Times have changed and are fast changing even in ultra-traditional societies. The lessons we are drawing from even recent episodes as in the likes of Egypt Springs is most edifying for the selfless and wise.
The well worn cliché ‘a nation divided is a country devastated’ has sprung back with profound meaning in this century. It applies very aptly to Malaysia.
Today we are witnessing the nation heading down a slippery slope on all four frontiers of governance, namely the political, social, economic and environmental parameters. Political party survival has taken precedence over all else and it is clearly becoming an ‘at all cost, by any means’ war cry and battle strategy.
Religion is not spared. Race is not spared. Sex is not spared. Institutions are not spared. Ethics is prostituted. Justice is clouded. And how long can the main stream media continue to orchestrate to the whims and fancies of those embroiled in winning at all costs?
Chop! Chop! Chop! Separate them...
Meanwhile the world is being swept without warning by financial tides of devastation; weather havocs that predict imminent food crisis; and the rise of civil society to fight the 21st century’s worst enemy namely corruption and political tyranny. These, the governments around the world – including even our neighbors like Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia are better braced to combat as they have no political party survival wars to be preoccupied with. Neither do they subscribe to the stone-age ‘kill at all cost’ mantra.
But in our own yard here, just look at the volume of files mounting within the Palace of Justice as thousands of reports are lodged against corruption and misuse of power. Look at the breaking news every day. Listen to the talks at warongs. Scan the online forums.
Look at the way politicians from BN are spending money; or how about their families and spouses?
Look at the way the government denies brutality inflicted on its own citizens (Bersih 2.0), only to be exposed by the international media.
Look at the scandals that keep surfacing one after another – scandals that not only involve Malaysians within its borders but also those that have global implications involving international players. Do not forget the many episodes of custodial deaths and how the cases are being battled and dragged in court.
Look at our daily news rations. What do all these tell us?
Indeed this nation is being divided left, right and centre in the name and want for power and control. The victims are the knowing and unknowing rakyat of today those who are yet to be born.
The leaders are not interested in knowing that a nation divided is a country devastated. Who cares anyway? “If this country crumbles, I have my safe haven on the Gold Coast” seems to be the hidden assurance amongst the powers that be.
Two sets of everything
Take a look at all the social pages of glossy magazines that are spilling over in Malaysia. What do you see?
No different. One set of laws for the knowing and unknowing rakyat and another set of freedom for the rich, famous, well heeled and power brokers.
Yes, the fact that some lone and brave voices with still some conscience and integrity left behind are stepping forward from behind the curtains of the ruling BN to state the truth about this nation’s governance, is a crystal clear indication that this country is in a perilous state of affairs.
While the world is collaborating and partnering with all of its political parties within each nation, ours is one that is going after the opposition’s throat. While others around the globe are re-focusing on the four crucial parameters of politics, social, economic and environment to be better prepared in protecting its citizens against the ravages of weather, corruption, abuse, power and control, and financial uncertainty, we are saying “everything is okay” while we are dead bent on dividing the nation along race, religion, politics, social, economy.
Therein remains the assessment that Malaysia is on the highway of being a devastated country.
J. D. Lovrenciear, is a reader of Malaysia Chronicle
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Instant citizenships for votes: How low can the BN go?
So, Malaysians want freedom? Freedom from an oppressive government which has taken us for a ride all these years? So, do Malaysians want change, a more progressive society, meritocracy, social freedoms, total democracy, freedom of expression and be 1st class citizens? Do we want unity, racial blindness, justice and a corrupt free government? Sorry, baby! Fat hopes and dream on. Yes, you heard me. Dream on and fat hopes!
You know why it is not going to happen. Not for a thousand years, at least? Because Malaysians are too complacent to make the change. So what are we waiting for? Christmas?
The recent evidence uncovered by PAS shows a BN plot to stuff the electoral rolls with foreigners who have been given instant citizenship. This itself warns us that BN is not going to take the General Election for granted. Due to all their fumbling and flip flops, Najib with Rosmah tagging sheepishly behind, have been given clear signals that their time is almost up. This is why they are trying to make sure they win by a huge margin so that their enemies in UMNO cannot unseat them.
This new evidence has undoubtedly caused a commotion amongst the people, who are shocked at the BN's audacity. Pakatan Rakyat is calling for an emergency parliamentary sitting to probe the issue of non-citizens being registered as voters by the Election Commission. Some say it may be the tip of the iceberg. As usual, the EC says nothing suspicious is going on. But when the government says that nothing is going on, it means that something is going on!
Bolehland voting
The Election Commission is registering every Tom, Dick and Harry who is eligible to vote. Doesn’t matter whether they are red or yellow, black or white, as long as they hold a Mykad, then they are welcome to vote. Remember, this Malaysia. There is nothing much that we can do about it. Right?
Ahhh...caught you there. Didn't I say Malaysians are too complacent and BN will get back two-thirds majority in Parliament because the people are simply to lazy to bother?
Malaysia is doomed to the dogs. Chinese and Indians, book your tickets 'home'. Instead, there will be more 'Bumiputras' arriving at our Malay shores. Current Bumis have to share the cake with the rest of the new ones. The non-Bumis who are willing to stay can of course keep the scraps. It is the least we can do, give you all the crumbs, so enjoy while we can still spare them!
Are the govt numbers reliable?
The government is saying that 2 million illegal immigrants will be registered. But when has the government been truthful with figures? Who knows what the actual number is?
Also, do not be mistaken. The current registration exercise is not to give the foreigners a Malaysian citizenship. It is merely an Amnesty to register them, so that we can track their movements and allow them to legally work in this country for a certain period. After this period, we will deport them when their contracts are finished. So please do not panic, so goes the mantra from Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
But in the first place, what has our Immigration department been doing all this while that we are unable to detect 2 million foreigners entering this country? Did these immigrants employ stealth technology that our country’s defences are unable to detect? Is that the reason why it is so important for us to procure submarines and jetfighter technology to guard our defenceless shores?
Secondly, what is is to prevent these 'legalised' workers from running off when their contracts are due so as to escape deportation? This is the known pattern in other countries with high illegal foreign workforce. So the third issue remains, why now? Why suddenly Amnesty when GE-13 is at our doorstep knowing that this is a problem that will keep recurring through the years and there is no solution except a long-term plan?
Malays hit most, will they be forced to compete with the foreign workers?
Then, there is the worry of whether there will be enough jobs for us and for our children? And the most affected are the Malays. Now do you understand why PAS and PKR are screaming and shouting about it!
Malays must ask the BN government, won't they need to compete with the foreign workers for better pay now? Is Malaysia so economically prosperous that we can absorb another 2 million workers? Yet at the same time, BN is so ready to chase away the rich Chinese and Indians who have lived with us for decades and even centuries. Some are so fed up they take their assets overseas in case extremists like Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa compound their property. What is UMNO really doing? Have the UMNO members thought about it? Are they protecting the Malays or their own elite leaders?
Later, when the law is passed for a minimum salary scale, every legal immigrant will be able to enjoy higher pay. If they send back RM500 a month home, that will be about RM1billion capital flight each month or RM12 billion a year. Does that make economic sense? Can any economist out there please comment?
Already RM888billion has gone missing, although that was for corruption. This is foreign repatriation of salaries earned by foreign workers and should be covered by the higher GDP or higher economic activity that the workers bring in.
The real problem is when they have no jobs and the current set of corrupt government official keep siphoning funds out of Malaysia - it is this double whammy that may kill us all.
Push the PANIC button, NOW
So if there is just a grain of truth that these workers will be registered to vote in the next election, it is already time to push the panic button. Immediately.
The thing is, what do we do? How do we help ourselves? Has the Pakatan Rakyat any back-up plan to counter this offensive, or are they just going to sit back and complain about the sad state of affairs? What about Bersih? Yes, it has been outlawed. But the fight to press for clean elections has not and cannot be outlawed. So first thing first, regroup so that Malaysians have a focal point to turn to. Then strategise.
Some believe that the new allegations are a blessing in disguise. If Prime Minister Najib Razak does not react responsibly, then it may trigger the Tsunami we have been waiting for, as more Malaysians become disillusioned with the current regime’s treasonous tactics to stay in power.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain
Malaysia Chronicle
You know why it is not going to happen. Not for a thousand years, at least? Because Malaysians are too complacent to make the change. So what are we waiting for? Christmas?
The recent evidence uncovered by PAS shows a BN plot to stuff the electoral rolls with foreigners who have been given instant citizenship. This itself warns us that BN is not going to take the General Election for granted. Due to all their fumbling and flip flops, Najib with Rosmah tagging sheepishly behind, have been given clear signals that their time is almost up. This is why they are trying to make sure they win by a huge margin so that their enemies in UMNO cannot unseat them.
This new evidence has undoubtedly caused a commotion amongst the people, who are shocked at the BN's audacity. Pakatan Rakyat is calling for an emergency parliamentary sitting to probe the issue of non-citizens being registered as voters by the Election Commission. Some say it may be the tip of the iceberg. As usual, the EC says nothing suspicious is going on. But when the government says that nothing is going on, it means that something is going on!
Bolehland voting
The Election Commission is registering every Tom, Dick and Harry who is eligible to vote. Doesn’t matter whether they are red or yellow, black or white, as long as they hold a Mykad, then they are welcome to vote. Remember, this Malaysia. There is nothing much that we can do about it. Right?
Ahhh...caught you there. Didn't I say Malaysians are too complacent and BN will get back two-thirds majority in Parliament because the people are simply to lazy to bother?
Malaysia is doomed to the dogs. Chinese and Indians, book your tickets 'home'. Instead, there will be more 'Bumiputras' arriving at our Malay shores. Current Bumis have to share the cake with the rest of the new ones. The non-Bumis who are willing to stay can of course keep the scraps. It is the least we can do, give you all the crumbs, so enjoy while we can still spare them!
Are the govt numbers reliable?
The government is saying that 2 million illegal immigrants will be registered. But when has the government been truthful with figures? Who knows what the actual number is?
Also, do not be mistaken. The current registration exercise is not to give the foreigners a Malaysian citizenship. It is merely an Amnesty to register them, so that we can track their movements and allow them to legally work in this country for a certain period. After this period, we will deport them when their contracts are finished. So please do not panic, so goes the mantra from Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
But in the first place, what has our Immigration department been doing all this while that we are unable to detect 2 million foreigners entering this country? Did these immigrants employ stealth technology that our country’s defences are unable to detect? Is that the reason why it is so important for us to procure submarines and jetfighter technology to guard our defenceless shores?
Secondly, what is is to prevent these 'legalised' workers from running off when their contracts are due so as to escape deportation? This is the known pattern in other countries with high illegal foreign workforce. So the third issue remains, why now? Why suddenly Amnesty when GE-13 is at our doorstep knowing that this is a problem that will keep recurring through the years and there is no solution except a long-term plan?
Malays hit most, will they be forced to compete with the foreign workers?
Then, there is the worry of whether there will be enough jobs for us and for our children? And the most affected are the Malays. Now do you understand why PAS and PKR are screaming and shouting about it!
Malays must ask the BN government, won't they need to compete with the foreign workers for better pay now? Is Malaysia so economically prosperous that we can absorb another 2 million workers? Yet at the same time, BN is so ready to chase away the rich Chinese and Indians who have lived with us for decades and even centuries. Some are so fed up they take their assets overseas in case extremists like Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa compound their property. What is UMNO really doing? Have the UMNO members thought about it? Are they protecting the Malays or their own elite leaders?
Later, when the law is passed for a minimum salary scale, every legal immigrant will be able to enjoy higher pay. If they send back RM500 a month home, that will be about RM1billion capital flight each month or RM12 billion a year. Does that make economic sense? Can any economist out there please comment?
Already RM888billion has gone missing, although that was for corruption. This is foreign repatriation of salaries earned by foreign workers and should be covered by the higher GDP or higher economic activity that the workers bring in.
The real problem is when they have no jobs and the current set of corrupt government official keep siphoning funds out of Malaysia - it is this double whammy that may kill us all.
Push the PANIC button, NOW
So if there is just a grain of truth that these workers will be registered to vote in the next election, it is already time to push the panic button. Immediately.
The thing is, what do we do? How do we help ourselves? Has the Pakatan Rakyat any back-up plan to counter this offensive, or are they just going to sit back and complain about the sad state of affairs? What about Bersih? Yes, it has been outlawed. But the fight to press for clean elections has not and cannot be outlawed. So first thing first, regroup so that Malaysians have a focal point to turn to. Then strategise.
Some believe that the new allegations are a blessing in disguise. If Prime Minister Najib Razak does not react responsibly, then it may trigger the Tsunami we have been waiting for, as more Malaysians become disillusioned with the current regime’s treasonous tactics to stay in power.
Iskandar Dzulkarnain
Malaysia Chronicle
The rot within the Election Commission, NRD and Immigration Dept
In the face of denials by the Election Commission and the National Registration Department on irregularities in voter registrations and the issuing of citizenship to illegals, one has to wonder; what would have happened if no-one had taken the time to check on the registration listings and the status of citizenship of certain people?
Would the irregularities have gone unnoticed? And if they have been irregular practices - how long have they been in place?
Does this not smell of the infamous Project IC of the 1990s?
Again, it began with UMNO
Project IC is the name used to describe the allegation of systematic granting of citizenship to immigrants (whether illegal or legal immigrants) by giving them identity documents known as IC (identity card), and subsequently, MyKad.
The project is a complex matter involving certain political parties as well as various government agencies including the Election Commission of Malaysia, the National Registration Department and the Immigration Department, which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The suspicions and allegations on the existence of Project IC began around the mid-1990s.
The project, in its widespread and intensive form, is suspected to have begun in the early 1990s after the entry of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) into Sabah politics.
Throughout the 1990s, several government officers were arrested under the Internal Security Act for their involvement in Project IC. A Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity was set up to hear testimonies of some of the detainees in February 2007. The committee was chaired by Sabah Member of Parliament Bernard Dompok. On May 16, 2007, Dompok quit as chairman of the committee over disagreements on the function and scope of the committee, in particular, over the refusal of the National Registration Department to appear before the committee. Later on, the findings of the committee was never made public.
Has a rehashed Project IC been reborn and using the latest technology to aid it?
Some wait a lifetime, others need only 4 hours
In the case of the individual called Mismah, who had her PR status upgraded to Full Citizenship in the space of four hours, Election Commission head Abdul Aziz Yusof attributed the problem to technical negligence.
Elaborating on the issue, he said he had contacted the NRD and was told that its online database had not been updated alongside the Agency Link-Up System (ALIS).
"(It was only) when I called (them) that they realised they have not updated the names online," Abdul Aziz added.
The NRD online database - used by the public to verify their status and details - is different from ALIS, which is the reference point for the EC in registering voters, he said.
If the NRD only knew that their online databases were not updated when the EC chairman called them, what were their ICT staff doing the whole time before the phone call?
And the EC explanation does not explain how Mismah could have her status changes within the same day during a four hour span. The changes to Mismah status were made before the call by the EC chairman to NRD. Thus, the ICT team was updating its record before the call. Does this mean that the main database had already had the changes made, and thus, this database has different information as compared to the online databases?
How many more are there?
And how many more Mismahs do we have? The records held by the NRD are now a point of contention? How sure are we that the information contained within the NRD databases are credible and true?
And with the impending use of the biometric system by the EC, one still wonders; how sure are we that the biometric information is coming from the correct database and how correct will the data be?
The legalisation of immigrants also uses biometrics as a means of registration, and this database of immigrants may be far more complete than the NRD or EC databases. Yet, even this to is looked upon suspiciously. How sure are we that the records from the Immigration Department’s databases will not make its way into the NRD databases?
Farce
Bear in mind, the EC still has to collect finger-print information of current and existing voters. The easiest method is to tap into the NRD database but not all those registered in the NRD database are registered voters.
Citizens still have to register to vote and a vetting process still has to be complied with. Thus, there will be a lot of activity to update and keep current the databases under the control of the EC, how sure are we that during this period of activity, manipulated information does not makes its way in?
The EC assertion that everything is transparent and clean is a farce. The EC must now convince the public that their right, as citizens of Malaysia, is not tainted nor super-ceded by the needs of a ruling government desperate to stay in power and willing to do anything to accomplish the task - even to the point of selling citizenships to illegals in order to buy votes
Maclean Patrick
Malaysia Chronicle
Would the irregularities have gone unnoticed? And if they have been irregular practices - how long have they been in place?
Does this not smell of the infamous Project IC of the 1990s?
Again, it began with UMNO
Project IC is the name used to describe the allegation of systematic granting of citizenship to immigrants (whether illegal or legal immigrants) by giving them identity documents known as IC (identity card), and subsequently, MyKad.
The project is a complex matter involving certain political parties as well as various government agencies including the Election Commission of Malaysia, the National Registration Department and the Immigration Department, which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The suspicions and allegations on the existence of Project IC began around the mid-1990s.
The project, in its widespread and intensive form, is suspected to have begun in the early 1990s after the entry of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) into Sabah politics.
Throughout the 1990s, several government officers were arrested under the Internal Security Act for their involvement in Project IC. A Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity was set up to hear testimonies of some of the detainees in February 2007. The committee was chaired by Sabah Member of Parliament Bernard Dompok. On May 16, 2007, Dompok quit as chairman of the committee over disagreements on the function and scope of the committee, in particular, over the refusal of the National Registration Department to appear before the committee. Later on, the findings of the committee was never made public.
Has a rehashed Project IC been reborn and using the latest technology to aid it?
Some wait a lifetime, others need only 4 hours
In the case of the individual called Mismah, who had her PR status upgraded to Full Citizenship in the space of four hours, Election Commission head Abdul Aziz Yusof attributed the problem to technical negligence.
Elaborating on the issue, he said he had contacted the NRD and was told that its online database had not been updated alongside the Agency Link-Up System (ALIS).
"(It was only) when I called (them) that they realised they have not updated the names online," Abdul Aziz added.
The NRD online database - used by the public to verify their status and details - is different from ALIS, which is the reference point for the EC in registering voters, he said.
If the NRD only knew that their online databases were not updated when the EC chairman called them, what were their ICT staff doing the whole time before the phone call?
And the EC explanation does not explain how Mismah could have her status changes within the same day during a four hour span. The changes to Mismah status were made before the call by the EC chairman to NRD. Thus, the ICT team was updating its record before the call. Does this mean that the main database had already had the changes made, and thus, this database has different information as compared to the online databases?
How many more are there?
And how many more Mismahs do we have? The records held by the NRD are now a point of contention? How sure are we that the information contained within the NRD databases are credible and true?
And with the impending use of the biometric system by the EC, one still wonders; how sure are we that the biometric information is coming from the correct database and how correct will the data be?
The legalisation of immigrants also uses biometrics as a means of registration, and this database of immigrants may be far more complete than the NRD or EC databases. Yet, even this to is looked upon suspiciously. How sure are we that the records from the Immigration Department’s databases will not make its way into the NRD databases?
Farce
Bear in mind, the EC still has to collect finger-print information of current and existing voters. The easiest method is to tap into the NRD database but not all those registered in the NRD database are registered voters.
Citizens still have to register to vote and a vetting process still has to be complied with. Thus, there will be a lot of activity to update and keep current the databases under the control of the EC, how sure are we that during this period of activity, manipulated information does not makes its way in?
The EC assertion that everything is transparent and clean is a farce. The EC must now convince the public that their right, as citizens of Malaysia, is not tainted nor super-ceded by the needs of a ruling government desperate to stay in power and willing to do anything to accomplish the task - even to the point of selling citizenships to illegals in order to buy votes
Maclean Patrick
Malaysia Chronicle
At 86, Mahathir is still calling the shots in Umno
Back in 2008, Najib Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin were only too happy and willing to help Mahathir Mohamad bring down the then prime minister Abdullah Badawi. Mahathir had made many attempts but could not hammer it through because Badawi had been smart enough to get a mandate of his own from the people, something that his successor Najib has failed to do and which is costing him now.
In 2004, Badawi who was Mahathir's appointed successor took the BN to a landlisde victory, a record 95 per cent rout that immediately sparked a jealous reaction from his former boss that too huge a dominance in Parliament was not good for the country. But Mahathir needn't have worried because in 2008, Badawi crashed. He took the BN to its worst-ever electoral performance, even losing the coalition's long-held two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Fitting in with Dr M's plans
This gave Mahathir the opportunity to oust him. Mutual respect between the two men had long flown out of the window. In place was a deep-seated hatred especially for Badawi's over-ambitious son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, whom Mahathir blamed for freezing several of his pet projects including the crooked bridge to Singapore. By then the public was not so thrilled with Badawi either. From Mr Nice Guy and Mr Clean, he became known as Mr Sleeping Beauty for dozing on the job. It was also apparent that his family had benefited from his premiership, amassing huge wealth for themselves.
Now Najib finds himself in the same boat as Badawi in the aftermath of the March 2008 general election. The 58-year old Najib knows he is being pushed out but he seems determined to fight back, even though this may require him to 'bite the hand that feeds him', which had been Mahathir's. When the 86-year old Dr M decided to call it a day in 2003, he made sure Badawi accepted Najib as his deputy.
Why Najib? Partly it was due to old loyalties and to repay old favours to Najib's dad and uncle, who were the country's second and third prime ministers respectively. But mainly because it fit in with Dr M's own scheme of things which is to keep the leadership succession in UMNO a tightly-held affarir, with the UMNO presidency and premiership rotated amongst the Najib, the Hussein and his own family. All others such as Badawi would be seat warmers and this includes Muhyiddin Yassin, who looks all set to fill Najib's shoes as the next UMNO president with Mahathir's support.
Who will Mahathir choose?
At 64, Muhyiddin is best known for his "I'm Malay first, Malaysian second" comment which has stirred great unease amongst the non-Malays. This ill-judged comment, while winning some support from the Malay community, makes it highly unlikely that he will succeed in managing or controlling the non-Malays which is essential if he wants to stay UMNO president on his own steam. This is what Najib found out the hard way, promising different things to different races and in the end, losing the trust of all and landing himself at the mercy of his party colleagues.
But as far Mahathir is concerned, the Muhyiddin weakness fits in with his key condition for support - one term only as prime minister - for all who come and seek his 'kingmaker' endorsement. Such a criteria is to allow his son Mukhriz, now 46, to become PM by 50 or early 50s.
Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh created a mini-stir when he suddenly launched an 'NGO' called Amanah two weeks ago. Straight-off he was accused of setting up a new political platform and initially the UMNO spinners made use of Amanah to accuse Pakatan parties PAS and DAP of plotting to replace Anwar with Ku Li. But their illogic could not sustain and Utusan - the UMNO newspaper which takes its editorial lead from Najib - is now 'advising' Ku Li to disband and not create further divisions amongst the Malays.
At 74, Ku Li is also able to accomodate Mahathir's No. 1 requirement of 'one term' only. Of the lot, he is perceived to be the most 'honorable', insofar as he will keep his promise to go when it is time to do so - in sharp contract to Badawi and now Najib. Like Muhyiddin, Ku Li's support within UMNO is restricted. But the disadvantage for Malaysians is that Ku Li, in having to honour his word to Mahathir, would end up being just another 'lip-service' PM. To those who know Mahathir, it is inconceivable he would allow any policies for reform that could threaten the existing authoritarian style of rule. Malaysians can expect that his conditions for support would include a restriction on policy-making.
Why is Muhyiddin keeping quiet about Ku Li coming onto the scene? UMNO watchers say firstly, he has no choice but to be patient beacuse he has no significant support of his own in UMNO at all. Secondly, he is already ahead on the list and Ku Li kicks in only when it becomes apparent that his 'Malay first, Malaysian second' boo-boo is too insurmountable a risk to BN's retaining federal power. All considered, it is wiser to be patient.
For Badawi and Khairy, unless they spring a very dramatic power grab, it is hard to see them making any headway in UMNO at all. Badawi's support is weak and while he was well liked by Malaysians at one point in time, when he refused to champion them against Najib and the during the days of Perak crisis, opting instead to strike a deal for himself, they lost faith in him. As for Khairy, until he is able to convince Malaysians that he is not youngest billionaire in the country with the loot obtained through corrupt ways, no one will bother to waste time on him, except himself and his small little camp.
For Najib, the going can only get tougher and whaetver fight that he puts up, he won't be able to stave off his UMNO foes because he was foolish enough to kill off his own popularity with the people, who are actually the pivotal point in the power equation against Mahathir.
Najib's only trump card is he may try the same tactic his dad used to push out first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Which is to create racial riots and instill military or police rule. And then go about systemically purging his rivals from UMNO and replacing these with his own loyalists. This is also Mahathir's biggest nightmare and he has already warned against it through his former adviser Matthias Chang.
Emergency rule is still in the picture
Obviously, should Emergency rule be imposed, the implications would affect far more people than the UMNO protagonists. It would mean a loss of democracy for Malaysia, and the toll this would inflict on the nation's future would be irreparable. But really, it seems as if Najib, Rosmah and his cousin Hishammuddin Hussein are more concerned about staying on and enjoying the fruits of their fathers' labours than what happens to Malaysians. Why they should think so or what huge gratitude Malaysians owe Abdul Razak and Hussein Onn is an enigma and lost to most people.
And this is may be precisely why Mahathir believes that if any Malay leader is owed a debt of gratitude and has the right to perpetuate his own dynasty, it should be him. He ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003. Razak ruled from 1970 to 1976 , Hussein from 1976 to 1981. As for Tunku, who was PM from 1957 to 1970, he died without a male successor and his family, having been shut out by Abdul Razak, has preferred to remain out of politics.
Despite having grown to a size of 3 million members, with nearly one person or other in most Malay extended families an UMNO member, the party is still very much an elitist and feudalistically-run outfit. Power is in the hands of a few and most of this power is currently in the palm of Mahathir's hand.
Just days ago, PAS leaders made a rare public accusation that some group in UMNO was trying to topple Najib. But at this stage in the power game, the PM's closest enemies are no longer from the Pakatan but from UMNO itself. And Najib knows who they are, the UMNO elite is nothing but a small old-boys club. Neither have his challengers minced any words and if he is feeling the heat from the string of scandals about his family's lavish lifestyle being exposed around the globe, then he'd better buy more air-conditioning.
Whoever wins the day at UMNO may not be able to clinch the PM's seat. There is a chance for Anwar's Pakatan to win at GE-13 and this may force a new and seismic shake-up in UMNO, perhaps the only way for the party to really reform itself and survive as a political option for the people.
Wong Choon Mei
Malaysia Chronicle
In 2004, Badawi who was Mahathir's appointed successor took the BN to a landlisde victory, a record 95 per cent rout that immediately sparked a jealous reaction from his former boss that too huge a dominance in Parliament was not good for the country. But Mahathir needn't have worried because in 2008, Badawi crashed. He took the BN to its worst-ever electoral performance, even losing the coalition's long-held two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Fitting in with Dr M's plans
This gave Mahathir the opportunity to oust him. Mutual respect between the two men had long flown out of the window. In place was a deep-seated hatred especially for Badawi's over-ambitious son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, whom Mahathir blamed for freezing several of his pet projects including the crooked bridge to Singapore. By then the public was not so thrilled with Badawi either. From Mr Nice Guy and Mr Clean, he became known as Mr Sleeping Beauty for dozing on the job. It was also apparent that his family had benefited from his premiership, amassing huge wealth for themselves.
Now Najib finds himself in the same boat as Badawi in the aftermath of the March 2008 general election. The 58-year old Najib knows he is being pushed out but he seems determined to fight back, even though this may require him to 'bite the hand that feeds him', which had been Mahathir's. When the 86-year old Dr M decided to call it a day in 2003, he made sure Badawi accepted Najib as his deputy.
Why Najib? Partly it was due to old loyalties and to repay old favours to Najib's dad and uncle, who were the country's second and third prime ministers respectively. But mainly because it fit in with Dr M's own scheme of things which is to keep the leadership succession in UMNO a tightly-held affarir, with the UMNO presidency and premiership rotated amongst the Najib, the Hussein and his own family. All others such as Badawi would be seat warmers and this includes Muhyiddin Yassin, who looks all set to fill Najib's shoes as the next UMNO president with Mahathir's support.
Who will Mahathir choose?
At 64, Muhyiddin is best known for his "I'm Malay first, Malaysian second" comment which has stirred great unease amongst the non-Malays. This ill-judged comment, while winning some support from the Malay community, makes it highly unlikely that he will succeed in managing or controlling the non-Malays which is essential if he wants to stay UMNO president on his own steam. This is what Najib found out the hard way, promising different things to different races and in the end, losing the trust of all and landing himself at the mercy of his party colleagues.
But as far Mahathir is concerned, the Muhyiddin weakness fits in with his key condition for support - one term only as prime minister - for all who come and seek his 'kingmaker' endorsement. Such a criteria is to allow his son Mukhriz, now 46, to become PM by 50 or early 50s.
Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh created a mini-stir when he suddenly launched an 'NGO' called Amanah two weeks ago. Straight-off he was accused of setting up a new political platform and initially the UMNO spinners made use of Amanah to accuse Pakatan parties PAS and DAP of plotting to replace Anwar with Ku Li. But their illogic could not sustain and Utusan - the UMNO newspaper which takes its editorial lead from Najib - is now 'advising' Ku Li to disband and not create further divisions amongst the Malays.
At 74, Ku Li is also able to accomodate Mahathir's No. 1 requirement of 'one term' only. Of the lot, he is perceived to be the most 'honorable', insofar as he will keep his promise to go when it is time to do so - in sharp contract to Badawi and now Najib. Like Muhyiddin, Ku Li's support within UMNO is restricted. But the disadvantage for Malaysians is that Ku Li, in having to honour his word to Mahathir, would end up being just another 'lip-service' PM. To those who know Mahathir, it is inconceivable he would allow any policies for reform that could threaten the existing authoritarian style of rule. Malaysians can expect that his conditions for support would include a restriction on policy-making.
Why is Muhyiddin keeping quiet about Ku Li coming onto the scene? UMNO watchers say firstly, he has no choice but to be patient beacuse he has no significant support of his own in UMNO at all. Secondly, he is already ahead on the list and Ku Li kicks in only when it becomes apparent that his 'Malay first, Malaysian second' boo-boo is too insurmountable a risk to BN's retaining federal power. All considered, it is wiser to be patient.
For Badawi and Khairy, unless they spring a very dramatic power grab, it is hard to see them making any headway in UMNO at all. Badawi's support is weak and while he was well liked by Malaysians at one point in time, when he refused to champion them against Najib and the during the days of Perak crisis, opting instead to strike a deal for himself, they lost faith in him. As for Khairy, until he is able to convince Malaysians that he is not youngest billionaire in the country with the loot obtained through corrupt ways, no one will bother to waste time on him, except himself and his small little camp.
For Najib, the going can only get tougher and whaetver fight that he puts up, he won't be able to stave off his UMNO foes because he was foolish enough to kill off his own popularity with the people, who are actually the pivotal point in the power equation against Mahathir.
Najib's only trump card is he may try the same tactic his dad used to push out first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Which is to create racial riots and instill military or police rule. And then go about systemically purging his rivals from UMNO and replacing these with his own loyalists. This is also Mahathir's biggest nightmare and he has already warned against it through his former adviser Matthias Chang.
Emergency rule is still in the picture
Obviously, should Emergency rule be imposed, the implications would affect far more people than the UMNO protagonists. It would mean a loss of democracy for Malaysia, and the toll this would inflict on the nation's future would be irreparable. But really, it seems as if Najib, Rosmah and his cousin Hishammuddin Hussein are more concerned about staying on and enjoying the fruits of their fathers' labours than what happens to Malaysians. Why they should think so or what huge gratitude Malaysians owe Abdul Razak and Hussein Onn is an enigma and lost to most people.
And this is may be precisely why Mahathir believes that if any Malay leader is owed a debt of gratitude and has the right to perpetuate his own dynasty, it should be him. He ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003. Razak ruled from 1970 to 1976 , Hussein from 1976 to 1981. As for Tunku, who was PM from 1957 to 1970, he died without a male successor and his family, having been shut out by Abdul Razak, has preferred to remain out of politics.
Despite having grown to a size of 3 million members, with nearly one person or other in most Malay extended families an UMNO member, the party is still very much an elitist and feudalistically-run outfit. Power is in the hands of a few and most of this power is currently in the palm of Mahathir's hand.
Just days ago, PAS leaders made a rare public accusation that some group in UMNO was trying to topple Najib. But at this stage in the power game, the PM's closest enemies are no longer from the Pakatan but from UMNO itself. And Najib knows who they are, the UMNO elite is nothing but a small old-boys club. Neither have his challengers minced any words and if he is feeling the heat from the string of scandals about his family's lavish lifestyle being exposed around the globe, then he'd better buy more air-conditioning.
Whoever wins the day at UMNO may not be able to clinch the PM's seat. There is a chance for Anwar's Pakatan to win at GE-13 and this may force a new and seismic shake-up in UMNO, perhaps the only way for the party to really reform itself and survive as a political option for the people.
Wong Choon Mei
Malaysia Chronicle
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