man last offered me money about a month ago. He offered a large sum of money to leave Pakatan Rakyat and become an Independent assemblyman. I do not know the man,” Tan told reporters at the official declaration ceremony of Pokok Sena as the state’s 12th district yesterday.

Lim said he was also offered a large sum of money but the man stopped making the offer after several months.

Lim and Tan said they reported the matter to the PKR headquarters.

These allegations are being bandied now probably to drive the point that the defectors in Perak were offered similar propositions as well.

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