ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI POWER TRANSITION THAT MAY NOT HOLD THE POWER TO LAST IT LONG

After weeks of sabbatical leave, Malaysia political atmosphere, landscape and games are still very much the same since my last writing. Although none is bigger then the Anwar Ibrahim and his so-called prelude and pre-attempt, big-talked saga of a then, failed taking over of the government; the current political and power citations and intimidations within the largest political party in Malaysia, UMNO is the HOTTEST TALK and one that is most eagerly awaited outcome that behold and beneath the thoughts of almost all Malaysians. And it is none other than the revisiting of the subject ‘power transition’ that had been agreed upon earlier between the ‘numero uno’ not so-beloved Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Tun Razak. The decision that now has been challenged by all sorts of reasons by members of UMNO highest ranked decision making committee, which is the Majlis Tertinggi or UMNO Supreme Council.

The transition idea which had been formulated by both Abdullah and Najib ages ago, now seems to be made just days earlier and such is very much subjected to some scrutinise and changes.

While Anwar Ibrahim and his broking of lies may have played a role in getting Abdullah again on the hot pan, the sentiments and the indirect cynical jesters made by some of the ruling Barisan Nasional’s component members,  plus Tun Mahathir’s constance disgust of Abdullah persona and administration,  and the urgent needs of many Malays individuals and Organizations for a better and capable leader to lead Malaysia, and too the economic fundamental standing of Malaysia which kept Malaysians guessing and foreigners running, were of the biggest factors in keeping the pan still burning as well.

But the turning point or point of no return for some of the voiced dissatisfaction over the ‘UMNO transition plan’ came in after the sudden volcanic aftermath of uncensored and unstoppable crystal clear statement made by the now seemingly guardian of UMNO, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. It was then widely reported that some key and prominent UMNO supreme council members had requested for the transition to be made happened as soon as possible; begging, urging and rationalising Abdullah with reasons ranging from the despair Anwar Ibrahim, BN’s unity, UMNO solidarity to even the upcoming 13^th National Election. And for every reason the reply given by Abdullah was still the same. And for whatever the purpose and power of a Majlis Tertinggi or a Supreme Council before and thereafter, to enact such a reasonable proposal in such a desperate and needed time, looks anything but happening and most probably would better be done through other means and channels.

But the means are only there IF Najib is to say YES. While it took Tun Mahathir to start the ball rolling and Muhyiddin and his Johoreans cronies to flush it to the public and to 3.2 mils UMNO members; the key is without doubt, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak. But only if he is brave enough to say YES.

To undo the already agreed ‘Transition of power’ is now left to the only available and rightly channel, which is the upcoming UMNO general election. And sensing the same, Abdullah now is hurrying himself catching up to some state’s division leaders. He has been making himself ‘the people president’ once again with recent visits and opening fasts in Perak and Selangor. And more is sure to come.

One thing for sure, the games played over this transition issue by Abdullah, Najib, some very strong and key UMNO highest ranking members, and political accomplishes or brokers; are more than what meet the eyes. Meetings and brokering are happening at almost every corner and turn each day.

The chances are, coming this UMNO Election; Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will still be the president of UMNO and Prime Minister of Malaysia. But most probably the transition will happen earlier than the propose 2010 after all.

More to come.

UP TO RELEVANT AGENCIES TO INVESTIGATE TUN MAHATHIR, SAYS ABDULLAH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today it was up to the relevant agency or department to take appropriate action on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for alleged interference in the administration of justice when he was prime minister, if the allegations were true. He said any allegation or accusation backed by proof would be considered by the agency or department concerned for investigation and action. "If proven...we must not close eyes (and) say cannot (take action). If proven that it is (known), the matter must be considered by the government, important departments and agencies and if investigative action is needed, severe action must be taken. "That is the approach we take for everyone," he said. Abdullah said this to reporters after being asked about DAP chairman Karpal Singh calling on Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to direct investigations into reports lodged against Dr Mahathir for alleged interference in the administration of justice.

This is actually the kind of episode we dont really need in such the political period as now, in Malaysia; when and while other countries (especially the US and OIC nations) are pulling their eyes closely onto our lids. Watching to put holes of opportunities unto our soil for that unseen agendas of theirs. PM Abdullah and Tun Mahathir had this long over-due poker game to settle, and now it seems, the cards are all about to open. This duel between two mega-maniac UMNO personalities, is much expected and has long been waited by many celebrity-like leaders especially those from the newly-formed PAKATAN RAKYAT. But Abdullah, to instruct agencies to investigate Tun Mahathir is a game made by a looser not a fighter. Im sure if Tun wants to open the well secretly kept black-diaries of all and each UMNO leaders during his 22 years as the Boss; he would had UMNO tumbling down, even worst, the government of Malaysia. But then again, im sure he wont do that, because he was much part of the scam too then. But does Tun Mahathir Mohamad has anything to lose? Maybe NOT, but his sons (political and business-like) would. Although, i do disagree with some of the actions (and bilingual stands) taken by Tun against the very institution (UMNO) he once built and moulded accordingly to his own successful standards and wishes; the very reason for Tun to do so and burning all bridges with PM Abdullah, is the very same reason shared and echoed by majority of the Rakyat (and UMNO members). But to some UMNO leaders whom, so damned worried by the relentless character assassinations by Tun on Abdullah Badawi (their Boss and President) and to take all arms against the former PM, is SOMEWHAT SURPRISING (and amusing) to me, since CHARACTER ASSASSINATION seems to be their best ever traits as UMNO politicians all this while. Bombarding whoever they like, whenever they want. KILLING not just those unfortunate others, rice and bowl (living), but also the killing-blow punches of MORALE AND FAMILY ATTACKS. Those UMNO leaders were HEARTLESS then, laughing at others that succumbed to their feet. But now the HEATS look too much to handle. Coming from an 80 years ol' heart-operated breathless Ol' HERO (a villain too) by the name Tun Mahathir, whom used to be among them; now against them. But trust me, Tun Mahathir is not without allies, both in and outside UMNO. The best thing for Abdullah Badawi to do now is to wait for the UMNO election, and let UMNO decides. If he came out victorious, he then can shoves everything back into Mahathir's mouth. But if he lost, he might as well bring his son in law Khairy Jamaludin together with him, before the Ol' Man Tun Mahathir and the Rakyat and band of traitors of his so-called YES-MEN in UMNO, start another unforgiving chapter of character assassinations. Any way it may goes (win or lose), Abdullah is still the biggest looser.

DONT REPEAT 1988 DEBACLE SAID AHMAD SHABERY

KUALA LUMPUR: The debacle that saw Umno being declared illegal in 1988 during the leadership of former prime minister and Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not be allowed to be repeated.

As such, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek suggested that Dr Mahathir be careful when making public statements. "I feel it would be appropriate if Tun (Dr Mahathir) exercised more caution in making statements because we don't want the demise, destruction and de-registration of Umno that occurred during his leadership to be repeated," he said after attending the Information Ministry's monthly assembly for the first time at Wisma Radio in Angkasapuri here yesterday. Ahmad Shabery said during the former prime minister's leadership, many regulations were imposed, including a resolution that there should be no contest for the president and deputy president's posts.
"There was no contest (for the president's and deputy president's posts) after 1987 but now he is saying it is undemocratic. The Malays have not forgotten all these things but maybe Dr Mahathir has forgotten. "I am sad to bring up these things but the openness in Pak Lah's era should not be taken advantage of." At one time, he said, Umno supreme council members couldn't even be challenged in their divisions. Division chiefs in Kelantan also couldn't be opposed when Dr Mahathir was the state Umno liaison head, he said. Ahmad Shabery added that the former Umno president had also reminded delegates at the Umno general assembly in 1997 that any criticism of the party and its leadership could only be made through party branches, divisions and the supreme council. "This is because if everyone starts criticising and condemning one another from outside the party, it will destroy the party. I worry if this happens, he (Dr Mahathir) will be the one considered to have destroyed Umno." On calls to convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to brainstorm Umno's dismal showing in the general election, he said Dr Mahathir should not conclude that grassroots members were angry. "We will see which branch wants to hold an EGM. Actually, there were no problems with the grassroots during the general election. "The kampung folk in the agriculture sector were very happy with the high prices of rubber and oil palm. Only people living in urban areas voted against us." He added that in the 1999 general election, the anger of the grassroots was aimed at Dr Mahathir's leadership. However, he did not step down. He said more Malay voters rejected Umno and Barisan Nasional in the 1999 general election compared with the March 8 elections. Ahmad Shabery also said he was disappointed with Dr Mahathir's comments as during his leadership, many Umno leaders were detained under the Internal Security Act as they were seen as threats to national security. In actual fact, they were threats to his leadership.

Why is that KEMENTERIAN PENERANGAN (Information Ministry) always, I SAID ALWAYS, becomes the KEMENTERIAN PENERANGAN for the sake and purpose of PROTECTING its Prime Minister (of his doings), both in WORDS and ACTIONS. It has been too long too many years and of too many MAKESHIFT HEROES put in charged of this ONE SECULAR SIDE MINDED ministry, yet with only one same ol' visible power-that-be and obvious mission, which is the POWER TO PROTECT the BOSS. In whatever way it may look like, whatever face it may flashes on the tv screen; the script and screenplay are always the same. Its like shooting different scenes of different movies at different locations BUT with the same ol' title and tired genre. Ahmad Shabery may be honest enough in inviting BLOGGERS to come forward (surrendering themselves in a way) for his cute bunny-like conferencing etc. He may be bold enough (as the new kid on the govt block) to spell all the wrongdoings of the former and famous PM Tun Mahathir Mohamad. But his direction and directive (given by the boss) are CLEAR enough for everyone to see. He is DOING IT for his boss, although he may argue about the interpretations labeled by others; the fact cant be denied. And as much as he wanted to, talking about the bad and ugly of Tun Mahathir's era of secular-directive, power-chuckling administration; he is proving TO BE DOING EXACTLY THE SAME, albeit for a different boss in the like of PM Abdullah. Its good to know at last, what Tun Mahathir really looked like when Tun was in power, but (Shabery) to be dared to voice it out NOW, is a question of where and what Ahmad Shabery was then, when all the things he spoken of about Tun during Tun's era (and Ahmad Shabery's dyas too), happened? If such arrogance done against the wishes of many, against the very clear conscious of the Malays and UMNO members (and majority leaders), by one person Tun Mahathir Mohamad, THEN why afraid of voicing it out when it did happens. If there is anything to lose by then (of Ahmad Shabery), it was of only his position (jawatan) in UMNO, but he would subsequently then gained respects and supports from the Malays particularly UMNO members for such bravery acted against. Why not STAND UP AND SHOUT ABOUT IT then? WHY NOW, when things have passed, time has gone, Tun is no longer in control of UMNO and the government? Why be the HERO when the VILLAIN is already counting days and breathes? Where is the SINCERITY? Whats the CATCH? Is there much to LOSE then but so much to GAIN now? Ahmad Shabery is only strengthening the fact that WHEN YOU ARE UP THERE AMONG THE ELITE IN UMNO (WHAT MORE WITH POSITION IN THE CABINET), THERES MUCH TO CONCERN ABOUT THE 'PERIUK NASI' (RICE BOWL) RATHER THAN THE PARTY MAIN OBJECTIVES AND THE MALAYS HOPES.
Ahmad Shabery should be more CONCERNED about Malay LOSING FAITH in UMNO rather than Tun Mahathir losing faith in PM Abdullah. And he can do himself a favor by searching the Rakyat grouses and complains on UMNO and its leadership especially PM Abdullah, before wasting time, commenting that the Rakyats are OKAY and not ANGRY.

DR MAHATHIR: KU LI HAS NO BACKING

KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is unlikely to win the Umno presidency, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"To be elected Umno president, you need support from 60 divisions. And I cannot imagine 60 divisions backing him," Dr Mahathir said yesterday. "I cannot see as many as 60 divisions being brave enough to support Ku Li."

UMNO doesn't NEED 60 divisions. UMNO needs only ONE division to let the world knows that SINGLE MINDED and SELFISH and IRRESPONSIBLE leader MUST be changed. And so far, we haven't seen even one UMNO division what more asking for 60 to start the ball rolling. And Tun Mahathir does not need to figure out WHY. He created those INTIMIDATING and AFRAID culture during his time as the Prime Minister and President of UMNO. The current leaders only made it even BETTER and DISASTROUS.