I honestly could not believe my eyes when I read this today. Is this really happening in China? Of all nations, China? Where the communist government has muzzled the press and even the Internet? Where those who criticised the government have been sent to jail?
If even China is opening up, what then of Malaysia? Would Prime Minister Najib ever announce that Malaysians should criticise the government?
China's premier says public should criticize govt
BEIJING (AP) - China's premier has urged citizens to voice their criticisms of the government and speak out about injustice during an unprecedented visit to the country's top petition bureau, where people are allowed to file complaints against officials, state media reported.
The official Xinhua News Agency said late Tuesday that it was the first time since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 that a premier has met with ordinary petitioners.
China Central Television quoted Wen Jiabao as telling visitors and staff at the bureau in Beijing on Monday afternoon that the government must "create conditions that allow citizens to criticize and supervise the government, and enable government to responsibly resolve the problems and difficulties of the masses."
China is extremely wary of dissent. The government doesn't allow protests and routinely censors the media and internet of any content that is potentially destabilizing or overly critical of the leadership.
Outspoken critics of the communist regime, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, have been jailed on vague subversion charges.
Wen has spoken before about giving the public greater freedom to voice anger and frustration over social problems such as corruption. The comments have been interpreted by some as a signal that the leadership wanted to more aggressively pursue democratic reforms, but they have yet to be followed up by concrete initiatives.
A human rights activist said Wednesday that Wen's high-profile visit to the bureau would likely result in more petitions being filed, which was unfortunate since the petition system is widely seen as an outmoded and ineffective way of resolving grievances.
Human Rights Watch researcher Phelim Kine said in an e-mail that Wen's public encouragement of the petitioning system would "likely only attract greater numbers of Chinese citizens, particularly the marginalized rural residents ... to seek redress through a broken petitioning system which rather than resolves past abuses, continually creates new ones."
In China, local officials are under pressure to have no petitions from their area, since their performance is linked to the number of grievances filed - a sign of instability - from their locality. As a result, petitioners are sometimes detained by thugs before they can file their petitions and held in illegal jails that are covertly run by officials.
Kine cited a Chinese government-backed study from 2004 that indicated that only a tiny fraction - 0.2 percent - of a sample of 623 petitioners successfully resolved their problems through the petitioning system. - AP
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
NUJ blames racist editors for Utusan Malaysia's decline
From www.themalaysianinsider.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 – National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Hata Wahari blamed Utusan Malaysia editors and what he called their racial rhetoric for the daily’s declining sale.
He also called on the authorities to act against Utusan Malaysia editors for fanning racial sentiment in its reports.
“Utusan Malaysia which used to enjoy daily circulation of 350,000 has now become government’s propaganda tool in playing up racial issues and creating discord among the people of various races,” said Hata (picture) in a statement today.
“NUJ Malaysia also calls on the authorities to act against the chief editor and other editors of Utusan Malaysia for undermining racial harmony in the country,” he added.
Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures for the full year ended June 30, 2010 showed that Utusan Malaysia’s circulation dropped from 181,346 to 170,558, or a drop of 5.9 per cent.
“NUJ Malaysia hopes that the chief editor and editors of Utusan Malaysia will revert to the objectives of the newspaper during the early days of its publication,” said Hata who is also an Utusan Malaysia journalist.
The Utusan Group was founded in Singapore in 1939 by Malay intellectuals including the republic’s first president Yusof Ishak who were critical of the then colonial government.
The company is now controlled by Umno and Utusan Malaysia has been accused by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders promoting racial hatred in its reporting.
It had accused Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of being anti-Malay and recently launched an attack against DAP’s Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching for alleged failure dress appropriately in her visit to a mosque.
“Failure of the authorities to take action against Utusan Malaysia chief editor and editor would only show that they are consenting to the agenda of creating racial discord in the country by a racist and undignified newspaper,” said Hata.
He also urged editors of other mainstream dailies that have suffered declining circulation to stop from being government propaganda tools.
“The union also asks editors of mainstream media especially Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times, Berita Harian and the The Star to play the role of disseminating information to the public and not as propaganda machinery of the government, political parties, or any individual,” said Hata.
The ABC report also showed that The Star’s circulation dropping from 295,479 to 286,409 (-3.1 per cent), the New Straits Times from 120,770 to 109,341 (-9.5 per cent), and Berita Harian from 183,187 to 160,597 (-12.3 per cent).
Sales of the three newspapers and Utusan Malaysia have been falling these past five years, with all but The Star registering drops of 20 per cent or more between 2005 and 2009.
So-called “light reading” newspapers like Malay-language Harian Metro and Kosmo, on the other hand, continue to go from strength to strength, posting higher sales numbers this past year on top of already impressive circulation numbers.
Kosmo was the biggest winner with a massive 32.9 per cent jump in circulation from 129,633 last year to 172,252 this year. Harian Metro also managed to chalk up an impressive 11.8 per cent rise in circulation to 378,354.
The weekend editions of both newspapers, Kosmo Ahad and Metro Ahad, saw similar increases of 35.1 per cent and 11.5 per cent, respectively.
All Chinese-language papers managed slight single-digit bumps in sales this past year, with the exception of Guang Ming Daily which slipped by 2.67 per cent to 95,158.
Circulation for Sin Chew Daily went up from 374,757 to 382,578 (2.1 per cent), China Press from 159,034 to 160,841 (1.1 per cent) and Oriental Daily News from 97,882 to 103,827 (6.1 per cent).
Free paper The Sun recorded a 4.38 per cent boost in circulation from 287,935 to 300,512.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 – National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Hata Wahari blamed Utusan Malaysia editors and what he called their racial rhetoric for the daily’s declining sale.
He also called on the authorities to act against Utusan Malaysia editors for fanning racial sentiment in its reports.
“Utusan Malaysia which used to enjoy daily circulation of 350,000 has now become government’s propaganda tool in playing up racial issues and creating discord among the people of various races,” said Hata (picture) in a statement today.
“NUJ Malaysia also calls on the authorities to act against the chief editor and other editors of Utusan Malaysia for undermining racial harmony in the country,” he added.
Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures for the full year ended June 30, 2010 showed that Utusan Malaysia’s circulation dropped from 181,346 to 170,558, or a drop of 5.9 per cent.
“NUJ Malaysia hopes that the chief editor and editors of Utusan Malaysia will revert to the objectives of the newspaper during the early days of its publication,” said Hata who is also an Utusan Malaysia journalist.
The Utusan Group was founded in Singapore in 1939 by Malay intellectuals including the republic’s first president Yusof Ishak who were critical of the then colonial government.
The company is now controlled by Umno and Utusan Malaysia has been accused by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders promoting racial hatred in its reporting.
It had accused Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of being anti-Malay and recently launched an attack against DAP’s Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching for alleged failure dress appropriately in her visit to a mosque.
“Failure of the authorities to take action against Utusan Malaysia chief editor and editor would only show that they are consenting to the agenda of creating racial discord in the country by a racist and undignified newspaper,” said Hata.
He also urged editors of other mainstream dailies that have suffered declining circulation to stop from being government propaganda tools.
“The union also asks editors of mainstream media especially Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times, Berita Harian and the The Star to play the role of disseminating information to the public and not as propaganda machinery of the government, political parties, or any individual,” said Hata.
The ABC report also showed that The Star’s circulation dropping from 295,479 to 286,409 (-3.1 per cent), the New Straits Times from 120,770 to 109,341 (-9.5 per cent), and Berita Harian from 183,187 to 160,597 (-12.3 per cent).
Sales of the three newspapers and Utusan Malaysia have been falling these past five years, with all but The Star registering drops of 20 per cent or more between 2005 and 2009.
So-called “light reading” newspapers like Malay-language Harian Metro and Kosmo, on the other hand, continue to go from strength to strength, posting higher sales numbers this past year on top of already impressive circulation numbers.
Kosmo was the biggest winner with a massive 32.9 per cent jump in circulation from 129,633 last year to 172,252 this year. Harian Metro also managed to chalk up an impressive 11.8 per cent rise in circulation to 378,354.
The weekend editions of both newspapers, Kosmo Ahad and Metro Ahad, saw similar increases of 35.1 per cent and 11.5 per cent, respectively.
All Chinese-language papers managed slight single-digit bumps in sales this past year, with the exception of Guang Ming Daily which slipped by 2.67 per cent to 95,158.
Circulation for Sin Chew Daily went up from 374,757 to 382,578 (2.1 per cent), China Press from 159,034 to 160,841 (1.1 per cent) and Oriental Daily News from 97,882 to 103,827 (6.1 per cent).
Free paper The Sun recorded a 4.38 per cent boost in circulation from 287,935 to 300,512.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Playing into the hands of Barisan
Pakatan Rakyat has totally misread the people's mood and views in its latest confrontation with the Federal Government over 1Malaysia posters in Selangor.
The Pakatan-led Selangor government had banned the usage of the 1Malaysia logo in advertisements and signboards in the State.
1Malaysia, of course, is the concept of racial and religious harmony and cooperation championed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The decision by Selangor Pakatan has not even been well-received by other Pakatan leaders and the entire episode seems to be another case of Pakatan playing into the hands of Barisan Nasional whose leaders are, to be expected, making full use of the opportunity to hammer some more wedges into the Pakatan coalition to prise it apart.
Pakatan Rakyat's leaders, especially those helming Selangor, must realise that at the grass-root level, the people want - desire - racial and religious harmony.
Whether the 1Malaysia concept is a political gimmick or not is immaterial - the fact is the people - of all races and religious beliefs - want to live in peace.
They do not want violent clashes between racial and religious communities, they do not want blood spilt on the streets.
I believe Pakatan Selangor's move to ban the 1Malaysia logo in its state has not gone down well with the people - they view it as irresponsible politicking by Pakatan. They view it as a Pakatan denial of the need for racial/religious harmony.
Such ill-conceived and politically-immature moves surely do not reflect well on a coalition touted to be able to form an alternative government at federal level.
At the rate things are going, Pakatan Rakyat would lose the general election before it is even called.
The Pakatan-led Selangor government had banned the usage of the 1Malaysia logo in advertisements and signboards in the State.
1Malaysia, of course, is the concept of racial and religious harmony and cooperation championed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The decision by Selangor Pakatan has not even been well-received by other Pakatan leaders and the entire episode seems to be another case of Pakatan playing into the hands of Barisan Nasional whose leaders are, to be expected, making full use of the opportunity to hammer some more wedges into the Pakatan coalition to prise it apart.
Pakatan Rakyat's leaders, especially those helming Selangor, must realise that at the grass-root level, the people want - desire - racial and religious harmony.
Whether the 1Malaysia concept is a political gimmick or not is immaterial - the fact is the people - of all races and religious beliefs - want to live in peace.
They do not want violent clashes between racial and religious communities, they do not want blood spilt on the streets.
I believe Pakatan Selangor's move to ban the 1Malaysia logo in its state has not gone down well with the people - they view it as irresponsible politicking by Pakatan. They view it as a Pakatan denial of the need for racial/religious harmony.
Such ill-conceived and politically-immature moves surely do not reflect well on a coalition touted to be able to form an alternative government at federal level.
At the rate things are going, Pakatan Rakyat would lose the general election before it is even called.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Anwar was caught in a set-up job
From Sydney Morning Herald:
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy charges are the result of a ''set- up job'' which the politician ''walked into'', according to an assessment by Australia's peak intelligence agency. A leaked US state department cable reveals that Singaporean intelligence officials told their Australian counterparts that Dr Anwar engaged in the conduct for which he is accused, a claim he has steadfastly denied.
Australia's Office of National Intelligence also states the conduct was the result of entrapment by Dr Anwar's enemies.
The cable is one of several that deals with the highly explosive private views of senior Singaporean officials, including claims that:
>Thailand's political elite are dogged by ''corruption'' and the country's crown prince is ''very erratic and easily subject to influence'';
>Japan and India were struggling to deal with China's influence due to their ''stupid'' behaviour;
> and some Asian leaders wanted the junta to retain power in Burma to ensure the country's stability.
The cable that deals with Dr Anwar's sodomy case, dated November 2008 and released exclusively to The Sun-Herald by WikiLeaks, states: ''The Australians said that Singapore's intelligences services and [Singaporean elder statesman] Lee Kuan Yew have told ONA in their exchanges that opposition leader Anwar 'did indeed commit the acts for which he is currently indicted'.''
The document states the Singaporeans told ONA they made this assessment on the basis of ''technical intelligence'', which is likely to relate to intercepted communications.
The ONA is also recorded as saying that Dr Anwar's political enemies engineered the circumstances from which the sodomy charges arose.
''ONA assessed, and their Singapore counterparts concurred, 'it was a set-up job and he probably knew that, but walked into it anyway','' the cable states.
Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years.
Dr Anwar, a former Malaysian deputy prime minister, was jailed in 1999 on charges of corruption and sodomy after a falling out with then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
He later had his sodomy conviction overturned and was freed from jail in 2004.
In 2008 he was charged again with sodomy. Dr Anwar has maintained the case against him is fabricated and trumped up by his political enemies who fear his political resurgence.
The case against Dr Anwar has drawn widespread international criticism and has included some bizarre twists. Earlier this year, a prosecutor in the sodomy trial was dropped after she was accused of having an affair with the star witness.
The witness, 25-year- old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, worked as an aide in Dr Anwar's office. He has accused the 62-year-old of sodomising him in an apartment in Malaysia.
Earlier this month, Australian politician Nick Xenophon travelled to Malaysia to observe Dr Anwar's ongoing court proceedings, which were adjourned.
In December 2009, a month after ONA's brief assessment of Dr Anwar's case, the Malaysian criticised Kevin Rudd for not meeting him during his visit to Australia. He accused Mr Rudd of appeasing Malaysia's ''corrupt leaders'' by snubbing him.
''He [Mr Rudd] was too obsessed with interests of getting the two countries together [and therefore] appease Malaysia's corrupt leaders,'' Dr Anwar said at the time. -www.smh.com.au
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy charges are the result of a ''set- up job'' which the politician ''walked into'', according to an assessment by Australia's peak intelligence agency. A leaked US state department cable reveals that Singaporean intelligence officials told their Australian counterparts that Dr Anwar engaged in the conduct for which he is accused, a claim he has steadfastly denied.
Australia's Office of National Intelligence also states the conduct was the result of entrapment by Dr Anwar's enemies.
The cable is one of several that deals with the highly explosive private views of senior Singaporean officials, including claims that:
>Thailand's political elite are dogged by ''corruption'' and the country's crown prince is ''very erratic and easily subject to influence'';
>Japan and India were struggling to deal with China's influence due to their ''stupid'' behaviour;
> and some Asian leaders wanted the junta to retain power in Burma to ensure the country's stability.
The cable that deals with Dr Anwar's sodomy case, dated November 2008 and released exclusively to The Sun-Herald by WikiLeaks, states: ''The Australians said that Singapore's intelligences services and [Singaporean elder statesman] Lee Kuan Yew have told ONA in their exchanges that opposition leader Anwar 'did indeed commit the acts for which he is currently indicted'.''
The document states the Singaporeans told ONA they made this assessment on the basis of ''technical intelligence'', which is likely to relate to intercepted communications.
The ONA is also recorded as saying that Dr Anwar's political enemies engineered the circumstances from which the sodomy charges arose.
''ONA assessed, and their Singapore counterparts concurred, 'it was a set-up job and he probably knew that, but walked into it anyway','' the cable states.
Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years.
Dr Anwar, a former Malaysian deputy prime minister, was jailed in 1999 on charges of corruption and sodomy after a falling out with then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
He later had his sodomy conviction overturned and was freed from jail in 2004.
In 2008 he was charged again with sodomy. Dr Anwar has maintained the case against him is fabricated and trumped up by his political enemies who fear his political resurgence.
The case against Dr Anwar has drawn widespread international criticism and has included some bizarre twists. Earlier this year, a prosecutor in the sodomy trial was dropped after she was accused of having an affair with the star witness.
The witness, 25-year- old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, worked as an aide in Dr Anwar's office. He has accused the 62-year-old of sodomising him in an apartment in Malaysia.
Earlier this month, Australian politician Nick Xenophon travelled to Malaysia to observe Dr Anwar's ongoing court proceedings, which were adjourned.
In December 2009, a month after ONA's brief assessment of Dr Anwar's case, the Malaysian criticised Kevin Rudd for not meeting him during his visit to Australia. He accused Mr Rudd of appeasing Malaysia's ''corrupt leaders'' by snubbing him.
''He [Mr Rudd] was too obsessed with interests of getting the two countries together [and therefore] appease Malaysia's corrupt leaders,'' Dr Anwar said at the time. -www.smh.com.au
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Najib watches with glee as PKR implodes
Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's best Deepavali present did not come in the form of the by-election victories in Galas and Batu Sapi.
Rather, it comes in the form of PKR imploding slowly but surely by in-fighting among its top leaders.
One can imagine Najib still trying to resist to scratch the itchy pock marks left by his bout of chicken pox, but gleefully reading all about the mud-slinging between PKR's Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was contesting the deputy presidency, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader.
Today, Datuk Zaid, who was a former Minister of the Barisan Nasional government and member of Umno, held a press conference and blamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the allegations of fraud and malpractices plaguing the party’s ongoing elections.
He said both of them should leave PKR.
“I would like to say, if PKR wants to move, Anwar and Azmin must go... because they are the source of the problem," he added.
Yesterday, he sensationally announced that he was pulling out of the PKR deputy presidential race, claiming that there were fraud and malpractices.
Actually, the situation is rather simple - Anwar prefers (or wants) Azmin to be the new deputy president of PKR simply because he is a trusted and loyal confidant whom he can trust not to reveal his darkest secrets that perhaps only the two of them know.
Furthermore, Anwar is preparing for the day when - not if - he is sent back to jail for the sodomy case that he is still fighting in court. He would rather have Azmin effectively in charge of PKR than Zaid.
And to ensure that Azmin wins, if the allegations are to be believed, there are some rumours of irregularities in the election process.
Sadly, Anwar does not realise that his maneouvres to back his favourite confidant may ensure that his man gets to lead the party, but his image as a highly-principled leader fighting for "Reformasi" and "Justice" has been smeared very badly.
It would appear as if PKR itself needs "Reformasi" while Zaid deserves "Justice".
That is why Najib is probably rubbing his hands with glee after tucking into a thosai or two and watching as PKR implodes.
It is even more satisfying for Najib and his Umno (and Barisan Nasional) leaders because they do not have to do anything at all - they just have to tuck into the Deepavali delicacies, burp with satisfaction and watch the interesting events unfold.
Come to think of it, all Najib and gang need to do is simply make some snide remarks - like any other normal spectator - and speed up the PKR implosion.
Rather, it comes in the form of PKR imploding slowly but surely by in-fighting among its top leaders.
One can imagine Najib still trying to resist to scratch the itchy pock marks left by his bout of chicken pox, but gleefully reading all about the mud-slinging between PKR's Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was contesting the deputy presidency, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader.
Today, Datuk Zaid, who was a former Minister of the Barisan Nasional government and member of Umno, held a press conference and blamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the allegations of fraud and malpractices plaguing the party’s ongoing elections.
He said both of them should leave PKR.
“I would like to say, if PKR wants to move, Anwar and Azmin must go... because they are the source of the problem," he added.
Yesterday, he sensationally announced that he was pulling out of the PKR deputy presidential race, claiming that there were fraud and malpractices.
Actually, the situation is rather simple - Anwar prefers (or wants) Azmin to be the new deputy president of PKR simply because he is a trusted and loyal confidant whom he can trust not to reveal his darkest secrets that perhaps only the two of them know.
Furthermore, Anwar is preparing for the day when - not if - he is sent back to jail for the sodomy case that he is still fighting in court. He would rather have Azmin effectively in charge of PKR than Zaid.
And to ensure that Azmin wins, if the allegations are to be believed, there are some rumours of irregularities in the election process.
Sadly, Anwar does not realise that his maneouvres to back his favourite confidant may ensure that his man gets to lead the party, but his image as a highly-principled leader fighting for "Reformasi" and "Justice" has been smeared very badly.
It would appear as if PKR itself needs "Reformasi" while Zaid deserves "Justice".
That is why Najib is probably rubbing his hands with glee after tucking into a thosai or two and watching as PKR implodes.
It is even more satisfying for Najib and his Umno (and Barisan Nasional) leaders because they do not have to do anything at all - they just have to tuck into the Deepavali delicacies, burp with satisfaction and watch the interesting events unfold.
Come to think of it, all Najib and gang need to do is simply make some snide remarks - like any other normal spectator - and speed up the PKR implosion.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Anwar Ibrahim's worst enemy is Anwar Ibrahim
The on-going PKR elections have revealed one thing - PKR is just like most other political parties.
It has its fair share of shady deals, vote manipulation and cronyism - in fact, it seems to be a mirror image of Umno, its sworn enemy.
Some people say it is due to PKR having too many ex-Umno members and leaders who brought with them the so-called Umno culture of money politics and politicking.
On Monday, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was from Umno, quit the PKR deputy presidential race saying the party "leadership actively condones malpractices and electoral fraud to achieve its designed objectives."
"I wish to announce my withdrawal as a candidate from the contest of deputy president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and my resignation from all posts held in the party," said Zaid in a statement.
Zaid also resigned as the party's political bureau member, Federal Territory chief and Wangsa Maju chief.
He said he decided to pull out of the No 2 due to blatant vote manipulation, The Star reported.
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was also from Umno, countered that Datuk Zaid should provide evidence of fraud - which actually sounded very much like a typical reply from any Umno leader.
He said PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution had on Sunday explained that it was impossible to cheat due to the internal security features embedded in the ballot papers and process would not allow cheating to occur, The Star reported.
"I have read Zaid's statement (on his resignation) and the leadership feels that whatever accusations and allegations there are, can be forwarded (to us)," Anwar told reporters at the Parliament lobby Monday.
Anwar said accusations which appeared in Haris Ibrahim's blog on Saturday had also been explained that they were unture.
In his blog, Haris said an informant had showed him a stack of ballot papers for sale and the informant could produce more of the papers.
The informant allegedly indicated Azmin Ali, Zaid's rival for deputy president's post, as the culprit behind the vote rigging.
On whether the leadership would accept Zaid's resignation, Anwar said they had not received any resignation letter from him.
"We need the contribution and participation of all leaders, including Zaid," he said when asked if he would urge Zaid to reconsider his decision (to resign from all party posts.)
Anwar added that Haris' allegations had no basis and Zaid should not make allegations without producing the evidence.
On whether Zaid is still in the running for the PKR deputy presidential race, Saifuddin said Zaid's name "is still in the ballot paper" and he had not received any resignation letter from him.
It is common knowledge that Anwar is backing Azmin - his favoured confidant - for the deputy presidency. The talk is that Anwar would rather have Azmin, his loyalist and favoured one, take over leadership of PKR when - rather than if - he goes to jail for the sodomy charge that is still being heard in court.
But Anwar must realise that he carries on his shoulders the hopes of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Malaysians who are convinced - rightfully or wrongfully - that he has the right stuff to take over the helm of the country.
Anwar must realise that his cries for "Reformasi" and "Justice" had fired up a generation of rebellious and impressionable youths who have become staunchly anti-establishment. They have been converted to his cause and are blind to his faults.
And if PKR is indeed guilty of "vote manipulation" and "electoral fraud" as alleged by Datuk Zaid, then the political struggle of the brigades of youths would be in vain. Anwar would have betrayed those who not only supported him, but believed him.
If the PKR elections become even more shambolic and disgraceful, it does not augur well for Pakatan Rakyat in the general election which is likely to be called next year.
Sadly, the dreams of those who had desired a change in government would be dashed. Ironically, the blame would be on the very person who could have brought about that change.
It has its fair share of shady deals, vote manipulation and cronyism - in fact, it seems to be a mirror image of Umno, its sworn enemy.
Some people say it is due to PKR having too many ex-Umno members and leaders who brought with them the so-called Umno culture of money politics and politicking.
On Monday, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was from Umno, quit the PKR deputy presidential race saying the party "leadership actively condones malpractices and electoral fraud to achieve its designed objectives."
"I wish to announce my withdrawal as a candidate from the contest of deputy president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and my resignation from all posts held in the party," said Zaid in a statement.
Zaid also resigned as the party's political bureau member, Federal Territory chief and Wangsa Maju chief.
He said he decided to pull out of the No 2 due to blatant vote manipulation, The Star reported.
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was also from Umno, countered that Datuk Zaid should provide evidence of fraud - which actually sounded very much like a typical reply from any Umno leader.
He said PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution had on Sunday explained that it was impossible to cheat due to the internal security features embedded in the ballot papers and process would not allow cheating to occur, The Star reported.
"I have read Zaid's statement (on his resignation) and the leadership feels that whatever accusations and allegations there are, can be forwarded (to us)," Anwar told reporters at the Parliament lobby Monday.
Anwar said accusations which appeared in Haris Ibrahim's blog on Saturday had also been explained that they were unture.
In his blog, Haris said an informant had showed him a stack of ballot papers for sale and the informant could produce more of the papers.
The informant allegedly indicated Azmin Ali, Zaid's rival for deputy president's post, as the culprit behind the vote rigging.
On whether the leadership would accept Zaid's resignation, Anwar said they had not received any resignation letter from him.
"We need the contribution and participation of all leaders, including Zaid," he said when asked if he would urge Zaid to reconsider his decision (to resign from all party posts.)
Anwar added that Haris' allegations had no basis and Zaid should not make allegations without producing the evidence.
On whether Zaid is still in the running for the PKR deputy presidential race, Saifuddin said Zaid's name "is still in the ballot paper" and he had not received any resignation letter from him.
It is common knowledge that Anwar is backing Azmin - his favoured confidant - for the deputy presidency. The talk is that Anwar would rather have Azmin, his loyalist and favoured one, take over leadership of PKR when - rather than if - he goes to jail for the sodomy charge that is still being heard in court.
But Anwar must realise that he carries on his shoulders the hopes of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Malaysians who are convinced - rightfully or wrongfully - that he has the right stuff to take over the helm of the country.
Anwar must realise that his cries for "Reformasi" and "Justice" had fired up a generation of rebellious and impressionable youths who have become staunchly anti-establishment. They have been converted to his cause and are blind to his faults.
And if PKR is indeed guilty of "vote manipulation" and "electoral fraud" as alleged by Datuk Zaid, then the political struggle of the brigades of youths would be in vain. Anwar would have betrayed those who not only supported him, but believed him.
If the PKR elections become even more shambolic and disgraceful, it does not augur well for Pakatan Rakyat in the general election which is likely to be called next year.
Sadly, the dreams of those who had desired a change in government would be dashed. Ironically, the blame would be on the very person who could have brought about that change.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Controversial skyscraper
The 100-storey Warisan Merdeka building to be constructed in the former Tunku Abdul Rahman Park area near Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur has become a most controversial project with hundreds of thousands of Malaysians opposing and ridiculing it in FaceBook, Twitter, blogs and online news portals.
The points raised mostly involved money - "Sheer waste of money", "Money could be better used elsewhere", "Where is the money coming from?", "Can the government afford it?", etc.
Other points involved the location - "It'll create even more traffic jams", "The place is congested enough", etc.
I agree on the point involving the location and that it'll create even more traffic jams, but I shall take a contrarian view on whether it should be built.
The skyscraper will be built by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and its president and group chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman held a press conference to explain that the development costing RM5bil would also have a shopping complex and condominiums.
The 100-storey tower – touted to be the country’s tallest – will cost RM2.5bil to RM3bil and will have gross floor space of 3 million sq ft and 2.2 million sq ft of net floor space .
“PNB’s existing headquarters, Menara PNB will be 30 years old by the time the new tower is completed. We are looking for strategic positioning for the future and will need new office space for the expanding PNB group of companies. The Warisan Merdeka tower will become the new PNB headquarters while Menara PNB will be upgraded and leased out for recurring income,” Hamad told The Star.
He said PNB had the capability to finance the project through internally generated funds but he did not discount resorting to borrowings “if the interest rates are attractive.”
On the rationale for PNB’s decision to undertake the project, Hamad explained: “We have been planning to develop the land since 2004 after acquiring it in 2000. After holding the land for so long, we decided it is now the right time to move ahead with the project. As an investment house, our intention is to optimise returns from the development.”
He said the project was expected to yield reasonable returns of between 8% and 10%.
PNB paid RM310mil or RM220 per sq ft to buy the 36-acre land from Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd in 2000. Hamad said the market value of the land was estimated at RM800 per sq ft today.
Of the 36 acres, around 17 acres are occupied by Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, which have been identified as a national heritage buildings. Conservation works have been undertaken to restore their heritage characteristics and the two stadiums are now being managed by the National Heritage Trust.
The overall Warisan Merdeka development on 19 acres would have to complement and blend with the heritage theme, and together with the restored stadiums, the site was set to be another major landmark in Kuala Lumpur, The Star reported.
The issue of financing was answered by Tan Sri Hamad - it would be internally financed. So government funds would not be utilised. This is a vital point as many of the detractors seem to be confused over government funds and PNB funds - they are not the same. PNB's funds belong to PNB; if PNB resorts to borrowing money, PNB has to repay the loan, not the government. PNB has to generate revenue through its investments and business activities to get the cash to repay the loan.
Now to discuss the location. Property developers would salivate when told where the land is - hundreds of meters from the Petaling Street Chinatown tourist attraction, a short walk from heritage stadia where events/concerts are still held, two monorail stops from the Imbi/Bukit Bintang shopping district and smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur.
It seems to be a nice prime location, but - there's always a but - the detractors are right about the area being congested enough.
Recently, I drove in town during the peak hour at 5pm along Jalan Tun Perak and I was stuck in a horrendous traffic jam for around 45 minutes. I was at a traffic-light junction near the Maybank headquarters and the traffic lights changed a few cycles and I did not move even an inch.
The leaders of the nation, City Hall officials and town planners should take a drive in the middle of Kuala Lumpur during peak hours to find out for themselves just how bad the traffic jams can be. The problem is the leaders and VIPs have police escorts who shoo away other motorists with their sirens and flashing lights so that their journeys would be smooth.
I recall a former Transport Minister who had never taken a ride on the LRT before and when he did for his first time, it was a major media event. It was also probably his first and last time on the LRT.
Building a 100-storey skyscraper would mean increasing the daytime population of the area by tens of thousands and also increase the number of cars by the thousands. Building condos in the area would mean increasing the night-time population of the area by the thousands and, yes, there will be hundreds of cars being driven back to the condos when offices close.
The roads in the vicinity of the proposed Warisan Merdeka project such as Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Maharajalela and Jalan Sultan are already very busy and congested at any time of the day. You can imagine what the traffic situation would be like when the Warisan Merdeka project is completed.
If PNB decides to go ahead with the project - and chances are it will - there will have to be much planning done to solve the traffic congestion in the area otherwise it would be another of KL's great town-planning disasters.
The project would be rendered worthless if getting in and out of the Warisan Merdeka skyscraper, shopping mall and condos means getting stuck in an hour-long jam.
Perhaps the project can be downsized to reduce the impact.
In that case, the 100-storey skyscraper can be built in a greenfield location where proper town planning can be done, highways built and LRT lines constructed. The skyscraper could then be the central development of a township (like Cyberjaya) and tens of thousands of people (and their cars) can be lured to live and work away from the crowded and congested centre of Kuala Lumpur.
And one final point to consider - why build a 100-storey skyscraper when you can build a taller one? A 100-storey skyscraper is a neither-here-nor-there structure. It will be just another skyscraper, just another building, just another phallic symbol.
My view is this - if you want to be build a 100-storey skyscraper, you might as well just add a few more storeys and make it the world's tallest.
The points raised mostly involved money - "Sheer waste of money", "Money could be better used elsewhere", "Where is the money coming from?", "Can the government afford it?", etc.
Other points involved the location - "It'll create even more traffic jams", "The place is congested enough", etc.
I agree on the point involving the location and that it'll create even more traffic jams, but I shall take a contrarian view on whether it should be built.
The skyscraper will be built by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and its president and group chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman held a press conference to explain that the development costing RM5bil would also have a shopping complex and condominiums.
The 100-storey tower – touted to be the country’s tallest – will cost RM2.5bil to RM3bil and will have gross floor space of 3 million sq ft and 2.2 million sq ft of net floor space .
“PNB’s existing headquarters, Menara PNB will be 30 years old by the time the new tower is completed. We are looking for strategic positioning for the future and will need new office space for the expanding PNB group of companies. The Warisan Merdeka tower will become the new PNB headquarters while Menara PNB will be upgraded and leased out for recurring income,” Hamad told The Star.
He said PNB had the capability to finance the project through internally generated funds but he did not discount resorting to borrowings “if the interest rates are attractive.”
On the rationale for PNB’s decision to undertake the project, Hamad explained: “We have been planning to develop the land since 2004 after acquiring it in 2000. After holding the land for so long, we decided it is now the right time to move ahead with the project. As an investment house, our intention is to optimise returns from the development.”
He said the project was expected to yield reasonable returns of between 8% and 10%.
PNB paid RM310mil or RM220 per sq ft to buy the 36-acre land from Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd in 2000. Hamad said the market value of the land was estimated at RM800 per sq ft today.
Of the 36 acres, around 17 acres are occupied by Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, which have been identified as a national heritage buildings. Conservation works have been undertaken to restore their heritage characteristics and the two stadiums are now being managed by the National Heritage Trust.
The overall Warisan Merdeka development on 19 acres would have to complement and blend with the heritage theme, and together with the restored stadiums, the site was set to be another major landmark in Kuala Lumpur, The Star reported.
The issue of financing was answered by Tan Sri Hamad - it would be internally financed. So government funds would not be utilised. This is a vital point as many of the detractors seem to be confused over government funds and PNB funds - they are not the same. PNB's funds belong to PNB; if PNB resorts to borrowing money, PNB has to repay the loan, not the government. PNB has to generate revenue through its investments and business activities to get the cash to repay the loan.
Now to discuss the location. Property developers would salivate when told where the land is - hundreds of meters from the Petaling Street Chinatown tourist attraction, a short walk from heritage stadia where events/concerts are still held, two monorail stops from the Imbi/Bukit Bintang shopping district and smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur.
It seems to be a nice prime location, but - there's always a but - the detractors are right about the area being congested enough.
Recently, I drove in town during the peak hour at 5pm along Jalan Tun Perak and I was stuck in a horrendous traffic jam for around 45 minutes. I was at a traffic-light junction near the Maybank headquarters and the traffic lights changed a few cycles and I did not move even an inch.
The leaders of the nation, City Hall officials and town planners should take a drive in the middle of Kuala Lumpur during peak hours to find out for themselves just how bad the traffic jams can be. The problem is the leaders and VIPs have police escorts who shoo away other motorists with their sirens and flashing lights so that their journeys would be smooth.
I recall a former Transport Minister who had never taken a ride on the LRT before and when he did for his first time, it was a major media event. It was also probably his first and last time on the LRT.
Building a 100-storey skyscraper would mean increasing the daytime population of the area by tens of thousands and also increase the number of cars by the thousands. Building condos in the area would mean increasing the night-time population of the area by the thousands and, yes, there will be hundreds of cars being driven back to the condos when offices close.
The roads in the vicinity of the proposed Warisan Merdeka project such as Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Maharajalela and Jalan Sultan are already very busy and congested at any time of the day. You can imagine what the traffic situation would be like when the Warisan Merdeka project is completed.
If PNB decides to go ahead with the project - and chances are it will - there will have to be much planning done to solve the traffic congestion in the area otherwise it would be another of KL's great town-planning disasters.
The project would be rendered worthless if getting in and out of the Warisan Merdeka skyscraper, shopping mall and condos means getting stuck in an hour-long jam.
Perhaps the project can be downsized to reduce the impact.
In that case, the 100-storey skyscraper can be built in a greenfield location where proper town planning can be done, highways built and LRT lines constructed. The skyscraper could then be the central development of a township (like Cyberjaya) and tens of thousands of people (and their cars) can be lured to live and work away from the crowded and congested centre of Kuala Lumpur.
And one final point to consider - why build a 100-storey skyscraper when you can build a taller one? A 100-storey skyscraper is a neither-here-nor-there structure. It will be just another skyscraper, just another building, just another phallic symbol.
My view is this - if you want to be build a 100-storey skyscraper, you might as well just add a few more storeys and make it the world's tallest.
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