An email from a pro-PR Penang friend. What interest me is that the email revealed that Penang recorded a budget surplus of RM77million for 2009. Could that be true?
New measures implemented includes competitive and public open tender, payments directly to recipients without going through middle-men, priority given to Penang contractors, e-tender through the internet and a 2 week objection period to ensure that successful contractor no longer need “political cables” but “computer cables”.
There is no doubt that competitive open tenders saves costs and improve quality.
Many contractors have been liberated with the implementation of open tenders at all levels. For Class F contractors which is only open to bumis, open tender system has allowed non-UMNO linked contractors in Penang to get contracts for the first time.
In the past contracts are usually reserved for UMNO cronies and those outside the state. Clearly the competitive open tender system of PR is more transparent, accountable and beneficial to the people compared to the negotiated tender system for BN cronies.
What is more surprising is the outcome of the open tender system open to all races. Instead of perception that Malays cannot compete and that the non-Malay contractor would win all open tender contracts, this is not true.
Since the new PR government took over, Penang Development Corporation(PDC) had issued 23 tender awards, of which 7(30%) were won by non-Malay contractors and 16(70%) won by Malay contractors.
Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang(PBAPP) had issued 66 tender awards of which 22(33%) were won by non-Malay contractors as compared to 44(67%) by Malay contractors.
The performance by Malay contractors in an open tender system with non-Malays proves that Malay contractors can compete with others and win tender awards on their own merit. Clearly it is not the race that is an issue but failed policies that encourage dependency especially when it helps BN maintain the status quo and its grip on power.
A good example is China which suffered famine and severe economic distress with wrong policies of eating from ‘a single iron pot” no matter how hard or little one worked.
However when China opened up its economy and allow one’s hard work and ability to determine one’s success and rewards, China transformed itself from being the “Sick Man of Asia” in the 1960s into the second largest world economy by 2011.
BN had instituted policies that stifles initiative, creativity, hard work, drive and productivity which benefited only the few BN cronies at the expense of entire country.
For instance, a 30% quota of publicly listed shares were reserved for Malays but only a few benefited as many ordinary Malays never received shares from the Federal government.
The state government regrets that there are now certain elements within Pakatan Rakyat Penang that is aligned with BN in opposing efforts to implement an open tender system and CAT governance.
We must remain steadfast as we are backed by results. The Penang state government has been able to turn a projected deficit of RM 35 million in 2008 budget to a record surplus of RM 88 million.
A projected deficit of RM 40 million in 2009 Budget has been turned around to record a surplus of RM 77 million. In fact the 2009 budget surplus would have been a record RM 92 million were it not for the payment of RM 14.7 million as a result of the Tang Hak Ju land scam of the previous administration.
Penang is proud to be the first state to hold public open tenders of government projects and procurement contracts and also conducting it through the internet(e-tender). By sticking to CAT principles, Penang is the first state or federal government in Malaysia to gain praise from Transparency International.
In politics, we want more friends than foes. But we are willing to lose friends and gain foes if we can change the mindset of the people by providing equal opportunity, be confident, self-reliant and attain international benchmarks.
Pakatan Rakyat Penang’s greatest legacy to Malaysia and greatest threat to BN’s stranglehold on power is to prove that the right policies can make Malays and Malaysians compete and succeed against the best.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim was ordered by the High Court here to pay RM66.67mil to Bank Islam Malaysia for a loan he took to purchase Guthrie shares in 2001 when he was the company's chief executive officer.
Justice Datuk Rohana Yusuf, who made the order in chambers on Friday, however, granted Khalid's application for an interim stay of execution pending a formal stay application on Sept 16.
Khalid's counsel, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, told reporters that Rohana allowed Bank Islam's application for a summary judgment on grounds that the case need not enter into a full trial as there were no triable issues.
A summary judgment is a final decision by a judge which resolves a lawsuit in favour of one of the parties. A motion for summary judgment is made after discovery is completed but before the case goes to full trial.
Malik Imtiaz said an appeal would be lodged with the Court of Appeal against today's outcome as he felt the matter should go before a full trial. He said he would file a proper stay application by next week.
The court fixed Sept 16 to hear the formal stay application and to mention Khalid's suit against Bank Islam.
The bank countersued Khalid on May 24, 2007, claiming that Khalid had breached its contract in the Al BaiBithaman Ajil (BBA) loan agreement in the purchase of Guthrie shares.
Khalid initiated a suit against the bank on May 18, 2007, seeking damages and a declaration that there existed a collateral contract between him and bank with the said loan agreement dated April 30, 2001.
He also wanted a declaration that the BBA facility, in isolation and without the collateral contract, is null and void and that Bank Islam had breached the collateral contract and the BBA facility.
Khalid was not present in court while Bank Islam was represented by senior counsel Tommy Thomas.
Pakatan Rakyat has named a raintree here the Tree of Democracy – for it was under this tree that the emergency sitting of the state assembly was held.
Unlike last Tuesday when the event drew a crowd of hundreds, not many gathered to watch former mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin unveil a marble plaque there yesterday.
To further commemorate the event and the first year anniversary of Pakatan, Nizar, other Pakatan leaders and state assemblymen also planted five trees nearby.
“We have named the trees Transparency, Justice, Integrity, Trustworthiness and Welfare,” he added, expressing hope that the Ipoh City Council would not destroy the trees or remove the plaque.
At a press conference later, Nizar said he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak to present to the Ruler the three resolutions passed during the emergency assembly.
He said a letter would be sent to the palace tomorrow, and assured the people of Perak that Pakatan would not give up on the fight.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who was present, called on the national leadership of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan to agree to fresh state elections to end the political stalemate in Perak.
“Umno leaders said they have heard the message. If so, this is what they should do.
“Otherwise, they are unnecessarily plunging the country into a new crisis of confidence which is going to undermine our ability to face the economic crisis,” Lim added.
When contacted about the erection of the marble plaque, state executive councillor Dr Mah Hang Soon said he would check with the city council if permission had been given.
“Most of them (Pakatan leaders) are lawyers and they should know better. It seems they have taken the law into their own hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Nizar had no right to seek consent from the Perak Sultan.
“Based on Article 16(6) of the Perak State Constitution, only the Mentri Besar has the right to appear before the Sultan to seek His Royal Highness’ consent to dissolve the state assembly,” said Zambry in a one-page statement faxed by Bernama on Saturday night.
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The following links denotes the latest and upcoming news leading to the September 16, 2008 (16/09/2008 or 916) which Anwar Ibrahim alleged that there will be mass defection of MPs from Barisan Nasional to his alliance Pakatan Rakyat.
September 16, 2008 - D-Day
* T-Minus Zero: It's a DUD
September 13, 2008
* Raja Petra Kamarudin, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoon Cheng Detained Under ISA
September 10, 2008
* Ahmad suspended for 3 years. This was announced by the Umno president Abdullah after an emergency supreme council meeting which lasted three hours. Ahmad Ismail Unfazed And Remain Defiant
* Justice Komathy fixed Sept 24 for the parties to argue on the validity of an order signed by Attorney-General Abdul Gani to transfer the Anwar's sodomy case to the High Court.
September 08, 2008
* Pensiangan Parliamentary Seat Declared Vacant By KK Election Court
* PRS Demanding More From Barisan Nasional
* Several possible MPs defectors from Barisan Nasional are en route to Taiwan but PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali is adamant that there will be a change of government, just a day or two later than the original plan.
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Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is unpleased with the opposition leaders and UMNO leaders. He is unpleased with Badawi for weakening UMNO and he is unpleased with leaders from Pakatan Rakyat for support Badawi.
To PR leaders, they have a good strategy by supporting Badawi because they know Badawi is weak and PR would like to maintain status quo so that it will be easier for them to topple Badawi and Barisan Nasional.
Dr. Mahathir see this threat. He know PR strategy of "supporting" Badawi is just an act. But unfortunately for the UMNO die-hard members, they are oblivious to PR play-acting and UMNO will play the price soon.
Extracts from Dr. Mahathir's blog:
"Apabila musuh menyokong ketua pasukan lawannya, kita boleh ramal ada sesuatu yang tidak kena berkenaan dengan ketua tersebut.
Inilah yang kita sedang lihat berkenaan dengan Presiden UMNO sekarang. Secara langsung dan tidak langsung kita lihat ketua-ketua parti lawan menyokong pengekalan Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi sebagai ketua atau Presiden UMNO dan Perdana Menteri.
Demikian Karpal Singh, musuh ketat UMNO menasihatkan saya supaya bersara dan tidak campurtangan dalam urusan kepimpinan Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi."
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It's a big proposition of Sabah. A lifetime proposition indeed. Barisan Nasional would never even discuss about review on oil royalties received by Sabah and Sarawak.
Both states are a major oil and gas producers for Malaysia oil conglomerate's Petronas revenue. Well, more like a big profit for Petronas. And in return, Sabah and Sarawak is only given each a merge 5% of the revenue.
Imagine the accounting estimate here. Let's say 95% goes to Petronas and the proceeding is for the expenditure of Semanjung Malaysia. And a lousy 5% for Sarawak which is as big as Semanjung Malaysia.
20% of the oil royalties could be sufficient for Sabah and Sarawak for their annual budget. Pakatan Rakyat could rule Semanjung Malaysia according to their wimp and fancy and let Sabah and Sarawak being more autonomous. After all, Sabah and Sarawak are "never" really part of Malaysia. Every now and then, the UMNO big shots bragged about Malay's rights and positions. How about the rights and positions of the natives from Sabah and Sarawak ?
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Extracted from: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/15/nation/20954768&sec=nation (Apr 15, 2008)
Anwar: 20% royalties for Sabah if Pakatan forms govt
KUALA LUMPUR: If Pakatan Rakyat forms the Federal Government, Sabah will get up to 20% of royalties from oil and gas and timber, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
More schools would be built and help would be given to the poor there, he told reporters after a rally to celebrate the end of his exile from active politics at the Sultan Sulaiman Club field here last night.
Asked if he would run for Parliament, he said it was too premature to talk about it because the MPs had not been sworn in yet.
He said he needed about a couple of weeks as defections could only take place after the swearing-in.
He reiterated that the Pakatan Rakyat government is ready to form the Federal Government and was now waiting for the right time and the right numbers.
He said they had already secured the number of MPs but Pakatan Rakyat wanted to form the Federal Government with a strong majority and that none of the MPs had been bought over.
As to who from Pakatan Rakyat should be the Prime Minister, he said he did not see why PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail could not be the first Malaysian woman Prime Minister.
However, he cautioned that any decision made by Pakatan Rakyat would be done through consensus.
He added that it was not a priority for him to enter Parliament but to ensure that all the states under the Pakatan Rakyat government were administered well and to continue negotiations with those who believe in their agenda.
At about 10.30pm, the police interrupted Anwar's speech to tell him that it was time to wind up.
Earlier, Anwar, who arrived at 9pm, was greeted with cheers and chants of reformasi.
Thousands of supporters turned up at the celebration with heavy presence of Federal Reserve Unit personnel and water cannon trucks but there was no untoward incident.
The crowd dispersed around 11.30pm.
City CPO Muhammad Sabtu Osman told reporters at the police contingent headquarters here later that no arrest had been made.
“However, we will review whether we could arrest anyone for attending the rally which was held without a permit,'' he said.
From giant-killer to Pakatan Rakyat buddy. That is what Dr. D. Jeyakumar, a Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) central committee member wish for.
Jeyakumar is the Member of Parliament of Sungai Siput who defeated the titan of Malaysia Indian Congress (MIC) that is Samy Vellu during the recent Malaysia General Election. The irony is that since PSM is not registered yet, Jeyakumar contested the Sungai Siput seat under the PKR ticket and he won.
Pakatan Rakyat is setup under the caucus of PKR-DAP-PAS and vacancy for new membership has not been determined yet. Suppose PSM is registered and accepted into PR fold, most opposition parties from Sabah and Sarawak would also likely to join PR.
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Extracted from: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/14/nation/20942589&sec=nation (Apr 14, 2008)
PSM to join Pakatan Rakyat if offered a place
IPOH: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) will consider joining Pakatan Rakyat if offered a place in the opposition alliance, PSM central committee member Dr D. Jeyakumar said.
The Sungai Siput MP, who won the constituency on a PKR ticket, said the party could work alongside the PKR-DAP-PAS coalition because of similarities in their ideologies.
“Whether we are part of the alliance formally or informally, we will work with them,” he said when thanking party supporters in Jelapang on Saturday night.
However, Jeyakumar pointed out that they would need to get PSM registered first.
“We have already taken the matter to court and we will see how it works out,” he said.
The party’s application to be a registered party was rejected in 1999 and 2003.
Dr Jeyakumar said it would be less complicated if PSM were to have its own party, adding that candidates fielded in the general election in future would not have to “borrow” party symbols for the contest.
On his constituency, Dr Jeyakumar said long-standing problems like housing schemes for estate workers, squatters and land titles, could be resolved with help from the new state government.
“It is a golden opportunity for me to help my constituents,” he said, adding, “I think I can get better cooperation from them than the previous ruling government.”
Mahdzir Khalid, the chairman of Kedah Barisan Nasional is doubtful that the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition (of PKR, DAP and PAS) won't last long.
It's true that previously, DAP and PAS are at loggerhead on PAS ideas of establishing Malaysia as an Islamic states. However, it is impossible for PAS to do that, unless all the winning member of parliaments are PAS members. Otherwise, mathematically PAS does not have the number in order for them to change the constitution and convert Malaysia as an Islamic state.
Mahdzir Khalid is boastful that BN enjoyed a good working relationship. Of course he is correct as BN is ruled by UMNO and all the component parties of BN like MCA, MIC and other peanut parties from Sabah and Sarawak kow-tow to UMNO.
UMNO rules BN with iron-fist. All other "yes man" BN component parties bow down to UMNO rule.
Extracted from: nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2202725/Article/index_html (Apr 03, 2008)
Mahdzir: Coalition won't last
ALOR STAR: Kedah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid believes the Pakatan Rakyat will not last.
He said the DAP had on many occasions objected to Pas' intention of creating an Islamic state.
"Now, they are talking about a grouping to work on common goals. I seriously doubt their sincerity," he said after chairing the state BN meeting here yesterday.
Mahdzir was asked to comment on the establishment of a formal coalition between Pas, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat known as Pakatan Rakyat.
He said it was common knowledge that Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP chairman Karpal Singh had been at loggerheads over the Islamic state plan.
"The tripartite grouping is merely a political expediency. That is all and it will not last."
In contrast, he said the component parties under the BN enjoyed a good working relationship.
"The main parties - Umno, MCA and MIC - have worked together for more than 50 years.
"This relationship has served as a strong foundation for the ruling party to serve the people well."
Pakatan Rakyat leaders. Credit: nst.com.my
The re-branding of the opposing coalition from Barisan Rakayat (People's Front) to a formal Pakatan Rakyat (People Union) may just work if the parties involves (PAS, DAP, PKR) work on common grounds such as justice and fairness.
Should there be clashes especially on religion and racial issues, the coalition formation could disintegrated overnight. Over the past years, DAP has been struggling for Chinese rights and pretty much disagreed on Malaysia being an Islamic state (as advocated by PAS). PAS meanwhile has been mooting the idea that Malaysia should be rule according to Islamic laws.
During the last Malaysia General Election 2008, both DAP and PAS have toned down their sentiments on religion and racial issues and they managed to attract voters confidence. In fact, so long as DAP, PAS and PKR work on common ground to rid of Barisan National as the ruling government and didn't provoke voters on religion and racial issues, voters support on Pakatan Rakyat would strengthen.
However, with Pakatan Rakyat only establishing their footing on West Malaysia, Anwar need to take into consideration the other opposing parties from Sabah and Sarawak. Otherwise, Pakatan Rakyat would just be a mild threat to the Barisan Nasional. Anwar need to seriously consider the East Malaysia factor as the two states of Sabah and Sarawak has becoming a winning bastion for the federal Barisan Nasional.
Pakatan Rakyat joined press statement (not printed on main stream media):
Statement by the Leadership of KeADILan, DAP and PAS
The leaders of KeADILan, DAP and PAS met today in furtherance of the meeting held on the 18th of March 2008.
Today’s meeting was attended by, among others, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, YB Lim Kit Siang, YB Dato’ Seri Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang and YB Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
In today’s meeting, we have proposed to consolidate the cooperation between the three parties under the name “PAKATAN RAKYAT.” This name has been proposed pending confirmation by the respective parties.
Pakatan Rakyat pledges to uphold the rights and interests of all Malaysians, regardless of religion or race, as enshrined in the Constitution.
With the results of the recent elections, the state governments of Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak and Selangor will be known as Pakatan Rakyat state governments. The policies of these governments will be conducted in accordance with the policies of Pakatan Rakyat.
To further mutual understanding regarding such policies, a convention of all Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives of Parliament and State Assemblies will be held the 27th of April, 2008.
We have developed and strengthened the structure of Pakatan Rakyat by creating under the Leadership Council, consisting of the leaders of the three parties, a Joint Secretariat consisting of three leaders each from each of the three parties. This Joint Secretariat will be tasked with building the foundation and framework of the Pakatan Rakyat for ratification by the Leadership Council.
YB Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
YB Lim Kit Siang
YB Dato’ Seri Tuan Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang
Extracted from: nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2201825/Article/index_html (Apr 02, 2008)
It's now called Pakatan Rakyat
By : Marc Lourdes
PETALING JAYA: The tripartite Pas-DAP-PKR grouping, which made significant gains in last month's general election, has agreed to a formal coalition called Pakatan Rakyat.
Bigwigs from the three ideologically diverse parties, including Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, met at the office of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday to discuss the arrangement.
In a joint statement, they said the name Pakatan Rakyat had been proposed pending official endorsement by the respective parties.
It is still uncertain whether the formalised coalition would seek an immediate registration, with Lim and Anwar non-committal on the matter when asked.
One of the understandings reached was that all state governments under their control (Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Selangor) would conduct policies in accordance with those of Pakatan Rakyat.
Anwar said the coalition, which would be led collectively, would work towards common principles as published in the various party manifestos.
A joint secretariat, consisting three representatives of each party, has been formed to develop and strengthen the structure and framework of Pakatan Rakyat.
Asked about how Pas and DAP, which have very differing ideologies, would approach the coalition, Anwar said they worked together on principles like justice and fairness.
"We are committed to a reform programme backed by the spirit of the Constitution.
"I don't see any difficulty. We have reached a consensus," he said.
Questioned as to which party would dominate the coalition, Anwar replied that the dominant force was the rakyat.
"The agenda is clear. It makes no difference whoever is the menteri besar. They are tied to policies determined by Pakatan Rakyat."
Replying to questions on Pas' alleged intentions to form an Islamic state, Anwar and Abdul Hadi both said it was an issue that should not be made contentious any more.
"It was not mentioned in the Pas manifesto and has not been mentioned for a long time.
"It is no longer an issue," Anwar said.
Abdul Hadi said the issue should not be raised to create trouble and that the truth was that Islam as a religion supported basic principles such as fighting corruption and creating good governance.
Speaking on the failed attempt to create a workable coalition via the Barisan Alternatif in 1999, Lim said they had learnt the lesson from that first, abortive attempt at forming a multi-ethnic opposition front.
"We have learnt and come together on common principles that the people can support," he said.
In a telephone interview later, Lim said he expected the Pakatan Rakyat framework to be finalised in a matter of weeks.
He added that DAP had no relationship with Pas prior to March 8, but the message from the people on that day was that they wanted the parties to work together to restore justice, freedom and democracy.
"The challenge is for us to rise to the expectations of the people."
A convention of all Pakatan Rakyat parliamentary and state assembly representatives will be held on April 27 to further the understanding of the coalition's policies.
On Monday night, at a rally at Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam, Abdul Hadi spoke about the formation of the coalition, saying it would welcome defecting Barisan Nasional parliamentarians.
