Opposition MPs walk out of Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR (June 30, 2008): Husna Yusop and Giam Say Khoon at the Dewan Rakyat today

Opposition MPs staged a walk-out after a 30-minute argument over the Speaker's decision to allow Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak make a "ministerial speech" to elaborate on the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) mid-term review (MTR).

At the start of debate time in Parliament today, the House was told that the government was making a statement and Najib stood up and said he wanted to elaborate on the motion tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday (June 26), specifically on the government's strategy to restructure the society.

Before he could proceed, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) asked whether Najib was taking part in the debate or making a statement as it is "unusual" for such a statement to be made.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia then explained Najib was only making "an additional explanation to the facts made in the speech of the Prime Minister" and it was not against parliament order.

Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) then asked does this mean Abdullah was not fully prepared when delivering his speech, saying: "This means the Prime Minister was not able to give a clear explanation. He should be prepared with his facts and everything. Why take from our time to debate now?"

Pandikar Amin said it was not for the MPs to debate whether Abdullah was prepared or not but for him to decide whether Najib's speech violates the Standing Order or not and he had decided it was not.

Lim stood up again saying: "This is unusual and unparliamentary. He (Najib) had missed the opportunity to argue his points when seconding the Prime Minister’s speech, so now he wants to compensate for it."

Pandikar Amin disagreed and quoted a point in the order which says Speaker’s decision is final but Lim quickly said the Speaker should not simply use the order to justify all his decisions because parliamentary practices must also be observed.

The Speaker said if Lim was not satisfied with his decision he can bring the matter up as a motion but Lim said it would be meaningless if the Speaker later decides not to accept the motion to be debated.

The exchange continued with Pandikar Amin insisting that his decision is final and saying Lim can bring a motion if he is not satisfied with the latter asking for a guarantee that his motion would be accepted by the House later.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) and Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) also stood up a few times to support of Lim.

Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) then raised a point of order, saying according to the House of Common Practice, a ministerial statement can only be made to correct an error in a statement made in the House.

"So, where was the error in the Prime Minister’s speech. He should clarify it, not another minister," he added.

Pandikar Amin disagreed with him, saying it was a matter of interpretation and he also had studied all relevant parliament laws and according to his interpretation, the ministerial statement by Najib was proper and according to order.

When Karpal and Lim tried to argue further, the Speaker started on his lecture, saying: "I shall not jeopardise the authority given to this chair. I really wish to create a world-class parliament here. Please listen to the Speaker.

"In the House of Common, as soon as the Speaker raised from his seat, everyone kept quiet. But here, if I were to interject too much, I will be criticised. I do my job to my utmost. Please."

He then asked Najib to continue but Lim was still not satisfied and tried to interrupt the speech but when it was not entertained by the Speaker and Najib, he said he wanted to leave the House and all other opposition MPs followed suit.

Najib then continued with his speech, saying: "Thank you. It is much easier without the Opposition in the House."

In the lobby, Lim said all Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MPs had walked out because what happened did not adhere to the Standing Order.

"This is unacceptable, unparliamentary and we will table a substantive motion to re-study the decision of the Speaker and also the decision to suspend Gobind Singh (DAP-Puchong) for two days," he said

Anwar leaves Turkish Embassy - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun 30, 2008

Parti Keadilan (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim left the Turkish Embassy at about 6.45pm on Monday, accompanied by his wife PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The couple left in a black MPV and were headed for their home in Bukit Segambut, his lawyer Sankara Nair said.
Anwar Ibrahim released from Turkish embassy.

Anwar had been holed up in the Turkish Embassy since 6am Sunday, seeking shelter because he said he had received death threats after his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhary Azlan had lodged a police report alleging that Anwar had sexually assaulted and sodomised him.

He denied the sodomy allegations, and has filed a suit against Mohd Saiful for allegedly lodging a false and malicious police report.
Anwar Ibrahim released from the Turkish embassy speaking to the press.

Anwar is expected to address his supporters at 9pm tonight at the PKR headquarers in Merchant Square, Tropicana in Petaling Jaya.

Najib denies being involved with sodomy allegations against Anwar

written by ez24get, June 30, 2008 | 17:07:46 in Malaysia-Today commenting on Najib denying his involvement in fabricating Anwar:

Najib today said the picture of Anwar's former aide Saiful with his official Khairil Annas Jusoh at the deputy prime minister's office which was featured in numerous blogs, was taken three months ago when Saiful went to his office to seek a government scholarship.

If one looks at the answers given by Najib, the following begs even more questions:

1.Saiful dropped out of UNITEN sometime in 2007/08, why is he applying for scholarship only 3 months ago?

2.Saiful admitted after achieving a grade point average of 1.69 in three semesters, he decided to quit university. Why is he applying for scholarship to enter varsity again when he has quit?

3.Why is Saiful applying for scholarship in the Deputy Prime Minister office and not in the PSD office?

4.Why would such a senior officer in the DPM department bother to pose for a photograph with a young 23 year old, unimportant, new scholarship applicant?

5.Why important and busy ministers like Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Tourism Minister Datuk Azalina Othman and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad and senior officers in the DPM department would take their precious time to pose photographs with Saiful if he is not a valuable person?

6.Surely having known Saiful is on the side of the opposition PKR, why would they even entertain him at all?

As the Chinese sayings goes, “to cover up a lie, it takes another 100 lies to cover up that lie”.

Revisiting Anwar's Fabricated Sodomy Case 1998

Anwar's Trial Part 1 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 2 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 3 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 4 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 5 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 6 of 7:



Anwar's Trial Part 7 of 7:

Anwar takes up refuge offer from Turkish embassy - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun30, 2008

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sought refuge at the Turkish Embassy at the invitation of its Ambassador to Malaysia Barlas Ozener.

The PKR de factor leader wrote on his blog at anwaribrahimblog.com that he had gone to the embassy because he feared for his personal safety.

Embassy rush: A crowd gathering outside the Turkish embassy where Anwar has sought refuge. He claims he is holed up in there because his life could be in danger. – KAMARUL ARIFFIN/ The Star

“I was transported to the embassy earlier this morning (Sunday). I thank all those who offered to assist me in this time of need and am grateful to the Turkish ambassador for extending an invitation to me to seek refuge within the embassy,” he said.

“I would like to assure my family, friends and supporters in Malaysia that I am safe and remain committed as ever before in continuing the struggle for a free and just Malaysia.”

He also alleged that since the general election, he had received information from credible sources within the Government and military intelligence that there were agents from within the Barisan Nasional leadership who were plotting to harm him, his family or supporters.

Anwar said he would make public new evidence which implicated Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

He also termed the new allegations against him as a charade orchestrated by the Barisan leadership and meant to undermine the reform that started after the general election.

“The allegations that have been made against me on Saturday are nothing more than a replay of the events which transpired in 1998 when I was sacked from the office of the deputy prime minister, jailed and beaten, and then charged and convicted by a kangaroo court for crimes which I never committed.”

A group of Anwar supporters gathered outside the embassy from 4pm and later some PKR leaders also emerged.

They included Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairudin, PKR supreme council member Badrul Hisham Shaharin and PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Akin.

Badrul Hisham said many embassies, especially from the Middle East, had offered refuge to Anwar but he had chosen Turkey because of his close ties with the country, including having served as its economic adviser.

“He is not seeking political asylum and he is not a political refugee. He needs to be in a safe place where he can think of what to do next,” he said.

He added that Anwar had asked his supporters to remain calm and obtain information from reliable sources.

“He knows there are many rumours going around at the moment. I spoke to him and he sounded calm. He is okay,” said Badrul Hisham.

Cheras OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Amir Mohd Hashim said a team of 40 police personnel members, including from the Light Strike Force, were on standby at the embassy.

“The situation is under control and those who gathered at the embassy cooperated with our men,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar’s lawyer S.N. Nair went to the Brickfields police station yesterday morning to get a copy of the police report on the sodomy allegation.

However, he failed to get the report, which was made at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, and has now officially written to the Brickfields OCPD for a copy.

A copy of his application for the report has also been forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, the KL police chief and the Attorney-General.

The Evidence ...

Shah Alam: June 29, 2008

Wan Azizah, wife of Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shows an evidence during a press conference at a hotel in Shah Alam. Malaysian opposition de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday denied sodomy charges lodged by a former aide as a 'complete fabrication.



According to Malaysiakini, at one point, Wan Azizah brandished her mobile phone to show a photo of the accuser with Najib Razak's aide in front of the deputy prime minister's office (left and below).




Hmmmm .... Your guess is as good as mine

Press Conference with Anwar's Family Members

PKR fears Anwar an assassination target - Malaysiakini

PKR today said party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has received threats to his life and is currently holed up at the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

wan azizah pc on anwar sodomy saiful bukhari azlan allegations 290608 03According to PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali, the latest move to implicate Anwar in a sodomy charge lodged by a former party volunteer signaled a more serious effort by certain quarters to silence him for good.

He said that Anwar has been targeted not just for political assassination but has also received credible threats to his life.

Press Conference for Anwar Ibrahim - 2AM 29/06/2008

Anwar receives death threats, in hiding - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Jun 30, 2008 By V.P. SUJATA

Parti Keadilan Raykat leaders decided Sunday morning that the party's de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stay at the Turkish Embassy for his safety after he received death threats.

His family visited him at the Embassy at Jalan U Thant Sunday evening, PKR vice-president Azmin Ali said.

At a press conference earlier Sunday, Anwar's wife and PKR president Satin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail said the death threats had come less than a day after an aide of Anwar's had lodged a police report alleging he was sodomised by the one-time deputy prime minister.

She said PKR had released pictures of the aide showing him with cabinet ministers and their high-ranking staff, which she claimed was evidence of political assassination.

Anwar was was sacked by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over similar allegations in 1998.

Federal CID director Comm Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin said the police would conduct a thorough and fair investigation into the sodomy allegations.

They will also investigate the allegations before taking a statement from Anwar, he said.

Earlier Sunday, Current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reiterated that the Barisan Nasional Government was not behind the latest allegation of sodomy against Anwar.

Stating that he was shocked on hearing the police report lodged by an aide of Anwar on Saturday night, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would leave the police to conduct investigations on the allegations and to take the necessary action.

He said he or the Government did not instruct the police to take any action.

On Anwar's statement that the allegations were a complete fabrication to kill his political career, as in 1998 when he was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah said the Government had nothing to do with the police report.

"We are not (involved). Umno and Barisan Nasional did not plan to trouble, disturb or accuse him.

"I believe even my friends like (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib (Tun Razak) did not have any intention to do such a thing to him," he told reporters here on Sunday after launching the Bumi Hijau programme.

Abdullah said the alleged victim has the right to lodge a police report if it had really happened.

When asked if Anwar would be arrested following the latest allegation, Abdullah said he did not want to speculate on the matter and would leave the matter to the police.

Meanwhile the aide, who had started working at PKR about three months ago to help in the 12th general election, had lodged a police report alleging sodomy by the PKR leader at about 5.45pm on Saturday.

The man, in his 20s, is being treated at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar called for an urgent press conference at 1.20am Sunday morning to deny the allegations.

In a statement read out by PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah at a hotel in Shah Alam, he described the allegations as “total fabrication”.

The statement, which was also faxed to media offices, said: “The police report lodged against me today is a complete fabrication. I believe we are witnessing a repeat of the methods used against me in 1998 when false allegations were made under duress.”

Sources said police were waiting for the medical report from the hospital before proceeding with investigations.

They also said Anwar was expected to be called up by the police to have his statement recorded.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang posted in his blog early Sunday morning that he had spoken to Anwar over the phone and "he is expecting the worst."

"SMS and phone calls have been flying around of imminent police action against Anwar Ibrahim.

"I have spoken to Anwar over the phone and he is expecting the worst," Lim said.

Sodomy allegation
Anwar and his adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja were found guilty by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Aug 8, 2000 on the charge of sodomising Anwar's former family driver, Azizan Abu Bakar, at Sukma's apartment in Tivoli Villa, Bangsar, between January and March 1993.

Anwar was sentenced to nine years' jail while Sukma received six years and ordered to be given four strokes of the rotan. Sukma was also convicted by the High Court on a charge of abetting Anwar in the commission of the offence.

In 2003, the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals.

Anwar was first convicted for corruption on April 14, 1999 and was jailed for six years.

He should have been released on April 14, 2003 after a one-third remission but had to start serving his sentence for the sodomy offence, which the court ordered to be served consecutively.

Anwar was freed in 2004 after the Federal Court acquitted him of the charge of sodomising his former family driver.

The three-person Federal Court bench reached a 2-1 majority decision when they allowed the former deputy prime minister's appeal and overturned the conviction and nine-year jail term six years after his sacking as deputy prime minister.

The panel headed by Federal Court judge Justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad also allowed Sukma’s appeal.

Court of Appeal judge Tengku Baharuddin Shah Tengku Mahmud concurred with Justice Abdul Hamid while Federal Court judge Justice Rahmah Hussain dissented.

Justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad held that from the record of appeal, he found evidence that the appellants were involved in homosexual activities and was inclined to believe that the alleged incident at Tivoli Villa did occur.

However, he said the Federal Court could only convict Anwar and Sukma if the prosecution had successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt the alleged offences stated in the charges based on admissible evidence and in accordance with established principles of law.

"We may be convinced in our minds of the guilt or innocence of the appellants but our decision must only be based on the evidence adduced and nothing else," he said.

Allies, opponents react to Anwar sodomy allegation - The Star

KOTA BARU: Jun 30, 2008

The Opposition may be affected by the allegation of sexual misconduct against PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

However, he said, at this stage it was just a person's word against Anwar and the police should conduct a through investigation.

He said the allegations could be related to a political conspiracy to trap Anwar.

"Such accusation requires witnesses in Islam. It could be true or it could be a conspiracy.

"It is difficult to prove one person’s word against another. That is why, witnesses are required,” he told reporters at Sultan Ismail Petra airport before flying to Perak for a visit.

Kelantan Umno information chief Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad said:

"We can only speculate until the police conclude its investigations and the court process takes over.

"Nobody from Umno has anything to gain from trying to fabricate (accusations against) Anwar especially in the current political landscape,” he said.

Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali urged the police to expedite the investigations and the people not to prejudge anyone.

State PKR Youth head Wan Khaiirul Wan Mohamad believes the allegation was an effort by certain quarters to distract the public from the ongoing problems in Barisan Nasional.

In George Town, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the allegation of sexual misconduct against PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not affect Pakatan Rakyat.

"What is true is true and what is false is false and we will let the police determine that,” he said when asked to comment on the allegation.

He hoped police would investigate the matter independently and fairly.

In Kuala Lumpur PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali called on party supporters not to demonstrate or react unlawfully.

"Continue with our work in a professional and disciplined manner. Anwar has denied the allegation and the top leadership will counter the accusation using the lawful way.

"This accusation is a fabrication and we will not be derailed of our Sept 16 target (to form the new Federal Government)," he told a press conference.

Anwar’s political secretary Sim Tze Tzin said the allegation was unfounded and a total fabrication.

He said it was a tactic used to divert the public’s attention in face of the current economic and political situation.

He said PKR leaders had a meeting to “strategise” their next move

Anwar denies sodomy claims - The Star

SHAH ALAM: Jun 29, 2008 By LOURDES CHARLES, STEVEN DANIEL and WANI MUTHIAH

Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was left fighting for his political credibility, calling a press conference at 1.20am today to deny allegations that he sodomised his aide.

He described the allegations made by his aide in a police report lodged yesterday as a “total fabrication”.

The police report lodged against me earlier today is a complete fabrication « DATUK SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM

Anwar's statement was read out by PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah at the press conference at a hotel in Shah Alam.

The statement, which was also faxed to media offices, said: “The police report lodged against me today is a complete fabrication. I believe we are witnessing a repeat of the methods used against me in 1998 when false allegations were made under duress.”

Asked why Anwar was not at the press conference, Sivarasa said Anwar was very busy attending to “too many telephone calls.”

Earlier, a man claiming to be an aide of Anwar lodged a police report alleging sodomy by the PKR leader.

It is learnt that the man, in his 20s, lodged the report at a police beat base here at 5.45pm.

He is being treated at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources said the man alleged that he was sexually assaulted last Thursday inside a luxury apartment in the city.

He also alleged that it was not the first time that Anwar had sexually assaulted him.

Sivarasa said the aide started working for PKR three months ago to help out in the general election.

City CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Ku Chin Wah confirmed that a report had been lodged but declined to give details.

Sources said police were waiting for the medical report from the hospital before proceeding with investigations.

They also said Anwar was expected to be called up by the police to have his statement recorded.

Sept 16 Still On - Malaysiakini

Karpal: Probe Raja Petra's claims for fresh evidence - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (June 24, 2008): By Charles Ramendran

DAP chairman and lawyer Karpal Singh said today the Attorney-General (A-G) should investigate the contents of blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin's statutory declaration on the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder if it helps bring new evidence to the on-going murder case.
"For him to make such claims in the affidavit makes me think he may know or have something (on the case)," he said in a press conference held in his law office on Jalan Pudu Lama with Altantuya's father Shaariibuu Setev.



Asked if Raja Petra's action to make the declaration public amounted to sub judice as claimed by police, Karpal said he did not see how this was so as the murder trial was ongoing and it made sense to include new evidence which may crop up to be made admissible in the case.

He said although the prosecution has closed its case in the trial, they should not be deterred from further probing the disclosures.

He added if the allegations were found to be true, the A-G can apply to the court to re-open the prosecution's case.

Karpal said he welcomed the A-G's assurance that he will probe to seek the truth as he views the allegations seriously.

He said it was important that every effort be made to see that the trial goes on fairly as it is not just the family of Altantuya and the Mongolian government who will need to be appeased but the international community.

The lawyer said he will go to the A-G's office at 10am tomorrow with Setev although an appointment had not been secured with the A-G.

Speaking with the help of a translator, Setev said he learnt about Raja Petra's affidavit after reading the newspapers and had sought Karpal's advice on it.

In his declaration, Raja Petra said he was informed that three people, including the wife of a VIP, were present at the crime scene on the day Altantuya was said to have beeen blown up with plastic explosives.

Following this, a police report was lodged by the A-G's Chambers.

The police were quoted as saying that they are scrutinising the report and are expected to call up Raja Petra and all those named in the affidavit for questioning.

Police had also said the blogger's actions to post the statutory declaration on his website was sub judice and he could face charges and imprisonment of up to two years for the offence.

In the Dewan Rakyat today, Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar rejected a motion by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) to defer proceedings to discuss Raja Petra's statutory declaration on the grounds that the murder trial was in progress in the (Shah Alam) High Court.

Lim said the credibility and legitimacy of the present administration will suffer a blow if the leaders remain silent on the allegations.

Dewan rejects motion to discuss Raja Petra declaration - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun 24, 2008 By NG CHENG YEE

The Dewan Rakyat rejected an emergency motion tabled by Lim Kit Siang (DAP - Ipoh Timor) to discuss blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin’s statutory declaration over the Altantuya Shaariibu murder case.

In the declaration, Raja Petra claimed that three people – one of them a prominent woman – were present at the scene during the murder of the Mongolian translator in October 2006.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the motion was rejected as there were pending cases in court involving Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK) operatives C/Insp Azilah Hadri, Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar, political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda as well as Raja Petra.

Lim filed the notice of emergency motion at 10am on Monday.

In his notice, Lim said the credibility and legitimacy of the Abdullah Ahmad Badawi premiership and government would suffer a mortal blow if the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the latter’s wife continued to remain silent on the allegations made in the declaration.

PKR MPs cycle to Parliament as mark of protest - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun 23, 2008 By LISA GOH

Four Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs - Tian Chua (Batu), Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan), N. Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai) and Zulkifli Nordin (Kulim Bandar Baru) - cycled to Parliament Monday as a mark of protest against the recent fuel hike.



Tian Chua said move was also to "appeal to the Cabinet Ministers to understand the difficulty in using bicycles or public transport" in the country. "Changing of lifestyles is not as easy as what the Government claims," he told reporters.



He said that he and the three others had taken about 20 minutes to cycle from Bank Negara to the Dewan Rakyat.

"It's a difficult task because the road transport system here is not designed for bicycle use and cyclists will face problems cruising around town," he said.

Asked if they would cycle to Parliament again, he said the MPs would discuss it further.

"Today, because of the debate on petrol price hike, we rode our bicycles here to make a point," he said.

Statutory Declaration by Raja Petra - Jun 18, 2008

In his two-page statutory declaration, Raja Petra alleged that Rosmah was among three individuals who were at the scene when Altantuya was murdered on Oct 19, 2006.

Click to enlarge

Altantunya: Emergency motion on new allegations - Malaysiakini

By Beh Lih Yi | Jun 23, 08 1:00pm

Veteran DAP leader and Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang has submitted an emergency motion to seek parliamentary debate on blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin’s latest allegations over the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder.

In the notice submitted to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia’s office yesterday, the seasoned politician said the matter is urgent and of public importance to be debated in the House.

He noted this is because a statutory declaration signed by Raja Petra on June 18 has implicated Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Najib Abdul Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor in the case.

“The credibility and legitimacy of the Abdullah premiership and government will suffer a mortal blow if the prime minister, deputy prime minister and Rosmah continue to remain silent on Raja Petra’s bombshell allegations in his statutory declaration,” Lim said in the motion.

The speaker is expected to decide tomorrow on whether or not to allow the motion, as notice of two days is required in tabling an emergency motion.

More news at: www.malaysiakini.com

Barisan may be stronger without SAPP, says Ong - The Star

SLIM RIVER: Jun 23, 2008

Barisan Nasional may turn out to be a stronger coalition if Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is expelled from it, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

While Barisan may have one component party less, he felt that the experience would serve to instil awareness on the importance of discipline among its members.

He pointed out that Barisan did not make any hasty decision during the early period when it was not clear if SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee was acting on his own when he said SAPP would support a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister.

It was only on Friday that SAPP officially endorsed Yong’s controversial call.

Ong said the fact that the Barisan supreme council chose to wait proved its patience and consideration towards its component parties.

“We treasure all our 14 component parties. But if SAPP still does not value that and if they still want to act against our principles, then I feel Barisan has to take action.

“Although we lose a component party, that is the situation we have to face in order for Barisan to become stronger,” he said.

Ong, who is also Tanjung Malim MP, said this to reporters here yesterday after presenting computers worth RM52,000 from his MP allowance to 20 mosque committees in his constituency.

He said if there was any disagreement in any of the Barisan component parties, this could be discussed. “Whether it is with the supreme council, state or own party, we can discuss and debate. But we must stand strong.”

Ong urged all the component parties to stand together and not be divided, or else they would be “taken advantage” of by the Opposition.

He reiterated that despite PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's claims, none of the MCA MPs planned to take the side of the former deputy prime minister.

“He is a trickster. He’ll say that there are MPs in MCA already siding him, and use the same trick on other component parties.

“Anwar has also long claimed that 30 MPs will leave Barisan but until now, nothing has happened.”

Barisan MPs on alert to fight possible no-confidence motion - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun 23, 2008

All eyes will be on the new meeting of the Dewan Rakyat which starts today as many are waiting to see if a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister materialises.

Although the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s office has said that no specific no-confidence motion has been filed, any motion or Bill which comes up for voting can be turned into a test of confidence of the Prime Minister and the Government.

The first motion to come up will be that on price increases of oil and other goods as well as the measures to tackle them, which will be tabled by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad immediately after Question Time today.

SAPP, a Barisan Nasional component party, caused a storm last week when the party said it had lost confidence in the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister.

SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said its two MPs (Tawau's Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui and Sepanggar's Datuk Eric Enjin Machimbun) would introduce or support a vote on no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

Barisan secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said coalition MPs would be on full alert for the possibility of the Opposition trying to sneak in a no-confidence vote during the debate on issues such as the motion on price increases.

Tengku Adnan said coalition MPs would not let their guard down.

“We know what they are trying to do. We must fight back. We have alerted all our MPs, so of course a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister will not go through,” he said yesterday.

He pointed out that Barisan had the numbers on their side – 140 MPs against the Opposition's 82.

“We have asked our component parties to make sure that all their MPs attend the sitting and follow the orders of the Whip,” he said.

Tengku Adnan also said that Barisan would be calling for a management committee meeting “in a day or two” to discuss the unusual position of the SAPP.

“How can you be in a family and not want the father? There is only one father (Abdullah) in the (Barisan) family,” he said.

Tengku Adnan said Yong was being manipulative and “playing a game” with Barisan.

“He doesn’t want SAPP to quit Barisan but he doesn’t want its leader. He wants us to sack SAPP. Then he can say that they joined Pakatan Rakyat only because they were sacked from Barisan.

“We can’t fall into that trap,” he said.

Tengku Adnan said Barisan would be looking at the possibility of suspending SAPP or issuing a show-cause letter to Yong to explain what he meant by choosing to stay in Barisan and not support the Prime Minister.

As Umno secretary-general, he said, he was upset and disappointed with Yong for “questioning the position of our president as the Prime Minister”.

No-confidence motion not a new thing - The Star

KOTA BARU: Jun 22, 2008

The proposed no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is not new to the political landscape here, having been taken three times previously.

And all three attempts were successful, said International Islamic University law academician Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.

He said the three times were in Sarawak in 1966, Selangor in 1976 and Kelantan in 1977 -- the chief minister and mentris besar of these states were forced out after a no-confidence vote.

However, this would be the first time that such a measure was being taken at the federal level, he noted, speaking as a panellist at a dialogue in Balai Islam on Pakatan Rakyat’s first 100 days of administration.

The two other panellists were PKR strategic planning director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

Dr Abdul Aziz said the laws covering the tabling of such a motion were more or less similar at the state and federal levels.

Earlier this week, Barisan Nasional component party Sabah Progressive Party declared it was going to move for a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, citing a lack of confidence in his leadership.

No Motion Against Prime Minister On Monday, Says Aziz

KUALA KANGSAR, June 21 (Bernama)

No motion against Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's leadership will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz says.

He said Saturday that the office of Dewan Rakyat Speaker had not received any notice from Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) regarding the matter until Friday evening.

"With this, we are giving an assurance that on Monday there will be no constructive motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister.

"The only motion is by the government on price increases which will be tabled by (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister) Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad," he told reporters after opening the Padang Rengas Health Centre Day here.

He said the motion to be tabled by the government involved public interest and urgent.

According to Standing Order 18(1), any emergency motion should be informed a day early to the Dewan Rakyat speaker, he said.

Members of Parliament (MPs) also could not take the opportunity to combine the motion with one on the issue of lacking confidence in Prime Minister, he said.

Nazri said he constantly monitored the Dewan Rakyat Speaker office regarding the issue and was sure that no notice of such a motion had been received until Friday.

He said the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday would start with the question-and-answer session and followed by the tabling of the government motion.

On Wednesday, SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee declared that his party had lost confidence in Abdullah's leadership and said its MPs were ready to support any motion of no-confidence against the prime minister.

Friday, SAPP Supreme Council consented to the plan to move the motion in Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

SAPP's representatives in Dewan Rakyat are Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui of Tawau and Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun from Sepanggar. They won the seats in the March 8 general election on Barisan Nasional (BN) tickets.

Nazri said his personal opinion on SAPP's move was that the party only wanted to voice out its dissatisfaction.

"To me, it does not matter because we cannot have double standards because the one criticising the present government the loudest is Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and we cannot expel him.

"Tun speaks loads of things but we did not kick him out. So, if SAPP speaks the same way and we want to take action, we are practicing double standards. We should have taken action on Tun," he said.

He said SAPP also had rights if it wanted to leave BN.

"If it wants to walk out on BN like Tun quitting Umno, go ahead. But for us to expel it, it would be fair because we cannot have double standards," he said.

PKR Steps Up Sabre-rattling, Claims 10 Sarawak MPs Brought Overseas To Prevent Crossover

KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama)

In the wake of the political drama in Sabah following Sabah Progressive Party's (SAPP) announcement that they will go ahead with the vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has stepped up its sabre-rattling.

It has made a claim that 10 Sarawak Members of Parliament (MPs) were taken overseas in an effort to prevent them from leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) to join PKR.

PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali claimed that they had been taken to Beijing.

Not all the 10 would join PKR, he told reporters after officiating the PKR's Kaamatan celebration here Saturday.

PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan when asked whether other Sabahan MPs are also considering to join them, said: "Yes, definitely, there are some from Sabah."

Syed Husin said so far SAPP had not made any application to join PKR but if the party did, it would be accepted.

In Miri, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg Saturday likened SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee to a political cowboy who smeared the image of other politicians in the country.

Motion against PM likely on Monday - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Jun 21, 2008

A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi may materialise on Monday after all.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said the Government motion on price increases scheduled for Monday can be turned into a no-confidence motion, provided there were enough numbers to defeat it.

Lim, who is also Ipoh Timur MP, said it was not necessary to have a proper motion of no-confidence to create a “no-confidence” vote in Parliament on the Prime Minister and the Government.

He said he was informed that the motion, to be moved by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, was the first item on the list after the 90-minute question time.

The motion is to seek support for the measures taken by the Government over price increases.

Anwar invites BN MPs to Pakatan - Malaysiakini

PKR's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim tonight invited Barisan Nasional members of parliament to defect to his Pakatan Rakyat to "save Malaysia".

"Come. Save this country, Malaysia! Let us bring down the BN government," he told a cheering crowd of about 10,000 at the Shah Alam Stadium tonight.

He also sent the crowd into frenzy by stating that he had already enticed two MPs from BN into Pakatan.

BN MPs to attend Dewan Rakyat daily to stop SAPP motion

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs: Jun 19, 2008

All 140 Barisan Nasional MPs have been ordered to attend the whole duration of the Dewan Rakyat’s three-week meeting beginning next week as a precaution against the Sabah Progressive Party’s bid to file a vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. This was immediately decided at the BN supreme council meeting Abdullah chaired at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

Contrary to expectations, the council did not mete out immediate punishment against the SAPP, including dismissal from the coalition. The coalition preferred to wait for an official explanation from its president Datuk Yong Teck Leeover his declaration in Kota Kinabalu yesterday that the party intends to file the motion at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday through its two representatives, MP for Sepanggar Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun and MP for Tawau Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui.

Claiming a variety of reasons relating to the neglect and mistreatment Sabah received from the Federal Government, Yong claimed the party had lost confidence in Abdullah's leadership and demanded his resignation as PM. However, Yong's move was lambasted by all BN leaders, including his own deputy.

This was reaffirmed during the meeting where leaders of the various component parties strongly criticised the SAPP’s intent.

According to BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the BN leaders agreed that the move was “unethical and against the BN spirit.”

Anwar Offering Yong DPM's Post?

KOTA BAHARU, June 20 (Bernama)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's declaration that his party has lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is believed due to him being taken in by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's offer.

Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he was made to understand that Yong would be appointed to the number two post in government if Anwar was to be Prime Minister.

"I heard loads were offered (to Yong) like the deputy prime minister's post and oil royalties.

"Actually I want to know what was the offer which came individually from Anwar to Yong. Was Yong offered the DPM's job if Anwar becomes PM?. If this is true, it proves it is not a stance based on principles but with conditions because they did meet," he told reporters at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport here Friday.

Earlier, Khairy held a closed-door meeting with 14 Umno Youth heads in Kelantan.

He also criticised the move by Yong and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser who held the meeting in Hong Kong.

"In terms of morality this is wrong because after admitting he had met Anwar and then wanting to support a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, he still not being direct and said not leaving Barisan Nasional (BN). This raises questions.

"Why would they meet in Hong Kong? Afraid of people seeing? This raises a lot of questions. We know the Anwar and Yong history in 1994 which brought down the Sabah government. This is not something new," Khairy said.

The Rembau Member of Parliament said SAPP's move to table a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister also showed the party's inconsistent stance.

This was because, he said, it was inconceivable that BN component parties would want to support the motion of no-confidence against the BN chairman and at the same time wanted to champion the politics brought by the BN.

He said Yong had also been alleged to have used his position as party president to get their support on his stance with regard to the motion.

"I was made to understand most SAPP Supreme Council members disagreed with Yong's stance but he managed to get their approval.

"The question is, will those in SAPP who do not support Yong come forward to make a different stance that is more consistent, namely if they want to continue with the BN, must support the BN chairman? There is no choice for any party in the BN not to support its chairman," he said.

As a member of Parliament also, he said, he would see whether SAPP members of Parliament -- Chua Soon Bui of Tawau who is also the party's deputy president and Datuk Eric Majimbun of Sepanggar -- would table and support the motion.

"I hope the BN chief whip will take proper action if they proceed with the plan," he said.

Emergence Of Two Multi-party Coalitions Good, Says Koh

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama)

The emergence of two multi-party coalitions resulting from the March 8 general election is good for the country as it paves the way for good governance.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said this Friday night when addressing some 200 people at the party's "White Coffee Talk" at its Selangor headquarters here.

He said the people had made their choice and there should not be any sabotage to the governments run by Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance).

"It is more healthy and we (Barisan Nasional - BN) can do better then. That's why we opposed the move to sabotage the ruling Pakatan Rakyat Perak government which only won majority by three seats compared to BN.

"I must say that BN is not afraid of competition. Let them (Pakatan Rakyat) govern and prove themselves in the five states they won. I challenge them to do so. At the same time we must prove that we will also perform as a good opposition in the states," he said.

Dr Koh said that in the meantime, BN should go back to the basics and refer to the BN constitution that now was drifted away by Umno dominance and strong man politics.

"It's good that (this leader) had Vision 2020, the Multimedia Super Corridor but the negative side is that it ended up as strong man politics," he said.

On Gerakan, he said the party had contributed so much as well as making impacts, good will, well respected and had good track record and experience since its inception in 1968 but was perceived as weak and timid.

He said that therefore, Gerakan should move forward to be more people-friendly and policy-oriented and at the same time instil and articulate more clearly the party's stand on issues and its ideologies.

"Gerakan is there for the future. With winning only two parliamentary seats and four state seats, we're down but not out. At this point of time we consider the problems faced as challenging but this would distinguish man from boys," he said.

He said Gerakan would push for effectiveness within BN and the federal government.

On reforms initiated by the government in the judiciary, the move to make the Anti-Corruption Agency independent and amend the Internal Security Act and media freedom, he said there were some improvements but still slow.

We Now Need Only 28 MPs, Says Anwar

SHAH ALAM, June 21 (Bernama)

Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Friday night Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) now needed only 28 crossover members of parliament to form the government.

Pakatan Rakyat needed 30 MPs to do so but Anwar said with two Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) MPs supporting a motion of no confidence against the prime minister, the pact now needed only 28 MPs to switch sides.

"We want to congratulate Datuk Yong Teck Lee (SAPP President) and the two SAPP MPs," he said at a gathering in conjunction with the 100th day of Pakatan Rakyat's rule in Selangor attended by about 10,000 people at the Shah Alam Stadium.

He was confident that Pakatan Rakyat would be able to form the government, saying the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) was in disarray.

Pakatan Rakyat has 82 MPs while BN has 140.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Pakatan Rakyat would fight any motion to support further increase of fuel price, which he claimed would be tabled in the coming Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Petra: Isteri Najib di 'lokasi jenayah' - Malaysiakini

Jun 20, 08 10:33pm

Siapa lagi kalau bukan Raja Petra Kamaruddin - walaupun Datuk Seri Najib Razak beberapa kali menafikannya sebelum ini.

Kali ini pengendali blog Malaysia Today meningkatkan kredibiliti dakwaannya melalui satu akuan bersumpah di mahkamah tinggi Kuala Lumpur kelmarin - masih lagi mengaitkan isteri timbalan perdana menteri dengan kes pembunuhan wanita Mongolia, Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Seperti artikelnya awal bulan lalu yang menyeretnya ke mahkamah, yang pernah dijawab dan dijelaskan oleh setiausaha akhbar timbalan perdana menteri, akuan bersumpah ini diberikan perhatian serius oleh pihak Najib.

"Kami sedang meneliti perkara ini. Akuan bersumpah itu memang membingungkan dan mengelirukan," kata setiausahanya Datuk Tengku Sarifuddin Tengku Ahmad kepada Malaysiakini hari ini.

Beliau bagaimanapun tidak menyatakan secara khusus bentuk-bentuk tindakan seterusnya yang bakal diambil.

Najib dan Rosmah telah berulangkali menafikan mereka ada kaitan dengan kes pembunuhan berprofil tinggi itu dan menyifatkan dakwaan tersebut tidak lebih daripada perbuatan untuk "memfitnah dan mereka-reka cerita".

Dalam akuan sumpahnya, Raja Petra menuduh Rosmah antara individu yang berada di tempat kejadian ketika Altantuya dibunuh pada 19 Oktober 2006.

Katanya, beliau mendapat maklumat yang boleh dipercayai bahawa antara kira-kira jam 10 malam 19 Oktober 2006 dan awal pagi berikutnya, malam mangsa dibunuh, terdapat tiga orang lagi di tempat kejadian.

Beliau menamakan dua individu lagi itu sebagai seorang kolonel, yang menurutnya seorang pakar bom 'C4' dan isterinya yang yang dikatakan pengawal peribadi Rosmah.

Laporan perisikan

Mayat Altantuya didakwa telah hancur dibom dengan 'C4' di sebuah kawasan hutan di Puncak Alam, Shah Alam. Kes perbicaraan pembunuhannya masih berjalan di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam.

Dalam akuan itu, Raja Petra mendakwa kolonel itu yang memasang bom C4 di beberapa tempat di badan Altantuya, dengan disaksikan oleh Rosmah dan pengawal peribadinya.

Raja Petra mendakwa lagi, beliau membuat akuan itu kerana beliau mempunyai maklumat yang boleh dipercayai mengenai pembabitan orang-orang berkenaan yang sehingga ini belum dikaitkan atau dipanggil sebagai saksi oleh pihak pendakwaraya dalam kes perbicaraan kes tersebut.

Penulis blog sensasi itu berkata, beliau juga membuat akuan bersumpah tersebut kerana beliau sedar bahawa menjadi kesalahan jika tidak mendedahkan bukti-bukti yang boleh membantu polis dalam siasatan kes jenayah.

Ketika dihubungi Malaysiakini hari ini, Raja Petra mengesahkan kandungan akuan bersumpah tersebut - yang kini dimuatkan di sebuah blog (bukan Malaysia Today).

Beliau juga mendakwa dalam akuannya itu bahawa beliau mendapat maklumat bahawa perdana menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menyedari mengenai dakwaan pembabitan isteri Najib.

Raja Petra mendakwa lagi, Abdullah menerima satu laporan bertulis daripada pihak perisikan tentera, yang mengesahkan pendedahan beliau itu.

Laporan tersebut, dakwa Raja Petra, kemudiannya diserahkan kepada menantu perdana menteri, Khairy Jamaluddin untuk disimpan dengan selamat.

Selain Abdullah dan Khairy, dakwa Raja Petra, "seorang Sultan juga telah dimaklumkan mengenai perkara tersebut dan menyedari tentang tuduhan berkenaan."

Dakwaan terbaru

Penulis itu bagaimanapun tidak mendedahkan beberapa nama yang didakwanya mempunyai maklumat tentang perkara itu.

Raja Petra berkata, beliau membuat akuan bersumpah itu untuk menggesa semua pihak berkenaan tampil bagi mendedahkan maklumat sebenar agar polis dapat menjalankan siasatan terperinci.

Dalam temubual melalui telefon, Raja Petra menjelaskan alasannya tidak melaporkan dakwaan terbarunya itu kepada polis.

Penulis blog berkata, memandangkan tiada tindakan diambil terhadap laporan polisnya pada 2001 - ketika beliau mendakwa dipukul oleh seorang pegawai polis berpangkat tinggi - beliau tidak yakin lagi untuk membuat laporan polis.

Polis telah menyiasat Raja Petra awal bulan lalu berhubung artikelnya bertajuk 'Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell' - juga mengaitkan Najib dan Rosnah dalam kes pembunuhan kontroversi itu.

Penganalisa politik Abdul Razak Baginda - yang dikaitkan dengan menteri pertahanan itu - dan dua anggota polis pasukan khas UTK sedang dibicarakan berhubung pembunuhan wanita Mongolia itu.

Jika sabit kesalahan, ketiga-tiganya boleh dikenakan hukuman mati

Senatorship, BIMP-EAGA, Special Rep Political Bribe, Says Yong

KOTA KINABALU, June 20 (Bernama)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee today admitted he received a letter, offering the post of senator and special envoy to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Yong said he was offered both posts through a letter from the Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister's Department on Tuesday, a day before he declared that the party had lost confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

However, the former chief minister said he regarded the offer as "political bribery" to stop him from voicing out issues related to Sabah.

"The offer was delivered to me through the chief minister. He (the chief minister) said that if I agree, the prime minister would make the announcement.

"I said I'm going to reject it even if the announcement is made... so it won't be nice," he told reporters here.

Yong was asked to comment on a statement by Abdullah yesterday that he had offered the two posts to the SAPP president.

"There is nothing personal but I'm surprise when he (the prime minister) mentioned about personal greed... I've never asked for personal things from the prime minister.

"The senatorship is suggested by the chief minister. I said, fine but I rather not accept it because people would see it as an attempt to shut me up. So it's not true that I had personal greed.

"I also said that if it is true, let other SAPP leaders who are qualified (to be offered the posts)," he said.

He also questioned what he said was the "perfect timing" for a corruption case to surface.

"This is an attempt to cultivate a climate of fear," he told reporters after chairing the SAPP supreme council meeting.

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) said Friday it was investigating Yong over an alleged bribery case involving RM5 million when he was the chief minister in 1996.

This was following a revelation in the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday that Yong had ordered the payment of over RM5 million profit from the sale of shares belonging to a state-owned company to his selected agents in 1996.

Yong said: "In this particular investigation, the ACA had taken my statements four or five years ago. I don't know how many hours I was at the ACA office, don't tell me it has suddenly resurfaced today.

"The timing is perfect," he said.

SAPP Kemuka Undi Tidak Percaya - BN Bergolak

BN: No action against Sapp - Malaysiakini

Barisan Nasional supreme council today resolved not to take action against Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) until it gets an "official statement" from the party for its planned no-confidence vote against the prime minister.

Syed Hamid: Fuel price won't go down - Malaysiakini

Street demonstrations against the fuel price hikes will lead only to further hardships for people caught up in the inconvenience that accompanies such gatherings, said Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar.

PKR: Follow SAPP’s move - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Jun 19, 2008

Now that SAPP has made its intentions known, PKR’s next course of action would be getting more parties to support the vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

“Two down, another 28 to go,” said PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.

(Pakatan Rakyat, with 82 MPs against Barisan’s 140, needs 30 MPs to cross over to topple the Barisan Nasional government.)

He said the whole Cabinet should resign as Members of Parliament had lost confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government.

“They have failed to provide a credible and strong leadership, especially when they decided to raise the fuel price. They are incompetent to manage the economy,” he said.

Azmin said PKR had a series of meetings with SAPP over the past few weeks.

“Now that SAPP has taken this initiative, we will sit down immediately to decide on the next course of action and to look at the content of the motion of no-confidence and how to get consensus for it.

“We want to get the full support of all the (Pakatan Rakyat) parties concerned and hopefully we can garner the support of other (Barisan) MPs,” he said.

Azmin hoped that the Dewan Rakyat Speaker would look at the motion of no-confidence seriously and make an independent judgment.

PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed SAPP’s bold move and its two MPs for standing up for the rights of the Sabahans.

“I have had two discussions with Yong. The core issues at hand are those of good governance and dedication to the principles of accountability,” he said in a statement.

He reiterated that he would give 20% of oil royalty to Sabah, Sarawak, and Terengganu and fair representation if Pakatan Rakyat (which comprises PKR, DAP and PAS) came to power.

UPKO denies Dompok leaving BN - NST

PUTRAJAYA: Jun 19, 2008 By Hamidah Atan

The Pertubuhan Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (Upko) yesterday denied that its president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will leave the Barisan Nasional.

Its secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said Dompok and other Upko leaders would remain loyal to BN chairman and prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"No one in Upko is leaving the BN. We don't have problem with Abdullah or the BN, so, the question of us leaving the coalition does not arise.

"We are now focussing on divisional and branch meetings and we don't have time for such."

Tun Dr. M on SAPP

Jun 19, 2008

Tiny SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) wants to move a motion of no-confidence in Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Apparently SAPP is still confident in Barisan Nasional.

As expected we hear the usual chorus of pledges by the other BN parties to support Abdullah.

When will BN party leaders wake up to the fact that the majority of Malaysians do not want Dato Seri Abdullah as Prime Minister? It was this inability to appreciate the feelings of the people that led to the disastrous 2008 election results by them.

The peninsular BN parties should realise that they have become irrelevant.

Ignore the people and you will find yourself totally rejected.

6 Julai: Tarikh baru protes harga minyak - Malaysiakini

Jun 19, 08 5:04pm

Tarikh dan tempat perhimpunan besar-besaran bagi membantah kenaikan harga minyak, ditukar sekali lagi.

Perhimpunan tersebut sebelum ini dijadual diadakan pada 5 Julai depan, bertempat di KLCC di ibu negara.

Bagaimanapun, hari ini, Penyelaras Protes, Dr Hatta Ramli berkata, perhimpunan itu akan diadakan pada 6 Julai bertempat di Jalan Timur, Petaling Jaya

Pertukaran itu, katanya, dibuat untuk memberi ruang kepada lebih ramai rakyat untuk menyertainya.

Keputusan memindahkan tempat perhimpunan juga dibuat kerana Protes tidak mahu perniagaan di KLCC terganggu.

Government Must Be Sensitive To Demands By Sabah And Sarawak Components

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama)

Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the government must be sensitive to the demands made by the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties from Sabah and Sarawak to resolve whatever misunderstandings there may be.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Adullah Ahmad Badawi and the Umno leadership must be diplomatic and hold discussions with the leaders from Sabah and Sarawak.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Umno leaders from the Federal Territory here Wednesday night, Tengku Razaleigh said without the component parties from the two states, the present government would not have obtained the mandate to govern the country as Umno's strength now was due to the success of the component parties from Sabah and Sarawak in the March 8 general election.

He said this when asked to comment on the announcement by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee that his party had lost confidence in the leadersip of the Prime Minister.

"From my understanding, the best way out now is for the Prime Minister to step down so that a more suitable candidate can take over and regain the people's confidence in Umno and the BN," he said.

He also alleged that there were Umno divisions in the peninsula that were dissatisfied with the Prime Minister's leadership.

"At a closed-door Umno meeting in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, recently there was also no unanimous decision reached whether to retain Abdullah in his current position," he said.

When asked whether he would withdraw from standing for the Umno presidency at the party's election in December if there were another candidate offering himself, he said: "I continue with my stance and I am not retreating. What I have started, I will finish it."

Meanwhile, in a separate statement faxed here, Tengku Razaleigh said he wanted the best for Umno and had put himself on the line to reform Umno.

"I want what is best for Umno and I have put myself on the line to reform Umno, if our leaders refuse to face reality, I fear the worst for the party and this government," he said.

SAPP MPs to move no-confidence vote - Press Conference

SAPP Hints Coalition Of Independent Reps

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama)

Sabah Progessive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, who on Wednesday declared in Kota Kinabalu that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has hinted the possibility of several elected representatives from Sabah abandoning Barisan Nasional (BN) to serve as independent elected representatives.

The former Sabah chief minister also ruled out the possibility of these "independent MPs" and state assemblymen joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)-led Pakatan Rakyat should they decide to quit the ruling coalition.

Yong, who has been critical of Abdullah's political decisions on Sabah and what he described as "unpopular" measures pertaining to fuel price hikes and illegal immigrants' issues in the state, said they were not keen to cross over to a peninsula-based opposition party.

"We don't want that. What we want is if there is any political party in the state, it should be a Sabah-based party, looking after the affairs in the state and its people," he said in an interview with Bernama in Kota Kinabalu recently.

"We don't foresee ourselves joining any other peninsula-based opposition party if we ever decide to dump BN. Maybe only in terms of a loose coalition (with a peninsula-based opposition party)," he added.

He, however, declined to say whether SAPP itself would leave the BN.

"Let's wait and see," said Yong, who declared in Kota Kinabalu that the party's two members of parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday.

Several SAPP leaders, when met, indicated that several state politicians from other parties had shown interest in joining the "coalition of independent representatives".

"It's not just SAPP only. It will be a bigger coalition of independent members of parliament and assemblymen, at least until the next general election," said one leader who declined to identified.

It is learnt that about 10 to 18 Sabah MPs and assemblymen would announce their decision to quit BN and jump-start the "independents" pack" in a matter of days.

"Just watch out for this Saturday. It could be another political tsunami," an aide to the SAPP chief said.

Meanwhile, a political observer said several MPs from Sabah could announce their stance in the BN after the SAPP holds its emergency supreme council meeting this Friday.

SAPP declares loss of confidence in PM Abdullah - The Sun

KOTA KINABALU (June 18, 2008)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee today declared that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, further fuelling speculation that the Chinese-based party will leave the ruling front on Friday (June 20).

He claimed that the party's two Members of Parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday (June 23).

Whether the motion will be tabled by the two MPs or another MP will be decided in due course, the party said in a statement.

Yong, who was a former Sabah Chief Minister, said party deputy president, Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun, who is now overseas on official duty, had made his stand in a signed press statement, while Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui, who is a party vice-president, will also take a similar position in a signed statement.

"Whether the motion will be tabled by our MPs or another MP will be decided in due course," he told a press conference.

Bernama quoted Yong as saying Eric is expected to return to Malaysia in time for the Parliament session on June 23.

SAPP is one of the 14 components of the Barisan Nasional (BN), the ruling coalition in the federal government.

Chua, who was present in the press conference, said in her statement that SAPP is of the opinion that if the top leadership cannot perform, then he should make way for other able leader to take over.

"People have lost confidence in the present leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Even Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and other Umno leaders have asked their own president to step down," she said.

She added that no concrete actions had been taken despite repeated requests made by SAPP to the PM on illegal immigrants. "Our sovereignty is threatened."

She said the people, especially in Sabah, "the poorest state", are burdened by the sharp fuel price hikes, and there are no holistic economic solutions planned.

"We would fail in our role as elected representatives if the issues raised by the Sabah people on poor delivery systems, corruption, wastage of resources, lack of transparency and no sense of accountability were ignored. These issues have been similarly expressed by my MP colleagues from Umno, Datuk Ghapur (Salleh), Datuk Anifah (Aman) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar."

According to a statement posted on SAPP's official website under "breaking news" today, SAPP is calling a press conference after its supreme council meeting on Friday (June 20) to address the question of the party's membership in the BN.

On why it is making this stand now, the statement said it was because there is a window of opportunity which closes by August after which Sabah would be "forgotten" again.

"The nation's attention would switch to MCA and Umno elections, people will be pre-occupied with the fasting month, Hari Raya, school exams and year end events. Political fatigue in the national mainstream over Sabah issues would set in."

The food and energy crises have compounded the problems faced by Sabah and made its claim for a 20% oil royalty a more urgent one, so that she could "insulate" themselves from the effects of rising oil prices. The federal government had said no to this request.

In the 2008 polls, Umno won 13 parliament and 36 state seats, MCA (one state), PBS (three parliament, 11 state), Upko (four parliament and four state), PBRS (one parliament, one state), LDP (one parliament, three state). DAP has one parliament and a state seat.

Key facts on Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)

> Registered on Jan 21, 1994, and founded by Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee after resigning from the ruling Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) on Jan 20 also as deputy president of PBS as well as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development in the state cabinet.

> It contested in state elections, only weeks after its formation.

> Under BN's Chief Minister rotation system, Yong was made chief minister in 1996 for two years.

> It currently has two MPs and four state assemblymen, namely Datuk Liew Teck Chan (Likas), Melanie Chia Chui Ket (Luyang), Au Kam Wah (Elopura) and Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah (Tanjong Papat).

Reactions:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the firm bravery of SAPP and its two MPs for defending the rights of Malaysians, and especially those of Sabahans.

He said he had two discussions with Datuk Yong Teck Lee on good governance and dedication to the principles of accountability.

He said PKR's commitment to Sabahans, bumiputra and otherwise, include 20% oil royalties to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, as well as proportionate and just representation for Sabah and Sarawak.

"I call upon other friends to act quickly in order to guarantee stable politics and efficient economic management that will lead to dynamic growth and equitable distribution."

> MCA president and Kulai MP Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said his party will stand steadfastly with Abdullah and the coalition.

"The Malaysian economy is suffering from escalating inflationary pressures, rising food and fuel prices now. The country and the people of Malaysia are going through very challenging times. What the country needs now is political and economic stability.

"It would be best that all of us, both the BN and the PR, accept the results of the 12th general election. Our priority should be to continue to work hard to fulfil our election pledges, restore confidence and stability for the nation."

> MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party, with about 630,000 members, will remain loyal with BN and continue to support the prime minister.

He has instructed the three MIC members of parliament to support the prime minister, especially in parliament. This is the first time we have a BN component party not supporting the prime minister. We will not let the prime minister down because he was elected by the people."

> Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he found it "unusual" for SAPP to support or move a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and yet still remain in the BN. He added that their move would have been more effective if they were to leave the coalition.

REACTION to Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's statement yesterday that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and that the party's two MPs would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister when the Dewan Rakyat resumes sitting on Monday:

> Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the bravery of SAPP and its two MPs for defending the rights of Malaysians, and especially those of Sabahans.

He said he had two discussions with Datuk Yong Teck Lee on good governance and dedication to the principles of accountability.

He said PKR's commitment to Sabahans, bumiputra and otherwise, include 20% oil royalties to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, as well as proportionate and just representation for Sabah and Sarawak.

"I call upon other friends to act quickly in order to guarantee stable politics and efficient economic management that will lead to dynamic growth and equitable distribution," Anwar said.

> MCA president and MP for Kulai Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said his party will stand steadfastly with Abdullah and the coalition

"The economy is suffering from escalating inflationary pressures, rising food and fuel prices now. The country and the people are going through very challenging times. What the country needs now is political and economic stability," he said.

"It would be best that all of us, both the BN and the PR, accept the results of the 12th general election. Our priority should be to continue to work hard to fulfill our election pledges, restore confidence and stability for the nation."

> MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party, with about 630,000 members, will remain loyal with BN and continue to support the prime minister.

He has instructed the three MIC members of parliament to support the prime minister especially in parliament. This is the first time we have a BN component party not supporting the prime minister. We will not let the prime minister down because he was elected by the people."

> Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he found it "unusual" for SAPP to support or move a no-confidence motion against the prime minister and yet still remain in the BN. He said their move would have been more effective if they were to leave the coalition.

No provision for no-faith motion

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)'s bid to be make history by supporting a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday (June 23) when the Dewan Rakyat resumes meeting, may not happen as planned.

The Parliamentary Standing Orders do not have special provision for a no-confidence motion, and as such it needs to be tabled as an ordinary motion under Standing Order 27, which requires 14 days notice.

Veteran MP and former parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) said he saw little possibility of this motion being tabled on Monday.

"The only way for a no-confidence motion to be tabled and debated on Monday is for the Speaker to treat it as a substantive and extraordinary motion which should take precedence and priority over all parliamentary business which does not need to comply with the requisite 14-day notice and publishing it as the first item of parliamentary business after Question Time in the Parliamentary Order of Business on Monday," he said in a statement today.

"In doing so, however, the Speaker is likely to be in direct loggerheads with the government of the day and must be prepared to pay the consequences of such a decision."

Lim said there had never been any no-confidence motion against the prime minister in Malaysian parliamentary history.