Najib goes after voters with fistfuls of cash in populist elections Budget

As expected, Prime Minister Najib Razak unveiled a Budget 2012 stashed with cash goodies aimed to lure voters back to the BN fold, but it was immediately shot down not just by opposition but also by financial experts who gawked at his overly rosy economic projections.

In Budget 2012, Najib forecast GDP growth of 5 to 6% while the deficit was to drop to 4.7% from a projected 5.4% in 2011.

“That’s a pretty bullish outlook relative to the street and relative to ourselves as well. We’re looking at 4 per cent this year and 4.2 per cent next year. Second-half growth has to turn up to 5.5 per cent to average even 5 per cent. So that looks a bit optimistic from my view,” Hak Bin Chua from Merrill Lynch Bank of America told Reuters.

Faking it with overblown growth projections, no details on where money to come from

But Najib, who is also Finance minister, may have no choice. If he did not 'fake' his projections, there may not be enough to finance the plans he unveiled. There were no details as to where the money would come from other than the plucked-from-the-air increase in GDP growth that was noted and panned by banking and financial experts.

"Perhaps the most worrying is that Malaysians are like the proverbial frog in the hot soup, where the frog does not realise the soup is slowly but surely reaching the boiling point," Tony Pua, the DAP MP for Petaling Jaya Utara, said in an immediate reaction.

"We may not yet be facing the crisis of Greek proportions, but Budget 2012 is doing very little to avert such eventuality, leaving the Malaysian economy nakedly exposed to the inevitability."

Buttering up Felda settlers and the civil service

On Friday, the scandal-tained 58-year-old Najib presented a RM232 billion budget, with RM181.6bil for management and RM51.2bil for development. He also announced the much-anticipated listing of Felda Global Ventures, promising a 'windfall' for all settlers - who now number some 2 million in total, including their children and grandchildren. Obviously, the Felda folk will form  a crucial and core voting bloc for his Umno party.

There were no individual or corporate tax cuts as speculated, despite plans to launch an unpopular and hefty Goods and Services Tax or GST after the 13th General Election.

Najib also increased employers’ contribution for the Employees Provident Fund from 12% to 13% for those earning RM5,000 and below.This obviously is good for the employee but puts more money into the EPF, which has come under fire for questionable loans to government-linked firms and agencies, such as the recent and unannounced RM6billion loan to Felda.

He also announced an additional half-month salary bonus, with a minimum of RM500 for government pensioners, to be paid together with the December 2011 salary. So, for the whole of 2011, including previously declared bonuses, a total RM1,000 minimum has been announced for civil servants and government pensioners. This will benefit some 1.3 million civil servants, 618,000 pensioners and will cost the government RM4 billion.

“Najib has promised everything on earth but he doesn’t talk about increasing revenues or transparency. It is unrealistic. It is clearly an election ploy. In the last 10 years, growth, deficit and foreign investment figures have always been proven to be wrong,” Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said in an immediate response to reporters.

Wooing back lower income group hit by subsidy cuts

For the lower-income groups, who have been upset at his slashing of subsidies for consumer essentials including petrol, cooking gas and sugar, rather than touch the RM19 billion gas subsidies given to crony-Independent Power Producers, Najib unabashedly courted them fistfuls of cash.

He announced a one-off RM500 cash assistance for households earning 3,000 per month and below, which will set the government back RM1.8 billion to benefit 3.4 milliion households, a one-off RM100 schooling assistance for primary and secondary school students from age 6 to 16, up to Form 5, which will cost taxpayers RM530 million, and a one-off RM200 book vouchers for students of private and public tertiary institution for Form 6 students, costing RM260 million.

EPF would also be allowed to ring fence RM1,300 from Account 2 of contributors for the purpose of pilgrimage to Mecca. The money will stay with the contributors, while they register for the Haj, which can a very long waiting list.

"It is very simple to tell whether or not it is an election ploy - just look at the number of one-off cash assistance. Najib is looking to buy GE-13 but my feeling is Malaysians are smarter. They should take the money, which actually comes from the tax that they or their parents pay, and then make sure the BN is booted out once and for all before they bankrupt Malaysia," PKR vice president Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

Main projects in 2012

Total revenue for 2012 was forecast to increase 1.9% to RM186.9bil and the deficit to decrease to 4.7% of GDP from 5.4% in 2011. Najib also set aside RM29.8bil for investment in infrastructure, industrial and rural development and RM13.6bil for the social sector, including education and training, welfare, housing and community development.

The PM, who had to put on hold his New Economic Model after heated protest from hardliners in his Umno party, also announced plans to "focus on accelerating investment and further liberalise 17 services sub-sectors, in places enabling 100% foreign equity." However, given that he did not immediately detail the sectors, these are expected to be non-critical and little-demanded sectors.

Among main projects to be implemented in 2012 are the East Coast from Jabor to Terengganu and road upgrades from Kota Marudu to Ranau. RM18bil of the RM20bil PPP Facilitation Fund will be used for high impact projects, with RM2 billion for bumiputera entrepreneurs. The government will also allocate RM978mil to accelerate the development in five regional corridors namely, Coastal Highway JB-Nusa Jaya,Taiping Heritage tourism project, Besut agropolitan project, Lahad Datu palm oil cluster project and water supply in Samalaju.

The Treasury Management Centre will be established and offer incentives to develop M'sia as a competitive financial centre. The Kuala Lumpur International Financial District will also kick off, with incentives including income tax exemptions for firms.

Property tax up, school fees abiolished

Real property gains tax was also raised from 5% to 10% if sold within 2 years; if sold between 2-5 years, it would stay at 5%; if sold after 5 years, it would be zero. RPGT was set at a 5% flat rate for properties disposed of within five years of purchase since April 1, 2007.

All primary and secondary school fees were to be abolished beginning with 2012 school term. This will cost the government RM150 million. Education would be allocated RM50.2 billion, of which RM1.9 billion for all schools, including mission and vernacular schools, RM1 billion for upgrade of schools premises (RM500 million for SRK, RM100 million for SRJK (Chinese), RM100 mil SRJK (Tamil), RM10 million for mission schools, RM100 million for Sekolah Agama Bantuan, RM100 million to MRSM - Mara secondary schools).

For the rural sector, Felda again walked away with the biggest goodies. Najib promised a RM400 million upgrade of water supply system in Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

He also set aside RM150 million for rural public transportation via SME bank for bus companies in low interest loans of 4% interest, and RM90 million for the Orang Asli for basic needs, including treated water and income generation, RM20 million for the community affected by Cameron Highlands landslide.

The civil service were not left out, with teachers receining the lion's share. Teachers will now get 'time-based pay rise schemes', so teachers can go up the ladder faster. Effectively, it was an annual pay rise from RM80 to RM320 according to grade, or up 7-13%.

Senior citizens won't have to pay outpatient fees at all government hospitals and clinics. 50% discount on LRT and monorail.

Malaysia Chronicle

BN will be decimated by its own corruption

Never in the path of our nation's history has corruption been as unbridled as it has been for the past three decades. Corruption has become a scourge that would ultimately ruin the nation and we should thank Barisan National opportunism for this knack and  flamboyance.

Interesting media highlights on alleged corruption and abuse of power
To the incumbent regime, it’s always the denial syndrome that would tint their rhetoric whenever the issue of corruption is raised by the public and this would in turn be handily backed and spun by the pro-government media. Nevertheless, let’s recap some of the interesting media highlights in the past years on corruption-related issues in the country.

“Nine Japanese shipping companies that transport lumber from Sarawak, Malaysia, allegedly failed to report some 1.1 billion yen of income in total during a period of up to seven years alleging the money constituted kickbacks to Sarawak officials via a Hong Kong agent.”

“Serious allegations of integrity involving a minister in defence contracts such as US$100 million for Sukhoi jets from Russia and US$120 million for submarines from France.”

“A hefty commission in millions of Euros being paid to the submarine broker.”

“Customs officers found about 600 boxes of frozen beef worth about RM80,000 among its cargo. In the export documents, the meat was declared as fruits. ACA officers have questioned a dozen people, including customs officers, forwarding agents, trawler crew members and port officials.”

“Alcohol smugglers are short-changing the government to the tune of about RM800 million in taxes annually and adversely affecting the beer industry in the process. The loss in taxes was due to loopholes in enforcement, specifically in Malaysia's territorial waters, said a Minister. He urged the department to take firm action to rout smuggling activities by upgrading surveillance in areas which were identified as smugglers' routes.”
“The man who is supposed to lead the clean-up, has himself been accused of illicit enrichment by a former underling.”

“The contractor claimed that the government project in the tune of RM500 million was subcontracted  to his firm for RM430 million.”

“In a separate case, a minister is accused of taking bribes to set criminal suspects free.”

“A survey this month by PERC, a Hong Kong-based consultancy, shows that corruption is perceived to have worsened in Malaysia.”
“A spendthrift government that will retard economic stimulus, leading to a bankrupt nation.”
“Billions of ringgit is lost  in the name of kickbacks or corruption and this is going to make the country go bankrupt.”
“Police constable jailed for accepting bribe.”
“Several high-ranking customs officer detained to be investigated for bribery allegations.”
“Immigration officers detained under ISA.”
“Minister’s alleged involvement in money politics.”
“It was alleged that a prominent lawyer wrote the judgment for a judge.”
“Politicians accused of money politics.”
“UMNO aspirant disqualified because of money politics.”
“Billions of ringgit lost in forex trading.”
“Malaysia: Billions of ringgit lost in corruption annually due to corruption and illegal money transactions.”
“Billions of ringgit was siphoned out of the country through wily money changers.”
“Former chief minister in court accused of corruption.”
“Former minister acquitted of corruption charges.”
“Former Perwaja boss acquitted of corrupt charges against him.”
“Millions of dollars used to build up the image of  Malaysian politicians overseas.”
“ Millions of ringgit spent on residential renovations.”
“Millions of ringgit spent on travelling expenses of politicians.”
These were but just a few of the innumerable headlines laid bare by the media that have brought utter disgust to the taxpayers. A former prime minister denied the many allegations that appeared in the media on corruption involving those in power and claimed that only about 15 percent of those reported were genuine.
Be that as it may, the educated electorate are questioning this: When would our politicians learn about competence, transparency and accountability in managing the country’s wealth? The people at large feel that the billions of ringgit lost and secured through kickbacks and bribery for the past 30 years could have brought splendid development to the country.
The money lost could have been used to perk up people’s livelihood such as building schools and providing better health facilities for the people. A prominent accountant attached to an established public firm in the city has this to say:  “RM2 ringgit out of every RM10 spent by the government is pure wastage due to lack of transparent standard procedures in the management of taxpayers’ money.  Only the Opposition-held states have shown some rigour in conforming to these procedures.”

Business, politics and corruption have become inseparable
Corruption seems to have become a way of life in many sectors – public and private. According to a retired private sector executive, “Business is so corrupt these days and the dye is cast. Business, politics and corruption have become inseparable.” On the other hand, the people’s general perception is that the incumbent government lacks the political will to curb corruption. They have the notion that many high-profile cases have been swept under the carpet as many prominent personalities were allegedly involved and rocking the boat would affect support for the political parties. Some high profile leaders have not been netted by the MACC and charged for abuse of power and for corruption.
This elegant silence on the government’s part is disturbing the voters more. When the people see that corrupt leaders are still hanging on to power, their pure conjecture would be that no green light has been given by those higher up to take action to this effect. The view that there would be a backlash from among party members is a petty excuse and analysis of the real situation on the ground.
For this reason, the incumbent government would face an uphill task in convincing the critics in the next general election. The Cyber war and political campaigns on the ground would see the issue of corruption in the country used to the hilt to win votes. The urban electorate are already well aware of this scourge affecting the nation. The Opposition would contrive to sway the voters’ sentiments by using corruption as the instrumental tool and gizmo to win them over. Analysis has it that this is going to be effective approach by the Opposition to convince the people to vote for a change.

Endemic corruption started in the 80s
Corruption as perceived by the people has gone beyond the hum and haw mores of our society. It is now being strongly rooted in the nation’s culture. Endemic corruption in the country started from the 80s’ onwards. A very senior UMNO politician was once quoted as saying, “Corruption is a form of lubricant. It makes work get done faster.” Of late, the same politician was quoted as saying, ”Never mind if there is a little corruption here and there as long as the people are helped.”
When statements of this nature - immoral and  irreligious to God-fearing laypeople - come from a politician the omen is going to be bad for the country. This is tantamount to promoting and breeding the culture of corruption more among politicians and those with authority. Corruption, as every Malaysian is aware of, goes against the religious and moral values of any civilised society. There, no doubt, could be a short-term material gain to corruption, but if this blight goes unbridled would end up becoming a threat to the social fabric of our future generations.
Less the voters forget, the media in the past have highlighted allegations of corruption involving politicians, middle-men, government agencies, enforcement officers and the public in general. There were allegations, among others, that money had been paid to lubricate the process of acquiring government projects, palms were greased to make sure that politicians were elected into office in what is popularly known as money politics, millions of ringgit was spent to secure votes during elections, high commissions were paid in weapon dealings, millions of ringgit was paid to get projects approved by local and foreign businessmen.
The people have also come to perceive that there are the  “touchable” and the “untouchable” when it comes to punitive actions against those alleged to be corrupt. These are some of the calamitous social symptoms facing the nation today. From politics to the securing of a driving license it has been touted that corruption is involved. The irony is that the pro-government media have been so earnest in their dutiful sermons on integrity and a corrupt-free society to veil the truth from the people.

Bribe Payers Index
The next general election would see the Opposition campaigning to the hilt on this sensational issue that is scorching the nation. The revulsion and detestation could already be observed in the urban constituencies as the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of the urbanites has risen to 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 among the educated populace. To them the incumbent government has failed to rein in corruption that has cost the nation billions of ringgit annually.
In the Transparency International’s (TI) 2008 Bribe Payers Index (BPI) it was found that corrupt practices in the country has been on the rise. Political parties were singled out as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country with a BPI of 3.6. The police force was indicated as the most corrupt institutions in the country with a BPI of 4. The business communities also were not convinced of the government’s efforts to fight corruption, compared with some other Asia Pacific nations. These are some of the figures noted by TI:

Bribery to high ranking officials to or political parties: Malaysia - 42% of 92 respondents.
Bribery to low level public officials to speed things up: Malaysia - 38% of 94 respondents.
Use of personal and familiar relationships on public contracting: Malaysia - 44% of 93 respondents.

Assessment of government action in the fight against corruption in Malaysia (100 respondents):
Very Ineffective – 27%
Ineffective – 46%
Neither – 9%
Effective – 12%
Very Effective – 6%

Sectors in Malaysia perceived to be affected by corruption (1: not all corrupt, 5: extremely corrupt):
Police – 4
Political Parties – 3.8
Registry and Permit Services – 3.6
Parliament/Legislature – 3.3
Customs – 3.3

Criminals, businessmen and politicians
Corruption has in actuality caused more damaging effects to the society than what meets the eye. It has been alleged that criminals oftentimes collude with prominent businessmen and politicians.  This would unquestionably be damaging to the nation’s security. The collusion between criminals and some enforcers would blemish the whole process of law enforcement. Studies on corruption have shown that wealthy and poor countries have attracted criminal gangs and corrupt officials. In some countries criminal organisations have influenced law enforcement and politics. Some countries are now in major chaos as a result of this collusion and it has become almost impossible to put right the problems. Is Malaysia moving towards this direction?
In many countries, the conviction of notorious gangs have led to the break up of mobs and disturbances. Law enforcers and their families have been harassed and some assassinated. Studies on corruption have also shown that organised crime syndicates are able to protect themselves through many devious means – corruption of law-enforcement officers, physical violence against informants, threats against prosecutors, lawyers and judges, use of lawyers to circumvent the legal system and monetary contributions to political candidates. In some countries, mob activities are so gainful that organised crime could afford to keep in its payroll government officials at various levels, including politicians and law enforcers, to influence the legal system in its favour. Is Malaysia moving towards this direction?

Impede the country’s economic growth
In some situations, criminals are also able to establish supportive enforcement officers who pass information to them about investigations and intended raids and by making intentional mistakes in prosecutions – technical errors resulting in cases in courts being thrown out. Corruption of enforcement officers is made easier by the fact that they are modestly paid and subject to temptation and as a consequence crime and bribery would remain unchecked. When enforcement officers are corrupt they would make efforts to ensure that their equals are also corrupt. An honest officer would unfortunately come under harsh pressures from them. Is Malaysia also moving towards this direction?
Why is the increase in smuggling, peddling and abuse of drugs and the number of addicts in the country gone unabated? Why is there a perpetual increase in illegal immigrants in the country? Apparently, these pains in the neck are just impossible to be done away with because of alleged corruption involving some of those with authority in the country. At the rate it is going, each year about 25 000 of the country’s inhabitants would measure off as drug addicts and quietly thaw into the society – an irritant to all peace loving Malaysians. This number almost equals one-third of the number of students graduating from our universities annually. If this trend continues, by the year 2020 instead of achieving developed status the country is expected to graduate with more than 1.5 million drug addicts - a terrifying figure indeed! They would bring about many more other social ills that could undoubtedly impede the country’s economic growth.

Is Malaysia moving towards destruction?
About RM60 million is now spent yearly to rehabilitate the estimated 60 000 drug addicts that we know of, and just imagine how much of the tax payers’ money is going to be spent in 2020 to do the same. The vast number of illegal immigrants – a projection of more than 3 to 4 million by 2020 – who would contribute their shares of nuisance to the society would compound to this menace. The colossal costs for deportations and maintenance of detention centres in the country would again be at the expense of the taxpayers. Could corruption – monetary lure too lucrative and tempting for those with a greedy mind - in the society attribute to some of these social problems? And is Malaysia moving towards destruction?
When politicians have limited accountability and when personal political interests are prioritised, the duty and responsibility of individuals in authority could not be wholly fulfilled.  This is wretchedly going to weigh down the country’s progress.  Corruption at any level of the society is an amoral activity that would only help encourage indescribable and unlawful activities. Corruption is an unscrupulous action against our moral duty and obligation.  It is a symptom of deep problem in society that could cause many conflicts in society and indirectly affects the economy, investments, enforcements, the legal processes and even ethnic divisions – resulting in low civic consciousness among people and thus would ultimately debase the whole society. Surprisingly, with all these effects of corruption on human values we have politicians who still would consider corruption as a lubricant to promote business and help people.
If graft is seen as a normal practice in life, or as a lubricant in our daily chores to get legal or illegal things done speedily, in the long run it is going to devastate the fabric of our relatively peaceful society. The society thus needs better politicians  with better thoughts and a morally sturdier frame of mind that could help develop a better Malaysia. We need politicians whose conscience would tell them that corruption in any form is against the edicts of all major religions.  If corruption is left to flourish by some self-seeking politicians it would certainly undermine our civil society. Politicians who have the moral courage to say no to corruption are those who would eventually get the nod from the people.

The exemplar of governance in Opposition-held states
The people should vote for a government that could instil the patriotic fervour in the masses to safeguard the country from being blackmailed by criminals and corrupters. Short-term monetary gain people make through crime and corruption should not be condoned and politicians should never be part of these deals.
Critics and auditors have commented that the Opposition-led states are displaying exemplary governance and are very concerned about the importance of having a corrupt-free system of management. These states have thus far shown tremendous economic success and have undeniably convinced the people to stay with them.   Numerous reports – local and foreign - have been written on how effective is the management of these states without using corruption as a lubricant to bring in investors. Corruption in these states is nipped in the bud before it continues to flourish to become a major threat to the administration. Profit margins on government projects are set very low as contractors do not have to bribe their way to get those contracts. Contractors do not have to pay bribes to politicians for being given a project or pay for a politician’s wife and children to go on vacation overseas. The notorious “Mr 10% politicians” are not heard of in these Opposition governed states. Only capable contractors are given projects and there is no abuse of these contracts as they are not subcontracted to others for quick profits. The exemplar of governance shown by the states under the Opposition are worth emulating for a better Malaysia.

BN would in all probability lose more votes
The people in general thus are looking forward for a change in government at the national level to ensure that the ill-effects of corruption could be erased from politics, business and the social fabrics of our society. The Opposition would sanguinely hinge on this issue to capture votes in the next general election. The urban electorate are already awaken by this unease when they see corruption rearing its ugly head in our society; the rural electorate would soon be stirred as well. The people’s perception today is that nothing much has been done by the incumbent regime to rein in corrupt practices in the country. Corruption is rife and has become entrenched in the country’s  political psyche.  For this reason, BN would in all probability lose more votes than they could ever imagine in the next general election.





Malaysia Chronicle

GE13: Only one chance to boot out BN!

Despite the popularity of Pakatan Rakyat the 13th general election is still a David vs. Goliah contest on an unlevel playing field where the incumbent has colossal advantages in media, money and machinery. BN controls all the levers of power including the most crucial one, the Election Commission and is not ashamed to use whatever means - fair or foul - to beat off the PR challenge, mostly foul.

Given the unevenness of the contest I venture to say that the 13th G.E. will be more of a contest on whether BN can regain its two-thirds majority rather than a frenzied fight for Putrajaya. The two most crucial states to the campaign, namely Sarawak and Sabah which together contribute 25% of the parliamentary seats still remain BN’s fixed deposit to a large degree. In Sabah the illegal immigrants absorbed into the electoral rolls have undermined the right to self-determination of native Sabahans.

However all is not doom and gloom and there still remains a thin wedge of chance that PR can overcome the odds to unseat the juggernaut BN. It all hinges on that ever recurring political event in Umno – a power struggle – coupled with a serious underestimation of civil society by the corridors of power.

Pakatan’s Last Stand

But first of all, let us consider what happens if PR fails to unseat BN from Federal power. The signs are already clear that BN will take certain steps to ensure it will never have to face the threat of losing power again. This will be achieved not by increasing BN’s popularity but by underhanded methods to compromise the electoral process so that BN can rule without fear of losing power, short of a street revolution.

Already the Election Commission is in collusion with an enthusiastic BN to implement an opaque biometric verification system which will allow BN greater scope to cheat using phantom voters and illegal immigrants issued with MyKads. Co-incidentally or maybe not, the biometric data of 2 million foreign workers are being collected. This expensive system which is largely useless for preventing multiple voting is favoured instead of the much cheaper and simpler indelible ink which would put the brakes on phantom voters.

Even more ominous, the government is establishing Territorial Army companies in all 222 parliamentary constituencies and there are rumblings that they will eventually be given postal votes. When army companies are established by parliamentary constituencies instead of more appropriate criteria one can infer that their main purpose is not the defence of the country.

Both the biometric system and the Territorial army companies are not expected to be implemented in time for the 13th G.E. but will be firmly in place for the 14th G.E. We should also not forget that gerrymandering will be another BN weapon in the 14th G.E. as the present delineation of electoral boundaries is not expected to be completed in time for the 13th G.E.

What this means is that the 13th G.E. may well be the last window of opportunity left for the people to choose their government before the regime entrench itself through a severely compromised electoral system. The 13th G.E. will be Pakatan's last stand before Malaysia becomes a full-fledged dictatorship with false trappings of democracy.

Najib’s Last Stand

But if the 13th GE is Pakatan’s last stand it is also Najib’s last stand. The writing on the wall is clear. Get back BN’s two-third majority or be pulled down.

Throughout most of Najib’s troubled premiership he has been dogged with odd acts of sabotage by his subordinates especially with regards to his 1Malaysia concept. Things have come to a head now and it is no longer possible to ignore the rumblings of a power struggle in Umno.

Recent events point to this tumult in the corridors of power. The police’s heavy oppression of the Bersih rally bordering on the ludicrous as if to enrage civil society, the flip-flop by Najib on the stadium offer to Bersih (probably forced by hardliners), the leakage to the media of Rosmah’s RM24 million diamond ring, the formation of Amanah and Najib’s cutting short his family holiday to rush back to Malaysia are symptoms of this struggle.

The unjust and illogical detention of the PSM-6 for frivolous reasons can only be intended to weaken Najib politically. Although they have released the damage has already been done. When a deputy Minister starts criticizing the handling of the Bersih rally the fight has shifted to the public arena.

The anti-Najib faction cannot allow him to win two-thirds majority in the next general election or his job will be safe. The conspirators have to weaken him politically and limit the extent of cheating in the polls to give PR a chance.

But they walk a fine line as there is a danger of overdoing things. The 13th G.E. is a David vs. Goliath battle but when two giants battle David may sneak in and run away with the crown.

Civil Society Strikes Back

Azlan Zamhari/Malaysiakini

On his first day as Prime Minister, Najib Razak said: “Economic progress and better education have directly resulted in the birth of a class of voters who are better informed, very demanding and highly critical. If we do not heed this message, their seething anger will become hatred and in the end this may cause them to abandon us altogether.”

Unfortunately Najib did not follow his own advice nor did he impose this on his subordinates or the instruments of government. The intelligence of Malaysians is being insulted on an almost daily basis as if our society exists in the time warp of the 1970s when access to information was limited and the word of the government was trusted. Whether it is the imaginative reasons manufactured to demonize the Bersih rally, Anwar’s shaky sodomy trial held together by a compliant judge or the speculative suicide verdict of the Teoh RCI, Malaysians are being treated as gullible simpletons.

Civil society is frustrated and infuriated at the government’s lack of respect for them. The government is behaving like a dictatorship and not a democracy. They have taken their frustration to cyberspace and the social media and will find an outlet in the next general election. BN has completely lost the urban middle class. They have also lost the Chinese, the Indians, Christian, the fence sitters and the young voters.

But the people who talk down to others are themselves not smart enough to realize the effect they are causing. There is a sharp disconnect between state and society fostered no doubt by a sycophantic press which deprives the government of valuable feedback. The stage is set for a swing of anti-BN votes to PR by those who want an alternative to an abusive and corrupt government, any alternative as long as it is not BN.

Pakatan’s Strategies

Photo by Asmawi Yusof

However PR should not celebrate yet because it takes a lot to displace BN. It is not enough to be a little more popular than BN, it takes overwhelming support to overwhelm BN’s cheating.

To level the playing field a little PR should push for implementation of at least three essential election reforms, namely proper conduct of postal votes, use of indelible ink and allowing all overseas Malaysians to vote.

There should not be any more public dissent within the group. PR must present a united front and a cohesive group. All arguments should be behind closed doors and no party or individual should go to the press to settle any argument.

For the first time ever the opposition front can claim to be able to displace BN with a high degree of credibility. This changes the dynamics completely from merely trying to be a strong opposition to being a government in waiting. PR is now able to make wide sweeping promises of what it intends to do it if it wins the election.

Promises such as reducing the price of oil and electricity to relieve the burden of the people can be made with good effect. Even BN traditional strongholds like Felda can be breached by promising a better deal for them. However populist measures such as distributing cash should not be made. The intelligence of Malaysians should be respected and the public knows what is sustainable and what is not.

The later the election is held the more favourable for PR with more young voters joining the rolls, more BN scandals emerging and the economy biting deeper. If it is to be held this year it will probably be November and we should know by October when Najib presents the budget. If an election budget is presented and should the Election Commission be as stubborn as it is now, Bersih 3.0 should be called and this time it should be held in every major town. The EC may still not act but it will deal BN a few body blows or even buy more time for PR if the election is postponed to next year.

The People’s Last Stand



The 13th G.E. may be the one and only time that Malaysians have any chance of replacing BN with another government. Such a chance may never come again as the goalposts will be moved after the 13th G.E. It should be noted that the present level of cheating will not work if Malaysians come out in large numbers and vote against BN.

We should not waste any votes on so-called third force parties like MCLM, HRM and KITA. Such split voting will only help to BN retain its power. There is no such thing as a third force unless there is a two party system in place. Although the level of support for PR is high enough to be considered a two party system in theory this is only true if both parties respect the rules of democracy. If the ruling party continues to oppress the opposition, abuse its power and corrupts all the institutions of democracy to perpetuate its rule while depending on a compromised election system to win, it is still a one party totalitarian rule in practice. A two party a system will only be in place if BN loses power at least once.

There are some who do not like BN but think that PR is not good enough to get their votes. They are missing the point because it is not about voting angels to parliament but creating a two party system. What can angels do in Parliament if BN is still the Federal power? MCLM which prides itself on selecting sterling candidates should answer this question. If PR does not perform we can easily vote them out but the same cannot be said of BN.

Another type of voters fear change and prefer to maintain the status quo. “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” is their adage. But they fail to understand that the status quo cannot be maintained if BN continues to rule. There is only so much economic plunder and uncompetitive racial policies that one country can take. Economic decline has a way of accelerating exponentially. When we become a maid exporting country everybody will suffer except the Umnoputras.

The 13th general election represents a nexus of conducive factors which may just work together to push out BN. A united opposition, a power struggle in Umno, an alienated civil society and most important of all, an election system which isn’t totally corrupted yet. This is not only Pakatan’s last stand but also the People’s last stand against tyranny and economic mismanagement. The chance may never come again. 

Written by  Kenny Gan,

Malaysia Chronicle

A nation divided, a country devastated

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

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

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

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