DAP ADUN quits DAP, and proclaims himself an independent....Why?

A DAP ADUN quits DAP, and proclaims himself an independent....(or was in pro-BN independent?)

But, what about the constituents that voted for you...or did they vote you because you stood as a DAP candidate? Quitting DAP suddenly, and supporting the BN is wrong without prior consulation and mandate from the voters in the area..But, then these so-called 'peoples' representatives' just do not care...do they? I will tell the people later...and they will understand that it was done for their own good...I do not think so.

"I know the initial response from my constituents won't be good, but I will go to the ground to explain to them that I did this for their good."  -  Malim Nawar state assemblyperson Keshvinder Singh [Malaysiakini, 15/6/2010, Malim Nawar state rep quits DAP, now Independent]

I believe that the best thing an elected rep could do was to resign - and let the people choose again. [But alas...the law says one who resigns cannot re-contest - and this law must be removed...so that a quitting MP/ADUN can go back to the constituents and let the people decide whether they still want the said 'wakil rakyat' despite the fact that he has changed political parties]. 

If not go to the people first....get a referendum going so that the people's opinion could be obtained...and then if the people support the decision to quit DAP and become an independent - do it.

Why did he do what he did? There will be a lot of speculations....but sadly I do not think that we will ever know the truth. Most likely it was 'self-interest' rather that some other factor...as we really are not aware of any other good reason. "...too much politicking in Pakatan..." is really not an excuse...unless more explanation is given.

He said that his decision was in the best interests of his constituents because he believes that only BN can help develop the area, which is largely rural.

Odd - because I do not believe that he is a 'new-comer' to Malaysian politics. It is said that BN MPs/ADUNs get RM1-2 million per year to use for development of their area. This is clearly a discrimination since opposition MPs/ADUNs do not get similar allocations. But why have the Opposition MPs/ADUNs(any one of them) taken the matter to court. I really do not understand. [In Selangor, apparently the Pakatan Rakyat government is similarly giving its own ADUNs but not the other ADUNs]

If the source of the money is the government, then all MPs/ADUNs must get the same treatment and allocations. 

If the source of the money is UMNO (or the BN) - really, it is a question of using 'private funds' . Then, the question must be as to where and how did UMNO (BN) get so rich? Was it because they have been siphoning off public funds directly (or indirectly) into their own party coffers? Anwar Ibrahim and Zaid Ibrahim may be able to provide some of these answers...

Malim Nawar state assemblyperson Keshvinder Singh has quit DAP and declared himself independent, making him the fourth Perak Pakatan Rakyat state assemblyperson to do so since February last year.

His decision to quit DAP and support BN is ironical since he had complained to the authorities last year that he was offered RM20 million to defect, declare himself Independent and express support for BN.

He had claimed that the offers were made by various agents claiming to represent then Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

With the latest defection, Perak Pakatan is now left with 27 seats in the state legislative assembly, while BN has 28 seats and the independents four seats.

In March 2008, Keshvinder won the seat with a majority of 1,362 against MCA's Dr Chai Song Poh.

Keshvinder told reporters that he tendered his resignation to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng this morning, citing too much politicking in Pakatan as his reason for quitting.

He said that his decision was in the best interests of his constituents because he believes that only BN can help develop the area, which is largely rural.

Keshvinder said he chose to defect now instead of February last year - along with Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) - because he didn't know how serious the problems were at his constituency then.

“When I started doing work there (after February 2009) I found that there are severe poverty issues that really need to be solved,” he said.

Keshvinder said he hoped the BN state government will provide financial aid so that he can serve his constituents.

"The state and national DAP did not assist me in helping the people. I couldn't do anything for my constituents as an opposition state assemblyperson," he said, adding that he had been using his own funds thus far.

'I am clean'

However, he admitted that he had yet to meet Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir to discuss details.

“As I am now an Independent state assemblyperson, the state government should allocate some money to my constituency. But if they don't then I will have to tell the people that neither side is looking out for their welfare,” he said.

He also denied suggestions that he was paid to leave DAP and challenged detractors to inspect his bank accounts.

He remained adamant that he has not been approached by any BN members.

“I am clean,” he said.

"I know the initial response from my constituents won't be good, but I will go to the ground to explain to them that I did this for their good."

Unlike those who defected from Pakatan before him, Keshvinder was not accompanied by any major personalities.

However, one of the bodyguards accompanying Keshvinder told Malaysiakini that they work for one 'Hamidah'.

Independents welcome Keshvinder

In an immediate response, the Dewan Rakyat Independent Concensus has welcomed Keshvinder's resignation and said more Pakatan elected representatives will follow suit.

In a statement, the five member group said that they were symphathetic to Keshvinder's disappointment over the lack of support from his Pakatan colleagues.

"It is better for Pakatan to address their weaknesses rather than accusing elected representatives of being bought over by BN," read the statement.

"Such accusations were designed to avoid the real issue - that Pakatan MPs and state assemblypersons were losing faith in the coalition, especially its leader Anwar Ibrahim."

The Independent Concensus consists of MPs Zahrain Mohamed HashimWee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju), Zulkifli Noordin (Kulim Bandar Bharu), Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal) and Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (Bayan Baru), (Bagan Serai). Malaysiakini, 15/6/2010, Malim Nawar state rep quits DAP, now Independent]

DAP has made clear its position on the 'Allah' issue...what about PKR, PAS and Pakatan Rakyat?

With reference to my earlier posting, Pakatan should take a clear stand on the 'Allah' issue..., or is it the same as the BN position?,, I am pleased to state that the DAP has come out clearly as to their position.

Now we wait for Anwar Ibrahim and/or PKR, and for PAS's position. What is the Pakatan position is still not declared.

Test for 1Malaysia – Najib should ask Cabinet on Wednesday to revoke earlier decision to ban the use of word “Allah” for religions other than Islam

Malaysia is again at the centre of adverse international publicity despite our tourist promotion of Malaysia as a harmonious and model multi-religious nation and the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s new slogan of 1Malaysia.

In the past few days, the world media like CNN and international press have been giving extensive coverage to the government seizure of 15,000 Bibles in recent months because they refer to God as “Allah” raising concerns and fears of religious intolerance in the country.

A consignment of 10,000 copies of the Indonesian-language Bibles which feature the disputed word “Allah” was confiscated in Kuching, Sarawak in September while another consignment of 5,100 Bibles was seized in March.

The root problem of the seizure of these Bibles is the earlier decision taken by the Cabinet to ban the use of the word “Allah” for religions other than Islam, although this is a most unreasonable, divisive and even unconstitutional decision as:

1. The term “Allah” was in use long before there was the religion of Islam in the world;

2. The term Allah was used to refer to God by Arabic-speaking Christians before Arabic-speaking Muslims existed; and

3. Malaysia is probably the only nation where the use of the term “Allah” by Christians to refer to their God is prohibited, whereas its use to refer to Christian God has never been prohibited in many countries in the Middle-East and the Americas.

The confiscation of the Bibles and the ban on the use of the word “Allah” for religions other than Islam is incongruous with and even inimical to Najib’s 1Malaysia objective to give top priority to foster better inter-racial, inter-religious and inter-civilisational relations among Malaysians.

This is a test whether Najib’s 1Malaysia is to be taken seriously and I call on him to ask the Cabinet to revoke its earlier decision taken under previous administrations to ban the use of the word “Allah” for religions other than Islam.

I hope all Cabinet Ministers, particularly from MCA, Gerakan, MIC and the Sabah and Sarawak component parties of Barisan Nasional can take a bold and united stand on this issue to convince UMNO Ministers to support the revocation of the previous Cabinet ban on the use of the word “Allah” for religions other than Islam, as at issue is the very credibility and legitimacy of Najib’s 1Malaysia slogan and policy.

(Speech at Taiping DAP “Road to Putrajaya” thousand-people dinner at Hua Lian Chinese Independent Secondary Hall, Taiping on Sunday, 1st November 2009) - Lim Kit Siang's Blog

Penang...oh Penang - let the people choose their Senators...

Senators should be elected...by the rakyat of the States (not just chosen by the State Legislative Assembly) or appointed..

Even if you do not want a election now ....at the very least conduct a referendum to get the peoples' views on who should be a Senator..

Pakatan Rakyat must not be like the BN - appointing Senators...

Return power to the people - let them have a right to choose who should be their Senators...

Shame on you Penang...

News Flash by Penang State Government in Georgetown on Thursday, 2^nd April 2009:

Tunku Abdul Aziz dicalonkan sebagai Ahli Dewan Negara

Kerajaan Pulau Pinang akan mengemukakan Naib Pengerusi Kebangsaan Parti DAP Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim dan bekas Pengerusi Pulau Pinang Parti Keadilan Rakyat Dr Mansor Othman dilantik sebagai Ahli Dewan Negara pada sesi Dewan Undangan Negeri yang akan datang.

Kekosongan ini timbul dari tempoh tamat perkhidmatan Dato' Omar bin Hj Faudzar dan Dato' Gooi Hoe Hin pada 30 Mei 2009.

Tunku Abdul Aziz merupakan bekas naib presiden organisasi antarabangsa terkenal Transparency International (TI). Beliau seorang tokoh aktivis Melayu berprofil tinggi dalam bidang kempen ketelusan dan integriti. Beliau dilantik sebagai naib pengerusi parti DAP pada Ogos 2008.

---

* Penang State Government- DAP Malaysia Website

NO DAP flags, materials for 3 by-elections - ABSURD

No DAP flags and materials for these 3 by-elections is absurd.

We all know Pakatan Rakyat is PKR, DAP and PAS..

See earlier post :Only PAS flag, materials (maybe speakers later) allowed for Bkt Gantang by-elections - so UNJUST

Why is DAP behaving like UMNO/BN? Freedom of Opinion and expression must be allowed

One DAP appointed Shah Alam City Councillor's made a call for the ban on lotttery sales - and the DAP is going to take disciplinary actions against him.

What happened to freedom of opinion and freedom of expression...

Does it mean that if you are a DAP MP, a DAP ADUN ...and now a DAP appointed Local Councillor, then you lose your freedom of opinion and expression... [Surely not only the DAP head honchos have a right to express their opinions. Surely, it does not mean that before you make any statement or 'call' - you must first refer to the party leadership and party policies...]

Soon, will action be taken against those who support good ideas/proposals that come from other political parties...

I hope not... I hope that this is just a case of 'bad reporting' by the NST...

Disciplinary action will be taken against a DAP councillor from Shah Alam over his call to ban all lottery sales in Selangor.

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said Ang Leng Kiat's proposal was not the party's policy. He, however, did not elaborate on the kind of action to be taken.

Early this week, Ang proposed that the Shah Alam City Council withdraw licenses already issued and to discontinue the issuance of new permits to lottery outlets. He had also stressed that his suggestion was not related to political or religious considerations, but was solely aimed at solving social problems linked to gambling.

Selangor DAP chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah had since distanced the party from the decision. Ean, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman and Selangor state executive councillor, said any such ban would not eradicate social problems.

The party had requested Ang to retract his suggestion, as banning the lottery industry would create controversy. - New Straits Times, 21/1/2009, Action against DAP councillor who called for lottery ban

I am of the opinion that anyone and every person is entitled to his own right of opinion and has the freedom of expression.

This Ang Leng Kiat should not even be asked to withdraw his suggestion...that is his position, and he has a right to hold on to it or change it. What needs to be clarified is that Ang's statement does not reflect the official DAP position - and that has already been done by Lim Guan Eng.

If it is a political party member who makes a statement that is contrary to the party position - that should be allowed. Of course, the party leadership can come out and clarify that what was expressed was a personal position - not a party position. That is all - there should not be any disciplinary proceeding or action commenced against such individual.

When Guan Eng made a statement calling for the reduction of the number of lottery draws - was that in line with party position? Was there even any policy about lottery, and/or lottery draws within the DAP? I do not recall seeing a statement of various policies on various matters in the DAP website - maybe there should be something like that in the website of DAP...and maybe even all political parties - so that we all can clearly see what are your current policies on different matters. Transparency....

Last November, Lim had asked the government to consider reducing the number of lottery draws from 10 to six. He had said that he felt this was necessary as having 10 lottery draws a week was too many and that it would deplete the income of many families, especially in view of the current economic situation.

There are now three draws from Magnum, three from Damacai and four from Sports Toto in a week. - New Straits Times, 21/1/2009, Action against DAP councillor who called for lottery ban

Worse still was the fact that this was not even an MP or an ADUN - but a City Councillor. I did not know that we had DAP appointed councillors, PKR appointed councillors, etc - I thought it was all Pakatan Rakyat appointed councillors...Maybe Ang was 'appointed' by PAS or PKR - how did the NST know? In any event, Local Councils should be operating as Local Councillors irrespective of who proposed their name ...or got them appointed.

By the way, when will the Local Council elections be..or have Pakatan Rakyat forgotten about it...

When will we be having elections for the Penghulu, the Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman heads and committees in the Pakatan Rakyat states...

We can also have elections for our Senators ... maybe the PR States should start...

We want greater democracy - which will also mean greater accountability and transparency...

PR Penang State government wastes money and time for overseas trip for 52 to S.Korea...

Wasting the peoples' money is wrong. The quantum is immaterial. BN may have squandered billions, but it cannot justify Pakatan squandering even thousands.

A good question for Lim Guan Eng - Why send 52 persons for a 5 day 'trade-mission' to South Kora? How much did the State spend? Who were in this large delegation? How were they chosen? Were they Pakatan cronies? Did the wife pay for herself?

The state government came under fire from local BN leaders, especially from Umno and Gerakan, for allegedly wasting public funds in an unusually large 52-person trade delegation to South Korea for a five-day trip beginning Oct 27.

They also questioned the reasons for Lim to take along his wife, Betty Chew, Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin and parliamentarians Jeff Ooi, who is the state industrial relations coordinator and an InvestPenang director, Liew Chin Tong, to South Korea. - Malaysiakini, 2/11/2008 - Lim defends Korean trade mission

I read the Malaysiakini report entitled "Lim defends Korean trade mission" but alas, it looked very much like any other BN politician.

Distract-- he talked about "He said the critics, mainly Barisan Nasional politicians, should have instead saved their time and energy to scrutinise and criticise the RM23.7 billion wastage caused by three major scandals recently...."

Not really respond - Reading the report, I am sad to say that the questions have not been answered. When asked to divulge the BUDGET - he procrastinated, saying that some other will provide answers in a few days. Come now - is he not the Chief Minister. Are we not in an age when it is so easy to communicate and get necessary information?

And most shocking was that the trip had only managed to get some money to build a GOLF COURSE....

Lim said BN politicians should have criticised those scandals if they were serious and sincere to wiping out wastage and leakages of public funds, instead of disapproving his Far East delegation, which had secured a RM100 million Korean investment to construct a golf course in the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency.- Malaysiakini, 2/11/2008 - Lim defends Korean trade mission

I think Kit Siang would also not be able to defend what Guan Eng did here....this nice 5 day trip to South Korea for 52 persons. I only hoped that they did not use State Money to pay for the 52.

Maybe the Malaysiakini report was not complete and accurate - BUT tell me where I can find out the truth about this 'scandal'

Anwar and PR must apologize for 'racist' conducts

4 persons were just appointed as members of Board of Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel), which is wholly owned by the Selangor government - now the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government.

The 4 and the rest of the remaining Board members are apparently all Muslims...and are all apparently from the Malay ethnic group.

Shocking that the various other BN parties like the MCA, MIC, PPP, GERAKAN, etc.... in the BN did not raise the matter of the composition of the Board of this State-owned institution of Higher Learning - for it clearly does not reflect at all the multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural composition of the Malaysian people - of the people of Selangor.

But, this new appointment of the 4 was during the reign of the Pakatan Rakyat - a coalition between PKR, DAP and PAS (maybe also now PSM if they already have their registration) - and it just propagated the practice of UMNO-led BN.

Sadly, no one from the Pakatan Rakyat...not even the DAP, or that ever vocal and brave Lim Kit Siang, or even Anwar himself, do anything or even comment about this appointment of yet another 4 persons of apparently Muslim faith and Malay ethnicity.

I do not advocate racial or religious quota systems - and I await for an announcement or a comment from the MB or the Selangor State Exco that these appointments were not at all based on ethnicity or religion BUT on merit - on the fact that they were the best for the job... (If that was the case, I would be so happy..)

Wonder whether UNISEL practices any quotas as far as its student intake is concerned, or in the composition of its academics, or when deans and head of departments are selected and appointed. I wonder whether it is "best person for the job" that is the consideration - or whether it is religion, ethnicity and/or political affliation/s.

Remember the PKR...the Pakatan Rakyat is (or was) very strong on the issue of abolition of ethnic/race/religious based quota - and the need to move to socio-economic quotas which will see preferences in favour of the poor, the marginalized, possibly in favour of those from rural areas/small townships, etc...

BUT the question is whether in matters where they already do have the power to implement this new way of looking and dealing with the Malaysian people, have they done so....

Are the Pakatan Rakyat also propagating a race-based politics just like the BN -- or is it going to be different?

Now, that we are in this period calling for apologies for 'racist' behaviours and conducts...

I believe that Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Rakyat must also apologize for what happened in the appointment of new Board members of UNISEL - or at the very least explain their apparently racist behaviour and conduct so that we can understand.

I also looked at the PKNS, and the other Selangor State owned company - and the same phenomena is seen with regard to Board members, etc.. (There is only 1 and the same Chinese woman in the Board of PKNS and some of its subsidiaries/related companies. Maybe, she is the accountant....mmm).

I also note that all heads of Local Councils and Mayors in Selangor are of the same ethnic and religious group... not at all very good.

We take great issue when people refer to some ethnic groups as not being equal Malaysians - but at the same time, many of us do not behave like we are equals as Malaysians.... and sometimes that also includes our politicians and NGO leaders...

Wonder why the always vocal Lim Kit Siang and other DAP members also never took up this issues, which, on the face of it, is also "racist" conduct.

Why did they consent to it by their silence? (I did also earlier highlight this in my Blog and my e-mail postings...)

Remember the perception of being different from the BN is all so important...we do not want to enter a new era in Malaysia where there will still be the supremacy of any single ethnic group.

Remember if certain Malaysians, still consider themselves after 51 years of independence still "guest citizens", or ("second-class citizens") and not full citizens - old ways of doing things will still continue. The blame for how things are now, and in the future, cannot just be placed on the other citizen but also on the you, who still behave as though you are just "guest citizens", or ("second-class citizens").

I have seen many a fierce proponent of rights when he is amongst people of his own ethnic/religious groups transforming into pathetic "yes man" to the removal of rights in the presence of persons from some other ethnic groups - how sad...how sad.

The first liberation that we must have is the liberation of our ownselves - from our own prejudices and old ways.

The British colonialist, and the post-colonial Alliance coalition(which did later change its name to BN) have succeeded in creating a mindset that not all people are equal - and that some are more equal than others.

And the people 'more equal than others' is not those of some royal blood line...but of some particular ethnic background and religion.

This 'brainwashing' seems to have worked - and today, many, even the bravest of our 'progressives', fall prey to this unjust norm and crap mindset most of the times consciously, but some times unconsciously.

Breaking of norms is never easy. Example of this is the election by the people of Senators - a posibility, even there in our Constitution, but alas the REFORMASI governments of the 5 States would still just appoint silently their Senators without consultation with the people. A referendum could very easily be done to identify the preferred candidates for Senatorship - if the State still did not (or could not) go for Senate Elections.

Doing away with the Identity Card - this again will see massive resistance from the people. The 'dog-tag' for humans was introduced as a means of control. There are many countries, even Britain itself, that do not have any such 'Identity Cards'. Malaysians today will most likely oppose vehemently any proposal to do away with this 'dog tag'.

A new dawn is coming for Malaysia - but alas current BN propagated 'norms' and ways of doing things may still remain.

After all the call was just for "REFORMASI" or reformation - not transformation or revolution. And that word implies really an improving of already existing things - a painting of the wall a slightly different colour, and not the changing of the whole house design by the tearing down of old walls.

As we approach the day when there is a new government, we need to be even more vigilant to ensure that we get real changes in Malaysia - not just changes of persons in positions only.

Freedom of expression within political parties and coalitions...

Must all member parties of the BN or the Pakatan Rakyat have the same opinions, views and positions about everything?

Must all members, MPs or ADUNs of a particular political party have the same opinion, views and position about everything under the sun?

In the past, when the BN was of the position that Detention Without Trial and the ISA, etc were OK - I remember that at one time Gerakan stood firm and took a differing position - i.e. for the abolition of the ISA and other laws that allow Detention Without Trial. This was great........but with time things seem to have changed and Gerakan too just became another obedient 'lamb' and followed the rest of BN.

But after GE2008, there seems to be changes that have been happeing in the various BN component parties - an assertion of their differences, and brave expression of different views and positions on various matters.

For example on the arrest and detention of Uthayakumar and the 4 others under ISA, I believe that to date the GERAKAN, the MIC and the MCA have openly called for the immediate release of the HINDRAF 5 from ISA detention.

GERAKAN seem to be be going back to become the "old GERAKAN"- reclaiming its independent thinking and expressing it openly.

Post GE2008, after the major losses suffered by the BN, BN component parties seem to be re-evaluating matters, and it is not unforseeable that even the BN - that mighty BN may be dis-integrating. One indication was that during the announcement by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that BN was victorious after the GE2008 results - missing were the leadership/reps from the component parties of the BN. It seemed to be just UMNO there.

There is nothing permanent of the BN and its member parties - and, it is also not uncommon that some parties may chose to just be no more a member of the BN, or even any other coalition.

Maybe, some parties may see that being alone for a while may also be good for the party revival not only with regard to membership BUT more importantly its own party identity and positions.

The question of Gerakan leaving the Barisan Nasional is “open for discussion” but the party will not be “blinded by emotions” over the issue, acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said.

“Other coalition parties have also discussed it. We are not a ‘yes man’ party but we will not be blinded by emotions. We will have an objective analysis of such discussions from time to time.

“Gerakan won’t blindly commit to Barisan, but since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak have shown sincerity in bringing change we will perform our role in accordance with our principles,” he said.

“Barisan is a coalition that represents people from different political and cultural backgrounds, so there are bound to be differences. Even Pakatan Rakyat is the same.” - Star, 20/8/2008 - Koh: Gerakan not blindly loyal

Party grassroot members have found their voices at last (or maybe the leaders are finally listening to the grassroots). Fear will no longer hold them captive, and there are calls for internal political party reforms, and even reforms in the relationship between the various BN component parties within the BN itself.

We saw that MCA, MIC and even GERAKAN leaders are learning how not to obediently 'kow tow' or surrender their independence and freedoms this time around. Good first step was the refusal to accept the goodies offered by the PM in the form of them Ministerial positions.

Who is in the Cabinet is ultimately decided by the PM? - and hence this refusal to accept cabinet positions will help preserve their independence when they sit in for their BN meetings as the head honchos of their respective political parties.

Being in the Cabinet can, I believe, compromise their frankness and independence as party reps, for there will always in their minds be that concern about being removed from Cabinet and/or demoted.

Well, now, it seems that things may be changing within the BN - and they seem to have adopted consensus decision making system (not a very practical manner, better to have a 2/3rd or 4/5th majority decision making process.) - and the BN seems to be doing more consulting and more meetings now. Will this mean, that there will be an end of the UMNO dominance, or what some say the 'UMNO dictatorship" of the BN. [Let us be wary also that these may be all 'lies' to woo the voters of Permatang Pauh]

“What is important is that we try to reach a consensus. In the last five months, top Barisan leaders have held more meetings than in the last three years,” he said, adding that response from the Chinese community has been more positive in the Permatang Pauh by-election compared with the March 8 general election.- Star, 20/8/2008 - Koh: Gerakan not blindly loyal

For that, we shall all wait and see - but then UMNO itself is not so interested to practice real democracy within itself - that high quota requirement to even stand as a candidate is certainly not true democracy. There has also been calls within UMNO that all the members be given the right to vote for the leaders at the highest level - which means removing the power of choice that is now vested in Divisional reps only. (It is easier to 'bribe' a smaller number of Divisional reps compared to the all the million over members....)

We need to understand and appreciate the problems that BN has been facing, and is facing today - so that this new coalition of parties called the Pakatan Rakyat will not also end up breaking-up in the near future because of similar reasons. There is thus a need to discuss matters NOW - not only after the seizing of power.

Some previously vocal persons, who have now been elected MPs or ADUNs (or appointed Local Councillors) have now stopped expressing themselves...and/or championing causes and issues. It is so sad.

I say it is right for individuals within a party to have and express a different personal opinion from that of the party they belong to. Of course, it must always be made clear that 'despite the fact that they do have a different opinion, they will still adhere the the current party position'. Staying silent, and not expressing your difference is unacceptable. Anwar's silience then about the 1987 Operation Lallang, the 1988 Judicial Crisis, ... is and was unacceptable

But alas post-1998, Anwar has presumably repented his old ways and is a new man today - and that is what many, including me, would like to believe.

Thus, I say that if you are a member of one of the Pakatan Rakyat, it is perfectly alright and very good if you do also come out and express your 'personal' differences in opinion, always stressing, of course, that it is just your 'personal' opinion.

So, how many of you Pakatan MPs, Pakatan ADUNs, and Pakatan appointed Local Councillors out there is all out for Local Council elections now - as soon as possible, and is against this current appointment.

SAPP has lost confidence in the current PM and government - and is right and proper for them to express this view....and they should not be sanctioned for expressing this position. It is a minority position ... or is it really. After all, some parties may still be fearful...or even still slave of the old BN culture...

After all this PM has the position that BN members are not allowed to even support good suggestions of the Oppositions - and are required to fully support all BN positions. And MPs and others who have been different were sanctioned and disciplines - Devamany, etc... [Devamany now plays it very safe waiting for Big Boss Samy to come out first, and then only repeat the same position...]

Is the Pakatan Rakyat different? Would Pakatan member parties be allowed to hold different party positions BUT one Pakatan Rakyat position?

Would members of the Pakatan Rakyat member parties be permitted to hold different views, and express them BUT have only one party position? [Of course, there may be certain very important matters where members may not have the right to express publicly a different position - or should there even be such a limitation or restriction??? - that is for the Pakatan Rakyat members to decide]

Today, when it comes to the Pakatan Rakyat - there is confusion as to what exactly is the Pakatan Rakyat position.

Are the utterance of Lim Kit Siang or Anwar or Hadi the Pakatan Rakyat position?

DAP is against ISA - Gunasekaren denies saying otherwise..

DAP has clarified matters in Lim Kit Siang's blog, and what is relevant is as follows:-

Detain Bar Council forum protestors under ISA - Gunasekaren denies

Today’s “PKR leaders want Zul to explain” carried the following report with regard to the continuing fallout from the storming and disruption of the Bar Council forum on “Conversion to Islam” by demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday:

In SEREMBAN, state DAP deputy chief and Senawang assemblyman P. Gunasekaren said he wants the police to charge the demonstrators.

He said the police should have arrested them rather than allow them to enter the Bar Council office, which was private property.

“It is sad that the police allowed them to dictate terms. The demonstrators should be arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for stoking racial sentiments,” he said.

I have checked with Gunasekaren and he has denied that he had made the remark about the ISA detention attributed to him.

DAP stand for the repeal of the nefarious detention-without-trial Internal Security Act is clear. All ISA detainees should be released immediately or be charged in court to avail them of an opportunity to defend themselves in an open trial.

We disagree with the demonstrators though we respect their right to protest against the Bar Council forum, which must be done peacefully and civilly.

However, what is unacceptable is the mob rule where demonstrators threatened to storm and a few stormed the Bar Council auditorium and disrupted the forum under the protection of the police!

DAP Deputy State Chief's call to use ISA is shocking...

Be principled..

Be clear and constant with your stance.

Do you advocate for Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Expression and/or Freedom of Opinion in Malaysia? I do

Do you take the position that there is no need to get police permission before one can express one's Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Expression and/or Freedom of Opinion in Malaysia? I do not believe that I need to get anybody's permission for me to be to exercise my fundamental human rights.

We have condemned previous police suppression of the prople's freedom of assembly, the freedom of expression, the freedom of opinion. This is our position - and we cannot now suddenly change that position from time to time according to who is the participants of a protest, or on the basis of what they are protesting about.

Some are angry that the police did not disperse the crowd that was protesting in front of the Bar Council on Saturday(9/8/2008) - what do you want? Water cannons and tear gas...police bashing of protestors and arrests. No way - my friend.

In fact, I must say that I am happy with the conduct of the police in not breaking up the protest/demonstration in front of the Bar Council building.

BUT, when they entered into the Bar Council building (which is a private property), entered into the hall where the forum was being held, and caused the forum to stop prematurely - the protestors (or some of them) CROSSED THE LINE - and caused other to be be deprived of their fundamental rights. The police should have acted and prevented this from happening.

After all even during nomination days, the police wisely keep them supporters of different groups apart - preventing any untoward incidents...and likewise, the police should have drawn the line as to where the protestors can stand and protest, ensured that there was no impediment to any person who wanting to attend the forum, etc...

"Where are the water cannons?" - Some friend jokingly commented that they had already been taken to Permatang Pauh for the elections - that is why they did not bring out the water cannons on Saturday...mmmm. Or is the fuel hike also affecting the usage of water cannons...?

I am disappointed with the DAP (or at least some of their members) - which seem to be asking for the police to break up the protest - hence depriving people the right of assembly, protest and expression (But alas, I rely on a Star report - and it may not reflect the full truth - maybe it was just a report against them who trespassed the venue and broke up the forum - not against the persons protesting peacefully outside the Bar Council building, mmm )

Earlier, Bukit Kepayang assemblyman Cha Kee Chin lodged a report at the police station against the demonstrators. Accompanying him were Seremban MP John Fernandez, Temiang assemblyman Ng Chin Tsai and Gunasekaren.

In his report Cha said he failed to understand why the police couldn’t control the crowd and ask them to disperse although they numbered only a few hundred. - Star Online, 12/8/2008 -Cops urged to act against forum-bashers

I am, again based on the Star report below, definitely disappointed with DAP's Negeri Sembilan State Deputy Chief and Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren for even suggesting the usage of the ISA, that draconian Detention Without Trial law, that we all despise and want repealed. How could he call for the arrest and detention under the Internal Security Act?

Its state deputy chief[DAP Negri Sembilan State] and Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren said police should have arrested the demonstrators rather than allowed three of them to enter the Bar Council office, which was private property.

“It is sad that the police allowed them to dictate terms. The demonstrators should be arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for stoking racial sentiments,” he said when met at the district police station in Seremban 2.

I always believed that the position of DAP, PAS, PKR and the Pakatan Rakyat was that they are totally against all laws that allow for Detention Without Trial, and I was looking forward for the immediate repeal of the ISA and all Detention Without Trial laws, and for the release of all those currently detained, restricted, etc under such laws when they do come into power...

But now, after the statement of a Deputy State Chief and Assemblyperson of DAP, I have doubts as to whether there has been a change in position ( more so when they are so near to the taking over of the Federal Government)...and I have to ask that DAP, PAS, PKR and the Pakatan Rakyat to come out and clarify their position and promise all Malaysians that it shall be repealed, and all currently detained be immediately released in less than ONE(1) month after they form government. [I have to state a time-frame because past experience shows that they can procrastinate ... as what has been happening with the Local Council Elections..]

DAP and all parties should educate their leaders, members and especially elected reps of the fundamental party positions on certain matters. Action should also now be taken against Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren, if he did say that to the press.

I am also totally disappointed by all those who have been calling for the usage of the ISA (and/or Detention Without Trial laws) --- It is acceptable to make reports and ask that persons be investigated for this offence and that offence - but certainly not for any person to be detained under a DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL law - where there is not even the opportunity to defend oneself, let alone a fair and open trial...it is evil and unjust. I am sure also that it is against the values of all religions and cultures.

It is good that some have clarified that they did not call for the use of ISA...

Under-fire PAS Youth leader Salahuddin Ayub, who led the Islamic party's protesters against a Bar Council-organised forum on conversion last Saturday, said he never called for the use of ISA against the council members.

MCPX

While he had led his group of demonstrators, the Kubang Kerian MP denied that he had called for Bar Council chief Ambiga Sreenevasan's arrest under the Internal Security Act.

The PAS leader was quoted in a local daily as being in favour of the Act being used against the Bar Council and it's leaders. -Malaysiakini, 12/8/2008 - 'Salahuddin: I'm against the use of ISA'