ONE of the most lucid things I’ve read above the din of the political fiasco in Perak is Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s statement about respecting Sultan Azlan Shah’s decision. Following the Perak Ruler’s decision, the PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar, who is himself of royal lineage, said, “I don’t question the […]
Islamic authorities in crisis?
By Shanon ShahWHEN the National Fatwa Council issued two successive fatwas in late 2008 banning tomboys and yoga, outcry from the Malaysian public was palpable. Tomboys sneered, youth collectives protested, and Muslim yoga practitioners posed in defence. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the National Fatwa Council, and even Inspector General of […]
MB’s advisors will not make decisions
By Deborah LohChang Ko Youn and S Veerasingam IPOH, 12 Feb 2009: The two non-elected representatives who were appointed as special advisors with executive councillor status in the new Barisan Nasional (BN) Perak government will not sit in exco meetings nor will they make decisions. One of the new appointees, Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn, […]
PR will give up official residence and cars
By Deborah LohIPOH, 12 Feb 2009: Pakatan Rakyat is going to give up the Perak Menteri Besar’s official residence and the official cars used by executive councillors — two symbols they have clung on to as evidence of the Pakatan state government’s legitimacy. However, embattled Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said doing so did […]
Poll: Sultan’s decision contrary to people’s will
By Zedeck Siew(© Sanja Gjenero / sxc.hu) PETALING JAYA, 12 Feb 2009: A new poll has found that the Perak Ruler’s decision not to call for snap elections to solve the political imbroglio in the state is unpopular with Perakians. A total 62% of a 507-voter sample polled by the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research felt that […]
Abolish ISA among UNHCR recommendations
By Zedeck SiewPETALING JAYA, 12 Feb 2009: An international panel has urged Malaysia to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and establish an independent oversight mechanism for police conduct. In the inaugural review of Malaysia’s human rights report card, the United Nations Human Rights Council panel in its draft report also recommended that the Human Rights Commission […]
The test in Bukit Gantang
by Sharon Tan(© Stillgray / flickr) KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) will face an uphill battle in the upcoming Bukit Gantang by-election, with the played-up “derhaka” issue not expected to be sustainable. “It will be a test case of whether there is more Hang Jebat or Hang Tuah,” said political analyst Khoo Kay Peng. He said the […]
Pensiangan, the 5th by-election?
by Chan Kok Leong(© Badly Drawn Dad / flickr) KUALA LUMPUR: It’s the season for by-elections, and Pensiangan (P182) could make it five since last year’s general election when the court makes its ruling this week. The High Court had ruled last September that the election of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup to the Sabah seat was null and […]
Remember, we are one
By Jacqueline Ann SurinANWAR Fazal is no stranger to civil society. The multiple award-winning consumer, health, environment, human rights and social activist is recognised both nationally and internationally. Anwar, who turns 68 in 2009, is the founder and one of the movers of numerous citizen movements including the Consumers Association of Penang, International Baby Food Action Network, Health […]
Commodified elected reps
By KW MakTHE joke in town now is that everyone should join the political parties DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) for a RM10 fee, run for office, and then wait for the big payoff. Both parties deserve to be the butt of such jokes since the fall of the Pakatan Rakyat government in Perak was due […]
