Biro Tatanegara indoctrinating civil servants against minority Malaysians

Anwar trains his sights on 1 Malaysia

Opposition icon Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ripped into the Najib administration’s 1 Malaysia concept, calling it cosmetic and nothing more than a bald-faced political move to try and win back support from non-Malays.

…
Other opposition politicians have questioned what 1 Malaysia really means but Anwar gutted the whole concept, pointing out that Najib’s comments about unity and togetherness are only for public consumption.

Behind the scenes, the Biro Tatanegara (BTN) is still continuing their indoctrination programmes for Malay civil servants and politicians, telling Malays to be wary of Chinese and Indians.

Anwar’s attack on the 1 Malaysia concept also betrays a growing uneasiness among the opposition on Barisan Nasional’s charm offensive to regain the support of non-Malay voters, the segment of voters who since Election 2008 have become a reliable vote bank for Pakatan Rakyat.

The support among Chinese and Indians for the opposition has grown steadily since March 8 last year as a result of frustration over excesses of Umno, abuses under the New Economic Policy and lack of respect for the rights of non-Malays.

Faced with the real possibility of losing more ground with this important constituency and sensing that the fracture of race relations was reaching a dangerous stage, Najib’s team cobbled together the 1 Malaysia platform.

It has yet to be fleshed out but the concept promotes the idea that all Malaysians should feel as one and that no one will be left behind, regardless of race and religion.

The new administration has also liberalised the financial services sector and attempted to solve the thorny issues of conversion of children to Islam when marriages breakdown.

Nothing has been said about dismantling the NEP or spelling out how equality can be achieved among Malaysians with the main architecture of affirmative action is still in place and the Malay-centric civil service calling the shots at implementation stage.

In his latest blog posting, Anwar noted that Umno called Pakatan Rakyat the tool of the Chinese and also hammered the DAP as a chauvinist party for its Malaysian Malaysia concept.

“Now finding that the support of Chinese and Indians to Umno-BN is dropping drastically, we hear the slogan 1 Malaysia being used.

“If we delve more deeply into this concept, we find that what is practised is only cosmetic or botox. The liberalisation is only to win over rich Chinese entrepreneurs but will have no impact on the projects and contracts of their cronies,” he said, adding that more pressing issues of leakages, transparency and corruption were not addressed under the 1 Malaysia slogan.

In contrast, he noted the Malaysian Economic Agenda promoted by Pakatan Rakyat focused on what was good for the common man, especially the underprivileged Malay-Bumiputeras, Chinese and Indians.

Anwar wondered how it was possible to talk about 1 Malaysia when the reality on the ground was so different. He zoomed in on the courses run by BTN, a unit in the Prime Minister’s Department.

In the mainstream media the talk is about unity under 1 Malaysia but in the BTN courses they push narrow Malay interests and slam politicians like Anwar and PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat for working with other races, Anwar said.

He wondered why BTN blamed other races and not the big criminals and corrupt individuals who have caused Malays to face hardship after 50 years of Umno rule.

Read:

Najib has no public support

MCA tells Hishammuddin not to distort history for political mileage

Malaysian history being distorted by Barisan Nasional government

Muhyiddin told to be grateful to voters, not ask voters to be grateful to him

Najib’s One Malaysia concept – an idea he took from Anwar Ibrahim

• Najib and high-powered team (Muhyiddin, Hishammuddin, Zahid, Mahathir) dealt a bruising rebuke in polls
• Najib and high-powered team (Mahathir, Zahid, Hishammuddin, Muhyiddin) lose referendum

Najib’s ascension marked by government crackdown on Umno political opponents and on free speech

 

Najib starts crackdown on opposition

 

Umno graft worsens, faces political doom

 Malaysians (including Dr Mahathir) have no confidence in Umno leaders

Zaid Ibrahim urges King to appoint some who is beyond reproach to be PM, not Najib

 

Umno corrupt: survey

Najib’s stimulus package comes too late, fails to impress market

MACC closes in on …. Azalina

Badawi And Najib’s Silence On Umno Youth Thuggery In Parliament Highlight Umno’s Lack Of Credible Leadership

The likes of Umno Youth thugs turning Malaysia into a banana republic

Umno duo want full investigation into Umno graft allegations including Badawi and Najib

Umno-Led Barisan Nasional On The Way DownWith The New Crop Of Uninspiring Leadership

The Unethics Of Umno – The Utter Hypocrisy Of Umno

Malaysia going to the dogs with our ethical levels does not improve

Umno’s ‘defence’ of Perak Sultan raises suspicion

Malaysians disgusted with Barisan Nasional power grab in Perak

Barisan Nasional’s NEP retards national unity, investment and economic efficiency

Only 41% think Najib will be a good prime minister

50 Umno members protest against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s arrest of party members

Najib, ill-placed to change UMNO, a party that lives on patronage and claims to represent the core interests of majority Malay community

Umno’s humiliation at Kuala Terengganu, the beginning of the end

Umno party-ful of carpet-baggers and ne’er-do-wells still clueless to Malaysian’s rejection

Corrupt, callous and incompetent Barisan Nasional becoming more irrelevant in the new Malaysia political landscape

Barisan Nasional’s pork-barrel politics fail to win Kuala Terengganu

Umno politicians polarizing society to score political mileage

Zaid urges Malays to be wary of leaders who use the name of Malays for political mileage

Dr. Mahathir disgusted that Umno cannot control racism, says Ahmad Ismail should face disciplinary committee

Barisan Nasional government has done poorly in fulfilling Malaysia’s Independence proclamation

Umno – money politics reach worrying levels

Umno conservatives stalling reforms

Umno hegemony is under threat, Malays are not under threat

Umno is a nest of conspirators

Umno lacks intellectual capability, courage, energy to lead

Umno on the way down

Umno rife with corruption

Umno’s formula – turn everything racial

Umno’s day is over until it learns to respect Malaysian people with more dignity

 

Barisan’s Permatang Pauh loss was due to swearing by Saiful and Najib

Barisan’s ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Badawi faces calls to quit after Najib’s botched and ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Najib flees from angry crowd at Permatang Pauh

Umno’s Mukhriz defends NEP that specifically benefits Malays

Mukhriz stands firm on NEP

Datuk Mukhriz Mohammad today stressed that he will defend the New Economic Policy (NEP) even though the government plans to liberalise the country’s economy.

…
“I feel that we should not be too nervous that the New Economic Policy will bit by bit be loosened. I am one of those who have always promoted NEP before I become a minister.

“So it is certain that I will defend (the NEP) because I truly believe that this policy has brought development to all of us and even though it specifically benefits the Malays…

Read:

Will Umno find its Merdeka soul ?

Read:

Najib has no public support

MCA tells Hishammuddin not to distort history for political mileage

Malaysian history being distorted by Barisan Nasional government

Muhyiddin told to be grateful to voters, not ask voters to be grateful to him

Najib’s One Malaysia concept – an idea he took from Anwar Ibrahim

• Najib and high-powered team (Muhyiddin, Hishammuddin, Zahid, Mahathir) dealt a bruising rebuke in polls
• Najib and high-powered team (Mahathir, Zahid, Hishammuddin, Muhyiddin) lose referendum

Najib’s ascension marked by government crackdown on Umno political opponents and on free speech

 

Najib starts crackdown on opposition

 

Umno graft worsens, faces political doom

 Malaysians (including Dr Mahathir) have no confidence in Umno leaders

Zaid Ibrahim urges King to appoint some who is beyond reproach to be PM, not Najib

 

Umno corrupt: survey

Najib’s stimulus package comes too late, fails to impress market

MACC closes in on …. Azalina

Badawi And Najib’s Silence On Umno Youth Thuggery In Parliament Highlight Umno’s Lack Of Credible Leadership

The likes of Umno Youth thugs turning Malaysia into a banana republic

Umno duo want full investigation into Umno graft allegations including Badawi and Najib

Umno-Led Barisan Nasional On The Way DownWith The New Crop Of Uninspiring Leadership

The Unethics Of Umno – The Utter Hypocrisy Of Umno

Malaysia going to the dogs with our ethical levels does not improve

Umno’s ‘defence’ of Perak Sultan raises suspicion

Malaysians disgusted with Barisan Nasional power grab in Perak

Barisan Nasional’s NEP retards national unity, investment and economic efficiency

Only 41% think Najib will be a good prime minister

50 Umno members protest against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s arrest of party members

Najib, ill-placed to change UMNO, a party that lives on patronage and claims to represent the core interests of majority Malay community

Umno’s humiliation at Kuala Terengganu, the beginning of the end

Umno party-ful of carpet-baggers and ne’er-do-wells still clueless to Malaysian’s rejection

Corrupt, callous and incompetent Barisan Nasional becoming more irrelevant in the new Malaysia political landscape

Barisan Nasional’s pork-barrel politics fail to win Kuala Terengganu

Umno politicians polarizing society to score political mileage

Zaid urges Malays to be wary of leaders who use the name of Malays for political mileage

Dr. Mahathir disgusted that Umno cannot control racism, says Ahmad Ismail should face disciplinary committee

Barisan Nasional government has done poorly in fulfilling Malaysia’s Independence proclamation

Umno – money politics reach worrying levels

Umno conservatives stalling reforms

Umno hegemony is under threat, Malays are not under threat

Umno is a nest of conspirators

Umno lacks intellectual capability, courage, energy to lead

Umno on the way down

Umno rife with corruption

Umno’s formula – turn everything racial

Umno’s day is over until it learns to respect Malaysian people with more dignity

 

Barisan’s Permatang Pauh loss was due to swearing by Saiful and Najib

Barisan’s ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Badawi faces calls to quit after Najib’s botched and ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Najib flees from angry crowd at Permatang Pauh

Will Umno find its Merdeka soul ?

Struggle for the soul of Umno

THE real political battle currently being waged in Malaysia is not between Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional. The real conflict is in fact within Umno, a struggle between different concepts of Malay identity and leadership – one being more narrow-minded and ex­clusive and the other, more open and plural.

Indeed, it is arguable that the same dynamic also exists in the current internal PAS polls as Malay nationalists and ultras within the movement seek to head off the ambitious centrists who have taken the Islamist party firmly into the mainstream with its “PAS for all” tagline. 

PAS’ move to expand beyond the Malay heartlands has caught Umno on the defensive.

For many Umno ministers, the sight of local Chinese communities in Bukit Gantang proudly displaying PAS flags has brought home to them the extent of their missteps.

Certainly, Umno is in danger of becoming what PAS once was (and still is in much of Terengganu) – a shrill and extremist fringe Malay organisation that scares the non-Malays.

However, as I write, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is veering in a direction that will win the approval and support of “Middle Malaysia”.

But this contest is by no means over because there are many within the ruling Umno elite who dislike the idea of an Umno that seeks to win the support of non-Malays rather than consolidating the Malay ground.

For them the idea of Malay unity and indeed Malay dominance stands above all else, thereby minimising the relevance and importance of other communities.

Needless to say, this is a backward and regressive political strategy and it rejects electoral realities on the ground.

Currently, only some 70 Peninsular Malaysian federal constituencies have Malay-Muslim majorities of over 66%. A further 44 have Malay-Muslim majorities of between 50 and 66% and are considered “mixed”. Finally, another 51 constituencies which are predominantly non-Malay.

In the March 2008 general election, the BN secured 25 of the mixed seats, 45 of the Malay seats and 15 of the non-Malay seats.

However, given the recent by-election results and if a general election was to be held today, the BN would see its non-Malay seats totally wiped out, the mixed seats reduced to under 10 and thus, delivering the power at the Federal level to Pakatan Rakyat.

Tactically, a push into “Middle Malaysia” would seem to offer the greatest potential for the BN to keep itself in government, especially since many of Sabah and Sarawak’s 55 parliamen­ta­ry seats share the same mixed demographic that has been an advantage to the Pakatan.

Najib deserves to be commended for two recent initiatives.

Firstly, to liberalize the Bumiputra equity requirements for certain service sectors and secondly, to prevent the unilateral religious conversion of children.

Both policies represent small steps in the right direction – returning Um­­no (and the Barisan Nasional) to the middle-ground.

They also remind us of the moderation and good sense that were once a hallmark of the great party of Merdeka.

However, before we get over-excited, we need to remind ourselves that a spate of well-orchestrated walkabouts and some sensible government decision-makings doesn’t mean that Umno has redeemed itself in the eyes of the public.

Many Malaysians – especially non-Malays – remain deeply sceptical.

Mere public relations are not enough to turn the tide.

Umno must go further and drastic changes are crucial if the party wishes to govern beyond 2013.

For a start, the warlords (the all-powerful division chiefs) have to be reined in.

The party must reform its internal elections before this skewered ap­­proach destroys the party itself via corruption.

Secondly, the party needs to connect with ordinary Malaysians (including Malays) most of whom are disgusted by the political rhetoric of Malay rights because they sense that it’s merely a pretext for self-enrichment.

Instead, they want decent (and impartial) government services, jobs, affordable homes and an education for their children.

And thirdly, the racist rhetoric must stop.

The party must re-acquaint itself with the more nuanced, multi-racial approach of the Merdeka-era.

These noble traditions exist within Umno.

Our first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman warned in his seminal memoirs Looking Back (which has sadly disappeared from local bookshelves) that Umno and the administration’s obsession with race would prove costly.

The Tunku wrote: “…there was too much emphasis being placed on bumiputeras, and not enough on Malaysians. Going about affairs this way makes it hard to instil Malaysian-mindedness in the hearts of the people. All the work being done to inspire patriotism among our poly­genous population is being eroded as a result of this wrong approach.”

Tun Dr Ismail, another party icon, also felt that the NEP, ought to have only been a passing stage in national development:

“The Malays want the government to restrict the business activities of the non-Malays while the Malays reach parity with them. If this philosophy is accepted, then the whole concept of Malay participation in a growing economy is replaced by a policy of Malay participation in a standstill economy.”

Umno has a noble tradition; the party still possesses the capacity to return to the moderation, tolerance and good governance of its founding fathers.

Moreover, winning back the centre represents a return to Umno’s past electoral glories.

The party must be more broad-based in order to win in 2013.

And yet as I watch and observe the struggle within PAS, I can see that Umno is not alone in undergoing these political squalls.

The entire Malay community is trying to find a new paradigm on all fronts.

The tussle for the soul of Umno is in fact a struggle for the political soul of the entire Malay community.

Khir Toyo croaking a new tune for 1Malaysia

Khir Toyo plays the reformist

Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, who is known to be a champion of the “Malay unity” cause, is now urging the government to open up more of the economy to non-Malays. 

The Selangor opposition leader, who had been critical of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) for appointing a non-Bumiputera to head PKNS last year, also wants more government jobs to be given to non-Malays.

In an interview with The Malaysian Insider yesterday, the former Selangor mentri besar said the New Economic Policy (NEP) policy had failed to meet its targets and should be reformulated in line with the prime minister’s 1 Malaysia vision.

He said the measures were necessary if BN wanted to attract lost support from the non-Malay communities and young voters in the next general election.

“Real changes and not window dressing are needed in order for Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia vision to become reality.”

He said in his opinion, 1 Malaysia meant the country belonged to all races and no one should be left out economically.

Dr Mohd Khir also urged the government to open more sub-sectors to non-Malays especially in local authorities and for more government jobs to be set aside for them.

He pointed out that the Indian community was especially in need of help.

“I realised this a bit too late, and only during my fifth year as mentri besar, because I was not told about how bad things were for them.”

He said he only knew something was seriously wrong when informed by the police that 40 per cent of crimes committed involved the Indian community.

He said he was shocked to learn that some estate workers earned between RM400 and RM500 a month only when he visited an estate in Kuala Selangor.

He claimed that he then set aside RM3 million annually for them.

Dr Mohd Khir said the new Najib administration had made a mistake by abolishing the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry as it could have been reformed and used as a vehicle to develop entrepreneurs among all races.

“Special attention should still be given to Malays but deputy ministers should be appointed to look after the Indian and Chinese communities.”

Read:

When Khir Toyo was Menteri Besar, he told Indians not to expect handouts

Khir Toyo condemned for stirring racial discord, inciting hate

Khir Toyo says Umno must continue NEP to stay relevant

Discriminatory leaders is not fit to be leader in Malaysia

Khir Toyo wants to be remembered, ready to move to national arena, says he is likely to be fielded in a parliamentary seat

Malaysians disgusted with Khir Toyo’s explanation, wonder why MACC has not hauled him up for questioning yet

 

Khir Toyo travelled with family and maid, on Selangor’s RM 1.7 million (expenses include RM110,000 for presidential suites, first class flights, RM2,900 a day Mercedes Benz)

 

Khir Toyo instructed PNSB to sponsor Balkis activity

Khir Toyo denies accountability for Balkis’ expenses, said he was never Balkis member

 

Selangor state companies ‘obliged’ to pay more than RM 1 million of expenses incurred by Balkis

Khir Toyo’s ‘accomplishments’ as Menteri Besar come to light

 

Khir Toyo, no stranger to attacking women, protests ‘attacks’ on his wife

 

How many cars does Khir Toyo and his wife need ?

 

Khir Toyo Spent At Least RM 349k Of State Money On Trips To London, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Kunming, Osaka, Fukuoka, Bangkok, Dubai, Beijing, Amsterdam, Milan, Venice, Geneva, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seoul, Chicago, Amsterdam. Stuttgart, Shanghai

Khir Toyo’s shameful ignorance of law exposed – he did not pay tax for car because he did not want to double pay IRB

 

Evidence Surfaces – Khir Toyo Received More Than ‘Just A Salary’ When He Was MB

Khir Toyo implicated in Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad’s RM 25 million property deals in Saudi Arabia

Malaysians denounce Khir Toyo’s hypocrisy

 

Khir Toyo bought a Mercedes S350L with Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad funds when he was Menteri Besar

Khir Toyo pronounces PKNS RM100,000 payout to him ‘halal’

Khir Toyo says when he was menteri besar, he only received salary and nothing else

 

• 
  Khir Toyo casts the first stone – demands Elizabeth Wong’s resignation 
  

 

Malaysian politicians – mostly No shame. No morals, no ethics

Khir Toyo: Nothing wrong with Zakaria’s application for 1300 square meter more land, next to Zakaria’s mansion on 3995 square meter land

Khir Toyo inspected Mersing ferries with law breaker Zakaria

Khir Toyo called to drop the rhetoric and be transparent and accountable

Khir Toyo the ineffective executive

Khir Toyo clamouring to repair public image

Khir Toyo says Zakaria’s resignation will maintain Umno’s good name, his party position not affected because it is civil matter

Khir Toyo’s new tune: law-breakers not fit to be councillor, now says there is crisis

Selangor under Khir Toyo – sad state of affairs

Sultan wants explanation re Klang, will also question Khir Toyo

Khir Toyo used to say Law-breakers (especially if he happens to be Zakaria) can become councillors

Khir Toyo drags his feet on Zakaria scandal: I don’t know, I am still waiting for report

Khir Toyo’s government approved 99 hillside projects since 2000 (including 10 in Bukit Antarabangsa, 11 in Melawati) !!

Khir Toyo’s comment on the Dec 08 Bukit Antarabangsa landslide, during his time, Semuanya OK

Selangor lost RM30 billion under Barisan Nasional administration

Selangor State Assembly condemns Khir Toyo for stirring racial discord, inciting hate

Report lodged agains Khir Toyo for trying to incite communal anger

Khir Toyo says he is not corrupt at Umno function, gets heckled by attendees

Khir Toyo’s wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik involved in dissolution of a welfare body and removing almost RM 10 million

 

Khir Toyo wants to be remembered, ready to move to national arena, says he is likely to be fielded in a parliamentary seat

I shall return, says Khir Toyo

Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo is hell bent on ensuring he is not just remembered as the man who lost Selangor for Barisan Nasional (BN).

“I want to be remembered as the one who recaptured Selangor,” said the state opposition leader.

…
Allegations of misuse of funds by Balkis raised eyebrows during the public inquiry but Dr Mohd Khir alleges the move was orchestrated not only by the Pakatan Rakyat government but his enemies within Umno.

…
As for his political future, he said he was ready to move to the national arena and was more likely to be fielded in a parliamentary seat in the next general election.

…

Read:

Malaysians disgusted with Khir Toyo’s explanation, wonder why MACC has not hauled him up for questioning yet

Khir Toyo travelled with family and maid, on Selangor’s RM 1.7 million (expenses include RM110,000 for presidential suites, first class flights, RM2,900 a day Mercedes Benz)

Khir Toyo instructed PNSB to sponsor Balkis activity

Khir Toyo denies accountability for Balkis’ expenses, said he was never Balkis member

Selangor state companies ‘obliged’ to pay more than RM 1 million of expenses incurred by Balkis

Khir Toyo’s ‘accomplishments’ as Menteri Besar come to light

Khir Toyo, no stranger to attacking women, protests ‘attacks’ on his wife

How many cars does Khir Toyo and his wife need ?

Khir Toyo Spent At Least RM 349k Of State Money On Trips To London, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Kunming, Osaka, Fukuoka, Bangkok, Dubai, Beijing, Amsterdam, Milan, Venice, Geneva, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seoul, Chicago, Amsterdam. Stuttgart, Shanghai

Khir Toyo’s shameful ignorance of law exposed – he did not pay tax for car because he did not want to double pay IRB

 

Evidence Surfaces – Khir Toyo Received More Than ‘Just A Salary’ When He Was MB

Khir Toyo implicated in Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad’s RM 25 million property deals in Saudi Arabia

Malaysians denounce Khir Toyo’s hypocrisy

 

Khir Toyo bought a Mercedes S350L with Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad funds when he was Menteri Besar

Khir Toyo pronounces PKNS RM100,000 payout to him ‘halal’

Khir Toyo says when he was menteri besar, he only received salary and nothing else

 

• 
  Khir Toyo casts the first stone – demands Elizabeth Wong’s resignation 
  

 

Malaysian politicians – mostly No shame. No morals, no ethics

Khir Toyo: Nothing wrong with Zakaria’s application for 1300 square meter more land, next to Zakaria’s mansion on 3995 square meter land

Khir Toyo inspected Mersing ferries with law breaker Zakaria

Khir Toyo called to drop the rhetoric and be transparent and accountable

Khir Toyo the ineffective executive

Khir Toyo clamouring to repair public image

Khir Toyo says Zakaria’s resignation will maintain Umno’s good name, his party position not affected because it is civil matter

Khir Toyo’s new tune: law-breakers not fit to be councillor, now says there is crisis

Selangor under Khir Toyo – sad state of affairs

Sultan wants explanation re Klang, will also question Khir Toyo

Khir Toyo used to say Law-breakers (especially if he happens to be Zakaria) can become councillors

Khir Toyo drags his feet on Zakaria scandal: I don’t know, I am still waiting for report

Khir Toyo’s government approved 99 hillside projects since 2000 (including 10 in Bukit Antarabangsa, 11 in Melawati) !!

Khir Toyo’s comment on the Dec 08 Bukit Antarabangsa landslide, during his time, Semuanya OK

Selangor lost RM30 billion under Barisan Nasional administration

Selangor State Assembly condemns Khir Toyo for stirring racial discord, inciting hate

Report lodged agains Khir Toyo for trying to incite communal anger

Khir Toyo says he is not corrupt at Umno function, gets heckled by attendees

Khir Toyo’s wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik involved in dissolution of a welfare body and removing almost RM 10 million

Najib’s old team spells failure to reform ?

Najib promises reform

PRIME Minister Najib Razak has named veteran politicians to help him regain voter support, but analysts on Sunday expressed doubts that the old guard can provide new direction for Malaysia’s embattled ruling party.

Mr Najib, who took over the premiership early this month, appointed several high-profile but old-time politicians Friday to help lead the United Malays National Organisation.

Analysts said the appointees – including former International Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz and Information Minister Rais Yatim – were unlikely to give the ruling National Front coalition the boost it is looking for.

The coalition, dominated by Mr Najib’s Umno party, is still reeling from poor election results last year, the worst in the five decades it has been in power.

‘It’s not impressive. … It’s still the same old people at a time when you promise a reform agenda,’ said Mohammad Agus Yusoff, a political science lecturer at the National University of Malaysia.

‘It’s as if you lack credible, high-caliber leaders. …Definitely (the new appointees) were once Umno leaders, but their time has gone,’ he said.

Mr Najib has taken pains in his first month in office to emphasise that he plans wide-ranging changes to win back support. Earlier this week, he announced the liberalisation of several service sectors to make the country more economically competitive. As part of the liberalisation he has taken the first step to dismantle an affirmative action program that gives majority Malays privileges in state contracts, jobs, housing and education. The program has been a major thorn in the side for the minority ethnic Chinese and Indians.

He has also said he would ensure racial equality in this multiethnic nation, where Muslim Malays make up 60 per cent of the population and control the government. Ethnic Chinese and Indians, who together account for a third of the 28 million people, complain they face economic, religious and social discrimination.

But political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said Mr Najib’s first month in office had been marked by promises and announcements with no real changes.

‘There is totally no reform,’ Mr Khoo said. ‘His leadership doesn’t have a clear direction. If you want a new direction, you can’t have people from the old school. … There is a serious problem in (the party’s) pool of leadership.’ Mohammad Agus also said several of the political appointees had ‘problems in terms of image’ because they faced allegations of corruption. — AP

Read:

Najib has no public support

MCA tells Hishammuddin not to distort history for political mileage

Malaysian history being distorted by Barisan Nasional government

Muhyiddin told to be grateful to voters, not ask voters to be grateful to him

Najib’s One Malaysia concept – an idea he took from Anwar Ibrahim

• Najib and high-powered team (Muhyiddin, Hishammuddin, Zahid, Mahathir) dealt a bruising rebuke in polls
• Najib and high-powered team (Mahathir, Zahid, Hishammuddin, Muhyiddin) lose referendum

Najib’s ascension marked by government crackdown on Umno political opponents and on free speech

 

Najib starts crackdown on opposition

 

Umno graft worsens, faces political doom

 Malaysians (including Dr Mahathir) have no confidence in Umno leaders

Zaid Ibrahim urges King to appoint some who is beyond reproach to be PM, not Najib

 

Umno corrupt: survey

Najib’s stimulus package comes too late, fails to impress market

MACC closes in on …. Azalina

Badawi And Najib’s Silence On Umno Youth Thuggery In Parliament Highlight Umno’s Lack Of Credible Leadership

The likes of Umno Youth thugs turning Malaysia into a banana republic

Umno duo want full investigation into Umno graft allegations including Badawi and Najib

Umno-Led Barisan Nasional On The Way DownWith The New Crop Of Uninspiring Leadership

The Unethics Of Umno – The Utter Hypocrisy Of Umno

Malaysia going to the dogs with our ethical levels does not improve

Umno’s ‘defence’ of Perak Sultan raises suspicion

Malaysians disgusted with Barisan Nasional power grab in Perak

Barisan Nasional’s NEP retards national unity, investment and economic efficiency

Only 41% think Najib will be a good prime minister

50 Umno members protest against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s arrest of party members

Najib, ill-placed to change UMNO, a party that lives on patronage and claims to represent the core interests of majority Malay community

Umno’s humiliation at Kuala Terengganu, the beginning of the end

Umno party-ful of carpet-baggers and ne’er-do-wells still clueless to Malaysian’s rejection

Corrupt, callous and incompetent Barisan Nasional becoming more irrelevant in the new Malaysia political landscape

Barisan Nasional’s pork-barrel politics fail to win Kuala Terengganu

Umno politicians polarizing society to score political mileage

Zaid urges Malays to be wary of leaders who use the name of Malays for political mileage

Dr. Mahathir disgusted that Umno cannot control racism, says Ahmad Ismail should face disciplinary committee

Barisan Nasional government has done poorly in fulfilling Malaysia’s Independence proclamation

Umno – money politics reach worrying levels

Umno conservatives stalling reforms

Umno hegemony is under threat, Malays are not under threat

Umno is a nest of conspirators

Umno lacks intellectual capability, courage, energy to lead

Umno on the way down

Umno rife with corruption

Umno’s formula – turn everything racial

Umno’s day is over until it learns to respect Malaysian people with more dignity

 

Barisan’s Permatang Pauh loss was due to swearing by Saiful and Najib

Barisan’s ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Badawi faces calls to quit after Najib’s botched and ugly campaign in Permatang Pauh

Najib flees from angry crowd at Permatang Pauh

Malays can rise to the challenge

Bumi businessmen will not lose: Najib

Bumiputra businesses will not become “extinct” or lose in competition just because the government has removed the 30% bumiputra equity requirement.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said bumiputra could still take part in business in a more “open and competitive manner.”

“I can see that bumiputra have the ability to compete with the rest. I am not worried that they will become ‘extinct’ or lose out in competition because of this decision,” he told the Malaysian media at the end of his one-day official visit here Thursday.

Malaysia will benefit if it moves past race-based policies

Najib’s Affirmative Action – WSJ.com

One and a half cheers to Malaysia’s new Prime Minister for revisiting that country’s affirmative action laws, one of its bigger barriers to success.

Najib Razak, who took office April 3, announced Wednesday that he is lifting some of the regulations designed to benefit ethnic Malays but that actually deter entrepreneurship and foreign investment. Chief among these is a rule that companies in many industries be at least 30% Malay-owned. That rule will end in some parts of the services sector, including computer services and parts of the tourism and health-care sectors.

Wednesday’s liberalization applies only to a very narrowly defined set of businesses, such as travel agencies “for inbound travel only” and bars “in four- or five-star hotels only.” Retail, banking and manufacturing still have cumbersome ownership requirements and Mr. Najib has largely avoided liberalizing areas where his (mainly Malay) political supporters have strong vested interests.

When racial preference laws were passed in the 1970s, the purpose was to defuse race rioting by poor Malays directed at more prosperous Chinese and Indian Malaysians. Over time they have made the country poorer than it could have been by stifling entrepreneurship. The policies are also a consideration for foreign investors, who often find their businesses subject to laws requiring a certain percentage of Malay ownership or hiring quotas.

Malaysians increasingly understand these policies are holding them back — witness the opposition’s conclusion that opposing them is smart politics. Mr. Najib may be trying in part to co-opt his political opponents. Whatever his motive, he would be smart to continue on this anti-affirmative-action jag, as he says he will do next week with an announcement on financial services.

Since the New Economic Policy was announced in 1971, Malaysia’s preferential treatment of Malays in education and business has hampered growth and soured the nation’s politics. If the country can now move past these race-based policies, its economy and democracy will benefit.

Time to review the NEP

Why it is time to review the NEP

THE New Economic Policy or NEP was introduced in 1971 in the aftermath of the May 1969 race riots as a policy tool to rectify racial imbalances, which was thought to have been one of the main causes of racial disharmony in the first place.

There were three main tenets of the policy which have been diluted through administrative details which emphasised other aims.

The first of these was the eradication of poverty irrespective of race and the second was to eliminate the identification of economic function with race.

The third was that the first two distributive aims were to come from an increase in wealth rather than redistributing the existing cake itself. That meant rapid economic growth was necessary to achieve distribution goals so that no community felt deprived.

While no one had problems with the broad tenets of the NEP (and the subsequent policies which took the name of the NEP), many practical difficulties arose. The problem was not the NEP but its implementation.

Of these, the main ones were quotas and the effective reservation of jobs, mainly in the public sector but also in many sections of the private sector and government-linked companies or GLCs, for bumiputras.

Over the years, these quotas were often abused. For instance, the 30% equity quota resulted in many bumiputras becoming shareholders in name only without contributing to management.

Bumiputra firms obtained contracts only to turn them over to others to complete, merely earning a commission, oftentimes hefty, for merely being the conduit to getting the job.

In government and GLCs there is a large over-representation of bumiputras, thus inhibiting the process of cross-fertilisation and competition so necessary to improving the quality of people and processes.

While the Prime Minister’s revocation of bumiputra equity quotas on 27 service sub sectors is to be applauded and will definitely increase incentives for investments in these areas, a holistic review of the implementation of the NEP is still necessary.

One corporate personality who has called for a review of the NEP is CIMB Group chief executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, the Prime Minister’s brother.

“I hope the Government will embark on a holistic review of the NEP and all its instruments of implementation towards a framework for affirmative action that today’s Malaysians can accept and unite behind,” he had said.

The key thing that is objectionable in the NEP is the method of implementation. The first tenet with regard to eradication of poverty irrespective of race is not being adhered to if bumiputras continue to be given privileges even if they are no longer poor.

And by employing too many bumiputras in government and in GLCs, there is now clear identification of economic function with race, which violates the second principle of the NEP.

Ideally, as employment of bumiputeras increased in the private sector, there should have been a concomitant decrease in the government sector. But that did not happen.

The system of setting quotas was a very crude one and did not in most cases help increase bumiputra capability but offered some of them a quick means to riches, in the process depriving non-bumiputras of existing wealth. That violates the third tenet which states that distribution should come from growth.

All that is now in the realm of history. But in the here and now, things have changed considerably. Bumiputras have been lifted out of poverty a long time ago. They, together with state-owned entities set up for them, account for a significant amount of business activities in the country.

GLCs account for more than a third of market capitalisation of listed companies. If government companies, including national oil corporation Petronas, have their ownership broken up proportionately according to race, bumiputras would own far more than 30% of corporate wealth.

That would imply that there no longer is any need for quotas, whether for equity ownership, government jobs or private sector jobs, university admissions, government contracts etc. The time has come for a paradigm shift towards meritocracy.

Essentially, that means a shift towards a needs-based affirmative action plan rather than one based on race because the gap between the races has actually narrowed considerably over the years. The poor and the under-privileged need to be helped – across the board.

If indeed the bumiputras are the poorest they will automatically be helped the most. That kind of policy also considerably reduces the race element in our politics, which remains shockingly high even after more than half a century of independence.

This will not be an easy shift to make, and even if the necessary policy steps are taken much resistance at all levels in government will have to be overcome. Building consensus on such a policy and plan will be crucial as will explaining its principles to the people.

The collection and distribution of information has to be revamped to make it more accurate, to ensure that it measures the right things and that it is above any bias. The methodology and details must be disclosed to enable independent assessment of facts and figures.

The review is likely to show that it is not the NEP that has outlived its usefulness – the original key principles are in a sense timeless and are a good set of socio-economic principles to continue to hold on to.

What has to go are, to use Nazir’s term, the “instruments of implementations”, some of which have been flawed right from the start while others have long since outlived their usefulness.

Malaysians reviled by ’simple man’ Khir Toyo’s expensive entitlements, wonder why MACC has not hauled him up for questioning yet

RantingsbyMM: The Expensive Entitlements of A Simple Man

The Sunday Star let Khir Toyo have his say about all the allegations that came out recently about his and his family’s use of state company Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad’s money to go for what seems like very expensive holidays disguised as ’study tours’. Gee, I wish I had study tours to Hawaii and Disneyland rather than, say, Papua New Guinea.

Do read the interview online because it has more in it than the one in the print version. The most complimentary thing I can say is that the guy just doesn’t get it. He really does think we are all dumb and we should buy his answers as plausible.

Most of his answers are predictable enough but these answers stood out for me as being representative of what is wrong with Khir Toyo and his ilk. It was this:

Q: People are shocked by the RM1.7mil spent for the Disney trips?

A: That was decided by the management. I am actually a very simple man. I do not ask for these kind of things. Maybe they said as a chairman, that is my entitlement and they did that.

Q: You say you are a simple man but people would disagree because you fly first class and stay at expensive presidential suites?

A: You must remember when I was the (PNSB) chairman. I have my entitlement. If I were to reduce my entitlement to what an officer gets then what is the officer going to reduce to? I am the chairman. There is the deputy chairman, board of directors, government officers going along. If I fly business class (not first class), then what happens to my state secretary? He will complain. If I am travelling alone it is easier. But I am travelling with a group of people and if I downgrade myself – it’s a problem for the others. But I never ask (for the pricey presidential suites or first class flights). Whatever they provide, I go along with. I just tell them to give me a full itinerary on these trips. I want a full programme with investors and companies.
Someone like Khir Toyo knows only to think in hierarchical terms. He has an entitlement, he has to take it because otherwise ‘what is the officer going to reduce to’? It never occurs to him that he and an officer could travel at an equal level, that if he travels Business, then the officer (and even the State Secretary) can also travel in the same class. If they don’t want to talk to each other during the flight, then just ask for seats far away from each other. Khir just can’t conceive of travelling in the same class as those from his own government because he thinks that going down to ‘their’ level would be a sign of weakness.

Perhaps it is true that his officers would not want to travel in the same class as their boss. If their boss comes down to Business ( and nowadays many airlines don’t have anything higher than Business Class), then they’d have to go down to Economy….with his maid!!! And oh the poor things, if their boss has to come down to economy class, then they don’t get to travel at all! That’s the way the pecking order works! But given how his former officers are happily singing away at the Selcat, there can’t have been much love lost between them.

I guess Khir has never noticed how the rest of the plane really likes it when they see their political leaders travelling economy, just like them. But he’s Chairman and therefore must use his entitlement or else society will break down. Perhaps he’s forgotten that for those under him to eventually move up that hierarchy he so cherishes, he eventually has to go. Now seems like as good a time as any.

I’m just wondering why the MACC hasn’t pulled him up for questioning yet. Or do they actually find his explanations plausible?

Read:

Khir Toyo travelled with family and maid, on Selangor’s RM 1.7 million (expenses include RM110,000 for presidential suites, first class flights, RM2,900 a day Mercedes Benz)

Khir Toyo instructed PNSB to sponsor Balkis activity

Khir Toyo denies accountability for Balkis’ expenses, said he was never Balkis member

Selangor state companies ‘obliged’ to pay more than RM 1 million of expenses incurred by Balkis

Khir Toyo’s ‘accomplishments’ as Menteri Besar come to light

Khir Toyo, no stranger to attacking women, protests ‘attacks’ on his wife

How many cars does Khir Toyo and his wife need ?

Khir Toyo Spent At Least RM 349k Of State Money On Trips To London, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Kunming, Osaka, Fukuoka, Bangkok, Dubai, Beijing, Amsterdam, Milan, Venice, Geneva, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seoul, Chicago, Amsterdam. Stuttgart, Shanghai

Khir Toyo’s shameful ignorance of law exposed – he did not pay tax for car because he did not want to double pay IRB

 

Evidence Surfaces – Khir Toyo Received More Than ‘Just A Salary’ When He Was MB

Khir Toyo implicated in Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad’s RM 25 million property deals in Saudi Arabia

Malaysians denounce Khir Toyo’s hypocrisy

 

Khir Toyo bought a Mercedes S350L with Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad funds when he was Menteri Besar

Khir Toyo pronounces PKNS RM100,000 payout to him ‘halal’

Khir Toyo says when he was menteri besar, he only received salary and nothing else

 

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  Khir Toyo casts the first stone – demands Elizabeth Wong’s resignation 
  

 

Malaysian politicians – mostly No shame. No morals, no ethics

Khir Toyo: Nothing wrong with Zakaria’s application for 1300 square meter more land, next to Zakaria’s mansion on 3995 square meter land

Khir Toyo inspected Mersing ferries with law breaker Zakaria

Khir Toyo called to drop the rhetoric and be transparent and accountable

Khir Toyo the ineffective executive

Khir Toyo clamouring to repair public image

Khir Toyo says Zakaria’s resignation will maintain Umno’s good name, his party position not affected because it is civil matter

Khir Toyo’s new tune: law-breakers not fit to be councillor, now says there is crisis

Selangor under Khir Toyo – sad state of affairs

Sultan wants explanation re Klang, will also question Khir Toyo

Khir Toyo used to say Law-breakers (especially if he happens to be Zakaria) can become councillors

Khir Toyo drags his feet on Zakaria scandal: I don’t know, I am still waiting for report

Khir Toyo’s government approved 99 hillside projects since 2000 (including 10 in Bukit Antarabangsa, 11 in Melawati) !!

Khir Toyo’s comment on the Dec 08 Bukit Antarabangsa landslide, during his time, Semuanya OK

Selangor lost RM30 billion under Barisan Nasional administration

Selangor State Assembly condemns Khir Toyo for stirring racial discord, inciting hate

Report lodged agains Khir Toyo for trying to incite communal anger

Khir Toyo says he is not corrupt at Umno function, gets heckled by attendees

Khir Toyo’s wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik involved in dissolution of a welfare body and removing almost RM 10 million