I am sure many have heard of Datuk Noraini Ahmad. For those who have not, a quick update. Datuk Noraini Ahmad is Head of Puteri UMNO Malaysia. The position of Puteri UMNO chief is equivalent to the vice presidents. So in UMNO AGM, she would sit in the front row, together with the President, Deputy President, VPs, Wanita Chief, UMNO Youth Chief, Sec-Gen, Tresurer General and Information Chief. So her position is very senior in UMNO's hierarchy.
In the recent GE, she contested and won the Parit Sulong Parliamentary seat, replacing an acquaintance of mine, Syed Hood Edros. And was duly appointed as the Deputy Minister of Human Resource - shadowing the only MIC rep in the cabinet. Her appointment did raise some question marks - her being a first term MP. and also her performance as Puteri UMNO Chief has been mediocre as political observers would say, for her to be rewarded handsomely. In truth, she had big shoes to fill. Her predesessor, Dato Azalina Othman Said did an excellent job in setting up and attracting young malay ladies to join Puteri UMNO. (whatever stories we have heard about Azalina, let's be objective. credit is given where credit is due.) Her combative style has won her admirers, as well as 'enemies'. So unlucky for Noraini, comparison is always made to Azalina. Put them side by side, Azalina is way ahead in terms of leadership, maturity and eloquency. So her appointment may be a reward to younger generation, a voice for the young in the new administration, rather than for her personal achievement. Whatever it is, let's hope she would be able to articulate the aspiration of the young and carry that responsibility effectively.
Last week the issue of postponing UMNO's election came up. UMNO leaders, including her, gave their opinions. Some said yes, and some said no to the postponement. She however said both. Doing a complete one-eighty, all within 4 hours. (check out: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/20080326195716/Article/index_html) Flip-flopping on this important issue further fuels the case whether she is suited for high office. Whether she has the political maturity and charisma to assist the BN government in winning back the hearts and minds of the rakyat, especially the younger generation.
And today, she gave her opinion on the proposed abolishment of the quota system in UMNO. This is what she said in Utusan Malaysia.
(Ketua Puteri UMNO, Datuk Noraini Ahmad berkata, pelaksanaan sistem kuota mampu memastikan tiada individu yang tidak memiliki sokongan kuat di akar umbi cuba menentang presiden. “Jika seseorang itu mampu melepasi kuota yang ditetapkan, maka barulah dia seorang yang memiliki kredibiliti tinggi dan layak untuk mencabar presiden,” katanya ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.
Tambah beliau, jawatan Presiden UMNO perlu dilihat dalam perspektif yang luas iaitu individu yang memegang jawatan itu akan turut menjadi Perdana Menteri.
Situasi itu kata beliau menjadikan jawatan Presiden UMNO hanya boleh dipegang oleh seseorang yang benar-benar berwibawa dan mendapat sokongan secara menyeluruh.)
I am sorry, Datuk. I disagree. Even if a person gets the necessary nominations as per the quota, he/she would not and could not win any contest without the necessary grassroot support - be it for the presidency or even as Puteri UMNO chief. So the issue of imposing a quota in the first place, as mentioned by you, is irrelevant. I wonder whether Puteri UMNO members feel the same as you, Datuk. The quota system must go. Now. I hope you will continuously engage the young. Channel our ideas. Be our voice. We dont need another yes-man (or yes-lady) in the government. We have plenty already.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Just say sorry!
"Zam: Dr M to blame, too" screamed the title in The Star today. Dato Seri Zainuddin Maidin, the former Information Minister, said that Dr M must shoulder some of the blame for Barisan Nasional's worst ever performance in the recent general election. Dr M's various accusations swayed the people to vote against Barisan. Laying all the blame on PM Abdullah Badawi for Barisan's losses is not right because it is clear that Dr M is full of anger and uncontrolled vengeance.
You also said that the statement by Tun M on the role played by Khairy Jamaluddin and his advisers in the country's politics and economy had even caused Gerakan adviser, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik to ask PM Abdullah Badawi to get rid of his advisers. Wow. Is this how you regard your former cabinet colleague? Just parroting what Tun M said, without thinking on his own. Wonder how highly he thinks of you.
My Dear Dato Seri, i respect your right to speak and put the blame on Tun M. You have exercised that right using words like full of anger, uncontrolled vengeance etc. Whether it is done objectively or not, that is debatable. Now i would like to exercise my right as an UMNO member and a citizen.
I put some of the blame on your shoulders Dato Seri. You were the Minister of Information. You headed the ministry that is responsible to inform the rakyat on government policies and agendas. The Ministry that is suppose to be the eyes and ears for the government. Jabatan Hak Ehwal Khas (JASA) is under your purview.
(These are the functions of JASA, which i took from their website.
1. Mengatur rancangan dan melaksanakan strategi, program, aktiviti bagi mendidik serta meyakinkan rakyat kepada pemimpin Negara
2. Menggerakkan pembaharuan pemikiran ummah bagi menghadapi gelombang globalisasi dan teknologi maklumat
3. Menangkis dakyah, fitnah, tohmahan dan pemikiran jumud serta ekstrimis agama di kalangan rakyat
4. Membuat analisa pola dan sikap pengundi sebelum, semasa dan selepas pilihanraya
5. Menjalankan penyelidikkan dan menyediakan laporan isu - isu sosio politik dan agama 6.Mengenalpasti dan memantau setiap isu yang boleh menggugat kepercayaan rakyat terhadap kerajaan)
So Dato Seri, looking at the funtions of JASA and the result of the recent GE, i say you have failed miserably as the Minister-in-charge. You have failed your party. You have failed your country. Dont shift the blame. Just say sorry for your failure. I would have forgiven you. But now...
You also said that the statement by Tun M on the role played by Khairy Jamaluddin and his advisers in the country's politics and economy had even caused Gerakan adviser, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik to ask PM Abdullah Badawi to get rid of his advisers. Wow. Is this how you regard your former cabinet colleague? Just parroting what Tun M said, without thinking on his own. Wonder how highly he thinks of you.
My Dear Dato Seri, i respect your right to speak and put the blame on Tun M. You have exercised that right using words like full of anger, uncontrolled vengeance etc. Whether it is done objectively or not, that is debatable. Now i would like to exercise my right as an UMNO member and a citizen.
I put some of the blame on your shoulders Dato Seri. You were the Minister of Information. You headed the ministry that is responsible to inform the rakyat on government policies and agendas. The Ministry that is suppose to be the eyes and ears for the government. Jabatan Hak Ehwal Khas (JASA) is under your purview.
(These are the functions of JASA, which i took from their website.
1. Mengatur rancangan dan melaksanakan strategi, program, aktiviti bagi mendidik serta meyakinkan rakyat kepada pemimpin Negara
2. Menggerakkan pembaharuan pemikiran ummah bagi menghadapi gelombang globalisasi dan teknologi maklumat
3. Menangkis dakyah, fitnah, tohmahan dan pemikiran jumud serta ekstrimis agama di kalangan rakyat
4. Membuat analisa pola dan sikap pengundi sebelum, semasa dan selepas pilihanraya
5. Menjalankan penyelidikkan dan menyediakan laporan isu - isu sosio politik dan agama 6.Mengenalpasti dan memantau setiap isu yang boleh menggugat kepercayaan rakyat terhadap kerajaan)
So Dato Seri, looking at the funtions of JASA and the result of the recent GE, i say you have failed miserably as the Minister-in-charge. You have failed your party. You have failed your country. Dont shift the blame. Just say sorry for your failure. I would have forgiven you. But now...
Friday, March 28, 2008
Dr M speaks up..
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/28/nation/20080328122936&sec=nation
Dr M as he is. A Statesman.
Dr M as he is. A Statesman.
Finally!
Finally. UMNO Supreme Council has decided to recognise and fully support Dato Ahmad Said as the Menteri Besar of Terengganu. Thank you to all Supreme Council members for making a decision. The impasse has gone far too long that any decision is welcomed. So this decision yesterday is indeed a relief to everybody, especially the rakyat of Terengganu. To my fellow Terengganuians, let's take this in our stride. We now have a new Menteri Besar. He needs all of our support to perform his duties and responsibilities. Let's give him our full undivided support. He certainly deserves a chance to prove himself.
Phase 1 of post-election has finally come to an end. (Phase 1 being the appointment of key office bearers.) We can now proceed with Phase 2 - addressing the issues/grouses raised by the rakyat. From issues as delicate as race relations and integrity, to as basic as leadership qualities. This is crucial for the BN government to keep power in four years' time. Power is everything. That is the no. 1 objective of any political party in the world. You need power to implement your agendas or perjuangan. For you to have power, you must first win the election. How do you win an election? By listening to the rakyat, the voters - the decision makers. It is as simple as that.
Congratulations to Dato Mad Said. (not Mad=crazy but Mad=short for Ahmad). You are now the CEO of Terengganu. CEO, and not the Chairman. CEO sets the tone of the organisation. CEO leads, not just manages. As i mentioned before, Dato Mad is my Ketua Bahagian. I have met him. I find him to be approachable, down to earth and grounded. and eloquent. Hard working also, someone related to me. So he has the necessary qualities. He is qualified. We have proposed, and God has disposed. Now Act 1 - Part 1: Dato Ahmad Said Takes Charge.
Abraham Lincoln once said "If you want to test a man's character, give him power". All the best Dato Mad. I sincerely hope you pass the test.
Phase 1 of post-election has finally come to an end. (Phase 1 being the appointment of key office bearers.) We can now proceed with Phase 2 - addressing the issues/grouses raised by the rakyat. From issues as delicate as race relations and integrity, to as basic as leadership qualities. This is crucial for the BN government to keep power in four years' time. Power is everything. That is the no. 1 objective of any political party in the world. You need power to implement your agendas or perjuangan. For you to have power, you must first win the election. How do you win an election? By listening to the rakyat, the voters - the decision makers. It is as simple as that.
Congratulations to Dato Mad Said. (not Mad=crazy but Mad=short for Ahmad). You are now the CEO of Terengganu. CEO, and not the Chairman. CEO sets the tone of the organisation. CEO leads, not just manages. As i mentioned before, Dato Mad is my Ketua Bahagian. I have met him. I find him to be approachable, down to earth and grounded. and eloquent. Hard working also, someone related to me. So he has the necessary qualities. He is qualified. We have proposed, and God has disposed. Now Act 1 - Part 1: Dato Ahmad Said Takes Charge.
Abraham Lincoln once said "If you want to test a man's character, give him power". All the best Dato Mad. I sincerely hope you pass the test.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yes Minister?
Last Sunday Dato Zaid Ibrahim, the newly appointed Law Minister, proposed that the government should apologise to the judges that were involved in the 1988 judicial crisis. He said the government should seek forgiveness as in the eyes of the world, the judicial crisis has weakened our judiciary system. This open apology would be one of his three main goals. Others being - revamping the appointment and promotion process of judges, and to strengthen the judiciary with the cooperation from all stakeholders eg Bar Council, AG Chambers etc. Bravo Minister Zaid. I applaud you. You seem to know what are the issues and concerns in our judicial system. Why wouldnt you. You were chairman of Zaid Ibrahim & Co, the largest law firm in the country.
The way i read your proposal is this - the rejuvenation (i like this word) of our judiciary system could not start without an open apology from the government to the judges involved. However, at the same time, you also said there is no need to re-open the case and have a judicial review. Now i am confused. I am not a lawyer. So i may sound stupid. Why should the government apologise for something that was decided through the legal process?
In 1988, i was 14 years old. So like any other teenagers, i was more self absorbed in my own world and didnt care much of the so-called crisis. Sports especially football was no. 1 priority. But i do remember this. The judges were 'tried' by judicial panels, (panel members being their peers) formed according to the law. They were found guilty and 'sentenced' accordingly. So as far as i am concerned, they were given due process. All done as required by law. Having said that, i have to confess. I have read 'May Day for Justice" - a book written by Tun Salleh Abas on the 1988 judicial crisis. Read it in my twenties, after i had out-grown football and the rest. There may be some truths in what Tun Salleh wrote. Who knows. The point is whether that would render the whole process invalid? And the sentence void. Thus a miscarriage of justice. I dont know. All i am saying is that i dont understand why you propose for an open apology without having a judicial review first to ascertain the legality of things? That does not make sense at all. I thought lawyers work on fact, and not sentiment. Confirm the facts and then decide. Otherwise, there would be many apologies awaiting the government. Why this particular case? Why not also apologise to former ISA detainees? Then writing apologies would be your full time job for the next four years. Unless you want to open a floodgate, let's just move on. You have things to do, remember?
One more thing. You also said that Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is serious about revamping the judiciary and making it transparent. Then tell me this. Why did he appoint Tan Sri Zaki Azmi as a judge? Let's not argue on technicality. Yes, Agong appoints judges. But on the advice of the Prime Minister. Tan Sri Zaki Azmi was appointed straight to the Federal Court, (highest court in the country) bypassing two levels - Hight Court and Court of Appeal. Then some 3 months later, promoted to President Court of Appeal, (second highest post in the judiciary) again bypassing 2 levels - Chief Judge of Sabah & Sarawak, and Chief Judge of Malaya. As the current Chief Justice is due to retire this year, he would most certainly be the next one, occupying the position his father did many years ago.
Before his elevation, Tan Sri Zaki was the deputy chairman of UMNO's Disciplinary Committee. The committee which handles disclipinary cases in umno, including money politics. He was also active in the corporate world, with directorships in few companies. Incidently, he was in the limelight back in 2005 for a wrong reason (can refer to NST 6 Aug 2005. interesting read.). He was seeking a declaration in the Syariah Court that his second marriage is null and void. Apparently, he married his second wife in Perlis, presided by a kadi from Thailand. Things didnt work out with the second wife and thus the case in the Syariah Court. Dont know what is the status of the case now.
He may have all the legal knowledge. But he is too close to the corridors of power for comfort. And the speed of his elevation and promotion raised more than the eyebrows. So Minister Zaid, is Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi really serious about restoring the confidence of the rakyat in our judiciary? Certainly not with this appointment. Win me over, and i will support you.
The way i read your proposal is this - the rejuvenation (i like this word) of our judiciary system could not start without an open apology from the government to the judges involved. However, at the same time, you also said there is no need to re-open the case and have a judicial review. Now i am confused. I am not a lawyer. So i may sound stupid. Why should the government apologise for something that was decided through the legal process?
In 1988, i was 14 years old. So like any other teenagers, i was more self absorbed in my own world and didnt care much of the so-called crisis. Sports especially football was no. 1 priority. But i do remember this. The judges were 'tried' by judicial panels, (panel members being their peers) formed according to the law. They were found guilty and 'sentenced' accordingly. So as far as i am concerned, they were given due process. All done as required by law. Having said that, i have to confess. I have read 'May Day for Justice" - a book written by Tun Salleh Abas on the 1988 judicial crisis. Read it in my twenties, after i had out-grown football and the rest. There may be some truths in what Tun Salleh wrote. Who knows. The point is whether that would render the whole process invalid? And the sentence void. Thus a miscarriage of justice. I dont know. All i am saying is that i dont understand why you propose for an open apology without having a judicial review first to ascertain the legality of things? That does not make sense at all. I thought lawyers work on fact, and not sentiment. Confirm the facts and then decide. Otherwise, there would be many apologies awaiting the government. Why this particular case? Why not also apologise to former ISA detainees? Then writing apologies would be your full time job for the next four years. Unless you want to open a floodgate, let's just move on. You have things to do, remember?
One more thing. You also said that Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is serious about revamping the judiciary and making it transparent. Then tell me this. Why did he appoint Tan Sri Zaki Azmi as a judge? Let's not argue on technicality. Yes, Agong appoints judges. But on the advice of the Prime Minister. Tan Sri Zaki Azmi was appointed straight to the Federal Court, (highest court in the country) bypassing two levels - Hight Court and Court of Appeal. Then some 3 months later, promoted to President Court of Appeal, (second highest post in the judiciary) again bypassing 2 levels - Chief Judge of Sabah & Sarawak, and Chief Judge of Malaya. As the current Chief Justice is due to retire this year, he would most certainly be the next one, occupying the position his father did many years ago.
Before his elevation, Tan Sri Zaki was the deputy chairman of UMNO's Disciplinary Committee. The committee which handles disclipinary cases in umno, including money politics. He was also active in the corporate world, with directorships in few companies. Incidently, he was in the limelight back in 2005 for a wrong reason (can refer to NST 6 Aug 2005. interesting read.). He was seeking a declaration in the Syariah Court that his second marriage is null and void. Apparently, he married his second wife in Perlis, presided by a kadi from Thailand. Things didnt work out with the second wife and thus the case in the Syariah Court. Dont know what is the status of the case now.
He may have all the legal knowledge. But he is too close to the corridors of power for comfort. And the speed of his elevation and promotion raised more than the eyebrows. So Minister Zaid, is Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi really serious about restoring the confidence of the rakyat in our judiciary? Certainly not with this appointment. Win me over, and i will support you.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
UMNO leader in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMS5XbtTeAs&NR=1
Please watch this video. My friend Akhram related this incident to me awhile back. Arrogance has been cited as one of the factors for the downfall of UMNO in many places. This must be one of them. Seeing is believing.
Back in 2004, Dato Mokhtar Dahlan of UMNO won this Kota Damansara seat with a majority of 8,099. Considering the total number of voters of about 29,000, that is a very comfortable margin. In 2008, BN lost with a majority of 1,075. If we assume ceteris paribus, all things being equal, (in this case we assume total voters remain the same for both years), that means a total of 9,174 voters have changed their mind.
I live in Kota Damansara. My business is in Kota Damansara. Am sure glad he is not the wakil rakyat. By saying that, am i a traitor to UMNO?! No. It means that I demand a leader who is trustworthy, humble and hard working. A leader that i can be proud of. A leader i am willing to die for, figuratively of course. Wishful thinking maybe, but there is no harm in hoping and dreaming.
Hope is a good breakfast, but a poor supper. -azrain adnan-
Please watch this video. My friend Akhram related this incident to me awhile back. Arrogance has been cited as one of the factors for the downfall of UMNO in many places. This must be one of them. Seeing is believing.
Back in 2004, Dato Mokhtar Dahlan of UMNO won this Kota Damansara seat with a majority of 8,099. Considering the total number of voters of about 29,000, that is a very comfortable margin. In 2008, BN lost with a majority of 1,075. If we assume ceteris paribus, all things being equal, (in this case we assume total voters remain the same for both years), that means a total of 9,174 voters have changed their mind.
I live in Kota Damansara. My business is in Kota Damansara. Am sure glad he is not the wakil rakyat. By saying that, am i a traitor to UMNO?! No. It means that I demand a leader who is trustworthy, humble and hard working. A leader that i can be proud of. A leader i am willing to die for, figuratively of course. Wishful thinking maybe, but there is no harm in hoping and dreaming.
Hope is a good breakfast, but a poor supper. -azrain adnan-
Dear Tan Sri
Dear Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib
In The Star today, you were quoted: "...that at a time when the situation was proving difficult for UMNO, its members might not be able to make rational decisions." I am an UMNO member. My membership no is 02851601. My cawangan is Chukai. My bahagian is Kemaman, Terengganu. And I am deeply insulted. Thank you for your faith in my ability to think and to rationalise.
Let's go back to the issue at hand. Now leaders of UMNO are proposing to postpone UMNO elections to next year. They feel that if the election were to be held now, it would be disastrous to the party. The UMNO Supreme Council would meet tomorrow to decide on this. Honestly, I am not surprised. A friend informed me last week that this would happen. And when i actually read about it yesterday, it was surreal.
By this admission, things are getting clearer. Not only the rakyats who are angry but also UMNO members. Angry enough that top leaders are taking this drastic measure. The last UMNO election was in 2004, few months after the 11th GE. According to UMNO's constitution, election must be held every three years. As such, it was supposed to be last year. However, coz of the impending GE, top leadership decided to postpone it till after the GE. It has somewhat become a tradition. The constitution stipulates that the Supreme Council can defer the election up to 18 months. So it is provided for. It is within their powers to do so. In short, it is legal. But is it morally right? H*ll no!
If the Supreme Council do decide to postpone the election, i would consider that as double postponements. From 2007 to 2008, 2008 to 2009. (As far i can remember, this would be a first. I hope i am wrong. Coz if I am rite, this would set a bad precedent). Yes it is true that when it was postponed last year, no actual date was set. It was only said that it would be after the GE. and that could be anytime. Are we going to be annal about it and argue? come on! it is generally expected that election would be this year. The GE has come and gone. The result has been disastrous for UMNO. The rejuvenation of UMNO could not start without fresh blood. How can it? We have leaders who, whether we like it or not, contributed to the the loss. If they were to stay on any longer, we lose our credibility by the day. (these leaders would have been in their positions for five years with the proposed postponement, as opposed to three as intended by the constitution). Therefore, it is imperative that we have the election as soon as possible.
So now i wonder who would benefit most from this postponement? UMNO or leaders who have passed their due date. If you think you are saving UMNO by postponing the election, you are wrong. Dead wrong Tan Sri.
In The Star today, you were quoted: "...that at a time when the situation was proving difficult for UMNO, its members might not be able to make rational decisions." I am an UMNO member. My membership no is 02851601. My cawangan is Chukai. My bahagian is Kemaman, Terengganu. And I am deeply insulted. Thank you for your faith in my ability to think and to rationalise.
Let's go back to the issue at hand. Now leaders of UMNO are proposing to postpone UMNO elections to next year. They feel that if the election were to be held now, it would be disastrous to the party. The UMNO Supreme Council would meet tomorrow to decide on this. Honestly, I am not surprised. A friend informed me last week that this would happen. And when i actually read about it yesterday, it was surreal.
By this admission, things are getting clearer. Not only the rakyats who are angry but also UMNO members. Angry enough that top leaders are taking this drastic measure. The last UMNO election was in 2004, few months after the 11th GE. According to UMNO's constitution, election must be held every three years. As such, it was supposed to be last year. However, coz of the impending GE, top leadership decided to postpone it till after the GE. It has somewhat become a tradition. The constitution stipulates that the Supreme Council can defer the election up to 18 months. So it is provided for. It is within their powers to do so. In short, it is legal. But is it morally right? H*ll no!
If the Supreme Council do decide to postpone the election, i would consider that as double postponements. From 2007 to 2008, 2008 to 2009. (As far i can remember, this would be a first. I hope i am wrong. Coz if I am rite, this would set a bad precedent). Yes it is true that when it was postponed last year, no actual date was set. It was only said that it would be after the GE. and that could be anytime. Are we going to be annal about it and argue? come on! it is generally expected that election would be this year. The GE has come and gone. The result has been disastrous for UMNO. The rejuvenation of UMNO could not start without fresh blood. How can it? We have leaders who, whether we like it or not, contributed to the the loss. If they were to stay on any longer, we lose our credibility by the day. (these leaders would have been in their positions for five years with the proposed postponement, as opposed to three as intended by the constitution). Therefore, it is imperative that we have the election as soon as possible.
So now i wonder who would benefit most from this postponement? UMNO or leaders who have passed their due date. If you think you are saving UMNO by postponing the election, you are wrong. Dead wrong Tan Sri.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
To be or not to be..
To be or not to be. This is perhaps the most recognizable phrase of all Shakespeare's literatures. A phrase immortalised by this one man, used by many - generations after generations. I must confess, i have not read any of his works. I tried once, a long time ago. But somehow, through other means - movies especially, i can proudly say i have heard of this man and his works. In fact, i visited his birthplace a couple of times. On the first trip, i went with my girlfriend (now my wife). By the time i went on a second trip with my family, i was like a pro, telling the family what's what and who's who. So if you have any money stashed away, i do recommend you visit Stratford-upon-Avon.
8th March 2008 is a day i will remember for a very long time. That day i woke up early and excited. I skipped breakfast so that i could be at the polling station as early as possible. By 930am i had performed my duty as a citizen and a father. A citizen - to ensure the country is put in good hands. A father - so that my kids can live in a country where they can dream and fulfill their dreams, with the hope they would one day inherit a better country, a better place. That is the sacred bond between us and the next generation. It is unwritten. But it is expected that we make it a better place . Otherwise, i have failed. otherwise, we have failed as a society.
So that nite after dinner, i started to receive smses from friends all over the country. Disturbing news. Then the pins began to fall one by one. First it was Penang. then Kedah. By that time i got a call from my good friend nazrein. He was very upset. In record time, he came by the house and off we went to PWTC. When we got there, the first thing that came to mind - where are the people? I was at PWTC back in 1999. It was buzzing with people. But this particular nite, not only the air was sombre, but the people, the members, the supporters are missing. So another question came to mind - is this the beginning of the end of PM Abdullah Badawi?
So while there, we deliberated, not only as UMNO members but also as citizens. No matter how we argued, from this angle, that angle, this side, that side - we came back to the same conclusion. The voice of the people is loud and clear. They are not in-sync with the government anymore. They have given the government a red mark for its report card. That is why they are willing to take the risk and give power to the opposition. DAP has never tasted power since its inception in 1965. Not even close. They couldn't even smell it. They have no experience in governing a state, let alone the country. And yet the rakyat is willing to give them a try.
In 2004, PM Abdullah Badawi won 90% of the parliamentary seats and 63% of the popular votes. In 2008, he won 63% and 51% respectively. At the same time, losing 5 states to the opposition (we have to consider Wilayah Persekutuan as a state, as it has its own Liaison Committee. Out of 13 seats, BN only won 3). From one of the biggest mandate in our history to the worst, amazingly in four short years. So what the h*ll happened? In 2004, although he is a BN man, with a clean and religious image, the rakyat gave him the benefit of the doubt. They thought this is the man that would bring change. This is the man that would take us to greater heights with "Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang'. That is why they gave him that huge mandate. They accepted his call - ' come work with me'. But over the years, that hope turned to despair. And despair turned to anger. well the rest is history, or is it HIStory?! The message is clear (at least to me) - the rakyats apparently do not want to work with this administration anymore. Their trust have been betrayed. And that is the worst feeling in the world. Now many quarters are asking him to shoulder the responsibility for this dismal BN performance. They say be accountable.
So to be or not to be...that is the question. And only PM Abdullah Badawi has the answer.
8th March 2008 is a day i will remember for a very long time. That day i woke up early and excited. I skipped breakfast so that i could be at the polling station as early as possible. By 930am i had performed my duty as a citizen and a father. A citizen - to ensure the country is put in good hands. A father - so that my kids can live in a country where they can dream and fulfill their dreams, with the hope they would one day inherit a better country, a better place. That is the sacred bond between us and the next generation. It is unwritten. But it is expected that we make it a better place . Otherwise, i have failed. otherwise, we have failed as a society.
So that nite after dinner, i started to receive smses from friends all over the country. Disturbing news. Then the pins began to fall one by one. First it was Penang. then Kedah. By that time i got a call from my good friend nazrein. He was very upset. In record time, he came by the house and off we went to PWTC. When we got there, the first thing that came to mind - where are the people? I was at PWTC back in 1999. It was buzzing with people. But this particular nite, not only the air was sombre, but the people, the members, the supporters are missing. So another question came to mind - is this the beginning of the end of PM Abdullah Badawi?
So while there, we deliberated, not only as UMNO members but also as citizens. No matter how we argued, from this angle, that angle, this side, that side - we came back to the same conclusion. The voice of the people is loud and clear. They are not in-sync with the government anymore. They have given the government a red mark for its report card. That is why they are willing to take the risk and give power to the opposition. DAP has never tasted power since its inception in 1965. Not even close. They couldn't even smell it. They have no experience in governing a state, let alone the country. And yet the rakyat is willing to give them a try.
In 2004, PM Abdullah Badawi won 90% of the parliamentary seats and 63% of the popular votes. In 2008, he won 63% and 51% respectively. At the same time, losing 5 states to the opposition (we have to consider Wilayah Persekutuan as a state, as it has its own Liaison Committee. Out of 13 seats, BN only won 3). From one of the biggest mandate in our history to the worst, amazingly in four short years. So what the h*ll happened? In 2004, although he is a BN man, with a clean and religious image, the rakyat gave him the benefit of the doubt. They thought this is the man that would bring change. This is the man that would take us to greater heights with "Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang'. That is why they gave him that huge mandate. They accepted his call - ' come work with me'. But over the years, that hope turned to despair. And despair turned to anger. well the rest is history, or is it HIStory?! The message is clear (at least to me) - the rakyats apparently do not want to work with this administration anymore. Their trust have been betrayed. And that is the worst feeling in the world. Now many quarters are asking him to shoulder the responsibility for this dismal BN performance. They say be accountable.
So to be or not to be...that is the question. And only PM Abdullah Badawi has the answer.
Surat Terbuka Daripada Golongan Profesional Muda
Surat Terbuka Daripada Golongan Profesional Muda
Kami organisasi-organisasi yang mewakili golongan profesional muda ingin merakamkan rasa terkejut dan dukacita dengan keputusan Pilihanraya Umum ke-12 yang baru lalu. Keputusan pilihanraya ini membuktikan rakyat masih mempercayai proses demokrasi yang ada di negara ini dan telah menggunakannya untuk meluahkan perasaan mereka. Tahniah juga kepada Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya (SPR) kerana dapat menganjurkan pilihanraya dengan baik. Secara keseluruhannya, rakyat telah dapat menunaikan hak dan tanggungjawab mereka dengan aman, tanpa gangguan serta tekanan.
Rakyat telah bersuara dengan kuat dan jelas. Mesejnya tidak boleh dipertikaikan lagi. Rakyat sudah tidak sehati sejiwa bersama kerajaan mengenai pelbagai isu. Ini merangkumi aspek-aspek ekonomi, hubungan antara kaum, integriti serta kedaulatan negara. Kami berpendapat bahawa malangnya dalam menangani isu-isu tersebut, pendapat serta pandangan rakyat, termasuklah generasi muda telah tidak di hiraukan.
Pada Pilihanraya Umum ke-11, rakyat telah memberikan mandat terbesar di dalam sejarah negara kepada kepimpinan YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, dengan harapan yang tinggi untuk perubahan. Amat mengejutkan, dalam jangka masa yang singkat, mandat tersebut telah ditarik balik dan kini rakyat memberi mesej bahawa mereka tidak lagi mahu bekerja bersama kepimpinan tertinggi yang sediada. Rakyat telah menilai kepimpinan YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, dan memberikan markah merah untuk Kad Rekodnya (Report Card).
Golongan profesional muda masih berpendapat bahawa Barisan Nasional adalah gagasan yang mempunyai agenda yang jelas dan menyeluruh untuk rakyat serta negara. Gagasan ini masih mempunyai keupayaan dan dapat mewakili aspirasi seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Demi kebaikan bersama, institusi gagasan ini harus dipertahankan. Apa yang diperlukan dengan segera ialah perubahan kepimpinan kepada yang lebih peka kepada suara dan kehendak sebenar rakyat. Kepimpinan untuk rakyat, kepada rakyat.
Kami golongan profesional muda yang telah meraih manfaat daripada dasar pendidikan negara, telah dididik mengenai prinsip ‘accountability’, dimana seseorang itu harus bertanggungjawab di atas apa yang berlaku. Kepimpinan nombor satu negara mesti mendengar suara hati rakyat ini dan menerimanya dengan terbuka. Demi kesejahteraan masa depan rakyat serta negara, harus memberi laluan kepada kepimpinan yang lebih berupaya berkhidmat dengan lebih prihatin.
Sekretariat Melayu Muda
Alumni Melayu UK & Eire (AMUKE)
Kami organisasi-organisasi yang mewakili golongan profesional muda ingin merakamkan rasa terkejut dan dukacita dengan keputusan Pilihanraya Umum ke-12 yang baru lalu. Keputusan pilihanraya ini membuktikan rakyat masih mempercayai proses demokrasi yang ada di negara ini dan telah menggunakannya untuk meluahkan perasaan mereka. Tahniah juga kepada Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya (SPR) kerana dapat menganjurkan pilihanraya dengan baik. Secara keseluruhannya, rakyat telah dapat menunaikan hak dan tanggungjawab mereka dengan aman, tanpa gangguan serta tekanan.
Rakyat telah bersuara dengan kuat dan jelas. Mesejnya tidak boleh dipertikaikan lagi. Rakyat sudah tidak sehati sejiwa bersama kerajaan mengenai pelbagai isu. Ini merangkumi aspek-aspek ekonomi, hubungan antara kaum, integriti serta kedaulatan negara. Kami berpendapat bahawa malangnya dalam menangani isu-isu tersebut, pendapat serta pandangan rakyat, termasuklah generasi muda telah tidak di hiraukan.
Pada Pilihanraya Umum ke-11, rakyat telah memberikan mandat terbesar di dalam sejarah negara kepada kepimpinan YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, dengan harapan yang tinggi untuk perubahan. Amat mengejutkan, dalam jangka masa yang singkat, mandat tersebut telah ditarik balik dan kini rakyat memberi mesej bahawa mereka tidak lagi mahu bekerja bersama kepimpinan tertinggi yang sediada. Rakyat telah menilai kepimpinan YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, dan memberikan markah merah untuk Kad Rekodnya (Report Card).
Golongan profesional muda masih berpendapat bahawa Barisan Nasional adalah gagasan yang mempunyai agenda yang jelas dan menyeluruh untuk rakyat serta negara. Gagasan ini masih mempunyai keupayaan dan dapat mewakili aspirasi seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Demi kebaikan bersama, institusi gagasan ini harus dipertahankan. Apa yang diperlukan dengan segera ialah perubahan kepimpinan kepada yang lebih peka kepada suara dan kehendak sebenar rakyat. Kepimpinan untuk rakyat, kepada rakyat.
Kami golongan profesional muda yang telah meraih manfaat daripada dasar pendidikan negara, telah dididik mengenai prinsip ‘accountability’, dimana seseorang itu harus bertanggungjawab di atas apa yang berlaku. Kepimpinan nombor satu negara mesti mendengar suara hati rakyat ini dan menerimanya dengan terbuka. Demi kesejahteraan masa depan rakyat serta negara, harus memberi laluan kepada kepimpinan yang lebih berupaya berkhidmat dengan lebih prihatin.
Sekretariat Melayu Muda
Alumni Melayu UK & Eire (AMUKE)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sad but true!
When i was younger, i used to listen to the group Metallica. And one of their great songs is 'Sad but true'. I remember this particular song coz i am sad. and i am angry. and i am dissapointed.
I am from Terengganu you see. Reading the news lately about the happenings in my home state is disturbing, to say the least. The 12th GE ended 16 days ago. Unlike some other states, UMNO Terengganu performed quite good in retaining its power, albeit losing some seats here and there. But the state is the only state without a head, a leader - a Menteri Besar. This is why i am sad.
Over the weeks, speculations were intense as to why a Menteri Besar has yet to be appointed. It was supposed to be a shoe in for Idris Jusoh. He led the Gelombang Biru that wrestled Terengganu away from PAS in 2004. And in 2008, he again led UMNO to a comfortable win with two-thirds majority.
So to cut a long story short - Idris Jusoh is the chosen one of PM Abdullah Badawi. But the Terengganu Royalty apparently is not in favour of Idris Jusoh for a second term, to the extent - anybody but Idris. There was a stand-off till yesterday when Ahmad Said, ADUN Kijal accepted the offer from the palace and received the 'watikah' for his appointment as the next MB of Terengganu. (Incidently, Ahmad Said is the head of UMNO Kemaman, which is my Bahagian.) By accepting the offer, Ahmad Said now risk being expelled from UMNO for the act of disobeying party directive. By presenting the appointment letter to Ahmad Said, the palace has made its move. The ball is now in UMNO's court. So what next?
Lots of people - ADUNs, politicians and rakyat have voiced their sentiment. The UMNO assemblymen is so supportive of Idris Jusoh that they have threatened to resign if he is not reappointed. Resign as assemblymen?! This is why i am angry. You should not, cannot and will not use that as a bargaining chip. On second thoughts, i say go ahead and resign. Let's see whether you can afford to go for another round of election. Are you really confident you can still win after what have happened to other states eg Kedah and Selangor? Or are you just making an empty threat thus mocking the sanctity of the position and trust of the people? Either way, the losers would be the rakyat of Terengganu. Please bear in mind, there is no 'government' in Terengganu for the past one month or so, since the dissolution of the state assembly. So things are not actually moving without a proper 'government' in place.
On Saturday nite (i think!), i watched the news - the press conference by Sabri Alwi, Head of Terengganu UMNO Youth. In short, he said the palace should not interfere in the appointment of the MB. (FYI, Sabri Alwi is the wannabe 'hero' who asked Tun Mahathir to resign from UMNO for criticising PM Abdullah Badawi.) It is not so much of what he said, but the way he said it. So rude. So disrespectful. Obviously he threw away two of our Rukunegara out the window - Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara, Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan. That is why i am dissappointed. Dissappointed coz this is someone i am suppose to call my leader. Dissappointed coz this someone has managed to slip through the crack and become not only an UMNO Youth leader, but Head of Terengganu UMNO Youth - Head of Heads.
So i am still sad. Still angry. Still dissappointed.
I am from Terengganu you see. Reading the news lately about the happenings in my home state is disturbing, to say the least. The 12th GE ended 16 days ago. Unlike some other states, UMNO Terengganu performed quite good in retaining its power, albeit losing some seats here and there. But the state is the only state without a head, a leader - a Menteri Besar. This is why i am sad.
Over the weeks, speculations were intense as to why a Menteri Besar has yet to be appointed. It was supposed to be a shoe in for Idris Jusoh. He led the Gelombang Biru that wrestled Terengganu away from PAS in 2004. And in 2008, he again led UMNO to a comfortable win with two-thirds majority.
So to cut a long story short - Idris Jusoh is the chosen one of PM Abdullah Badawi. But the Terengganu Royalty apparently is not in favour of Idris Jusoh for a second term, to the extent - anybody but Idris. There was a stand-off till yesterday when Ahmad Said, ADUN Kijal accepted the offer from the palace and received the 'watikah' for his appointment as the next MB of Terengganu. (Incidently, Ahmad Said is the head of UMNO Kemaman, which is my Bahagian.) By accepting the offer, Ahmad Said now risk being expelled from UMNO for the act of disobeying party directive. By presenting the appointment letter to Ahmad Said, the palace has made its move. The ball is now in UMNO's court. So what next?
Lots of people - ADUNs, politicians and rakyat have voiced their sentiment. The UMNO assemblymen is so supportive of Idris Jusoh that they have threatened to resign if he is not reappointed. Resign as assemblymen?! This is why i am angry. You should not, cannot and will not use that as a bargaining chip. On second thoughts, i say go ahead and resign. Let's see whether you can afford to go for another round of election. Are you really confident you can still win after what have happened to other states eg Kedah and Selangor? Or are you just making an empty threat thus mocking the sanctity of the position and trust of the people? Either way, the losers would be the rakyat of Terengganu. Please bear in mind, there is no 'government' in Terengganu for the past one month or so, since the dissolution of the state assembly. So things are not actually moving without a proper 'government' in place.
On Saturday nite (i think!), i watched the news - the press conference by Sabri Alwi, Head of Terengganu UMNO Youth. In short, he said the palace should not interfere in the appointment of the MB. (FYI, Sabri Alwi is the wannabe 'hero' who asked Tun Mahathir to resign from UMNO for criticising PM Abdullah Badawi.) It is not so much of what he said, but the way he said it. So rude. So disrespectful. Obviously he threw away two of our Rukunegara out the window - Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara, Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan. That is why i am dissappointed. Dissappointed coz this is someone i am suppose to call my leader. Dissappointed coz this someone has managed to slip through the crack and become not only an UMNO Youth leader, but Head of Terengganu UMNO Youth - Head of Heads.
So i am still sad. Still angry. Still dissappointed.
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