Posts Tagged ‘Pakatan Rakyat’

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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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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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Jumping ships cause turmoil in Perak

February 2nd, 2009
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When Bota assemblyman Nasaruddin quit UMNO to join PKR last week, PM Badawi called him weak. There were stories that the ADUN was offered posts or enticed with somethings, which obviously the ADUN denied.

Now, with two PKR assemblymen causing sleepless nights for Perak state government and Anwar, it wil be interesting to see what PM Badawi will say if these guys do quit PKR and defect to UMNO. Will BN accept weak people or will they be called heroes and patriots?

Stories are abound that the two – Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mat Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyperson Osman Jailu were seen in Pekan together with Deputy PM Najib, while PR leader admit couldn’t get into touch with them for last few days. Menteri Besar Nizar said they were going to lodge police report on missing persons since it has been 5 days.

Most interesting is this: They were charged in a Sessions Court on Aug 25 last year with allegedly receiving bribes over the application for a RM180 million housing project in Sri Iskandar in Perak Tengah. Their case comes up for hearing on Feb 10. So in addition to being weak, they are suspects in a criminal case. All this while PR leaders said it was a frame-up, while UMNO leaders bayed for blood. Now, will UMNO accept them?

Things got worse today when Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar said that he had received letters of resignation from the two guys at about 5.45pm at his house (via fax?).  Sivakumar subsequently proclaimed the seats as vacant and will inform Election Commission to hold by-election in 60 days. The resignation was denied by one of them – Jamaluddin (who said he was on MC all this while):

“This is an undated letter that I and six other PKR assemblymen were made to sign in March last year,” he said.

He said that the letter was only a pledge of loyalty, stating that if they (the state representative) were to ever quit PKR, they would automatically vacate their seats.

He added that the letter was signed under duress and that he would be discussing the legality of it with his lawyers.

“I am still Behrang assemblyman,” Jamaluddin was quoted as saying.

“Osman and I are still PKR state representatives and have never declared our intentions to leave the party or to become independents, or to join Umno,” he said, according to a Bernama report.

But in the Star, its reported that the assemblyman is quitting PKR and will be an independent.

So, the plot thickens.

I suspect these two guys are jumping ship, since both Malaysiakini and NST quoted PM Badawi as confirming that some PKR assemblymen are defecting to UMNO, while Star said “he neither denied nor confirmed”.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today revealed that several Pakatan Rakyat state representatives from Perak could soon join the Barisan Nasional.

“God willing, it will happen,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama. He said this when asked to comment on talks that two missing Perak Pakatan state excos are defecting to BN.

… He refused to state the identity or the number of Pakatan representatives that are planning to defect.

He however added that elected representatives would want to join Umno because they had confidence in its struggle.

“(We will) accept them as it is their choice and they want to join us in the struggle… it will be a new experience for them and allow them the opportunities to serve through the BN,” said Abdullah.

“We will make the official announcement when all things are in place,” he added.

There was also question marks over deputy assembly speaker Hee Yit Fong of DAP who was missing from recent functions. Some claimed she will move to MCA. But this was denied by Hee today.

Meanwhile, on a seemingly unrelated story, Karpal Singh said that DAP will support BN’s call to create an anti-hopping law.

If those two guys quit PKR and move to UMNO (or remain independent on paper), will the court case favor them? Can the undated resignation letter be challenged?

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More on Kugan’s death in police custody

January 21st, 2009
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Here’s a link to Malaysiakini’s video, taken by Indrani Kopal. I quote their caution:

WARNING!
Due to the distressing nature of the following material, viewer discretion is strongly advised.

For those without access to Malaysiakini video, can download the clip in MP4 format by clicking here. You can useVideoLan VLC media player to view it.

Below is a slideshow of the photos at the Serdang Hospital.

There’s some photos at YB Manikavasagam’s website as well.

Unverified sources said that Samy Vellu was busy answering calls regarding this death while he was at the SJKT Vallambrosa school. It seems that among the suspects who tortured the detainee was a Indian inspector. Not sure on how valid this information is.

Meanwhile, the family of deceased lodged a police report and denied saying that the deceased was an asthmatic patient.  Some representatives from DAP, PKR, MIC and Makkal Sakthi were present there as well offering their support. MK reported that about 80 people were present at the Seri Kembangan police station, venting their anger ath the police.

They held up banners with pictures of the deceased, showing the injuries he sustained while in police custody.

The banners read: “police are licensed killers”, “police are killing Indians” and “police are thirsty for Indian blood” in Malay and English. They also briefly chanted slogans.

Talking to reporters later, Kugan’s family members said that the deceased did not suffer from asthma and could not have died from breathing difficulties, as claimed by the police.

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PAS wins Kuala Terengganu

January 18th, 2009
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This means there’s 82 + 3 non-BN MPs in the parliament. The PAS candidate overturned a 628 deficit into a majority of 2,631, meaning there’s a 3,259 change of voters’ choice. This  cannot go unnoticed in the BN camp.

– The threat of Hudud law, the open spat between PAS and DAP because of the Hudud trap, and the pouring of funds into Kuala Terengganu failed to influence the voters.

– The voters were not worried that the PAS candidate is also a state assemblyman.

– They were not impressed that the BN candidate was a Senator nor a personal aide of current PM.

– The hardwork of Deputy PM Najib also did not pay off.

The majority is not something that BN cannot overcome in the next election, its barely 5% of the overall voters. So, there’s still some sliver of hope. However, its a big blow for UMNO since their image has suffered. They could not deliver the goods when it mattered. One can try blame the Chinese voters from outstation who did not turn up (MCA says up to 3,000 of them), but their votes may have actually increased the majority for PAS.

So what swayed the voters? Local issues? Anwar Ibrahim? candidate personality? The analyst on Awani (Prof Hasbullah I think) said that some of the voters depended on Internet or alternative media, which were provided by their relatives/friends in west coast. Also, both the candidate did not touch on two major issues – Obama and Gaza. He also said if  more young voters voted, the opposition will win (If I heard correctly).

If one looks at the statistics NST reported on Internet presence, it seems BN had learnt their lesson. BN candidate has more hits.

If Google hits are anything to go by, the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, is a winner.

Till yesterday afternoon, Wan Farid was the clear winner with 467,000 hits, against a mere 136,000 hits for Pas candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut and a measly 1,170 hits for independent candidate Azharuddin Mamat @ Adam.

Even “Kuala Terengganu by-election” scored more Google hits, at 137,000 searches, than the two opposition candidates.

A more precise search with the names of candidate combined with the words, “Kuala Terengganu by-election”, however saw a slightly different set of results, with Wahid scoring 75,900 hits.

In second place was Wan Farid, with 47,100 hits. Azharuddin came in last again, with 497 hits.

On YouTube, both Wan Farid and Wahid tied with 13 videos when their names were keyed in along with the words “Kuala Terengganu by-election”.

Maybe in Kuala Terengganu, Internet presence did not matter much. The rumours of unhappiness over candidate selection surfaced on both sides, so it may be a cause, especially for BN.

The impact of this win will worry not only UMNO, but I believe DAP as well. A win for PAS may signal the willingness to accept Hudud by KT voters. It also means that without PAS, DAP can never hope to be in the parliament as the ruling government since Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are PAS strongholds. My guess is that this unholy alliance will continue and the parties will cross the bridge when they come to it.

Meanwhile, its Pakatan 2, BN 0.

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