Thursday, February 28, 2013

安華:民聯若執政注新氣象,林吉祥哈迪或任副揆


  • 安華(左)接受星洲日報高級記者余秘葉專訪時堅稱,無論民聯在下屆大選贏或輸,國家都不會陷入動蕩不安局面。(圖:星洲日報)
(雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也27日訊)國會反對黨領袖拿督斯里安華不排除一旦民聯執政中央,新政府將出現兩名副首相,人選是行動黨國會領袖林吉祥和伊斯蘭黨主席拿督斯里哈迪阿旺,為新政府注入全新氣象。
他說,根據法律,我國並無任何條文阻止同時有兩名副首相,我們會尊重人民的期望,以及根據國家民主程序行事。
民聯三黨早已議決,一旦民聯執政中央,安華將是內定首相人選。
然而,安華在接受星洲日報專訪時坦言,民聯最高領袖會議至今未曾討論過副首相的課題,這顯示民聯領袖並不在乎權職,反之更關注民聯的議程和社會課題。
早前,安華曾聲稱若他擔任首相,林吉祥將是副首相人選,但後來招惹巫統的炮轟,非議安華出賣馬來人的利益。
另一方面,安華對他擔任教育部長期間曾做出傷害華社的事表示遺憾,但他辯稱這是巫統的政策,他身為巫統和國陣領袖別無選擇。
他表示知道華社當時不喜歡他,因為他把不諳華文的教師送到華小擔任高職。
“但是,當時的馬華和民政部長不曾在內閣會議上內反映華社的不滿;馬華和民政的部長是在近幾年才挑起這項課題。
他說,在他之後的教育部長是阿都拉和納吉,兩人也是貫徹巫統的教育政策,為何馬華總會長蔡細歷不去責怪納吉?
所有學校享制度化撥款
針對有關他在擔任教育部長期間不曾批准興建華小的指責,安華反駁說,他確實曾發出興建華小的批文,並聲稱有記錄為證。
安華強調,民聯的崛起正是為了改變巫統的政策,民聯會一視同仁對待各源流學校,包括獨中,同時廢除現有的政府全津貼和半津貼類型的學校,所有學校都將享有制度化的政府撥款。
“我們為何要改變?因為國家已經成熟、民智已開、人民的民主意識大大提高,以及馬來人增加了自信心,我們需要承認不對的地方,然後加以糾正。"
安華重申,民聯的橙皮書已清楚寫明承認獨中和統考文憑,但前提是獨中生必須掌握好國語。
“我認為開辦甚麼學校都無所謂,最重要是掌握好馬來文。"
可贏逾112國席執政中央
有信心奪回霹
安華認為,民聯將能從222個國會議席中,贏取超過112席,以微小的多數議席拿下中央政權。
他指出,民聯有信心捍衛雪州、檳城、吉蘭丹以及吉打州政權,以及重奪霹靂州政權。民聯不僅可以奪回霹靂州政權,而且可以贏得更多國州議席,特別是華裔選民居多的選區。
“雖然霹靂州民聯曾有3名議員跳槽,但這不會影響選民的情緒,反而會加強選民對民聯的支持。"
他說,民聯不需要拿下大部份的州政權,只要保住5個州政權,包括霹靂州,在其它州屬能增加4至6個國席,便有機會執政中央。
在目前的222國會議席當中,國陣擁有137席,民聯82席,其餘3席屬獨立人士。
安華指出,從308大選至今反風狂吹,未曾平息過,從人民積極走上街頭抗議和民聯舉辦的政治講座與籌款晚宴的出席人潮,可見一斑。
他指出,隨著公民社會及非政府組織對中央政府和彭亨州政府處理萊納斯稀土廠與反公害等課題感到失望,相信這股反對浪潮將有助於民聯在彭亨州的一些選區有所斬獲。
柔佛政治版圖稍有改變
他認為,雖然柔佛州是巫統與馬華的傳統強區,但據他觀察,柔佛的政治版圖已稍微改變,尤其是西部地區如峇株巴轄、居鑾和麻坡的馬來選民已有轉向反對黨的跡象,所以民聯在柔佛州的前景是樂觀的。
“柔佛東部地區如豐盛港、哥打丁宜和邊佳蘭的馬來選民比較傾向國陣,但隨著邊佳蘭爆發石化工程事件,這對民聯有利。
不過,安華坦承,雖然馬來選民對民聯的支持率明顯上升,但是鄉區的馬來票依然是民聯較弱的一環。
他指出,鄉區較年長的馬來選民依然比較保守和缺乏資訊,加上國陣在鄉區投入很多資源和展開污蔑民聯的運動和政治宣傳,因此,民聯必須在鄉區加強宣傳。
有信心沙砂成績取得突破
另一方面,根據安華分析,民聯有信心能在沙砂兩州取得突破性成績,尤其是在華裔選民居多的選區。
他解釋,民聯在砂拉越州選時,除了在華人選區取得標青成績外,甚至在偏遠的伊班人選區,也獲得不少選票,所以不能排除下屆大選民聯可在這些偏僻地區獲得支持。
至於沙巴州,安華相信,沙巴州人民應可透過“沙巴非法移民成為公民事件"看清巫統為了鞏固政權,寧願權犧牲人民利益的真相。
安華表示,除了人民對國陣施政感到失望外,民聯無論在組織能力和其他方面都已逐漸壯大,也是選民要求改變的因素。
他批評巫統領袖依然傲慢及自大,漠視人民要求乾淨、公平和公正的選舉,以及反公害的訴求,甚至沒有針對地毯商迪巴的指控採取行動。
以優勢勝算為考量
原任國州議員或被撤換
在議席分配方面,安華重申,民聯的議席談判原則是,勝出的選區加上原任議員表現不錯的將由原來的政黨上陣,而輸掉的選區則可以討論交換。
他透露,基於選民的要求已提高,民聯需要檢討候選人的素質,因此會有一些在上屆大選勝出的候選人被撤換,或被調派到其它選區上陣,一切以個人的優勢及勝算為考量。
“原任國、州議員不一定會獲得保留,一些可能會被撤換。撤換的原因包括服務表現欠佳,或者讓更出色的候選人取代。現在的選民要求高了,特別是城市選民已比過去成熟,他們希望會有更高素質的人民代議士,以便能夠提供更好的服務。"
不過,他拒絕透露有多少名候選人將被撤換,只表示在國會解散後,自有分曉。
詢及坊間頻傳現任雪州格拉那再也區國會議員羅國本可能會落馬一事,安華笑稱這只是謠言。
此外,安華透露,下屆大選,公正黨將有約40%的候選人是新面孔,其中大部份是年輕的男性和女性,以及是專業人士。
安華已宣佈公正黨策略局主任拉菲茲將是雪州班登區國會議席候選人、副主席蘇仁登將在巴東色海國會選區上陣,以及全國宣傳主任兼霹靂州主席諾曼努迪博士出戰峇眼色海國席。
民聯若勝出
堅信國陣會和平移交政權
安華堅信,如果民聯在下屆大選勝出,國陣將會遵守法治精神和平移交政權;同樣的,若民聯落敗,民聯支持者也會接受事實。
他以警方處理112人民大集會的經驗為例,證明警方有能力控制突發事件,同時相信軍隊能以專業方式處理問題。
“我看不到有甚麼發生騷亂事件的理由。"他表示,民聯要執政是為了更好地治理國家,以造福全民。
安華也聲稱,雖然馬哈迪是他的宿敵,但他已經原諒後者,即使民聯入主布城,他也無意關押馬哈迪。
民聯決策須三黨同意
“絕不落實伊刑事法"
安華認為,伊斯蘭黨不會因為要落實伊斯蘭刑事法而背叛民聯與巫統合作。
他指出,若巫統真的有意要落實伊法以穩住政權,在308大選受到重創的巫統早已和伊斯蘭黨合作,組成聯合政府了。
他也強調,若民聯當上政府,絕對不會落實伊斯蘭刑事法。
他說,民聯在做出任何決策時,主要依據兩大原則,即所有政策必須符合聯邦憲法和獲得三黨一致同意才可執行。
来源:http://news.sinchew.com.my/topic/node/363000

林吉祥:不认同 ASLI 大选预测,“民联执政几率50%”


  • 林吉祥(右起)、林冠英、公正党全国总秘书赛夫丁,以及巫程豪见证行动党柔州总部开幕。(图:星洲日报)
林吉祥:不认同ASLI大选预测‧“民联执政几率50%”
(柔佛‧新山27日讯)民主行动党国会领袖林吉祥今日表示,他不认同亚洲策略与领导研究所(ASLI)所作出的“国阵可贏123席再执政"之预测,並提出另外两个大选可能產生的局面。
他说,根据该研究所分析的结果,来届大选將出现3个可能的现象,第一:保持现状;第二:国阵的多数议席进一步减少,以及第三:国阵重夺三分二多数议席。
他预测,第四种可能是民联以微差席位,即夺得125席至130席位执政中央,第五种可能则是民联贏得28席至38席的多数议席执政。
他今日出席行动党柔佛州总部大厦开幕礼后,召开新闻发佈会表示,虽然他不认同亚洲策略与领导研究所做的分析,但是第四和第五种可能发生的机率也只是50%。
不过,他认为,在10天至14天的大选竞选期中,任何事情都有可能发生,並对大选结果造成影响。
林冠英:最后决定权在人民手中
行动党秘书长林冠英表示,亚洲策略与领导研究所可以做出大选预测,但最后的决定权在於人民手中的一票。
他表示,来届大选,政府必须將尊严还给柔佛州人民;人民选出的政府,应该是政府害怕人民,而不是人民倒过来害怕政府。
针对柔佛州民联未战先乱的课题,林冠英表示不愿意多谈,仅表示一切还有待民联三党的中央领导层討论。
他也表示,该党先前提出“一人只攻一席"的策略,但不排除在一些策略考量下,仍有候选人能同时竞选国州议席。
巫程豪:柔民联席位交中央决定
行动党柔佛州主席巫程豪表示,针对柔佛民联席位分配,一切交予民联中央做出决定,他將欣然接受任何决定。
他表示,民联放眼在柔佛州取得10个国席和18个州席,以便协助中央入主布城。
他透露,约有千人出席行动党柔州总部开幕礼。
来源:http://news.sinchew.com.my/node/280021

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

选举到,专家军师多!


    第13届大选来了,茶余饭后的热门课题就是大选。现在无论报纸或电子媒体,分析选情及预测结果开始频繁了!

        选举到,专家军师多!公说公有理,婆说婆有理。许多人忽然变成“军师”,给政党领袖指指点点。“专家”此时也如雨后春笋纷纷冒起,分析得口沫横飞!在民主很开放的国家,人民能够从各种媒体获得朝野双方公平的信息。但在马来西亚,我们在新闻自由的领域,还有很长远的路要走。

        目前,报纸报道的各群体或组织的分析员对于国阵的胜数评价很高,或许认为我国一开国就是同一个政府,至今没有换过,那么即使改朝换代,也需要一步一步来。上届小变天,这届不可能就完全变天,起码要再等一届。

        但是,不要忘记,在上届大多数分析员不是看不好安华和公正党不会有什么作为吗?成绩出炉让他们都跌眼镜,公正党反而是民联三党中获得最多国席的!所以,所谓什么时事专家啦,什么政治专家啦,听听读读就好了,不要太在意。他们许多上届分析翻船,没有人向他们追究。这次他们又出击,准不准,大家只需笑笑吧!

        我最不认同那些独立民调中心之类的组织所进行的数据的,只向区区两千人调查,就公布说什么领袖,什么政党获得多少巴仙支持率。大马人口两千九百万,选民一千三百万,那两千人能够代表什么?在我国,还有很多人都害怕讲真话的,当你走在街上,若忽然有一个人来到你面前询问你的意见,你可能就给一个迎合人的答案。

        上届大选国阵失去三分之二优势,针对国阵失败的原因,我曾经在报纸发表意见。当时我认为限制媒体自由对政府不是致命伤。政府领袖必须愿意听真话,以自我鞭策。若要求人民报喜不报忧,导致领袖以为一切都是好的话,政府就不会改变不讨民心的做法。

        犹如现在还是如此,如果喜欢读到分析国阵能够取得三分之二国席,或者国阵会胜,却不喜欢读到民联会执政之类的话,不真实的数据,可能令党员缺乏奋发图强的斗志。

        评论专家和分析专家通常都坐在办公室,靠课堂知识来呈现结果的。信专家不如无专家,最好相信自己的眼睛和耳朵,多走在街上,多光顾咖啡店。上届,民联的群众大会人山人海,甚至许多人愿意站在雨中来听演讲,因此反而那些不是专家的普罗百姓都看到大选会出现变天!这届,也一样相信自己的眼睛去看看朝野的活动吧!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Pakatan Rakyat Election Manifesto Full Version 民联大选宣言完整版

Dear All,

Please visit this website to download the files in 5 Languages.

大家:

请浏览此网站下载 5 种文字的文件

http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2013/02/25/manifesto-rakyat-pakatan-harapan-rakyat/

Know your ballot papers 认识你的选票纸张

Every ballot paper is important. You must know your rights.
每张选票都很重要。你必须认识你的权利。


Monday, February 25, 2013

Anwar & PR unveil manifesto The People's Hope amid high hopes of beating BN in GE13


Monday, 25 February 2013 09:33

Written by  Wong Choon Mei, Alaa Soleiman, Malaysia Chronicle

Anwar & PR unveil manifesto The People's Hope amid high hopes of beating BN in GE13
UPDATE5 SHAH ALAM - Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat opposition front kicked off their 4th national congress amid high hopes of being able to wrest the federal government from Prime Minister Najib Razak's BN coalition.
In the Shah Alam Convention Centre, where the PR pow-wow is being held is an air of excitement with delegates effusive in their greetings to each other. The media and members of the foreign press are also in full attendance.
Anwar, who is the Opposition Leader, PKR president Wan Azizah, PAS president Hadi Awang, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang entered the hall amid cheers, kompang (drum beats), a lion dance and shouts of Reformasi (reforms).
The highlight of the event is the PR's much-awaited manifesto for the 13th general election - expected to be the most hotly contested ballot ever. The manifesto is themed Pakatan Harapan Rakyat or the People's Hope and will centre around the PR's economic and social blueprint - the Buku Jingga or Orange Book. (scroll below for the details)
"Our strength is in our clean leadership, total rejection of a race-based politics, policies based on needs of the people. There is no need to ask, are we ready for Putrajaya. The answer is yes, we are ready for Putrajaya," said Azmin Ali in his speech.
To contest as one machinery despite separate logos
Apart from PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, PAS election director Hatta Ramli, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution and DAP disciplinary head Tan Kok Wai also gave speeches.
The convention was also told that until now, the Registrar of Societies had not responded to the PR's application to be formally registered as a coalition, which would allow the 3 parties to contest under a common banner.
Without the ROS nod, PKR, PAS and DAP candidates will have to contest GE13 under their party's respective logos.
"Not only have we not received any reply from the Registrar, they didn't even send us any acknowledgement of receipt of our application letter," said Saifuddin, drawing laughter and jeers from the audience.
Nonetheless, despite the absence of a formal umbrella, the parties have agreed to contest "as one".
"Not only do we have a common manifesto and theme, our election machinery will function as one to match the BN's," promised DAP's Kok Wai.
The People's Hope
Presenting the manifesto were PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli, PAS research head Dzulkefly Ahmad and DAP's M Kulasegaran. The People's Hope consists of 4 thrusts: The People's Well-being; The Fraternity of the People; The People's Economy; andThe People's Government.
The People's Well-Being
Lower oil prices
Lower electricity charges
Lower water charges
Abolish tolls
Abolish monopolies
Lower car prices
150,000 affordable and comfortable housing
National Housing Corp: Investing RM5bil in the 1st year and RM2bil a year after to build affordable and comfortable housing
Free education for all, abolishing PTPTN
Eliminating AES, revoking AES summonses
Justice for Felda settlers
Increase police capabilities to solving crime
Free ward service to all citizens in all government hospitals for class 2 and 3 wards
Social Welfare Assistance increased to RM550 a month
The Fraternity of the People
Respect the position of Islam as the official religion and guaranteeing the freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution
Elevate culture as a positive foundation of community
Malaysian Women's Contribution Fund: contribution of RM50 per month for wives who qualify, and husbands will be obliged to provide towards a contribution fund proportionate to their income (between RM10 to RM100) per month
Senior Citizens' Bonus Scheme (60 years and above): RM1,000 Bonus each year
Uphold the national language, ensure the rights of mother-tongue languages, and improve the command of English
Additional assistance of RM300 per student each year for the 1,854 people's religious schools, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools (SJK), private Chinese, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan and mission schools
Recognize Unified Examination Certificate (Combined Chinese Schools) (UEC)
Respect the position of Sabah and Sarawak in the Federation - federal co-operation, fair representation, citizenship, recognition of customary Land Rights, competence and capability of Sabah and Sarawak, justice in the oil issue and unified development
Immediate programmes for Sabah and Sarawak - eliminate cabotage system, create investment incentives to create jobs, oil companies owned by the governments of Sabah and Sarawak, highway across Sabah and sarawak, halt the construction of dams that destroy the environment and displace locals
Preserve Orang Asli customary land rights and welfare.
Source: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=60862:anwar-pr-begin-convention-amid-high-hopes-of-forming-malaysias-next-government&Itemid=2

Saturday, February 23, 2013

FELDA screening of ‘Tanda Putera’ proves movie racist, Ambiga says


UPDATED @ 08:33:46 PM 23-02-2013
February 23, 2013
The film is based on events surrounding the May 13, 1969 race riots. — File pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 – Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan questioned today the motive behind the recent private screening of “Tanda Putera” to Malay FELDA settlers here, saying this meant the movie was likely racist portrayal of the bloody May 1969 riots.
On February 18, over 3,000 settlers from the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) programme were shown a surprise preview of the controversial film in what the opposition has alleged was an attempt to “brainwash” them against voting for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in Election 2013.
“My issue with Tanda Putera is why did they want to show it only to FELDA settlers.
“Show it to all of us. Let us all judge and believe me we will judge it... why only let a select few of people watch it? That shows what the issue is about,” the former Bar Council president said at a forum on racism held at the Civil Servants Golf Club here.
“Tanda Putera” depicts second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and his deputy, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, during the post-May 13 period.
It was produced by Pesona Pictures Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), which provided the financing together with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDEC).
Abdul Razak’s eldest son, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is the current prime minister.
Putrajaya had decided last October to put off the public release of the film indefinitely due to its controversial depiction of the events surrounding the bloody racial riots in 1969.
PR leaders, especially those from the Chinese-based the DAP, claimed the film was intended to stoke racial hatred among the Malay majority in a bid to mitigate the growing support for the opposition.
Observers noted that the possibility for the opposition bloc to form the new federal government at Election 2013, which must be held by June, is high.
Ambiga said such tactic reflects what she described as “institutionalised” racism.
The lawyer, who also co-chairs polls watchdog group Bersih 2.0, added that the roots of racial problems in the country could be attributed to a political system that promotes segregation through the existence of race-based parties.
“It permeates everything that happens in this country,” said the Bersih leader, referring to the various racial-charged incidents that have cropped up throughout the years.
She cited as example the alleged racism instilled through the education system in the form of the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) programmes where instructors had been reported to have told participants that the non-Malays are unwelcome immigrants.
Ambiga added that among the major factors behind the problem is the existence of political interference in the education system – where politicians, instead of educationists, are in charge of the learning institutions.
“What they are doing to our children is a crime,” she said, adding that her schooling children have also experienced the very same system that she claims has caused communal strife in Malaysia.
The former Bar Council president said combating these problems should be one of the chief issues political parties must address in Election 2013 but pointed out that the leadership have remained silent on the matter.
She claimed politicians refrain from tackling racism out of the fear that it would alienate support from their respective races.
Ambiga said the best way to deal with them is to “vote racists and sexists out” in the coming polls, which must be held by June.
“I want a statesman, not a politician,” she said.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/felda-screening-of-tanda-putera-proves-movie-racist-ambiga-says/

华人取洋名并不崇洋


最近有争议关于华人使用洋名,一些作者无必要这么抗拒此举。这般的抗拒,无非声称为了维护华人尊严。不过我认为华人取洋名,并不等于这些人忘本,自我矮化。

        1980年代以前的中国,香港,台湾,新加坡及马来西亚,传统上华人都相当排斥基督教,说它是“洋教”。如果你从一教改信奉基督教取名 John Peter ,你会受到怪异的眼光。但说基督教是洋教并不正确,因为耶稣是以色列人,而以色列在中东,所以耶稣其实不是西方人,而是东方人。

        人类原本是一家人,关于人类有好几万的语言的来源,历史典故记载最清楚的乃是圣经。人类原本是讲相同语言的,就在那一次他们建造一座通天的塔叫做“巴别塔”时,上帝就变乱他们的口音。因为上帝要人类生养众多,遍满全地,他们却想建塔住在一起,违反上帝的旨意。从此操相同语言的人士就聚集在一起并分散到各地生活。因着环境气候生活习惯的影响,好几千年时日就演变成不同的种族和肤色。

        基督徒取圣经中那些好人和英雄的名字,乃是自我挑战,以他们作为我们的模范。圣经里的名字大多数是犹太人名字,少数是欧洲人名字。后来基督徒取名参杂用圣经人物和欧洲人名字不等。不过在海外的华裔,使用基督徒名字不一定是基督徒。同样的,若你看到一个人在颈项上挂一个十字架的牌子,那人也未必就是基督徒,我建议你看它是一种时尚就好了!

        那么我认为非基督徒取洋名也是一种时尚,尤其那些公众人物如艺人。与其说华裔崇洋,我认为应该说是崇艺人。举例,Jackie ChanJet Li Ella ChenAndy Lau 都不是基督徒,但他们对粉丝带来极大的影响呢!

        使用基督徒名或洋名并不是基督徒的专利,因为取名乃给别人方便。以前的西方宣教士进入中国服侍,他们都把自己的名字译成有意思的中国姓名。今天许多外国人在中国读书,他们都译一个中国姓名呢!这样做,目的也是为了方便中国人称呼且容易记住他们。如果他们的国人小器,岂不是也批评他们“崇汉”了吗?

        如果像一些作者声称是维护华人尊严,那么他们应该坚持只用汉字姓名,拒绝使用罗马字的 ABCDE 拼写自己的姓名。在一个全球化社会的今天,我们办不到不接受他国的文化和风俗习惯的。腐败的,我们应该拒绝,而无伤大雅的,我们接受乃无妨。今天我们华人所穿的服装,绝大多数都是西方的东西。为何有人抨击取洋名是崇洋及自我矮化,而不抨击穿西装也一样如此?为何他们不大力推动华人必须穿唐装呢?这只是小例子,现在我们正使用的西方的科技产物,多着呢!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Najib’s litany of woes



Athi Shankar
 | February 22, 2013
A DAP leader claims that Najib's actions do more harm than good for the people.
GEORGE TOWN: A Selangor DAP leader claims that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s mistakes have reached an alarming level.
Former senator S Ramakrishnan said the latest was the closed door screening of Tanda Puteri to Felda settlers.
“By raising the spectra of May 13, all rational thinking had surely departed the BN political mind set.
“It’s not just reckless. It’s begging a spark to ignite a powder keg created by the BN,” said the head of Selangor DAP bureau for Ex-Plantation Workers and Urban Poor.
Tanda Putera reportedly contained a scene of a group of Chinese youths urinating on the flagpole bearing the Selangor flag of the then menteri besar’s residence and thus provoking the May 13 racial riots in 1969.
He questioned Najib’s reasoning for ordering its screening to 3,000 felda settlers without considering the consequences and the possible repercussions.
He said the BN government did not care on whether its action can harm the people and economy, or take the country backwards.
“The movie was screened to poison minds of targeted rural groups.
On Tamil movie Vishwaroopam, he said the home ministry had finally lifted the ban due to public pressure but not after “slaughtering the movie beyond recognition.”
The movie was banned on Jan 25 following complaints lodged by the Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) and the Federation of Indian Muslim Associations (Permim).
Initially, Ramakrishnan said the Film Censorship Board made 12 cuts on the film.
But, he said dissatisfied Kimma and Permim lodged further complaints, resulting in the ministry setting up a special panel comprising the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Censorship Board officers to review the film, focusing on religious and security aspects.
“The Home ministry made another 12 cuts and announced the lift on ban,” he said.
He pointed out that even in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Vishwaroopam had resumed theatrical screening following a two-week ban after only seven cuts.
“But in Malaysia, the censor scissors were lavish, making 24 cuts. I understand that the film distributor Lotus Films don’t want to screen the movie now.” he said.
Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/02/22/najibs-litany-of-woes/

Pakatan sure of winning nearly 140 federal seats, say sources


UPDATED @ 10:51:02 AM 22-02-2013
February 22, 2013
File photo of Pakatan Rakyat leaders after one of their joint meetings. The opposition pact is confident of winning at least 140 parliamentary seats in the general election.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is confident of snaring nearly 140 parliamentary seats in Election 2013, with wins in Sabah, Sarawak and Johor giving the pact a simple majority to form the government, say sources.
The Malaysian Insider understands that PR leaders have calculated their chances in a number of states but their numbers hinge on getting opposition forces in Sabah on the same page.
Despite PR’s confidence, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) has carried out surveys that show it can win up to 145 federal seats, above the 112 seats for a simple majority and below 148 seats for a two-thirds majority.
Independent surveys however show BN can scrape through with 117 seats to PR’s 105, with the latest electoral poll survey showing Umno’s approval rating is near 40 per cent, far off from the approval rating for Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“Pakatan leaders are talking about winning 138 seats at least, maybe up to 140 with a lot of hard work that has been put in since 2008,” a source told The Malaysian Insider, referring to the last general election where the three PR parties swept 82 federal seats and five states.
The victories by the DAP, PAS and PKR, after an electoral pact in 2008, paved for PR’s formation although the pact has yet to be registered. BN is the only registered political coalition in Malaysia.
PR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had told the Bloomberg news service that the main battle for votes in Election 2013 will be in Sabah and Sarawak, which offer 56 of the 222 Parliament seats.
Both Borneo states are seen as a “fixed deposit” for BN but an on-going Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into citizenship-for-votes in Sabah has put the ruling coalition in bad light.
A stand-off with armed Sulu militants in the east coast town of Lahad Datu in Sabah has raised questions about Putrajaya’s ability to defend its eastern-most state.
It is understood that PR hopes to score big in Sarawak and Sabah, not just in urban areas where the dominant Chinese community favours opposition parties but also in several rural areas where PR leaders have received a warm welcome.
The pact is also focussing on Johor, with several top politicians from PAS and the DAP being sent there to contest. They include PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub and DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong, both of whom are already MPs.
“We are getting good response from the people of Sabah and Sarawak, and that is alarming BN. That’s why BN leaders are visiting both states more often,” a PR source told The Malaysian Insider.
Najib is in Sarawak today, a week after spending two days in Sabah last week. The BN chairman is on another round of state visits that will end on March 16 in his Pekan federal seat.
The Malaysian Insider has reported that Najib is likely to dissolve Parliament after March 16 and seek his first personal mandate, with elections to be held in mid-April.
The Election Commission (EC) is gazetting the latest electoral rolls today, and has reported that 13.64 million have registered to vote, including nearly 3,000 from abroad.
The EC is finally allowing Malaysians living abroad to cast postal ballots, a privilege only given to government officials and state-sponsored students in previous elections.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pakatan-sure-of-winning-nearly-140-federal-seats-say-sources/

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Election 2013 will be won in Sabah and Sarawak, says Anwar


February 21, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 — Rural Sabah and Sarawak will play a vital role in determining the victor of Election 2013, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in a Bloomberg report today.
Anwar told the news agency he was confident of Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) success despite the alliance’s differences in ideologies, although current seat tussles between PR and component parties in both east Malaysian states indicate otherwise.
“In Sabah and Sarawak, we’ve never seen that level of support among indigenous tribes,” Anwar (picture) told Bloomberg here.
“People do concede that there’s going to be a substantial change in Sabah and Sarawak, enough to alter the shift in balance of power nationwide.”
Sabah and Sarawak are traditionally viewed as a safe vote bank for Barisan Nasional (BN), with the coalition winning 55 out of 71 seats when Sarawak held its state election in April 2011.
The de facto leader of PKR also predicted a smooth transition of power should PR win Putrajaya, thanks to the changing attitude of the police force in handling political events.
“The police have changed in the last few months,” he said. 
“There’s hardly been any harassment from the police in all our programmes. It’s a pure change.”
He pointed out that the police did not obstruct the latest opposition rally, the People’s Uprising Rally in January, but instead helped to “facilitate” it.
In the aftermath of the rally, dubbed “KL112”, it was the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) that has come under the spotlight, earning praise from the public and key leaders from both the opposition and BN for exercising restraint during the event. 
The police force, especially the Dang Wangi police station, had implemented a number of initiatives for the first time during the rally, in order to assist the participants and the media covering the event. 
Previous gatherings organised by polls watchdog group Bersih 2.0 had resulted in pitch battles on the streets between the police and protesters.
Parliament will automatically dissolve on April 28 and elections must be held 60 days from then.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/election-2013-will-be-won-in-sabah-and-sarawak-says-anwar/

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

MCA members, please vote for Pakatan Rakyat


Monday, 18 February 2013 10:53

MCA faces 'wipeout', veteran industrialist urges members to GET OUT NOW

Written by  -

MCA faces 'wipeout', veteran industrialist urges members to GET OUT NOW
The spate of political gimmicks being unleashed by Chinese-only party MCA to woo back its lost support would not work, said a veteran industrialist.
In an article published by a news portal, Koon Yew Yin , who co-founded public-listed construction giant IJM Corporation among other companies, said the Chinese electorate being targeted by MCA was sophisticated and discerning and would not fall prey to the BN party's campaign.
"What will the Chinese (and other Malaysian) voters be influenced by? Chinese voters want change. They want a party that can stand up to Umno and its almost 60 years of self-serving politics of racism, cronyism and opportunism that have damaged our economy, ruined our educational system and made the future darker for all Malaysians, especially for non-Malays," wrote Koon Yew Yin on Malaysiakini.
Koon, 80, who is also a well-known philanthropist, cited the recent attempt by MCA deputy president and Health minister Liow Tiong Lai to reach out to Chinese voters by writing a book on health tips for the Chinese New Year festive season.
"His backroom boys will probably be flattering the minister about how clever he is in referring to the lucky number of 8888 and its association with wealth and health in reaching out to the Chinese electorate," Koon wrote.
Make a stand for change
The Chinese-only party is currently left with only 15 parliamentary seats nationwide after its disastrous performance in the 2008 general election. In recent times, party leaders have targeted PAS by continuously accusing it of wanting to persecute non-Muslims, a claim strongly denied by the Islamic party.
Most recently, it has invited South Korean star Psy to perform in Penang, hoping that a glitzy entertainment show would change Chinese voters' perception of Barisan Nasional.
But Koon echoed several other political analysts in concluding that MCA would be 'wiped out' at the coming polls.
"According to feedback obtained from the Chinese community and through my participation in political ceramah and interaction with the man in the street, MCA and Gerakan will be wiped out as political parties in the elections," he said, adding that the party was being viewed as "a toady and boot-licking party" to serve UMNO masters.
Saying it was too late for MCA to shift their allegiance, Koon called on MCA's grassroots leaders to help ensure a Pakatan Rakyat victory.
"I and millions of Malaysians urge them to make a stand for change by working to ensure that the BN loses, for the opposition to take over Putrajaya," he added.
Prior to this, former UMNO state assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz also predicted that it is end of the road for MCA.
"If only 30% of the Malays vote for Pakatan and 80% of non-Malays vote the same way [as in 2008], MCA is finished. This is all we need. MCA can lose all its 15 parliamentary seats in the next general election," he recently wrote.
-Harakahdaily