KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2009: The Election Commission (EC) is spending about RM1.5 million to conduct the three by-elections tomorrow, in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency in Perak and the state constituencies of Bukit Selambau in Kedah and Batang Ai in Sarawak, the Dewan Negara was told today. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk […]
Current Issues
Dr M begins campaigning (Updated 2.20pm)
By Deborah LohUpdated 2.20pm, 6 April 2009 TAIPING, 6 April 2009: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad started campaigning for the Barisan Nasional (BN) today, beginning in Bukit Gantang. Mahathir endorsed Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister and Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak menteri besar. He said the BN-installed government in […]
“Team” campaign by independent candidates
SUNGAI PETANI, 6 April 2009: With one more day to go before polling tomorrow in the Bukit Selambau state by-election, three of the 13 independent candidates conducted their campaign and “ceramah” (talk) together today. A Jayagopal (who has the umbrella for his symbol), Abdul Rahim Abu (clock)and Radzi Mat Lazim (chair) delivered their message to […]
Politics and economics under Najib
By Zedeck Siew(Najib image source: cidb.gov.my) WHILE there was some effort to stall the inevitable, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has resigned, and Datuk Seri Najib Razak is now prime minister. His ascension coincides with troubled times. Najib appears to be viewing the challenges he will face in office as an opportunity. Malaysia’s sixth prime minister encourages […]
Nizar’s continuing campaign
By Deborah LohIN the final days before voters go to the polls in Bukit Gantang, PAS candidate Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin appears to have changed tack in his campaign. The first few days after the 29 April nomination day, colourful photo-ops of Nizar were aplenty. Frying char kway teow as he wooed Chinese Malaysian voters. Mending […]
200 join BN in Kedah
BUKIT SELAMBAU, 5 April 2009: With less than 48 hours to the Bukit Selambau by-election, more than 200 members from an opposition party have decided to quit and join the Barisan Nasional (BN). While Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed last night that 6,000 People’s Progressive Party (PPP) members have joined […]
Which way in Batang Ai?
LUBOK ANTU, 5 April 2009: It is now almost time to wrap up the campaigning in Batang Ai, but the precious days before Tuesday are still being milked to the fullest by both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). The BN’s flagbearer is engineer Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, 49, who is taking on […]
Mafrel: Irregularities in by-elections
By Shanon ShahSUNGAI PETANI, 5 Apr 2009: Election watchdog Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) have found irregularities in the electoral roll for the three upcoming by-elections. Additionally, Mafrel’s findings of doubtful voters in the Bukit Selambau by-elections tally closely with estimates given by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) last week. Mafrel’s electoral roll verification (ERV) exercise […]
13 ISA detainees freed (Updated 7.33pm)
Updated at 7.33pm, 5 April 2009 R Kenghadharan of Hindraf waving to supporters as he was brought out of Kamunting detention centre at 1.20pm today. Kenghadharan had been under ISA detention since December 2007 (Pic by Raj Kumar, courtesy of theSun) TAIPING, 5 April 2009: All the 13 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees who were […]
Kuala Sepetang land swap with KTMB
KUALA SEPETANG, 5 April 2009: The Perak government has agreed with the Transport Ministry’s proposal for a swap to solve the protracted land issue faced by those staying on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) land here. “We are looking for suitable land for KTMB and this matter will be discussed further,” said Barisan Nasional-backed Menteri […]

