Did you see God’s invisible hands in the General Elections? I did
Posted by labisman
Saturday, 15 March 2008, MT
This victory is not due to Anwar Ibrahim alone, or the cooperations of Barisan Rakyat, or bloggers.
Friends, the so-called pundits and political analysts from within and without the country, most of whom confined to the comforts of their air-con chambers, with piles of books stacked on their shelves, were confidently predicting that the mighty Barisan Nasional would easily emerge with a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Some even went so far as to predict a BN victory in Kelantan.
They thought BN's 3Ms - media, machinery and money, were insurmountable since the Opposition was fractured. And yet we won. How? Why?
This victory is not due to Anwar Ibrahim alone, or the cooperations of Barisan Rakyat, or bloggers.
Our enemies too contributed towards our victory. They delivered this victory on a silver platter - Hishammuddin's Keris, Zam's blabbering, Mahathir's sulking, Nazri's histrionics, Khairy's arrogance, Abdullah's broken promises, lies, private jet, Michelle's Yeoh's shoulders, C4 blasted Altantuya, Attorney General, Election Commission, BERSIH, Hindraf, Lingam Tape, MBs call for zero Opposition, temple demolition, body snatching, Bible confiscation, banning the use of 'Allah' and corruption in high places, Zakaria's palace. I can go on and on.
Why didn't the media seek the views and predictions of those unqualified pundits perched on stools at the roadside warongs with a cigarette in one hand and black coffee in the other? Yes, they knew better than University Professors!
I met a few of them who even predicted a BR victory if it could bag half the seats in East Malaysia.
Every single "soothsayer cum professor" fell flat on his face while the warong pundits puffed away with protruding chests, with a "Didn't I tell you so?" look.
READ MORE HERE
Friday, March 14, 2008
Anwar: I’ll make sure plight of Malays not ignored
Anwar: I’ll make sure plight of Malays not ignored
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
PENANG: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, being a Penangite, he will not allow the DAP-led state government to ignore the plight of Penang Malays.
Dismissing allegations that he was a traitor to the Malay race, Anwar said he would ensure that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng stuck to his pledges and did not marginalise the Malays.
“Some irresponsible people are trying to fan the fire alleging that I have betrayed the Penang Malays whose plight was not looked into under the previous administration.
“We will not overlook the problems of Malay petty traders,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Lim at the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar yesterday.
“Those who made allegations against me actually want the Malays to feel uneasy so that they can fulfil their agenda,” he said.
“These people are merely sore losers, he said, and urged them “not to stir up the hornets’ nest.”
Anwar said the DAP-PKR coalition state government would also ensure that the welfare of Chinese and Indians were well taken care of and that the state government would take a new approach to help them.
“Give Guan Eng a chance to prove himself. He is only four days into the Chief Minister’s post and people are already attacking him.”
Anwar said both the DAP and PKR would outline programmes to bring Penang’s economy to greater heights and eradicate poverty among the people.
On the delay in the appointment of Perak Mentri Besar, Anwar said the PKR, DAP and PAS had achieved an amicable agreement.
“We are now waiting for the swearing-in of the new Mentri Besar.
“I thank my colleagues for showing patience to resolve the matter. However, similar problems were also seen in Terengganu and Perlis.” - STAR
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written by Flex Tan, March 15, 2008 | 10:04:12
ASSURANCE AFTER ASSURANCES FROM BR ... ALL BECAUSED OF THE "STUPID UMNO MEDIAS" PLAYING WITH RACIAL AND PUAK SENTIMENTS;
UTUSAN AND BERNAMA http://www.jeffooi.com/
All leaders in states not controlled by Umno dominance must be careful.
In the aftermath of the Abdullah debacle in GE2008, Utusan Malaysia and Bernama became the two media organisations that stoked political hatred, pitting Malays against non-Malays.
Both the media groups framed Lim Guan Eng for a mention of May 13, which the new Penang CM didn't say. I knew as I stood behind him during the press interview. And the CM's press secretary confirmed the same.
We queried Khalid Mohd, the Group Editor-in-Chief of Utusan. He passed the buck to Bernama, saying that his paper had used the national news agency's dispatch, though his reporters were present during Guan Eng's interview.
We took Khalid at face value and queried Yong Soo Heong, the Editor-in-Chief of Bernama. He faxed us this letter yesterday, which I reproduce verbatim:
March 14, 2008
YAB Sdra Lim Guan Eng
Chief Minister of Penang
28th Fl, Komtar
10502 Penang
Dear YAB,
On behalf of my colleagues in BERNAMA, I would like to congratulate your team and you for the recent victory in Penang.
I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the sloppy editing in the news story of March 12, 2008, which we mistakenly quoted you as commenting on the May 13 incident as well. The inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the NEP in 1971. Nevertheless, upon a thorough review, the inclusion of that fact along with your quote may have been inappropriate.
As we move forward, I would like to ensure you of BERNAMA's co-operation for your newly-formed government and shall always endeavour to help you promote the well-being of Penang and its people.
Yours sincerely,
YONG SOO HEONG
Editor-in-Chief
The Utusan-Bernama ruckus started when Guan Eng announced all government procurements in Penang will be through open tender -- something that the NEP did not address and went on to create cronies and entrench corruption in the system.
I hope the next time Umno leaders took to the streets to stoke people's sentiments along racial lines, you know who is to blame.
Votes: +17
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
PENANG: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, being a Penangite, he will not allow the DAP-led state government to ignore the plight of Penang Malays.
Dismissing allegations that he was a traitor to the Malay race, Anwar said he would ensure that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng stuck to his pledges and did not marginalise the Malays.
“Some irresponsible people are trying to fan the fire alleging that I have betrayed the Penang Malays whose plight was not looked into under the previous administration.
“We will not overlook the problems of Malay petty traders,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Lim at the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar yesterday.
“Those who made allegations against me actually want the Malays to feel uneasy so that they can fulfil their agenda,” he said.
“These people are merely sore losers, he said, and urged them “not to stir up the hornets’ nest.”
Anwar said the DAP-PKR coalition state government would also ensure that the welfare of Chinese and Indians were well taken care of and that the state government would take a new approach to help them.
“Give Guan Eng a chance to prove himself. He is only four days into the Chief Minister’s post and people are already attacking him.”
Anwar said both the DAP and PKR would outline programmes to bring Penang’s economy to greater heights and eradicate poverty among the people.
On the delay in the appointment of Perak Mentri Besar, Anwar said the PKR, DAP and PAS had achieved an amicable agreement.
“We are now waiting for the swearing-in of the new Mentri Besar.
“I thank my colleagues for showing patience to resolve the matter. However, similar problems were also seen in Terengganu and Perlis.” - STAR
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...
written by Flex Tan, March 15, 2008 | 10:04:12
ASSURANCE AFTER ASSURANCES FROM BR ... ALL BECAUSED OF THE "STUPID UMNO MEDIAS" PLAYING WITH RACIAL AND PUAK SENTIMENTS;
UTUSAN AND BERNAMA http://www.jeffooi.com/
All leaders in states not controlled by Umno dominance must be careful.
In the aftermath of the Abdullah debacle in GE2008, Utusan Malaysia and Bernama became the two media organisations that stoked political hatred, pitting Malays against non-Malays.
Both the media groups framed Lim Guan Eng for a mention of May 13, which the new Penang CM didn't say. I knew as I stood behind him during the press interview. And the CM's press secretary confirmed the same.
We queried Khalid Mohd, the Group Editor-in-Chief of Utusan. He passed the buck to Bernama, saying that his paper had used the national news agency's dispatch, though his reporters were present during Guan Eng's interview.
We took Khalid at face value and queried Yong Soo Heong, the Editor-in-Chief of Bernama. He faxed us this letter yesterday, which I reproduce verbatim:
March 14, 2008
YAB Sdra Lim Guan Eng
Chief Minister of Penang
28th Fl, Komtar
10502 Penang
Dear YAB,
On behalf of my colleagues in BERNAMA, I would like to congratulate your team and you for the recent victory in Penang.
I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the sloppy editing in the news story of March 12, 2008, which we mistakenly quoted you as commenting on the May 13 incident as well. The inclusion of the fact was intended to give background on the establishment of the NEP in 1971. Nevertheless, upon a thorough review, the inclusion of that fact along with your quote may have been inappropriate.
As we move forward, I would like to ensure you of BERNAMA's co-operation for your newly-formed government and shall always endeavour to help you promote the well-being of Penang and its people.
Yours sincerely,
YONG SOO HEONG
Editor-in-Chief
The Utusan-Bernama ruckus started when Guan Eng announced all government procurements in Penang will be through open tender -- something that the NEP did not address and went on to create cronies and entrench corruption in the system.
I hope the next time Umno leaders took to the streets to stoke people's sentiments along racial lines, you know who is to blame.
Votes: +17
DAP wants local government elections revived
DAP wants local government elections revived
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
T.K. Letchumy Tamboo
PETALING JAYA (March 14, 2008): The KL Federal Territory DAP will launch a signature campaign calling for the revival of local government elections in Malaysia.
"We will go down to the people and ask them whether they would like a referendum on this issue," said Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw in a press conference held in the party headquarters here today.
In the recently concluded 12th General Election, the Opposition swept all but one of the 11 parliamentary seats in Kuala Lumpur. The DAP won five, Party Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) four and PAS one.
Tan said: "In most developing countries, the mayors are elected by the people, not the ruling political parties. In China, they conduct village head elections. The mayor in our country should be elected too."
He also said to form the federal government, the opposition needs another 30 seats. "We don't have that, so can only lobby and push for local government elections."
"This will be one of the many important issues that affect the people that we, all five DAP MPs from KL, will raise in Parliament," he added.
Tan said the the DAP also called on the mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Abd Hakim Borhan, to improve City Hall’s services and efficiency.
“This includes making the 10,000-strong City Hall staff to be friendlier to the public, irrespective of race," he said.
"City Hall's financial management must be improved so that the year's budget is used effectively. City Hall lacks currently transparency and efficiency.
"Last year, it started an International Road Circuit which was delayed. This is wastage of public funds,” said Tan.
He also said City Hall needed to improve Kuala Lumpur's security and that CCTVs should be installed without delay.
“The RM4 million allocation for CCTVs is not enough. We hope City Hall will review this financial problem. The police should also review the situation of employing security firms in the whole country,” he said.
"We have about five years to make Kuala Lumpur friendlier and to make it an 'International garden city of life'," said Tan.
The five DAP MPs in Kuala Lumpur, Tan (Kepong), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras) and Lim Lip Eng (Segambut,) and the other five Opposition MPs will arrange to meet the KL mayor.
"We want hm to take note of the issues and to improve City Hall's service performance," said Tan. - THE SUN
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
T.K. Letchumy Tamboo
PETALING JAYA (March 14, 2008): The KL Federal Territory DAP will launch a signature campaign calling for the revival of local government elections in Malaysia.
"We will go down to the people and ask them whether they would like a referendum on this issue," said Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw in a press conference held in the party headquarters here today.
In the recently concluded 12th General Election, the Opposition swept all but one of the 11 parliamentary seats in Kuala Lumpur. The DAP won five, Party Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) four and PAS one.
Tan said: "In most developing countries, the mayors are elected by the people, not the ruling political parties. In China, they conduct village head elections. The mayor in our country should be elected too."
He also said to form the federal government, the opposition needs another 30 seats. "We don't have that, so can only lobby and push for local government elections."
"This will be one of the many important issues that affect the people that we, all five DAP MPs from KL, will raise in Parliament," he added.
Tan said the the DAP also called on the mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Abd Hakim Borhan, to improve City Hall’s services and efficiency.
“This includes making the 10,000-strong City Hall staff to be friendlier to the public, irrespective of race," he said.
"City Hall's financial management must be improved so that the year's budget is used effectively. City Hall lacks currently transparency and efficiency.
"Last year, it started an International Road Circuit which was delayed. This is wastage of public funds,” said Tan.
He also said City Hall needed to improve Kuala Lumpur's security and that CCTVs should be installed without delay.
“The RM4 million allocation for CCTVs is not enough. We hope City Hall will review this financial problem. The police should also review the situation of employing security firms in the whole country,” he said.
"We have about five years to make Kuala Lumpur friendlier and to make it an 'International garden city of life'," said Tan.
The five DAP MPs in Kuala Lumpur, Tan (Kepong), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras) and Lim Lip Eng (Segambut,) and the other five Opposition MPs will arrange to meet the KL mayor.
"We want hm to take note of the issues and to improve City Hall's service performance," said Tan. - THE SUN
Selangor PAS met Khir Toyo to defuse situation
Selangor PAS met Khir Toyo to defuse situation E-mail
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Husna Yusop
SHAH ALAM (March 14, 2008): Selangor PAS today admitted to having a meeting with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo on Sunday (March 9).
However, Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Mohd Ali said the meeting was not to entertain negotiations with Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a mixed state government.
"It was to defuse the situation after the 12th General Election," he added.
Hasan said PAS only works with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP and will never have any collaboration with Umno.
"We have decided from the very beginning (of the general election), we will be together with PKR and DAP only. There will be no collaboration with Umno. Nothing to that effect. We have not discussed any offer (from BN)."
"Of course, we cannot stop anyone from talking to any Umno leaders on the basis of friendship but everyone is unanimous that we will not be entertaining any form of collaboration with BN," he told reporters in the party's state liaison office today.
Hasan said Selangor PAS agreed to the meeting with Mohd Khir as a tactic to ensure there would be no plan by BN to create violence in the state and if there was any, PAS should have advanced knowledge about it.
"We were not there to listen to their offer (to form a mixed government) but to know ahead of any plans which they might have and to calm down the situation so that BN will not resort to any unlawful actions.
"We want BN to feel there is still a chance to talk things out. So that they think we are not shutting our doors completely. It was a tactical move for the interest of the state and nation, in the event, they resort to violence," he said.
Hasan said PAS was very afraid of any such events as at that time (Sunday) the new Mentri Besar had not been appointed.
He said previously, there were rumours especially in the villages that should BN lost to the opposition in the election, there will be riots in the state.
Recently, there have been SMSes going around saying Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok has urged Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to do away with the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the state government administration.
According to the SMS, Malays in Selangor who love their nation and religion should gather at the Shah Alam Mosque after Friday prayers and walk to the state government building to condemn the move by the PKR-DAP coalition.
Hasan said it is believed the SMS was created by Umno as he trusted Kok to be rationale and smart enough not to do such a thing.
"DAP, or anyone for that matter, will not go against what is in the constitution. Although they might not agree with the NEP, they would never deny the special privilege for the Malays.
"DAP does not have any intention to oppress the Malays. They know the Malays also had voted for them. This is only an Umno propaganda," he said.
He said DAP, as well as other opposition parties, are not against the NEP as it has two very noble objectives which no one could dispute, but the problem lies with its implementation - the delivery system.
That was why, he said, PAS had come up with the welfare state concept to patch up the weaknesses in the NEP implementation.
"Within the first 100 days of our administration, we will bring to the people of Selangor the true fair and egalitarianism concept which they have never enjoyed before," he said.
In another development, Hasan said all PAS state exco members and assemblymen will contribute 30% of their basic allowance every month to help those in the lower income group.
Among other steps to be taken are:
* Exco members, MPs, and state assemblymen must declare their assets;
* Exco members must use their existing cars (not buy new ones);
* Exco members must not be involved in businesses;
* Exco members must not do major renovation to their offices or houses; and
* Events to celebrate victory must be borne by exco members or people's representatives themselves (not using public expenditure).
He also said within the transition period (among others):
* All staff in the state government secretary's office and all government agencies and departments will remain in their position;
* There will be no sacking of staff except in the case of those proven of malpractices; and
* Any public amenities used by any political parties will be surrendered to the state government according to the right procedures and regulations. - THE SUN
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Husna Yusop
SHAH ALAM (March 14, 2008): Selangor PAS today admitted to having a meeting with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo on Sunday (March 9).
However, Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Mohd Ali said the meeting was not to entertain negotiations with Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a mixed state government.
"It was to defuse the situation after the 12th General Election," he added.
Hasan said PAS only works with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP and will never have any collaboration with Umno.
"We have decided from the very beginning (of the general election), we will be together with PKR and DAP only. There will be no collaboration with Umno. Nothing to that effect. We have not discussed any offer (from BN)."
"Of course, we cannot stop anyone from talking to any Umno leaders on the basis of friendship but everyone is unanimous that we will not be entertaining any form of collaboration with BN," he told reporters in the party's state liaison office today.
Hasan said Selangor PAS agreed to the meeting with Mohd Khir as a tactic to ensure there would be no plan by BN to create violence in the state and if there was any, PAS should have advanced knowledge about it.
"We were not there to listen to their offer (to form a mixed government) but to know ahead of any plans which they might have and to calm down the situation so that BN will not resort to any unlawful actions.
"We want BN to feel there is still a chance to talk things out. So that they think we are not shutting our doors completely. It was a tactical move for the interest of the state and nation, in the event, they resort to violence," he said.
Hasan said PAS was very afraid of any such events as at that time (Sunday) the new Mentri Besar had not been appointed.
He said previously, there were rumours especially in the villages that should BN lost to the opposition in the election, there will be riots in the state.
Recently, there have been SMSes going around saying Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok has urged Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to do away with the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the state government administration.
According to the SMS, Malays in Selangor who love their nation and religion should gather at the Shah Alam Mosque after Friday prayers and walk to the state government building to condemn the move by the PKR-DAP coalition.
Hasan said it is believed the SMS was created by Umno as he trusted Kok to be rationale and smart enough not to do such a thing.
"DAP, or anyone for that matter, will not go against what is in the constitution. Although they might not agree with the NEP, they would never deny the special privilege for the Malays.
"DAP does not have any intention to oppress the Malays. They know the Malays also had voted for them. This is only an Umno propaganda," he said.
He said DAP, as well as other opposition parties, are not against the NEP as it has two very noble objectives which no one could dispute, but the problem lies with its implementation - the delivery system.
That was why, he said, PAS had come up with the welfare state concept to patch up the weaknesses in the NEP implementation.
"Within the first 100 days of our administration, we will bring to the people of Selangor the true fair and egalitarianism concept which they have never enjoyed before," he said.
In another development, Hasan said all PAS state exco members and assemblymen will contribute 30% of their basic allowance every month to help those in the lower income group.
Among other steps to be taken are:
* Exco members, MPs, and state assemblymen must declare their assets;
* Exco members must use their existing cars (not buy new ones);
* Exco members must not be involved in businesses;
* Exco members must not do major renovation to their offices or houses; and
* Events to celebrate victory must be borne by exco members or people's representatives themselves (not using public expenditure).
He also said within the transition period (among others):
* All staff in the state government secretary's office and all government agencies and departments will remain in their position;
* There will be no sacking of staff except in the case of those proven of malpractices; and
* Any public amenities used by any political parties will be surrendered to the state government according to the right procedures and regulations. - THE SUN
Guan Eng: We will listen
Guan Eng: We will listen
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
PENANG (March 14, 2008): The Penang government is always open and will listen to any views by any dissenting groups but if they insist on holding demonstrations, it is their right to do so as long as it is held peacefully, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
"We believe in the freedom of speech and assembly as long as it is peaceful. Anybody who wants to protest, we have no qualms about it but please do it based on facts and not based on certain interests or to try and test the state government," he said.
Speaking in a press conference after a meeting with 21 Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in his office in Komtar, Lim said the state government is a united front that should not be tested on their commitment to represent all Penangites.
"Don't test us on our commitment towards establishing integrity and accountability and don't test us on our commitment to listen to all the voices of Penangites," he said.
"If they want to come and give their views, we are willing to listen but if they want to demonstrate, that is their right. I hope they won't provoke sentiments that are not true," he added.
He was commenting on a plan by certain groups to stage a protest in Komtar against the state government's stand in not using the New Economic Policy (NEP) but an open tender system instead.
"We will not back down on the open tender system because the NEP is associated with corruption, cronyism and inefficiency," Lim reiterated.
"We want an open tender system but they raised so much hue and cry. If they want to test us, they can go ahead and test us. We have the full exco support on this and we won't back down on that," he said.
Earlier, on his meeting with the 21 Muslim organisations, Lim again reiterated that the state government has no intention of sidelining any group or races.
"We are a state government for all and we listen to the voices of the people and we want to represent everyone in Penang," he said.
He reassured Muslims that the state government emphasised on integrity and the status of Islam in the state will never be disputed.
"Please do not listen to any rumours about the state government wanting to tone down Azan (the call for prayers) or anything like that. In fact, this is the first time I've heard about such things," he said. - THE SUN
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008
PENANG (March 14, 2008): The Penang government is always open and will listen to any views by any dissenting groups but if they insist on holding demonstrations, it is their right to do so as long as it is held peacefully, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
"We believe in the freedom of speech and assembly as long as it is peaceful. Anybody who wants to protest, we have no qualms about it but please do it based on facts and not based on certain interests or to try and test the state government," he said.
Speaking in a press conference after a meeting with 21 Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in his office in Komtar, Lim said the state government is a united front that should not be tested on their commitment to represent all Penangites.
"Don't test us on our commitment towards establishing integrity and accountability and don't test us on our commitment to listen to all the voices of Penangites," he said.
"If they want to come and give their views, we are willing to listen but if they want to demonstrate, that is their right. I hope they won't provoke sentiments that are not true," he added.
He was commenting on a plan by certain groups to stage a protest in Komtar against the state government's stand in not using the New Economic Policy (NEP) but an open tender system instead.
"We will not back down on the open tender system because the NEP is associated with corruption, cronyism and inefficiency," Lim reiterated.
"We want an open tender system but they raised so much hue and cry. If they want to test us, they can go ahead and test us. We have the full exco support on this and we won't back down on that," he said.
Earlier, on his meeting with the 21 Muslim organisations, Lim again reiterated that the state government has no intention of sidelining any group or races.
"We are a state government for all and we listen to the voices of the people and we want to represent everyone in Penang," he said.
He reassured Muslims that the state government emphasised on integrity and the status of Islam in the state will never be disputed.
"Please do not listen to any rumours about the state government wanting to tone down Azan (the call for prayers) or anything like that. In fact, this is the first time I've heard about such things," he said. - THE SUN
Guan Eng: Penang Umno leaders cutting their nose to spite their face
Guan Eng: Penang Umno leaders cutting their nose to spite their face
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008, MT
Opalyn Mok
PENANG (March 14, 2008): Penang Umno leaders' proposal to the federal government to withdraw funding for all mega-projects in Penang is tantamount to cutting their nose to spite their face, said Penang Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng.
Lim said it is obvious their proposal is an act of revenge and that they have not seriously thought it out before making such proposals.
"They should respect the people's decision. If they do not respect the people's decision, I feel that it does not fulfill our democratic aspirations anymore and they also do not respect the constitution which clearly stated that the people's decision must be respected," he said.
He said the Umno leaders' proposal is an immediate knee-jerk reaction which is not appropriate and could lead to the downfall of Penang and ultimately the country.
"These (type of) Umno leaders ... I don't know what to say. Everyone can make suggestions but have they thought it out before making such proposals?"
"If this is the way to seek revenge, then I suppose the state government could also do the same towards those who do not support the state government but we will not do such things because we want to be fair to all," he said.
However, Lim feels that Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not take such irresponsible steps.
Even though the state has fallen out of the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s hands, he said the Prime Minister is still the Prime Minister for all Malaysians, including Penangites.
"Furthermore, he is a Penangite himself and this is his home state," he said.
Lim added that the BN still received 51% percent of the votes in Malaysia and he posed a question asking the Prime Minister if he wanted to only represent the 51% in Malaysia or 100%.
"It just does not make sense if he only wants to be a PM for the 51%. Then who will be the PM for the remaining 49% Malaysians? Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim?" he asked.
Gerakan also does not agree with Umno's proposal as the party's acting president and former CM Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon issued a statement saying that the mega projects are crucial for the future economy and quality of life for Penang and its neighbouring states.
"Major infrastructure projects for Penang such as the second Penang bridge, the Penang Outer Ring Road, Monorail and public transport system, expansion of airport and port as promised by the federal government under the BN should continue for the benefit of the people," he said in the statement.
Koh said the successful implementation of those projects will ensure that Penang will continue to grow as the hub for the Northern Corridor Economic Region and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).
"Gerakan appeals to the federal government to continue and to expedite the implementation of these projects," he said.
At the same time, Koh also adviced the DAP leaders of the state government to avoid engaging in political rhetorics.
"They should adopt a constructive and positive approach to sustain inter-ethnic harmony and social stability," he said.
He urged them to take steps to provide a conducive environment to ensure the smooth implementation of all projects for continued economic development for Penang.
Lim and Koh were both responding to a statement by the state Opposition leaders, namely Umno, led by Datuk Azhar Ibrahim yesterday evening who had called for the funding of the projects to be withdrawn.
Azhar had also called for RapidPenang bus services to be stopped and "given" to other states that needed it.
"The BN government has promised all these to the people but the people had rejected the BN government by voting for the DAP and PKR. So, we won't give them all these mega-projects. Let them see what DAP and PKR can do for them," he had reportedly said. - THE SUN
Posted by kasee
Saturday, 15 March 2008, MT
Opalyn Mok
PENANG (March 14, 2008): Penang Umno leaders' proposal to the federal government to withdraw funding for all mega-projects in Penang is tantamount to cutting their nose to spite their face, said Penang Chief Minister (CM) Lim Guan Eng.
Lim said it is obvious their proposal is an act of revenge and that they have not seriously thought it out before making such proposals.
"They should respect the people's decision. If they do not respect the people's decision, I feel that it does not fulfill our democratic aspirations anymore and they also do not respect the constitution which clearly stated that the people's decision must be respected," he said.
He said the Umno leaders' proposal is an immediate knee-jerk reaction which is not appropriate and could lead to the downfall of Penang and ultimately the country.
"These (type of) Umno leaders ... I don't know what to say. Everyone can make suggestions but have they thought it out before making such proposals?"
"If this is the way to seek revenge, then I suppose the state government could also do the same towards those who do not support the state government but we will not do such things because we want to be fair to all," he said.
However, Lim feels that Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not take such irresponsible steps.
Even though the state has fallen out of the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s hands, he said the Prime Minister is still the Prime Minister for all Malaysians, including Penangites.
"Furthermore, he is a Penangite himself and this is his home state," he said.
Lim added that the BN still received 51% percent of the votes in Malaysia and he posed a question asking the Prime Minister if he wanted to only represent the 51% in Malaysia or 100%.
"It just does not make sense if he only wants to be a PM for the 51%. Then who will be the PM for the remaining 49% Malaysians? Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim?" he asked.
Gerakan also does not agree with Umno's proposal as the party's acting president and former CM Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon issued a statement saying that the mega projects are crucial for the future economy and quality of life for Penang and its neighbouring states.
"Major infrastructure projects for Penang such as the second Penang bridge, the Penang Outer Ring Road, Monorail and public transport system, expansion of airport and port as promised by the federal government under the BN should continue for the benefit of the people," he said in the statement.
Koh said the successful implementation of those projects will ensure that Penang will continue to grow as the hub for the Northern Corridor Economic Region and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).
"Gerakan appeals to the federal government to continue and to expedite the implementation of these projects," he said.
At the same time, Koh also adviced the DAP leaders of the state government to avoid engaging in political rhetorics.
"They should adopt a constructive and positive approach to sustain inter-ethnic harmony and social stability," he said.
He urged them to take steps to provide a conducive environment to ensure the smooth implementation of all projects for continued economic development for Penang.
Lim and Koh were both responding to a statement by the state Opposition leaders, namely Umno, led by Datuk Azhar Ibrahim yesterday evening who had called for the funding of the projects to be withdrawn.
Azhar had also called for RapidPenang bus services to be stopped and "given" to other states that needed it.
"The BN government has promised all these to the people but the people had rejected the BN government by voting for the DAP and PKR. So, we won't give them all these mega-projects. Let them see what DAP and PKR can do for them," he had reportedly said. - THE SUN
Kain rentang desak PM undur
Kain rentang desak PM undur
Mar 14, 08 11:01pm
Tidak cukup dengan desakan bekas presiden Umno Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan surat peribadi anaknya agar Perdana Menteri meletakkan jawatannya, pihak yang tidak dikenali turut menaikkan kain-kain rentang di beberapa batang jalan utama di pinggir Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysiakini difahamkan, sejak beberapa hari lalu, sekurang-kurangnya 15 keping kain pemidang diletakkan di beberapa tempat strategik seperti di jejantas mendesak Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Ahmad Badawi bertanggungjawab atas ketewasan teruk BN.
Kain-kain rentang berlogokan Umno itu - yang dipercayai penyokong-penyokong Umno sendiri - diletakkan, antaranya, di Jalan Tun Razak, depan Ampang Point, lebuh raya Ulu Klang, Jalan Jelatek (Keramat) dan juga Pandan Indah.
Tulisan di kain-kain itu berbunyi, antaranya: "Jangan main-main dengan bangsa Melayu. Pak Lah letak jawatan", "Anak cucu cicit kita akan tergadai. Pak Lah berundur" dan "Janganlah menang bersorak, kampung tergadai, Pak Lah undur."
Ketua Puteri Umno Datuk Noraini Ahmad dilaporkan menafikan pergerakan itu terlibat memasang kain rentang itu dan mendakwa ada pihak tertentu, termasuk pembangkang, yang memperalatkan nama pergerakan itu.
"Tidak ada kerja lain, banyak duit mereka untuk cetak dan gantung di semua kawasan.
"Kami dapati semua kain rentang tersebut mempunyai warna, saiz dan bentuk yang serupa tetapi nama bahagian sahaja diubah dan kami syak itu kerja parti pembangkang," beliau dipetik oleh Bernama sebagai berkata hari ini.
Sementara itu dua laporan polis telah dibuat oleh Pemuda Umno bahagian Wang Maju dan Puteri Umno bahagian Bandar Tun Razak berhubung pemasangan kain-kain rentang tersebut.
Malaysiakini.
Mar 14, 08 11:01pm
Tidak cukup dengan desakan bekas presiden Umno Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan surat peribadi anaknya agar Perdana Menteri meletakkan jawatannya, pihak yang tidak dikenali turut menaikkan kain-kain rentang di beberapa batang jalan utama di pinggir Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysiakini difahamkan, sejak beberapa hari lalu, sekurang-kurangnya 15 keping kain pemidang diletakkan di beberapa tempat strategik seperti di jejantas mendesak Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Ahmad Badawi bertanggungjawab atas ketewasan teruk BN.
Kain-kain rentang berlogokan Umno itu - yang dipercayai penyokong-penyokong Umno sendiri - diletakkan, antaranya, di Jalan Tun Razak, depan Ampang Point, lebuh raya Ulu Klang, Jalan Jelatek (Keramat) dan juga Pandan Indah.
Tulisan di kain-kain itu berbunyi, antaranya: "Jangan main-main dengan bangsa Melayu. Pak Lah letak jawatan", "Anak cucu cicit kita akan tergadai. Pak Lah berundur" dan "Janganlah menang bersorak, kampung tergadai, Pak Lah undur."
Ketua Puteri Umno Datuk Noraini Ahmad dilaporkan menafikan pergerakan itu terlibat memasang kain rentang itu dan mendakwa ada pihak tertentu, termasuk pembangkang, yang memperalatkan nama pergerakan itu.
"Tidak ada kerja lain, banyak duit mereka untuk cetak dan gantung di semua kawasan.
"Kami dapati semua kain rentang tersebut mempunyai warna, saiz dan bentuk yang serupa tetapi nama bahagian sahaja diubah dan kami syak itu kerja parti pembangkang," beliau dipetik oleh Bernama sebagai berkata hari ini.
Sementara itu dua laporan polis telah dibuat oleh Pemuda Umno bahagian Wang Maju dan Puteri Umno bahagian Bandar Tun Razak berhubung pemasangan kain-kain rentang tersebut.
Malaysiakini.
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