Malaysian PM under new pressure to quit by year-end

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is under intense pressure to quit, after being confronted by rare criticism from within his cabinet, as well as an opposition bid to seize power.

Abdullah led the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to its worst electoral showing in half a century in March, as voters punished him over broken promises for reform, as well as spiralling prices of food and fuel.

So far he has clung tenaciously to the job, and refused to negotiate with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who has announced he has enough support from defecting lawmakers to topple the government.

But last week Abdullah faced an unprecedented challenge from within his cabinet, as four ministers spoke out against him at a meeting of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which leads the coalition.

According to The Star daily, they told Abdullah at a meeting of the party's supreme council that "the political situation was not improving and that he should consider an earlier exit".

UMNO information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib confirmed the challenge took place and said Abdullah was saddened and visibly affected by it, but insisted he could ride out the crisis.

"The four of them spoke and said this to the prime minister... but it was not the majority
speaking. There are more than 30 supreme council members and not all are in unison, asking the PM to resign," Muhammad told AFP.

"He listened. It was not the first time for him. He has his own intelligence report well prepared on what the feeling is at the grassroots level," he said.

Abdullah in July unveiled a plan to hand over to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, but the strategy failed to quell calls for his ouster, and last week he indicated the timing was "flexible" and that he could depart earlier.

He handed over the important finance ministry post to Najib in a show of solidarity, but was hit with the challenge from his ministers just a day later.

An UMNO official from Abdullah's home state of Penang said the premier's position was now untenable and he would have to quit before the party holds leadership elections in December.

"Abdullah does not have any choice left. He has to go by year-end," the senior official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "Abdullah is now being viewed as a leader who has lost control of the party and government."

"He cannot make any drastic moves to reel in party leaders who have openly gone against him by questioning the power transition agreement," he said.

Najib is widely tipped to replace Abdullah, with his new deputy likely to be Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who has been one of the premier's most outspoken critics.

Muhyiddin was one of the ministers who reportedly challenged Abdullah at last week's meeting, along with UMNO's youth wing chief Hishammuddin Hussein, women's wing chief Rafidah Aziz and Culture Minister Shafie Apdal.

The meeting took place after a series of blows, including a furore within the 14-party Barisan Nasional over the arrests of an opposition MP, a blogger and a journalist under draconian internal security laws.

Cabinet minister Zaid Ibrahim, who had been appointed to direct a shake-up of the judiciary, quit in disgust after the arrests, saying he had met a "brick wall" in the ruling party which had blocked any reforms.

And last week a small party from Borneo island quit the coalition, saying the government had "lost its moral authority to rule".

Lim Kit Siang, a veteran figure in the three-member opposition alliance, called on Abdullah to agree to Anwar's call for an emergency session of parliament to hold a no-confidence vote in his leadership.

He said that after an historic 2004 election victory when voters endorsed his reform agenda, Abdullah had become a "lame duck" both as premier and leader of his party.

"Could it be that Abdullah is not absolutely certain and confident that he could command the support of a majority of 222 MPs in parliament if a no-confidence motion is put to a vote?" he said.


Agence France-Presse - 9/21/2008 3:55 AM GMT

Police free Malaysian opposition lawmaker: lawyer

An opposition politician held for a week under controversial security laws spoke of her relief as she was freed on Friday.

Teresa Kok, of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), was detained along with Malaysia's top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"I am happy I was freed. I am fine," she told reporters as she left a local police station.

"I do not know why I was freed today and I do not know why I was detained in the first place."

Her arrest drew public outrage and the Malaysian minister responsible for legal affairs resigned Monday over a series of arrests under the security law.

The ISA, which human rights groups have pushed to have abolished, allows for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial and is normally used against terror suspects.

Police said they arrested Kok last Friday because she was involved in a petition to silence the call to prayer in mosques in non-Muslim areas.

Kok has denied making such complaints.

Yap Swee Seng, director of the rights group Voice of the Malaysian People (Suaram) welcomed her release but called for those responsible for her arrest to be held accountable for abusing their power.

"We call for the immediate release of Raja Petra and all other ISA detainees. We demand the draconian security law to be abolished," he told AFP.

A journalist for a Chinese-language newspaper was arrested after reporting on racist comments made by a ruling party member but was quickly released after an uproar including from within the government.

Raja Petra, founder of the controversial Malaysia Today website, was previously charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to a sensational murder.

Kok's release came after Washington Thursday expressed "grave concern" over Malaysia's use of the ISA as a possible way to stifle dissent.

"The United States firmly believes that national security laws, such as the ISA, must not be used to curtail or inhibit the exercise of universal democratic liberties or the peaceful expression of political views," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"The detention of opposition leaders under the ISA would be viewed by the United States and the international community as a fundamental infringement of democratic rights and values," he added.

Agence France-Presse - 9/19/2008 8:14 AM GMT

Malaysian opposition seeks international help to release detainees

Malaysia's opposition on Wednesday sought international help to push for the release of a politician and others held without trial under the country's tough internal security law.

Teresa Kok, from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a member of the opposition alliance, was arrested last week along with Malaysia's top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

A journalist for a Chinese-language newspaper was also arrested after reporting on racist comments made by a ruling party member, but was quickly released after an uproar including from within the government.

"We will seek international and regional support from parliamentarians for the immediate release of Teresa Kok and all other ISA detainees, and for the repeal of the Internal Security Act," said DAP member Lim Kit Siang.

He said the newly formed "Free Teresa and Abolish ISA Caucus" of opposition lawmakers would contact Commonwealth and Southeast Asian parliamentary bodies to ask for their support in pressuring the government.

Zaid Ibrahim, a cabinet minister in charge of legal affairs who resigned on Monday over the crackdown, was also present at the launch in parliament Wednesday.

"I'm here because I am very concerned about the use of the ISA," he told reporters.

"It should not be used against journalists and politicians. Teresa has to be released, Raja Petra has to be released and all other detainees," he added.

Kok has denied allegations that she was involved in a petition to silence the call to prayer in mosques located in non-Muslim areas.

Raja Petra, founder of the controversial Malaysia Today website, has already been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to a sensational murder.

Rights groups say about 63 people, mainly alleged Islamic militants, are thought to be held under the ISA, which dates back to the British colonial era, when it was used against communist insurgents.

The legislation provides for two-year periods of detention that can be renewed indefinitely.

However, critics say it has been improperly used by the government to silence its critics.

Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 11:59 AM GMT

Khairy announces candidacy for Umno Youth chief post

Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday officially announced his candidacy for the top post in the movement, adding that “friendship and unity” would be his platform to win delegates’ support.

The Rembau MP said he would be contesting the post not only as a Malay but as a Malaysian who wished to have the voice of the multi-racial youth heard and acted upon.

He made the announcement at his service centre near here at about 4.20pm before a packed press conference. Also present were several state Umno Youth leaders, several exco members and supporters from several states.

He did not name his running mate, saying that anyone was free to contest for the post of deputy.
Khairy said he took time to announce his candidacy as he wanted to meet the youth grassroot members first.

“I could not have made this decision unilaterally. I wanted to gauge the support I had. After traversing the country and talking to the grassroots, I believe I have enough support to go for the top post,” he said.

To date, three others have announced their bid for the top post in the movement. They are former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo, Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who is son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former exco Datuk Zahid Zainal Abidin.

Asked why he picked Sept 17 to announce his candidacy, Khairy said the date was special to Muslims as it was the day the Quran was revealed.

Khairy said he also hoped to reach out more to young people, including the non-Malays, and find new ways to explain issues deemed sensitive such as Malay rights and the social contract.

“I not only hope to make Umno Youth more vibrant but want to get all youth wings in the component parties to speak in one voice.

“We need a new way of articulating ourselves. I am not contesting as a leader of a Malay youth movement alone but a youth leader for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that the Barisan youth movement should not be exclusive but “inclusive”.

Khairy said although Umno Youth formed the backbone of the Barisan Nasional youth movement, it would continue to engage the component parties in decision-making.

Asked to rate his chances against the three others who had voiced their intention to go for the top post, Khairy said all three are credible and experienced.

“They are all my seniors and I respect their intention to bid for the top post. They have their strengths and good points.

“But the delegates will decide on this and I hope that my friendship and unity platform will win them over,” he said.

Asked if he had the support from the majority of the state Umno youth chiefs and exco members, Khairy said he had a fair chance of winning.

“All of us have a good chance. I think overall I have 30% support. With four people in the fray, I think 30% is okay,” he said in jest.

Khairy said if elected, he would inherit a united Umno Youth from Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who led the wing for 10 years.

“Datuk Seri Hishammuddin took over the helm of a decimated Umno Youth in 1998 (when several leaders left following the sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and has built a strong foundation.

“I am privileged to have served four years as an exco and another four years as his deputy. I hope to continue the great job he has done,” he said.

Khairy said he also hoped to engage more young people including professionals, members of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and civil servants who have remained apolitical to ensure the voice of the young people is heard.

Wednesday September 17, 2008 MYT 7:27:28 PM The Star

‘Anwar’s letter didn’t mention transfer of power’

PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s letter to the Prime Minister only mentioned national security, the leadership and problems on morality and politics and had not touched on the transfer of power to the Opposition.

“He had stated that his letter had mentioned the transfer of power and asked that the emergency rule is not invoked but these are not mentioned in the letter that I had received,” said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He added that Anwar was confusing the public.

Abdullah reiterated that he would not meet Anwar because his letter had not stated the issues he wanted to discuss.

He added that Anwar’s lies about the country and its economic progress are a threat to national security and the country’s economy.

He said Anwar had spread wrong information of the country’s economic stability overseas to the extent that investors had reported that Malaysia was not a good country to invest in due to the political instability.

“The country still receives foreign direct investments and it is one of the countries foreigners want to invest in. Even its competitiveness ranking had improved from 23rd to 19th position.

“So what is he saying? He is exploiting the trust the people have in him by saying all these things which is not helpful,” he said, adding that although there was no tremendous economic development in Malaysia there was still some significant progress.

Speaking to reporters at his office on Wednesday, Abdullah said Anwar did not take into account the positive development but criticised the Government’s moves to get the rakyat to believe him and to be on his side.

When asked on the Government’s action, Abdullah said he could not say but anything done would be in the best interest of the country and its people.

On the oil price drop in the world market, Abdullah said it was good but Petronas’ revenue would drop as well as the subsidy.

Wednesday September 17, 2008 MYT 7:16:51 PM The Star

Malaysian party quits coalition, PM says may step down earlier

Malaysia's premier, who is facing an opposition bid to seize power, was hit Wednesday with the departure of a party in his coalition, and said he may step down earlier than planned.

The resignation of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), which has two lawmakers in parliament, comes after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said he has signed up enough defectors to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

SAPP president Yong Teck Lee said the party would become independent and was not applying to join Anwar's three-member Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance, but he launched a withering attack on the government.

"The BN has lost its moral authority to rule," he said of the coalition that has dominated Malaysian politics since independence from Britain.

"Perhaps, after 50 years of uninterrupted government, some BN leaders have got it in their heads that they have a divine right to rule," he said, accusing it of mismanaging the economy and abusing security laws to arrest opponents.

SAPP has been an irritant to the 14-member coalition since June, when it called for a vote of no confidence in Abdullah. Its departure from the coalition was not unexpected.

But its decision was another body blow for an administration that has been in disarray since March elections, which handed the opposition control of five states and a third of parliament -- its best ever result.

Abdullah, who had announced a plan to hand over to his deputy Najib Razak by mid-2010 in an effort to silence calls for his resignation after the polls debacle, said he could depart sooner than planned.

"I will decide when I want to go... I will not be staying more than 2010," he told a press conference on Wednesday.

"If I should want to go earlier, that is flexible. That is the flexibility we have arranged," he said.

"It depends on the progress of the role I am giving to Najib. Let's see what he can do."

There had been speculation that Najib and other figures in the ruling party were preparing to challenge Abdullah, whose popularity has tumbled due to a weakening economy and broken promises for reform.

In a move seen as an attempt to quell any rebellion in the ruling party, which will hold leadership elections in December, Abdullah also said he was passing his finance portfolio to Najib with immediate effect.

James Chin, a political analyst from Monash University's campus in Kuala Lumpur, said Abdullah had been forced to rethink the handover date because of a groundswell against him in the ruling party.

"The pressure is building up and it is getting to him," he said.

Anwar said this week that he has the support of more than 31 lawmakers from the coalition, giving him a small majority in parliament.

He has called for a meeting with Abdullah to arrange a smooth transition of power, but the premier has refused and demanded he release the names of the defectors.

Abdullah on Wednesday delivered a warning to Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, accusing him of "lying to the public and confusing the people."

"He has become a threat to the economy and national security," he said in what is a serious allegation in Malaysia, where the government can use draconian internal security laws to detain its opponents without trial.

"I will not indicate what plan I will take, what I do will be in the best interests of the people and the country," Abdullah said.

Chin said the comments were a clear warning that Anwar could face arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"If they arrest Anwar under ISA it will not be accepted by both Malaysians and the international community," he said.

Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 10:39 AM GMT

Small Malaysian party quits ruling coalition

A small party in Malaysia's ruling coalition quit on Wednesday, in a fresh blow for the beleaguered government which is also facing an opposition bid to seize power.

The decision by the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), which has two lawmakers in parliament, comes as the opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim is signing up defectors from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

SAPP president Yong Teck Lee said the party would become independent and was not applying to join the opposition alliance, but he launched a savage attack on the BN coalition, which he said had "lost its moral authority to rule".

"Perhaps, after 50 years of uninterrupted government, some BN leaders have got it in their heads that they have a divine right to rule," he said in Sabah's capital of Kota Kinabalu.

Yong accused the 14-member coalition of mismanaging the economy, widening ethnic divisions in the multicultural country, and targeting its opponents using draconian internal security laws.

"SAPP hereby proudly dissociates ourselves from these shameful wrongdoings of the BN government," he said.

SAPP has been an irritant to the coalition since June, when it called for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Its departure from the coalition was not unexpected.

In the past, SAPP has said it would consider joining the opposition, which has courted disaffected lawmakers in Malaysia's underdeveloped eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island.

Lim Kit Siang, from the Democratic Action Party that is part of the three-member Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance, said SAPP's departure has "been in the works."

"It's a reflection of the deepening crisis of confidence in Abdullah's leadership," he said in Kuala Lumpur.
SAPP deputy president Raymond Tan, who is also Sabah state deputy chief minister, stormed out of the party meeting in protest over the decision to quit.

"Of course Pakatan Rakyat is going to take advantage of this and woo SAPP to their side," he said.

Anwar said this week that he has the support of more than 31 lawmakers from the coalition, giving him a small majority in parliament that would end Barisan Nasional's long rule.

He has called for a meeting with Abdullah to arrange a smooth transition of power, but the premier has refused and has demanded that Anwar release the names of the defectors.

In March elections, the coalition won 140 seats and the opposition claimed 82, denying the government a two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time in the country's history.

Anwar has targeted concerns in Sabah and Sarawak, where many people are unhappy with the way they have been treated since they joined the Malaysian federation in 1963, along with Singapore.

Singapore left Malaysia in 1965, but Sabah and Sarawak stayed on, and some now feel that was a bad decision.

Many Sabahans accuse the government of allowing large numbers of Muslim Filipinos to settle here illegally, tipping the ethnic balance against indigenous tribes who were formerly in the majority.

In peninsular Malaysia, Muslim Malays are the dominant population, alongside large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.

Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 10:54 AM GMT