Teluk Intan by-election: Gerakan's Datuk Mah Siew Keong Wins

Congratulations to Datuk Mah for his win! It was a narrow win, a hard-fought win nonetheless. He will have to work hard if he wants to keep it come next elections. Dyana actually didn't fare too badly for a greenhorn. Depending on DAP's internal politics and Lim Kit Siang's grand plan, this could either be her first or last foray as a candidate.

If I were a voter, I would have chosen Datuk Mah over Dyana. Well, call me old fashioned or "stupid" (like Anwar Ibrahim likes to call those Chinese who vote for BN), but a fresh-grad, 20+ year old girl just doesn't inspire much confidence. I feel that she is too inexperienced, even requiring the DAP elders to babysit her during PCs. But then again, she's not the first youngster to be groomed by Lim Kit Siang to protect his son's throne.

This by-election result showed us a few things:

1. It was DAP's experiment to gauge how much of the Malay votes can be swayed by fielding a Malay girl. Right now, DAP has only 2 Malay MPs from DAP, Bukit Bendera – Zairil Khir Johari and Raub - Mohd Ariff Sabri bin Abdul Aziz. Both won in Chinese majority seats.

( According to Lim Guan Eng: "Race is still relevant in elections, but we are trying to make it irrelevant," Guan Eng, the DAP secretary-general, told The Malaysian Insider in reference to the Chinese-based party's push for more Malay candidates. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/race-age-stand-in-the-way-of-daps-new-politics#sthash.TCEu7ZVE.dpuf )

Ironically, the results show that many Chinese (about 65% of Chinese voters) voted for a Malay girl. And presumably many Malays voted for a Chinese man. The only issue I can see is the general disdain the Malays have towards DAP, which has also affected the Malay support for PAS & PKR. If DAP is really serious about making race irrelevant, it's easier to swap seats with PAS.

2. If Dyana had won, DAP will be able to attract many more young Malays to join the party because they will stand a better chance to further their political careers. Since DAP is trying to appear more multi-racial, these young Malays will be groomed and fast-tracked to contest in seats where Malay-Chinese majority are marginal. The result from this by-election will probably require them to rethink their plans.

3. The fact that DAP could field anyone they fancy and still manages to get about 50% of the total votes shows us that Pakatan Rakyat supporters, specifically DAP ones, will still vote anything DAP dishes out to them. I'm actually curious to see what their next serving would look like.

4. A lot of opinions have been given by all and sundry as to the reason for DAP's lost. But I suspect the major reason is the sabotage by the unhappy Teluk Intan/Perak DAP grassroots for fielding an unknown newcomer  as a candidate, thus depriving other more senior leaders their chance. Someone like this guy, perhaps?

They say DAP would definitely win if this guy was chosen to contest. Probably. He is a bit of a celebrity with the Chinese youths and should be able to win them over easily. The Chinese are reportedly very much impressed with his eloquent use of adjectives during his colourful speeches. If elected, he will most certainly be in good company...

Anyway, judging by the responses from the BN camp, it's obvious that this win was a real morale booster for them. On the other hand, this has broken DAPs momentum of clean sweeps... Overall, DAP still has the Chinese in their back pocket, but lately, the percentage has reduced. Could be the water and hudud issue. But it can be easily fixed come next election... I wonder if it's Lim Guan Eng's turn to go bald? I doubt his wife would be keen to have her mane shorn in a Chinese temple every 5 years.

For variety, maybe this?

Hopefully, common sense and logic would prevail among the people from now on... but I have my doubts.

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Teluk Intan by-election: Barisan wins by 238 votes

Saturday May 31, 2014 MYT 10:11:14 PM

PETALING JAYA: It was a cliff-hanger ending for the Teluk Intan by-election with Barisan Nasional's Datuk Mah Siew Keong winning by 238 votes.

The Gerakan chief garnered 20,157 votes against his opponent DAP's Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, who had 19,919 votes. There were 543 spoilt votes.

It was a close fight with both sides leading at various stage of the count, but Mah emerged victorious in the end.

DAP appears to have conceded defeat in a tweet via @dapmalaysia acknowledging that Barisan had won by more than 500 votes.

Mah's win is a major upset because the incumbent was DAP, which had won Teluk Intan with a majority of more than 7,000 votes in the 13th general election.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said there were 40,236 voters or 66.67% turnout in the by-election, including early voters.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/05/31/Teluk-Intan-Mah-wins/

Karpal Singh 1940-2014

Today, Malaysia lost a person who's larger than life, a household name, and a fearless politician and lawyer.

Karpal Singh aka Tiger of Jelutong, 74 years old, (1940-2014)

Karpal Singh at the Penang High Court in 1987. - Starpix/CHUAH YEW KHOON

The official photo of the new contender for the Alor Setar Parliament and State seats in 1974.

The president of the University of Singapore’s Dunearn hostel delivering a speech in 1963. – Photo courtesy of Karpal Singh and family

"WITH the passing away of Karpal Singh, the country has lost a great Malaysian, a great man and a great lawyer." - Retired judge Datuk K.C.Vohrah.

Karpal spoke up for all Malaysians, says retired judge

Some may say we have lost a good politician; he was an improbable politician, perhaps, and I often wondered how a patently honest man given to straight talking and straight thinking could have ever become a politician - but his effect as a politician was far-reaching nevertheless.

He made Malaysians aware of unvarnished truths, however unpalatable they were. He spoke loudly on the social ills of the country affecting all communities irrespective of race, religion, gender or creed. He spoke of the problems in the criminal justice system and the legal system and of serious issues of constitutional, administrative and criminal law that need to be addressed, especially in relation to fundamental liberties.

He spoke on issues most people dare not talk about in this country - where most people keep their views to themselves, for whatever reasons.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/17/Karpal-Singh-Vohrah-remembers/

 

Penang to give Karpal state-level funeral 

GEORGE TOWN: The funeral of Karpal Singh will be conducted with Penang state honours.

An emergency state exco meeting decided that the state flag would be flown at half-mast until Karpal's funeral on Sunday, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The ceremony, open to the public, will be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang in Light Street on Sunday from 9am to 11pm, and his casket will be draped with the Penang flag.

"Karpal's departure will an immense void, not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all Malaysians who have been inspired by his cause.

"With his passing, the DAP has lost an upstanding and outstanding leader, the nation lost a brilliant legal mind and the people a fearless 'tiger' with an indomitable spirit who stood up for the poor, weak, defenseless and dispossessed.

"He will forever be remembered as a Malaysian patriot who stood valiantly for justice, integrity and freedom without fear or favour," Lim said.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the party would postpone all party events and functions nationwide to a date after the funeral as a mark of respect. 

We have also established the national funeral committee headed by acting national DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai at the national level, while Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow shall lead the Penang state funeral committee. 

The wake is currently being held at Karpal's residence in 144A, Jalan Utama, beginning 3pm Thursday. 

His cortege will leave for Dewan Sri Pinang on Sunday for the state-level funeral before cremation at the Batu Gantong crematorium.

Karpal's ashes will be scattered in the sea on Monday morning.

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Karpal Singh: Lorry driver in crash tested positive for ganja

IPOH: Initial urine sample of the lorry driver, 45, involved in the accident that killed Karpal Singh has tested positive for ganja. 

Perak police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani (pic) said the initial screening showed traces of ganja but it was not conclusive. 

"The second sample has been sent to the pathologist to confirm it.

“Usually when we conduct such a urine screening, we will take two samples of the individual's urine, he told The Star. 

“If the first screening comes back as positive, then the second sample will be sent to the pathologist for verification. 

“The second sample has been sent to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital for verification,” he said.

"The lorry driver's statements have been taken and he has been released," he added.

When asked on the details of the accident, SDCP Acryl Sani said it was being investigated.

"We need to get all statements involved to check on the evidence to conclude what had happened," he said.

"We are in the process of getting statements from Karpal's driver," he added.

Sources also revealed that Karpal’s vehicle had about 15 outstanding summonses for speeding. 

The source revealed that the Toyota Alphard accumulated a total of 29 traffic summonses, of which 15 had not been settled.  

SDCP Acryl said the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. 

The Bukit Gelugor MP and veteran DAP leader was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with a five-tonne lorry near Gua Tempurung on the North South Expressway  early Thursday.

The impact of the crash at about 1am killed the prominent lawyer and his assistant, C. Michael, on the spot. Karpal's son, Ramkarpal, and the car's driver, C. Selvam, were injured.

Karpal's Indonesian domestic helper was also injured and is in critical condition.

He was on his way to Penang to attend a court case later in the day.

In 2005, Karpal was involved in an accident which left him paralysed and wheelchair-bound. He was returning to his home in Penang when a car hit his taxi at the rear.

Karpal graduated from University of Singapore and started his law practice before becoming a DAP politician in 1978.

He recently stepped down as DAP chairman pending his appeal against a sedition charge of uttering seditious words against the Sultan of Perak in 2009.

More news: http://www.thestar.com.my/Topics/2014/04/17/Karpal-Singh/

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In remembrance

Karpal with Tok Guru Nik Aziz

Karpal with Tunku Abdul Rahman

Karpal with Tun Dr Mahathir

Teresa Kok - Onederful CNY Video

It has become an unhealthy habit of certain politicians these days to exploit culture, religion & race for their political benefit. Seems like nothing is off limits. Everything is game. From temples to Chinese New Year & Wesak Day. All these occasions are used to spread their political message and sow hate towards the government & BN.

1. OK, I must admit some parts of the video is quite funny. hehehe... The actors actually played their parts well. But I also think it is done in bad taste, and certainly not befitting the occasion, which is Chinese New Year, a joyous celebration to wish everyone good things, not for you to mock others.

2. Most Malays seem to be vexed by the term "Ma Lai, Sei Lei Ah", erroneously thinking that "Ma Lai" refers to Malay, but in the context of the video, it is not. In the video, "Ma Lai"is spoken in Mandarin while "Sei Lei Ah" is spoken in Cantonese.

3. You see, people who are blinded by anger, are asking the wrong questions, because they are questioning the meaning of the words, instead of the right question, which is, "Why did she split the phrase into Mandarin & Cantonese?". Even Chinese themselves are giving the wrong answers... So much for superior Chinese education.

4. In Cantonese, Malaysia is pronounced like this, "Ma Loi Sei Ah". So if Cantonese is used, the whole phrase in the video would sound like this, "Ma Loi Sei Lei Ah", which can actually work in the video. If Teresa had used Cantonese for the whole phrase, the Malays would not fall into her trap! But she chose not to.... aha! Malays think the word "Sei" used here means "Die". Wrong.

In Cantonese, Malays (the race) is actually pronounced as "Ma Lai Yan", Malay People. So, she chose to use Mandarin pronunciation for "Ma Lai" instead, so that non Chinese-speaking people (non-Cantonese & Mandarin) will be confused and take it to mean Malays, instead of Malaysia. In Mandarin Malays is pronounced as "Ma Lai Ren"...

So, the phrase actually means "Malaysia is great!"... but in the video's context, used as a parody to mean the opposite.

The result is, to the Chinese, there is indeed no racial & religious connotation. But to the Malays, they feel offended because they are very sensitive to the word "Ma Lai". They get very suspicious whenever they hear that word being spoken by the Chinese. But in the context of the video, the target was not the Malay race & their religion.

Those mocked in the video:

1. Ng Yen Yen
2. Rosmah
3. Najib
4. Wee Ka Siong
5. MCA
6. MOE
7. Malaysian Government
... hmmm did I leave anybody out? hehehehe

Conclusion:

Was there malice by Teresa Kok in producing the video? Yes.
Was it done in bad taste? Yes.
Should Teresa Kok apologise? YES. 
Did she disrespect the Chinese New Year? Yes.
Did she insult the Malay people? No.

Were the demonstrators against the video wrong?
No, if their intention is to defend those mocked in the video: PM, Rosmah, the Government and MCA.
Yes, if they think the video insulted Malays & Islam.

Did the chickens died in vain? Yes, unfortunately.

I don't think DAP respects the Chinese culture, customs & traditions. They have, again, and again, used Chinese festivals, culture & temples for their own benefits, to sow hate among the Chinese.

Oh, I almost forgot. How come nobody raised what was said about MCA in the video? Something along the lines of, umm, being a traitor? :)

The response to Teresa's video.

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Malay NGOs protest Teresa Kok's CNY video

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Malay NGOs held a protest over the Chinese New Year greeting video of Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Pewaris secretariat member Zulkifli Sharif said the protest was held to slam chauvinistic leaders who were using current issues to run down Malay leaders and fan hatred against them.

The group of 50 were from Pewaris, Pekida and other bodies. They had gathered along Jalan Tun Perak in front of Menara Maybank at 2pm with banners, offering "RM500 reward" to anyone who would slap Kok and show proof of it.

The protest took a macabre turn when four chickens were slaughtered and their blood smeared on a poster with faces of Kok, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, Machang Bubuk MP Lee Khai Loon.

The group also gave out bunches of kangkung.

On Wednesday, Kok lodged a police report about alleged threats made against her over the controversial Onederful Malaysia CNY 2014 video clip.

In the video clip that Kok allegedly uploaded on YouTube on Jan 27, she acted as a feng shui talk show host and had “panellists” poke fun at various national issues, including the education system, rising cost of living, public safety and the foreign intrusion into Sabah in February last year.- SOURCE

Racist Doctors in Penang

Here's another example of politicians playing up racism... this time it's doctors. I don't need to go into details about this controversy because a search on google would provide countless reports. What I want to do in this post, is to highlight the actions of politicians and leaders who play up the people's sentiments.

I noticed a lot of racial and religious issues being played up lately. Most of these leaders are eager to portray themselves as champions of a particular community or religion. All are self-serving. The timing and frequency certainly looks suspicious.

Anyway, politicians and leaders should be very careful of their conduct. Today, it is no longer possible to absolve yourselves easily like the past. All your deeds, good or bad, will stay with you through life. 

It is about time the people took note and hold them accountable.

Datuk Roslan Saidin (BN - Pinang Tunggal) - Pix Source

This is the guy who first raised this issue. Later, a press conference was held to present the witnesses, or rather the patients who made those complaints. Frankly, this is the first time I've heard of his name. But he has managed to get his 5 minutes of fame... he must be very pleased with himself.

The 'victims' who claimed to have been racially insulted and discriminated. - Pix Source

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng & Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam - Pix Source

.....On July 3, Roslan told Penang Assembly sitting that the incidents involved six patients, two doctors from the Kepala Batas Hospital and one from the Seberang Jaya Hospital.

However, Roslan did not provide any evidence nor officially complained to the ministry.

Lim said he has urged Subramaniam to sack and bar the doctors from practising medicine if the allegation of racism is true as the doctors have violated the Hippocratic oath of treating all humanity regardless of race, gender and religion.

He said Subramaniam had now informed that there was no racism involving doctors......

- SOURCE

.... Datuk Roslan Saidin, Umno’s Pinang Tunggal assembly member, had during a recently concluded state assembly meeting earlier this month alleged that some Chinese doctors in government hospitals in the state were discriminating against non-Chinese patients while meting out medical treatment.

Roslan however, did not give any details when pressed by Pakatan Rakyat executive councillors and backbenchers for information on the hospitals and the doctors that were supposedly involved. Following pressure in the media to back up his claim, Roslan held a press conference on Monday where he produced a few patients who claimed they had been ill-treated at two government hospitals in the state, without specifying racism in the alleged treatment....

- SOURCE

So far, the Health Minister has found no evidence to substantiate the claims. The real issue here is the professionalism of doctors, but it has been portrayed as a racial issue. However, if indeed their claim is true, then action must be taken. Racism has no place in the medical profession. If the doctors were found to be unprofessional, they should be punished as well.

Patients who encounter such unprofessional and unethical conduct from doctors should lodge reports with the medical board or relevant authorities. There are indeed many doctors who are unprofessional and unethical. These black sheeps of the medical profession should be dealt with sternly. It would also send a clear message to aspiring and junior doctors to be mindful of their conduct.

If one does not have passion for the job and lacking compassion, they should not become doctors. Don't waste public resources and public trust by betraying the Hippocratic oath.

Jonker Walk - close or open? MCA or DAP?

Pix Source

Jonker Walk: Small protests but business as usual at tourist spot

MALACCA: It was business as usual Friday night at the iconic Jonker Walk night market despite the new ruling to allow cars in.

Motorists were diverted from entering the tourist spot at 5pm by traffic policemen and officers from the Malacca Historic City Council.

Other motorists were turned away by a small protests staged by the MCA and DAP, with some shouting “Save Jonker Walk” and holding placards.

Traders and hawkers opened their stalls as usual. Others formed a human barricade to prevent motorists from using the pedestrian mall.

The council's officers also refrained from taking action against the traders and kept watch from a distance.

A brief stand-off came as leaders from the political parties claimed credit of trying to save Jonker Walk.

“Where was DAP 13 years ago, you're the first to oppose when Jonker made its debut,” shouted an MCA leader.

A pandemonium was triggered when several traders shouted at motorists who had parked their vehicles during operating hours.

The situation eased when Kota Melaka MCA Youth deputy chief Dr Yee Kok Wah was seen directing cars out of the area.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang delivered a speech at a makeshift stage.

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Jonker Walk: Don't turn it into Jonker Highway, says Nazri Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz wants the entire stretch of the Jonker Walk night market to be closed to traffic.

"It's called Jonker Walk so pedestrians walk not only was on sidewalks, but also on the road itself.

"There's no reason to rethink this after 13 years. Jonker Walk has been around for 13 years and it's not going to be beneficial if it's open to vehicles.

"I've met with the Chief Minister (Datuk Idris Haron), he said it was a trial run as there were requests for the roads to be open to traffic.

"However, after four weeks (of trial period), I hope it will be closed. Jonker Walk is a Malacca must-see. Don't play the blame game if tourists no longer visit Jonker Walk after it is open to traffic," he said.

Looks like the circus is in town. Is this the way we do things from now on? It's like there's a certain formula they subscribe to. Here's the steps:

1. Raise an issue. Sometimes out of the blue. Popular choices are race, religion and education.
2. The 'bad guy' talks tough with supporters cheering him on.
3. 'Good guy' (sometimes two) comes out with guns blazing, defending the poor 'victims'.
4. Protest! Publicity!
5. The 'bad guy' gives some lame excuse. Popular examples are 'misquoted', 'misunderstanding', 'denial' or 'conspiracy', etc.
6. 'Good guy' becomes hero. 'Victims' show appreciation via testimonial in the mass media.
7. After 100 days, people forget.
8. Go to number 1 and repeat cycle.

It's like watching reruns.

I mean seriously, if there's really a traffic problem, then work it out and come up with a solution. Don't tell me the previous CM didn't discover this traffic problem after more than 10 years. And this new CM, on his first day of work, arrived late because he couldn't take the faster route through Jonker Street? So the next day, he decided to open the road to traffic and he was punctual ever since...

But isn't Jonker Street closed to traffic at night for the night market?

Anyway, it seems quite popular among locals and tourists. Check out what travellers have to say on Trip Advisor.