(Bernama) - Preliminary investigation by the Election Commission (EC) revealed that a photograph posted on the internet showing that a blackout purportedly occurred during vote-counting for the 13th general election (GE13) was an act recorded even before the GE13.

EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said this conclusion was arrived at after a thorough scrutiny by him together with his officers.

“They had staged the act even before the election to spread it on the internet as a ploy to show that a blackout had purportedly occurred, whereas it was a lie.

“The photograph showed that EC staff were purportedly counting the ballot papers and had to use a auxiliary lamps whereas the staff were not wearing the EC uniform,” he told Bernama when met recently.

He said the most obvious proof was when the photograph showed that there were many reporters and photographers present in the vote-counting area whereas no one was allowed into the area except for the EC staff and agents of the candidates.

“The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and work procedure shown on the photograph were totally incorrect…they have forgotten, (they) want to cheat but do not understand the work procedure and were immature.

“In fact the tray used for placing the ballot papers on were also not the EC trays, the material and size were different…(there were) many things in the photograph that did not follow EC SOP,” he said.

Wan Ahmad said so far there had been no police report lodged regarding the alleged ‘blackout’ which showed that it was clearly a slander and concocted story.

“If there had been a blackout, certainly the party agents would have lodged police reports. They represented the candidates, they were present at the counting venues. If there had been a blackout, they would have been the first to lodge police reports, but there were none,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on an allegation by an opposition newspaper that 24 EC staff in Besut, Terengganu had been confined to mark their ballot papers, Wan Ahmad said he left it to the police to investigate the allegation.

Meanwhile, Wan Ahmad said the proposal by the opposition that a People’s Tribunal be set up was dangerous because it ignored the national constitution and law.

“Who will represent the People’s Tribunal? Their people, NGO (non-governmental organisation) leaders who have been against the system and the general election all this while? Those who are spreading unhealthy culture to the young generation?” he asked.

Ida Lim, TMI

The police today released three men who were detained for a probe under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Penal Code after a magistrate rejected requests for further remand.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had earlier described the arrests as part of a national crackdown on the federal opposition.

Politicians Chua Tian Chang, Tamrin Ghafar, political activist Haris Ibrahim were arrested for sedition yesterday and held overnight at the police lockup in Jinjang, purportedly for a probe under section 4(1)© of the Sedition Act and section 124 of the Penal Code.

“We praise a very courageous magistrate. A brave magistrate has heard the legal arguments and decided that our detention is without basis,” said Chua after walking out of the lock-up with his lawyers, referring to magistrate Norashikin Sahat.

“That’s why we were released without condition,” said the PKR vice-president who was the last to walk out, with Tamrin and Haris walking out together earlier on.

Earlier today, a small group of supporters had staged a mini-protest outside the lockup, shouting slogans and holding up placards to demand the release of the trio.

Haris’s lawyer Gobind Singh Deo yesterday said he was not yet informed of which “seditious statements” his clients or the two others were detained over.      

All three were believed to be detained over their involvement in a forum on May 13 over the results of the just-concluded general election.

Yesterday morning, student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim was charged with sedition for his involvement in the same forum where he was accused of rallying Malaysians to take to the streets to topple the BN government.

The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty and was released on RM5,000 bail with his trial set for a mention on July 2.

Despite the release of the three today, Chua claimed to have knowledge that more people would possibly be arrested.

“With the same arguments, we hope that the court will take firm action to defend not just the rights of individuals, but also the basic principles of the law,” said the Batu MP popularly known as Tian Chua.

(The Star) - Selangor remains the only state whose exco line-up has yet to be named following the impasse over the number of seats to be allocated to the respective Pakatan Rakyat member parties.

Speculation is rife as to who will make it to the highest decision-making body in the state government and how the 10 exco seats are to be divided between PAS, DAP and PKR.

So far, DAP has expressed disappointment over the three exco seats allocated for it as announced by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim recently.

Khalid's political secretary Faekah Husin said the mentri besar was expected to arrive home from Frankfurt, Germany, today after seeking treatment for an old leg injury.

She said Khalid would immediately seek an audience with the Selangor Sultan over the appointment of exco members.

Selangor DAP deputy chairman Tony Pua, meanwhile, said the party was still in discussion with PAS and PKR over the distribution of exco positions.

“We met twice again recently. Our discussions have been friendly.

“Now we are just waiting for the MB to come back for some confirmation,” he added.

DAP previously expressed shock and puzzle when Khalid announced the party would be getting three exco positions and also the Speaker's post.

Khalid also said PAS would get four exco positions and PKR three.

Pua was reported to have said previously that DAP was promised four exco seats.

Meanwhile, it is speculated that most PKR exco members would be replaced with new faces.

PKR's previous exco members were Dr Yaakob Sapari (Kota Anggerik), Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan), Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Sri Andalas) and Rodziah Ismail (Batu Tiga).

Among PKR new names tipped to join the exco rank was Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. For PAS, new names mentioned include state commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman.

Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali was earlier speculated to be an exco member, but this idea has been shot down by a party source.

Residents of areas largely populated by immigrants are suffering from segregation, anthropologist Carlbom told AFP. "Living as a young person in these segregated areas can be very hard in many ways. You have virtually no contact with other Swedes and a lot of times I don't think you have a good understanding of Swedish society," he said.

Meena Lakshana, fz.com

Amidst a crackdown on political dissent, Pakatan Rakyat leaders implored about 4,000 people gathered at the field opposite Amcorp Mall to keep their hopes for a better Malaysia alive.

(Rappler) - 'OPEN' CHURCH. Pope Francis kisses the feet of prisoners, including a Muslim, in this year's Holy Thursday service. 

Having blasted a self-centered Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Wednesday, May 22, criticized “intolerant” believers who think, “If he is not one of us, he cannot do good.”

The Pope said all human beings, whom God created, “have this commandment at heart: do good and do not do evil.” He stressed this applies to “all of us.”

“'But Father, this is not Catholic! He cannot do good.' Yes, he can. He must. Not can: must! Because he has this commandment within him,” Francis said in Wednesday's homily at the Domus Santae Martae, his modest papal residence.

The Pope, who has consistently urged the Church to “come out of herself,” said intolerance will do the Church no good.

“Instead, this 'closing off' that imagines that those outside, everyone, cannot do good is a wall that leads to war and also to what some people throughout history have conceived of: killing in the name of God. And that, simply, is blasphemy. To say that you can kill in the name of God is blasphemy.”

'Let's meet'

Despite differences between believers and non-believers, he said their common denominator is doing good. He said the commandment to uphold goodness is a “beautiful path towards peace.”

“If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good,” Francis said.

He continued, with an atheist's possible response in mind: “'But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: we will meet one another there.”

Read more at: http://www.rappler.com/world/29788-pope-atheists-good 

(Huffington Post) - This man has given a platform for other men to act (rape) and then get away with it (marry the victim). 

Or watch at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz-RnaDRPo0 

In an unfortunate turn of events in a Malaysian rape case, a 40-year-old man accused of rape has married the teenage victim.

Riduan Masmud was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl last February. On Monday, his counsel Loretto Padua revealed to the court that Masmud is now married to the young girl he was accused of assaulting. As The Daily Express notes, Padua had previously told the court that Masmud was in the process of seeking a lawful marriage to the teen in Syariah Court -- a separate court system that has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to Islamic law.

While the prosecution must make a decision by June 6 on whether to pursue the statutory rape charge in light of the news, on Wednesday, Malaysian Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail vowed to press on in the case, Ntv7 News reports.

Malaysia's Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is also advocating that Masmud be prosecuted. Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim told Bernama, Malaysia's national news agency, the ministry is concerned that Masmud's action may set an example by providing an escape route in cases of statutory rape.

"In order to protect public interest and prevent such incidents, the Ministry urges that the man be charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code in the Sessions Court or Section 80 of the Sabah Syariah Offences Enactment 1995 in the Syariah Court for having sex outside of marriage," she told the news agency.

The rape, which allegedly took place in a parked car in Sabah around 10 a.m. on Feb. 18, was not brought to light until the 13-year-old's aunt filed a police report. Masmud, who has four children with his first wife, was charged with the crime 10 days later; however the teen later withdrew her report of rape on April 18, The Star reports.

Masmud, for his part, is defending the marriage. Outside the courtroom Monday, he explained to reporters that the marriage was consensual.

"There are many cases of men marrying underage girls. I do not see why my case should be any different," the man said, according to The Star.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/malaysian-man-rape-marries-victim_n_3321086.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003 

Kuala Lumpur police today warned that they will not hesitate to arrest those who take part in candlelight vigils for detainees. 

(New York Times) - The Malaysian government began a crackdown on political opponents on Thursday, arresting three government critics, including a prominent member of Parliament, and charging a student activist with sedition.

The arrests come two and a half weeks after elections that showed the governing party, which has been in power since independence from Britain in 1957, losing support from broad portions of the electorate.

The crackdown may be an attempt to pre-empt a demonstration planned for Saturday to protest accusations of fraud in the election, analysts said.

The opposition, which is led by a former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, won the popular vote in the May 5 election but failed to take control of Parliament because of a lopsided electoral system that gives a stronger voice to rural areas, where the governing party is strongest.

Mr. Anwar says the election victory was fraudulent and has been leading rallies across the country since the election results were announced; the demonstration on Saturday is being organized by a coalition of several dozen civic organizations.

The member of Parliament arrested on Thursday, Tian Chua, is Mr. Anwar’s deputy in a multicultural party that is challenging the dominance of the single-race United Malays National Organization.

Mr. Chua, who won re-election to Parliament May 5, posted on Twitter as he was being arrested Thursday, “No dictators could ever repress the rise of people’s power.” He said a police officer told him that he was being charged with sedition.

The two other people arrested are Haris Ibrahim, who leads an antigovernment group, and Tamrin Ghafar, the son of a former deputy prime minister who is a member of an Islamic party that is allied with Mr. Anwar. In addition, Adam Adli, the student activist, was charged with sedition on Thursday and released.

The Malaysian government, which has begun numerous crackdowns against dissidents during its decades in power, issued a statement late Thursday calling the arrests “a matter for the police.”

“The detentions came after the police received numerous reports against the defendants by members of the public,” the statement said. “In such circumstances the police are required to investigate and are following due and proper process.”

Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/24/world/asia/malaysian-opposition-figures-are-detained.html?_r=3& 

They have used this archaic and draconian Sedition Act, even though the Prime Minister, the government has said before that they would repeal this act, because it's no longer relevant in the modern setting, but unfortunately, it's not repealed and they continue to use this draconian act to stifle dissent.

Sen Lam interviews Fadiah Nadwa at Radio Australia 

Listen at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/asia-pacific/malaysian-opposition-face-full-force-of-the-sedition-act/1135426 

Malaysian authorities have arrested a high-profile Opposition politician and three others under the country's controversial Sedition Act.

Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak pledged last year to strengthen civil liberties, including possibly repealing the Sedition Act.

The law has been described as oppressive by critics, who say it's been invoked often in the past to silence dissent.

Human rights lawyer Fadiah Nadwa is representing one of the four men detained. She spoke to me from Kuala Lumpur.

Presenter: Sen Lam

Speaker: Fadiah Nadwa, lawyer representing student activist Adam Adli, one of four Malaysians charged with sedition

FADIAH: The four people are Tian Chua, the vice president of (opposition) Parti Keadilan Rakyat. The second person is Thamrin Ghafar, he's a PAS member (Parti Islam SeMalaysia), the Islamic party, PAS, and the third person is Haris Ibrahim, he's the chief of this movement called 'Anything But UMNO'. And the fourth person is Adam Adli and Adam has been charged this morning, and he has been released on bail. These four people are now in the Jinjang remand centre.

LAM: You represent Adam Adli, who was detained five days ago, but he's out on bail, is that right?

FADIAH: Yes, correct. Basically, they're just punishing him for speaking his mind and they have used this archaic and draconian Sedition Act, even though the Prime Minister, the government has said before that they would repeal this act, because it's no longer relevant in the modern setting, but unfortunately, it's not repealed and they continue to use this draconian act to stifle dissent. So Adam Adli has been detained for five days, after being arrested last Saturday - they (police) applied for a remand order from the magistrate, and the magistrate granted five-day remand against Adam Adli, and he was subjected to continuous interrogation even though he kept telling the police that they could have just referred to the video that contains his speech. They (the police) are just trying to send a message to the Malaysian people, Do not say something that's not favourable to the government, or else you'll be arrested and detained under the Sedition Act.

LAM: And Fadiah, can you tell us what is it exactly that Adam Adli had allegedly said that was considered so seditious?

FADIAH: Adam Adli basically called for the Malaysian people to go to the streets to protest against the fraud committed during the (May 5th) elections.

LAM: Tian Chua is of course the high-profile spokesman and also VP of the opposition Parti Keadilan. The opposition of course has been holding meetings about alleged electoral fraud - do you think Tian Chua's arrest might fuel emotions that're already running in Opposition ranks?

FADIAH: Yes, I believe so, because I think right now, after the elections, the government is obviously very insecure with how the Malaysian public is reacting to the allegations of fraud in the elections and how the Malaysian people are assembling to protest against the recent arrest of Adam Adli. The government is using the power that they have to tell the Malaysian public that they will do anything they can to stop the Malaysian public from expressing themselves, from protesting, from participating in peaceful assemblies and so on.

LAM: Prime Minister Najib prior to this month's elections, had vowed to strengthen civil liberties, including the possibility of getting rid of the Sedition Act. Do you think he's having second thoughts now?

FADIAH: I believe so, I think for political survival, the government knows that by having this (Sedition) Act, they can try to instil fear, because it's been used for so long. The Sedition Act is the legacy of the British and it has been used to stifle dissent. It's very, very clear that people who get arrested under the Sedition Act are people who're very vocal and critical of the government. So, this is a very powerful tool that is being used by the government, to stifle dissent, because the Sedition Act is very broad and wide. It can cover everything, and that's why it's being abused by the government, to stop people from speaking out.

LAM: One of the reasons the government had given for the need for the Sedition Act, was that it was relevant to multi-racial Malaysia, and there is a great need to keep racial harmony. You don't think the Sedition Act has a role or a place in Malaysian society?

FADIAH: No, I don't think that the Sedition Act is relevant. We can clearly compare this to the seditious statements issued by some people who're calling for racial hatred, racial violence, for example, recently. But no one was subjected to this Act. But when it comes to the Opposition, when it comes to the activists, the authorities are very fast to take action under the Sedition Act. So you can selective prosecution, and also how the government is not really serious in trying to build harmony and trying to deter racial hatred and also racial violence. So if they're very, very serious, they should repeal this Act and they should come up with new legislation that can deal with hate speech, for example, that can deal with racial violence, racial discrimination, in line with the international standard, International Covenant on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in order to ensure that everyone has the civil and political rights. 

(Bernama) - A study on the re-delineation of electoral constituencies, which was postponed two years ago, will begin soon, said Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.

Azril Annuar, fz.com

The RM145 million price tag for the merger of Matang Holdings Berhad into ACE market-listed Scope Industries Bhd should be reviewed by the Valuation and Property Services Department (VPSD), MCA vice president Datuk Donald Lim said.

This is necessary as there are two different valuations for the deal with the RM145 million valuation being the lower one, Lim told a press conference here today.

“There were two valuations and one was lower by around RM20 to RM30 million. So I think it’s best that the VPSD conduct a third valuation on how much it really costs,” said Lim.

He also pointed out that the current Matang shareholders should have the option to sell out their shares instead of just being granted shares by Scope Industries.

“By giving shares there will be a four-year moratorium and the shareholders cannot sell it. We won’t know what will happen in four years. What happens if the share prices go down? Maybe from RM1 to RM0.30 in four years.

“Matang has nearly 20,000 shareholders controlling 90 per cent of the shares. The other 10 per cent is held by the MCA-owned Huaren Foundation. So for the sake of the other shareholders they should allow them to cash out if they want to.

“And for the upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 31, Huaren should not vote. Since it is owned by MCA and there is no mandate from MCA’s Central Working Committee, Huaren should abstain from voting,” said Lim who also owns 3,000 units of Matang’s shares.

Matang Holdings entered into a business merger agreement with electrical and electronics manufacturer Scope Industries sometime in November last year and transferred its entire business and undertakings including assets and liabilities to the latter.

(Bernama) - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is to file 27 petitions in court soon over the results of the 13th General Election, its vice-president Tian Chua said today.

(The Star) - PKR vice-president Tian Chua says he has been detained by police under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.

He said in a tweet message that he was detained at the LCCT before going through the security check as he was to board a flight Thursday.

He believed he is being taken to the Jinjang police station.

Meanwhile, activist Haris Ibrahim was also picked up by police in connection with the May 13 forum which saw student activist Adam Adli Abd Halim being charged with uttering seditious words.

It is learnt that Haris was picked up while having lunch in Segambut and was being taken to the Jinjang police station.

(The Star) - Gerakan, which has decided not to hold any Federal Government position after its dismal showing in the general election, will look into the matter again following objections from within the party.

The party's acting president Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the matter would be discussed at their next central committee (CC) meeting set for next month.

“We will relook the issue. In our last CC meeting, we decided not to take up federal posts but some have disagreed with us,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

He admitted that some issues were not adequately addressed during the May 11 CC meeting as emotions were high following the party's shock defeat in the May 5 polls.

Chang said it was his personal opinion that the party should hold federal positions, adding that both MCA and Gerakan should take up federal positions as they were part of Barisan Nasional and agreed with the coalition's policies.

Chang, who was speaking at his first press conference as acting president following Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon's resignation, said Barisan should merge into a single multi-racial party and change its approach, given the advent of more young voters in urbanised areas over the next five years.

“In the elections, we saw that the trend of urban voters went across racial lines, such as Chinese voters who voted for PAS candidates and vice versa.

“We can no longer rely on race-based parties. It is getting out of fashion. We must seriously look at the issue of young voters across racial lines. They are looking at transparency, governance, human rights and other issues,” he added.

Barisan, Chang added, must adapt as old methods could not be used any more.

“If we use the same methods, I am afraid that we will have worse results in the next elections, which will see an additional two million new voters,” he said, adding that Gerakan had always advocated non-racial politics.

Chang also hit out at Pakatan Rakyat and said it should admit defeat and use the parliamentary process to advocate change instead of having rallies that could provoke people.

(The Star) - PKR may postpone its elections due to be held this November to reconsolidate its support base.

Party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (picture) said the political bureau had discussed the suggestion to put off party polls.

“We just went through a big battle in the general election, and having the elections in November may be too soon as they take up a lot of time and energy.

“There are views within the leadership to reconsolidate our support base and to close ranks first ... maybe that could be reason enough to postpone our elections,” he told a press conference at the party headquarters here yesterday.

“We are currently considering both options to have our elections in November as planned or to postpone the polls,” he said.

He added that the supreme council will be discussing the matter further after the party's annual congress, postponed from last year, ends this weekend.

Saifuddin said that if the leadership wanted to postpone the party elections, it would have to convene a special congress to amend the constitution, which now only provides for triennial elections. The last party elections were in 2010.

Saifuddin, who coordinated the previous party elections, said that he was getting feedback to improve the polling process.

Previously, he said, the members had to meet twice to elect their leaders first to elect their division leaders and then to elect the supreme council members.

“The grassroots members say that this is double mobilisation and it takes up too much time, and they are asking if we could vote for both at once,” he said. “But a change in procedure would require a constitutional amendment.”

He also said the ninth annual congress to be held here this Saturday would see 2,500 delegates from 221 divisions nationwide attending the one-day event.

The Youth and Wanita wings will meet on Friday.

Saifuddin said the theme of the congress was Suara Rakyat, Suara Keramat (The Voice of the People, The Supreme Voice).

(The Star) - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is set to review its ties with Pakatan Rakyat after its losses in GE13 due to the alleged underhand tactics against their candidates.

“The issue will be brought up for discussion at our annual congress on June 28.

“We are leaving it to our members to decide if we should continue ties with Pakatan,” PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan (picture) said, adding that the decision to work with the Opposition pact was made at the party's 14th Congress in June last year.

He added that PSM was also demanding a meeting with PKR and PAS leaders over the Kota Damansara and Semenyih state seats in Selangor.

“We want an explanation from PAS over the loss of the Kota Damansara seat, and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang referring to us as communists,” he said.

Arutchelvan added that PKR should also explain its role in PSM's loss in Semenyih.

On May 6, PSM president Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said his loss in Kota Damansara was due to votes being split and “stolen” by the PAS candidate.

Barisan's Halimaton Saadiah Bohan polled 16,387 votes against Dr Nasir's 14,860 and PAS' Ridzuan Ismail's 7,312.

Arutchelvan was said to be the victim of Pakatan's internal politicking in Semenyih which saw Barisan's Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz getting 17,616 votes compared to PKR's Hamidi Hasan (13,471) while he only polled 5,568 votes.

PSM also contested the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in Perak with incumbent Dr Michael Jeyakumar successfully defending it while M. Sarasvathy lost the Jelapang state seat.

His lawyers are planning to file an application at the High Court to declare the case against him is frivolous.

K Pragalath, FMT

Student activist Adam Adli was this morning charged under the Sedition Act at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for allegedly making a seditious statement. He claimed trial.

Sessions Court judge Norsharidah Awang fixed the bail at RM5,000 with one bailor, and fixed July 2 for mentioning.

Adam, 24, was arrested in Kuala Lumpur on May 18 for remarks he allegedly made during a post-GE13 forum on May 13. He was held in remand for five days.

This morning, deputy public prosecutor, Mohd Abazafri Mohd Abbas, sought to set bail at RM5,000 “to ensure his (Adam’s) attendance in court”. Abazafri was assisted by deputy public prosecutors Azrina Ali and Nadia Tahyuddin.

Adam was represented by lawyers N Surendran, S Ambiga, Afiq M Noor and Michelle Yesudass.

Both Surendran and Ambiga argued that the bail amount was high, and said the case was frivolous without prima facie.

“The Sedition Act is also going to be repealed. We will file an application to strike out the case at the High Court as soon as possible,” said Surendran.

Upon his release on bail, Adam addressed his supporters at the court lobby.

“It is an experience in defending democracy. Thank you all. This is why I love this country,” he said. Funds collected during his remand period was used to bail him out.

Adam was arrested under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 124(B) of the Penal Code on May 18 in Bangsar for making statements during a May 13 forum held at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act provides that it is a criminal offence to make any oral, printed and published statements or acts with “seditious tendency”.

Section 124(B) of the Penal Code states that “whoever, by any means, directly or indirectly, commits an activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years.”

If Adam is found guilty of sedition, he could be imprisoned for up to three years, fined up to RM5,000, or both.

In the forum, Adam, along with other activists, had called for a street demonstration to protest alleged electoral fraud during the general election.

READ MORE HERE

IN DECEMBER 1997, an unusual outcry arose from the normally placid Senate or Dewan Negara when its members reacted to a dismissive label given to the Upper House by the then parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang – he had called it a "rubber-stamp to a rubber-stamp."

The first-past-the-post system will always be advantageous to BN, a forum was told last night.

(TMI) - Barisan Nasional’s (BN) rule will continue as long as Malaysia uses the first-past-the-post voting system despite redelineation, academic Amer Saifude told a forum here last night.

The Universiti Malaya Centre for Democracy and Elections (Umcedel) deputy director said the expected redelineation of constituencies by year-end would benefit Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s coalition and even better its Election 2013 performance.

“As long as we practice this first-past-the-post system, it will be advantageous to BN,” Amer told a forum on the 13th general election outcome.

“History has shown that every time there is a re-demarcation process, BN would perform better,” he added.

Despite winning only 47 per cent of the popular vote in the May 5 elections, Najib saw his coalition keeping the government with a simple majority, bagging 133 federal seats against Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) 89.

Amer pointed out that Najib was the first BN chief to score a weaker mandate in his maiden bid for power, a reflection of the faulty fundamentals of the first-past-the-post system.

The Umcedel deputy director said the system’s glaring defect could be seen in how BN, bar a few exceptions, had never won the popular vote by more than 60 per cent but yet managed to win a huge number of the seats it contested in.

He also highlighted how several constituencies nationwide had been gerrymandered without reasonable justifications.

“Sometimes you see the re-demarcation is illogical and unfair… the redelineation process is often made to serve the interest of certain parties,” he said.

The panel of speakers at last night’s forum. — Picture by Saw Siow FengAmer, however, noted that any move to redraw the constituencies must first have the consent of at least half of the members of the Dewan Rakyat.

PR federal lawmakers have signalled their intention to make full use of their increased parliamentary numbers to ensure constituencies are fairly redrawn when the Election Commission (EC) kicks off the redelineation exercise this year-end.

PKR’s Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has said that if the exercise involves an increase in seat numbers, a two-thirds majority vote is needed to approve the changes before they are passed by the lower House.

The allegedly unfair dispersal of voters in constituencies has been used as a major argument point by PR lawmakers to back accusations that gerrymandering in favour of BN has helped the ruling pact stay in power.

Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysias-election-system-drawn-to-sustain-bns-dominance-don-tells-forum/ 

(The Star) - Two journalists were among those caught up in a confrontation when a group of unidentified men disrupted a candlelight vigil in Esplanade to show solidarity for student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim (picture).

The vigil which started at about 8pm was attended by more than 100 non-governmental organisation (NGO) members, students, social activists and several state Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

Some 45 minutes into the vigil, a group of unidentified men arrived and one of them disrupted the vigil by using a loud hailer to claim that the gathering is illegal.

The group of men were also heard chanting “Satu Malaysia (1Malaysia)” repeatedly and saying that Adam Adli, who was arrested on Saturday (may 18)for offences under the Sedition Act, was rightfully detained.

About 15 minutes later, the participants of the vigil dispersed.

It was believed that one of the vigil organisers who were leaving, had uttered the word “samseng” (gangster) towards the group of unidentified men.

One of the men from the group then allegedly tried to run over the vigil organiser Sean Ho with a motorcycle.

Oriental Daily's reporter Ooi Chun Nam and Sin Chew Daily reporter Cheah Chin Liang tried to help Ho and were caught in the scuffle.

Ooi's glasses were broken and he suffered a cut on his arm in the scuffle.

There was about 15 minutes of intense shoving between the organisers and the group of unidentified men before everyone dispersed when police intervened.

Ooi and Cheah said they will be lodging a police report.

The event, which was held at 8.30pm in front of a fast food restaurant opposite Universiti Sains Malaysia's Sungai Dua entrance, saw about 30 students and social activists taking part.

(The Star) - At least 18 people were arrested after failing to disperse following a candlelight vigil outside the Jinjang police station in support for Adam Adli Abd Halim, 24 (picture).

At least 1,000 had gathered outside the police station since 8pm.

Roads leading to the police station were barricaded since evening as police stood watch to keep the protesters away from the entrance of the police station.

It is learnt when Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo was giving his speech to the crowd at 9.45pm, he was told by a senior police officer that the crowd was given 10minutes to disperse.

However when the crowd failed to leave in the stipulated time, the police moved in towards the crowd and began arrests.

It is learnt among the 18 arrested were four women.

This was the fifth night that crowds of protesters held candlelight vigils outside the police station in support of the release of the activist.

Zurairi AR, TMI

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) won in 59 mixed-race federal seats, almost double its 30 wins in Chinese-majority seats in Malaysia’s Election 2013, according to a new research, debunking Barisan Nasional’s (BN) claim of a “Chinese Tsunami” that cost it more losses.

Independent online research house PoliTweet.org also said the ruling BN gained most of its votes from rural federal seats while PR increased its support from urban and semi-urban areas in the South-east Asian nation chasing developed nation status by 2020.

“BN represents the rural majority and can retain power with rural and semi-urban seats alone. This election highlighted PR’s weak areas which are rural seats, Bumiputra Sabah majority and Bumiputra Sarawak majority seats,” said the report, which can be found on PoliTweet’s official blog.

According to PoliTweet, 108 out of the 133 seats (81 per cent) won by BN came from rural seats, while PR won urban or semi-urban seats with almost the same percentage (72 out of 89 seats).

PR won all 16 urban Chinese-majority seats, 12 urban Malay seats and12 urban mixed seats, giving them 40 out of the total 43 urban seats (93 per cent). In comparison, BN only won four urban Malay and one urban mixed seats.

Out of the 54 semi-urban seats, PR won 34 of them (63 per cent). BN won the rest of the semi-urban seats, with Malay semi-urban areas making the bulk of it at 12 seats.

PoliTweet also pointed out that PR had won more urban and semi-urban Malay-majority seats than BN, effectively making Malay-majority seats no longer a guaranteed win for BN.

For its research, PoliTweet categorised seats into three categories which do not follow Election Commission’s (EC) own classification, but rather were based on Google maps satellite imagery and EC’s maps.

PoliTweet defined “rural” areas as those containing villages, small towns or farmlands, and tend to be physically large with a low population. “Urban” areas are cities covered by some form of urban development. “Semi-urban” areas are a mix of the two.

Under the three categories, PoliTweet grouped 125 seats as rural, 54 as semi-urban, and 43 as urban.

Urban areas made up slightly more than half of Chinese-majority seats, but Malay-majority seats are still predominantly rural. There are however more Malay-majority semi-urban seats than Chinese-majority and mixed areas added together.

The research house also highlighted the low probability of BN regaining urban seats, as BN obtained only 47 per cent of popular vote in semi-urban seats and 36 per cent in urban seats, compared to the 57 per cent it had amassed in rural seats.

The last Population and Housing Census in 2010 showed that urban population in Malaysia has been on a steady increase since the 1960’s, with 71 per cent of Malaysians living in urban areas. The World Bank put the number slightly higher at 72 per cent.

READ MORE HERE

(ST) - Malaysia's Election Commission on Wednesday gazetted the official results of the 13th General Election, the official Bernama news agency reported, citing the commission's chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

Candidates and political parties who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the May 5 polls have 21 days to file objections or petitions, starting from Thursday, said Mr Abdul Aziz in a statement.

He added that petitions can be filed at high courts in the respective states.

The student activist was arrested on May 18 for remarks he allegedly made during a post-GE13 forum on May 13.

(FMT) - Student activist Adam Adli, whose five-day remand expires tomorrow, will be charged with sedition at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court tomorrow morning.

Lawyer Latheefa Koya today said the police had officially informed about the matter today.

“The police had informed that Adam will be charged under the Sedition Act tomorrow morning at Jalan Duta. Lawyer N Surendran will be representing Adam,” she said in a tweet.

Adam, 24, was arrested in Kuala Lumpur on May 18 for remarks he allegedly made during a post-GE13 forum on May 13.

In the forum, Adam, along with other activists, had called for a street demonstration to protest alleged electoral fraud during the general election.

He is being detained at the Jinjang police detention facility and is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 124(B) of the Penal Code.

Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act provides that it is a criminal offence to make any oral, printed and published statements or acts with “seditious tendency”.

If Adam is found guilty of sedition, he could be imprisoned for up to three years, fined up to RM5,000, or both.

Earlier today, Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of Adam. The rights watchdog said Adan was arrested solely for peacefully expressing his views.

It also said it was told by credible sources that Adam “was subjected to interrogation from 10am until 6pm on May 19 and May 20, with the interrogators repeatedly asking the same questions”.

Adam has refused to answer the questions in the latter part of the interrogation, telling the police to just watch a video of his speech during the public meeting instead, said Amnesty.

Amnesty also urged the Malaysian government to stop using the Sedition Act and provisions in the Penal Code to stifle people’s right to free expression.

READ MORE HERE

Chan Wei See, fz.com

Selangor DAP chief Teresa Kok said her party is standing firm with its decision to seek four seats in the Selangor state executive council, and hinted that all four nominees are Chinese, Sin Chew Daily reported.

Several disgruntled party members have called for action to be taken against PKR deputy president Azmin Ali for criticising the party president in public.

G Vinod, FMT

The attacks against PKR deputy president Azmin Ali escalates as more party grassroots members call for action to be taken him for critising party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

In letters addressed to PKR disciplinary committee dated May 16, one former party leader said that Azmin had breached party discipline by hurling baseless accusations against Wan Azizah.

“Azmin’s attacks received widespread attention from the mainstream media, which wants to discredit us. It’s was highly improper.

“His criticism had tarnished the party’s image and gives the impression that there is trouble in the party’s internal system,” said former Pahang PKR Youth chief Kamarul Hatta Mohamed Ali.

On May 11, Azmin made a veiled attack against Azizah for allegedly failing to consult party leaders on the choice of candidate to become the Selangor menteri besar.

He also took a potshot against Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, saying the party should not choose a “lame duck” for the top job in Selangor.

Kamarul said that as the party’s number two, Azmin should lead by example and should know better in maintaining the good name of the party.

“Any criticism against party leaders should be made internally, not in the public space. With this, I urge the party to take stern action against Azmin for his transgressions,” he said.

Another letter, sent by Hulu Langat PKR member Lee Kai Meng, also urged the party to take action against Azmin for criticising Wan Azizah.

“His attacks has caused negative polemics to be hurled against the party. I call for action to be taken against Azmin,” said Lee.

READ MORE HERE

Political analysts have mixed views over Pakatan's rejection of the election results.

Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT

Political analysts have expressed mixed views over Pakatan Rakyat’s rejection of the recent 13th general election results.

The analysts contacted by FMT today were responding to the opposition’s stand to not recognise the overall result of GE13, but readily accepted their wins in Pakatan-led states.

“I think this is practical politics, and that the disagreement comes down to those states where the votes are more or less borderline, and not outright wins,” Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associated Professor James Gomez told FMT.

He stressed that the focus “comes down to that level of disagreement”.

“It is a two tier understanding. The general win is contingent on constituencies where the margin call on the number of votes are slim,” he said.

“Should those current seats turn the other way, obviously there will be an overall shift in the national numbers,” he explained.

“This is practical politics,” he added.

‘Pakatan does not walk the talk’

However, UUM vice chancellor Mohamed Mustafa Ishak disagreed with his colleague and said Pakatan should accept the overall GE13 results if they recognised state results.

“If you have officially accepted the mandate for your three states, you must show clearly that you are willing to accept the decision of the public by virtue and do not question the outcome of the election,” he said.

Mohamed Mustafa said Pakatan’s actions of “continuing to govern” their three states, “clearly shows the results is something that they can accept”.

“By rejecting the overall results, it is something really contradictory. It shows they do not walk the talk,” he said, pointing out that Pakatan only rejected results at the federal level and not state.

“It is the same process, at state level and federal level. So you cannot accept one and reject the other,” he said.

“Pakatan must make a stand on their accusations as right now, it is very difficult to understand why they accept three states, but not the overall results,” he added.

Aruna Gopinath of the National Defence University’s Faculty of Strategic Studies also believed Pakatan should “reject the whole thing totally” and not resort to selective acceptance.

“If you say there is fraud, then you cannot say you only want to accept certain things,” she explained.

“You must reject the whole thing totally,” she added.

However, Aruna noted that if there was “enough evidence” of electoral fraud, the Election Commission (EC) should “come in with a full investigation”.

“They must make a full study and investigation,” she said.

READ MORE HERE

(The Star) - The call by certain groups to boycott Chinese businesses is dangerous for the country’s well-being, said State Reform Party (STAR) Sabah chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Such a call by the groups, including the Muslim Consumers’ Society and Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia, had brought racism into a darker and more sinister level in Malaysia, he said.

“If left uncontrolled, it can lead Malaysia into turmoil and anarchy,” said Dr Jeffrey, adding that such a call totally disregarded the social harmony and unity under the 1Malaysia concept.

Boycotting Chinese businesses, said Dr Jeffrey, was not possible and even if this could be done, would spell disaster for the local economy.

“Are they so ignorant of the fact that by boycotting Chinese businesses they won’t even be able to survive? How would they live without simple things like salt, sugar, coffee, tea and noodles since these are supplied through Chinese importers and distributors?

“So don’t even talk about electrical goods, building materials and cars,” he said, urging all groups and leaders to foster unity for the benefit of the country’s prosperity and progress.

He urged the Prime Minister to speak up against such calls to show the world that Malaysia was a mature democracy and a model of progress, wisdom and social harmony.

Meanwhile, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Datuk Lim Kok Cheong urged the Government to put measures in place to prevent such an “unhealthy scenario” from taking place.

“Although only a small group of people are involved in the calling of the boycott, no one should encourage this,” he said.

(The Star) - MCA has denied all allegations that the party is selling off its assets.

“All assets are under the MCA headquarters and any decision regarding them (the assets) has to have the support of at least two-thirds of the party’s central committee members.

“The CC (central committee) can also ask for an extraordinary general meeting to decide,” said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

He added that the party would sue those who continued to spread rumours about the party’s assets.

In another development, he said MCA was against any call to boycott goods and services because it would hurt the economy.

PRS and SPDP felt they deserved better recognition since both parties delivered all the seats they contested in.

(The Star) - KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is not going to interfere in the Federal Cabinet appointments. Speaking to reporters after the first session of the State Legislative Assembly Sitting here yesterday, Taib said to interfere was not his style.

“We shall leave it to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak). I’m sure he will think (about it) after talking to them,” he said.

By them, he was obviously referring to PRS and SPDP, the state BN coalition members who are disappointed with the Cabinet appointments despite Sarawak having a record number of seven ministers and three deputy ministers’ posts this time around.

PRS and SPDP felt they deserved better recognition since both parties delivered all the seats they contested in.

In the past week, members of the two parties had been lamenting over the Cabinet appointments. Some even felt it was unfair to give SUPP a ministerial post when the party only delivered one out of the seven seats it contested in.

SUPP’s deputy president Datuk Richard Riot, the party’s only victor, was made the Human Resources Minister.

PRS was given a minister and a deputy minister’s posts while SPDP was completely left out.

PRS’ Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Entulu was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, while Datuk Joseph Salang, who is Julau MP, was appointed Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister.

Salang, however, declined his appointment, saying the post did not serve the pressing needs of the Dayaks.

PRS president Tan Sri James Masing and his SPDP counterpart Tan Sri William Mawan, will meet with Najib to resolve the matter.

When asked if he would make recommendations to the Prime Minister, Taib said he would not.

“No, I do not interfere in the Cabinet appointments. It is not my style (to do so),” replied the state Barisan chairman.

Meanwhile, state Barisan secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said there would be a discussion with PRS and SPDP to see what could be worked out.

“I do not feel it is wrong to be dissatisfied although it is impossible to fulfil everyone’s request.

“Personally, I feel that it is not important what portfolio you hold. What’s important is being able to serve and help the people,” he said.

He believed PRS realised this which was why the party wanted a more relevant portfolio.

Having said that, he said the position in the Cabinet was also not to only help Sarawak but to serve the whole nation.

As such, he said, the state Barisan would lend its support where it saw fit and under good reasons. He stressed that at the end of the day it was the people who should gain from all this (inclusion in Federal Cabinet).

Clara Chooi, TMI

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) federal lawmakers have vowed to make full use of their increased parliamentary numbers to ensure constituencies are fairly redrawn when the Election Commission (EC) kicks off the redelineation exercise this year-end.

PKR’s Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli reminded that if the exercise involves an increase in seat numbers, a two-thirds majority vote is needed to approve the changes before they are passed by the lower House.

The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) does not have required two-thirds majority in Parliament, with only 133 seats to PR’s 89 seats, and will require votes from opposition lawmakers to approve the exercise.

“But if they (EC) do not add constituencies and the process only includes redrawing boundaries, this could be dangerous as this allows gerrymandering and there is no need for a two-third vote.

“In the past, they (BN) score big in the elections because the redelineation exercise is often in [their] favour ... they disperse our support to other seats,” Rafizi told The Malaysian Insider.

But the PKR strategy director said it was likely that, this time, redelineation would include an increase in seat numbers.

He said that in tandem with the DAP’s “one vote, one value” campaign push, PR lawmakers will fight hard to use their parliamentary powers to ensure voters are more fairly distributed unlike the present situation.

The allegedly unfair dispersal of voters in constituencies here has been used as a major argument point by PR lawmakers to back accusations that gerrymandering in favour of BN has helped the ruling pact stay in power.

In a recent article on news portal FZ.com, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan had pointed out that the existing delineation of constituencies defies logic in terms of size and the number of voters.

“Putrajaya has 15,791 voters compared with Kapar, which has 144,159 voters. It doesn’t make sense.”

“And then you have a state seat like Sri Serdang with 72,769 voters which is higher than the Putrajaya parliamentary seat,” he was quoted saying.

This has also earned the attention of the foreign media.

In the Wall Street Journal yesterday, Hong Kong journalist Philip Bowring commented on how PR had lost the election despite winning 51 per cent of the popular vote ― an outcome that opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have blamed on unfair gerrymandering.

“Thanks to an extreme anti-urban bias and the abolition of rules governing the relative size of constituencies, the largest constituency has nine times more voters than the smallest.

“On that basis, and taking account of the number of closely fought seats, the opposition would probably have to win at least 58 per cent of the popular vote to get a majority of seats,” Bowring wrote.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insider, DAP’s publicity secretary Tony Pua said with the polls now over and efforts underway to challenge some of the results through election petitions, the next step for PR would be to focus on the coming redelineation exercise.

The EC recently said that the exercise will be kicked off by year-end after the six-month process to hear election petitions are completed. The petitions must be filed within 21 days after the results of the election are gazetted.

The Federal Constitution prohibits a redelineation exercise from being conducted within eight years of the last. The EC last redrew constituency lines in 2003.

READ MORE HERE

(The Malay Mail) - MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek yesterday refused to take any responsibility for the party's worst electoral outing, instead blaming it on party veterans and their "political baggage".

He said the party was forced to shoulder the burden of the past generation, and this was the reason for its poor performance.

“MCA’s new generation must take on the burden of the past generation. We have to carry the baggage of the previous leadership,” Dr Chua said after chairing the party's first central committee meeting after the general election.

He said one of the 15 party veterans had even been jailed and nearly destroyed the economies of Malaysia and Singapore.

Refusing to name anyone, Dr Chua said the veteran caused the Malaysian and Singaporean stock exchanges to close, bringing untold damage to the economies of both countries.

Asked if the group of veterans were to blame for MCA's poor electoral showing, he responded:

"Of course, lah! We have to deal with the burden which we have inherited. "I am an elected president.

What is the need fr oparty elections if we ask the elected president to resign?

"They should not have spoken about party matters openly. Instead, they should have come to see me to discuss their grouses."

Dr Chua said the party veterans should work behind the scenes if they were genuinely interested in seeing the party grow.

He said criticisms raised by the veterans were never brought up by any member during the MCA CC meetings.

Azran had criticised the racial tone of Utusan’s front page headline, “Apa lagi Cina mahu?” 

(TMI) - Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia reported today a civil servants union and two other groups joining its boycott of AirAsia and sister airline AirAsia X, after the latter firm’s chief executive condemned the newspaper for its racially provocative headline targeting the Chinese following the May 5 polls.

The Malay broadsheet cited the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) in a front-page report urging all civil workers to avoid the budget airlines and to instead fly aboard national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and its sister company, Firefly, for the upcoming two-week school holidays.

“The power of 1.4 million civil servants can give an impact on AirAsia, so I ask all civil servants to prove this especially in the school holidays,” Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman was quoted saying, claiming he had received numerous complaints from several consumer groups dissatisfied with AirAsia’s service.

Several other groups were also cited giving similar reasons backing their call to make AirAsia the airline of last resort, including the Executive Officers Union (KEPAK) and the Malaysian Consumers Potection and Welfare Board (LPKPM), the paper reported.

In an apparent attempt to back up their claims of dissatisfactory service, Utusan also reported on its front page a man complaining that the airline had refused to fly back his mother’s corpse from Jogjakarta to Kuala Lumpur even though she had previously purchased a ticket aboard AirAsia ― despite the carrier not being licensed to do so.

Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-utusan-cuepacs-joins-airasia-boycott-call/ 

(International Business Times) - Malay power is important because we're concerned about keeping a pure Malay community all over the Malay Archipelago 

Nazism is typically associated with racialist, nationalistic movements in western and northern Europe. But Nazism (or its contemporary form, neo-Nazism) has been embraced by some far from Adolf Hitler’s Germany.

Consider the case of Malaysia, the multiracial state in Southeast Asia, where a neo-Nazi movement has sprung up to defend the rights and survival of what is called a "pure Malay” race.

The CIA World Factbook states that about one-half of the population of Malaysia are indigenous Malays, while about one-quarter are Chinese and 7 percent are of Indian descent. Malays clearly feel besieged and threatened by the rising numbers of “foreigners” in their country.

According to a report from Vice.com, neo-Nazis in Malaysia not only espouse openly racialist theories, but they have adopted some of the symbols and language of the Third Reich and neo-Nazi movements from post-war Europe, including swastikas as well as imitating Combat-18, a notorious British fascist organization. They like to shout "Sieg Heil” and “Blood and Honor” while listening to Nazi punk bands like Angry Aryan, Skrewdriver, English Rose and Brutal Attack.

Mirroring the rhetoric of neo-Nazis and skinheads in faraway Germany, Britain and other European states, the Malay far-right wants to end all immigration into their country and keep Malaysia a preserve of the Malay peoples.

Vice found a Malay Nazi band called Boot Axe and spoke to band member “Mr. Slay” about his group’s ideology.

“Malay power is important because we're concerned about keeping a pure Malay community all over the Malay Archipelago,” Slay said.

“We're extremists in regards to the Malay race, but that doesn’t mean that we're extreme racists. It’s not about racism. It’s all about being Malay.”

Slay also complained about immigrants pouring into Malaysia.

“The government can't control the entry of immigrants, and we get so many of them,” he stated. “There are so many protests against the government about this issue, but they haven’t done anything tangible to improve the situation. Race has become a focus because of the inclusion of uncontrolled numbers of these [foreign] people in our society.”

Slay then went on to express the familiar racialist canard that immigrants increase crime and threaten the safety and welfare of native-born peoples.

“The lesson that we can learn from Nazism is that we can take extreme racist action if the position of the Malays is affected by these factors,” he declared. “We won't practice overt racism if the Malay race isn't compromised, but, if threatened, we will take action. We don’t like minorities in Malaysia if they can’t coexist with the Malay race. If they are good, then we are good.”

Bizarrely, Slay has even embraced anti-Semitism, even though there are virtually no Jews whatsoever in Malaysia.

“All Malay power punk and skinhead bands are outright anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist,” Slay proudly stated.  “Malay power is connected to Islam.”

Slay admitted that neo-Nazis in Europe would not accept his group as part of their global diaspora, and he also conceded that the movement within Malaysia is probably not very large.

But what cannot be denied is that Malaysia is fraught with racial problems which have periodically erupted in violence over the decades. The world caught a glimpse of the festering problems in the country in May 1969 when race riots – pitting the poorer Malaysians against the wealthier Chinese minority – killed at least 200 people (perhaps many more), leading to the suspension of parliament, the imposition of a state of emergency, and the formation of a caretaker government.

Five years before that, when Singapore was still a part of Malaysia, race riots in that city ultimately led to the breakaway of Singapore as a state dominated by ethnic Chinese, as it remains to this very day.

In recent years, Malaysia’s racial strife has focused increasingly on its restive and impoverished Indian population, who are mostly descended from Tamil immigrants who arrived in the 19th century as laborers.

In November 2007, thousands of Indians rioted in Kuala Lumpur during a visit to the country by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. A group calling itself the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) demanded that the British government pay $4 trillion in damages for what the group described as "150 years of exploitation" of Indians by their former colonial masters.

Although that demonstration dealt with abuse by British colonial rulers, the rioters also vented their rage at the dominant Malay and Chinese communities of Malaysia.

"Our community is backward, our schools are dilapidated. We are the last in the line for jobs, scholarships, health benefits," Indian opposition lawmaker Kulasegaran Murugesan told Time Magazine at the time.

Read more at: http://www.ibtimes.com/neo-nazis-sprout-malaysia-yes-malaysia-1271165 

Azril Annuar, fz.com 

The United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) must "meet the demands and requirements" of the Education Ministry in order for the United Examination Certificate (UEC) to be recognised.

FMT journalists were quizzed over articles quoting Haris Ibrahim with regard to his proposal to hold a rally to topple the ruling government.

(FMT) - Two FMT journalists yesterday gave statements to the police with regard to their news reports on Haris Ibrahim’s vow to topple the government through a massive street rally.

FMT journalists Lisa J Ariffin and Alyaa Azhar were called to give their respective statements to the police under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with respect to the police officer’s power to require attendance of witnesses.

Both journalists gave their statements to ASP Ananthan Rajoo from the Dang Wangi district police station.

However, it is not clear if Haris will be investigated for suspected offences under the Sedition Act or under the Penal Code as student activist Adam Adli Halim, who also made the same call on a May 13 forum to topple Barisan Nasional through street rallies.

When asked on the arrest of Adam, Ananthan said the police had been monitoring the latter’s movements prior to the forum.

“He had been calling for a massive street rally even before May 13,” he explained.

On May 13, speakers at the forum had unanimously agreed that waiting for five years until the next general election was too long, and vowed to overthrow BN this year through force.

“We will take to the streets and take over Putrajaya. If we really want to overthrow them, there is no other way. Democracy does not work,” Anything But Umno (ABU) spokesperson Haris was quoted as saying.

“The people cannot wait anymore. We don’t want to wait another five years. We will take the streets,” he added.

He had also insisted the street government would go on with or without opposition Pakatan Rakyat’s support.

K Vasantha Kumar, who contested in Tapah, wants answers over the murder of his aide K Murugan.

Priscilla Prasena, FMT

A group of NGOs have urged the police to expedite investigations into the murder of political aide K Murugan’s during the 13th general election.

Led by PKR’s candidate for the Tapah parliament seat, K Vasantha Kumar, the group handed over a memorandum addressed to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.

Murugan, who was Vasantha Kumar’s aide, went missing on May 1. His remains were later discovered on May 5 in a pond in Bemban Industrial Park, Batu Gajah.

“His hands and legs were tied with wires and the post mortem revealed that Murugan had died of blunt force trauma to the head,” Vasantha Kumar told reporters.

“We believe that the murder was politically motivated as he was threatened by the supporters of MIC candidate M Saravanan,” he added.

Vasantha Kumar was accompanied by Murugan’s family lawyer M. Visvanathan and several other NGOs.

The memorandum demanded that the IGP form a special task force to investigate all political parties involved in the election campaign without fear and favour and to investigate the records in Murugan’s mobile phone.

According to Vasantha Kumar, Murugan was very helpful in organizing the election campaign in the rural and interior areas in Tapah.

Murugan had informed Vasantha Kumar that he had been receiving threatening calls from unknown persons, who warned him to stop campaigning or he would be killed.

“On May 1, Murugan arranged a ‘ceramah’ at his residential area in Bidor. After the talk, he was cleaning up the venue with his friends when he received a phone call. He left the venue and never returned.

“Murugan’s sister lodged a report with the Bidor police station when he failed to return home and was not reachable,” Vasantha Kumar explained.

READ MORE HERE

(The Sun Daily) - Former NUJ chairman Hata Wahari was heckled and booed by his former colleagues at Malay-daily Utusan Malaysia during his annual 'protest' at their office yesterday.

Some 50 Utusan Malaysia staff gathered at building's entrance at about 5pm in anticipation of a 'demonstration' led by Hata, who instead showed up alone with a message for his former employer - on a large black banner with bold white type.

"Kepada Ketua Pengarang Utusan: Hentikan kewartawanan tidak bertanggungjawab. Jadilah wartawan yang menjunjung etika kewartawanan. Jangan gadaikan masa depan Utusan untuk kepentingan diri. Jangan jadi wartawan rasis. (To the Utusan Editor in Chief: Stop irresponsible journalism. Be an ethical journalist. Do not gamble the future of Utusan for personal gains. Do not be a racist journalist.)

Several police trucks and patrol cars were also seen parked around the premise as Utusan Malaysia had previously reported that Malay right-wing NGO Pekida would be sending its members to "defend" the paper against Hata and his supporters.

Hata, who stood across the road from the office for about 10 minutes, was met by jeers and taunts by the staff - "Barua!" (goon) "Kau sakit!" (You are sick!) "Balik!" (Go home!).

A man also dashed across the road and kicked his banner, while another threw a packet of fried noodles which splattered on the road.

When met earlier, Hata expressed surprise at the 'attention' he received, stating that it was a "personal protest" which he has been doing since 2011, on May 2, to mark his sacking from the paper.

Hata, who served the company for 16 years, was subjected to an internal inquiry before being sacked for issuing statements which allegedly goes against the company's policies.

"May 2 is also my birthday and World Press Freedom Day. But this year, due to the general elections, I decided to come here on May 20.

"I did not want to involve anybody else because of possible repercussions. If any action was to be taken (by Utusan), I would be the only one affected," said Hata.

He added, Utusan Malaysia is expected to move out of its present premise by this year, and thus it is significant for him to persist in his call for them to 'change'.

"I will continue protesting every year until there is a change in the paper's direction towards upholding principles of ethical journalism," he said, in stressing that the paper's predecessor, Utusan Melayu, was a vocal critique of the government led by the nation's founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The call to boycott Chinese businesses and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's silence show continued desperation and fear among the BN leaders, says Sabah STAR.

Raymond Tombung, FMT

KOTA KINABALU: Calls by Malay-Muslim groups to boycott Chinese businesses is bad enough without Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s arrogant retort for the 51% voters who voted for the opposition to leave the country if they are unhappy, said Bingkor assemblyman Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Compounding this ‘dangerous levels’ of racism is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s silence, he added.

“The Prime Minister needs to speak up against these calls, lest the BN (Barisan Nasional) and Umno is continued to be seen as supporting extreme racism in Malaysia.

“His continued silence in the face of this increased racism, anti-Chinese activism, and heightening of the Malay supremacy is shocking.

“He dearly needs to speak up against it to show the world that Malaysia is a mature democracy that is model of progress, wisdom and social harmony,” said Jeffrey, who is also Sabah State Reform Party chief.

Alluding to recent racially intoned rantings by the Muslim Consumers Society and the Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM), Jeffrey said if left uncontrolled it “will lead Malaysia into turmoil and anarchy”.

Jeffrey said these recent developments had taken racism in Malaysia into “darker and more sinister” levels.

“The call is also a reflection of utter disregard to social harmony and is only the tip of the iceberg in emerging social conflicts in the nation.

“This is all due to gross mismanagement and neglect on the part of the federal leaders.” he said

He said Najib’s silence was shocking considering his ardent call for social harmony and unity under his 1Malaysia banner.

“The socio-political situation now is being made worse by the Home Minister who is so arrogant that he is asking more than half of the Malaysia’s voters who voted against the BN to leave the country!

“Is Malaysia being purposefully led to descend into total chaos by its own leaders? Has this minister forgotten that he is the Home Minister for all Malaysians and not just the Umno/BN members and Malays?

“This behaviour by the Malay Muslim groups and the Home Minister is so unbelievable that one can only wonder if they have any leadership wisdom left in them.

“They make us reel back in utter disbelief at their lack of reason, good manners or diplomacy,” he said.

Are Malay-Muslims ignorant?

Jeffrey also questioned the wisdom of these groups calling for the boycott of Chinese businesses.

“Don’t the Malay-Muslim groups know that boycotting the Chinese businesses is impossible and even if it can be done it will spell disaster for the Malaysian economy?

“Are they so ignorant of the fact that by boycotting Chinese businesses they won’t even be able to survive?

“How would they live without simple things like salt, sugar, coffee, tea, and noodles since these are supplied through Chinese importers and distributors? So don’t even talk about electrical goods, building materials and cars.

“How do you deny the hard fact that the Chinese run the majority of the businesses in Malaysia and without them the country will collapse overnight?” he asked.

READ MORE HERE

"During a meeting here (Jakarta) in April, Anwar had asked me to convey a message to Najib that he should allow a peaceful transition of rule. It was Anwar himself who came to me to talk about commitment. Hence, he should also fulfil his commitment. Commitment is not only the responsibility of one party."

(The Kuala Lumpur Post) - Former Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla has told Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to concede the fact that he had lost in the 13th General election and “move on” for the sake of Malaysia’s political and economic stability.

In a telephone interview with the New Straits Times yesterday, Jusuf said Anwar had, in a meeting in Jakarta prior to the May 5 polls, requested Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to allow a peaceful transition of power if Pakatan won.

“During a meeting here (Jakarta) in April, Anwar had asked me to convey a message to Najib that he should allow a peaceful transition of rule."

“It was Anwar himself who came to me to talk about commitment. Hence, he should also fulfil his commitment. Commitment is not only the responsibility of one party."

“The losing party must accept the reality. That is (Anwar’s) commitment. You must agree that you have lost and the loser should assist the winner (to steer the nation)."

“By right, everyone should fulfil their respective commitments. Anwar, Najib and I are beholden (to the commitment of) peaceful elections.”

Jusuf’s stance echoed the sentiments of Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob who had called on opposition supporters to respect the outcome of the election and distance themselves from uprisings to overthrow the government.

Anwar’s deputy Azmin Ali had also joined the fray, stressing the importance of fulfilling the party’s manifesto, instead of going to town to hold rallies at the expense of forsaking the people’s mandate in Pakatan-ruled states.

Their remarks came following Anwar’s campaign that included holding rallies in various locations nationwide to protest against what he alleged as electoral fraud that had “robbed” Pakatan of victory.

Jusuf, a long-time friend of Anwar, said the opposition leader should accept the election results, and reconcile with Najib for the good of the country.

It was reported yesterday that Jusuf had expressed his disappointment with Anwar over his reluctance to accept defeat and for rejecting any initiative to reconcile with his rivals in Barisan Nasional.

His disappointment was conveyed by Indonesia’s former law and human rights minister Hamid Awaluddin, who was quoted by Indonesian national daily, Republika.

The daily had quoted Hamid as saying that Anwar had promised Jusuf that he would control his opposition coalition if he was defeated by Najib, who is BN chairman.

The report said despite claiming electoral fraud, Anwar had yet to prove his claims through legal means.

Meanwhile, political analysts said Anwar’s statement that he would be arrested soon by police was typical of the opposition leader’s penchant for theatrics.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Dr Samsul Adabi Mamat said it was unfair for Anwar to preempt police action to gain his supporters’ sympathy.

“All he is doing is creating unrest and unnecessary provocation in the current political climate.”

International affairs and political cluster head of the National Professors’ Council, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, said Anwar’s latest ploy was “not something new”.

(ABN News) - Pakatan Rakyat has been criticised by supporters of Adam Adli for abandoning him in his hour of need. His supporters have expressed their anger in letters to news portals like Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider.

Theresa sent in a letter to Malaysiakini and she said: “To Pakatan, don’t just talk big, but now allow Adam to be thrown to the wolves, when Adam stuck his neck out for Pakatan’s so-called Blackout 505."

“Besides, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has also already washed his hands off and distanced himself from this kid Adam. Not only am I disappointed with Pakatan, I feel sorry that Adam could end up paying a high price sitting out in jail for people who don’t take care of him and protect him."

“Hello Pakatan, where have all your volunteer lawyers gone? Why is Adam without legal representation?"

“I watched the video by Media Rakyat on Forum Mei 13 at the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, and there were boatloads of PKR bigshots there talking, like Nurul Izzah, R Sivarasa, Tian Chua, besides Pak Samad, SAMM chief Chegubard, ABU people and Hisham Rais."

“My sympathy to Adam, his father and his whole family. My disgust to Pakatan politicians for their charade at the Forum Mei 13 that encouraged Adam and landed him in trouble.”

In a letter to The Malaysian Insider Pravin Pillai wrote: “And Pakatan Rakyat, remember how we roared for you in Kelana Jaya? Could we hear you roar for Adam Adli? Roar. Not squeak.”

Student activist Adam Adli was arrested on May 19 in Bangsar Utama where his office is.

He has been remanded for five days and is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

It is believed he is being investigated for a speech he made during a public forum at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on May 13, during which he and several other activists urged the people to stage a massive street protest against electoral fraud and to topple the government.

Umno is also dominant in Kelantan, acquiring 49.8% of the total votes as opposed to PAS' 41.1%, says a survey conducted by a Malay daily.

Alyaa Azhar, FMT

Umno remains the most dominant political party in almost all states including Kelantan, with the exception of Selangor, Penang and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, according to Malay daily Sinar Harian’s post-13th general election (GE13) survey.

“Altogether, Umno managed to garner 3,416,310 votes and won 88 parliamentary seats out of the 120 it contested, with DAP coming in second due to winning 38 seats out of the 51 seats it contested.

“Although PKR and PAS had more popularity votes at 2,033,677 and 1,579,833 respectively, PKR only managed to win 30 seats out of the 99 seats it contested while PAS only managed to win 21 seats out of the 73 parliamentary seats,” said the Malay daily.

Also, Malay voters were the determiners for Umno’s win in GE13, thus giving Barisan Nasional (BN) the upper hand in winning the majority in Parliament and taking control of the federal government even though BN attained less seats as compared to the previous elections.

Azmi Hassan from the Geoinformation and Real Estate faculty of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) said that Umno was dominant in acquiring popularity votes compared to other parties due to the shifting of Malay voters’ support to the BN coalition.

“It is also to be noted how in Kelantan, Umno managed to acquire 49.8% of votes as opposed to PAS which acquired only 41.1% of the total votes.

“In Kedah, Umno took over the reins from PAS by acquiring 45.28% of the total votes. Perlis also remains Umno’s stronghold with the party winning all three parliamentary seats it contested with 55.55% from the total votes,” said Sinar Harian.

Umno continues to be dominant in Perak when it obtained 24.64% of the total votes ahead of the other parties.

Umno also dominated other parties in Pahang by winning 55.5% of votes and winning 10 parliamentary seats it contested in GE13.

Although PKR continues to dominate by managing to win nine out of the 11 seats it contested in Selangor with a total vote-count of 550,950, Umno’s influence, however, cannot be denied as the party managed to attain 335,406 votes as opposed to PAS’ 270,506 and DAP’s 253,302 respectively, according to the survey.

In Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor, Umno’s influence is still formidable, leading other parties with votes accounting to more than 40% at each state.

Sabah, on the other hand, continues to be Umno’s gem with the party dominating with 88.2% of votes.

READ MORE HERE

(The Star) - MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has accepted the apology by Astro AEC host Gan Jiang Han who posted a message that a blackout had allegedly occurred in Bentong that led to the Barisan Nasional winning the parliamentary seat in the May 5 polls.

Liow said the Astro AEC should also carry the apology as a news report in one of its shows.

“It must tell the truth and only then will the rumours stop spreading,” Liow said in a statement Monday.

Liow had expressed his unhappiness over Gan's posting on his Facebook fanpage.

Liow had said that it misled the people into believing there was indeed a blackout at the Bentong counting centre.

Liow hoped that Gan would cooperate with the police in its investigation to establish how the blackout rumour began in the first place.

“The rumour is not only a form of character assassination, it also damaged the credibility of the Barisan and created anger and dissatisfaction among the public,” he said.

On Monday, Sin Chew Daily reported that Gan had apologised to Liow.

Gan had said in a statement that he posted the message in his personal capacity and took responsibility over the controversy it had caused.

He added that he had deleted the message, clarified the incident and issued an apology on May 7.

Gan got Astro AEC into hot water when he posted on his Facebook that “when my child is born, I will ask him to write an essay with the title, The Blackout Night.

“The beginning of the essay would be on May 5, 2013, there was a stiff fight in the Bentong seat. Someone had said that he would cut his ears if it is lost, and then the counting process started, blackout...”

His message had been shared by 18,775 people and 73,576 people had clicked “like” within 15 hours after he posted it.

Several reporters as well as DAP assemblymen Chow Yu Hui (Bilut) and Lee Chin Chen (Ketari) clarified later that there was no blackout or any sudden “appearance” of a ballot box.

Liow retained his Bentong parliamentary seat in a close fight with DAP's Wong Tack.

(The Star) - Organisers of a planned rally here said some 48 non-governmental organisations and civil society bodies are expected to take part in the gathering on Saturday.

Spokesman Badrul Hisham Shaharin said the gathering, at the city council field next to the Amcorp Mall, would raise claims of electoral frauds of the recent GE13.

He added that it would not pre-empt the efforts of some political parties challenging the polls results.

When asked if the police had been notified of the proposed Pesta Suara Rakyat gathering, he merely said “it was under control”.

“We are going to the streets not to overthrow the government or cause chaos but to demand that democratic rights be returned to the people,” Badrul Hisham, also known as blogger Chegubard, told a press conference here yesterday.

The defeated PKR candidate for the Sungai Acheh state seat in Penang said the gathering would call for the resignation of Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and his team to pave the way for a new committee answerable to Parliament.

He said another demand was for fresh elections to be held in seats where fraud was allegedly evident and a third demand was for all parties to support the formation of a people’s tribunal to gather information of electoral irregularities.

On allegations the Opposition was leaning towards a “Malaysian Spring”, he said it was merely psychological war by the authorities against the people.

(The Star) - Kampung Tunku DAP assemblyman Lau Weng San has lodged a police report over an alleged offensive and seditious posting in the Sayangi Selangor Facebook fan page.

The page uploaded an article regarding several strategies allegedly used by DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang to win the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat, said Lau, who lodged his report at the Sea Park police station here yesterday.

“The posting was uploaded on Friday,” said Lau.

He urged the police to investigate the posting which could cause racial tension in the country.

He also called on the police to in­­vestigate Selangor Barisan Nasional coordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed, who is allegedly behind the postings in the page.

Among the claims contained in the article was that Lim had garnered Malay support by donating to the surau and mosques in Gelang Patah, besides opening stores that sell items at prices much lower than those sold at the Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M).

The postings also claimed Lim had offered RM100 to Malay youngsters in Gelang Patah to join DAP and that he also appointed Malay youths to create trouble among Umno, PAS and PKR.

(Bernama) - The identities of three opposition leaders, who were said to be behind the Lahad Datu armed incursion, will not be divulged to avoid prejudice when the case is brought to court, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said all documents and detailed information acquired by the police and the Defence Ministry on the trio, two of them from the peninsular and another from Sabah, would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for scrutiny.

Ahmad Zahid (picture) was responding to a call by SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee to him to name the three opposition leaders allegedly involved in the incursion by a group of armed terrorists from southern Philippines in February.

At the height of ‘Ops Daulat’ to flush out the terrorists, Ahmad Zahid was quoted as saying that the identities of the trio would be disclosed after the 13th general election to avoid accusations that the issue would be used for political expediency.

Ahmad Zahid was visiting Bukit Aman along with his deputy, Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi.

(FMT) - MIC will face a risk of being de-registered simply because G Palanivel’s position as the president is illegitimate.  

The MIC constitution does not give the party's Central Working Committee arbitrary powers to prolong the term of president as long as the president wishes.

Members of the powerful Central Working Committee (CWC) which is also MIC’s highest policy–making body must now without further delay call for an urgent meeting to discuss Article 51 of the party’s constitution and advice the members on the status of presidential election.

If this doesn’t happen quickly, MIC will face a risk of being de-registered simply because G Palanivel’s position as the president is illegitimate. This will and can prompt the Registrar of Society to conduct investigations.

The CWC needs to exercise its powers to make a final and conclusive decision. Elections for all party positions must be held at the soonest.

The CWC shall be responsible for and conduct of the presidential election. The CWC should have appointed an “Election Committee” to conduct the election not later than three months before the expiry of the term of the office of the president.

This is clearly stipulated under Article 58.3 of the party constitution.

Though I am not a constitutional law expert, isn’t it legally binding on the CWC to inform the party delegates on this legal technicality.

The CWC cannot deliberately allow Palanivel to stick to the party leadership. The CWC has breached the law by not doing so.

MIC is grappling with the question how to stay relevant during the time of changing political landscape, and now with this legal complications, the party is clearly heading towards disaster.

S Samy Vellu was re-elected party president on March 2009. Since then, four years have passed. Based on simple logics, Palanivel has no locus standi to run the party. He took over from Samy Vellu as an acting president in March 2010.

Read more at: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2013/05/21/mic-presidential-contest-and-full-moon/ 

Meena Lakshana, fz.com

PKR's Dr Xavier Jayakumar and Elizabeth Wong have accepted the possibility that they may not been reappointed to the Selangor state executive council.

A prominent PKR member also says that the deputy president has set a bad precedent by washing party's dirty linen in public

B Nantha Kumar, FMT

A prominent PKR grassroots member today called on party deputy president Azmin Ali to apologise to Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismal for initiating baseless attacks against the party president.

“What Azmin did was really unhealthy for the party. And we, party members want him to apologise to Wan Azizah,” Dr V Neduchelian, a member from Kapar PKR division, told FMT.

He said by ‘attacking’ Wan Azizah in the mainstream media, Azmin had set a bad precedence which allows party members to use the media to criticise the party and its fellow leaders.

“All discussions involving party matters should be discussed behind closed doors . This is the advice given to us. But what surprises us, is that the same leader who propagates this uses the media to attack the president,” he added.

Recently, Azmin, who retained his Gombak parliamentary and Bukit Antrabangsa state seats, criticised the party leadership for nominating Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the Selangor Menteri Besar without the consensus from Selangor PKR. Azmin is the Selangor PKR head.

Azmin said Wan Azizah had submitted a letter to the Selangor palace nominating Khalid Ibrahim before getting consensus from the state PKR leaders. He also accused the PKR president of nepotism.

“It is really weird that Azmin is talking about nepotism. In the last general election, he picked leaders aligned to him to contest seats. Those against him were not even given seats to contest. This is an open secret in PKR.

“Azmin is not fit to talk about nepotism or cronyism since he himself piggybacked on PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s popularity to reach where he is now,” he said.

READ MORE HERE