Defiant Malaysian PM rejects fresh opposition claim on power

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday rejected the opposition's declaration that it has signed up enough defecting lawmakers to seize power, accusing it of "political lies."

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said more than 31 government lawmakers were willing to switch sides, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority, and demanded a meeting with Abdullah to discuss a handover.

But Abdullah was defiant, despite signs of cracks in the ruling coalition which has been in disarray since March elections that saw the opposition dramatically increase its numbers in parliament.

"This is a waste of our time. It is a game of political lies by Anwar Ibrahim and the people are choosing to believe him," Abdullah said at a press conference, adding he did not feel compelled to step down.

"Why should I be pressured? It is mere dreams. If at all it is true, (Anwar) would have announced it by now. The whole world would have known," he said, challenging the opposition leader to release the names of the defectors.

"Do you think he would ask for a meeting with me to discuss a transition? He would storm into my room with hundreds behind him, shouting victory. This is Anwar's style."

Anwar said he would give Abdullah a few days to agree to a meeting before exploring other options. That could include seeking an audience with Malaysia's king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, to claim a mandate to rule.

"We now have the required numbers to form a government. The PM cannot deny us and refuse to engage with an alternative government. I appeal to the government to allow a smooth transition," he told a press conference.

Abdullah ruled out talks with his nemesis, setting up a showdown between the pair.

Anwar urged the government not to arrest his new ministers under draconian internal security laws, or declare a state of emergency in an attempt to prevent him from seizing power.

His comments came after a crackdown last week when three people -- an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a reporter -- were arrested under tough security laws that allow for detention without trial.

"I wish to emphasise that the change in the process should be peaceful. We do not want documents and other assets of the government destroyed. I would like to advise the Barisan Nasional leaders not to abuse their powers, not to arrest or torture our leaders," Anwar said.

The 61-year-old opposition leader, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, said it was difficult for members of the ruling coalition to accept that "their ship is sinking."
In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.

Anwar then set himself a target of September 16 to secure the support of at least 30 government lawmakers needed to topple the government.

Abdullah also dismissed suggestions he faces a revolt from within his cabinet, after six ministers spoke out against last week's crackdown on dissent.

Zaid Ibrahim, the minister in charge of legal affairs, quit over the arrests and in departing remarks painted a damning picture of the coalition as paralysed by internal strife and racial divisions.

"They were giving their views and this is because I allow ministers to express their views," Abdullah said. "This will not compromise the government's position."

The premier refused to discuss his plan to transfer power to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, which both Najib and influential trade minister Muhyiddin Yassin have now questioned.

The opposition has said Najib and Muhyiddin may be preparing to challenge Abdullah and install themselves as the new premier and deputy.

The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months and depressed trading on the stock market, which dropped 2.5 percent over last week and another 1.9 percent Tuesday.

Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 9:57 AM GMT

The Political Hustle

PM: Reveal list of MPs crossing over

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claims of having enough numbers of Barisan Nasional MPs to form a Government as a mirage and a dream.

Abdullah also threw a challenge to Anwar to reveal the names of the Barisan MPs that had agreed to support him.

“I don’t think he has the names. If he does, I don’t think he would wait to inform the people (of the names).

“If he has the names, he can reveal it and let all Malaysians know. They want to know because the people voted them as MPs and they want to know whether the MPs are running away, doing something else or joining another party,” he said.

He told this to reporters after handing out Hari Raya Aidilfitri aid to the poor and students at Kepala Batas in Penang on Tuesday.

When asked if he would entertain Anwar’s request to have a meeting to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of power, Abdullah rejected the idea.

“There is no reason for me to meet him because I don’t think he has the names. He is just getting the people to focus on him and his political ploy. I do not need to see him,” he reiterated.

He also scoffed at Anwar’s suggestion that Barisan MPs would be detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) if they crossed over to Pakatan Rakyat.

“How can he suggest that? It is crazy that I would arrest and put these people under ISA simply because of their decision (to crossover).

“No such thing. It is just to portray me as using force and as a dictator,” said Abdullah.
The Prime Minister also denied receiving a letter from Anwar about a smooth transition of power.

“He sent me a letter about current issues in the country. That is a different matter and should not be lumped together (with the letter of smooth transition),” he said.

Earlier in Putrajaya, Abdullah said he did not feel pressured by Anwar’s threat.

“Pressured? Why should I be pressured, this is Anwar’s mirage, he sees something but it is nothing, there is nothing there, it is only a dream,” he told reporter after meeting with secretaries-general of ministries at his office.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also attended the meeting.

Stating that he has known Anwar and his style for a very long time, Abdullah added that when Anwar wants to make known something, he would ensure there are many people gathered to hear it.

“That is his behaviour and later the whole world would know his message. You think he will be requesting me to discuss? He will storm into my room with hundreds of people screaming ‘victory’ behind him,” he said.

Abdullah said he was sure that the date of takeover would be constantly changed until there was actually nothing in the end.

“After this, he will think of another date and then another date; that is “Sang Anwar” in this case.
“At the end what is left is nothing, we will continue to be fascinated (with all these),” he said, adding that the public should not be worried with all the threats and promises made by Anwar.

Tuesday September 16, 2008 MYT 9:55:12 PM The Star

Anwar claims more than 31 MPs will cross over

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that more than 31 Barisan MPs have agreed to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.

He, however, refused to reveal the names of the 31 MPs.

Anwar told a press conference at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya on Tuesday that he would give the list of the names to the Prime Minister when he meets him.

The Permatang Pauh MP also claimed that the transition to the new Government has been delayed a few days pending the meeting with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition.

“The numbers are increasing by the hour, but as of now, it is in excess of 31 MPs.

"This is not empty talk. I am fully responsible for my statement but we have choose to be patient and use the conciliatory way,” the PKR adviser said.

He called on Abdullah to meet with him, where he said he would even give the Prime Minister the names of Barisan MPs wanting to defect to the Pakatan Rakyat alliance of opposition parties.

“I am appealing (for this meeting) in the name of political stability and a smooth transition. It will be preposterous for the Prime Minister to deny me this meeting,” said Anwar, who was flanked by leaders from PKR, DAP, PAS and even non-member Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

Asked why he still refused to give the exact number of defecting MPs or their names, Anwar said there was a fear the MPs would be detained or harassed if their names were released.

Asked what he would do if Abdullah refused to see him, Anwar smiled and replied: “Why assume he will refuse to see me? I am his friend. I believe we will meet.”

He said Pakatan would give Abdullah some time to consider because the latter was having problems within his own party.

Pressed for a deadline for a meeting with Abdullah, Anwar said he did not like to give any ultimatum but it should be within the next few days or “other options would be considered.”

He said he would refer to his coalition partners in Pakatan to discuss the next course of action, but was committed to ensuring the takeover was constitutional.

Anwar was non-committal when asked if he would seek an audience with the Yang DiPertuan Agong to present himself as commanding a majority in Parliament, or if he would seek a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah at the next Parliament sitting in October.

He said these options would be discussed with other Pakatan leaders.

Anwar said that in a letter submitted to Abdullah on Monday, Pakatan had made four demands to ensure a smooth transition:

1) That Barisan does not hinder or prevent the MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independentjudgement;
2) That the Barisan government should not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain the MPs or any other current Pakatan MPs;

3) That the Barisan government does not invoke emergency laws or police powers or suspend the Constitution or dissolve Parliament; and

4) That the Barisan government shall not impose roadblocks or impede MPs from going to Parliament or any institution of government.

Tuesday September 16, 2008 MYT 7:15:13 PM The Star

Anwar insists he has enough Barisan MPs to form government

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim insists he has the numbers to form the next Government.
However, he did not give details of how many Barisan Nasional members will cross over, or their names.

At Pakatan Rakyat’s 45th Malaysia Day celebration yesterday, Anwar said he had sought a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss a smooth transition of power.

“We have handed a letter signed by all Pakatan Rakyat leaders to Pak Lah. We will give him one or two days to give his response,” he said during his speech at the rally in Kelana Jaya stadium last night.

A group of Pakatan Rakyat MPs had turned up at the Prime Minister’s Office earlier in the day to hand over a letter from their leaders to Abdullah.

The MPs – PKR’s Johari Abdul, DAP’s Loke Siew Fook and PAS’ Dr Hatta Ramli – claimed the letter was “definitely something related to the planned Sept 16 takeover”.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar, in his speech, said the celebration marked “a clear and concrete plan towards the change in Government”.

When interviewed later, Kamaruddin claimed that the new Government would be formed in the next few days.

Asked why Anwar did not reveal the numbers or the names of the MPs, Kamaruddin replied that it was due to logistical reasons.

“Some of them are still overseas as you know. Some have been told to stay put in Macau,” he said.

He said Pakatan had obtained the MPs’ word to cross over via signed documents and in other various ways that satisfied the Pakatan leaders of their commitment.

Among the thousands who attended the rally were DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

Kit Siang said that it “did not matter whether the change is 916 (Sept 16), 1016 (Oct 16), 1116 (Nov 16) or 1216 (Dec 16)”.

“What is important is for all of us to be united to make the change happen,” he said.

Guan Eng in his speech said he was impressed that for the first time, a Cabinet Minister (de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim) had resigned based on his principles.

“I am proud that for the first time a minister has resigned not because of health or scandal, but because of his principle and idealism in opposing the ISA.

“This has never happened in the history of Malaysia,” he said.

Guan Eng also called upon the other Cabinet ministers who opposed the ISA to not only “talk” but to follow in Zaid’s footsteps and resign.

Tuesday September 16, 2008 The Star

Malaysian opposition says has enough defectors to form govt

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday he has secured the support of more than 31 government lawmakers, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority.
"We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he said of the number of parliamentarians from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition who have agreed to switch sides.

"We have achieved victory. Hopefully with this win we can regain the country's dignity."

He did not reveal any names but said he had asked to meet with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss a transition of power and was prepared to show him the list of defectors.

Abdullah has rejected Anwar's claims as "political lies" and ruled out resigning, but the opposition leader urged him to accept a peaceful handover.

"We have now the required numbers to form a government. The PM cannot deny us and refuse to engage with an alternative government. I appeal to the government to allow a smooth transition," he told a press conference.

"We want the process to be seen as conciliatory, we want the transition to be peaceful but we have a limit to our patience. We will give a few days then we have to reconsider our options."

Abdullah did not rule out a meeting earlier Tuesday, but his spokesman Kamal Khalid said it was unlikely.

"I doubt very much he will be meeting with Anwar," he told AFP.

Anwar urged the government not to arrest his new ministers under draconian internal security laws, or declare a state of emergency in an attempt to prevent him from seizing power.

His comments came after a crackdown last week when three people -- an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a reporter -- were arrested under tough security laws that allow for detention without trial.

"I wish to emphasise that the change in the process should be peaceful. We do not want documents and other assets of the government destroyed. I would like to advise the Barisan Nasional leaders not to abuse their powers, not to arrest or torture our leaders," Anwar said.

The 61-year-old opposition leader, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, said it was difficult for members of the ruling coalition to accept that "their ship is sinking."
"They are still, unfortunately, in a state of denial," he said.

In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.

Malaysian opposition has numbers to topple govt: Anwar

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he has enough support to topple the government and wants to meet with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss a handover.

After landmark March elections that saw the opposition dramatically increase its seats in parliament, Anwar set a September 16 deadline to oust the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition by persuading at least 30 lawmakers to defect.

"We have the numbers to defeat BN," the opposition leader told a rally of some 10,000 supporters who erupted in wild cheers. "Tomorrow is D-Day, we are ready to form the government."

"Our representatives have delivered a letter to Abdullah to demand a meeting ... to discuss the future of politics in Malaysia and the handover of power," he said.

"We have the numbers but we want to meet with Abdullah, show him the evidence and work out a handover because we want a peaceful transition".

Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, arrived to rapturous applause at the rally held in a Kuala Lumpur stadium, which echoed to chants of "Reformasi" -- the opposition battle cry of "Reform".

Tian Chua, information chief of his Keadilan party, said the three-member opposition alliance had secured a simple majority in parliament and that more government lawmakers would defect later.

But he said there were concerns that the coalition -- which has ruled since independence from Britain 51 years ago -- would stoke conflict in order to justify a crackdown to keep itself in power.
"We want Abdullah to assure us there will be no repressive force used, like involving the police or inviting the military to take control," he told AFP.

Tian Chua said the opposition's push had been helped by the detention on Saturday of an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a journalist under draconian internal security laws.
"Abdullah's final crackdown made people lose hope that he is ever going to be a liberal reformer, which he promised," he said.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar defended the detentions but said it was a police operation and not his idea -- comments ridiculed by the opposition, which said he and Abdullah must be held accountable.

The Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance made surprise gains in March general elections, seizing control of five states and a third of parliamentary seats in the biggest challenge ever faced by the coalition.

The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months, and depressed trading on the stock market which dropped 2.5 percent over last week, and another 2.1 percent Monday as Anwar's takeover deadline loomed.

Spirits were high at the stadium, which was adorned with Malaysian flags and posters demanding the release of the opposition politician and the blogger -- who remain in custody while the journalist was freed.

"What Anwar has said will happen soon as all the people are backing him. The change of government will happen very soon now," said Nursikin Bahrom, a 23-year-old student.
"Anwar has promised us a new beginning and we will support him when the battle begins on the 16th... he is our new prime minister and the BN should realise this," said businessman Abdul Aziz Rashid, 36.

At the rally, Anwar set out an agenda to fight corruption and protect the rights of all citizens in this multicultural country which is dominated by Muslim Malays but also home to ethnic Chinese and Indian communities.

"The Pakatan Rakyat government will uphold justice, a free judiciary, a free media and a professional police force," he said.

Agence France-Presse - 9/15/2008 4:31 PM GMT

Malaysia's Anwar holds rally on eve of 'power' deadline

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim held a mass rally Monday, on the eve of a deadline he has set to seize power with the help of defecting government lawmakers.

Anwar arrived to rapturous applause from up to 7,000 supporters gathered at a Kuala Lumpur stadium which echoed to chants of "Reformasi" -- the opposition battlecry of "Reform".
Officials from his Keadilan party said he would make a speech that could shed light on his plans to topple the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has dominated Malaysian politics for half a century.

But there were mixed messages over whether he will Tuesday declare he has the support of the 30 lawmakers he needs to form a new administration, and formally challenge Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Tian Chua, information chief of his Keadilan party, said the three-member opposition alliance had signed up enough defectors to form a simple majority in parliament and that Anwar wanted to meet with Abdullah Tuesday to inform him.

"We want Abdullah to assure us there will be no repressive force used, like involving the police or inviting the military to take control," he told AFP.

Tian Chua said the opposition's push had been helped by a government crackdown Saturday that saw an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a journalist detained under draconian internal security laws.

"Abdullah's final crackdown made people lose hope that he is ever going to be a liberal reformer, which he promised," he said.

However, Keadilan vice-president Syed Husin Ali was more cautious, declining to specify how many defectors were on board and only saying that "tomorrow the beginnings of the process will happen."

"The whole process might take a month but it could be sooner," he told AFP. "You never know, he might announce something this evening. And tomorrow there will definitely be an announcement of something."

Spirits were high at the stadium, which was emblazoned with Malaysian flags and posters demanding the release of the opposition politician and the blogger -- who remain in custody after the journalist was freed.

"I am sure Anwar will form the next government, as we the people have spoken as we want to see a new Malaysia led by Anwar," said 54-year-old taxi driver Yaacob Ismail.

The opposition made surprise gains in March general elections, seizing control of five states and a third of parliamentary seats in the biggest challenge ever faced by the coalition.

"My entire family is here, we want to tell Abdullah to leave now. I am confident Anwar will form a new government soon. We are very excited. I can't wait," said Juliette Ramasamy, a 24-year-old student.

Agence France-Presse - 9/15/2008 2:53 PM GMT

Malaysian minister quits in furore over crackdown

Malaysia's government was rocked by a minister's resignation Monday in a storm of criticism over a series of arrests under new security laws just as it faces an opposition plot to seize power.

The furore highlighted the disarray within the Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been rattled by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's much-touted plans to form a new administration with the help of defecting lawmakers.

Anwar has set a Tuesday deadline to topple the coalition, but said over the weekend that although he has enough support for a takeover, its timing could be delayed in order to preserve national stability.

Cabinet minister Zaid Ibrahim, who is in charge of legal affairs, resigned after leading criticism of Saturday's arrests of an opposition politician, the nation's leading blogger, and a reporter for a Chinese-language daily.

Zaid said the government was wrong to use the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite detention without trial, and tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, according to his aide.

"The ISA is open to abuse. If we cannot be fair in implementing it, then we should confine its use to terrorists," Zaid said according to the New Straits Times.

The maverick ruling-party member was appointed to the cabinet in a March reshuffle and charged with cleaning up Malaysia's much-criticised judiciary, but since then the coalition's reform agenda has withered.

"I joined the government because I believe there would be transformation. The government must change but reform cannot take place if it continues with the old thinking and old philosophies," Zaid reportedly said.

The ISA arrests triggered fears that the government was planning a wider crackdown on dissent to crush Anwar's ambitions, but the quick release of the journalist on Sunday eased fears of a national crisis.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar defended the detentions but said it was a police operation and not his idea -- comments ridiculed by the opposition which said he and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi were accountable.

Abdullah must explain whether the crackdown was rolled out "in order to protect his position as prime minister now that he is under attack," opposition veteran Lim Kit Siang told a press conference.

Lim said it appeared deputy premier Najib Razak and Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin were "teaming up" to challenge Abdullah, who has faced repeated calls to quit since a drubbing in March general elections.

Abdullah had announced a plan to hand over to Najib in mid-2010 but both the deputy premier and trade minister have drawn question marks over the plan.

In a rare eruption of dissent, six ministers criticised the ISA arrests, with Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek welcoming the release of the journalist, who had reported racist remarks made by a ruling party lawmaker.

Opposition lawmaker Teresa Kok, from the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party which is a member of the opposition alliance, was also arrested over allegations she complained about the noise of morning prayers at a mosque.

She has said the accusation was "preposterous".

The other detainee is Malaysia's leading blogger, 58-year-old Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who has repeatedly targeted government figures on his website "Malaysia Today".

He has already been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Najib and his wife to the sensational murder of a Mongolian woman.

Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, will later Monday address a mass rally at a Kuala Lumpur stadium, at which he is expected to elaborate on his plans to take power.

Agence France-Presse - 9/15/2008 8:23 AM GMT

Pendemokrasian BN kena ambil kira suara orang muda

SELEPAS pilihan raya umum Mac lalu, Barisan Nasional (BN) perlu berubah. Gabungan 13 parti komponen itu perlu 'mengawetmudakan' perjuangannya, sesuai dengan perubahan semasa dan zaman, supaya terus relevan.

Jika dulu, kita melihat Parti Kongres di India diasaskan oleh perjuangan Mahatma Ghandi yang berkuasa lebih setengah abad berjaya ditumbangkan dan begitu juga yang terjadi pada parti Koumintang di Taiwan, kini BN dan komponennya pula diuji.

BN terpaksa berdepan krisis ketidakyakinan pengundi kepada kewibawaan kepemimpinan parti gabungan yang menerajui negara lebih 51 tahun itu. Apakah ini yang sebenarnya berlaku?. Kenapakah ujian seumpamanya diberikan kepada kerajaan yang sudah pun menunjukkan rekod kejayaan yang memberangsangkan?

Fasa konflik pertama sudah dilalui pada Pilihan Raya Umum 1969 hinggakan terjadinya rusuhan kaum paling teruk di negara ini. Mujurlah, atas pertimbangan rasional, walaupun diasak pelbagai cubaan untuk mencetuskan peristiwa sedemikian rupa, kesan Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12, Mac lalu tidak terbawa-bawa hingga mencetuskan satu lagi peristiwa pahit antara kaum di negara ini.

Namun, hakikat bahawa wujudnya rasa tidak puas hati di antara kaum itu perlu diakui pemimpin di peringkat nasional. Inilah fokus utama BN masa kini. BN tidak harus dihantui oleh sikap ultra perkauman, sama ada Melayu, Cina mahupun India atau bersifat kewilayahan, antara Semenanjung mahupun kepemimpinan dari Sabah dan Sarawak.

Harapan perpaduan untuk terus utuh kini bergantung kepada sejauh mana kesediaan untuk bukan 'mengalah' tetapi bertoleransi, dan semestinya toleransi ini bukan hanya datang dari satu pihak iaitu Umno atau Melayu saja. Sebaliknya, semua komponen BN harus bersedia meneruskan sikap toleransi tanpa ada cubaan memprovokasi mana-mana parti komponen semata-mata mahu dilihat sebagai 'juara' bagi kaum masing-masing.

Jika ini dijadikan tabiat, maka dikhuatiri ia akan menjadi tradisi hingga di dalam BN seolah wujud golongan pemerintah dan satu pihak sebagai golongan 'pembangkang'. Jika ini wujud, maka ia dilihat akan menggugat imej dan keutuhan BN sebagai parti yang mampu membela rakyat.

Pemimpinnya, terutama parti komponen seperti Gerakan dan MCA yang tewas teruk pada pilihan raya umum lalu, seharusnya lebih rasional dan tidak hanya menuding jari kepada Umno, tetapi mereka perlu berusaha memperbaiki imej bagi memulihkan prestasi mereka pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Jangan jadikan kesan pilihan raya umum lalu semata-mata untuk 'meruntuhkan' setia kawan di dalam BN yang sudah terbina sekian lama. Bagi pimpinan BN, anggaplah pasca pilihan raya umum ke-12 yang perlu dilalui ini sebagai satu jangka masa 'orientasi' semula, iaitu ia bagi memberikan peluang kepada BN bermuhasabah dan melakukan reformasi untuk kekal relevan.

Kini, dalam suasana yang berlaku menunjukkan BN tidak boleh lagi bersikap alpa dan leka. Proses melestarikan kepemimpinan perlu dilakukan. Pemimpin muda yang berkarisme dan diterima rakyat perlu diberi peluang.

Pendemokrasian BN perlu dijana dengan telus dan saksama. Ini jika dilakukan akan menjadikan BN bukan lagi dilihat parti elit, malah kembali sebagai parti 'marhain' yang dapat turut disertai pelbagai latar belakang kepemimpinan. Jika diimbau bentuk pengundian yang berlaku pada 8 Mac lalu, maka pastinya kita akan dapat mengenalpasti bahawa wujud peralihan besar-besaran undi di kalangan kaum Cina dan India di negara ini.

Kaum Cina dan juga India yang mendiami kawasan pekan, bandar dan juga bandar raya seolah-olah membina blok undi tersendiri dengan mengadakan protes undi besar-besaran terhadap BN. Mereka ini beralih kepada pembangkang, termasuk kesanggupan mereka memberi undi kepada bukan saja DAP dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), malah juga kepada Pas yang sebelum ini mereka takuti dengan slogan negara Islam. Inilah polarisasi undi yang harus diberikan penekanan oleh BN terutama menerusi Gerakan dan MCA sebagai parti 'kaum bandar' iaitu terdiri majoritinya masyarakat Cina.

Berbanding kawasan luar bandar, yang ada antaranya masih belum lengkap segala kemudahan, serta susah pula mendapatkan peruntukan berbanding kawasan bandar, mereka yang rata-ratanya pengundi Melayu, walaupun mempunyai perubahan corak pengundian, masih menaruh keyakinan terhadap BN menerusi Umno. Parti komponen lain di Semenanjung kelihatan gagal mempertahankan kerusi masing-masing di kawasan bandar dan juga luar bandar.

Jika diimbau dari segi kekuatan Kerajaan Persekutuan masa kini, daripada 140 kerusi yang dimenangi, Umno berjaya memberikan jumlah kerusi terbesar dan dominan dengan 79 kerusi berbanding 15 (MCA), 3 (MIC) dan dua dari Gerakan serta kelebihan 41 kerusi Parlimen yang disumbangkan komponen selain Umno di Sabah dan Sarawak.

Tanpa sokongan kuat pengundi Sabah dan Sarawak terhadap BN, pastinya BN berdepan masalah besar untuk tidak lagi mampu menjadi pemerintah di negara ini. Di Semenanjung, BN hanya mampu mendapat 86 kerusi daripada keseluruhan 166. Selebihnya, iaitu 79 kerusi adalah di bawah pengaruh DAP, PKR dan Pas. Umno di Semenanjung saja menyumbangkan 66 daripada 86 kerusi yang dimenangi BN. Ini bermakna hanya 20 kerusi berjaya disumbangkan oleh MCA, MIC dan Gerakan.

Peralihan undi kali ini adalah terbesar dalam sejarah pilihan raya negara, dan ia ibarat 'tsunami' yang jauh lebih teruk berbanding impak pergolakan politik 1999 yang turut dibadai kesan ekonomi serantau.

Pilihan raya kecil bagi kawasan Parlimen Pensiangan di Sabah yang mungkin bakal dilalui BN, harus dijadikan medan bagi menunjukkan semangat setia kawan yang terjalin selama ini. BN harus terus menang di kawasan itu bagi memberi keyakinan kepada konsep gabungan tertua negara yang kini cuba diciplak pembangkang dengan cubaan membentuk pakatan seumpama itu. Dalam melakukan tranformasi, BN harus sedar akan cita rasa pengundi muda yang kelihatan begitu cenderung ke arah pakatan pembangkang.

Dengan ramainya pengundi generasi pasca merdeka yang kini sudah berusia 50 tahun dan ke bawah, serta memiliki keluarga sendiri dilihat cenderung membina satu persepsi yang jauh berbeza daripada perjuangan generasi pengundi veteran.

Generasi warga emas dalam Kabinet dan kepemimpinan parti adalah perlu, namun generasi usia muda serta pertengahan umur juga perlu dimantapkan. Penulis ialah Pensyarah di Kolej Undang-Undang, Kerajaan dan Pengajian Antarabangsa, Universiti Utara Malaysia Sepatutnya BN juga mempertimbangkan sejak awal lagi supaya jawatan Kabinet dan pentadbiran kerajaan diperuntukkan sebahagiannya untuk mereka yang berumur 20-an hingga 30-an.

Fakta menunjukkan bahawa polarisasi pengundi generasi pasca merdeka, yakni pada awal usia mengundi (21 tahun dan ke atas) yang berjumlah jutaan orang, masakan tidak mempunyai potensi yang mampu memikul tanggungjawab itu.

Sejarah memperlihatkan bahawa menteri kabinet dan pemimpin masa kini juga adalah pejuang di usia awal mengundi dulu, dan lebih meyakinkan, mereka tidak gagal, dan menunjukkan kejayaan dalam mentadbir parti dan juga negara.

Cuma kini, mereka harus sedar bahawa generasi dan zaman sudah berubah dan perubahan kini dituntut oleh rakyat secara besar-besaran.

Selain itu juga, timbalan menteri dan Setiausaha Parlimen di sesuatu kementerian seharusnya juga datang dari kalangan generasi pasca merdeka agar mereka mampu mempersiapkan diri ke arah meneruskan agenda negara pada masa akan datang. Suatu perubahan yang bukan kecil tetapi meluas harus digerakkan segera bagi menyeimbangi kembali ketuanan yang semakin hilang. BN perlu bermuhasabah diri dalam memastikan mereka diterima seterusnya oleh rakyat dan generasi masa depan negara.

BH Haria Rencana 15/09/08

Perjalanan politik Dr. Mahathir

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad dilantik sebagai Perdana Menteri yang keempat pada 1981 dan memimpin Malaysia sehingga Oktober 2003, menjadikan beliau adalah orang paling lama menjawat jawatan tersebut.

Pada Pilihan Raya Ketiga dalam tahun 1964, Dr. Mahathir, seorang doktor perubatan, dipilih sebagai Ahli Parlimen Kota Setar selepas menewaskan calon Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) dengan majoriti sebanyak 60.2%.

Beliau menjadi ahli Majlis Tertinggi (MT) Umno pada tahun 1965. Dalam Pilihan Raya 1969, beliau ditewaskan oleh calon Pas, Haji Yusoff Rawa, dengan perbezaan 989 undi, selepas mengumumkan bahawa beliau tidak memerlukan undi-undi orang Cina untuk mencapai kerusinya.

Berikutan peristiwa 13 Mei 1969, Dr. Mahathir dipecat daripada Umno pada tahun 1969 selepas pengedaran umum surat terbuka beliau kepada Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perdana Menteri pertama Malaysia).

Bagaimanapun beliau diterima kembali menjadi ahli Umno pada 7 Mac 1972.Beliau dilantik sebagai Perdana Menteri menggantikan Tun Hussein Onn pada Jun 1981. Kemudian sebagai Presiden Umno sehingga beliau bersara.Dr. Mahathir dipilih sebagai salah seorang Naib Presiden Umno pada 1975. Kemudian Tun Hussein Onn melantik beliau sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri pada 15 September 1978.

Menerusi rombakan Kabinet, Dr. Mahathir turut dilantik sebagai Menteri Perdagangan dan Industri.

Pada tahun 1987, Dr. Mahathir menghadapi cabaran sengit dalam pemilihan parti tetapi berjaya menewaskan Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah yang berganding dengan Tun Musa Hitam (bertanding jawatan Timbalan Presiden).

Susulan pemilihan itu, kes tersebut dibawa ke mahkamah dan Umno diharamkan pada tahun 1988. Umno Baru ditubuhkan susulan itu.

Tun Musa meletakkan jawatan sebagai Timbalan Dr. Mahathir pada tahun 1986. Kedudukannya digantikan oleh Tun Ghafar Baba yang ditewaskan oleh Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pada tahun 1993.

Anwar dipecat pada tahun 1998. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dilantik sebagai Timbalan Perdana Menteri pada 1999.

Pada 31 Oktober 2003, Dr. Mahathir mengumumkan untuk meletakkan jawatan sebagai Perdana Menteri dan semua jawatannya dalam Umno serta menamakan timbalannya ketika itu, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi sebagai pengganti.

Setahun selepas melepaskan jawatan, Dr. Mahathir mengecam kepimpinan Abdullah sehingga membawa kepada pertemuan bersemuka tertutup.

Dr. Mahathir lantang bersuara, mengecam Abdullah sehingga 17 Mei lalu ketika pertemuan di Johor Bharu.

Selepas pilihan raya umum lalu, Dr. Mahathir dengan lantang menyalahkan Datuk Seri Abdullah dan menggesa agar beliau memikul tanggungjawab sepenuhnya atas kekalahan teruk BN.
Dr. Mahathir melahirkan rasa terkejut berikutan BN tumbang di lima negeri sehingga mencatatkan prestasi terburuk parti itu.

Beliau turut menyarankan Abdullah untuk berundur kerana menganggap penggantinya itu telah ‘memusnahkan’ Umno dan BN.

Bekas Perdana Menteri itu turut menggesa agar Umno menghapuskan sistem kuota pencalonan untuk pertandingan pelbagai jawatan parti termasuk jawatan Presiden bagi menggalakkan persaingan sihat.

Baginya sistem pencalonan wajar dihapuskan sekarang kerana boleh disalah guna bagi menghalang orang lain bertanding secara bebas.

Dr. Mahathir berkata, semasa pemerintahannya, sesiapa sahaja bebas mengemukakan pencalonan termasuk Tengku Razaleigh yang pernah menentangnya sebagai Presiden parti.

Dr M belum mohon masuk semula Umno, kata Najib

08-09-2008 05:10:49 PM

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad belum lagi membuat permohonan secara rasmi untuk menyertai semula Umno seperti yang didakwa sesetengah pihak, demikian di sahkan oleh Timbalan Presiden Umno Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak.

Najib berkata setakat ini belum ada apa-apa lagi yang membuktikan cakap-cakap bahawa bekas presiden parti itu akan menyertai semula Umno adalah benar.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata demikian selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Majlis Permata Negara di Jabatan Perdana Menteri hari ini.

Di tanya sama ada Dr Mahathir telah pun membuat permohonan rasmi untuk menyertai semula Umno seperti yang diuar-uarkan sesetengah pihak, Najib berkata: "Saya tidak tahu. Belum ada (permohonan) secara rasmi. (Setakat ini) belum ada apa-apa lagi.

Katanya beliau hanya akan mengulas lanjut isu itu selepas mendapat pengesahan yang lebih formal.

Cakap-cakap bahawa Dr Mahathir akan menyertai semula Umno kini tersebar kencang di kalangan ahli-ahli Umno, terutama melalui emel dan khidmat pesanan ringkas (SMS).

Usaha membawa Dr Mahathir kembali ke pangkuan Umno dikatakan diusahakan beberapa pemimpin parti itu sendiri, termasuk salah seorang naib presidennya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Dua lagi bekas pemimpin Umno yang dikatakan terlibat dalam usaha itu ialah bekas setiausaha agungnya Tan Sri Sanusi Junid yang turut keluar Umno bersama-sama Dr Mahathir Mei lalu dan seorang lagi bekas setiausaha agung parti Tan Sri Sabaruddin Chik.