A message from Haris Ibrahim to Najib

I am.

It’s rumoured that you will move the Agong to dissolve parliament on 17th February and that the Election Commission, acting upon your instructions, will fix 11th March as polling day.

Yes?

You want to take the nation to its 13th GE without giving us the full electoral reforms we demanded on 9th July, last year?

Yes?

I’ll see you on the streets.

And God will be with the righteous.

More Malays joining the DAP. Does this sounds like the death knell for racial politics?

In 2009, The Star did an online survey on the public’s opinion regarding race-based political party in Malaysia. Respondents to the online opinion poll have voted overwhelmingly for the abolition of race-based political parties. Some 90 percent of about 500 respondents believe that eradicating of racial politics would result in greater social harmony and understanding among the various communities. An amazing result considering the ruling government of this country is Barisan Nasional (BN) which three biggest component parties (Umno, MCA and MIC) are race-based organizations. Aspen Alias, Mohd Hata Wahari and Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz.The idea of race-based political parties has been accepted since the formation of Malaysia back in 1963. That is until when BN received a rude awakening in 2008 when the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat took control of four states which is Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. The outcome of the last election which saw BN lose its traditional two-thirds majority shows that the people have spoken against politics and survey by MCA-owned The Star has reinforced this paradigm shift. So the big question is, are race-based political parties like Umno, MCA and MIC still relevant? The result of the 2009 online survey proved otherwise. So what is BN doing about it? So far, nothing! What are the Opposition political parties doing about it? A lot! Of late, long-time Umno rival DAP has been extremely aggressive recruiting members from other races especially Malays into their party. In January this year two Umno veterans joined DAP, citing widespread corruption as the key reason for leaving the ruling party. The two are former Pulau Manis assemblyman Datuk Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz and Aspan Alias, a Negri Sembilan Umno veteran. Both are prominent political bloggers who have been critical about their former party. This is interesting as Umno has repeatedly accused Pakatan, especially DAP, of being anti-Malay. At its recent general assembly, several delegates and leaders including Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (right) accused the opposition as being anti-Malay, anti-Islam, agents of Christianization and disrespectful to Malay rulers. Somehow, with the two Umno veterans joining DAP, it has proven otherwise. Yesterday itself another prominent figure Mohd Hata Wahari (left) joined the Chinese-majority DAP. Hata is a former president of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and former editorial staff of Umno-owned newspaper Utusan Malaysia. Hata’s move to join become a DAP member would likely be seen as a slap in the face for the Utusan Malaysia and Umno. In a press conference, Hata said that he wants to attract the Malays to support DAP. He then stated that he is not sure whether his inclusion into the DAP will prove significant for the party, however, he will use the experience he gained during his tenure in the Umno-owned newspaper to help his party in its cause. The reason for DAP to go all out in its mission to recruit Malay members may be highly political. Some even claimed that they're eyeing a DAP Mentri Besar for Selangor and probably a future Prime Minister. This would not be a problem to us as long as the party’s leaders are able to prove that race-based political party is a thing of the past. However, the ruling political party needs to realize this paradigm shift and do something about it. This is a bit tricky since to move with the time and trends, for a start, the three major BN parties will need to change their names. If we look around the world today it is quite rare to find such situation in which a political party only consists of one particular race. What more in a country like Malaysia which propagates unity through a national initiative called 1Malaysia.

Hata has joined the DAP!

Hata (second from right) with DAP leaders Lim (second from left), Tony Pua (far left) and Zairil Khir Johari after announcing his membership into the party at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on January 19, 2012.

Hata Wahari, who was sacked last year from Utusan Malaysiafor criticising the Umno-owned daily, today announced his entry into the DAP as a party member.

The senior journalist, who was also formerly the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president, said he had chosen to join the DAP as he felt it was the most criticised party among its partners in Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

“DAP, I feel, is targetted the most. DAP finds it the hardest to explain to the people that all the slander and allegations aired in the mainstream media are untrue.

“I feel DAP needs to be defended,” he told a joint press conference here chaired by secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Hata, who quit his NUJ post last May, worked for Utusan Malaysia from 1995 until he was sacked on April 21 for criticising the Malay daily’s editorial direction.

When asked if the DAP would appoint Hata to any post within the party, Lim said the formerUtusan Malaysia journalist had not set any pre-conditions before joining the party.

“Like what Hata has said, he joined DAP due to his principles and no other reason. I feel he did this with an open heart so let us celebrate his membership. On other matters, we will announce later,” he said.

Hata told reporters later that he had weighed his options carefully before deciding to join the DAP and stressed that his only wish was to continue his struggle for freedom of information and the media.

“I needed to use DAP as my platform,” he explained, saying that it was harder to push for press freedom through non-governmental organisations.

He said he had not conveyed any wish to hold a post in the DAP or to contest in the coming polls.

But, said Hata, he had informed the party’s leadership that his hope was to help the party woo the Malay community, particularly in the Umno fortress of Johor, which is also his home state.

“I am bringing back membership forms to my family members as well,” he said, adding that at least 15 members of his family have agreed to become DAP members.

The 43-year-old journalist said the DAP was often demonised in the Malay mainstream media, causing a misconception among the community that the party was a Chinese chauvinist party.

“This is not true and I want to inform the community of this,” he said.

The Kluang-born Hata currently still holds the post of treasurer in the NUJ. He is a Bachelor of Communications graduate from Institut Teknologi Mara and currently writes for Harian Malaysia, an online Malay-language newspaper.

OMG, how this girl sucks up to UMNO

Although the videos have been removed by the party that first uploaded it, they have nonetheless gone viral.  Ceylyn Tay, a Gerakan councillor,  went on a tirade against Pakatan Rakyat, which among others argued that the birth of coalition had led to more racialism resulting in an undesirable "two-party system". As such, Malaysia should not have a two-party system.


The gist of her speech is as follows:


1. The Chinese community cannot expect equal treatment because they are a minority.
2. Accused the DAP of pitting the Chinese against one another using the strategy of urging voters to punish Umno by voting out MCA and Gerakan.
3. That Malaysia should not have a two-party system because the country did not possess a homogenous society, unlike the United States or United Kingdom.


Despite her actions, she was not even apologetic about the remarks made.  How sad.


On the other hand, this girl is either naive or she is just sucking up to UMNO in order to be nominated as a candidate in the coming GE.


1. The Chinese do not expect equal treatment.  The Chinese, however, do expect fair treatment as after all, aren't we too the taxpayers in this country?
2. DAP do not need to pit the Chinese against one another.   In fact, MCA and Gerakan are already doing a good job pitting against one another without the involvement of DAP.  If MCA and Gerakan wish to earn the respect of the Chinese, stop being a 'running dog' of UMNO.  Be like Lim Guan Eng. He is his own man administering a state into prosperity.
3. The US and UK are homogenous societies?  This really takes the cake, and I have no wish to dignify that statement with a response.


Gerakan have better gag her up before she does more damage to the party and the coalition.  Anyway, probably this is her swan song before the GE.

Assets declaration by Penang Exco

Penang Exco declares assets

Now let's see those BN fellows do the same including those BN friendly frogs.  Well, if they are honest enough, it will probably end up in a thick booklet but if they are not, maybe half an A4 paper.  Someone once asked Mahathir why he didn't take action on his corrupt ministers.  He wittily replied that if he did, he would not have a cabinet left.

10,000 people were there to hear them speak

The third national Pakatan Rakyat convention ended on a high note on the January 14 night as an estimated 10,000 people flooded Stadium Sultan Halim, Alor Setar last night for an evening rally.

Cars were lined up on the road shoulders on the way to the stadium until as far as 2km away, but this did not deter Pakatan supporters from treating themselves to this rare ensemble of star-studded speakers in Kedah.

The highlight of the event was the fiery 40-minute speech that went on way past midnight from opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim,   recently victorious in the Sodomy II trial.

Anwar began his speech by explaining his absence after he was acquitted, stating that he had committed to speaking engagements in India and Turkey.

Many of his supporters in the northern states had expected him to return to his birthplace of Cherok Tok Kun after the High Court had acquitted him on charges of sodomising his former aide.

Anwar: Leave my family alone

Uncharacteristically, Anwar appealed for his enemies to stop taunting him and his family over the trial, stressing that “enough is enough”, reiterating that he was willing to forgive them.

"Their revenge and hatred have not subsided. I am the one who has been jailed, stripped naked, beaten, persecuted and left without pension. But I am not angry, they are.

"They have done everything to me; kicked me around and stripped me naked, but I am willing to forgive them," he said.

"Leave us alone and please move forward," he stormed, showing signs that he may not tolerate the attacks much longer.

Earlier, PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat surprised journalists and observers with his energy and zest during his speech.

Nik Aziz, 81, was looking tired earlier throughout the afternoon convention.

Turning away from politics, Nik Aziz spoke on the need for better understanding among Malaysia’s different ethnic groups and for them to emulate the Kelantan experience.

"The Chinese (in Kelantan) have even donated to the mosques. When they get any financial aid from the government, they give some of the money away for our (Islamic) cause," said Nik Aziz, who is Kelantan Menteri Besar.

'Resolve Hudud law issue'

Prior to Nik Aziz's speech, the crowd paid rapt attention to DAP chairperson Karpal Singh as he related his experience as the lead defence counsel during the Sodomy II trial.

Karpal (right) noted the possibility of attorney-general appealing against the acquittal, but stressed that he and his legal team were ready.

As expected, Karpal briefly spoke on DAP’s objection to PAS’ hudud law ambitions without eliciting a negative response from the mostly Malay-Muslim audience.

“This is still an issue among us. We must talk and try to work it out,” he said, stressing that Pakatan must iron out such kinks before the 13th general election.

The stadium rally last night was a massive show of support for Kedah Pakatan, that has been relatively out of the media spotlight compared to Selangor, Perak and Penang.

But more importantly, Pakatan is attempting to show that it is indeed a united front with viable alternative policies in its bid for Putrajaya.

[Source: Mkini]

Pakatan Rakyat's Jingka Deal

The Jingkat Deal launched on January 14 2012 during Pakatan Rakyat's National Convention in Alor Setar briefly outlines an alternative policy in four areas of governance, including measures to strengthen civil service, revamping Felda, introduction of anti-monopoly policies and a commitment to the spirit of federalism to improve state-federal relationship.

• To strengthen civil service, PR promised a review of the controversial Public Service New Remuneration Scheme (SBPA), under which a small group of 40 civil servants would get salary increments of between RM35,000 and RM60,000 in addition to other allowances, while the rest would only see salary hikes of between RM80 to RM200.
• The Deal  also includes a promise to revise previous agreements and concessions, which entails the enactment of a Public Contracts Act that could allow revision of any lopsided agreements involving public interests, including energy concessions.
• The coalition pledges to pay royalties to states on their natural resources, and empower state governments in deciding matters such as public transportation.
• The coalition also promised to uphold the 18- and 20-point agreements with Sarawak and Sabah respective, where terms for their incorporation into the Malaysian federation are spelt out.
• On Felda, PR promises to halt the much-debated listing of Felda Global Ventures Holding on Bursa Malaysia, citing that the act would render settlers the losers. The coalition also promised to dismantle Felda Plantations to provide 830,000 acres of land, and introduce comfortable housing scheme to second and third generation Felda settlers. To further secure settlers’ confidence, the PR vows not to shortchange settlers in the distribution of profit for their palm oil - an issue which saw Felda being dragged to court by hundreds of settlers recently.

MeatWorks restaurant in Singapore

MeatWorks at ION Orchard Singapore on the 4th Level, is the Restaurant of Lembu - Condo Minister Shahrizat and family,serving Beef from infamous  Malaysian National Feedlot farm.

The Restaurant occupies 5000 sq ft of space, by far the biggest on that level. One can choose to be inside or outside in the podium, centre-stage or what ever you call it, where all and sundry can ogle at you when you eat. The whole set- up, meaning the decor is designed by ONG&ONG, no less ! Anyway it's OUR money, why not ?!!

The Menu boasts of beef from 300 day old grass-fed cow @ SGD80 for 250gm, 200 day old corn- fed @ SGD 50 for 220gm. NO, I did not eat there, heaven forbid! Just curious and being "kay poh." Though it is lunch time, it is empty, compared to its neighbours Taste Dynasty and Taste Paradise etc. Interestingly, MeatWorks seats 234, rather telling eh?! No? When they go under, trust the Chinaman to remove 1 seat. Anyway, why such a big outlet in a shopping Mall? Who wants to throw a banquet there for goodness sake!! Can they really fill up all those tables at one sitting? Ada otak ka? My relatives and friends in Singapore and those in Malaysia and overseas,when you are in ION ORCHARD just go and see, how our hard earned money is being squandered by the BN. Soft loan and bailout, what's new? Are they really so untouchable? Who gave them the power? Just think about it. That's all for now.

Monday Humour

MEN DO REMEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband was not in
their bed. She puts on her dressing gown and goes downstairs to look
for him..

She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee in
front of him. He appears to be in deep thought, just staring at the
wall. 

She watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of his
coffee.

'What's the matter, dear?' she whispers as she steps into the room,
'Why are you down here at this time of night?
'The husband looks up from his coffee,
'I am just remembering when we first met 20 years ago and started
dating. You were only 16. Do you remember back then?' he says solemnly.
The wife is touched to tears thinking that her husband is so caring, so
sensitive.

'Yes, I do' she replies.

The husband pauses. The words were not coming easily..

'Do you remember when your father caught us in the back seat of my car?'
'Yes, I remember!' said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside
him.

The husband continues. 'Do you remember when he shoved the shotgun in my
face and said, 'Either you marry my daughter, or I will send you to jail
for 20 years?'

'I remember that too' she replies softly.

He wipes another tear from his cheek and says...

'I would have been released today. '
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Lie Clock 

 A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.

He asked, "What are all those clocks?"

St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move."

"Oh," said the man, "whose clock is that?"

"That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie."

"Incredible," said the man. "And whose clock is that one?" St. Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock.

The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life.."

 

"Where's Julia Gillard's clock?" asked the man.

" Julia's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan."

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A Romanian arrives in London as a new immigrant to the United Kingdom . 
He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, "Thank you 
Mr. Englishman for letting me come into this country, giving me housing, Income Support, free medical care, and a free education!" 
The passerby says, "You are mistaken, I am Egyptian." 
The man goes on and encounters another passerby. "Thank you for having such 
a beautiful country here in England ." 
The person says, "I not English , I am Pakistani." 
The new arrival walks farther, and the next person he sees he stops, 
shakes his hand, and says, 
"Thank you for wonderful country England !" 
That person puts up his hand and says, 
"I am from Afghanistan . 
I am not British." 
He finally sees a nice lady and asks, 
"Are you an Englishwoman?"
She says, "No, I am from Africa ." 
Puzzled, he asks her, 
"Where are all the English?"
The African lady checks her watch and says, 
"Probably at work." 

Certainly one of the most touching CNY ads I have seen so far

Barely 48 hours after being uploaded, a video in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festival - with a Kelantan touch - is making waves on the internet.

The heart-warming video produced by RealArt, tells the story of a nasi lauk (a popular Kelantan dish) seller Kak Ton, whose son, Mat had died of cancer.

Suffice it to say that Mat had left a touching note, lest we spoil it for you.

The video was earlier shared on the Facebook pages of Harakahdaily and PAS Murshidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Nik Mat, and attracted more than 3,000 'like' clicks.

“This is certainly the best video I have ever seen. Why can’t our television channel produce something like that?” writes one.

“(This one) beats all Petronas festive advertisements,” said another, referring to the company's penchant for long festival TV ads.

“This is the 1Malaysia we are looking for,” says one.

Despite receiving 99 percent approvals from viewers, there are also some who feel it was unrealistic.

One viewer describs the video as a wake-up call.

“I'm going to teach my friends and family that right way, respect each other every religion and every race. A negative thought does not bring u anywhere but a positive ones will. If you think this is an imaginary video then for you it will always, always be only an imaginary video.

"To change the world, in this case Malaysia, we need to think positively, that's the first giant step.”

[Source: Harakahdaily]

Our Sunday Girl - Deborah [The Crickets]

Starting this Sunday, and every Sunday, I shall be introducing songs that bear the names of girls who made the hits in yesteryears.  If your name is featured, then the day certainly belongs to you.


The first girl to be featured is "Deborah" by The Crickets.  Yes, they were the guys who backed Buddy Holly in the late 50s until his untimely death in 1959 at the age of 22,  in a plane crash.