(ATM pic public domain / Wiki Commons) PARLIAMENT’S suspension of Puchong legislator Gobind Singh Deo‘s allowances and benefits for a year is revealing. That Gobind, who has filed a suit against his suspension, is an opposition Member of Parliament (MP) makes the whole exercise more telling. The episode betrays a mindset about the concept of […]
Deborah Loh
Constitutional changes for PKR
By Deborah LohPETALING JAYA, 9 June 2009: Sweeping changes to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s constitution, including direct elections for the top leadership and a nine-year limit on the presidency, will be voted on this Saturday, 13 June, at a special congress. Another key amendment that will be put to a vote is a 30% quota for women […]
“Unity talks don’t mean PAS will join Umno”
By Deborah LohSHAH ALAM, 7 June 2009: PAS is out to convince its Pakatan Rakyat (PR) partners that unity talks with Umno will not dilute the Islamist party’s commitment to the opposition. The controversial proposal will be raised at the next PR presidential council which is attended by the heads of PAS, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and […]
PAS’s next step
By Deborah Loh and Shanon ShahTowels with “PAS for all” slogans MUCH has been made about PAS’s 55th muktamar (annual general assembly) and the elections tomorrow, 5 June 2009, as a battle between the conservatives, represented by the ulama, and the moderates or professionals. But labels aside, the issue at hand is about PAS’s future. And the muktamar which begins […]
“Increased police presence at elections wasteful”
By Deborah LohPETALING JAYA: 1 June 2009: Increased police presence during the by-elections since the March 2008 general election is both unnecessary and wasteful, the National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI) said. NIEI executive director Amin Iskandar said the trend of deploying large numbers of police officers to a by-election only appeared to begin after the general […]
EGM to decide on PAS Supporters Club
By Deborah LohPETALING JAYA, 28 May 2009: The PAS Supporters Club will not be promoted to a wing at the party muktamar (general assembly) which starts on 5 June. Instead, the matter is likely to be decided at an emergency assembly to be held later this year. If PAS admits the club as a dewan or wing, […]
Zambry is rightful Perak MB (Updated 4.25pm)
By Deborah LohUpdated 4.25pm, 22 May 2009 Nizar (left) and Zambry PUTRAJAYA, 22 May 2009: The Court of Appeal here today allowed Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir’s appeal to overturn the High Court’s decision declaring Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful Perak menteri besar (MB). In a unanimous decision, Justice Datuk Md Raus Shariff, […]
Chua made BN chief coordinator for PR states
By Deborah LohKUALA LUMPUR, 18 May 2009: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has been given a newly-created post in Barisan Nasional — that of the coalition’s chief coordinator. The post will require him to oversee the four states — Kelantan, Kedah, Penang and Selangor — which are under Pakatan Rakyat (PR) rule, said […]
Najib defers Perak crisis talks with PR
By Deborah LohKUALA LUMPUR, 18 May 2009: After his initial offer to meet Pakatan Rakyat over the Perak political impasse, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak now wants to wait for the matter to be decided in court. Najib said only after the court made its ruling on Perak’s lawful menteri besar would Barisan Nasional (BN) be […]
BN not contesting in Penanti (Updated 7.57pm)
By Deborah LohUpdated 7.57pm, 18 May 2009 KUALA LUMPUR, 18 May 2009: Barisan Nasional will not contest the Penanti by-election which it deems a “political game” by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the BN supreme council had unanimously decided against contesting the 31 May by-election today on the grounds that the […]
