Don't shoot rakyat in the foot, ABU warns PR

KUALA LUMPUR (April 18, 2013): Pakatan Rakyat will be "shooting the rakyat in the foot" if they fail to resolve all overlapping claims for seats come nomination day tomorrow, warned advocacy group Anything But Umno (ABU) chief Haris Ibrahim.

Haris said any three-cornered fight involving more than one PR candidate against Barisan Nasional will dash the people's hope for change after the 13th general elections.

"Politicians should remember that the seats belong to the rakyat who are merely giving them a 'temporary occupation license' for five years," Haris told theSun on Wednesday.

"In the situation where there is more than one PR candidate, the desire for change would be impossible to achieve," he stressed.

Haris said this was proven during the Bukit Selambau by-election in 2009, when PKR's candidate S. Manikumar trounced MIC's Datuk S. Ganesan, despite presence of 11 other 'Independent' contenders, whom he claimed were planted by BN.

"PR only had one candidate, so the people were not confused," he said.

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia representative A. Jayanath meanwhile said PR had more than five years since 2008 to prepare for the polls and as such it was "very disheartening" to hear of their last minute jostling for seats.

Jayanath noted that the political tsunami in 2008 when BN was denied their customary two-thirds majority in Parliament was due to straight fights in most constituencies in the peninsular.

"The feeling on the ground is 'why are we left with this choice?' (between two opposition parties)," said Jayanath, citing as an example the expected three-cornered fights between BN, PR and Parti Sosialis Malaysia in Semenyih and Jelapang.

DAP to contest under PAS, PKR tickets

DAP will not be able to use its rocket symbol in the coming general election, following two letters issued by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on Wednesday – just three days before nomination – which in effect render the party's office-bearers impotent.

As a consequence, the DAP at an emergency meeting last night had decided it will contest under the PAS logo in the peninsula and the PKR logo in East Malaysia unless the Registrar of Societies (ROS) revokes its April 17 letter which de-recognised the party's office-bearers by 3pm today.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng told an emotionally charged press conference after the central executive committee (CEC) meeting held at its headquarters that the ROS issuance of the letter is a politically motivated move intended at "sabotaging" DAP's chance in the upcoming polls.

"By not recognising the CEC office-bearers elected on Dec 15 (2012), I have no power to issue authorisation letters to DAP candidates to use the rocket symbol, in my official capacity as secretary-general.

"There is no point in relying on assurances given by the Election Commission (EC) that DAP can still use our rocket symbol when it possesses a sad record of broken promises," said an incensed Lim.

"We will not surrender ... It is a battle of survival. How do we explain to the voters why we need to contest using another party's logo?" said Lim who at one point was holding back tears.

Also present were DAP chairman Karpal Singh and party supremo Lim Kit Siang who both admitted to being deeply affected by the decision to not contest under the rocket symbol as they had done in past elections.

"It is a sad and traumatic (feeling) but we are being forced into this situation.

"The rocket is deeply entrenched in DAP's psyche," said Karpal.

Kit Siang also admitted to shedding tears over the possibility that the party may not be able to contest under its own banner for the first time in its 48-year history.

He also described the decision as a "high-risk" move which the party is willing to take.

The ROS has informed the DAP that the official inquiry into complaints over its CEC, which was to be heard today, had been postponed to May 9.

This, in effect, leaves the DAP leadership issue in limbo until then.

Karpal had on Wednesday said the party's election returning officer Pooi Weng Keong and election strategist Ong Kian Meng were to attend a hearing by ROS on the alleged irregularities yesterday.

ROS stated in its letter it could de-register DAP as a political party following official complaints that non-CEC members had attended a CEC meeting, and that 753 delegates had either not received their ballot papers at least 10 days in advance, or at all.

Lim said there should be no issue of de-registration, judgment or action before the ongoing probe and official inquiry are completed.

DAP's Pakatan Rakyat partners immediately offered to assist the party.

"On behalf of PAS, I am ready to sign any letter needed by a DAP candidate," said PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution echoed the support, saying PKR's top leadership had no issue in helping DAP.

"PAS and PKR are our loyal partners and we really thank them for standing by us and helping us out in this time of crisis," said Lim, adding if DAP candidates do not receive authorisation from another party to use its symbol, they would have to contest as independents, which the DAP will not accept.

On a news report yesterday that Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz had given the green light for DAP to contest under its own symbol, Kit Siang said it needs to be in black and white for the party to consider such a move.

"We will not take the risk of banking our entire election campaign on verbal promises by the EC, especially when we received the faxed letter less than 48 hours before nomination day.

"However, behind every crisis, there is an opportunity. We hope the people can see that dirty underhand tactics are being used."

Meanwhile, CEC member Gobind Singh Deo pointed out that the CEC referred to by the ROS was appointed on Dec 15 last year, whereas a new CEC had, in fact, been appointed on Jan 4 this year after the party was contacted by the ROS.

"DAP has all this while been in communication with the ROS over the complaints raised, so the letter comes as a surprise.

ROS director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othma in a statement issued late Thursday evening said however that the party has not been de-registered and can still use its symbol for the general election.

Tunggu lihat apa reaksi ROS pulak.

BN’s 56 promises for Selangor

Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) has launched its "56 janji" (56 promises) as a specific manifesto for the people of Selangor.

The manifesto, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday, highlights unique issues in Selangor and will capitalise on the state's standing as the wealthiest in the country to promote development.

Najib said the candidates chosen to represent the coalition in Selangor is strong enough to transform and develop the state.

“If you believe me as the leader, then this team will fulfil the people’s hope and take the country to greater success."

The main focus of the manifesto is the Selangor people's wellbeing, with some provisions to match Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) "Merakyatkan Ekonomi" initiative, which shows that BN will spare nothing to reclaim the state.

The manifesto promises a monthly aid of RM250 to the poor, single mothers and the disabled, and lowering quit rent and land taxes that was increased during PR's administration. Quit rent for households in low cost housing schemes and "Projek Perumahan Rakyat" house owners registered with e-Kasih will also be abolished.

Najib also announced that BN will provide 20 cu m of free water per month to every household and the option to change bulk meters to individual meters for free.

The coalition will also build day care centres to ease the burden of working parents.

Najib said BN will increase the number of local government authorities (PBT) from 12 to 14 with the introduction of the Bangi, North Klang and Kota Raja municipal councils to offer better services to the people.

All 14 PBTs will also spearhead the Selangor Safe City concept with upgraded integrated security infrastructure to reduce crime and provide fast help in the event of natural disasters.

To address housing problems, BN promised that the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) will resume its key role of providing affordable homes for the people.

A new scheme will also be introduced to help people, especially young couples, to own houses.

BN plans to build:

– 25,000 low cost units or Rumah Mesra Rakyat priced at RM50,000 for suburban and rural residents;

– 15,000 units with a minimum built up area of 850 sq ft, to be sold to people earning below RM3,000 per month at RM80,000; and

– 25,000 units with a minimum built up area of 1,000 sq ft to be sold at the maximum price of RM300,000 to people earning between RM3,000 to RM5,000 per month.

BN will introduce a new economic zone named "Selangor Global Logistic Hub" in the area between Port Klang and KLIA in Sepang, which will create 560,000 new job opportunities.

A new Selangor microcredit scheme will also be introduced to provide funding of up to RM250 million as start-up capital for new businesses.

Under the "Permata Pendidikan Selangor" initiative, BN will offer a RM500 contribution for newborn babies in the National Education Saving Scheme with an average return on investment of 7% per year guaranteed by the government.

All Selangor-born students who secure a place at any public university will receive a cash aid of RM1,000 (diploma) and RM1,500 (first degree).

Scholarship and convertible loans of up to RM80,000 will also be offered to Selangor citizens for their first degree.

To make the community more caring and inclusive, special funds of up to RM10,000 will be given to residents' associations to help organise community-building activities.

Annual grants of up to RM1,000 will also be given to registered social clubs and cash aid of up to RM5,000 will be offered to religious houses such as mosques and temples for management and development purposes.

Najib also chided Pakatan Rakyat government over their inability to deliver their election promises after winning in 2008.

“If the manifesto is not a promise, then why did you present it to the people?

“Five years is enough to know they (Pakatan) can’t fulfil their promises,” he said referring to on-going legal suites against the state government over their election manifesto.

Muhyiddin: Anwar lacks charism

Sabahans have been urged to reject the opposition because its leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lacks charisma to lead the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Anwar lied when he claimed that the opposition would takeover states under Barisan Nasional (BN) rule including Sabah.

He described Anwar as a big liar for saying he could attract BN members of parliament to support him and form the government on Sept 16, 2008.

"Anwar likes to boast about changing the government and came to Tuaran to deceive Sabahans. He only wants to become the Prime Minister in Putrajaya," he said at a meet-the-people session here last night.

Also present was his wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Tuaran parliamentary candidate and secretary-general of United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Organisation (Upko), Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.

"Why should we change the government? The BN government is already good and has been good for a long time.

"Anwar should be rejected because of his quest for political power and ambition of becoming the prime minister and not to champion the people. The BN government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has made extraordinary achievements to improve the people's standard of living and fulfilled its promises.

Muhyiddin said they include the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) for the benefit of 4.2 million households which will be increased to RM1,200 in stages.

The government had also standardised the price of goods in Sabah and Sarawak to ease the people's burden and control the price of daily essentials.

Sabahans should assess the opposition manifesto that is impossible to implement while they failed to fulfill its manifesto for Selangor made in 2008.

At the event, a total of 246 former opposition supporters submitted membership forms to join BN component parties. – Bernama

'New and improved' BN battles for Selangor

The Barisan Nasional (BN) battle to wrest Selangor from Pakatan Rakyat will be fronted by a force formed by a majority of new faces.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, in announcing the BN candidates for Selangor today, revealed that 80% of the line-up are first-timers.

The move is seen as an effort to meet the rakyat's demands of a "new and improved BN."

"This is the way to return Selangor to BN and to form a stronger state government here," Najib told a packed press conference.

Among the new faces are:
>> Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin (Shah Alam);
>> Deputy Foreign Minister Kohillan Pillay (Puchong);
>> Teratai Gerakan Public Complaints Bureau chief Ben Liew Pok Boon (Teratai);
>> Subang MIC co-ordinator Prakash Rao Applanaidoo (Subang);
>> MIC Central Working Committee member A Sakthivel;
>> BN Pandan Youth central working committee member Muhammad Faizal Sufar, 33, who is among the youngest candidates in Selangor (Chempaka); and
>> Tengku Rethwan Tengku Masor, who is Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor's brother (Seri Setia).

However, there was a notable lack of women candidates, with only seven named out of 22 parliamentary seats and 57 state seats.

The women candidates are: Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Noriah Kasnon (Sungai Besar), Selangor MCA Beliawanis chief Jessie Ooi (Kuala Kubu Baru), Ketua Wanita UMNO Ampang Rozaidah Talib (Ampang), lawyer Adzhaliza Mohd Nor (Hulu Langat), social entrepreneur Chew Hoong Ling (Petaling Jaya Utara), Halimaton Saadiah Bohan (Kota Damansara) and Lee Siew Chee (Sungai Pinang).

Najib, who is also Selangor BN chief, added that BN is ready not only to contest, but to regain the trust of the people of Selangor.

"We have been operating as the Opposition in Selangor for five years and we have learned a lot," he said.

Warga Putrajaya: Apa takut, 6hb sudah kerajaan baru

Ceramah 'Tawan Putrajaya 2013' malam tadi menyaksikan Naib Presiden PAS Datuk Husam Musa mengambil peluang bercerita pengalamannya bertemu dan menyantuni masyarakat Putrajaya.

Memulakan ceramahnya malam tadi, calon PAS yang akan bertanding bagi kerusi Parlimen Putrajaya itu menarik perhatian lebih 10,000 hadirin dengan bertanyakan "Are you ready for Putrajaya?" sebanyak tiga kali dan dijawab "yes" oleh para hadirin.

Kemudian beliau bertanya pula "Are you ready for BN?", lalu disambut laungan "No" oleh orang ramai yang hadir.

"Kalau begini, menanglah. Siapa kata (Datuk Seri) Tengku Adnan (Tengku Mansor) tidak boleh dikalahkan," katanya sinis disambut tepukan gemuruh hadirin.

Pas terlalu yakin dapat menawan Putrajaya dalam pilihan raya ke -13 ini.Pas jangan takbur sangat,takut bila jatuh tak dapat bangun kembali.

Jika Mukhriz MB, San Miguel bolehlah masuk Kedah?

Jika Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir dapat mencapai idamannya menjadi Menteri Besar Kedah, adakah beliau akan membiarkan pengeluar arak, San Miguel Corp (San Miguel) membuka kilangnya di negeri itu?

Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar membangkitkan persoalan itu selepas mendengar kebimbangan itu dibangkitkan oleh ramai rakyat Kedah yang ditemuinya.

"Saya tidak boleh menolak begitu sahaja kebimbangan rakyat yang disuarakan beberapa kali kepada saya itu.

"Sebab itulah saya terpaksa bertanya adakah Mukhriz akan membiarkan San Miguel membuka kilang araknya di Kedah?

"Maklumlah, abangnya, Datuk Mirzan Mahathir adalah salah seorang pengarah San Miguel," katanya.

Mahfuz amat berharap perkara itu tidak ada dalam perancangan Mukhriz.

"Sebabnya, kalau ada, BN sepatutnya meletakkan pembukaan kilang arak San Miguel di Kedah dalam manifestonya," kata beliau

Mirzan sebelum ini dilaporkan mengakui pegangan syarikat pelaburannya di dalam San Miguel.

Beliau dilantik sebagai salah seorang pengarah San Miguel bagi mewakili kepentingan syarikat pelaburan yang dikuasainya, Q-Tech Alliance Holdings Inc di dalam lembaga pengarah syarikat pengeluar arak itu

Q-Tech, syarikat pelaburan berpengkalan di Manila yang dikuasai Mirzan, membeli pegangan sebanyak 19.9 peratus di dalam San Miguel Corp dengan nilai kira-kira RM2.9 bilion.

San Miguel Corp pula menguasai 51 peratus pegangan di dalam anak syarikatnya yang mengeluarkan arak, San Miguel Brewery Inc.

mengapa Pas bangkitkan isu arak pual,apa muslihat Pas ni??